Innocence's Series Bundle (1-3)(46)

“You’re lucky. It took me a while to understand what I was looking for. I felt lost.” She moves towards me, stopping in front of me to adjust the small tiara I have in my hair. I’d found it sitting on my vanity when I crawled out of bed this morning after Daddy left. It was wrapped in Christmas wrapping with a note that read, You’ll always be my princess. It was the most perfect Christmas present I have ever received. I’m not sure I’ll ever take it off. I bet I could even shower in it if I was careful.

“But you found your Daddy, too.”

“That I did.” This time she smiles just as big as me. I don’t know what it is about her, but I like her. Maybe it’s because I know she’s a little, too. I’ve never met another like me. I’ve never had a ton of friends, mainly just Molly, and she was super flakey. She’s also judgy about William and me, which I don’t think I’ll be able to tolerate much longer.

“You ready? I think everything is in place, and everyone is all lined up.” At her words, my father fills the doorway.

“Bridesmaids are walking down the aisle now, Haley. We’re up, sweetheart,” my father informs me, making my heart race. Not because I’m scared, but because this is it. I’m going to belong to William, and the whole world will know it.

Eve reaches out, grabbing my hand and giving it a little squeeze before exiting the room, leaving me alone with my father.

“You look just like your mother,” he says, and I can hear so much emotion in his voice. I know he misses her every day. “I was worried about this when I first found out about you two.” He cups my face, one hand stroking my cheek with his thumb. “But I know William loves you more than anything, and your mother would be so happy. Everything was always about true love to her, and you two have that. I’m sorry it took me a while to see it.” I can see the guilt in his eyes, but I was never upset that my father wasn’t okay about William and me at first. I got it. I’m his daughter, and it’s his job to worry about me.

“It doesn’t matter now. We’re all here together. That’s what’s important. We got there. There might have been a few bumps along the way, but you’re about to walk me down the aisle and willingly give me to William.”

“Happily and willingly,” he corrects. His hands drop away from my face, and he pulls me into a tight hug. I squeeze him back just as hard before he releases me and puts my hand in the crook of his arm.

“Let’s go give you your happy ever after, sweetheart.”





Chapter Seven





William




I’ve been pacing today, not because I’m nervous, but because I can’t wait. I’ve been ready to make her mine since the moment I knew I could have her, and all this anticipation is about to give me a heart attack.

“It’s time,” the officiant informs me, and I’m the first out the door behind him. I want nothing more than to run out and grab my little, but she’s worked so hard to make this a special day for both of us. And I won’t ruin it by making a scene and stealing her away from it all.

As all the groomsmen line up and I take my place at the front of the church, I have to hold myself still to keep from clenching my fists. I need to see Haley and make sure she’s okay. I know how easily she gets stressed and overwhelmed. I’ve been worried about her, sending her texts and trying to comfort her from a distance—a distance I never want between us again. Not having access to her today has made me see how much I need her and how good it makes me feel to take care of her.

I watch as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, but the only one I want to see is my little girl.

Finally, after what feels like hours, the double doors open to reveal my beautiful bride. She’s gripping Roger’s arm tightly, and I see the urge in her to race to me. She’s fighting her body’s natural reaction to run and jump into my arms.

I feel my face nearly break in two as I smile at her, and suddenly it’s hard to see. I’m smiling, but my eyes are filling with tears as I look her up and down and see just how beautiful she is. My heart is bursting with love, and I just want to hold her to me.

Her brown curly locks are pinned up loosely in the back, with a long sheer veil falling gracefully behind her. She’s wearing the small tiara I bought for her, the pink diamonds shimmering in the light. Her bright blue eyes are big and sparkly, and her soft pink lips are smiling bigger than I’ve ever seen. The dress is strapless and fitted to her body all the way down to her knees, where it flares out. There’s a hint of pink at the bottom of the dress, and as she moves, I can see her shoes are pale pink, too.