Page 110 of Finding Redemption

“You’re too heavy for it, darling. You look atrocious.” She folds her arms in defiance.

“You know what, don’t come. I don’t want you there. If you can’t accept that I’ll never be rail thin, that I’m just a tad overweight. I have hips, yes. And my boobs fall outta everything because they’re big. But I’ll be damned if I allow you, of all people, to tell me I’m fat. I don’t need that in my life anymore.”

“Destiny Reese, how dare you. I’m trying to help you keep this man. It is not my fault you need to lose weight,” she spews at me.

“Really? Because the last I checked, I look just like you.” My entire body shakes with anger. “And you know something else? Walker loves every damn inch of my body. Hell, he knows it better than I do and appreciates it a helluva lot more than anyone else ever has. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll not change it for you because he enjoys it the way it is. Curves and fucking all.”

“Reese?” Walker enters the room, his brows pulled tight. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Can we go?” I yank my purse from the table.

“Yes, of course, but first.” He places his finger under my chin, lifting it until our eyes meet. “You’re beautiful. They see imperfections, I see beauty in your scars. Don’t be ashamed of your body. You’ve worked hard for it. Love you as much as I love you.” He kisses me sweetly.

“I love you.”

“I’m thankful for that and your rocking, hot body.” He winks at me, and my mom gasps. He steps toward her, offering his hand. “It’s good to meet you. I’m Walker Pennington.”

“Danielle Morgan.” She takes his hand with her mouth hanging open.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here for your arrival. I had one last thing to tie up before we leave for my parents’ party.” He wraps his arm around me.

Her eyes are round as saucers. “You are fine, darling. Please, I’m no one.”

“Well, I’d like to thank you for your beautiful daughter. She’s made my life so much more than I ever dreamed. She’s incredible.” Walker kisses my temple.

“You’re a damn fine man.” Alden takes his hand, shaking it. “I’m happy she has you.”

I think Walker just got Alden’s approval.

“Thank you for taking care of her until I could.” He pats Alden on the back.

My mom stands with her mouth hanging, stunned. She hasn’t stopped staring at Walker. Yeah, I know. Swoon.

“I’m driving and after, I’ve arranged for a car to bring you back to the city. Reese and I will be spending the night, so we can celebrate with my family tomorrow morning. I think we have plans here for tomorrow evening, right?”

“We do. Walker and I are cooking for y’all.”

“You cook? Here?” Mother wrinkles her nose.

“Yes. This apartment is temporary but serves its purpose.” He opens the door. “Shall we?”

We make the usual turns driving to his parents’. It’s getting darker, but you can tell you’re in the country. “It’s beautiful out here at night.”

“I love it, especially the summers.” Walker takes my hand.

“Do your parents live on a farm? This looks like farm country,” Mother says disdainfully from the backseat.

“No, Mother, they do not.”

“My father’s an attorney and my mother’s a homemaker.” Walker smiles. “Here we are.”

The Pennington’s fence is lined with pine garland, with wreaths dotting it every now and again. Their home is lit warmly with a touch of elegance. I think I hear my mother’s jaw hit the floor. This damn place is a compound.

“Huh, this isn’t a farm, Danielle.” Alden chuckles. He knows they have money.

“You would think you would have a nicer place coming from this.”

I whip around in my seat, glaring at her. “Mother!”