Chapter 13
Hannah
Holy shit.
Tonight is my gala.
I walk around my building, making sure all the final touches are in place. The gala is Regency themed. With the popular show based on a book series on Netflix, it just seemed like the right fit. Plus, it gives people a chance to dress up and get creative if they want. The only requirement is that the attendees at least dress in formal attire. Other than that, the sky is the limit.
I’m wearing a light blue dress with a high waistline that enhances my breasts while flattering the rest of my body. There’s a lace overlay over the dress, giving it a romantic vibe. I left my blonde hair hanging freely, though it’s curling naturally because of the humidity. Texas in April. Got to love it. I’m just glad the weather held out, otherwise I would have had to bring in the band from the gardens. Right now they’re near the fountains, and music floats in as they practice.
Each room has been transformed to fit the theme while showing off what I can offer as a wedding planner. The goal tonight is to bring in new clients while celebrating my success. And I’m so freaking excited.
Renee approaches wearing a similar style gown, but in bright pink.
“Boss, you’ve outdone yourself.”
“Girl, you know this wouldn’t be possible without you.” I put my arm around her shoulder. “We did it, Ren.”
Her eyes are watering as she looks at me. “You did it, Han.”
“Stop. You’re going to make me cry.”
We share a watery smile and then I pull away.
“Ren, I really couldn’t have done it without you. For a while, you and my dad were the only ones who believed in me.”
“We saw what was always there, Hannah. Now everyone sees it.” She wipes at her eyes and shakes her head. “Okay. I’m going to make sure the champagne is ready. And then I’m going to do a quality check on it.”
I’m laughing as she walks away.
Everything is going to go without a hitch tonight. I can feel it in my bones.
My phone rings and I smile when I look at the screen.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hannah-banana! How’s my girl?”
“Good! Just getting ready for the gala.”
He sighs. “Sure wish I could be there tonight.”
“Dad, you’re on your honeymoon. It’s okay!”
“That’s what Jeannie keeps saying, but I still feel guilty. Just know that I’m so proud of you.”
“I know you are, Dad. And none of this would be possible without you.”
He scoffs. “Hannah, I always knew you were going to be successful. You just needed to get away from your mother and her husband to see it for yourself.”
He’s not wrong. Mom and the Pastor did their best to break me down to be their version of a perfect daughter. If I hadn’t left to live with my Dad when I did, there’s no telling where I’d be now. My life certainly wouldn’t look like this.
“Are they coming to your gala?”
I let out a small laugh. “If they come tonight, then it will be uninvited.”
“Still haven’t heard from them?”
“No, but I don’t reach out to them anymore, so it’s partly my fault.”
“As long as you’re happy.”
“I am. I promise.”
“Good. Well, I just wanted to call and tell you how much I love you. Jeannie says she loves you, too.”
“I love you both, too. Have fun!”
The call ends and I tuck my phone into the pocket of my gown. Yes, my gown has pockets. I mean, all good dresses do!
As much as I wish Dad and Jeannie were here, I really am happy they decided to go on their honeymoon in Italy. Dad worked hard all his life and now that he’s retired and found love with his former co-worker, he deserves to be happy. And Jeannie is the best stepmom ever. Hell, I like her better than my mother. I only wish they would have found each other sooner, but I also believe that everything happens for a reason, good or bad.
Renee makes her way to me, a glass of champagne in hand. “This is really good. And our first guests have arrived.” Her voice lowers. “It’s the Prince of Sweden and his fiancée.”
My eyebrow lifts. “I wasn’t sure they were going to accept.”
“His fiancée said they came after hearing great things from the other royal family. And when they heard you were planning the Minty-Smith Henderson wedding, they knew they wanted you.”
I grin. “Thank god for that. I’ll go say hello.”
She squeezes my arm. “This is it, Hannah. This is where we go from being the best in the country to the best in the world.”
Two hours later, my feet hurt, my guests are happy, and my event is a raging success. Heels probably weren’t the best idea, but I love dressing up. Besides, I can soak my feet when I get home. I’m making the rounds when I spot a familiar face.
“Isa!” I greet. “I’m so glad you made it. And your dress is stunning.”
She’s wearing a regency style dress that’s gold. The man at her side is in all black. Together, they make a striking couple.
“When I told Alessandro about the event, he flew in a designer to make my dress.” Isa looks up at the man at her side with so much love that it hurts to watch. “It’s too much, but I’ve learned this man does what he wants.”
He smiles down at her. “It’s not too much, Isa. My wife deserves the best.”
Her cheeks turn pink and then she says, “Silly me. Hannah, I’d like you to meet my husband, Alessandro Moretti.”
I take his outstretched hand.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Moretti.”
“Please, call me Alessandro.” He smiles. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Hannah.”
My cheeks feel warm. “From Isa or Jacqueline?”
“From me,” Brooks says as he joins the group. “Hope it’s okay that I came. Jacqueline said we were invited.”
Shewas invited, not him, but I nod.
“Of course, Mr. Henderson. If you’ll excuse me, I see someone I need to speak to.”
I hurry away before he can reply.
Am I being a coward? Yup. But self-preservation is more important that being polite.
I knew Jacqueline was here because I spotted her as I was making rounds. She had her phone to her ear, so I didn’t stop to speak to her. But I didn’t think Brooks was coming.
My stomach falls when I spot Jess and Matt entering. Crap. I head toward them, hoping I can speak with Jess before she sees Brooks. I’m almost to her side when her eyes widen before narrowing into a glare. Shit!
Grabbing her arm, I say, “We’ll be right back, Matt.”
He’s used to us rushing off and nods as he heads to the hors d’oeuvre table.
Jess is silent until we enter my office.
Spinning to face me, she hisses, “What is that bastard doing here? Did you know he was coming?” Her eyes widen. “Have you been seeing him again?”
Guilt assaults me, but I shake my head.
“It’s not like that. He’s a client.”
“Are you fucking serious? He sought you out after everything he did?”
“No, his fiancée sought me out. I didn’t know he was the groom until I met with them.”
“Why didn’t you know he was the groom?” Her eyes widen. “The new client that you were talking about a few months ago. It’s him, isn’t it?”
I nod once.
“Fucking hell, Hannah. Why didn’t you tell them to fuck off? And don’t say it’s because of your reputation. We both know you’d be just fine, even if you turned them down. There’s a room full of people out there to prove it.”
Well, there goes that excuse.
I look my best friend in the eyes. “I didn’t turn them down because he means nothing to me.”
“Hannah…”
“I mean it, Jess. What we had is done and over with. I have no desire to go down that road ever again.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about him?”
I snort. “Let’s just say I knew you’d react just like this. Besides, he wasn’t supposed to be here tonight. I didn’t invite him.”
“You know I’ll kick his ass if you want me to.”
The thought is laughable since he outweighs her by at least a hundred pounds and towers over her by a foot and a half.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll be fine.”
“How are you going to handle being around him tonight?”
“Easy. I’m going to treat him like any other groom. They’re not my target audience. They mean nothing. He means nothing.”
She smiles. “That’s right, bestie.”
“Come on. I need a drink before I make my rounds.”
“Deal.”
I mean it. Brooks means nothing. Was it a surprise to see him tonight? Yes. Am I going to go out there and act like he’s not here? Double yes.