Chapter 20
Hannah
The days drag by, but Brooks’ texts keep me entertained. It’s just like old times, which are equal parts scary and exhilarating.
Brooks
Remember that time we went to Hawaii, and I almost drowned trying to show off?
LOL. A bit dramatic. Your head barely went under the water.
Ah, my memory of the event is very different.
What are you doing now?
Having coffee with Jess before I go to the office.
Tell her I said hi.
You’re not on her list of favorite people.
Yet.
Yet.
I’ll see you tomorrow, Angel. Have fun with your friend.
Jess sits across from me at the coffee shop near my building.
“So, how’s the asshole?” At my look, she huffs. “You haven’t smiled at your phone like that in years. Six years, to be exact.”
Hot tears fill my eyes, which I brush away.
“Hannah, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
I wave my hand at her because it’s not her fault at all.
“It’s not you. It’s me. My emotions have been all over the place since he left.” Exhaling, I say, “He tried to find me six months after the story broke.”
“What?”
“He went to my mom’s house and spoke to her and the Pastor. He was looking for me so he could explain everything, but I wasn’t there.” I meet her gaze. “They lied to him, Jess. Told him I had moved on with another man.”
The tears are falling now, and I couldn’t stop them even if I wanted to.
“They knew that my heart was broken and didn’t tell me he came.”
“Maybe they wanted to protect you.”
I scoff. “We both know that’s not true. I made them mad when I left to stay with Dad, and that was their way of punishing me.”
“You know I’m team Hannah, but now that I’m a mother, I can see how your mom would want to shield you. You were devastated after the story broke, Han. You could have died in that crash. Maybe not telling you that he came to see you was her way of protecting you.”
I look down at the table, my emotions warring.
“Jess, there’s something you don’t know about what happened during that time. Something that I should have told you.” I meet her gaze. “I was pregnant when the story broke about Brooks, but didn’t know until the crash. I lost the baby a few weeks after, probably because of the stress I was under.”
“Hannah—”
“I know I should have told you, but it was all too much. They knew there was a guy and doubled down on their rules, making sure I barely left the house. Said I had embarrassed them enough by being a whore.” I wipe at my eyes. “When I went to stay with my dad, it was because I had reached rock bottom. I didn’t want to be here anymore.”
“Hannah, what are you saying?”
“I wanted to die. Dad randomly came to visit, and he must have seen how bad off I was, because he told me I was leaving with him. Mom and the Pastor were pissed, but Dad was firm. He saved my life, Jess.”
“I had no idea.”
I reach across the table for her hand. “Because I didn’t want anyone to know. I thought it was my pain to bear. But my mom did know what I’d gone through and still chose to lie to Brooks and not tell me that he came looking for me.”
“Yeah, it’s a bit harder to defend that.” She’s silent for a moment. “Are you going to talk to her about it?”
I snort before I can stop myself. “Unlikely.”
“I know you don’t want to, but it might give you closure.”
“She’s not going to change just because I tell her that she hurt me.”
“You’re right. She won’t change, but it will give you a chance to say your truth and then move on.”
“Look at you using your psychology degree.”
She laughs, knowing I’m teasing. “Just think about it.”
“I will.”
“And I promise I’ll lay off Brooks. Like I said, I haven’t seen you this happy in six years and the fact that he’s back in the picture can’t be a coincidence.”
“It scares me how happy I am,” I admit. “I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“Want me to answer that statement as a friend or as a psychologist?”
I snort. “We both know I’m going to get a little bit of both.”
“True.” She holds my gaze. “You’re afraid because of what happened last time. I can’t tell you that everything is going to be fine, but there are some things to consider. You’re both older. From what I can tell, you’ve both been honest about mistakes in the past. Keep that trust and keep moving forward. If it doesn’t work out, it won’t be because of issues from the past.”
I smile. “God, you’re good.”
She grins back at me. “I know. Now, please tell me you’re free tonight. Matt and I want to go out.”
“Still trying for baby number two?”
“Every night.”
I snort as I take a drink of coffee.
“Well, lucky for you, I’m free.”
“You’re the best.”
“No, you are.”
By the time I leave the coffee shop, I’m full of hope.
Renee smiles when I enter my building.
“You’re in a good mood today.”
“I am,” I agree.
“Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we have a problem.”
I groan and motion for her to follow me to my office so I can put down my bag and to-go cup of coffee.
“Lay it on me.”
“I heard from both venues about the Minty-Smith Henderson wedding. They’re both claiming they don’t have dates available, which is odd because both were willing to work with us. I’m not sure what happened.”
I work my bottom lip as I think. Part of me feels bad for not telling her that the wedding might not take place, but since it’s not really up to me, I’m not going to say anything.
“I’ll call them directly.”
“Perfect.” She looks at her tablet. “We also received an odd call from New York City from the Bruno. He said your dress would be hand delivered to the shop tomorrow. I told him there must be some kind of mistake, since we haven’t ordered from him, but he insisted that it wasn’t an error.”
My eyes widen. “Bruno? It has to be an error. As much as I’d love to order a gown from him, he’s a bit out of our price range.”
“That’s what I thought, too, but he hung up before I could reiterate that it was a mistake. And he hasn’t answered any of my calls.”
“Well, we’ll figure it out once the dress gets here.” I grin. “I can’t wait to see what it looks like, though. His career has really taken off since he dressed Ellie Jafar a few years ago.”
“I’m still jealous of that gown she wore after having her baby. Serious goals.” She snorts to herself. “There are rumors that Mr. Jafar is in the Mafia. Maybe we should try to get a Made Man and his fiancée as a client.”
I’m silent because Mr. Jafar might actually be in the Mafia. It’s not any more farfetched than Brooks being in a secret society.
Renee doesn’t notice my silence and says, “Well, I’m going to take care of the emails. Since the Prince and his fiancée were seen at the gala, we’ve been getting a ton of emails from that side of the pond.”
“We’re going international, baby.”
She does a fist pump in the air. “Yes, we are.”
She leaves, but it’s hard for me to concentrate. Jess’ words keep dancing around my mind. I do trust Brooks, but it worries me that there are other things at play, like the Brotherhood. What if they make him marry Jacqueline? I won’t be the other woman again, even if they’re both unhappy. That’s just not the kind of person I am. But will I be able to sit by and watch him, knowing he’ll never be mine? I guess the answer is simple. I’ve done it once. I can do it again.
The rest of the day goes by in a blur. I’m about to leave when my office phone rings. The name on the caller ID has me pausing.
“Hannah Lee Bridal. This is Hannah. How may I help you?”
“Hannah, this is Senator Ryans. We met at your gala a few days ago.”
“I remember, Senator. You and your wife were considering using me for your daughter’s upcoming wedding, right?”
“That’s correct.” There’s a long pause. Long enough that I wonder if the call dropped.
“Senator? Are you there?”
“Still here, darling. Just taking a sip. A bit of liquid courage, you see.”
“I don’t understand, sir.”
He exhales. “I have it on good authority that you’re planning Grant Carter’s upcoming wedding, which is ludicrous. The man isn’t even seeing anyone. But I know that bastard, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win, even getting married.” There’s another pause. “If you take him on as a client, I will ruin you.”
Ice courses through my veins, but I don’t take shit from anyone. Period.
“First, all of my calls are recorded, which you were made aware of before I answered. Second, you do not get to tell me who I can or can’t have as a client.”
I don’t add that I haven’t heard from Grant Carter or his people, mostly because it’s none of his business.
He laughs. “It’s all in who you know. You think this is the first recorded phone call I’ve been on that will go away? Check after we hang up. You’ll find nothing but static. And you’ll listen to me if you’re smart. This isn’t some game where I say I’ll ruin you, but not back it up. I know everything about you, Hannah Foster. How you slept with Brooks Henderson while he was married years ago. How he was seen leaving your house after the gala a few days ago. I think the media would like to know that America’s most sought-after wedding planner is fucking one of her clients.” He laughs again. “Now, do we have an understanding?”
His words have sent me into shock. How does he know that Brooks was at my house? Unless I’m being followed. Unease creeps up my spine. Would I even know if someone was tailing me?
“Ms. Foster.”
His words snap me into the present.
“Yes, Senator. I understand.”
I end the call and grab my bag. For the first time since I’ve been here, I don’t feel safe.
Outside, I get into my SUV, looking around. There’s no one there that I can see, but I still can’t shake the feeling that I’m being watched. Is it safe to go to Jess’? Should I call and cancel?
My phone rings as if I’ve summoned her. I answer as I back out of my parking spot.
“Hello?”
“Please tell me you’re on your way. This baby is being extra clingy, and Momma is ready to get it on.”
“I’m on my way. I had a weird call from a client and it kind of has me freaked out about bringing Jeffie to my house.”
“Weird how?”
I give her the short version, leaving out Senator Ryans’ name.
“Yikes. That is scary.” She pauses. “I have a great idea!”
“Do I even want to ask?”
“Our new neighbor is a cop or used to be before he got injured on the job. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind staying with you here while Matt and I go out.”
“I thought the whole point of me watching the baby was so you could get it on.”
“Girl, we’ve become creative these days. Don’t you worry about us.”
“If you’re sure? And I don’t want the neighbor to feel obligated.”
“He won’t. I’ll have Matt text him right now.”
“Does the mystery neighbor have a name?”
“Gabe Ferrums.”
“Well, I’ll head that way and you can let me know what he says when I get there.”
“Drive safe.”
She ends the call and I do as she said, focusing on the road. By the time I get to her house, I’m feeling a bit better. Matt is a cop, and a lot of the people who live around him are in the police force, too. Honestly, it makes sense that their new neighbor is a retired cop. And, if Senator Ryans is having me followed, surely no one would try anything with so many officers around. That’s what I tell myself, at least.
Jess, Matt, and a guy I don’t know are standing in front of the garage when I pull into her driveway.
“Hey,” I greet everyone as I get out.
“I filled Matt and Gabe in.” She points to the guy I don’t know. “Gabe definitely thinks you should file a police report.”
He nods. “Threats like that shouldn’t be taken lightly, ma’am.”
My cheeks are warm. “I’ll think about it. It just scares me because the guy is kind of influential. And, please, call me Hannah.”
“Nice to meet you, Hannah. Gabe Ferrums.” He points to the white pickup truck parked in front of Jess’ house. “I’m just going to stay out there until Matt and Jess get home. If you need anything, just holler.”
Jess says, “We left his number on the fridge, too.”
“I feel bad that you’re going to have to sit out here. Would you at least come in for dinner? I make a mean spaghetti.”
His dark eyes light up. “Spaghetti sounds great, ma’am. I can’t tell you the last time I had a home-cooked meal.”
Jess makes a sound in the back of her throat. “Well, if I had known that, I would have invited you over, Gabe!”
Matt snorts. “Babe, I like the guy. Let’s not try to kill him with your cooking right off the bat.”
I laugh, too, because Jess, god bless her soul, can burn water.
Jess glares at her husband. “Careful, or this date night will be over much earlier than planned.”
He holds up his hands in surrender but is still grinning.
I say to Gabe, “We better get out of here before these two crazy kids change their minds.”
Jess calls out, “Jeffie is asleep, but will probably wake up in a few hours for a bottle. It’s in the fridge.”
I wave my hand in acknowledgement and make my way into her house. Gabe follows at a respectful distance.
“Is there anything I can help you with?”
“No, no. Feel free to sit in the living room.”
“My mother would never forgive me if I did that. May I at least keep you company while you cook?”
I smile. “That would be great.”
In the kitchen, I pull out the items I need. Since I often cook at Jess’, I know where everything is.
“Jess mentioned you’re her oldest friend,” Gabe says as he takes a seat at the island. “When did the two of you meet?”
“Oh, gosh. We’ve known each other since grade school.”
His eyes light up. “So you knew Peter, then.”
My chest pulls at the mention of Peter. “I did.”
“He was a good guy.”
“That he was.” I let out a small laugh. “It’s strange. I haven’t thought of Peter in a while.”
While I was running from a broken heart, Peter was serving our country, where he made the greatest sacrifice. Jess and her family were understandably devastated. His death is actually what brought me back to Texas. I came for the funeral and then stayed because Jess needed me.
“I didn’t mean to bring up sad memories. He was in the same unit as my brother, which is how I knew him.”
“What a small world.”
“That’s what I said, too.”
We fall into easy conversation as I cook. Gabe is charming but doesn’t make me feel ill at ease once.
We’re sitting at the table when he asks, “Want to tell me the name of the man who threatened you tonight?”
The look on his face is sincere, but there’s a hard glint in his eyes that lets me know he means business.
I exhale. “It’s a long story.”
“I’m a good listener.” His gaze softens. “But I want you to feel comfortable telling me. If you don’t trust me, then at least promise you’ll tell Matt.”
Finally, I say, “It was Senator Ryans.I’m not sure if he’s having me followed or what, but he knew things that happened recently. Personal things.”
Gabe nods. “Thank you for trusting me, Hannah. Believe me when I say you have nothing to worry about. Not from him.”
For some reason, I believe him.
“Thank you for saying that.”
Gabe gestures to his plate. “Now, let’s eat. I’m starved.”
Smiling, I pick up my fork. It’s strange, but I already feel better. And once Brooks gets back, I’m going to let him know about the threat Senator Ryans made. No more secrets ever again.