When We're Thirty by Casey Dembowski (beautiful books to read .TXT) 📕

She looked up at him, her gaze clear and decisive. “Tell your dad to release the announcement and invite my family to the party.”

He started to protest, but she held a finger to his lips. “They already know, Will. We can’t change what happened today, and the thing is, I kind of like being married to you, Will Thorne.”

She cupped his face and then kissed him so slowly he thought his heart might explode. When he broke the kiss, she returned her head to his chest, where his heart beat wildly under her touch. She took his hand, placing it over her chest—her heart beat at the same fast rhythm as his.

Chapter 29Hannah

“You look amazing, Mrs. Thorne.”

Hannah twirled in her wedding dress, the skirt lifting and falling around her legs. The plan had been to get a respectable whiteish dress for the party, not a gown. But the sales lady had been insistent that Hannah try on at least one gown. She’d picked a simple one without a train and with less embellishment than the usual wedding gown but with beautiful three-quarter-length lace sleeves. Hannah hadn’t tried on another dress.

“And you look quite ravishing yourself, Mr. Thorne.” She scrunched her nose. “Doesn’t work the same way.”

Will laughed. “No, not really.”

He led her through the winding maze of hallways, the sounds of the party growing louder with each turn they made. Randy, the event planner, had insisted that they sit at a sweetheart table where people could come to them. The idea made Hannah itchy. She needed to walk around, to mingle, and to have Madison whisper the truth about guests in her ear while Will put on his most dazzling smile. Hell, she needed to show off this dress.

When they stepped into the main hallway, Hannah squeezed Will’s hand and let out a low whistle. The Thorne mansion was beautiful, decked out in plum and silver with hints of festive seasonal décor. The party was split between three rooms—the dining room, the back den, and the study across the hall, which had been set up with lounge furniture. It rivaled every wedding reception she’d ever been to. Guests wandered between the rooms, chatting, drinking, and requesting more appetizers from the waiters.

“Can we do a round before we’re relegated to our table?” she asked, fingering a floral bouquet of purple and white carnations. Jonathan thought carnations weren’t a worthy flower, but Will had insisted on her behalf.

“If Randy sees us, we’re in for a world of hurt,” Will said but extended his hand.

“We’ll be stealthy.”

Will quirked an eyebrow at her. “In a wedding gown?”

Hannah’s retort was cut short by the arrival of two guests. They looked oddly familiar, though Hannah was certain she’d never met them before.

Next to her, Will went rigid, and his voice dropped its usual flair. “Mr. and Mrs. Hart, my father didn’t tell me you were coming.”

Madison’s parents. She could see the resemblance.

“We’re not staying,” Mrs. Hart said, patting Will’s arm. “We’re heading up to Westchester for a second Thanksgiving. We just wanted to wish you well and meet your wife.”

“Right.” As if remembering she was there, Will drew her close. “This is Hannah. Hannah, as you’ve probably already figured out, these are Madison’s parents.”

Madison’s name seemed to catch in his throat. She shook off the weird feeling. Tonight night couldn’t be easy for Will. Everything that happened with his ex had happened right there, at another party, probably with a similar guest list. People loved gossip, and William Thorne getting married suddenly was definitely a commodity in this circle.

“It’s so nice to meet you!” Hannah said. “Madison has made the transition to becoming a Thorne so easy for me.”

Mrs. Hart looked from Hannah to Will, confusion clouding her expression before her smile softened. “I’m glad to hear that. William”—she pulled Will into a hug—“we’re so happy for you.”

Will backed away from Mrs. Hart as soon as was polite. “Thank you. Have a safe trip.”

With the Harts out of sight, Hannah followed Will further into the party.

Will let out a heavy breath as they broke into the main hallway. She squeezed his hand. “Madison’s parents seem nice. I didn’t realize you knew them.”

“They’re around often enough,” Will said, his eyes on the guests. “I was just surprised to see them. They weren’t on Jonathan’s guest list.”

“You saw the guest list?”

Will stopped walking and turned to her. He ran a hand through his hair, and worry lines creased his forehead. “Yeah.” He glanced to his right and stealthily pointed at an older gentleman in a well-fitted suit. “I wanted to know who to warn you about. Like Mr. Johnson over there. He’s touchy-feely, so stand at least an arm’s length away.”

Will cast another look around the room. “And this guy here”—he pointed to a well-dressed man who looked so much like Daniel he must’ve been a Thorne—“is bad news.”

“Ah, my free-spirited nephew.” The man pulled Will into a bear hug. “Didn’t think I’d see you in one of these penguin suits so soon.”

Will grinned. “Hannah, this is my uncle, Grayson, CEO of Wellington Thorne and perpetual thorn in my father’s side. Pun fully intended.”

“I bet Jon says the same about you,” Grayson said, giving Will what could only be called a meaningful look.

Will returned it with a wan smile. “I’m sure he does.” Hannah knew she was missing something, but there wasn’t time to consider it before Will held out his hands, putting her on display. “This is Hannah.”

Hannah extended her hand, but Grayson hugged her. “Welcome to the Thorne circus.”

She laughed and continued to watch Grayson and Will interact. Will and Jonathan, and to some extent Jon and Daniel, were so cold with each other. But Grayson was loud and boisterous and happy. He reminded Hannah of Will when his family wasn’t around. This was the man who had fought to save Will’s career and who had clearly had an influence on Will over the years. The thought that someone was in