Fool for You (Southern Bride #7) - Kelly Elliott Page 0,85

I said his daddy owned part of Restoration Hardware.”

“Wait,” I said, shaking my head. “Restoration Hardware is owned by Phillip Reynolds and Mark Emmes.”

“Yes. I know. William’s grandfather owns half of it.”

The truth hit me like a brick wall. “Jason Emmes is Will’s father.”

Hannah nodded. “Yes, that’s why I thought you were here. Jason told me that he’s been seeing you off and on again, and that y’all might be working things out and getting back together. When I found out I was pregnant, I left the bed and breakfast. I was riddled with so much guilt for having had an affair with Jason when he was still dating you, I just had to leave. Then I saw on the news that you were engaged to Landon—congratulations, by the way.”

I held up my hand. “We’re actually married. We eloped.”

“But we’re still planning the wedding,” Landon added. “It’s a long story.”

Hannah looked at us like we’d both grown two heads before she focused on me again. “Anyway, I figured you finally found out that I was sleeping with Jason while you were together and came to confront me.”

I shook my head. “No, honestly I don’t care at all, Hannah. You can have him.”

She laughed. “No, thanks. I’m forever tied to that asshole, now that we have a baby together. His folks are real sweet, though, and they adore Will. I’m actually engaged myself.” Hannah held up the ring on her finger and wore a wide smile. “His name is Greg and he is a professor at the university. We met at a single parents’ barbecue. His wife died giving birth to his three-year-old daughter. William simply adores Candace…she’s Greg’s daughter.”

“Oh, wow. Congratulations,” I said with a smile.

“Thank you,” Hannah said as she turned and started to get the tea, clearly just now remembering it.

We took the glasses she offered to us, and I took a sip before setting my glass down. “Hannah, I want you to know that I have not been seeing Jason. I’ve only seen him once since we broke up over a year ago.”

She tilted her head and sighed. “I believe you.” She paused. “I think Jason is the type of guy who wants what he can’t have. When he found out I was getting married to Greg, he begged me to take him back. Then when I told him there was no way we would be getting back together, he told me was going to try and work things out with you. That was around two weeks before the news about your engagement to Landon broke, which, by the way, I wasn’t the least bit surprised about. Anyone who saw the way you two looked at each other knew there was something there. I’m pretty sure that was why Jason came to me and…”

She let her sentence trail off.

“It’s all in the past,” I said. “I’m just glad to know you’re happy and doing well. I know Addie and my mom miss having you at the bed and breakfast.”

Hannah smiled. “That’s very sweet, but I’ve honestly never been happier.”

Landon set his tea glass down on the kitchen counter. “When are you getting married, Hannah?”

She blushed. “Next weekend. Greg and I are heading to Vegas. We sort of need to get married quickly.” Hannah patted her stomach. “I’m about two months along.”

“Oh! Congratulations!” I said.

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

Landon smiled. “Listen, we’ll let you and Will get back to your walk. If you could just let your aunt know that I’m not the father, that would be great. Or at least tell her what Jason does for a living so she doesn’t spread the rumor to anyone else.”

Hannah groaned and shook her head. “I’m so sorry, Landon. I’ll get it straightened out right away. And Emmerson, I’m really, really sorry for everything that happened with Jason. He kept telling me how lonely he was, how you were in love with Landon but wouldn’t admit it. I let him sweet talk me into being with him when I knew he was still dating you. I want you to know how awful I feel about that.”

I held up my hand to stop her. “Hannah, honestly, it doesn’t bother me in the least. I myself am very happy. The only thing I’m focusing on is the future. The past is the past.”

“Wonderful. You have no idea how much of a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Thank you so much. Again, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, Landon. I’ll talk