Chapter 572
Gwyneth didn’t mean it that way at all-of course she wanted him to explain. They weren’t living together, for heaven’s sake.
Besides, he’d all but dragged her to stay at his place. She’d never even wanted to move in, yet now, in front of the Langfords, everything he said seemed to twist the truth.
“What are you all standing around for? Dinner’s ready. Everyone, take your seats.”
Grandfather’s eyes crinkled with a pleased smile, especially when he glanced at Hawthorne he could hardly hide his approval.
The Everhart boy-now, that was a fine pick for his great-granddaughter’s husband.
Except for Thorpe, the rest of the family didn’t look pleased. They seemed unwilling to accept the situation, though not for lack of respect for Hawthorne. A man with his steady presence and good looks wasn’t exactly common among Starfall City’s elite.
“Our sister’s brought someone home to propose marriage.”
Chris rarely spoke through gritted teeth, but after so many years, the only thing he could tolerate was Gwyneth’s close friendship with Celia. Anyone else getting close to Gwyneth? He’d get irrationally jealous every time.
It was as if the person he loved most-and was closest to—was about to be stolen away. Who could stand that?
“That’s not it at all.”
Gwyneth couldn’t understand where all this drama was coming from, her mother Victoria included. How had everyone come up with these wild storylines in their heads?
“If not, then why’d he bring that painting for Grandma? Trying to score points, isn’t he?”
“Exactly. No one gives gifts for no reason-unless they’re up to something.”
When it came to keeping Gwyneth to themselves, Chris and Celia were exactly the same utterly unyielding.
“Celia, Chris, Uncle Hawthorne only came with me because I mentioned Great- Grandpa was sick. It’s his first time visiting, so he brought a gift as a guest- nothing more.”
Honestly, weren’t they overreacting just a bit?
“Hmph-“
Chris and Celia looked ready for battle.
Victoria still had some sense left. She’d just wanted Gwyneth to come home; the family had been
discussing finding her a suitablet”
matchin Starfall City, hoping that would settle her down and keep her from flying off to who-knows-where for months on end.
But-
If she married into Greenvale, things would hardly go as planned, would they?
“Do you all want your sister to be a spinster forever?”
Hawthorne didn’t speak often, but when he did, it was always unexpected.
Celia and Chris stared at him, dumbfounded. No one ever spoke to them like that-certainly not in the
Langford house. The last
who tried, Chris had made
swallow saltwater for three hours
straight out at sea.
Victoria muttered, half to herself, “Well, if you’d agree to join our family, I suppose that could work-“
“Mom-!”
Gwyneth couldn’t help but cry out. How had things gotten so far off track?
She and Hawthorne? Before he arrived, he’d treated her like the enemy. How could Mom possibly think the two of them would ever end up together?
“Mom-!”
“Mom-!”
This time it was Celia and Chris, both clearly unhappy about any idea involving their big sister and Hawthorne-or, really, anyone at all.
Shouldn’t their sister just stay home and keep them company?
Gwyneth glanced nervously at Hawthorne. His expression was so calm, she couldn’t tell if he was angry or not.
After all, the Everhart family in Greenvale was every bit as powerful as the Langfords in Starfall City. How could Mom even suggest having him marry into their family?
But Hawthorne took it all in stride.
“Your family already has a young
heir. There’s no need for another
son-in-law. As for us, the ts
are down to just two male
descendants. Mrs. Langford, wouldn’t it be better to let your daughter carry on our family name?”
He was tactful about it. You have a son to inherit; I’m hoping to bring your daughter home.