Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

cosmopolitan on the rocks." He laughed.

"You're enjoying this too much," I said with suspicion. "Is it because of me or because you're getting sweet revenge?"

"Mostly because of you." he replied, "but I won't deny I'll enjoy the sweet revenge."

"That's just great, Thatcher. How am I ever supposed to get along with your family if you rub me in their faces like so much hot pepper?"

"Oh, they'll get over it and take you in with as much sincerity as they are capable of showing." he replied. "Besides. Willow, you're marrying me, not my whole family."

"You know that's not realistic. Thatcher. Let's make a pact right

now and promise to try never to fool each other." I told him.

He nodded. "Okay," he said softly. "You're right. I won't gloat. Once my family understands I am serious and we are for real, things will change. That's realistic." he assured me. "Speaking of which, we should think about a wedding date."

"I'm starting college soon," I said "I've met with my advisor and I have my schedule. The semester ends in early June."

"Good. So let's use that as a plan. Why don't we think of a late June wedding? I want to make a honeymoon reservation for us in Eze village in southern France, at a place called the Chateau de la Chevre d'Or, It's like being in a storybook world. but I've got to do it well in advance."

My heart began to thump at the thought of planning it all. There was so much to do.

"Maybe it's all happening too fast." I said. "We're moving back into the main house in May, and--"

You could always postpone that," Thatcher said quickly.

"No," I practically shouted. That would be all that Linden needed to hear. I thought. It would confirm all his dreads, "I've promised my mother and Linden, and they are looking forward to it now. Thatcher. I'd much rather postpone our wedding a few months," I told him firmly.

"I understand," he said. "Well. I don't think it will present any serious problems anyway. We have plenty of time to do everything."

"We could always just elope," I said, and he laughed,

"We could, but we'd have to have a real wedding anyway."

Why

"Why.? This is Palm Beach, Willow, Get used to it. You're a part of Palm Beach society now. That will be confirmed and stamped in tomorrow's papers."

"Is that all it takes?" I asked.

"All? You heard Suzy Q. You've corralled the most eligible stallion on the beach. Get ready. Your phone's going to ring off the hook, too."

Why?

"Invitations," he said. "Everyone is going to want a piece of you. You'll see. We're both going to be the most sought-after guests of honor.'

"Is that good?"

"It's good for me and my career, and what's good for me. Willow, will be good for you," he replied.

I sat back wondering if I'd really and truly understood what I was getting into when I agreed to marry Thatcher. I looked at him, smiling and happy, a handsome and accomplished young man whose love for me was apparently so overwhelming, he couldn't tolerate the thought of any delays.

"Don't look so worried," he said, and reached out to take my hand. "I'll always protect you from the sharks that swim on shore. What good is having a husband who's an attorney if he can't do that?"

"I'm not worried for myself." I said. He nodded with understanding.

"We'll take care of everyone now. Willow, you and I. We'll bring the glitter of joy back to Java del Mar, where it belongs, where it should be forever and ever" He smiled. "Did I tell you how sexy you look in that dress tonight?"

Not enough," I said, and he laughed,