Built Over Time (Middleton Hotels 4)

“Um about that…I was wondering if we could keep it small.”

“I’m so glad you said that. Since we barely have three days to get it together, the smaller the better.” My eyes popped wide open and I nearly dropped my plate in front of me. I set it down and gave Bryce a look.

“What do you mean three days?” I asked, looking expectantly between the three of them.

“I thought you told her, Bryce,” his mother said, shaking her head.

“I might have forgotten. I was kind of distracted.” I elbowed him.

“Actually, three days is perfect, but I don’t know how to plan a simple wedding.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve already gotten started. All I have to do is get your favorite colors and we’ll need to find a dress. You’ll need to contact your family and get them here.”

“Um. I’d like it better if we didn’t include them.”

His parents looked at each other and shared a knowing glance. “Are you sure? Your mother would be thrilled that you and Bryce are marrying.”

“So you know who she is?”

“Yes, sorry, but we pulled your information and saw your mother’s name as the next of kin.”

“It’s fine. I don’t want her to taint anything that has to do with Bryce.” I took a large swallow from my water. Thinking about my mother interfering was making the nervous tic I had come to the surface.

His mother paused to consider what to say, then replied, “If that’s the way you feel. Is there anyone else you want to invite?”

“No, I don’t have many friends and those I do couldn’t make it in time anyway. Plus, if my mother gets wind of it, who knows what will happen.”

“That’s fine. How about tomorrow when the girls come we can all go dress shopping?” Mrs. Middleton asked.

“I suppose that’s a smart idea.”

“I’ll take you,” Bryce stated before taking a bite of his roasted potatoes.

His mom rolled her eyes at him. I was quickly falling in love with her. “Please, Bryce, the store is in town. We’ll manage without you and your father for a bit.”

“I’ll drive you ladies. Okay?” Bryce replied with a frustrated shrug. I laughed.

His father put a hand up to stop what anyone else might say. “It’s cool, son. I was planning to take your mother anyway. I don’t know when she’ll finally understand that I don’t like her going without me.”

“I do it often,” Mrs. Middleton argued, looking at her husband like she was ready to stab him with her fork.

“Yes, with security, but we didn’t bring them with us,” he answered, slipping his hand behind her and rubbing her lower back. I involuntarily arched my brow.

“Fine. I think you just want to see me try on dresses.”

“Mom,” Bryce called out, grossed out by her implication. I wanted to laugh at him because we’d be his parents in twenty years.

His father wagged his brows with a smirk. “She’s right, but Bryce and I will stay in the car and wait for you.”

Just then the doorbell rang. His parents both stood to see who it was, but his dad said, “Please sit, I’ll get the door.”

We all sat there in silence as we waited, then we heard squeals and giggles. “They’re here?”

“Yes, we are,” one said as she walked in the room.

“Sweetheart? You weren’t supposed to come until tomorrow.” Mrs. Middleton stood to hug her daughter.

“Mom, we were about to board the flight just as you called to tell us. Bryce is just like dad.” She turned to Bryce and added, “I told you so.”