Built Over Time (Middleton Hotels 4)

sisters,” Bryce teased.

“True, but let’s not allow the food to get cold. I’m hungry and I’m sure you both have managed to work up an appetite,” he said with a suggestive wink. He took Mrs. Middleton’s hand and led us into their small dining room. This house wasn’t the place of millionaires or even billionaires. It seemed almost ordinary and I loved it.

The table was set up for us four, but the spread was massive. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until the smell hit my nose. My belly began to rumble loudly, so much so that everyone looked at me.

“Excuse me,” I murmured.

“Please, I feel a bit selfish. You haven’t eaten anything because of me. I know I could eat all this food by myself right now, so I know you’re starving.”

“I didn’t realize it until I walked in here.”

“I think it’s the nerves. I remember when I met Jacob’s parents. I did everything I could to keep my belly from doing more flips than a gold medal gymnast.”

“And they loved you,” he said to his wife. They were freaking adorable together, just like he’d told me all those years ago. Bryce handed me a plate but not without stealing a quick kiss.

“So, Harper, tell us. What’s your favorite thing about Bryce?”

“Mom, that’s not dinner conversation,” Bryce joked. I turned purple and ducked my head.

“Ignore him. I feel like there’s more to the story than what happened today.”

“Yes, well, I never mentioned it, but Harper and I met years ago on one of my many fishing trips out by the pond.”

“Really?” His father gave him a knowing look.

“Yes, it’s what we talked about years ago.”

“Wow, okay. Now that explains it. I mean, you got here with the ring in less than twelve hours.”

“Yes, I’ve had it ready for three years now,” he said proudly, raising my hand to kiss it.

“Harper, so tell us more about you.”

I paused not ready to tell them, but I figured honesty was the best way to go with them. “In truth, I have a degree in accounting and moved here to Reese for the sole purpose of hoping to see Bryce again. I never imagined that he would remember me or the promise he made all those years ago, but he did. This morning I was about to quit and go back to California. In fact, I was storming out of the breakroom to come and give notice.”

“What made you change your mind?”

“To quit? I collided into this large man,” I replied.

“No, why were you working and then just didn’t want to do it anymore?”

“Because I felt foolish and naïve. You both walked in the door and the look of love is still strong in your eyes.” I turned my focus to his father and continued, “You, sir, look so much like Bryce that I pictured him with someone else walking through the door that happy, and it was unbearable.”

“Damn, Bryce, what took you so long to find her?”

“I didn’t know where to look and everyone I spoke to hadn’t heard of her.”

“Well, you should have told me. I would have contacted the best and made it happen years ago,” his father barked. He actually looked peeved. “You could have lost her for good if she hadn’t gotten the nerve to make the move.” He turned to me and said, “Thank you, Harper. It was a smart and wonderful decision. I’m glad to have you in the family.”

“Thank you, Mr. Middleton,” I said with a blush. It was crazy that they were so welcoming.

“So am I,” Bryce whispered. “I’m sorry. I should have scoured the Earth to find you.”

“It worked out the way that it should have, Bryce,” I replied. I bit my lip then added, “I wouldn’t have finished college if I’d fallen into your arms sooner. And regardless that you promise me forever, I don’t want to feel stranded should something happen between us.”

“I’m not going to let you go, but I’m proud of you for making your own plans for the future.”

“Speaking of the future, we have a wedding to prepare for.”