Page 112 of Tanner

He winks as he presses the PH button. With every floor we climb, I feel like my stomach falls in the opposite direction until it feels like it’s in my toes. I know so much about his brothers yet nothing at all. Tanner isn’t the type to gossip, so not knowing his brother moved in with a woman isn’t a surprise. I just wish I’d asked more questions, so I was better prepared.

The hallway is long and looks like a hotel. He knocks on the door at the end, holding tightly on to my hand as we wait.

When the door swings open, a man in a dress shirt with his top button undone and the sleeves rolled up stands before us. The phrase tall, dark, and handsome was penned for this type of man. The kind with a handsome face, dark hair, and coal-like eyes. I recognize him as Bryce Sexton.

Bryce’s genuine elation almost bring a tear to my eye as he wraps his arms around Tanner, bringing him in for a big bear hug.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Bryce holds Tanner back at arm’s length and appraises him as a father would a son. “You cut your hair.”

“It was a surprise for my girl.” Tanner’s face is lit up with happiness, and to my surprise, so is Bryce’s. “I have someone special I want you to meet. Bryce, this is my wife, Harper.”

Bryce’s smile falls. “Your what?”

“My wife.”

The coarse expression on Bryce’s face seems more like the man who Tanner described in previous conversations—stoic workaholic who gave up his dreams of travel and love to run the family business.

“You got married without consulting me? Does Austin know about this?” Bryce says. The elation from earlier is completely gone.

“Harper and I eloped,” Tanner says evenly.

“By yourselves?” Bryce looks dumbfounded.

Tanner grits his teeth. “That is the point of eloping.”

I want to mention that my father was there, but I believe that tidbit was left out on purpose.

Tanner is a few inches shorter than Bryce and younger by eight years, but from the way he’s looking at his older brother with a tight jaw and steady eyes, you’d think he was the older one. The two brothers have a standoff. It’s brief, but it’s powerful.

Bryce crosses his arms. He’s not looking at me. His gaze is focused on Tanner. It’s as if his problem isn’t with me per se; it’s the idea of him marrying. “You’re only twenty-two.”

“So were you when you took on the company. I hardly think my age is a question in the matter of judgment,” Tanner replies.

Bryce pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes. When he opens them, he lets out a large breath.

Tanner places a protective arm around me. “I know you have a lot of questions, and I’m prepared to answer them all. We’re prepared to answer them all. That’s why Harper and I are here.”

It’s now when Bryce looks down at me and then back to Tanner. If he knows his brother as well as I do, he knows the man does everything with a purpose. He’s an excellent judge of character and the smartest person in the room without showing off.

Bryce must agree because a slow smile builds on his face as he shakes his head with raised brows. He extends an arm. “Well, I guess I should greet you with more than a handshake. Though Tanner has a lot of explaining to do.”

A burst of nervous laughter expels from my mouth as I hug my new brother-in-law for the first time. “It’s nice to meet you, Bryce.”

“You, too …” Bryce’s voice trails off.

I have a feeling he already forgot my name.

“Harper,” I offer.

“I’m horrible with names. Took me forever to remember Jalynn’s, and she works for me. Please, come in.” Bryce holds the door open, and we walk into his elegant apartment.

We enter a foyer and put our bags down as Bryce closes the door and walks in front of us.

“That went better than I’d thought,” Tanner whispers into my ear as we shrug off our coats.

I shoot daggers at him. “You think that went well? He’s supportive, but I don’t think he’s too keen on the idea of his baby brother eloping. Thank God I have a copy of the prenup with me.”

“He’s definitely going to ask if we signed one. He’s probably worried you’re after our money.”