Page 21 of Married to Murder
Sighing, Mom turned back to us, forcing a smile. “So… um… are you still insisting you don’t want a big wedding?”
“Nope. Just a civil ceremony will do nicely.” I looked at Seth, and he nodded.
“Yep.”
“You know, you’re my only kid. If I don’t get to put on a big wedding with you, then I’m out of luck.”
“Sorry.” I laughed sheepishly. “You know the situation. No way do Seth or I want to go through that.”
“Are you going to have a honeymoon at least?” Mom asked.
“Hmmm.” I frowned and met Seth’s clear gaze. “Did you want a honeymoon?”
“Not really.” He laughed. “Who would run my business for me while I’m gone?”
I frowned and put my hand on his leg. “But you can relax a little now. After the wedding, you won’t have to work so hard.”
His face clouded and he looked away. “I like working.”
“Sure, but everyone deserves a vacation.” I smiled. “Maybe a cruise to the Bahamas?”
He didn’t meet my gaze. “Nah. I’m fine staying around here.”
Grandmother watched him with a funny expression. I’m sure she’d assumed he’d want to spend money freely and take advantage of his newfound wealth. Personally, after knowing Seth a few weeks, I wasn’t surprised he didn’t want to take a lavish honeymoon. He seemed happiest with simple things. That was one thing I found most appealing: his ability to find joy in the little moments. Even the short time I’d been around him, I felt calmer and less worried about every tiny problem.
Dad came back in the room, his face flushed and sweaty. He sat next to my mom without speaking.
“Everything okay?” Mom asked.
“Fine,” he snapped.
The muscles of my mom’s jaw clenched.
Grandmother gave my dad a surly look. “Seth might be just what you need, Tanner. He seems to have his head on right.” She studied Seth as she spoke and then switched her gaze to my father. “Certain members of this family have grown lazy and greedy.”
My dad pressed his lips tight, looking defiant. “Nonsense.”
My mom touched his arm. “The important thing is Tanner has met the conditions of the trust.” She smiled at Seth. “I do agree you’ll be a breath of fresh air, Seth. I’m happy to have you come into our little family.”
“Thank you.” Seth’s muscles tensed under my hand.
My dad simply grunted.
I noticed Seth didn’t say how thrilled he was to be a part of our family. I couldn’t really blame him though; we were definitely an acquired taste. But overall, not counting my dad, everyone seemed pleased with my choice of a husband. I was too. As I sat there with the press of Seth’s thigh against mine, I had to acknowledge that for the first time in forever, the future felt promising.
Chapter Seven
Seth
I’d met Tanner’s family and passed that one hurdle. But I still had to break the news of my impending marriage to Gordon. I knew he’d be worried for me. That was just how Gordon was. I’d invited him to lunch to tell him about Tanner, and when he walked into the café, my heart began to pound.
Gordon was a big man, broad shouldered with short salt-and-pepper hair. His smile was wide as he approached my table, and I slid out and we hugged. He slapped my back cheerfully, and then we sat down in the booth.
“You look well, Seth.” He was still smiling. “I’m sorry we haven’t been able to get together more recently. I’ve been in China much of the year setting up manufacturing for the newest products we have in the pipeline.”
Gordon owned a very successful tech company that designed wireless charging products. I was always amazed how a man with such wealth and power could be bothered with me. And yet, Gordon always made time for me, ever since our first meeting years ago when he’d rescued me from the streets.
“You’re a busy man.” I smiled, trying to hide my nerves.
