Page 42 of Heartbeat Harmony (Hearts in Hawthorne #2)

“What’s your name?” he asked. “Your real name. I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t remember it. Mom always just told me to look after my little buddy, so I called you Buddy.”

Tears filled his brother’s eyes. “I ... don’t know what my name was.

My adopted name is Jason Tanner. I’ve always gone by Jace.

My birth certificate reflects that name and that of the couple who adopted me.

I don’t know who I was before, Eli. Only who I’ve become.

But I’ve missed you over the years. I always loved you.

I knew you were out there somewhere, and I was determined to find you. ”

Eli threw his arms around Buddy again. No, Jace. He hugged him tightly but pulled away again.

“Jace. It suits you.” He paused. “Were you at the football stadium last night?”

His brother nodded slowly. “I was.”

“I sensed you.”

“I saw you look into the crowd. You looked as if you were searching for someone. I was afraid to approach you. I left the game, not sure if I’d try to contact you.

But I couldn’t stay away. I had to make contact with you.

” Jace cleared his throat. “You’ve done well for yourself. A doctor. Running a hospital.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll tell you all about me sometime. I know you’re about to get married. I just stopped by to wish you good luck. Give you my number. Maybe we can get together some time.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Eli proclaimed. “You’re coming to my wedding.”

“No,” Jace protested. “I can’t. I don’t know anyone.” He smiled ruefully. “I don’t really even know you.”

“You’re my flesh and blood, and I’ve been looking for you, as well. I even registered and sent in my DNA to a few sites, hoping to connect with you that way. You need to meet Autumn and her family. And you’ll be my family at this wedding.”

They went to the Sutherlands’ door, and Meg Sutherland answered it.

“Eli, don’t you look handsome. And you’ve brought a friend.” She cocked her head, studying them a moment. “No, this is something more.”

With pride, Eli said, “Meg, I’d like you to meet my brother. This is Jace Tanner.”

Not missing a beat, Meg embraced Jace. “We’re so happy to have you with us today, Jace. Please, come in.”

“Meg is Autumn’s mother.”

“You need to meet everyone else, Jace,” Meg encouraged.

They went into the den, where West and Kelby sat, along with Sawyer and Darby. He assumed Summer was upstairs helping Autumn to finish dressing.

“Joe is out back with Judge Stowe,” Meg explained. “Everyone, this is Jace Tanner, Eli’s brother.”

He saw the surprised looks on everyone’s faces as they came to their feet. He introduced Jace to them.

“This is Autumn’s older brother West and his wife Kelby. West is the football coach of the Hawthorne Hawks, and Kelby runs her own social media and branding business.”

West beamed. “I already know Jace. He’s been my sports agent for years.”

Stunned, Eli looked from his brother to Autumn’s brother. “What?”

Jace shrugged. “I guess you can say it’s a small world. Good to see you again, West.”

Recovering quickly, he turned to the other pair. “These are Autumn’s cousins. Darby Montgomery and her brother Sawyer. Sawyer lives here in Hawthorne and has a law practice. Darby is in visiting from Kansas City.”

Jace greeted all of them, and Joe and Judge Stowe stepped inside.

More introductions were made, and then Meg said, “I think we need to introduce Jace to Autumn and Summer. Come upstairs with me, Jace. You stay down here, Eli. In fact, everyone should head outside. It’s almost time for this wedding to begin. ”

Eli accompanied Judge Stowe and the others into the backyard, lush with colorful flowers. Meg returned and adjusted Eli’s tie slightly, patting it, and then slipping a boutonniere into his lapel.

“I’m so happy for you, Eli,” she told him. “I know you’ve been searching for your brother. It must mean a great deal to you to have found him.”

“He’s the one who found me,” Eli revealed. “He was waiting outside when I got here. I have a thousand questions to ask him. I don’t even know where he lives.”

“You have the rest of your lives to learn about one another,” she assured him.

Judge Stowe had Eli come and stand next to him. West, who was serving as Eli’s best man, joined him.

“Are you going to give me the ring?” West asked.

He reached into his pocket and handed over the small ring box the jeweler had given to him. “Thanks for being my best man, West.”

“I think it would be better if your brother stands with you today.”

Surprise filled him. “You don’t mind?”

West clasped Eli’s shoulder. “I think having Jace serve as your best man would be perfect.”

West returned the ring box to Eli and removed the boutonniere he wore, handing it to Eli. West went to stand next to Kelby, sliding an arm around her waist. Summer, clutching a bouquet, appeared with Jace. She smiled widely at Eli and moved toward him.

“Autumn will be here any moment now. She is thrilled about Jace.”

Eli motioned to Jace, and his brother joined him.

“Would you do me the honor of serving as my best man?” he asked, his voice quivering with emotion.

Jace looked astonished but then smiled broadly. “I’d be happy to, Big Brother.”

He took the boutonniere Eli offered and fastened it to his lapel. Eli handed over the ring box, and Jace slipped it into his coat’s pocket.

Judge Stowe said, “Are we ready to begin?”

“Yes, sir,” Eli said firmly.

Moments later, Autumn and her father rounded the corner.

She was wearing a cream, tea-length dress and carrying a bouquet of yellow and white roses.

Their gazes met and held as Joe escorted his daughter to Eli.

She glanced over and saw Jace standing next to him, and her smile grew even more radiant.

Joe kissed his daughter’s cheek. Taking her hand, he offered it to Eli. “Take care of my baby girl, Son.”

His eyes misted with tears, knowing that Joe Sutherland really did think of him as a son and trusted him with Autumn.

His fingers entwined with hers now, and they looked at one another.

“I love you, Eli,” she said, her eyes misty with tears.

“I love you, Autumn,” he replied.

They turned to their officiant. “Ready when you are, Judge,” he said.

Eli was ready to speak his vows—and for a lifetime with Autumn by his side.