Page 2 of After We Fall

One yells in my direction, her hand flailing in the air with excitement. “Hey, Penny Lady.”

My heart warms, and I hold up my clipboard in a responsive wave.

Once today’s celebration is complete, I’ll be in charge of the boardinghouse tenants for nine days while the Holcombes are on their honeymoon. Ample time to prove I’m more than capable of being the new program director at Twelve Bluebells Ranch.

This morning’s mess in the chapel reeks of prank more than threat. Still, my uncertainty nudged me to call the ranch’s security company. We need to shut down the matter at hand so I can proceed with the schedule for today and the goals for the coming week.

“This is interesting.” Luke’s comment recalls my attention, and I turn toward him, hugging the clipboard to my chest. “If it was just a broken vase, it could be an accident. But this brochure you found ripped up is for the ranch next door? Is that right?”

“Yes. The groom lives on this property, and the bride owns the neighboring halfway house.” I keep my tone neutral. “Do you think we have an issue?”

“What issue?” asks a voice from behind me.

At the sound of my boss’s question, I close my eyes.

Harlan Holcombe. The groom.

After pasting a fake smile on my face, I turn. “We were discussing a matter with the grounds.” I cringe inwardly at my terrible attempt to lie.

Harlan raises his hands in surrender and offers me an easy smile. “I recognize that look, Penelope. But I come in peace. Scout’s honor.” He shifts his attention to Luke, and his face lights up in surprised recognition. “Hey, man. Good to see you.” Reaching past me, he grabs Luke and pulls him into a hug, each man pounding the other on the back. “Shouldn’t you be globe-trotting? I didn’t think I’d catch you until the New Year’s Eve shindig.”

Every muscle in my body tenses. Today’s ceremony is limited to immediate family, the pastor, the girls, and me. The official wedding celebration with friends and extended relatives will be at the Broadmoor in five weeks. Luke Granger is on the guest list?

Trying to gain ground on the scene in front of me, I rack my brain for Luke’s connection to the Holcombes. Dread claws at me as the reason for his familiarity stays just out of my mind’s reach.

Luke pulls the toothpick out of his mouth. “Penelope called the company about your last-minute wedding problem here. I came to check it out.”

My entire torso jerks in shock at his audacity.

Harlan’s body stiffens. His gaze moves to me. “Do I have a last-minute wedding problem?”

I exhale and make my tone confident and light. “Not you. I’m taking care of it.” Pressing a hand to his shoulder, I attempt to usher him out of the chapel. “Family photos are in a few minutes. Please don’t be late.”

But he doesn’t budge. Rather, he draws his tuxedo jacket back and splays his hands on his jeans-clad hips. “I know what Luke does for a living. What’s going on, Penelope?”

As I open my mouth to make another attempt at sending Harlan away, Luke leans in and hands my boss the patched brochure.

Anger spots dot my vision. Who does he think he is? I know I called him, but this is not what I expected. We were supposed to shield the bride and groom while we privately handled the situation.

I squeeze Harlan’s forearm, trying to redirect his attention. “I’m handling everything.”

Frowning, he examines the vandalized leaflet.

Luke’s stoic focus doesn’t waver from Harlan, and he misses the death glare I aim in his direction.

Harlan snaps his head up. “I don’t understand. What is this?”

“Last night someone came into the chapel and destroyed a flower arrangement and vase,” I say. “They left this brochure torn to pieces on top of the debris.”

“Meredith came over here last night.” He cringes. “She loves this place. Wanted a few minutes to herself. What if something had happened to her? Did you call the police?”

“No.” I stand tall, trying to fortify myself yet remain calm. “I can if you want me to, but I was trying to avoid squad cars at the wedding.”

His focus darts around the chapel. “Where is the broken vase?”

I swallow. “I cleaned it up.”

“You cleaned up all the evidence?”