Page 89 of After We Fall

“Will you treat her well?”

Luke slides a hand around my waist and answers, “Yes.”

And just like that, the wound disappears and is no more. Not even a scar.

With no father playing an active role in my life, quantifying exactly what I’ve missed out on is difficult. But in this moment, there is exquisite pain and exquisite joy knowing that though I never biologically experienced this kind of love and care, it’s standing in front of me all the same in the form of brotherly love.

“Penelope,” Harlan calls.

“Yes?”

“I get that he’s charming.” He points to Luke without looking at him. “And I get that he’s offering you gifts.” He points to the headphones.

I swallow.

“But the second he doesn’t treat you right, you let him go.”

Luke stiffens next to me, but his hold on me tightens.

Tanya and Bianca, wide-eyed, shift their focus, their eyes darting between Luke and me.

Harlan softens his tone, adding respect and a little bit of humor as he says, “Having said that, because I’ve known Luke for years, I know he’s a man of his word. Someone I respect. And if I had a little sister, he’s also someone I’d approve of her dating.”

The smile bursts from my face, causing my cheeks to ache.

Harlan nods at Luke, and it feels like something thick passes between them.

Meredith claps once. “Okay, everyone. The show is over. No more dancing, drums, or interrogations. I’m sure we all have somewhere we need to be.” She steps across the room and pulls me from Luke’s hold to hug me.

While in her embrace, I whisper, “In the five years I have worked for your husband, I have never loved and respected him more.”

“Me too.” She squeezes me. When she releases me, she makes a V with two fingers and points to her eyes, then to Luke’s and back to hers. “I’ve got my sights on you, buddy.”

A smile breaks across Luke’s face. “Yes, ma’am.”

After the room clears, Luke turns to me, taking my hands in his. “How’s your uncomfortable scale?”

“Not as bad as you think.” I rub my thumbs over his knuckles. “That was kind and thoughtful of Harlan.”

He studies me. “I’m seeing that.”

“No one’s ever done anything like that for me, asked someone their intentions on my behalf. It was like having a brother look out for me.” I pause, thinking of my time with the Nelsons and beyond. “Jason’s never treated me like that.”

Luke glowers but says nothing.

“Jason doesn’t consider me his sister, does he.” A statement, not a question. I’m just looking for the affirmation I know is coming.

“No.”

“Which means he has feelings—”

“Yes.”

I lean in and gently rest my forehead on Luke’s chest. “I’m an idiot.”

He wraps his arms around me. “I don’t think you’ll find anyone who thinks you’re an idiot.”

Whatever soap that people are making these days smells good on Luke. It’s not cologne. It’s not fruity. It’s musk. Man. Strong. Luke. “No wonder you were jealous.”