“What are you hinting at? Might as well just tell us,” Commodore says.

“Whitney’s cousin’s wedding and reception is next week, and I want to empty the main wing of the hotel, the tower, so there’s absolutely no chance that anything or anyone could possibly ruin her day.”

“You want to cancel the reservations?” I ask, disbelief in my tone.

“Not cancel them, move them all to the garden wing. I’ve already written a letter to send to the guests whose rooms would be impacted. Anyone who isn’t going to get the view they requested will receive a free night’s stay for their next trip. Since we never run sales or specials of any kind, I don’t think most will object.”

My brain finally catches up to my sister’s logic. “That way we could arrange security to block off access to the main tower. Close the restaurant, and only offer dinner that night in the garden to other guests.”

“Exactly. Then we wouldn’t have to worry about the media somehow sneaking inside, because we can practically lock down the entire hotel.”

Harrison appears in the doorway. “You’re going to do all that for Cricket Gable’s wedding? That seems like overkill for a pot-smoking hippie.”

McKinley’s attention cuts to where he stands in the doorway opposite me. “It’s not just for Cricket. It’s for Whitney. She’s family now, and we’re closing ranks to keep her safe. Isn’t that right, Grandfather?”

Commodore lowers his paper to the table and studies my sister. “You’re going to be the one facing the guests who are inconvenienced. Are you sure that’s the smartest business decision?”

“Yes,” McKinley replies, showing wisdom and strength when talking about the resort. She’s in her element as she continues. “Because the last thing we need is another incident, and at the end of the day, I’m the one who’s in charge of making sure Whitney’s cousin has the best wedding day she can imagine. And that’s exactly what I’m going to give her.”

“This is why I should’ve been in charge of the hotel.” Harrison steps into the room, adding a punch of resentment to each word. “You’re too damn sentimental to realize you’re making a huge mistake.”

Commodore looks from him to McKinley. “I approve of your decision. That’s exactly what I would do.” His gaze flicks back to Harrison. “And your attitude is another reason I didn’t put you in charge of anything.”

My brother sputters. “But you only care about the bottom line. When have you ever given a damn about anything else?”

My grandfather raises his chin. If Harrison were smart, he’d be afraid of whatever is going to come out of Commodore’s mouth next.

“Protect and preserve the legacy goes far beyond business. We uphold our principles, our name, and our honor, leaving everything we touch better for the next generation than when we were given control of it.”

“And now the next generation is going to be Ricky Rango’s goddamn bastard kid that’s out there somewhere, or one that’s half fucking Gable.” Harrison’s tone drips disgust. “Great goddamn legacy you’ve got there.”