“But it’s all my fault!” Kat wailed.

“I doubt that,” Luke protested. He left the stairwell and joined them in the hallway, Andie and Curt close behind.

“But it’s true.” Kat’s lip quivered. “I forced Zach to come up here with me.”

“Forced?” Luke made a dismissive noise in the back of his throat. “Does he seem like the type of guy who would do anything he didn’t want to?”

“No,” Kat sniffed.

“From what I observed, he appeared to be a willing participant,” Andie added drily.

“Oh yeah,” Curt agreed. “Very willing.”

Kat flushed and glanced around. “How much did you see?”

“Enough to know he was enjoying it,” Andie said. She patted Kat’s shoulder. “As one of the actors, he knew the rules. Don’t blame yourself for the consequences of his actions.”

“She’s right,” Luke said. “If anything, he owes you an apology.”

Julia glanced up at Luke, grateful for his soothing words to her friend. She reached for his hand. “Change in plans?”

He smiled in understanding, bending to press a soft kiss to her cheek.

Curt bade Andie a similar farewell.

Their good-byes said, Julia and Andie looped their arms around Kat and headed down the hall.

“Do you ladies need anything?” Curt called after them.

“Ice cream!” Andie shouted. “And lots of it.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Send it to the Princess Suite.”

CHAPTER 25

LUKE

Luke finished checking his props and peeked through the curtain that had been rigged at one end of the gazebo to create a backstage area for those queuing up to perform. He was surprised to see almost every seat filled. Aside from the guests not participating in the talent show, he recognized many of the resort staff as well as a large group of people he wasn’t sure about.

“Showtime in ten,” Penelope announced, coming up behind him and tapping him on the shoulder. “All set?”

“Almost.” He peeked through the curtain again. “Who are those people?” He pointed to the cluster of guests he hadn’t seen before.

Jay moved to join them. “Oh. That’s the rest of the party for tomorrow’s wedding. They’ve been arriving all day.”

“Why are they here?”

“For. The. Wedding.” Jay looked at Luke like one of his mental files had been corrupted.

“That’s not what I meant. Why are they here? In. The. Audience.”

“You’ll see.” Penelope grinned.

“You two know I hate surprises.”

“It’s nothing to worry about.” Penelope shook her head in exasperation. “The bride had a special request for her bonus activity, and we’re making that happen.”

“Listen to your sister,” Jay said, munching from a bag of popcorn.

“Where did you get that?” Luke wondered.

“I had the popcorn machine brought down from the lobby.” Jay tossed a kernel up in the air and caught it in his mouth. “Thought it would be a nice treat for the audience.”