All Is Bright by Colleen Coble Read Free Book Online Page A

balmy sixty today. By dark, another hour, it would still be fifty-five.
    Her gaze cut to the flowers. There were no lilies of the valley in the sprays, but the baby’s breath was a sweet contrast with the poinsettias. Though it wasn’t what Elin had wanted, she’d been quick to reassure Delilah that the substitution wasn’t going to ruin the wedding for her.
    A shadow moved across the floor, and she turned to see what had caused it. Her heart rate sped up when she spotted Tom’s bulky form at the door. True to his word, the past four days he’d called her to meet him for coffee and texted her funny quotes at all hours. If this was what courting was all about, she intended to enjoy every minute of it.
    Her smile faltered at his somber expression as she waved him inside and hurried to meet him. “I’m glad you’re here.”
    He glanced around. “Looks great. I saw Marc pacing in the backyard. Looked nice in his tux, but he’s as white as sea foam. How’s Elin holding up?”
    â€œNo tears, at least not yet. The dress fits so she’s happy. I left Libby in charge of the final details with hair and makeup and came to check on the decorations. Everything looks pretty perfect. I think we’re good to go.” She consulted her watch. “Guests will be arriving any minute.” Her gaze searched his face, and he still hadn’t smiled. “Is something wrong? I’m getting an odd vibe from you.”
    â€œSomeone tried to burn down Vanessa’s house.”
    Delilah grabbed his arm to steady herself. “Is she all right?”
    â€œShe got out in time. The doctor is checking her out for some smoke inhalation, but I don’t think he’s sending her to the hospital. It was clearly arson.”
    Her knees felt shaky. First the attack on her, and now, one on Vanessa. “You think it’s related to the attack on me?”
    He put his hand over hers on his arm. “I had to wonder. Two single women being targeted is a little too coincidental for my taste. I’ve been going through all the visitor records I can find, but I haven’t come up with anything. I’ve already warned Josh and Alec to be on the lookout today. I’ll be at your elbow every minute, but just in case, I want you on your guard too.”
    â€œI’ll be careful. I checked the guest registry, too, and didn’t find a match for the handwriting on the card. What a day for this to happen. I don’t want anything to overshadow Elin and Marc’s day.”
    â€œI’ll try not to let it.” He reached out and brushed the hair away from her face, then cupped her cheek in his big hand.
    The thrill that jolted her was all out of proportion to the simple caress. What was happening to her? All her defenses around him were coming down, brick by brick.
    Tom dropped his hand when the back door opened. The first of the guests were arriving with the sunset. Delilah reached over and flipped on the lights. The myriad of tiny bulbs sprang to life in a dizzying array of lights that sparkled around the large space like fireflies. It was so beautiful she caught her breath.
    Alec was Marc’s best man and he entered with Marc. Some of their Coast Guard friends had offered to usher, so she and Tom moved aside to let them begin to seat the guests. Tom saved her a seat near the front while she went to get Elin.
    The night air cooled her skin just a bit as she hurried across the dark yard to the house. Headlights swept the grass as she approached the house, and she recognized Vanessa’s car. When her friend stepped out of the car, Delilah rushed to meet her.
    Vanessa had evidently come straight from the clinic. Soot still smudged her face, and Delilah caught a whiff of smoke as she embraced Vanessa. “Are you all right?”
    Vanessa clung to her a moment, then released her. “Just shaken. Have I missed the wedding?”
    â€œNo, no. I was just getting