Page 25 of Broken Promises

Luke placed his hand on my lower back. It was likely meant to be reassuring, but instead, it sent an electrifying spark through my entire body.

“You’re being ridiculous. You’re impossible not to like,” Luke said as he rubbed my back.

“What is it?” Luke asked me as I stepped on his front porch. I wore a floral dress—one that my mom loved the most. Itseemed like a perfect fit for a night like this—when a girl would finally be introduced to her boyfriend’s parents.

“I’m just…nervous. Do you think they’ll like me?”

“Luce, they love you. They’ve known you your whole life.”

“Well…yes,” I murmured. They did. But I supposed things changed when a girl started to date someone’s son. Levi and Linda wanted the best for their boys, just like my mom wanted the best for me. I only hoped they’d see I wanted to be nothing less than that. “But this is different.”

“No,” he breathed, leaning forward to give me a peck on my lips. “It’s not different at all.” The door opened before we could knock, and we quickly pulled back from each other. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as his mother stood there with a warm smile. She didn’t mind catching us amidst affection the slightest bit. She pulled me into a hug right away.

“Lucy, come on in! We’re so excited to have you for dinner. I made homemade lasanga. I hope you’re up for it!”

“Thank you, Mrs. Everett. And of course. I’ve heard nothing but praise for your lasanga.”

“Please, call me Linda. You already know everyone, so I don’t need to make

introductions. Make yourself at home while I finish up dinner.” His mom looked at Luke.

“You’re in charge of making sure she’s comfortable,” she told him before she bustled off to the kitchen.

“See, I told you they would like you,” Luke whispered in my ear. As we got in, his father was the second one to greet me.

“You’ve heard my wife. I want to go by my first name and nothing else,” he said as he gave me a light pat on the shoulder. I couldn’t stop smiling. I already felt so comfortable when his two brothers came in, too. There was definitely no need for introduction there; I practically grew up with them as much as I grew up with Luke.

Sitting at the dinner table, I couldn’t help but feel a little envious. I had known his family for years, as is common in small towns, but being welcomed into their home and

experiencing their love firsthand was different. Coming from a small, quiet

household with just me and my mom, this boisterous and loving family was a stark

contrast to what I was used to. I found myself falling in love with them all the same.

“Earth to Lucy Goosey?” Logan said, waving a hand in front of my face.

“I’m sorry I didn’t catch that; what did you say?” I asked, breaking out of my daydream. Luke’s and my exchange at the front porch had somehow dragged me in yet another memory.

“We moved a few things from Eve’s bedroom downstairs, but we’re unsure what else

to bring down. Can you show us what you would like?”

“Sure, follow me.” I nodded, making a small gesture with my hand.

For the better portion of the afternoon, we rearranged the guest bedroom to make it easy for her mom to get around. We also brought in most of her things from upstairs and the little knick-knacks I knew my mom would want around. My mom always liked things in a particular way, and I wanted to make this transition as easy for her as possible.

“Sweetheart,” Linda said as she pulled me aside while the guys readjusted the bed’s location in the bedroom. “I’ve pulled some simple frozen meals from my freezer and brought them over. I popped them in your freezer instead. I figured you’d want to help out your mom as much as possible, and the last thing I want you to be thinking about is cooking. I’ll bring in some fresh meals, too…these are just for the emergency occasions.”

I struggled to hold back tears, my eyes blinking rapidly as I embraced Linda. “I can't express how much this means to me,” I whispered, my voice choking with emotion. This was a rare occurrence in the city. One of the things I always yearned for in Seattle was this sense of community. When life took a turn for the worse, the people in town were always the first to lend a helping hand. And their support meant more than any words could describe.

“Sweetheart, there’s no need to cry. It’s the least we can do.”

“It’s…not that,” I admitted, sniffling as I pulled back. “It’s just…I’m sorry for disappearing. I never meant to hurt you and leave?—”

Linda shook her head. “There’s absolutely no need to apologize, sweetheart. You did what you thought was best, and no one can blame you.” She gave me a small smile. “Right now, we’re all just glad to have you back.” She looked at Luke, who was bickering with Logan about the most convenient position for the dresser. “Luke especially.”

The Everetts stayed for dinner after helping me with everything—which, for tonight, was pizza from the nearby restaurant. Ed shot me a text to let me know he was still with my mom and that she was feeling better, so any of the remains of the guilt dispersed, and I let myself fully enjoy their company until it was time for them to leave.

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