Page 26 of Saving Luke

"We have to get you back to Oakside," I say.

On the way, Luke doesn't let go of my hand. When I park at Oakside, I turn to him.

"On Christmas Eve, Oakside is doing a big thing for the patients, but my family is doing Christmas dinner at my brothers' house. Why don't you and Gabbie join us? The kids will demand you put together their new toys, and I will wrap Gabbie’s gifts and put them under the tree. There will be cookie decorating, and it will be fun."

"We will be there," he says.

Luke

Before I even open my eyes, I can tell Brooke is in my room, as it smells just like her.

"Why are you up so early? It's a holiday," I groan.

She laughs, "I volunteered to work, so anyone who wanted the day off could have it. Plus, that means I get to spend the day with you. I promise once Gabbie gets here, I’ll make myself scarce so you can have family time. Just don't forget about tomorrow."

"Dinner at your brother's. I won't forget." I smile as I sit up in bed.

"Now, let's get your exercises done. No rest just because it's a holiday," she says.

I don't need help anymore with getting ready or doing the daily exercises PT gives me. We both know that, but I like her around, and I like her hand on me, so we are always finding little ways for her to help. After my exercises, I shower and get ready, and she moves on to her other patients.

Sitting down in the dining room for brunch, I’m waiting on Gabbie. But instead, Noah joins me with a big smile on his face.

"You did it," he says.

"I did what?" I’m not awake enough to read between the lines.

"You got the job. As soon as PT clears you, it's yours." Noah slams my shoulder from across the table, and I sit there stunned.

"You're serious?" I have to be sure.

Noah laughs, "Yes! I told you that many places love hiring veterans, and having Oakside behind you is a huge boost. I talked to your doctor, and he really thinks you will be released before New Year’s if you don't mess up between now and then. You will need to still keep seeing your therapist for the enclosed spaces issue, but that isn't a reason to keep you here."

"Oh, and this came for you." He hands me a package, and I smile.

"I was worried it wouldn't be here in time. This is Brooke's Christmas gift." I tell him.

"Brooke is a special woman. She was there for me and supported Lexi through everything and has become a really good friend to Lexi and me. You treat her right, and after you get released, we will set up dinner at our place for the four of us."

"I'd like that," I tell him, just as I see Gabbie walk into the dining room.

She walks over hesitantly and smiles.

"Am I interrupting?" She asks, almost shyly.

"Nope,” Noah says. “Just wishing Luke here a Merry Christmas and giving him some good news. He's all yours." Noah stands up and starts talking to other people scattered in the dining room.

"What good news did he have for you?" Gabbie asks as she puts her small purse over the back of her chair and sits down.

"You will have to wait until tomorrow to find out. Speaking of Brooke, she invited us over to dinner at her brother’s. I plan to go, and I hope you will join me."

Gabbie eyes me, and I know she won't pass up a chance to spend time with me, especially outside of Oakside, but I know she isn't happy that I didn't give her much of a choice.

"That sounds good. I liked her grandma. She’s snappy," she giggles.

"There’s one more thing I want to talk to you about, and I'm not sure you're going to like it," I tell her.

She settles her hands on the table and sits up straight. "Let me have it."

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