Page 7 of Saving Luke

I had breakfast and am sitting in my wheelchair in the lobby, waiting for her. Looking around, I take in all the Christmas decorations she put up. The tree is one of the largest I've ever seen and decorated in blues and silvers. There are decorations from all the military branches, and lots of southern themed decorations, too.

I guess Oakside has a southern themed Christmas. I'm not sure what it means, but that's what I've heard. On the wall heading upstairs, is a photo of a man in uniform and under it is a shadow box with a folded flag and a few medals, one being a purple heart. I instantly know this man was killed in action.

When I wheel over to get a closer look, I see his name, Tyler Bates.

"That was my husband before I met Noah," Lexi says as she offers me a sad smile. "He died on deployment, but he always made sure I was taken care of. Enough so that I was able to buy this house. For a few years before I met Noah, it was just me living alone here. When we started Oakside, Noah insisted his memory be out in the open. He's the true reason we’re all here today."

All gave some, and some gave all.

You hear that quote in the military, but it never has meant more than it does right now.

"Here you are!" Brooke walks up. I turn to find her in jeans and a sweater, just like the first day. I've gotten used to her in scrubs, but I like her like this, too.

I look back at Lexi, who smiles at me. "Go enjoy your day of freedom."

Smiling, I head over to Brooke, who is bubbling with energy.

"Okay, I have a whole day planned, but if it becomes too much, you are to tell me. Do you understand and swear on whatever the holiest thing to you is?" She asks.

"I promise. Though, I'm not sure how it will be too much, if I’m sitting down all day. At most, my arms will get tired, and then you’ll just push me,” I shrug.

"Point taken. Okay, let's go."

I like that she doesn't try to push her way into helping me into the car. She lets me figure it out myself. It makes it easier that her car is a sensible four-door sedan, unlike the jeep my sister drives.

When I stop her from closing my door, she doesn't question it. I take a few deep breaths to steady myself. She gets in, starts thecar, and rolls down all the windows. I must give her a confused look because she shrugs.

"It was in your file." Is all she says.

I close the door and buckle up. She doesn't ask why, but I feel like the question is hanging there.

"I was tossed from a Humvee. I almost didn't get out, so now confined spaces bring me back to that day. I'm working on it," I say.

"Listen, I get it. We all have stuff in our past that makes us who we are, good or bad. This is a safe space with me always. If you don't want to talk about something, we don't talk about it. But I'm always here if you need someone to, even if it’s just you ranting about something that doesn’t make sense to anyone but you, okay?" She says.

Not sure what to say, so I change the topic.

"While we're out, I would like to shop for my sister, if that's okay," I tell her.

"Of course, and your girlfriend, too, right?" She asks.

"What?" I ask, completely thrown off.

She thinks I have a girlfriend.

"The girl I saw you with when you checked in. I haven't seen her since, though." She says hesitantly.

I can't help but burst out laughing.

"That's my sister, Gabbie, and a world-class pain in my ass. She's in school and studying for finals. Once she's on winter break, she’ll be around more."

"Oh, sorry. I just assumed," she says.

"It's okay. For the record, I don't have a girlfriend or a wife. Do you?" I ask bluntly.

"I don't have a wife," she smiles.

"Boyfriend or husband?"

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