Page 8 of Saving Luke

"Don't have one of those, either. I put all of my energy into Oakside once it opened, and that hasn't left much time for dating, which makes my brother happy," she smiles.

"Tell me about you," I say.

"Ask me anything, but be prepared to answer the same about yourself."

"Well, you know my parents are gone, and the only family I have is my younger sister, Gabbie. So, what about you?"

"My parents are gone, too. I have my grandma and my brother, who is married and has two kids."

"They live here?" I ask.

"Yep, we see each other at least once a week for dinner, if not more. You and your sister close?"

"Yeah, my parents died right after I joined the military, and Gabbie was in her senior year of high school. Her best friend's parents let her stay to finish out school since she had a full-ride scholarship. I sent them money to help out and Gabbie money so she didn't have to work and could focus on school. She's in her last year now and will be graduating early because she took summer classes."

I smile at the thought of how hard Gabbie has worked, but the smile fades when we pull into a shopping center.

"What is this? It looks like the North Pole exploded here," I say.

"They go all out for Christmas, and it's why I love shopping here this time of year. Come on."

Just like with getting into the car, she stands by in case I need help, but lets me do all the work, getting out of the car and back into my wheelchair.

"Don't think just because you can't walk that you won't be carrying my bags," she says.

I smile and know then this girl is something special, even if she’s trying to kill me with all things Christmas.

Chapter 4

Luke

"Okay, any idea on what you want to get your sister?" Brooke asks me.

"Yes, a Coach bag. She has had her eye on one for years, but even though I know she has money saved, she won't buy one for herself."

There’s a Coach outlet store here, and we make it our first stop. The salesgirl is very helpful when I describe the one my sister liked. While they don't have it, they have one that’s close, and they even gift-wrap it for me.

She tells me, "We can store that in Lexi's office so your sister doesn't snoop and find it."

"Good idea."

"Okay, this store has stuff from locals and lots of‘one of a kind’type of stuff. My sister-in-law loves this place, and so does my grandma, so I'm going to do some shopping here. Look around, and you might find something for your Secret Santa."

We go our separate ways, and at one point, I notice Brooke tries on a dream catcher necklace but puts it back. I’ve noticed she seems to like dream catchers, and she even had on a dream catcher scrub top with a set of dream catcher earrings. So, when she’s on the other side of the store, I pick up the necklace, take it to the counter, and tell the clerk I'm buying it for her, and then ask her to box it up while I keep shopping. She winks at me and does as I ask.

Still unsure of what to get my Secret Santa, I look at some quotes on wood plaques, and when I see one that makes me laugh, I decide to get it for him.

'Punch today in the face.'

It's perfect for what we all face each day at Oakside. If nothing else, maybe it will make him laugh.

I make my purchases and then wait by the door for her to finish up.

"We done shopping?" I ask, taking her bag from her.

"Nope, I’ve got gifts for my grandma and sister-in-law. Now for the hard ones, the kids and my brother. Plus, we still have to get our picture taken with Santa," she smiles.

I totally thought she was joking about that.

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