Page 108 of The Summer We Mended
Henry tried to lighten the mood.“You know Luke.He’s probably asking to call her while under anesthesia.”
That earned a few tired smiles, and Margot said, “As long as he doesn’t try to charm the German doctors.”
“Wouldn’t work,” Claudia added.“They’re immune to that boyish nonsense.”
Anna sat on the couch, letting the warmth of their presence anchor her.“I knew he wasn’t gone,” she said softly.“I couldn’t explain it.But I knew.”
Lily moved to sit beside her, wrapping her arm around her daughter’s shoulders.“Because he wasn’t.You two…you’re tied in ways the rest of us don’t get to see.”
“I just want to hear his voice,” Anna whispered.
“You will,” Lily promised.
Outside, the sun dipped lower in the sky.The kids’ laughter rang out across the lawn as Max barked joyfully at the falling ball.Jess had produced a blanket from somewhere, and she and Maisie were lying on the grass, staring up at the sky.
It felt like a balm.A moment stolen from the chaos of the last few months.
Cody returned from the kitchen, carrying two mugs.He handed one to Anna and crouched in front of her.“Coffee.Terrible, burnt, and way too strong.But it’s what Dad would’ve made.”
Anna took it and smiled faintly.“That’s exactly what I need.”
A beat later, Anna’s phone vibrated on the table.Everyone fell silent as she reached for it, her breath catching.
She read it once.Then again.Her mouth opened.
“He’s out of surgery,” she said, her voice shaking.“It went well.”
The room erupted.Not in screams or cheers, but in the kind of emotional relief that makes people exhale for the first time in hours.Jess hugged Maisie, who hugged Claudia, who passed the news to Henry.
Anna stood again, this time steadier.“They said he’ll call when he can.They’ll keep me updated.”
Tears streaked her cheeks, but she didn’t bother wiping them away.
“He’s okay,” she whispered.
Lily reached out again, pulling her close.“He’s going to come home.”
“I know,” Anna said, burying her face in her shoulder.
Cody turned away, blinking hard.He stepped out onto the porch for a minute, and Lily followed him, giving him space but staying close just in case.
“You okay?”she asked.
He nodded, staring out over the yard.“It’s just been so long.I didn’t realize how much I missed him until I thought he was gone.I guess…I was preparing to have to step up for Anna and the kids.I didn’t…didn’t know if I was ready to do that.”
Lily slipped her hand into his.“We’re not meant to lose people like that.”
“No,” he agreed quietly.“We’re not.”
Back inside, the family began to gather plates, to clean up, to make space on couches and chairs.It didn’t matter if they stayed another hour or another five.They were here for Anna and the kids.
The stars will come out soon, Lily thought as she looked up.And when they did, she’d look for the brightest one and thank David for watching over his daughter’s husband.
ChapterForty-Two
Lily
The island was buzzing with the kind of joy that couldn’t be contained.Word had spread fast that Luke had been found.Injured, yes, but alive.That alone had sent a ripple of relief across Martha’s Vineyard, reaching every corner, every heart that had held its breath for him.Lily hadn’t seen the community this unified since Anna’s father passed, and even then, grief had stitched them together.Today, it was hope.
