Page 117 of Loyally, Luke
“I can’t even imagine what life is like for you, but the woman I’ve come to know is compassionate, kind, funny, determined, creative.” He gave her shoulders another squeeze. “And you have a whole lot of strength inside of you too.”
“Do I?” She frowned. Not a pretty look on such a pretty face.
“You have a track record that shows it. Over and over again, folks have tried to keep you down, and you’ve stood right back up and moved forward. Just like what Rocky says.”
“Rocky?” Her smile improved upon that frown very nicely. “The old boxer movie?”
He nodded. “Goes like this: ‘Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!’”
“You remember that whole quote.” Humor danced in her eyes.
“I’ve got a whole lot of information in here.” He tapped his temple. “But most of it is useless. That quote, however, is not. Focus on who you are, really, at the soul level and how many people love who you are. And do what you can, when you can, to make right the wrongs. That’s all any of us can do. You’re only going to stumble if you keep looking back when you’re trying to step forward.”
Her smile softened. “I feel as though I should start calling you Obi-Wan for some reason.”
“Well, at least you chose a good character. Though I’m partial to Yoda.”
Her lips tipped into a broader grin and she opened her mouth to speak, but the sound of a loud engine broke into their quiet. Cam was here.
Luke blinked to attention and took her clothes from the couch. “Here, go get these on real quick so you won’t have even more to explain.”
She rocked up on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his lips as she took the clothes. “Thank you, Luke.”
Within minutes, he’d opened the door to Cameron, and Ellie met him on the threshold.
Cam looked as serious as ever. “The power should be restored within the next few hours. Will you be fine until then?”
“I should be fine.” Luke dipped his chin. “Wood is stocked and I have a solar-powered emergency charger for any electronics.”
Cam nodded and turned to Ellie. “We are ready for you, Your Highness.”
Luke shifted forward a step, drawn toward her. But he knew, they both knew... this had to be the end.
Ellie started to walk and then paused, turning back to Luke, the door closing off Cam. Stepping close, she lowered her voice, holding his gaze with those sapphire eyes of hers. “Just so you know, I don’t regret choosing you today. And you are wonderful just as you are, Luke. More wonderful than I ever imagined anyone could be. If things could be different—” Her fingers wrapped around his, squeezing for a second. “No matter what happens, I loved choosing you.” She stepped back and pressed a fist to her chest. “I’llneverregret it.”
Chapter20
Text from Maeve to Ellie:I’m still trying to process your phone call.
Ellie:It’s all quite the story, one I hope doesn’t make it into tomorrow’s headlines.
Maeve:How did the donors respond?
Ellie:Holton announced that I’d been hindered from arriving at the banquet due to the weather, which was true. And Holton relayed that the donors only sang my praises and were proud to have me as their patron. Even Mrs.Kershaw spoke highly of my work and care for the children. All of it could be ruined if that reporter took any photos worth publishing, though.
Maeve:Maybe the reporter didn’t make it out of the storm alive.
Ellie:Maeve!
Maeve:Just saying what you’re hoping.
Ellie:I am not! Though I wouldn’t mind if his camera fell in the lake or he slipped and fell in the lake holding his camera.
Maeve:Like I said... didn’t make it out alive.
Ellie:But HE made it out. Not the camera.
Maeve:Details.
