Page 63 of Loyally, Luke
Father turned a sharp eye to Luke. “Yes, of course it would.”
Luke drew in a breath like he might say something else but stopped.
“What is it?” Ellie interjected, maybe only to have him look her way again. He’d clearly been avoiding doing that as much as possible. “I’m sure your ideas would be worth hearing.”
His jaw tightened and he returned his attention to her father. “Crieff is a great village with lots of different shops. Mostly skilled labor shops, like seamstresses and butchers, welders, woodworkers. There’s even a blacksmith.” He shook his head. “And I met a real shepherd. Never done that before.” His lips twitched just a little, then he sobered. “From what I can tell, they’re good people and I wonder if the townsfolk would be willing to apprentice some of these kids.”
“Apprentice them?”
“It would take matching the kids to the people and skill, but I’ve seen it work before and it’s a great way to give back to the community and build a stronger connection. Even if the kids later decide to go to college, they’ll have learned some solid skills along the way.”
Ellie stared at him, her smile growing. He may not be much of a talker, but what he did have to say was worth hearing.
“So you’ve had experience with this sort of project?” This from Father, who’d drawn closer to Luke. One of his advisors stood nearby, scribbling away on his iPad, likely taking notes.
“As a matter of fact, I volunteered at a children’s home back in Virginia where we set up an apprentice program with local businesses.” He gestured toward the boys with a nod. “Saw a huge turnaround in how the kids made better choices for the future and found some real support within the community there.”
“A volunteer?” Father had that look about him, the one that meant he was already plotting something. “How did you volunteer?”
Luke’s lips quirked a little, as if he may have seen the spark in Father’s eyes too. “I was one of what they called Buddies. I’d take a few of the boys under my wing and spend time with them and teach them some of my skills. Still in contact with most of them.”
“That is an excellent idea with great impact, I should think.”
“I agree.” His expression sobered. “Most of those kids have had hurts like I can’t imagine, Your Majesty. So we created a careful selection process of trustworthy people, and not only did it end up helping the kids with job skills, but the connections they made with the families and the community helped heal some of the pain they carried with them.”
“Would you be interested in talking this idea over with me in further detail?”
“Yes, sir.” He grimaced. “Your Majesty.”
“Excellent.” Father waved toward Tristan. “Please collect Mr.Edgewood’s contact information.” Father turned his attention back to Luke. “I look forward to more dialogue with you, Mr.Edgewood.”
He turned to her. “Ellie, I have some things I need to discuss with you.”
Ellie pulled her attention from Luke and back to her father. “Yes?”
“Let’s go into Crieff and visit some of these businesses Mr. Edgewood celebrated, and then we can talk over dinner.”
She looked back at Luke as she followed her father from the room and found him watching her. Sadness hovered in those eyes. Disappointment. She’d praised him for his honesty, but she hadn’t reciprocated with the same authenticity.
And he valued authenticity.
Something in her heart shuddered.
Why did it feel as if she’d lost something she wasn’t even supposed to want?
Chapter11
Text from Luke to Izzy:Can you and Brodie come up tonight for dinner? I need to talk.
Luke:Or wake up from a nightmare.
Luke:Or be hit by a 2x4.
Luke:Probably the latter.
Izzy:You need to talk?!!!!!
Luke:Might as well spill the beans. It’s going to be all over the news soon.
