Page 104 of Loyally, Luke
Air burst from Luke’s lips like a cough. “Um, I worked in that a bit during college.”
“Received a double major, I believe.”
Luke blinked. “Yes, sir, wildlife management and accounting.”
“Neither of which you use at the present time?”
Had the king run a background check on Luke or something? “I got out of accounting because it really wasn’t what I wanted to do. I prefer being outdoors or working with my hands. The wildlife management degree was a way for me to study something in school that I liked while studying something my parents liked.” He shrugged a shoulder. “The accounting smarts come in handy for running my own business and during tax season.” He chuckled at his own joke, one that the king seemed to understand because he responded in kind. “But I saw that I could make more money in building than I could in wildlifemanagement, so when I decided to start up my own business, building made the most sense.”
“And how did you learn carpentry and stonemasonry?”
Was this the real reason the king had invited him? Work talk? Luke’s whole body relaxed. “I had an uncle who mentored me from the time I was twelve. I even worked with him in college during the summer to earn some extra money.”
“You’re quite the jack-of-all-trades, aren’t you?”
“Maybe if those trades are manual labor or more outdoorsy.” Luke gestured toward the room. “But I’m not into diplomacy or political meetings or anything fancy enough to fit this place.”
The king’s grin spread wide. “My mother used to say that God gifts different people for different jobs so they can use their gifts to their fullest potential.”
“I like that.” He nodded.
“But He’s not afraid to stretch us.”
“No, sir. He’s not.” Luke’s grin twitched. “I’ve learned a great deal by being here and seeing how things are done in building on this side of the pond versus my side. And I look forward to working on another renovation for Mr.Gray before I return home.”
“Did you like Crieff?”
“Yes, sir. Small-town folks are small-town folks no matter where you go in the world.”
“Indeed.” The king’s expression turned thoughtful. “I’ve learned to appreciate small-town virtues by marrying into the family I did. It was not my family’s first choice, but it taught me the value of those who have lived lives very different than my upbringing.”
“Which is why I think your people appreciate you so much, Your Majesty. Most folks value good-hearted genuineness and understanding.”
“Yes.” The king studied Luke again with an intensity that Luke wasn’t quite sure how to handle, but he managed to keep from fidgetingor moving beneath the stare. “Would you ever have any interest in relocating? I could use someone with your experience, integrity, and knowledge to assist in a great many ways.”
Luke’s jaw slacked a little. Was King Aleksander offering Luke a job? His brain stopped working completely. A job from a king?
He could just see Penelope’s head explode with confetti.
But a job? For him?
His brain started working again, piecing together what that meant. He could be with Ellie. And he’d live near Izzy.
He could learn new skills and enjoy the countryside here.
But it would also mean leaving his parents, selling his new and thriving business, embracing a life of paparazzi, ballrooms, suits, and—he groaned inwardly—dress shoes. He cared for Ellie, so much more than he imagined in such a short time, but his parents relied on him for help. Josephine did too. Living so far away meant they’d suffer from his absence.
And he’d even miss Penelope, which he’d never admit out loud, but it was enough to admit it in his head.
He drew in a breath and steadied his attention on the sovereign. “I can’t tell you how honored I am that you would consider me worthy of a job in service of you and Skymar. Truly, I’m humbled by your faith in me and my skills.”
“But?” The king held his gaze.
“I can’t leave my parents to move here, sir. Or my business.” He leaned forward. “Coming here for a few months to work is one thing. I’ll be back home in a month or so to help with all the things they’ve been storing up for me, but relocating here, especially as my parents get older?” He sighed. “A good family is a precious thing in life and something I value a great deal. I don’t know that I’m ready to make a move like that.”
“I can understand that, Luke, and it only makes me respect youmore.” The king’s expression softened. “But the offer stands, should you have a change of mind... or heart.”
Luke held the king’s gaze, not sure whether he was supposed to or not, but the king seemed to have a deeper intention behind his words. Surely he couldn’t mean what Luke was a little afraid to believe he might mean.
