Page 128 of Loyally, Luke
Luke:It’s my favorite date of the week.
Izzy:You are a horrible liar. Talk to you later. Have fun in Crieff. I know you love the people and place.
Luke:It’s always an adventure. :)
***
Luke pulled into the back of the Frasiers’ shop where their residence connected to the antique store. The house part of the building spread out into an L shape from the shop, allowing space for Gordon to build a front porch for his bride—a fact she bragged about often and Gordon, in typical fashion, gave a gruff nod. Then changed the subject.
But there was no mistaking the slight hint of a grin on his face at the story.
Luke felt a kinship with the man all the more when he saw moments like those. The soft side of the burly builder. Luke sighed. He knew his own weaknesses. Having been raised around girls, he’d learned real quick that his quiet, tough exterior was no match for a person in need, especially children and women.
In particular, those he cared about.
And Luke’s heart had turned to putty in Ellie’s hands, plain and simple.
A fact slicing right through his chest every time he contemplated never seeing her again. He wouldn’t say he was sad that Earl what’s-his-name decided not to go to the dance... or party... or whatever it was with Ellie, though he hoped she’d find another partner. Just not one she liked a whole lot.
He gave his head a strong shake and stepped out of the car. No use dwelling on things he had no power to control or change. They’d both made the best right decision for the people in their lives, and that was what mattered.
Even if it was rotten.
The weather had turned nice enough that Luke left his jean jacket in the car with his toolbox and took the front steps two at a time to the door. Why Gordon decided to meet at his house instead of Cambric Hall didn’t make sense, but maybe the man wanted to walk on a fine spring afternoon like today.
That might do Luke some good too.
After giving a knock, he adjusted his cap and waited.
A sudden commotion exploded within the house. Something sounded like it crashed, then a man’s loud voice—likely Gordon’s—exclaimed something in Gaelic. Probably not a word his wife would have appreciated.
Luke’s lips twitched. Sounded kind of like his uncle.
Another round of scuffling erupted from behind the door and then—
Was that a child’s voice shouting, “He’s here”?
Were his grandkids in town? Luke didn’t think they were old enough to talk in sentences yet.
The door flew open to reveal Nessa Frasier’s wide smile and dancing eyes. “Oh, thank heaven, you’ve finally arrived.”
Faye’s little face peeked out from around Nessa.
“Well, lookie who’s visiting y’all.” Luke leaned down. “Hey, pretty lady.”
She giggled and waved, the necklace he’d given her dangling from her neck.
“Gordon and I are considering a long-term agreement for Jamie and Faye.” Nessa’s smile widened and she leaned close to Luke. “We’ve started the initial paperwork for adoption. Gordon’s even mentioned adding Cade to the list.”
“That’s some of the best news I’ve ever heard, Nessa.” Luke’s laugh burst out and he pulled the woman into a hug. “Can’t think of any kidsfinding a better home than right here with you.” He shrugged. “And even grumpy ol’ Gordon too.”
“What ya say, lad?” He lumbered forward, a frown in place as he gestured toward his wife. “You’re standing around here haverin’ on like we have all day to dally. We’re already late as it is.”
Luke looked from Nessa to Faye to Gordon, and even to Jamie, who’d just entered the foyer with everyone else. “Late?”
“You dinna tell him why he needed to hurry?” Nessa rolled her eyes heavenward. “Did you think he might need to know?”
“I was trying to keep it a surprise.”
