Chapter Twelve

 

Luke followed his new fiancée into Jake and Cassie’s suite and clicked the door closed. That’s right, I’m locking that shit down. He intended on getting married as quickly as possible. No drawn-out engagement like his big brother Jake. Nope.

Seated around the large living room, in various chairs and couches, were the people who meant the most to him. His family. He looked around and between him and Abbey, Rocco, both sets of parents, Darren and Maureen, Leah, Heath, and the newlyweds he counted only thirteen. Grandma Ruth and Grandma Beverly were missing.

Jake paced in the center of the room. “Nice of you to fucking join us. Didn’t I tell you ten minutes, Luke?”

Shit. Jake was angry. He needed to calm him down. “Look Jake, know you’re pissed…”

Jake stopped pacing and clenched his hands. “Just shut the fuck up, will you? I’m doing the talking right now.”

Damn. Luke put his hands up in surrender. Abbey guided him to chairs closest to the suite door and they sat down.

Abbey looked around the room and frowned. “I’m sorry, Jake, but where are the grandmothers?”

Cassie urged Jake to sit down next to her so they faced everyone in the room. “They were so upset by the fucking circus after brunch, we sent them to the spa to calm down.”

Everyone startled at the pounding on the suite’s door. “Open this damn door! We know you’re all in there!” That was Grandma Ruth.

“That’s right! Did you think you could just shuffle us off? We’ve got news for you, you can’t!” And there went Grandma Beverly.

Christ, what a clusterfuck. Luke leaped up and opened the door. Both grandmothers stormed in, looking as angry as Jake.

“See, I told you Bev. They’re all here,” Grandma Ruth accused.

Jake stood up and calmly walked over to the Ruth and Beverly, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. “Ladies, why aren’t you at the spa?”

Was Jake serious? Didn’t he see the grandmothers were angry at being left out of their family meeting? Even Luke understood. And rightly so. Ruth and Beverly were tough old birds. Their minds were still sharp, and they were in decent health considering their advancing age. Come on, Jake, don’t be a dick. Treat them like adults.

Both ladies pulled away from Jake. “Screw the spa. Don’t treat us like we’re frail and feeble minded. We’re an important part of this family and we should be right here along with everyone else.”  Ruth nodded once and looked at Beverly who nodded back in agreement.

Jake, the dope he was, wouldn’t let it go. “But we didn’t want to upset you any more than you already were. The conversation will get heated. I guarantee it.”

Grandma Beverly waved a hand dismissively. “So what? You think we haven’t heard curse words before or used them ourselves? Shit, fuck, asshole, bitch.”

Luke couldn’t help but smile. Let him have it, Grandma Bev.

“Prick, cock, crap, balls,” Grandma Ruth added. “So enough with the shit and let’s get this meeting started.”

Jake threw his hands up in defeat. “Fine. I’m sorry for excluding you, even though I thought I was being considerate. It won’t happen again. Come on, there’s room there on the couch beside Rocco.”

Both grandmothers sat down, with Rocco on one end of the couch and Grandma Ruth on the other. “We noticed you spending time with the pretty event planner Hannah at the reception.” Grandma Beverly waggled her eyebrows at Rocco.

The big Italian Marine blushed and suddenly found the floor terribly interesting. “Jake and Cassie had us seated at the same table,” he mumbled.

“Yes, we saw that. You should ask her out on a date,” Ruth added.

Beverly shook her head. “No, it’s called hooking up now, Ruth. That’s what the young people call it.”

“Oh. Well then you two should hook up on a date.” Ruth smiled brightly at Rocco and nodded at him.

God, he loved these women. What a riot. The room laughed at poor Rocco’s expense.

“Gram, hooking up means having sex,” Jake explained with a smile on his face.

“Hannah is a lovely girl. She’s beautiful and has a nice figure. Don’t you want to have sex with her, Rocco?” Beverly asked with all seriousness.

Luke thought Rocco would pass out from embarrassment. He needed to help his buddy out. “Bev, Rocco’s bringing Hannah to Jake and Cassie’s after they get back from their honeymoon. To their wedding gift-opening party, as his date.”

Grandma Beverly patted Rocco’s leg happily. “That’s wonderful news! You can have hooking up sex with her after the party then.”

“But be safe. Use condoms. You can get them at Walmart. They’re not very expensive,” Ruth advised a beet-red Rocco.

Rocco nodded his head, looking mortified. “Yes, ma’am.”

After the laughter died down, Jake cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. Luke wanted to start by apologizing to everyone, but his princess shook her head at him.

Jake held Cassie’s hand and looked around the room. “Now that that’s settled, we can start this family meeting or, to use Darren’s term, our family press conference.”

Luke needed to speak up. Sorry, princess. “Look Jake, I’m…”

Jake glared at Luke and put a hand up to stop him. “Can’t you just shut the fuck up for once? I’m doing the talking right now.”

Luke closed his mouth. So much for trying to apologize.

Jake continued. “The reason Cassie and I called this meeting or press conference is because we’re sick of all the secrets that everyone’s been keeping from us all weekend. It stops. Now.”

Cassie kissed Jake sweetly on the cheek, love radiating between the newlyweds. “We know it’s our wedding weekend and you’ve all been trying to be considerate of that. Jake and I appreciate that, we do.”

“But,” Jake cut in, “we’re not fucking children. If there is something important going on with any of you, you need to come clean right away. It doesn’t matter whatever else is going on. We’re all adults and we’ll fucking deal with it. Understood?” Jake looked around the room. Everyone nodded in agreement.

“So from now on, no more secrets. And to show you Cassie and I are serious, I’m going to start with a secret we’ve been keeping even though we’re not ready to share it for what you’ll understand are obvious reasons.” Jake kissed Cassie’s hand softly and smiled. Cassie beamed.

“Cassie and I are expecting. She’s eight weeks along,” Jake announced proudly.

The room erupted in cheers and applause. Luke held Abbey’s hand tightly. He hoped soon they’d be making the same announcement too.

“But what about the honeymoon? Should you still go? Is it safe?” Monica Jayne looked tearful and panicked, obviously concerned for Cassie and the baby.

“It’s perfectly safe. Cassie and the baby are both doing fine. We’ll be careful. Our plan was to relax and unwind anyway,” Jake assured her. “I’m asking all of you not to say anything until Cassie’s safely past the first trimester though. Just in case.”         

“And Luke, don’t go prepay a Harvard degree for the baby. I mean it.”

That was it. Luke was done. Abbey squeezed his hand, probably hoping it would calm him down, but it wouldn’t work this time.

“You know what, Jake? Fuck you. Since we’re all supposed to air our grievances and come clean, I have something to say too. I’m so sick and tired of getting shit whenever I want to buy something for you. You didn’t give Darren a hard time when he hired Hailey’s Events to plan your wedding. So don’t give me one when I block and pay for some hotel suites, or snag you a few bottles of Utopias or pay for brunch.”

“I think I speak for everyone in the room, other than Darren, when I say we don’t want to take advantage, Luke,” Heath began. “You’re family, we don’t care you have money. Hell, Jake and I have known you since you were two—long before you became a professional athlete and multi-millionaire or billionaire.”

Jake nodded at Heath and turned to Luke. “Heath’s right. Regardless of the money, we’re family. You’re too generous, man. You don’t need to buy us so much. We’ll love you anyway, asshole.”

Luke rolled his eyes. They didn’t get it. He’d have to make them all understand “See? I don’t think I’ve done enough. All my millions as Heath put it, what good are they if I can’t fucking share them with all of you? What I’ve spent is a drop in the bucket and I could do so much more and I’d still have enough to last ten lifetimes.”

“None of us feel comfortable asking for things, Luke. We’re all working. We’re all supporting ourselves. No one wants a handout. Don’t you get that?” Jake frowned, looking conflicted.

Luke shook his head. “That’s just it. None of you ask. I offer, happily. And I know if the situation were reversed and one of you had this kind of money, you’d do the same thing and you all know it.”

Darren nodded his support and Luke he was grateful. His uncle was the most generous man he knew. Not only financially either. Luke’s stomach twisted as the thought of losing him. The world would be a lesser place without Darren Stryker in it. He wondered if Darren would “come clean” and share his diagnosis with everyone in the room. Luke hoped so. He didn’t like keeping secrets as much as Jake was making issue with it at the moment.

“Speaking as someone who has even more money than my boy here,” Darren began, “what you might perceive as overly generous or charity, we see differently. The money provides options. It’s supposed to help make our lives easier. And it’s given out of love, not charity. Never. So can you all see yourselves relaxing your position on this for us? Please?”

Luke couldn’t have said it any better. Everything he’d ever done and would ever do for the people in the room—all of it—came from a place of love. “I’d like to add one thing to what Darren, Dad, said. When we offer or get you something, we don’t expect you to kiss our asses. Don’t fuss, don’t cuss me out, just say thanks. Can everyone agree to that, at least?”

Luke held his breath, waiting for everyone’s response. He had a few ideas he wanted to share right now, if everyone could agree to relax on the gift-giving shit. He looked around the room, and everyone reluctantly nodded their agreement. Darren winked Luke’s way.

Thanks, Dad.

Luke rubbed his hands together conspiratorially. Jake and Rocco groaned. Too bad, guys. “First, Rocco, dude, it’s time for a new truck. Your Silverado is what, nearly twenty years old? And you bought it used. Time for an upgrade. You’ve honorably served this country and you deserve something better to drive.” Luke saw Rocco open his mouth to object and Luke raised a brow. “How about Wednesday we go get you a new Silverado 3500HD?”

“Oh Rocco, that’s wonderful!  Get a black truck, they’re very manly looking,” Grandma Beverly said, clapping.

“And you need those steps on the side to help shorter people get in, like Bev and me. Oh, and Hannah too,” Grandma Ruth added.

The big Italian blushed and nodded at Beverly and Ruth. “They’re called running boards. And yes, I’ll make sure to get them. But Luke, the 1500 is what I had my eye on.”

Luke would make sure Rocco’s 1500 had all the bells and whistles. Hell, by the time he finished with the dealership, they’d probably throw in an Impala at no extra cost. Luke was pleased Rocco agreed to let him help him out with a new ride. “All right, a fully loaded 1500 it is. What do you say?”

Grandma Beverly patted Rocco’s leg and nodded in encouragement.

“Thank you. I can’t wait,” Rocco said with a nod of his head.

Excellent. One down. One to go. Luke looked over at Jake and Cassie. Cassie glanced back at him curiously. Jake just frowned and cursed under his breath. Tough shit, big brother.

“As far as prepaying for a Harvard degree, baby Tyler might want to go to Yale or Princeton,” Luke said.

“Damn it, Luke,” Jake exclaimed and ran a hand through his hair.

Luke pressed on. “But we’re arguing about something that’s years away. And if I want to pay for the baby’s college education, I will. And like you just agreed to with everyone else, you’re just going to let me and say thank you. And on graduation day, I’ll be sitting right next to you during the ceremony, proud as hell.”

Jake blew out a breath and Cassie looked at her new husband with love and encouragement. “Fine. But you’re right, it’s a long way off. We can discuss it, not argue about it then, agreed?” Jake sighed in relief.

Luke nodded. He had Jake right where he wanted him. “Agreed. Right now, though, the more pressing issue is little baby Tyler. So I want to buy you and Cassie a house.”

Cassie squeaked and her eyes widened.

“Fuck, Luke, really? A house? You want to buy us a fucking house? Just like that?” Jake looked distraught but Luke was sure he could convince him without much arguing.

“Just hear me out. Your two-bedroom condo will work for a little while, but you’ll need more space soon. So why not let me buy you a place here in Elmhurst where you’re already living, before the baby comes? It’ll be a lot less stressful for all of you. Think of it as a belated wedding gift or a pre-baby shower gift?” Luke turned to Darren for support. His dad smiled back at him encouragingly. Abbey held his hand tight and her eyes glistened with tears.

“You could use Mr. Gleason to find you someplace nice in town. We met him last night after the reception,” Abbey suggested. “Luke, do you still have his business card?”

“If Alfred Gleason is working for you, you’ll be in good hands,” Jake’s father said.

Luke retrieved Alfred Gleason’s business card from his wallet and held it up. “What do you say, Jake? You’ve said you’d just say thank you, remember?”

Cassie gently kissed Jake and gave him a reassuring smile. “It’ll be all right, you know? And Luke’s right, we’ll need the extra space soon. We all agreed to be gracious with Luke and Darren’s generosity, babe.”

Luke sensed the moment Jake relented. He knew his big brother, though. Luke understood Jake’s reluctance. “Buying you this house does not mean I don’t think you can take care of your family. I’m trying to help make things a little easier for you, that’s all. Like you’d do for me, right?”

That did it. Luke knew Jake was on board.

Jake nodded and Cassie beamed. “Yes, and thank you. But a regular house, nothing crazy. Three or four bedrooms, two and half bathrooms, a nice backyard for kids to play in. That kind of a house. Agreed?”

Yes! “Agreed.” Luke made a quick call to Alfred Gleason while the family discussed what Cassie and Jake should look for in their new home. Gleason agreed to find a regular house for Jake and Cassie in Elmhurst and something that Jake would probably consider crazy in a nearby gated community for him and Abbey. Luke was offering all cash purchases and picking up the seller’s moving expenses to speed up the process.

With all of that settled, it appeared Jake was back on the war path. Here we go.

“Now, back to the secrets. Don’t think a new truck and a house will distract me from the real reason we’re here.” Jake turned his attention to Abbey. “Office Supply Galaxy laid you off? You were the only person who supported your system. What the hell is that?”

Abbey stiffened beside Luke. He held her hand and waited for her to organize her thoughts.

“Apparently, there was a reduction in force of about fifty people. I suspect that my former manager Tim Webber, who is relatively new at OSG, wanted to get rid of me so he could bring over someone he worked with at his previous company. He had already brought two of his people over. He needed my headcount to be available to bring over his third. Being the asshole he is, when the system went down during the wedding, he called me, expecting me to fix the issue, even though I didn’t work there anymore. As you now know from Tom Murphy, the Support Desk Manager, I ignored their calls for help. I was told my skill set wasn’t needed any more—so fuck them.”

Luke and the rest of the room clapped. Abbey deserved better than what OSG did to her. For ten long years she’d worked her ass off.

“You should work for us, Abbey. Don’t you agree, Luke?” Darren asked.

“We’ve already discussed it. We’ll see where Abbey feels most comfortable in the organization or the foundation. There are plenty of opportunities for her.” Luke kissed her softly. He felt her smile against his lips. His cock twitched. Down boy, not now.

“All right then. I agree, fuck OSG if they’re stupid enough to let this Tim Webber asshole get rid of you. And this Brenna bullshit, Luke?”   

“Yes, what about that? I got the impression you and Abbey were back together? You know, I’ve always liked you Luke, but I won’t stand for your hurting my girl. So I’m with Jake on this one.” Abbey’s father glared at Luke. He’d never done that before. Luke didn’t like it one bit.

“Dad, don’t be mad at Luke,” Abbey pleaded.

Luke kissed the hand he’d been holding and she smiled weakly at him. “Phil, Monica, everyone—I’m sorry about the entire Brenna Sinclair fiasco. I promise you all there is nothing going on between Brenna and me.”

“Come on, Luke. You’ve been dating her, or you were, for three years. It’s not like you’ve been hiding that fact.” Phil looked at Luke with such disgust his stomach dropped to his feet. This isn’t good.

“I know it appeared that way, but I promise you, it was all just for the press. We never had a romantic relationship. In fact, she’ll speak first at tomorrow’s press conference and admit everything publically. I would never disrespect Abbey like that. In fact, I asked your little girl to marry me earlier and she accepted. I wanted to get your and Monica’s blessing first, but this weekend didn’t go as planned. I hope you can find it in yourselves to give us your blessing now?” Luke held out Abbey’s left hand, allowing everyone to see the shimmery engagement ring.

“Wow! That’s some rock,” Grandma Ruth exclaimed.

“What is that, ten carats or something?” Grandma Beverly asked excitedly.

“I had originally wanted a ten-carat center stone, but I knew Abbey would feel uncomfortable with something that big. It’s seven carats.” Luke kissed the knuckles on Abbey’s left hand.

“It’s plenty big, too big actually, but I know Luke too. He would never settle for something small.”

Leah clapped her hands. “Congratulations! This is great news.”

“Good going, little brother,” Heath added.

“Welcome to the family, right, Dad?” Cassie asked cautiously.

Phil didn’t look convinced or happy. Monica nudged him with her elbow, but he didn’t budge.

“Dad, Luke’s telling the truth about Brenna. I spoke to her earlier. She admitted everything and I believe her and Luke. She’s a nice person. She’s thrilled Luke and I are together. It’s all going to come out at tomorrow’s press conference.”

“See Phil, Brenna’s going to tell everyone she’s a lesbian tomorrow. Don’t be an ass and give Luke your blessing.” Grandma Ruth glared at her son and waited.

“Mom! Fine. If Abbey believes Luke and Brenna, then I believe them too. You have my blessing, but treat my girl right.” Phil stood and walked toward him and Abbey. Luke and Abbey stood and held hands, presenting a united front.

Phil extended a hand and Luke sighed in relief. He shook Phil’s hand and then his future father-in-law brought him in for a hug. He clapped Luke’s sore shoulder a little too hard, but Luke didn’t mind. Phil wasn’t angry at him. He considered it a win. The room erupted in applause.

“I’ll do right by your girl, Phil. She won’t want for anything,” Luke whispered as they broke apart.

“That’s all I ask. Welcome to the family, Luke.” Phil hugged his daughter and inspected the rock Luke put on Abbey’s finger. That’s right, Phil, a ring fit for a princess. My princess.

Suddenly he and Abbey were surrounded by the rest of their family. Everyone offered their congratulations and hugs. So many hugs. Luke would have to apply more emu oil cream and take more pain reliever once he and Abbey returned to his suite. The ladies oohed and aahed over Abbey’s ring and his woman beamed with pride.

Jake and Cassie’s secret reveal received the attention it deserved too as everyone turned their attention to the newlyweds and expectant parents. The ladies all wanted to touch Cassie’s still-flat stomach. Pretty soon they’ll be touching Abbey’s pregnant belly too. The thought had Luke stiffening in his jeans. Unfortunately, fucking Abbey again would have to wait as he saw Jake regroup. Their family conference wasn’t over yet.

“All right, I don’t think our meeting is over just yet. Does anyone else want to share anything?” Jake looked directly at his sister Leah and Heath.

Heath blushed and looked at his shoes. Leah, not surprisingly, took the lead. “Heath and I want to see if we can make a relationship work, right?” Leah turned to Heath, encouraging him with a bright smile.

Heath looked at a confused Dan Tyler, Jake and Leah’s father. “Yes, it’s true. Dan, I hope you’re not angry with me. You’ve known me for a long, long time…”

“Since when have you two been dating? I don’t understand.” Dan scratched his head, as though he was unsure of whether to be angry or accepting.

“Dad, I’ve loved Heath all my life. He’s always put me off because he didn’t want to betray Jake or our family.”

“But I knew Heath’s had feelings for Leah for a while now. I told him that as long as he made an honest effort with Leah, regardless of the outcome, he wouldn’t have an issue from me. I think the two of them should give it a try,” Jake told his father.

Jake and Leah’s mother Sara nodded and smiled. “I can actually see the two of you together. It’s really up to the two of you though. You both know what’s best.” She looked at her husband.

Dan shrugged. “You’re both adults. It’s not my place to dictate who you date. We’ve been friends or rather family for a long time. Let’s agree to not let whatever happens between the two of you affect our relationship.”

Both Heath and Leah smiled. “Agreed,” they both said to Dan.

“All right, anyone else have something they need to come clean about?” Jake asked everyone standing around each other. 

Luke looked to his uncle, hoping he would speak up. He saw the hesitation in his eyes. Come on, Dad. Obviously, he wasn’t ready. Luke assumed there would be an aggressive treatment regime that would begin next week. Darren needed to say something now. Luke would have to ease his father into sharing his devastating news.

“Abbey and I have been having unprotected sex all weekend, trying to get pregnant,” Luke blurted out.

“Luke!” Abbey’s face bloomed with the prettiest blush.

“Can’t you wait? You just got engaged,” Phil asked.

“First, Cassie got pregnant before she got married. Second, I’m planning on marrying your little girl as soon as possible, so you won’t be walking her down the aisle with a visible baby bump. Third, I want Abbey pregnant with our first little Viking as soon as possible, giving Darren as much time as he can to be a grandpa.” Luke didn’t want to force the issue, but Darren couldn’t sit on the information any longer.

Darren’s eyes went wide and Maureen began to cry. “I’ll be an amazing grandpa,” he whispered.

Abbey started crying and Luke’s eyes stung. “I know you will, Dad. I know you will.”

Jake’s brows furrowed and he shook his head. “Why the fuck are Maureen and Abbey crying? And what the hell did you mean about Darren being a grandpa as long as he can?”

Come on, Dad. Now’s the time to speak up.

Jake looked between Darren and Luke, his eyes narrowed. The attorney was not missing a thing. “With all due respect, seeing that you’re my boss. But we’re on family time now, so Darren, what the hell is going on? Does this have something to do with the press conference tomorrow? And I don’t mean the crap about Brenna.”

Maureen wiped her eyes with her hands and put an arm around Darren’s waist. “Go on, Darren. They should be told before tomorrow’s press conference. They’re family.”

When Darren looked at him, Luke nodded his head. “Go on, Dad. It’ll be all right.”

Darren nodded in agreement. “Yes, you’re right, Jake. Why don’t we all pull our chairs closer together and we’ll talk about what’s going on?”

When everyone were seated closer together, Luke’s heart raced. In a few minutes, everything would be out in the open to the people who mattered the most. Everything would be real. Abbey’s tight grip of his hand gave Luke the strength he needed. She’d always been his strength, his love, his everything.

Darren took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Tomorrow after Brenna speaks, I’ll be announcing that effective immediately, ownership of the Chicago Cobras, the Windy City Rattlers, the children’s foundation, and Stryker Real Estate Holdings will be transferred to Luke and I’ll be stepping down.”

Jake raised a skeptical brow. “Because Luke hurt his shoulder? Bullshit. I don’t buy it. It isn’t even anything serious. He’ll be back on the field in no time.”

Darren shook his head sadly. “It was always the plan for Luke to take over, you all know that. We’re transitioning now because I’ve been diagnosed with stage 1B exocrine pancreatic cancer.”

The room was stunned silent. Aside from the sound of some women in the room crying, no one said a word. Luke didn’t hold back his own tears. Not this time. Now that the news was out, Luke felt like a burden had been lifted off his shoulders. It was bad news. Really bad. But they’d deal with it together, as a family.

Jake collected himself and wiped a few of his own tears away. Everyone in the room waited for Jake to ask the next few inevitable questions. He blew out a breath. “Well, fuck me. What exactly does that mean? What are the treatment options and typical survival rates?”

Everyone in the room sat quietly as Darren Stryker calmly explained the shit hand his life had dealt him. He had developed a cancerous tumor nearly three centimeters large in his pancreas. The tumor was located at the head of his pancreas. Surgery to remove the tumor or as much of it that could be removed, was scheduled for Tuesday morning.  Depending on the outcome from surgery, chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatments would follow. Unfortunately, the five-year survival rate for Darren’s cancer was about twelve percent. And that sucked.

Grandma Ruth blew her nose and cleared her throat. “Well, if anyone can beat this bitch, it’s Darren Stryker. Whatever I can do to help you through this, you can count on me.”

Grandma Beverly nodded in agreement. “Me too. Whatever you need, I’m there.”

Jake put a hand up before anyone else could offer their assistance. “Look Darren, before you tell all of us not to worry, and that you don’t need our help—let me stop you. You’re going to let us help you through this because that’s what this family does. I know you and Luke are used to taking care of everything and everyone, but this time, you’re going to let us do the helping. Understood?”

Luke was thankful as hell for his family and for Jake’s support and levelheadedness at such an emotional moment. He was the luckiest man in the world.

Darren choked up, shed a few tears, and nodded.

Jake nodded back in affirmation. “I almost hate to ask, but is anyone else keeping any secrets? Now is the time to lay it all out there.”

Both grandmothers looked at each other, silently communicating. If one or both of them was sick too, Luke would lose it.

****

Abbey’s stomach roiled and her heart raced, waiting for the grandmothers to say something. They were hiding something. If either one of them was sick, she didn’t know what she’d do. Darren’s diagnosis was bad enough.

She was grateful that with Luke’s encouragement, Darren had admitted how sick he was. Although his prognosis wasn’t good, Abbey could sense both Darren and Luke were relieved the news was out in the open. She knew Darren would put up a good fight.  He could very well be part of the lucky twelve percent that survived after five years. That was what Abbey and the rest of their family would pray for.

It turned out the grandmothers weren’t sick, but had booked themselves on a senior’s cruise with some of their friends. It departed from Miami a week after Jake and Cassie returned from their honeymoon. After some heated discussion and objections regarding the ladies’ health and safety from Abbey’s and Jake’s fathers, Darren got everyone to agree he would hire a competent doctor and nurse to accompany the feisty women on their cruise as a safeguard, not to babysit them.

When a few stomachs growled, it was decided rather than risk another scene in one of the hotel restaurants, they would order room service.

Everyone was somber as they ate, Darren’s condition likely weighing on everybody’s mind. “Luke, you and Abbey need to start making wedding plans. You said you wanted to get married as soon as possible, didn’t you?” Darren asked.

Abbey wasn’t so sure how fast they should move now. With Darren’s surgery coming up and his treatments following, maybe they needed to reconsider their timeline. She wanted Darren to be able to enjoy the day with her and Luke.

“No, Abbey, don’t second-guess your plans. Move forward. I’ll do my best to be there with you both in person, but if I can’t be, with your technical know-how, we can live stream the entire day so I won’t miss anything,” Darren insisted and then took a bite of grilled chicken.

Luke picked up his cell phone and scrolled through his contact list until he found what he was looking for. “You good with having our reception at Cucina Antonetti’s, too, but at their Barrington location?”

Jake and Cassie’s reception had been so wonderful. Antonetti’s Barrington location was newer and fancier than their Elmhurst restaurant. Abbey didn’t want to step on Jake’s and Cassie’s toes. She didn’t want them to think she and Luke were copying them.

“We’re fine with it, Abbey. They do a great job with weddings and banquets,” Cassie said around a mouthful of steak stir fry.

Luke pressed the call button and put his phone on speaker. After two rings, Carlo Antonetti’s voice came on the line. “Cucina Antonetti’s, this is Carlo.”

“Carlo, it’s Luke Stryker. You’re on speaker with Abbey and our family. I need your help. When’s the soonest you can host our wedding reception at your Barrington restaurant with the large combined room?”

“Congratulations! Let me see what we have. One second.” They heard the click of the keyboard as Carlo must have looked up the restaurant’s event calendar.

Abbey heard Carlo sigh. That didn’t sound good. “Luke, it’s party and wedding season, and the rooms get reserved far in advance.” Abbey’s heart sank. This was going to be a problem. Carlo was right about booking. Jake and Cassie booked their own reception a year in advance.

“Wait, I think I might have something. Does the day of the week matter?” Carlo asked.

Abbey and Luke looked at each other and shrugged. “No, not really. What do you have for us?” Luke asked and took a hold of Abbey’s hand.

“I have the large combination room for you on Wednesday, September sixth. It’ll hold four hundred guests. There’s a small business dinner in one of the smaller rooms. I can block out the other rooms like we did for Jake and Cassie.”

Luke cupped her cheek with his strong, warm hand and looked at her tenderly. “Do we have ourselves a wedding date, princess?”

Abbey felt a tear slide down her cheek. She nodded and smiled at her amazing Viking fiancé. “Yes, we have ourselves a wedding date.” The room cheered and Abbey cried.

“All right, Carlo, mark the groom’s name down as Lucas Morrison.”

Lucas was Luke’s legal first name. Abbey knew Morrison to be his mother’s maiden name. To avoid another fiasco, they would have to be careful. Different names were a must. She didn’t want to think about what kind of extensive security detail they would need.

“Mark the bride’s name down as Leann Reynolds,” Abbey’s mother called out. Leann was her mother’s middle name and Reynolds her maiden name. Abbey saw Cassie immediately make a call and speak in hushed tones.

“All right, we’re set.”

“One other thing, and don’t argue because you know I’m right, Carlo,” Luke began. Abbey had no idea what he meant. “We’ll pay you to close the restaurant for the day. We have no choice and you know it.”

Carlo sighed over the line. “Fine. If you’re not able to find a church, we can remove the tables from the main dining room, set up chairs, an altar, and make due. Call me when you’re ready and we’ll work out the details.”

“Thanks, Carlo. I’ll call you by the end of the week.”

Cassie disconnected her call and clapped her hands. “I spoke to Pastor Jenkins at Grace of God. The church is available for Leann and Lucas on Wednesday September sixth. You can have the rehearsal on Monday September fourth! That’s Labor Day. You should have your rehearsal dinner at Golden Horns.”

Their wedding day was taking shape. Abbey couldn’t believe it. But what about a dress? It took Cassie months to receive hers. “Luke, I won’t be able to get a dress in time.” Abbey felt tears pricking her eyes.

Luke kissed her cheek and flashed her a cocky grin. “No worries, princess.” Luke scrolled through his phone contacts again and pressed the call button.

After the first ring, a southern man’s voice Abbey didn’t recognize spoke. “Asher.”

Kyle Asher? From Golden Horns? The Dom who owned Club Envidious and that Twisted Tea Society ladies social group?

“Kyle, it’s Luke Stryker. I need your help.”

“Hey, Luke. If I can help, I will. What do you need?”

“First, do you have a room on Monday September fourth for my wedding rehearsal dinner? The names are Lucas Morrison and Leann Reynolds. And second, my bride needs a Bellatoni wedding gown. The wedding date is Wednesday September sixth.”

Abbey widened her eyes in surprise. How did Luke know she’d dreamed of wearing a Bellatoni at her wedding? Abbey heard Kyle Asher clicking away on a keyboard.

“I might have accidentally found your wedding folder back in the day, princess. You had magazine pictures of Bellatoni wedding gowns. I vowed to myself that day that you’d wear the Bellatoni gown of your dreams at our wedding.”

Abbey hugged Luke so hard her arms ached. How could this man, her man be so sweet? So accommodating, so considerate?

“All right, I moved a couple things around. I have a room you can use. It can hold up to forty people. I can squeeze in a few more if you need them. For the gown, I’ll give Heather Bellatoni a call. I don’t think getting a nice selection of gowns for your bride to choose from will be a problem. Don’t forget the bridesmaids. Text me everyone’s measurements and an idea of what the bride is looking for in the next couple of days and I’ll pass that along to Heather. I’m assuming we’re talking about that beautiful blonde I saw you with on Facebook yesterday?

Luke kissed Abbey softly, his warm lips heating her blood. “Yes, that would be my princess. I’ll call you in a few days to work out the details for our rehearsal dinner. I’ll text you measurements and preferences as soon as I can. Thanks, Kyle. We appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome, and congratulations.”

Darren texted furiously and then looked up. “Hannah Hailey’s available and on board for us. I’ve texted her the details we have so far.”

“Great. Thanks, Dad. See? This is all coming together. You don’t have to worry, princess.”

Abbey felt hot tears slide down her cheeks. Her heart was full. She was overwhelmed. Luke gathered her in his arms and drew her onto his lap. His body heat and strong loving arms wrapped around her made her feel loved, cherished, and protected. Everyone around them chatted happily about their upcoming wedding and continued eating.

Luke kissed her tenderly, just a soft brush of his lips. It was still enough for her body to respond. She couldn’t wait until they were alone again. Baby making or not.

“It’s all going to be all right. I know it seems overwhelming, but with Hannah’s help and the rest of the family, it’s all going to come together just the way we want it. I’m going to splurge and spoil you, just so you know. And unlike Jake, you will not give me any shit about it, right? You’re going to let me loose without an argument?” He arched a brow, waiting for her reply.

Abbey rested her head on Luke’s shoulder, revelling in the feel of him wrapped around her. She was right where she’d always wanted to be. Although there was still so much to do and the future was uncertain, she knew with Luke and everyone else in the room, they’d make it through.

“No arguments from me, Luke. Consider yourself let loose.”