Epilogue

 

The next day, Monday—1:00 PM at Chicago Cobras HQ

Abbey stood in the lobby of the Chicago Cobras’ headquarters, holding on to Luke’s hand for dear life. Although the press turnout from television, print, and the Internet was a much more organized and civilized affair than the onslaught at the Fairchild Hotel the previous afternoon, her stomach still fluttered and her heart raced. Will I ever get used to this?

Brenna Sinclair stood at the podium, poised and graceful. A star who had just admitted to lying about her relationship to Luke for the last three years and lying about her sexual orientation. The press ate the news up, but to Abbey, they didn’t seem all that shaken up or scandalized. For that, she was grateful.

“So in conclusion, I’d like apologize from the bottom of my heart to my fans for not being truthful with you and with myself. I’ve always tried my best to be a good role model and in this instance, I’ve failed. I’ll work hard to regain your trust and I assure you I will not betray your trust again.”

Brenna turned to her and Luke and gestured for them to join her at the podium. “I’d also like to publically apologize to Luke and Abbey for the stress and embarrassment I’ve caused. Yesterday’s fiasco at the Fairchild Hotel just proves that sometimes I really need a script.” Many in the audience laughed.

“Luke, I can’t apologize enough. You’ve been an incredible friend and I didn’t treat you like I should have. Our friendship means the world to me and you have my word moving forward I’ll do my best to be as good of a friend to you as you’ve been to me. I hope you can forgive me.”

Brenna and Luke hugged while the press’s cameras went into overdrive. It was Abbey’s turn next. She hoped she didn’t embarrass herself. She took a couple deep breaths to steady herself.

“Abbey, I hope that after all of this, you and I can find a way forward as friends. From what I’ve gotten to know about you so far, Luke is a lucky man. Congratulations on your engagement. I hope you can find it in your heart to invite me to the wedding. I would be honored to be there to support the both of you when you become man and wife.”

Brenna opened her arms and Abbey hugged her tight, shaking. “You’re doing fine, Abbey,” Brenna whispered.

When Abbey and Brenna ended their hug, they were barraged with questions about their upcoming wedding. Abbey had memorized everything Luke had told her they would tell the press. Most of it lies to maintain their privacy.

Luke smiled his million-dollar dimpled smile as camera flashes nearly blinded them. He held out her left hand so pictures could be taken of Abbey’s engagement ring. “Only the best for my, princess. Flawless and colorless, everyone. Flawless just like my girl.” Luke kissed her as the cameras continued to click.

“We’re thinking a destination wedding, next spring,” Abbey announced. “Somewhere tropical, most likely.” She hoped she didn’t sound nervous.

“My fiancée and I want to enjoy our engagement a little while before we get busy making wedding plans,” Luke added and waggled his eyebrows. The press laughed, shaking their heads. Abbey’s cheeks heated.

“In all seriousness though, I want to bring my uncle Darren Stryker, or rather my second dad and owner of the Chicago Cobras organization, including Stryker Field, up to the podium so we can get on with the important Cobras business we called this press conference to discuss.”

Luke and Abbey moved aside as Darren stepped up to the podium’s microphone. “Thank you, son,” Darren began. “As you all know, the Chicago Cobras organization was started by my father Bradford in 1927. His love of baseball and the city of Chicago, as far as he was concerned, went hand in hand. He passed the love of the sport down to me and my late brother James who was an Army veteran and a member of the All Army Sports Program for softball.”

Luke squeezed Abbey’s hand. It had been twenty years since Luke’s folks had passed away, but talking about them still wasn’t easy for him.

“When my brother James and sister-in-law Marianne were taken from us twenty years ago, it was my honor to assume guardianship of their only child and my ten-year-old nephew Luke. I can honestly say I do not consider Luke my nephew, but my son. It has been a privilege to watch Luke grow from a devastated little boy to the amazing young man he is now. My boy has taken his love of the game and helped bring Chicago four World Series Championships in the last ten years and has won three Cy Young awards. In addition to that, he’s earned his degree in Business Management and his MBA, in preparation of continuing the Stryker legacy and inheriting the Cobras organization as I did.”

Luke put his arm around Abbey’s waist for support. This was it. The paperwork had already been signed and executed. This announcement was a public courtesy.

“Effective immediately, the Stryker legacy has been passed on to Luke. The ownership of the Cobras organization, including Stryker Field and the children’s foundation, as well as Stryker Real Estate Holdings, has been transferred to Luke. I have full faith and confidence in Luke’s ability to lead the organization moving forward. Luke’s number, twelve, will be retired.”

The press hurled question after question at Darren. They waited patiently for the commotion to die down. “Are you all right, Luke?” Abbey asked.

“I’m fine. It’s a relief in an odd kind of way.” Luke kissed her and they waited for Darren to continue the press conference.

****

Later in the day Monday—6:00 PM at Office Supply Galaxy HQ

Luke followed closely behind Abbey as they were let into the Office Supply Galaxy headquarters lobby. He carried the box she’d put her personal belongings in. He fumed over how OSG was treating his princess. Like she was a criminal. She’d worked her fucking ass off for ten long years and deserved better than this. It doesn’t matter, she’ll be working for the Cobras from now on.

Luke wanted to get this ordeal over with so he and Abbey could join the rest of their family and spend time with Darren before his surgery the following morning. Darren had insisted they all carry on with their plans and let his surgeons and doctors take care of his him. The rest of the week would be busy with truck shopping for Rocco, wedding plans, and Darren’s immediate recovery from surgery.

OSG’s HR rep, a dark-haired woman Luke guessed to be in her late twenties, wearing a black pencil skirt and white blouse, widened her eyes in surprise when she recognized him. The fit middle-aged black security guard grinned and extended his hand.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Stryker. I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle’s condition. I’ll be praying over his surgery tomorrow,” the security guard, Calvin Hudson, according to his name badge, said after shaking Luke’s hand.

Luke’s stomach knotted. He was anxious for Darren’s surgery to be over so his recovery could begin. He was grateful for all the well wishes and prayers. They’d come pouring in since the press conference ended earlier that afternoon. He and Darren heard from the mayor of Chicago, the governor of Illinois, as well as the entire Cobras’ organization, many other MLB and MILB teams, and most of the sports channels. Even Brenna Sinclair had changed her schedule so she could join everyone at the hospital in the morning.

“Thank you, we’ll take all the prayers we can get,” Luke replied.

 “Oh, congratulations on your engagement,” the HR rep exclaimed. “Do you mind if I see your ring? It looked pretty on TV but…”

“Of course, Pam.” Abbey proudly extended her left hand and showed off her ring. Pam gazed at it in awe and Calvin nodded his head and whistled.

“Very nice Mr. Stryker. You know, I played ball back in the day. Earned myself a full scholarship to Northwestern. I was good too. Not quite good enough to go pro, but I earned myself a degree in finance and accounting. With honors. My boys got the numbers bug too, they’re both in college earning their degrees.”

“Yes, that’s right,” Pam added. “Calvin’s working here several nights a week to help with those high college costs. You’re a great dad, Calvin. I hope your sons appreciate you. I didn’t get any support from my parents. Barely any encouragement at all. But I did what I had to and didn’t incur too much debt since OSG’s tuition reimbursement program paid for my last several semesters.”

Luke knew Abbey’s entire college education, including her MBA, had been paid for by OSG’s tuition reimbursement program. Calvin and Pam weren’t the asshole corporate heads that treated Abbey like shit. They were just dedicated employees like Abbey had been. Working hard, doing their best. The Cobras organization had a similar policy, if not even more generous. They encouraged their employees to seek higher education.

Abbey looked at him, a gleam in her eyes. “When you went over the organization particulars with Darren, weren’t there openings in accounting and HR?”

Shrewd, princess. Abbey was right, there were. The Cobras organization was rated one of the best places to work in Chicago every year. They had an abundance of applicants for every open position, even custodial and Stryker Field maintenance jobs. They paid well, offered outstanding benefits, and expected the very best from their employees. And they got it.

“Abbey’s right. If you’re interested, email Abbey your résumés.” From the excited looks on Pam and Calvin’s faces, Luke had no doubt they’d email Abbey.

“Oh my God, thank you,” Pam cried. “That would be amazing!”

“Thank you, Mr. Stryker!” Calvin enthusiastically shook Luke’s hand, smiling from ear to ear.

The three of them rode the elevator to the fifth floor where Abbey’s cubicle was located, as well as the support desk analysts. Pam and Calvin eagerly saved Abbey’s email address on their cell phones. Luke hoped that asshole Tom Murphy wasn’t lurking around and waiting on Abbey’s arrival.

Luke followed as Abbey made her way through the cubicle rat maze until they reached her space. He much preferred the Cobras’ open concept to OSG’s cubicle wall prison. He’d expected better from the office supply giant. OSG created modern, ergonomic office space for large companies but kept their own employees housed like rats. Luke was grateful that after tonight, Abbey wouldn’t ever have to come back.

Calvin and Pam stood back along a hallway several yards away. “We don’t need to hover and watch your every move, Ms. Jayne. Take your time packing up. It’s company policy that we have to be present.” Calvin frowned and shook his head.

Abbey’s cubicle had been stripped of her company laptop. Luke placed Abbey’s box on the cheap desktop surface while she went through her files, deciding what to take.

Luke smiled when he saw a couple of framed pictures on her desk. One was from Christmas and featured a large group shot of the Jayne family happily smiling in front of a brightly decorated tree. The other was of Abbey’s graduation from graduate school.

Abbey stood in her cap and gown with her good friend and third bridesmaid, Karla Collins. Six months ago, Karla had opened her own coffee shop, Karla’s Koffee Klatch and from what Abbey had told him, served coffee so delicious, it was nearly a religion.

Abbey had just finished putting all of her things into her box when that asshole Tom Murphy skulked into her cubicle. Oh, hell no.

Luke walked right up to Tom, stopping inches away from the dickhead’s face and clenched his hands. “What the fuck do you want?”

“Is everything all right, Ms. Jayne? Mr. Stryker?” Calvin called out.

“Yes, everything’s fine. I’m just finishing up, thank you,” Abbey replied, glaring at Luke.

Tom held his hands up and stepped back. “I know you’re pissed. I just want to apologize, all right? Abbey, your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. The CIO was really pissed that Tim let you go. I wouldn’t be surprised if they ask you to come back.”

That wasn’t going to happen. No way in hell. “Abbey works for me or rather with me now, so OSG can go fuck themselves.” Luke nodded and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

Abbey nudged him with her elbow. “Stop being such a caveman for a minute, will you?”

Tom frowned and shook his head. “Looks like the rumors are true, Abbey. Walmart’s looking to acquire us. With OSG’s extensive retail footprint, the lucrative business accounts, and government contracts—they see a lucrative opportunity.”

Luke had no idea OSG had been in play. He supposed from Walmart’s perspective an acquisition made sense.

Abbey nodded. “So that means this layoff is most likely just the first with more to follow. Update your résumé and email it to me, okay?”

What? What was Abbey doing? She expected him to hire this jerk? Luke had news for his princess. Luke scoffed.

“Stop it, Luke. We’d be lucky to have Tom. You need to trust me on this one. He and I make a pretty good team, professionally, that is. So put your personal issues aside and do what’s best for the organization.” Abbey went on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the lips, smiling sweetly up at him.

Damn it. Luke didn’t want to disappoint her, but Tom? Really? Luke trusted her. Completely. He grunted and shrugged. Fine, he’d consider Tom Murphy for his princess.

Tom had the decency to look surprised and grateful at least. “You won’t regret it. I promise. I know my reputation isn’t the greatest when it comes to women. That’s why I was trying to so hard to win you over. I’m looking to settle down. Looking for more stability. A family too. I thought since you and I worked together so well professionally, maybe we’d work personally too.”

Luke growled and Abbey elbowed him again. Abbey was his and no one else’s. Ever.

“That’s flattering, but I never had romantic feelings for you, Tom. I’m with the only man I’ve ever loved. The right man for me.” Abbey affectionately shoved at Luke and he immediately wrapped his arms around her.

That’s right, Tommy boy. She’s mine.

****

September 6^th—Wedding Day

Abbey stood in the en suite bathroom of the Fairchild Hotel’s honeymoon suite. It was her and Luke’s turn to stay here. She read the results of the pregnancy test Luke insisted she take and tossed it in the garbage.

“Abbey, come on, it’s time to get dressed,” Cassie called out from the bedroom. There was no time to react to the test results. She needed to get moving.

Dressed in her white silk and lace wedding lingerie, made especially for her by the Bellatonis, Abbey walked into the bedroom.

She proceeded through the bedroom to the large living room area everyone was getting ready in. They’d gotten the band back together. Angel, Vanessa, Madison, and Roxanna were busy putting the finishing touches on Cassie’s, Leah’s, and Karla’s hair and makeup.

“Have you ladies decided what you’re going to do with the diamonds in your pretty hair combs?” Luke had replaced the crystals in the bridesmaid’s hair combs with genuine diamonds and had offered to reset the stones into jewelry for them. Their custom Bellatoni wine-colored strapless dresses had a beautifully sequenced lace bodice, similar to Abbey’s gown.

Since Abbey had given Luke the green light at being set loose, all the crystals that had been an original part of her Bellatoni couture sleeveless gown had been replaced with diamonds as well. Since the back of Abbey’s gown was open and draped in sixteen strands of diamonds from just below her neck down to her waist, she was literally dripping in diamonds.

The crystals in the entire form-fitting bodice of her gown that reached to mid-thigh were also replaced with genuine diamonds. The fluffy tulle skirt began at mid-thigh and extended to more than a chapel-length train. Her princess look was complete with a low-height diamond tiara. Abbey truly felt like a princess today.

Karla sighed. “I don’t know. I can’t believe Luke did this for us. I’m never taking this dress off! But I think maybe a tennis bracelet?”

“I think I might go with earrings and a pendant,” Leah contemplated.

Cassie rubbed her nearly five-month pregnancy belly. Abbey thought she looked absolutely adorable. “I’m not sure, I’ve been looking online for settings. I do like Karla’s tennis bracelet idea though.”

Abbey’s cell phone rang from one of the living room tables. Karla leaned over to see who it was and blushed. It must be Tom Murphy. Whatever was going on between the two of them, they were keeping it close to the vest.

“Put it on speaker. Roxanna, you’re going to help me get into my dress,” Abbey asked, ready to head to the church and Luke.

Roxanna nodded enthusiastically and held up her hands. “Just washed my hands. I’m ready.”

“Hey Abbey,” Tom Murphy called out from her cell phone speaker.

Abbey carefully stepped into her dress while Roxanna held it open for her. “Tom, tell me everything’s set up and ready to go.”

“We’re all set. Everything’s been tested. We can stream from the church and from Antonetti’s in Barrington. Darren’s at the church already. He’s feeling pretty well, considering. We have his cane and his wheelchair in case he needs them.”

What a relief. Darren’s treatment post-surgery had been progressing well. They were all pleased with his progress to date and thrilled he felt well enough to attend the wedding. So far so good.

“Thanks so much, Tom. Luke and I really appreciate it. We’ll be heading to the church soon.”

“Happy to help. I’ll see you soon. Looking forward to seeing you your designer gown, Karla,” Tom said before ending the call.

Karla turned a deeper shade of red and everyone laughed. Roxanna hooked all the diamond strands in place and stood back.

“Wow,” all the women in the room said in awe.

“Abbey, the champagne-colored bottom half of your gown really sets off the diamonds. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” Cassie observed.

From what Abbey could see herself, Cassie was right. Roxanna carefully placed Abbey’s diamond tiara on her head, her hands shaking slightly. Abbey knew better than to tell anyone how much what she was wearing was worth. Luke had been smart and had her dress, tiara, and engagement ring with matching wedding band insured.

Abbey stood with a smile on her face as all the women in the room snapped pictures with their cell phones. She couldn’t wait to see what the professional photographer’s pictures would look like.

About thirty minutes later Abbey, her bridesmaids, little Amy dressed in a matching flower girl’s dress, and her father stood in front of the closed vestibule doors at Grace of God Lutheran Church. The ceremony was due to begin soon.

Her father leaned in close. “So tell me again about this resort Luke bought you?”

“What’s a resort?” Amy asked.

Just then, Hannah and her assistant approached. Hannah was dressed in a lovely form-fitting, Kelly-green lace, off-the-shoulder, tea-length cocktail dress. Hannah had not only helped to organize Abbey and Luke’s wedding, but she was also attending as Rocco’s date. Abbey had high hopes for the Marine and event planner.

“We’ll be starting in just a few minutes. Rocco mentioned something about a swanky resort Luke bought you,” Hannah added.

Abbey’s cheeks heated. Luke had taken being let loose to a new level. “Actually Stryker Real Estate Holdings bought it. It’s called Providence St. Lucia. It’s an exclusive, private, luxury boutique resort. It’s so expensive to stay there that only celebrities, professional athletes, and the rich and famous can afford it. Five of its VIP suites have been permanently reserved for our families’ use only. Our family and any guests we bring will get their entire stay comped, including food, alcohol, spa treatments, and excursions.”

“Holy shit. Sorry, Amy. I said a bad word. Don’t repeat that, all right?” Leah said, shaking her head at Amy.

“I won’t, but Daddy says it sometimes,” Amy said and shrugged.

Abbey’s father looked at her, uncertain. “So after you and Luke return from your two-week honeymoon, would it be all right if I brought your mother there? A second honeymoon for us?”

“There are five luxury suites. You can go whenever you want. But yes, I think it would be great if you and Mom went. Any of you. That’s why Luke had the holding company buy it. We just finalized the reservation process that our family will need to use. I’ll forward it to everyone when we get back.” Abbey was delighted by everyone’s happy expressions.

Yes, purchasing the resort had been way over the top, but it was an opportunity Abbey and her family would have never had otherwise. It would also bring in a substantial income.

Pachabel’s Canon in D began to play and Hannah and her assistant opened the vestibule doors. Karla started down the aisle and Abbey felt a sense of peace and calm wash over her. There was nothing to be nervous about. She’d been waiting for this day for what felt like her entire life.

Before she knew it, the bridal march began to play and everyone inside the church stood. Her father, beaming with pride, led her slowly down the aisle to the man her heart and soul knew to be hers.

In addition to family and friends, those in attendance included Cobras team members, other professional athletes, A-list celebrities—including Brenna Sinclair—and even the handsome big bad southern Dom Kyle Asher. Abbey tried not to be intimidated by their extraordinary guest list.

Abbey’s attention was fully on her big, sexy Viking groom dressed to the nines in his charcoal gray tails. She noticed joyous tears streaming down Luke’s cheeks. She laughed when she saw Jake’s top hat had made an encore and was currently on Rocco’s head.

A teary, speechless Luke shook her father’s hand and hooked their arms, leading her to Pastor Jenkins. “The men in this family sure are emotional, aren’t they?” Pastor Jenkins chuckled along with the ceremony attendees. “Who gives this sparkling young women to this emotional young man?”

“My wife and I do,” Abbey’s father proudly called out behind her.

Abbey smiled at her emotional hunk of a Viking groom. Her heart swelled with love and joy. She took Luke’s hand, lacing their fingers together, and placed their joined hands on her stomach. Luke’s eye grew wide with acknowledgement.

In front of God and Luke, Abbey could now rejoice in the fact that a little life was growing inside of her. A piece of each of them, only but a tiny speck at the moment, would grow to become what Abbey knew would be an amazing person. She didn’t know if Luke’s conversation with their baby makers would end up making any difference as to the gender of their first child, but to her, that didn’t matter.

The beginning of their family and their lives together started today. Abbey wasn’t sure what to expect, but she couldn’t wait to see what their future held. Knowing Luke, it would be one hell of an adventure.

****

Five years later—Darren’s Dugout Bar and Grille ribbon cutting ceremony

 

Luke and Abbey’s one-year-old, Evan, held on to him for dear life, facing away from the photographers trying to get that elusive shot of the youngest Stryker boy. From the start, Evan had not been a fan of getting his picture taken unless it was taken by a family member. Their youngest was shy, like Abbey had been in the beginning.

Ethan, their four-year-old, was standing a few feet away next to his Grandpa Phil hamming it up for the crowd. He happily waved and flashed the famous dimpled Stryker smile much to the delight of the press. Rocco and Hannah’s dark-haired three-year-old, Rocco Junior, or RJ as the family called him, waved and smiled along with Ethan. It was cute as shit.

They couldn’t have asked for a nicer day in Chicago in early September. It was an unseasonably warm eighty-two degrees and mostly sunny. The perfect day for the ribbon cutting of Darren’s Dugout Bar and Grille.

Everyone around him was in a festive mood, but Luke’s heart ached. Having his Uncle Darren by his side during the ribbon cutting ceremony would have made the day truly perfect. Unfortunately it wasn’t mean to be.

Darren had passed away six month ago. His cancer had returned and spread quickly, ultimately taking his life. He’d survived four and a half years after his initial cancer diagnosis. At least he’d had the chance to be a grandfather to Ethan and Evan for a little while. Luke had plenty of pictures to look back on.

Sadly, Darren would never have the chance to meet his third grandchild. Abbey was due any minute from a rescheduled OB/GYN appointment. They would find out the sex of their third child today. Luke already knew it would be a girl. His little Shieldmaiden. Two boys then a girl. That had been the plan. They had their two little Vikings already. They were two thirds of the way there. Luke had asked Rocco to take Abbey to her appointment as a precaution.

Luke was comforted by the family, friends, and Cobras colleagues who surrounded him as they waited to begin. Darren’s Dugout Bar and Grille was a tribute to its namesake, Darren Stryker. A friendly and inviting sports bar and grill where people could come and shoot the shit about sports, preferably baseball, enjoy a drink or five, and eat delicious food from standards like burgers, wings, sandwiches, and wraps, to comfort food favorites like baked potato soup, meatloaf, and macaroni and cheese. Luke’s stomach growled.

What was taking Abbey so long? What if something happened to her? Or the baby? Did Rocco get into a car accident? Luke’s stomach roiled, and he shook. If something happened to Abbey or their little girl, he’d fucking lose it. His baby boy seemed to sense his unease and whimpered in his arms. He held him tighter.

Luke was about to hand Evan over to Jake, who was standing next him with Cassie, when he saw his princess’s golden mane in the crowd, along with Rocco making room for her to pass. Thank God. She’s all right, calm down.

Luke rubbed Evan’s back in small circles, hoping to calm the boy down. “Look Evan, Mommy’s coming.”

Evan immediately stopped fussing and turned is head slightly to take a peek. “Come on, Evan, smile for us. Just once!” The press gave it a shot but his little boy wasn’t giving an inch. Not yet. He’d bet all the money the restaurant earned on their opening day Abbey could coax a little smile out of Evan for the cameras.

Yeah, Evan was a bit of a mamma’s boy. So what? Luke and Ethan adored her too. They were a close little family unit. Just like Luke had envisioned.

“Sorry we’re late. There was an accident on the way,” Rocco apologized.

“Daddy!”

Rocco smiled over at his son and went to join him and Hannah.

Evan, keeping his head turned away from the cameras, stretched out his little arms to Abbey. Abbey happily took him from Luke and held him tight. Luke kissed her as the cameras continued to shutter.

“I’m so glad you’re here, baby. So, tell me what I already know. Is our little Sheildmaiden on the way?” Luke asked as he was given an oversized pair of scissors for the ribbon cutting.

Abbey said nothing for a minute then finally shrugged and nodded. “Yes, she is.”

“I knew it! Hey everyone, we’re having a girl,” Luke shouted to the crowd. “Two boys then a girl, just like I planned it!”

The crowd cheered. He and Abbey laughed as they got ready to cut the yellow ribbon and officially open Darren’s Dugout.

“Abbey can you make Evan give us a little smile this afternoon?”

“Let me see,” Abbey told the press. “Sweetie, can you give everyone a cute little smile?” Evan whimpered, keeping his head turned away from the photogs. “For Mommy? One little smile? We’ll smile together, how about that? Please?” Abbey kissed Evan’s cheek and he sighed, about to give in.

Evan turned to the photographers with a frown on his face. “Will you smile with Mommy, Evan?” Abbey smiled brightly for the cameras and Evan, being the little stinker he was, flashed the hungry press a cocky little grin for just a few seconds and then turned away again.

Phil brought Ethan over to join their little family group. Luke laughed at his youngest, hugged Abbey tight, and held on to Ethan’s hand. This is my family. I’m so fucking lucky.

Luke positioned the large scissor blades over the yellow ribbon being held for him. “Thank you for joining us today. I’m going to keep this short, since so much has already been said about my Uncle Darren, my second father, these last six months since his passing. I would like to dedicate Darren’s Dugout not only to Darren Stryker, but to my folks and the entire Stryker family. May you all find good conversation, a delicious meal, and a great time whenever you stop by.” Luke cut the ribbon to enthusiastic applause, flashing cameras, surrounded by everyone who meant the most to him.

Just then, the sun peeked through some slow passing clouds. Luke couldn’t explain how he knew, but he felt and recognized the presence of his family members who were no longer with him. Tears sprang to his eyes as they communicated their love to his heart and soul. He felt the words they said that no one else could hear.

We’re proud of you, Luke. We love you. 

Luke closed his eyes and looked up, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face, basking in his family’s love and praise. His heart and soul spoke back. I love you, too.

 

The End