And then he saw him. A cute, black ball of fur came sliding across the kitchen floor, rolling over backwards when he crashed into the wheel of Luke’s chair. “What the…?” Turning upright, the puppy shook his head dazedly. Prancing back over to Luke, he promptly rested his paws on Luke’s knees and jumped, attempting to climb into Luke’s lap.
“Looks like he knows who his master is,” Jake said dryly, grinning at Steve.
Steve smiled back, watching Luke scoop the puppy up into his lap.
When he managed to pull his face away from the puppy’s wet tongue, Luke stared hard at Jake first, and then at Steve. Rolling his eyes, Luke shook his head with resignation, wrapping his arms around the puppy like he was never going to let him go. “What’s his name?”
Steve grinned. “We’ve been calling him Duke–but you can name him whatever you’d like.”
Luke hesitated. Staring down thoughtfully at the wriggling bundle of fur in his lap, he said, “Sounds too much like Luke–don’t ya think?”
“Yeah, it does,” Steve answered.
Luke’s thoughts were far away, as he scratched the pup behind his ears. “How about Hawk?
Jake cleared his throat. “Hawk, it is, then.”
Steve was quiet, staring at Luke, nodding his agreement.
****
Later that night, when Luke awoke abruptly, he was caked with sweat. He was having one of his damned nightmares again. The horrors of what’d he’d seen–the people, the children, and Hawk dying right before his eyes–the memories were all flashing back through his mind.
Would he have actually resigned if he’d returned to the U.S. before the accident? He’d never know, for sure–but probably. There’d been something unreal about having to bomb a city with actual inhabitants. Granted, they were eliminating evil–it’d been a tactical move. But what about all the innocent victims? He just didn’t think he was tough enough to handle it mentally anymore. It’d been eating away at Luke, even before he’d returned to Iraq for his final tour.
How did Steve do it? Somehow, he’d heard Luke awaken, and was already barreling through the door to assist him into the bathroom.
Ten minutes later, Steve was waiting for Luke to finish up. “You all right?” he asked, brusquely.
“Yeah, I guess,” Luke answered.
Steve frowned, studying Luke. “Tell you what–I’m gonna run you a bath–it might help you sleep a little better. We need to get you back on schedule tomorrow.”
Steve had the water running shortly, and soon, he was switching on the jets for the tub. “Have you noticed–you’re actually getting around much better?”
“Yeah–I’ve gotta little more upper body strength–between the workouts and rolling around in that chair,” Luke added dryly.
Steve nodded approvingly. “Now you know why I didn’t want your chair motorized. You might even be ready for a walker soon–and then, eventually, you should be able use crutches.”
Luke grunted, settling back against the wall of the tub.
Steve left him alone for about twenty more minutes, while Luke soaked in the jetted water. He was startled awake when Steve began lifting him out from the tub. “Hmm,” Luke said sleepily. “Your strategy worked.”
“Usually does,” Steve answered. Within five minutes, Luke had an arm wrapped over Steve’s shoulder as he assisted him back into the bedroom.
Luke halted and grinned, when he saw the puppy sitting on top of the bed. Hawk cocked his head, with his tongue hanging out.
“He’s just been out,” Steve muttered. “I shouldn’t be doing this–he might get spoiled. But I figured a warm body in your bed might help you sleep a little better.”
Luke snorted. It wasn’t exactly the warm body he’d been dreaming about, night after night, over the last year– but Hawk would have to do. As soon as Steve got Luke situated under the comforter, Hawk pranced over to the foot of the bed and settled in.
And Luke fell immediately asleep.
CHAPTER
TWELVE
One week later, Luke was rolling the wheelchair over the planks of the bridge, and following the pathway leading out to the pool overlooking the bay. Steve had supposedly had the water heater for the pool turned on earlier that day. The nights in Crystal Rock were sometimes rather cool, and Luke had been warned by Steve that, if he spent too much time in cold water, his rigorous daily workouts might lead to cramping in his arms and leg.
Steve would allow Luke an hour to swim and return to the house–but he’d added a few stipulations; Luke would have to remain stationed at the shallow end of the pool, and enter the water by way of the wide long staircase and railing, cemented within the surround.
But if any unforeseen problems should occur, Luke was supposed to call Steve immediately on his cell. Keep the phone handy, Steve had ordered.
Freedom felt good. It’d seemed like he’d been under lock and key since the moment he’d awoken in the hospital nearly nine months ago.
After numerous fittings, Luke’s first prosthetic had finally arrived at the hospital yesterday. But it’d hurt like hell when he’d tested it out. His leg was healed, and the swelling was gone–it’d just take some time to adjust, according to Luke’s specialist, Dr. Donnelly. They’d be taking baby steps at first–and Luke would need to work on his balance. He might be able to be fitted with a higher functioning prosthetic in as little as a year–it just depended on how well he adapted.
This was the awkward part, Luke thought, sliding out from his chair, and grasping the staircase railing leading down into the pool. Grunting long, loud and hard, he carefully lowered himself onto the ground. But he was a hell of a lot stronger now–he’d seen it in the definition of his arms and shoulders, when he’d studied his image in the mirror when he’d been shaving earlier that day.
But he wasn’t very pretty. Luke grimaced. Puckering and scars from the accident covered nearly half of his body, even masking parts of his tattoo. Plastic surgery had been recommended–but not because of his looks. The accumulation of scarring tissue from his burns would affect the flexibility of his skin, as Luke grew older–possibly hindering his movements.
The temperature of the water was perfect, Luke thought, as he sat on the steps in the pool. He’d been swimming for therapy at the hospital three days a week for a month. So moving forward like a snake through the water, he synced his sidestroke into a rhythmic crawl.
After a fairly intense workout, Luke returned to sit on the steps nearly half an hour later. He was…content, he supposed. He gazed around him at the beautiful backdrop of the woods, before staring upward at the towering white pines; the setting was a perfect frame for the clear blue sky. This was the best that’d he felt physically in a very long time, he realized, finally admitting it to himself.
Eventually, Luke glanced around him again and sighed. It’d been about forty-five minutes since he’d arrived. If he didn’t return to the cabin on his own, Steve would come looking for him soon.
Scooting backwards up the steps, he reached for his towel, lightly rubbing off droplets of water from his thighs and calf. He heard a gasp, as he began pulling himself up into the chair.
Luke turned to where he’d heard the sound. And there she stood, with her hands covering her mouth. He wasn’t really shocked to see her–he’d have to think about that a little later. But damn–he didn’t want her seeing him like this. “Kelly,” he growled. “What in the hell are you doing here?” Jerking upward from his seat, Luke began sliding out the towel from beneath him, so he could cover himself up. By the time he looked back at Kelly, she was running away through the woods.
He was shaking, he finally realized, closing his eyes. When he’d arrived in Crystal Rock, he must’ve known subconsciously she was there from the very beginning–and not just because of the erotic dreams that he’d been having about their one and only night together. The subtle scent of lilac had drifted through the house at the strangest times. And the murmuring of voices when he’d been napping? He suppo
sed that he’d recognized Kelly’s voice immediately–because moving forward, it’d kept him grounded, and somehow reassured.
Luke buried his face into his hands. How in the hell was he was really gonna be able to go on without her? He’d have to try, for her sake. He groaned, considering exactly what she must’ve seen. Even though the redness and swelling was long gone from the joint below his knee, his leg was an ugly sight. She must’ve been horrified at the sight of his shrunken, scarred body, so she’d run away…
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
Kelly had been on her way to the cabin to prepare dinner twenty minutes earlier, when she’d made her regular stop at the pool to sit and relax for a few minutes. The water of the built-in fountain spewed upward for a few hours during the day, so it was a lovely place to just sit and reflect about what was going on in her life. For some reason, running into Luke had been the last thing she’d been prepared for.
She’d hurried to the cabin after Luke had yelled. When Steve had seen her sobbing where she sat, on the steps of the deck, he’d rushed immediately outside through the door to see what was wrong. She’d finally managed to spit out the details between bouts of tears.
“I’m sorry, Kelly. I haven’t been paying attention. I had no idea that you’ve been walking here through the woods sometimes, otherwise I would’ve warned you first. Luke’s been pestering me about swimming there all week–which is a good thing, I’d say.”
Kelly spoke in a woeful voice. “He seemed so mad–when he saw me.”
Steve became thoughtful. “It’s not, I think, that he doesn’t want to see you–he still doesn’t want you to see him. He’s got burns across half of his face and body, and basically a stump for a leg. Well–you gotta know, you saw him when he came out from the water–didn’t you?
What had she seen? Luke’s face had been pale, and his body slightly shrunken–he was a lot less muscular. His hair was longer, and slightly scraggly. But, to her, he was as sexy as ever. “I…no–not really, Steve. I was too busy watching his face–and then I ran away because he began cursing at me.”
“This couldn’t have happened at a worse time. We’ve been working a little on his skills–encouraging his independence–shaving, bathing, toiletry–stuff like that.” Steve rolled his eyes, staring upward at the sky. “He was probably cursing at himself. He’s finally taken a good look at himself in the mirror, and all he sees is someone scarred, sick and scrawny.”
Kelly listened to Steve’s words intently. “I never thought about it like that.” She sniffed, scraping away the tears from her eyes.
“I know I keep saying this, Kelly, but you’re just gonna have to be more patient. Along with the trauma he’s gone through, he blames himself for his best friend’s death, you know.”
“No,” she answered softly. “I didn’t.” She hesitated. “What’s he gonna say if he sees me here, cooking?”
“The more I think about it, the more I’m pretty sure that he already knows you’ve been coming here.” Steve smiled when she appeared to be taken aback. “Why do you think I keep telling you to be patient?”
Kelly sighed heavily. “Alright. I guess I should get dinner started.”
Steve checked his watch. “I suppose I’d better go check on Luke.” He hesitated. “Maybe we should eat later tonight? How about taking Hawk out for a walk–so you’re not here when I bring Luke back through the house, on the way into his bedroom? I think it might be useful to keep up the pretense for now.”
But Kelly was confused, staring at Steve. “Hawk?”
“Whoops–I guess I forgot to tell you–Luke renamed the dog. He thought Duke sounded a little too much like Luke.”
Kelly gave Steve a half-smile, nodding her understanding.
“And this is good.” Steve hesitated, meeting Kelly’s questioning gaze. “Since Hawk was his best friend, this could mean that Luke’s finally coming to terms with Hawk’s death.”
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
For the next month, Kelly focused on work. It was a beautiful weekday morning in July, and she was staring hard at the screen of her computer, in her office at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, when someone knocked before peeking through the door.
“I hate to say this–but you look like shit, Sis.”
“Dan!” Jumping up onto her feet, she rushed into her brother’s arms.
“It’s good to see you too,” he said, gruffly. Gently unwrapping himself from her arms, he gave her a long, hard stare.
Kelly turned away uncomfortably.
“I’m sorry that I left so much of the responsibility for Luke’s care on your shoulders.”
“Don’t be silly, Dan. Jake and Steve have practically everything under control. And Luke’s been having visitors now. Grandpa and Mom and Dad have all been over to the cabin. Even a few of the guys that were in his unit overseas, have come into town to see him.”
“But what about you, Kel?” Dan asked softly “Are you still so sure about all of this?”
“Yes.” She knew she was being stubborn, but it seemed like everyone–including her closest friends–had been trying to make a point about warning her away from Luke.”
Just then, there was another knock on the door, and Jake stepped into the office. Staring down at some paperwork, he began talking to Kelly. “I had a question about a few of these figures…” When Jake looked up, he finally noticed Dan, and blinked. “Oh–hi, Dan. When did you get into town?” Laying his clipboard on Kelly’s desk, Jake reached over, and shook Dan’s hand.
“Just a couple hours ago,” Dan answered. They chatted for a few minutes while Kelly shuffled through Jake’s paperwork, and then pulled up a screen on her computer.
Jake and Kelly began to finally talk numbers for a few more minutes. Once they were finished, Kelly stared at Jake curiously. “I forgot to ask you, Jake–where’ve you been sending off this information to?”
Jake seemed startled. “Didn’t I tell you, Kelly? Luke’s been using your information, and working up proposals for several of the airlines.”
“Luke?” Both Kelly and Dan answered in unison.
Jake grinned. “Yep. I got him set up with a laptop and small office at the cabin–wheelchair accessible, of course. He’s even been making trips back and forth to the airport, checking out the workability of the existing equipment, while he consults with the architect we’ve contacted through your dad.” Jake stared at Kelly intently. “I thought that Steve would’ve told you? You’ve still been checking in with him every day, haven’t you?”
Kelly nodded yes. “I’m usually there when Luke is working out–so Steve and I haven’t had a chance to talk about anything except Luke’s workouts since, apparently, Luke’s become determined to conquer his prosthetic.” But Kelly became thoughtful. This was great–wasn’t it? It looked like Luke was finally thinking about the future. She frowned. His future though–not theirs.
She didn’t have a chance to reflect on the situation any further though. Jake began talking to her about another project that he and his wife were thinking about. “A facility to care for wounded warriors? That’d be a great idea!” Kelly answered fiercely.
“I agree,” Dan added quietly.
Kelly shook her head dazedly. “Isn’t that a lot for you to take on, Jake? You’ve already got Crystal Visions to consider. It has to be difficult raising funds for the kids every year?” Fifteen years earlier, Jake and his wife had created an educational facility in Crystal Rock for physically and mentally impaired children. Eventually they’d added housing, and had recently expanded their services even further, to include a vocational center for both disabled children and adults.
Jake nodded. “Especially with everything Danielle wants included for those kids. Funding’s been limited—we’ve hosted countless charity events.” Jake lifted a brow at Kelly. “And you should know–considering all those fashion events, that you’ve been nice enough to participate in. But I’ve heard the situation might be entirely different regarding a
facility for veterans–we’d probably be eligible for government funding.” Jake hesitated. “Will you be able to handle another project Kelly? I’d like for you to look into financing–and possibly get some additional information together, so that I can make an informed decision when the time comes.”
Kelly grinned. “Not a problem, Jake. I’ve pretty much gone as far as I can with the financials for the airport. We can’t really move forward, until after all of my recommendations are put into place. Believe it or not, I was actually ready to ask if you had anything else for me to do.”
“I’ve also got some other good news–if we decide to go ahead with the veteran facility–Steve Ryder wants on board. He’s planning on moving here from Rice Lake, to start over, when he’s finally finished working with Luke.”
“Aww–that’s great!” Kelly smiled. “I know that he’s never really opened about himself–it probably has a lot to do with losing his wife–but I really do like the guy.”
“He’s got a great resume,” Jake added, turning to Dan with a question in his eyes.
Dan shrugged and grinned. “Don’t look at me–I barely know the guy. But anyone who’s able to motivate Luke definitely has my vote.”
Both Jake and Kelly began to laugh.
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
Luke was regaining his confidence, and had been having regular visitors now. A few of his old friends, as well as most of the Callahan family, had come to see him within the past few weeks. And the town’s chief-of-police, Sam Danielson had stopped by to give him an update about what was happening with his stepbrother, Josh. Even though Josh had decided, years ago, it’d be better for Luke, if he cut off all contact with him, it hadn’t stopped Sam from doing Luke a favor, by keeping him informed about how Josh was handling his time in prison.
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