A Bond Never Broken

Chapter 18

It's now been a few weeks since the last mysterious package I had received. Luke and I figured that we were finally in the clear and the perp had lost interest in us and our family. Luke and I have been praying constantly that this had finally been resolved. We've kept that situation under the radar. So far the press hasn't gotten any information yet. Luke didn't need that. I would feel so guilty and horrible for bringing that on him.

Brooke was doing great and her baby bump was definitely visible. Apparently she had been pregnant for at least a month but didn't know it because she gotten pregnant right after her period had ended. Her nausea has toned down a little bit, but she still feels it every once in a while. Morning sickness is what makes her hit rock bottom in the mornings though. It seems like it has its own schedule. She wakes up at five thirty and then it happens, she feels that sickening urge. All morning until seven or so, she is in the bathroom.

"Caroline, babe I need to ask you something." Luke said from the kitchen.

"Just a second." I replied.

I heard the glass door slide shut and knew that Luke had gone outside. I slipped on my knee-high boots over my jeans. We had a chilly blast go through today. I was confused as to why Luke wanted me to come outside. It was nine o'clock at night. It was practically pitch black outside.

I headed to the kitchen and went out the glass doors onto the deck. There was no sign of Luke. I shook my head in disbelief. If he wanted me to come out here, he could have at least maybe, I don't know, waited for me? Goodness he was a pain in my rear end sometimes.

I navigated my way down the deck stairs to the back yard. I could now make out the flickering light against the side of the house and a large shadow which I presumed to be Luke. I went around to the other side of the house and covered my mouth, feeling tears form in the corner of my eyes. It was so romantic. I saw Luke standing in front of the bonfire pit and he was holding out two glasses of white wine, wearing a big, boyish grin. I look beyond him at the chairs and benches set up by the fire in no particular order and noticed a neatly folded blanket atop of one of them. This was an absolutely perfect way to end the evening.

I took a deep breath, opening and closing my mouth, trying to find the words to say. I tried and failed again, giving up because nothing was coming to mind. Luke chuckled and set the glasses of wine down on a mossy stump before wrapping me in his arms, kissing me on the forehead.

He rocked me back and forth before whispering. "Speechless, Caroline?"

I sighed before looking up at him. I could see his two scars in the glow of the fire which made him unique. His eyes were sparkling with love and his smile just melted my heart. "Ohhh... Luke... it's.... perfect."

He hugged me tighter and kissed the top of my head once more. "I'm glad you like it, darling. Now," He released me and placed his hand on my lower back, sending shivers up my body. "Would you care to join me for a glass of wine?"

I smiled. "I'd love to."

Luke held out his hand and I graciously took it, blushing in the process. He was treating me like a queen. I sat down on the bench and Luke handed me my glass of wine and he took a seat next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I swirled my wine in the glass and stared deep in the fire, listening to the crackle and pop and watched the ash float into the air. I shivered and used my free hand to rub my arm up and down hoping to warm myself a little with friction.

"Are you cold babe?" Luke asked. I heard him come up behind me and rub his hands up my down both of my arms causing once again, a warm feeling in my lower belly.

I don't know why I was like this tonight. It's not like Luke made me nervous. Maybe it was how intimate this all seemed. The bubbly wine giving us that slight buzz, the bonfire and blanket. I'm not quite sure.