A Bond Never Broken

Chapter 36

9:00 AM
Luke's house
Saturday,October 24, 2015

I opened my eyes to the sound of birds chirping back and forth outside. The sunlight danced across our bedroom, giving it a pale yellow glow. Luke's arm was wrapped around me, holding me securely. His chin was nestled into my neck and I could feel his scruff tickling my skin. I could hear his slight snores too, which I had finally gotten used to in the last few months. When we first got together, they were a pain in my behind.

I gently moved Luke's arm off of my body and slid out of bed. Slipping into my silk lavender house coat, I walked to the vanity. As I picked up my ring from my jewelry box, I could feel the chills slowly cascading across my skin. I smiled to myself and slipped the ring onto my finger, admiring how gorgeous it was for the millionth time. Every curve and shimmer seemed to speak to me. "This is your future, Caroline, and it's going to be amazing."

I lifted my head as I caught a whiff of bacon. I furrowed my brow and headed to the kitchen. There stood Jordan making breakfast at the stove. Kris was sitting at the island. Their backs were turned to me. I was puzzled as to why they were here to early, but what also stumped me was why they were making breakfast.

"Jordan, Kris, what are y'all doing here making breakfast?" I said, chuckling.

The both turned my way, their faces cracking a smile. Jordan set the pair of tongs she was holding on the counter and quickly came over to me, pulling me into a hug.

"Well," Jordan said once she was done with our embrace. "I didn't have any classes today and Kris' school was closed today because of a power outage."

Kris had now rose from the bar stool at the island and joined us. "Yah Caroline, we figured we'd come and visit you and Uncle Luke. We haven't seen y'all in forever."

I smiled. "Well I'm glad y'all came. That mean I don't have to make breakfast for the kids when they wake up!"

We all laughed, but Jordan slowly stopped chuckling. As she eyeballed my hand.

"Caroline!" She screeched, grabbing my hand and admiring my ring. She looked up from my hand and smiled. "Did Uncle Luke.."

I slowly nodded and a smile formed on the edges of her lips. She immediately brought me into another hug and I chuckled.

Kris squealed and the two of them circled around me, admiring the ring.

"Sit, sit. Tell us how he proposed!" Jordan said, ushering me over to the island.

I sat down and rested my hands on the counter, folding them. Then, I cleared my throat and began to tell the girls how Luke had asked for my hand in marriage. As I retold the story, I smiled widely, reliving how perfect it was, and how loved and appreciated I had felt in those moments. When I finished, Kris and Jordan were grinning, and I swear, seconds away from squealing from excitement.

I turned around as I heard someone groan from pain, obviously trying to stay out of sight and stay in the shadows. I giggled as I noticed Luke standing just around the corner.

"You're caught cowboy, come on out." I chuckled.

Luke limped over the the three of us and slid into the bar stool next to me. He immediately began to rub his big toe.

"I stubbed my damn toe on the wall." He grimaced, continuing to try and sooth his throbbing toe.

I just shook my head and took a sip of my coffee that Jordan had set in front of me.

"Jordan can you get me the sugar and a spoon please." I asked, pointing to the sugar canister. "Oh, and hazelnut creamer please."

She nodded. "Yes, ma'am."