He retreated to the back porch, needing air. The morning’s humidity had burned off, leaving behind the kind of perfect spring day that usually energized him. But today, everything felt too bright, too real, too…
“He’s been waiting to call you that.” Jenna’s voice made him jump. She joined him on the steps, her presence surprisingly comfortable. “He asked me last week if it was okay since that’s who you are to his friends.”
Luke’s throat felt tight. “Jenna, I?—”
“You’re good for them.” She cut him off gently. “Both of them. Noah’s lighter when you’re around, more himself. And Eli? He talks about you constantly. The amazing Mr. Luke who can fix anything, who makes his dad smile, who treats him like he’s smart enough to understand things.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” The admission slipped out before Luke could catch it. “I don’t… I can’t…”
“Can’t what? Be the person they already see you as?” Jenna’s smile held no judgment. “Sometimes the scariest thing is letting ourselves be loved. Trust me, I know. And if I’m being honest, you’re exactly the type of person I want taking care of my guys when I’m not here. Noah and I might not have worked out as acouple, but he’ll always be my best friend. Just promise me you won’t string them along if you don’t feel the same way.”
“Never.” It was one of the easiest promises he’d ever made. He might not know if things would work out between him and Noah, but he’d do whatever it took to never break either of their hearts. Inside, Luke could hear Eli’s laughter mixing with the sounds of renovation. Noah’s voice carried through the open windows, directing Drew and Finn as they worked on the dining room ceiling. It all felt so natural, so right, so terrifying.
“I should get back,” Luke said, standing abruptly. “Lots to do, and apparently, I have pizza to order.”
But as he moved through the house, coordinating repairs and directing volunteers, Luke couldn’t shake the weight of possibility pressing against his chest. Every time Eli grinned at him, every soft look from Noah, every casual touch that felt like belonging—it all added up to something he wasn’t sure he was ready for.
Something he wasn’t sure he could live without.
The day wound down, volunteers trickling away with promises to return tomorrow. Luke made his excuses, claiming work he needed to finish at home. But as he climbed into his truck, he caught sight of Noah and Eli through the front window—heads bent together over what was probably the disaster map, matching smiles on their faces.
Luke started his truck, hands shaking slightly on the wheel. He needed space, needed to think, needed to…
His phone buzzed.
Thanks for everything today. Eli wants to know if you’ll come over tomorrow to help plan his room colors.
Luke stared at the message until the screen went dark. Because that’s what terrified him most—not the big moments, but the small ones. Planning room colors, sharing meals, being included in their daily rituals. Being part of their lives in ways that went beyond fixing broken things.
Another text appeared
No pressure. Just…we miss you already.
We.
Such a simple word for such a complicated feeling.
Luke put his truck in gear, but he couldn’t shake the image of Noah and Eli through the window. Of Keaton’s knowing looks and Jenna’s gentle understanding. Of everything he’d been running from, everything he suddenly, desperately wanted.
Everything he was terrified of ruining.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Noah helpedMegan’s husband drag bases from the equipment shed early Saturday morning. Around them, other parents were marking baselines and setting up the small bleachers that had probably been around since Noah played T-ball on this same field. The familiar scent of fresh-cut grass and morning dew brought back memories of his own childhood springs spent here.
Most days, he’d have been annoyed by having the early game, but today, he looked forward to getting T-ball out of the way so he and Eli could spend the rest of the weekend painting his bedroom and the upstairs bath. The past three weekends had been a frenzy, with all of their friends showing up to help with repairs around the house. It was touching to see how the community had come together to help him save money, and it was all thanks to Luke putting out the word.
“Heads up!” Drew called as he tossed Noah another base. “Your boy’s looking good in practice. He’s got a natural swing.”
Noah smiled, remembering how Eli had practiced in their backyard until his little arms were tired. “He’s determined. Though I think he mostly likes it because Livy plays.”
“Yeah, well, your kid’s got better taste than mine.” Drew laughed, referring to his older son’s recent declaration that baseball was “boring” compared to video games. “Speaking of taste…” He nodded toward the parking lot where Luke’s familiar truck had just pulled in. “Didn’t expect to see my brother-in-law at the kids’ T-ball game.”
Heat crept up Noah’s neck. “He, uh, mentioned he might come watch Livy play.” Megan and Drew’s youngest being on the same team as Eli was an easy cover for Luke to spend time with them.
“Uh-huh.” Drew’s knowing smile made Noah wonder just how much Megan had told her husband. “Then explain to me how his sudden interest in early morning T-ball coincides with the two of you getting closer.”
Before Noah could respond, Eli’s excited shout carried across the field. “Mr. Luke! You came!” He launched himself at Luke, who caught him with practiced ease, swinging him around like they’d done this a hundred times.
