“I’m glad you picked Mr. Luke to date. He’s way nicer than Mason’s stepmom. She helps out in our class, and she’s scary.”
Noah laughed, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. “Thanks, buddy. I’m glad you think so.”
They pulled into their driveway, where a stack of lumber awaited weekend projects. Evidence of Luke’s presence in their lives was everywhere—the repaired porch railing, the fresh paint on the window trim, the batting tee set up in the backyard.
As they headed inside, Eli asked, “Can I help you pick out clothes for your date? Mom says you need help sometimes.”
“Oh really?” Noah ruffled his son’s hair, heart full of love for this amazing kid who took everything in stride. “And what else does Mom say about my fashion choices?”
“That you dress like an old man.” Eli’s grin was impish. “But Mr. Luke doesn’t seem to mind.”
No, Noah thought as he followed his son upstairs, Luke didn’t mind at all. In fact, if the appreciative looks he got when wearing certain shirts were any indication, Luke rather liked the way he dressed.
“Stop messing around,” Eli commanded from his perch on Noah’s bed. How seriously Eli was taking helping him get ready for tonight’s date eased Noah’s nerves. “Your hair looks good like it is.”
Noah forced his hands away from his carefully styled hair. “Since when are you the fashion expert?”
“Since forever.” Eli bounced slightly, making the bed creak. “Mom says I get my good taste from her.”
His choices for school attire said otherwise, but Noah loved his son’s confidence. Maybe it was a case of selective fashion sense.
“Is that so?” Noah adjusted his blue button-down—the one Luke had once commented made his the gold flecks in his brown eyes pop. “And what does your mom say about my taste?”
“I told you, she said you dress like an old man.” Eli’s grin was infectious. “But Mr. Luke looks at you like you’re super handsome anyway.”
Heat crept up Noah’s neck. Leave it to his six-year-old to be more observant than half the adults in his life. Before he could respond, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it!” Eli grabbed his backpack, already thundering down the stairs. “Come on, Dad! Mr. Luke’s going to be here soon!”
Noah followed at a more sedate pace, finding Rachel in the entryway. She took in his appearance with a knowing smile. “Well, well. Someone cleans up nice.”
“Aunt Rachel!” Eli tugged at her sleeve. “Dad’s nervous about his date. But I told him Mr. Luke already thinks he’s handsome.”
Rachel’s laugh was warm. “Out of the mouths of babes.” She squeezed Noah’s arm. “Have fun tonight. We’ve got everything covered here.”
“You sure?” Noah helped Eli with his jacket. “He has a math worksheet to finish and needs to practice his spelling words. And he’s got a book in his backpack that he can read to you from. But if you can’t?—”
“Dad.” Eli sighed heavily. “I know what I need to do. And if I get it done quick, Aunt Rachel said we can watch a movie and have ice cream before bedtime.”
“That’s right.” Rachel shepherded Eli toward the door. “And your dad needs to quit stalling. Luke will be here soon.”
Noah knelt to hug Eli goodbye. “Be good for Aunt Rachel, okay?”
“I will.” Eli squeezed tight, then whispered, “Have fun on your date, Dad. Tell Mr. Luke I said hi.”
Noah’s throat felt tight as he watched them leave. The house seemed suddenly quiet, empty in a way it hadn’t since they’d moved in. But for once, the silence felt like possibility rather than loneliness.
His phone buzzed.
On my way. Hope you’re ready for the best first date ever.
That’s a pretty big promise. I hope you can deliver.
Noah smiled, warmth spreading through his chest. Yeah, he was ready. Ready for whatever came next.
Luke’s knock was different tonight—hesitant, almost shy. Noah opened the door to find him holding a single red rose, his usual confident grin softened by nervousness.
“I know you said roses plural,” Luke said, offering the flower. “But I figured quality over quantity?”
