“If the doctor says you can leave, we’ll bust you out of here,” Noah reassured him. “And I’ll see if Megan can keep Eli tonight so you’re not dealing with him wanting to be in your space.”
Luke shook his head. “No. If we’re really doing this, I want him home with us. I want my family under one roof tonight. But the treehouse might have to wait.”
“I’m sure he’ll understand.”
“Dad! Uncle Luke!”Eli burst through the front door, his backpack falling forgotten as he spotted them on the couch. He skidded to a stop, eyes wide at Luke’s cast and bruises. “Whoa, what happened? Are you okay?”
“Careful, buddy,” Noah warned as Eli approached more slowly. “Luke had an accident at work. He’s going to be staying with us while he heals.”
“Really?” Eli’s face lit up despite his concern. “For how long?”
Luke caught Noah’s eye, a soft smile playing at his lips. “I’m not sure yet, but I think it’ll be a while.”
“Be careful with the hugs,” Megan called from the doorway, carrying Eli’s overnight bag. Noah was grateful she had a key to the house and had stopped by to grab stuff for him in case he’d needed to stay the night at her place. “Remember what we talked about in the car?”
Eli nodded solemnly, approaching Luke’s uninjured side. “Does it hurt a lot?”
“Not too bad.” Luke wrapped his good arm around Eli, drawing him close. Noah didn’t point out that was due to the pain meds they’d given him before he was discharged, along with a prescription they’d picked up on the way home. “Nothing some cuddles and maybe ice cream won’t fix. I bet your dad will even let us watch a movie together since I’m not supposed to be doing anything except resting.”
Noah’s chest tightened, watching them together. How had he ever thought pushing this away was the answer? The way Eli fit against Luke’s side, the natural affection between them—it was everything he’d ever wanted for his son.
“I can help!” Eli bounced on his toes. “I can get you things and be really quiet when you’re resting, and I’ll help Dad make dinner and do chores.”
“Sounds perfect, buddy.” Luke’s voice was rough with emotion. “But first, think you could grab my phone from the kitchen? I left it on the counter.”
“I got it!” Eli darted away, eager to help.
Megan caught Noah’s eye, her smile knowing. “I’ll leave you three to settle in. Call if you need anything?”
“Thanks, Meg.” Luke’s good hand found Noah’s, squeezing gently. “For everything.”
After Megan left, they fell into a rhythm that felt both familiar and new. Noah ordered pizza while Eli showed Luke his superhero artwork, carefully explaining each figure. Luke listened intently, wincing only slightly when he tried to gesture with his injured arm.
“And see?” Eli pointed to the figure he’d drawn of Luke. “I made you extra tall because you can reach higher than Dad.”
“Hey now.” Noah settled beside them with paper plates and napkins. “I’m not that short.”
Luke’s laugh turned into a groan. “Don’t make me laugh. Ribs hurt like a—they hurt a lot.”
“Sorry.” Noah’s hand found Luke’s knee, steadying him. “Need more pain meds?”
“After food.” Luke leaned into him slightly. “Doctor’s orders, remember?”
The doorbell rang, and Eli jumped up. “Pizza’s here! Can I carry it?”
“How about you let me get it?” Noah suggested, already moving. “You can pour Luke a glass of lemonade.”
Watching Eli guide Luke to the kitchen, offering his shoulder for support despite being roughly waist-height, made Noah’s heart swell. His son’s natural instinct to care for others, to help without being asked—it was everything he’d hoped to instill in him.
Dinner was a careful dance of helping Luke manage one-handed while trying not to hover too much. Eli appointed himself official napkin-getter and straw-inserter, taking his responsibilities very seriously. The normalcy of it all—sharing a meal, laughing at Eli’s stories about camp, planning weekend activities—felt like coming home.
“Dad?” Eli asked as they cleared the table. “Is Uncle Luke sleeping in your room again? That way, if he needs help at night, you’ll be right there.”
Noah caught Luke’s surprised laugh, grateful his son had provided the perfect opening for that conversation. “That’s very thoughtful, buddy. What do you think, Luke?”
“Well”—Luke pretended to consider it carefully—“that does make the most sense. As long as your dad doesn’t mind sharing.”
“He doesn’t mind.” Eli’s certainty made them both smile. “He sleeps better when you’re here anyway. He doesn’t walk around at night so much.”
