As Eli followed Keaton to where the upper cabinets waited, Luke felt Noah’s presence behind him. Strong hands settled on his shoulders, thumbs working gently at the tension.
“Happy?” Noah asked softly.
Luke covered one of Noah’s hands with his own, watching their family work together to build something lasting. “More than I ever thought possible.”
“Heads up!” Drew called as he maneuvered past with another cabinet. “Coming through!”
Luke shifted his stool closer to the wall, watching the controlled chaos. The kitchen had transformed in just a couple of hours—new cabinets lined most walls, waiting for doors and hardware. Eli had appointed himself official tool fetcher, proudly wearing the small tool belt Keaton had brought him.
“Need a refill?” Noah appeared beside him, fresh coffee in hand.
“I’m good.” Luke caught Noah’s hand, tugging him closer. “But you could stay a minute. Keep me company?”
Noah’s smile was soft as he settled on the stool Eli had abandoned earlier. “How are you holding up? Need your pain meds?”
“Nah, I’m—” Luke cut off at Noah’s knowing look. “Okay, maybe. But I can wait until lunch gets here. Keaton said he’s grabbing food from Brew & Barrel.”
As if summoned by their name, the door opened to reveal Jules carrying bags of food, followed by Keaton with drink carriers. Luke didn’t miss the way Keaton’s usual gruff expression softened as Jules handed out sandwiches, their fingers lingering when they passed him his order. He smirked, making a mental note to give Keaton shit about the fact he’d run out to pick up lunch and somehow managed to bring back the server he’d never admit to being interested in.
“Interesting,” Noah murmured, following Luke’s gaze.
“Right?” Luke kept his voice low. “Did you know Jules took him dinner at the office the night of my accident?”
“Uncle Luke!” Eli’s excited voice interrupted their gossip. “Look what Mom brought!”
Luke turned carefully to find Eli and Jenna carrying bags from the hardware store. “Marc said to tell you he’s got those specialty hinges you ordered coming in next week,” Jenna said, setting down her bags. “And someone asked about Eli joining the soccer team this fall.”
“Can I, Dad?” Eli bounced on his toes. “Please? Mom says she’ll come to my games when she’s home!”
Noah laughed, ruffling Eli’s hair. “We’ll talk about it later, buddy. Right now, let’s see what else Mom brought.”
Luke watched them dig through the bags, Eli’s excitement infectious as he showed off new drawer pulls and cabinet hardware. The easy way they included each other and the natural flow of co-parenting between Noah and Jenna made something warm settle in Luke’s chest.
“It’s so cool to see divorced parents getting along,” Jules said quietly, appearing beside Luke with his sandwich. “I’m glad the two of you worked things out.”
Before Luke could respond, Keaton called out, “If you two are done gossiping, we could use another set of eyes on these lower corner pieces. Lord knows I’m not going to bring in the countertop before you give your stamp of approval.”
“You’d be the same way if it was your house,” Luke shot back. If he didn’t make sure things were perfect now, he’d inevitably find something that would bug the hell out of him in the future.
The kitchen was filled with the sounds of people eating and talking, sharing stories and laughter. Luke found himself watching Keaton with Eli, noting how his usually brusque demeanor gentled when explaining things to the boy.
“He’s good with kids,” Noah observed, settling back beside Luke. “Who knew?”
“He’s a lot like his dad that way,” Luke said softly. “He’s got a big heart under all that gruffness.”
As if hearing them, Keaton looked up and caught Luke’s eye. His expression softened briefly before he turned back to whatever Eli was showing him.
“Mom!” Eli’s voice carried across the kitchen. “Can we get ice cream later? After we’re done helping?”
“Actually.” Jenna glanced at her watch. “We should probably head out soon if we want to make it to the water park today.”
Luke felt Noah tense beside him. Even though they’d discussed Eli spending a week with Jenna, the reality of him being away was still difficult. Luke reached for Noah’s hand, squeezing gently.
“But I want to help more,” Eli protested. “Uncle Keaton says I’m the best assistant.”
“And you have been.” Keaton crouched to Eli’s level. “But you know what? Your mom really wants to spend time with you. If I could, I’d go to the water park instead of working all day.”
Eli considered this, his face scrunching in thought. “I guess. But I don’t want to miss anything here.”
