Page 91 of The Long Way Found

Luke paused again and turned to look at Jack. “He said, ‘You’re the anchor he’s been looking for, Son.’”

Jack was silent for the rest of the drive, with a look of surprise that froze on his face: wrinkled eyebrows, mouth open in an O.

Jack pulled into Luke's driveway and put the Jeep in park. He sat there, staring straight ahead.

"He called you 'Son,'" Jack said finally.

"Yeah." Luke's voice was soft. "He did."

They sat in the still darkness.

Jack turned to Luke. "I won't let you down again. I won’t.”

Luke reached across and took Jack's hand.

“I’m gonna let you get some sleep tonight,” Luke said. “That was a lot to process.”

“Probably a good idea,” Jack said. “You’re so special, Luke. I love you. I do, I really do.”

Luke kissed him softly, said, “I love you, too,” and opened the door to leave.

CHAPTER 34

LUKE

He got home from his meeting and plopped onto the couch as Marley shuffled to his own bed in the corner. Luke felt alert and grateful. No anxiety.

Last night with Jack's parents had been profound. The Colonel calling him "Son." Jack's promise not to let him down.

And now Luke wanted Jack back in his house, in his bed, pressed up against him until there was no space left to misread.

That clarity was gold, and it strengthened his resolve to be clearer about what he wants moving forward.

Luke texted Jack.

“Good morning. Thanks again for last night. You were so thoughtful and sweet. And that burrata!”

He put the phone down and went to start a pot of coffee, but the phone chimed back at him before he could.

“Hi! Thanks. You're the sweet one. I'm still smiling.”

"I want to see you today.”

“Really? Same here. What do you want to do?”

“Can you come over to my place at noon?”

“Anything you say.”

Luke looked at that for a second, then typed:

“And bring a toothbrush.”

There was a pause longer than the others, then:

On my way.

Luke took his time getting ready. A long, hot shower, his favorite shampoo, soap, and lotion, top to bottom, a slow shave. He stood in front of the mirror, wrapped in a towel, and assessed his pecs and shoulders—full, rounded, balanced. His abs caught the light when he shifted.