AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What if my hearing deteriorates and hearing aids don’t work for me anymore?”
Jake laughed and shook his head. “Dude, Leah knows how to sign better than we do.”
Luke had no idea Leah could sign. She’d never mentioned it. Heath was a lucky man. She had prepared herself for that possibility all long, just like he, Jake, and Heath had.
Heath looked shocked at that. “Really?”
Jake nodded. “Yeah, I saw her at mom’s one day. The news on and she was translating the newscast. She was really good. She doesn’t know I saw her.”
Heath frowned. “Don’t you see? She shouldn’t have to deal with something like that.”
“But she chose to learn without anyone saying anything. That means something,” Rocco stated.
“Relationships are hard even under good circumstances. If things didn’t work out between us, what about our friendship? She’s your sister, not some random woman.”
This time Darren spoke up. “As I see it, as long as you approach a relationship with Leah honestly and make a sincere effort, and if it doesn’t work out, then I’m sure you and Jake will be just fine. Isn’t that right, Jake?”
“Darren’s right. If you both make an honest effort and things don’t work out, you won’t have any issues from me. You have my word on that. I know you wouldn’t intentionally hurt her.” Jake stuck his hand out to Heath. Heath hesitated a moment and shook it.
“I’m still not sure it’s a good idea, but I’ll think about it, okay? That’s the best I can do for now.”
“That’s a start,” Darren said. “Now that that’s settled, I’m going to join Maureen. Good luck, Jake.” Jake and Darren shook hands and Darren left the room.
“How about you guys give me a break and we talk about Mission Abbey,” Heath suggested.
Luke was good with that. “Unlike other people, I’m ready to go after my girl,” Luke said, grinning. Heath flipped him off and everyone laughed.
With a determined look in his eyes, Jake said, “There are too many secrets being kept today, but what can we do to help?”
“I know I missed rehearsal, but tell me how the ceremony is supposed to go.”
Luke listened intently as Jake explained how the ceremony would proceed. He hoped Cassie wouldn’t mind the small changes he intended to make to the processional. It would be the first step in his mission to make Abbey his for good. Luke had been on the ropes for far too long. That ended today.
“All right, I think we have a workable plan for Mission Abbey. Thanks for having my back.” Luke couldn’t have asked for better or more loyal friends than Jake, Heath, and Rocco.
“No problem, you have ours,” Jake said.
Rocco snickered. “Heath, this plan puts you in the line of fire with a certain someone. Think you’re going to be able to handle that?”
“I’ll be just fine, asshole,” Heath snapped back.
Jake laughed and said, “Laugh it up, Roc. You’re seated at Hannah’s table.”
Heath smirked at Rocco. “Think you’re going to be able to handle that?”
Rocco grunted and shook his head. “I’ll be just fine, asshole. I told you I’m not interested in her.”
Luke wasn’t convinced. “Whatever you say, buddy.”
Rocco glared at them all and checked his watch. “I’m going to check on the security detail and take my seat. From what I’ve seen so far, we’re in good shape.” Rocco shook Jake’s hand and clapped him on the back. “Good luck, Jake.”
“Thanks, Roc, for everything.”
Rocco nodded curtly and left the room. Luke was eager to get the events of the day and the weekend started. Too much was riding on this mission. His future happiness depended on a successful outcome.
Shortly after Rocco left the room, the pastor performing the ceremony, Pastor Jenkins, stepped in. He was a tall, thin man with a receding hairline, salt and pepper hair that had more pepper than salt, wire-rimmed glasses, and kind eyes. Pastor Jenkins looked solemn in his black suit and white collar. Exactly what Luke expected from a man of the cloth.
Pastor Jenkins shook all of their hands. “So Jake, we’re almost ready to get started. Your bride is a vision to behold.”
