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Luke rubbed Evan’s back in small circles, hoping to calm the boy down. “Look Evan, Mommy’s coming.”
Evan immediately stopped fussing and turned is head slightly to take a peek. “Come on, Evan, smile for us. Just once!” The press gave it a shot but his little boy wasn’t giving an inch. Not yet. He’d bet all the money the restaurant earned on their opening day Abbey could coax a little smile out of Evan for the cameras.
Yeah, Evan was a bit of a mamma’s boy. So what? Luke and Ethan adored her too. They were a close little family unit. Just like Luke had envisioned.
“Sorry we’re late. There was an accident on the way,” Rocco apologized.
“Daddy!”
Rocco smiled over at his son and went to join him and Hannah.
Evan, keeping his head turned away from the cameras, stretched out his little arms to Abbey. Abbey happily took him from Luke and held him tight. Luke kissed her as the cameras continued to shutter.
“I’m so glad you’re here, baby. So, tell me what I already know. Is our little Sheildmaiden on the way?” Luke asked as he was given an oversized pair of scissors for the ribbon cutting.
Abbey said nothing for a minute then finally shrugged and nodded. “Yes, she is.”
“I knew it! Hey everyone, we’re having a girl,” Luke shouted to the crowd. “Two boys then a girl, just like I planned it!”
The crowd cheered. He and Abbey laughed as they got ready to cut the yellow ribbon and officially open Darren’s Dugout.
“Abbey can you make Evan give us a little smile this afternoon?”
“Let me see,” Abbey told the press. “Sweetie, can you give everyone a cute little smile?” Evan whimpered, keeping his head turned away from the photogs. “For Mommy? One little smile? We’ll smile together, how about that? Please?” Abbey kissed Evan’s cheek and he sighed, about to give in.
Evan turned to the photographers with a frown on his face. “Will you smile with Mommy, Evan?” Abbey smiled brightly for the cameras and Evan, being the little stinker he was, flashed the hungry press a cocky little grin for just a few seconds and then turned away again.
Phil brought Ethan over to join their little family group. Luke laughed at his youngest, hugged Abbey tight, and held on to Ethan’s hand. This is my family. I’m so fucking lucky.
Luke positioned the large scissor blades over the yellow ribbon being held for him. “Thank you for joining us today. I’m going to keep this short, since so much has already been said about my Uncle Darren, my second father, these last six months since his passing. I would like to dedicate Darren’s Dugout not only to Darren Stryker, but to my folks and the entire Stryker family. May you all find good conversation, a delicious meal, and a great time whenever you stop by.” Luke cut the ribbon to enthusiastic applause, flashing cameras, surrounded by everyone who meant the most to him.
Just then, the sun peeked through some slow passing clouds.Luke couldn’t explain how he knew, but he felt and recognized the presence of his family members who were no longer with him. Tears sprang to his eyes as they communicated their love to his heart and soul. He felt the words they said that no one else could hear.
We’re proud of you, Luke. We love you.
Luke closed his eyes and looked up, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face, basking in his family’s love and praise. His heart and soul spoke back. I love you, too.
The End
