Chapter 10 #2
“Luke, what a wonderful surprise. Come on in.”
“Sorry to bother you,” Luke said. “My family and I wanted to bring you a meal.”
“Perfect timing.” Willa closed the door behind him. “I was just telling Hank I needed to come up with something for dinner.”
Luke balanced the bag in both hands and toed off his shoes. The cozy living room smelled faintly of woodsmoke and menthol vapor rub. Hank had a thick blanket draped over him. The color hadn’t returned to his cheeks yet. He looked like he’d lost some weight too.
“Luke.” His voice was raspy but still carried that trademark warmth. “What brings you by?”
“You,” Luke said, padding over in his socks. “I brought you some of my mom’s chicken noodle soup, dinner rolls, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.” He slid the insulated bag onto the counter that separated the living room from the kitchen. “I’m happy to shovel your driveway if you need it.”
Hank waved him off. “Thank you for the food. Sounds delicious. You don’t have to do the driveway. Our neighbors already offered.” He pulled his beefy hand out from under the blanket and pointed to the worn couch. “Have a seat.”
“I don’t want to intrude,” Luke said. “You need your rest, right?”
Willa took the disposable containers out of the bag and carried them over to the counter beside the stove. “You tell your mom thank you so much.”
“Of course,” Luke said. “It’s the least we could do. You all have done so much for us over the years. It’s time we return the favor.”
“Nonsense,” Willa said. “Hank has loved every minute working for your family.”
She joined Luke on the couch. “You know, I’ve been hearing rumors that you all are thinking of selling. Is that true?”
Wow, that news traveled fast. Frowning, Luke nodded. “It’s true. We’re talking about it.”
Hank coughed—a crackling sound that made Luke wince.
“Hey, big guy, I thought you were getting that taken care of.”
Willa glanced at Hank, her brow pinched. “Believe it or not, this is an improvement. He’s resting and taking his antibiotics like the doctor said. We have a follow-up chest X-ray next week that should give us more information.”
Hank reached for his cup on the side table and took a sip from the straw.
“Hank, I got those parts for the snowmobile. I’m hoping I can get that thing up and running.”
“I’m sure you can.” Hank pressed a button on the side of his chair, elevating the back of the recliner, his eyes twinkling. “Don’t forget to replace the spark plugs.”
“Got it.” Luke pulled out his phone and made a quick note as a reminder. “Say, do you know anything about Gavin Carlisle?”
“Oh, we haven’t seen him in ages,” Willa said. “But isn’t the Carlisle girl back in town?”
Luke nodded. “Emma. She’s Gavin’s cousin and she wants to sell the house, but first of all, those sea lions are taking their dear sweet time leaving, and she’d like to speak with Gavin. There’s some, uh”—he hesitated—“some personal items in the house, and she doesn’t feel right not reaching out.”
Hank’s gaze sharpened. “Gavin and his dad, Seth, never came around that often. Even when Emma’s folks were still here. Well, you probably know that gold miners turn up when they need something—food, a shower, human interaction. So back to the resort…Are you gonna sell?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to, but some of my siblings are ready to move on.”
Willa leaned over and patted his hand. “Then maybe it’s time. Life has a way of happening whether we like the circumstances or not.”
“I know you like to be in control, buddy, but sometimes you have to let go and trust that God knows the path forward,” Hank said.
Luke swallowed hard and rubbed at the tightness in his chest. Funny thing. Hank and Justin sounded almost alike. He respected Hank so much, but the idea of surrendering? Well, let’s just say he wasn’t a fan.
“I know you’re right, but I still feel like I need to fight for what I want.” Luke sighed. “I can’t just sit back and let my family sell something that’s been a part of us for generations.”
Hank’s expression softened. “Fighting is good, but don’t forget to listen too. God has a plan, and it’s a good one. Even if it doesn’t align with your own desires. You’re a good man, Luke.” He paused, his breathing labored. “Remember that it’s okay to seek guidance.”
He wasn’t wrong. Luke rubbed his forehead with his fingertips. The business was on shaky ground, and his relationship with Emma was getting more complicated.
“I appreciate your kindness, Hank, and your advice.”
Willa glanced at Luke, her eyes twinkling. “You’re doing a wonderful thing trying to help that sweet girl figure out what to do about those sea lions. Nobody asked for my opinion, but I bet they’ll move along once the salmon start running.”
“You think so?” Luke studied her. “Why?”
“Oh, my dad used to say that sea lions are the salmon’s biggest threat.” Willa shrugged. “Sea lions love a good salmon dinner just like the rest of us.”
“Huh. Who knew?” Luke stood. “Listen, I won’t keep you guys. If you don’t need me to shovel your driveway, I’ll be on my way.”
“We’re all good,” Hank said. “Thanks again for coming by. And remember, trust the Lord. Each step you take is part of His plan. You’re not alone.”
Luke took a deep breath, allowing the warmth of Hank’s wisdom to seep in. But warmth didn’t make decisions any easier.
“Thanks, Hank. Get well, okay? I need you.”
The older man smiled. “I’ll do my best. Willa’s taking good care of me. Can’t wait to see where God takes you, son.”
Luke collected the insulated bag, then pulled on his boots and stepped outside.
Man, he didn’t like facing the unknown. Didn’t like being in limbo.
And yet, that was exactly where he was. Willa’s comment about sea lions and salmon stuck with him as he headed for his truck.
Salmon didn’t usually show up until mid-May.
If Willa was right and the fish drew the sea lions back into the water, that would be a long time for Emma to stick around.
He couldn’t help but smile.
Not that he’d complain.