Page 18 of Dreaming Without Heartache

That hit me hard. I know exactly what he means. “Nothing like having a sibling as a best friend.”

Luke sits in the chair not far from the grill. “Sam told me about what happened to your sister and her husband. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. And now, raising their kids. I know that must be hard.”

“It is tough.” The whiskey isn’t helping enough for me to have this conversation right now. Luke seems like a nice guy. How could he not be, with Sam as a sister? In the short time I’ve been around her, she’s only given me good vibes.

“Olivia sure does love Kara,” Luke says. I’m grateful to him for changing the subject.

“And Kara adores Olivia.” I get up to check on the food. “I offered to help with Sam’s grocery bill since Kara is over there so much.” Luke laughs, light and easy. Not what I’d expect from a guy his size, but it’s refreshing, and something about it pulls a smile from me.

“I want in on the fun.” Steven appears in front of us.

Sam stops next to him. “Luke, please don’t tell me you told one of your dad jokes.” Sam props her hand on her hip lightheartedly.

“Not this time.” Luke lets out a short laugh.

“Let’s not scare them off too soon.” Sam flashes a smile my way.

Steven sits across from Luke. “It takes more than that to scare us off. We’re experts with bad humor.” Steven crosses his legs, watching for a reaction from Luke. “So, you’re a dad?” I knew it was only a matter of time before he began showing Luke attention.

Luke laughs that charming way again. “No. Just an uncle who loves making his niece smile.”

Steven relaxes back, thinking he may have a chance with this handsome guy. “Uncles are the best. I love my girls.” While not biological, he really is the best. Annie always said so. When my sister passed away, Steven was my rock. I wouldn’t know what to do without him.

Steven’s curiosity is piqued. I knew it would be from the moment I saw Luke. He’s totally Steven’s type. I understand his quirks. While he’s loveable, he’s also a wanderer. I wish he’d settle down one day with a true love, but he’s afraid of relationships. He blames it on fairy tales—says they’ve sold everyone a version of love that doesn’t exist, and that it’s all a trap. I don’t think he truly believes it, no matter how hard he protests relationships.

Sam reaches over and squeezes Luke’s arm. “He’s the best uncle. We’re lucky.”

“Can I borrow him? I have a difficult teenager that I need help with.”

Sam’s smile fades. She looks at me with such care that it stills me, drawing my full attention. “Kara loves you so much, Allie.” She places a hand over her chest. Silence settles around us. “We experience grief and loss differently. But what I know, without a doubt, is that those girls need you in their lives. You share a bond that’s unbreakable. Navigating this heartache would be a huge obstacle for anyone.”

I’m stunned by her words. They come from an honest place. I can tell Luke and Steven feel the same. Luke studies his drink while Steven looks from me to Sam.

Steven stands. “Damn. I need a tissue now.” He pulls Sam into a hug. “You’re amazing. I think we’ll keep you.” She hugs him back, then looks at me. When our eyes meet, something tugs low in my stomach.

I head for the grill, needing something to focus on. The moment has gotten to me, and I don’t want to be emotional. As I pass Sam and Steven, still in their embrace, I touch her forearm to thank her for the kind words. I’m not usually at a loss for words, but lately my emotions get the best of me. Growing up, I tried not to cry when our mom was high, when we didn’t know where our next meal would come from or where we’d sleep. Annie looked out for me. I didn’t want to make things harder on her than they already were, so I pushed down my feelings. We were both scared most of the time.

“The kabobs are almost ready.” I baste them one last time. “Be right back.” I don’t look at anyone as I head inside to grab a serving pan. A few minutes alone will do me good. As I rinse the bowl, the back door opens. I had a feeling Steven would check on me. “Are the sides ready?”

“Yes,” Sam replies. I look up, surprised to see her. “Can I help with anything?” She stops across from me on the other side of the island.

“Should we take everything out to the table to fix our plates, or do it in here?” I grab plates and silverware, keeping my hands busy.

“Inside is easier and it keeps the bugs away.” Sam sets the dishes on the island. “Luke and Steven seem to be hitting it off.”

I pause. “Is Luke…” I squint at her.

“Yes.” Sam laughs. “He’s gay.”

“Oh hell.” I grin and shake my head. “Steven’s going to be all over this.”

Sam lets out a soft laugh. I can’t look away—she’s absolutely gorgeous. “It’s obvious to you and me, but Luke’s a slow mover.” She shakes her head. “His last boyfriend went back to his ex, and it kind of wrecked him. I mean, I wasn’t exactly a fan of the guy, but Luke was.”

I look out the window to see Steven sitting with his legs crossed toward Luke, engaged in conversation, his chin propped on his hand. While Luke is rugged and handsome, Steven is the epitome of a beautiful man. His full head of dark hair complements his boyish face and dark brows. He gets hit on all the time by men and women.

“Steven’s happy to take the reins. Trust me.” I smile, knowing full well I’ll hear all about Luke after the evening is over.

“Let me help.” Sam takes the plates and sets them near the food.