Page 120 of Finally Mine
“The diner?” Luke gave Harper a confused look. Understanding dawned bright in Harper’s eyes.
“Oh, you’re good,” she said. “Does anyone else know?”
Aldo winked. “Nope.” He tossed Luke a set of keys. “Your truck is in the lot on the other side of the trees.”
“How did you get his truck here?”
Aldo shrugged. “Gloria and I stole it from the garage last night. You’re one sound sleeper.”
“You riding back with us?” Luke asked.
“Nope. Gloria’s waiting with my truck. I’ll see you soon. Glad to have you home, Luke. Later, Harpsichord!”
And with that, he loped off toward the parking lot and his own beautiful girl.
67
“How did it go?” Gloria bounced up and down next to his truck in sweats and a winter coat. Winter was coming. The crisp, frosty morning felt like it was practically here, but she was too excited to hear about Luke’s surprise to wait in the warm cab.
Aldo jogged up and surprised her by picking her up and swinging her around in a dizzying circle. He kissed her firmly on the lips, and she invited his warmth to steal over her. Sweaty, happy Aldo was her favorite of all the Aldos. He was particularly irresistible.
“Love is in the air,” he pronounced, kissing her again before setting her on her feet. “They’re coming to the diner for breakfast.”
“Oh! Good! Wait, what about Joni?” Gloria asked, pausing mid-celebration. “Luke doesn’t know Harper knows about Karen. He doesn’t know that Joni and Harper are friends.”
Aldo shook his head. “Luke’s got to face the past sooner or later. Otherwise there’s no going forward. Harper’s his chance.”
“I hope they can survive this. They’ve both been through so much already,” Gloria said, worried.
Aldo settled an arm around her shoulders. “Sometimes you just have to believe that love will win.” He passed her his phone. “And love looks a lot like this.”
Gloria glanced at the picture on the screen of Luke and Harper’s embrace. “Oh, wow. You definitely need to save that for their wedding.”
His laugh boomed out over the empty parking lot. Aldo kissed the top of her head. “I’d take you back to them, but if I was reading the signs right, they’re getting naked in the woods right now.”
“We’ll give them some space.”
* * *
Gloria was practically giddy.It felt like Christmas morning watching the Garrison clan settle in for breakfast without a clue of what was about to walk through the diner door. Aldo kept shooting her knowing looks while he carried on a conversation with Luke and Sophie’s brother, James.
Sophie and Ty were wrangling Josh, who kept diving for the maple syrup. “The last thing you need is a pint of sugar,” Sophie told her son. Uncle James snuck another puddle of syrup on Josh’s plate every time Sophie turned her attention elsewhere. Claire and Charlie were arguing over whether Charlie could have a chocolate milk or if he should get the healthier orange juice with his egg white omelet.
“The woman will make me a vegan before I’m dead,” Charlie complained.
The diner door opened, and Gloria dug her hand into Aldo’s thigh. “Sorry I’m late!” Harper called cheerfully. “Do we have room for another?”
Claire was the first to notice the man behind Harper. “Oh my—”
Sophie shrieked and climbed over Ty and Josh. Claire shoved back her chair, almost tripping Sophie as they fought to get to Luke first.
“For Pete’s sake, you just saw the girl two days ago. What’s all the…” Charlie trailed off, turning in his seat.
Gloria’s throat tightened, and she blinked back tears.
James jumped into the action, hugging his brother as the diner patrons broke out into applause.
“Best surprise ever,” Gloria whispered to Aldo. He laced his fingers through hers and brought their joined hands to his lips.
