“I feel good. Check out the hardware.” Aldo tugged up his pant leg. He saw the hard swallow, the tightening of the jaw, and knew Luke was struggling with memories.

Aldo clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, I’m good. I’m better than good.”

Luke gave a tight nod and then pulled him back for another hard hug. “I’m sorry, man,” he whispered.

Aldo smacked him on the back of the head, joining the manly battle against tears that threatened them both. “Shut up. There’s nothing to be sorry for. Asshole.”

Luke gave him a grin and a shove. “Dick.”

Toying with his victim. Aldo wobbled, flailing his arms, and when Luke reached out to steady him, Aldo danced a little jig. “Psych! Solid as a rock. Thanks to your girl there.”

Luke reached out to Harper, and she snuggled into his side. “She took good care of you?” he asked.

“She even got me a woman.”

Harper rolled her eyes. “Don’t make Gloria sound like a prostitute!”

Aldo checked his watch. “Love to stay and chat, but speaking of my woman, she’s waiting for me. That gives you two about forty-five minutes before you have to be at the diner.”

“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.”