He made the drive to Luke’s house, noting how most of the leaves were off the trees. Christmas was coming up fast. And he had no desire or drive to put even the minimum effort forth. He had a guest bedroom closet stashed with gifts he’d already bought for Gloria, a few for her mother, one or two for his own. But his holiday spirit had died when Gloria walked out.

However, that was no excuse for abandoning his friend—dumbass or not—in his time of need. He spotted Luke’s truck in the driveway and pulled in behind it. Knocking once, Aldo let himself in. “Hey, you home?” he called.

His gaze flicked to the dining room where a dozen boxes were stacked neatly and labeled “Harper.”

“In here,” Luke answered from the living room. The dogs vaulted off him to dance around Aldo. He stooped and doled out pats and scratches.

“What are you doing home in the middle of the day?” Aldo asked.

Luke peeled himself off the couch. He looked like shit. Unshaven, bruised, exhausted.

“What are you doing in my house in the middle of the day? And do you want a beer?”

Aldo shrugged. “Sure. Why not?” He followed Luke into the kitchen.

“So what do I owe the pleasure?” his friend asked, opening the refrigerator and pulling out two beers. Beer was the only thing in Luke’s fridge.

Aldo popped the top and took a sip. “You’re probably gonna want to open yours before I say what I have to say.”

Luke’s sigh was ragged. “We’re doing this now?”

“Yeah. So what the hell is your problem?”

“I don’t have a problem,” Luke said.

“You have a huge problem,” Aldo countered, jerking his thumb at the boxes in the dining room. “Is this what you think Karen wants?”

Luke hated nothing more than being blindsided by his dead wife’s name.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Do you think Karen would have wanted you to spend your life miserable and alone?”

Luke made a noise like a growl and strangled his beer.

“I don’t care that we’re not supposed to mention her name around poor, delicate Luke. You’re being a dumbass. As your friend, it’s my job to knock you on your ass when you’re being a dumbass.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Luke drilled a finger into Aldo’s chest. Aldo shoved it away.

“Let’s say you died. You’re dead. Karen’s still alive. What kind of life would you want her to have without you? Would your stupid fucking ghost be happy to see her locking herself away from everyone who loves her? Burying herself in work? Coming home to an empty house every night to relive her misery?”

Luke dropped the beer on the counter and put his hands on his head. “Of course not.”