The room was quiet and still and there was a chill in the air from the fall morning. No birds chirped, as they had all flown away for the winter. His eyes opened to darkness and he spent a moment trying to focus on his surroundings. He shifted slightly feeling a hard body beside him. Reaching up a hand he realized that there was a muscular arm wrapped around him.
A smile crossed his lips as he remembered the events of the night before, and how he came to be wrapped in warmth and comfort. He moved slowly as not to wake the sleeping figure beside him, wishing to watch the rise and fall of his boyfriend's chest. He looked so peaceful in sleep, his lashes long and curled, this was the first time he noticed how long they were. His mouth was parted ever so slightly, and he realized belatedly that this would be the first time they would awaken in each other's arms. He rather liked that thought. This was something he could get used to; watching him sleep in the early morning hours…he was hesitant to awake him, but he knew it was inevitable. They couldn't afford to be lazy today, both of them had hectic schedules at work…and there were people who needed their attention.
Gently he allowed his hand to caress the still face, his fingers coming in contact with soft locks of hair, easily removing them from his face revealing a smooth forehead. He bent down to kiss the smooth surface, his lips brushing against eyelids and cheekbones before settling on the tip of his nose. Finally, and with the softest caress his mouth touched his target, his tongue slipping inside parted lips as he tried to awaken the sleeping figure.
His efforts were rewarded when strong arms pulled him closer and his kiss was returned. Soft moans were swallowed as they feasted, enjoying the taste of each other on their tongues.
That's quite the good morning," Reid murmured sleepily. "I could get used to that."
"Hi," Luke smiled shyly as he rested beside him. "I could really get used to it too."
"How are you feeling?" Reid asked wiping the sleep out of his eyes.
"I'm good," Luke smiled, biting his lip. "I'm really good. You?"
"I'm good." Reid leaned in to kiss Luke softly, his hand cupping his cheek gently as he savored the taste of Luke's mouth. "I should probably get up though...busy day today."
"Yeah, I need to get going too. I have to get home to change."
"You should leave some of your clothes over here."
"Wow, I stay over one night, and you're inviting me to move in," Luke teased.
"Not quite," Reid smirked. "But if you had clothes here we could stay in bed a little while longer."
"Hmmm, I'll take that into consideration." Luke leaned forward and gave Reid a kiss on the cheek before moving to get out of bed. "I better go."
"Meet you in the kitchen?" Reid asked sitting up himself. He lifted himself out of bed and came to stand in front of Luke, who smiled and nodded as he leaned in for one more kiss.
"See you in an hour:"
"Good morning Grandma," Luke greeted when he entered the kitchen an hour later. Reid was sitting at the island drinking a cup of coffee, all the while chatting with Emma who was taking a pan of biscuits out of the oven.
"Good morning, Luke. Do you have time for some breakfast?"
"Just a cup of coffee, please," he said kissing her on the cheek before sitting on the stool beside Reid.
"Hey sunshine," Reid greeted, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Were you having a good conversation with my grandma?" Luke asked smiling.
"She was trying to convince me to come to Thanksgiving dinner."
"You should come," Luke said picking up the mug his grandmother set in front of him. "Thank you Grandma," he said before turning his attention to Reid. "I would like it if you'd be there. You could even meet my mother."
"Should I be excited about that?" Reid raised an eyebrow.
"Hush you," Luke swatted at him playfully.
"I'm used to working on holidays," Reid explained. "But I think this year I could make an exception."
"Really? You will?" Luke asked the excitement clear in his voice. "I can't even begin to tell you how much this means to me."
"You don't have to," Reid commented as he watched the smile light up Luke's face with such radiance. *That's it,* he thought to himself as he sipped on his coffee. *That's it right there. That's why I'm going to do it.*
"Reid?" Luke asked breaking into his thoughts. "Are you okay?"
"Should I not be okay?" Reid asked hiding a smirk behind his coffee cup.
"I've been talking to you for the last five minutes," Luke explained.
"Oh…what did you want?"
"Jerk," Luke laughed as he shoved Reid playfully.
Reid wrapped his arms around him and pulled him in for a quick kiss. "I should get going to work. See you tonight?" Luke nodded, his forehead resting against Reid's for a brief moment before they pulled away completely.
Luke watched Reid leave before focusing once more on his cup of coffee. He was just about to take another sip when he noticed a pair of eyes watching him. "What?" he said looking at his Grandmother who stood with a knowing smile on her face.
"Are you happy, Luke?" she asked coming to cup her grandson's cheek. "Truly happy?"
Luke took his grandma's hand into his and gave it a squeeze, his smile never leaving his face. "Yes Grandma, I truly am."
"Doctor Oliver, could I have a word with you?"
Reid looked up from the chart he was reviewing to see his chief of staff coming towards him. He leaned against the counter and waited for the man to draw closer, wondering what the good doctor could want with him today. "You know," He commented when Bob stopped in front of him, "I will never understand that question. If I were to tell you I didn't have a minute you'd just keep talking anyway so why the pretense of courtesy?"
He could tell that Dr. Hughes was slightly amused by his response, the eyes gave it away. Still the man kept a straight face as he addressed the younger doctor. "I wanted to talk to you about the patient in Room 318."
"Mr. Thatcher?" Reid asked returning his gaze to the chart he held in his hand. "I was just reviewing his case actually. What did you need to know?"
"It would seem that his family is in denial about his prognosis," Dr. Hughes explained. They want a second opinion. I trust your judgment, Dr. Oliver. Do you believe surgery is the only recourse?"
"Without surgery, Mr. Thatcher's chances are slim," Reid explained matter-of-factly. "Surgery is always risky, a fifty-fifty chance at best…but I am optimistic that removing the tumor will greatly improve his chances."
"I see," Bob said frowning. "I knew that would be your answer. Just for the family's sake could you run another CT scan and an MRI so we can explain it all to them?"
It amazed Reid just how much he had changed since his arrival in Oakdale…more importantly since his involvement with Luke. Months ago his reaction to Bob's request would have been one of annoyance followed by a slight eye roll. He could never understand the need to put off the inevitable. Especially, not when all the tests in the world wouldn't change the outcome. Reid was great at the clinical side of things. He knew brains, and the operating room was his playground, but if he had learned anything over the last few months it was that there was a lot more to being a doctor than just being able to use a scalpel.
"I'll get Agnes to set that up right away," he said closing the chart after making a few notes. "And together you and I can reassure the Thatchers that Sean is in good hands. If he has the surgery tomorrow I see no reason why he won't be cutting turkey with his family next week."
"That's what I like to hear," Bob said placing his hands on the desk. "Which brings me to the other thing I wanted to talk to you about." Reid raised his eyebrows but said nothing as he waited to hear what Bob had to say. "Kim and I would like to invite you over for dinner," he stated as if he were saying he was going for a walk. "We don't think anyone should be alone on Thanksgiving, and I know you have yourself scheduled to work that day."
"Actually I have been meaning to talk to you about that," Reid replied amicably. "Hold that thought," He turned when he spotted Ages walking down the hall and spent the next five minutes telling her what he needed done for Sean Thatcher. Bob waited patiently for the young doctor to finish. With every passing day Reid impressed him with his skill, and it wasn't lost on him just how much the doctor had changed. He was softer around the edges, and Bob had a pretty good idea who was responsible for the transformation.
"You had a question for me, Dr. Oliver?" Bob asked when Reid turned to face him once more.
"I was invited to Thanksgiving dinner at the Snyders. Though I will certainly come in if I am needed-"
"That won't be necessary," Bob cut him off midsentence. "I'm sure the hospital can get along without you for a day. In fact…you should go ahead and take the weekend off. You've certainly earned it." Before Reid could respond Bob walked off down the hall leaving Reid to question what just happened.
Luke was typing away at his computer when there was a knock at the door. "Come in," he said without taking his eyes off his laptop.
"This came in the mail for you today," his assistant's voice met his ears prompting him to look away from the computer for a moment.
"Thank you," he said accepting the envelope. He opened it quickly and scanned the contents. A wide grin spread across his face as he placed the paper back in the envelope and tapped it against his chin.
"Its good news I presume?"
"Yes, very good news," Luke said standing to grab his coat. "Thanks Lindsey," He smiled at his assistant before heading out the door.
Reid was standing at the nurse's station talking to Dale and Agnes when he heard his name being called. He had just enough time to turn around before a body barreled against him almost making him fall. Gloved hands cupped his face as he felt warm lips brush against his. Tongues mingled and Reid tasted the distinct flavor of cinnamon and mint…it was like heaven.
"Not that I am complaining," He said when they pulled apart, oblivious to the audience surrounding them. "But what was that for?"
Luke just hugged him, resting his head on his shoulder as he held him close. "Thank you," he said simply. "Just thank you."
The rest of the week passed without much fanfare. Reid performed surgery on Sean Thatcher as planned, and everything worked out the way he had hoped. Mr. Thatcher was recuperating nicely and as promised would be able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with his family. Reid delivered the good news on Wednesday afternoon and was startled by the hug he received from Sean's doting mother. He awkwardly patted the woman on the back not wanting to offend her, but he was very happy when she pulled away.
"Just come in for a follow up in a few weeks," he said focusing on Sean's chart before looking his patient in the eye. "I don't want to see you in here for anything but follow ups you hear?"
"I'll do my best doc. Thank you, and happy Thanksgiving."
"I'm just doing my job," Reid shrugged it off and stepped aside as Agnes wheeled in a chair for Sean. Truthfully, Reid was very pleased with how things had turned out, and he was looking forward to a few days away from the hospital. He never thought he would say that, but it was another change he attributed to Luke.
He couldn't help but smile as he thought about his boyfriend. Reid's work had always been his world. He was a doctor first before anything else, and that more often than not was enough to turn away potential suitors. Now he was actually looking forward to having the time off to spend with someone who wanted to spend time with him. Someone who understood the hectic time constraints that came along with being a doctor. Luke understood, and he was patient. Reid was grateful for that and he could admit that having someone to take care of him was nice too.
"Enjoy your Thanksgiving, Reid," Agnes's voice met his ear drawing him out of his thoughts.
"I think I will," he said smiling as he left the hospital. He stopped just outside the door and looked over his shoulder at his Charge nurse who was looking for something in her purse. "Hey, Agnes." He waited for the woman to look up before continuing. "You have a good Thanksgiving too. I'll see you on Monday."
He could just imagine the stunned look on her face but he didn't look back, and truly he didn't care. He had some things he needed to tend to before tomorrow. He was on his own for the night; Luke had late meetings and last minute preparations to tend to for the Thanksgiving dinner the foundations was throwing for those who didn't have family to spend the holiday with. Reid was impressed with all Luke had managed to accomplish in just a month's time. He had run advertisements, rallied sponsors and capped countless donations, and that was on top of dealing with Noah, meetings at the hospital about the wing, and working at Grimaldi shipping. Reid didn't think that many people realized just how hard Luke worked…but he did, and he was truly very proud of him.
The kitchen was already filled with enticing smells by the time Luke entered and pulled off his gloves. His grandmother had just gotten started when he woke up and headed out to the community center to supervise the crew handing the big community Thanksgiving feast. He left his assistant Lindsey in charge with strict instructions to call him if there were any problems, and headed back to the farm. His favorite part about the holiday was helping his grandmother in the kitchen, though he couldn't help but think how different this day was from the last Thanksgiving.
A frown crossed his features momentarily as he thought about the turmoil his family had been in just a year ago. His parents were bickering as usual, Jack and Carly were at each other's throats, Brad had just died, and he and Noah had been in the middle of one of their breaks. A lot had changed since then and he was in a far better place. He had a lot to be thankful for.
"Luke, Honey, could you check on the sweet potatoes?" His grandmother's voice met his ears as she passed by him with homemade pie crusts. He pushed himself away from the counter and checked on the potatoes, sprinkling cinnamon on top of them before adding marshmallows and placing them in the oven. The turkey was already cooking as were other various side dishes that the family would partake in.
"Where is Dad?" Luke asked as he helped his grandmother make her trademark pies.
"He's out with Sundance," Emma explained. "I think she's ready to birth."
'I knew she was close," Luke said proudly. "Dad and I have been keeping a careful eye on her all week."
Emma just smiled as she watched her grandson pour the apple mixture into the pie. She was pleased to see a smile on the young man's face. She had noticed the changes that had come over him in the past few months and she was certain that a lot of them had to do with their new houseguest.
"Is Reid still coming over today, Luke?" she asked casually as she accepted a finished pie from him.
"Yes, he'll be here," Luke smiled happily and worked on primping another pie crust. "He said something about having to run into town, but he should be here by three at the latest," he said relating the conversation he had with his boyfriend that morning.
"Luke!" a young boy shrieked as he ran into the kitchen. "The parade is on; you're going to miss all the balloons."
Luke smiled and wiped his hands on a towel before lifting his brother into his arms. "You want me to watch the parade with you?" He asked even though he already knew the answer. Ethan nodded his head vigorously and Luke looked over his shoulder to ask his grandmother if it was okay.
"Go ahead and watch it with him, Luke. I will call you if I need more help," Emma smiled. It warmed her heart to see her two grandsons interacting together. Luke was so good with Ethan, and she knew the little tyke adored him too.
"Okay, come on buddy before we miss the best floats." They disappeared into the parlor and Emma continued to work on dinner. Holden joined her in the kitchen sometime later, along with Faith and Natalie who were all ready for the feast to come.
"Hello Cathy," Reid greeted the woman behind the counter.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Dr. Oliver," Cathy replied smiling brightly at the handsome doctor. "Am I getting you your usual today?"
"Actually I'll take two caramel lattes with extra shots please," Reid said looking at his watch to see how much time he had. He had picked up the ingredients for the Mulled Cider and he wanted to get it heated before heading over to the farm. "You aren't working all day today are you?"
"No," Cathy giggled. "I am just on until two then I get to go home for dinner with my folks. Would you like to join me?" she asked batting her eyelashes flirtatiously.
Reid smiled sweetly as she placed two coffee cups in front of him. "Sorry, darling. I have plans. See you on Monday though."
"Okay, enjoy your day, Dr. Oliver." Reid winked at her before heading out of the café and back to his car.
The house was crammed full with people by the time Reid arrived. He could see the many people milling around the kitchen, and he marveled at how they all fit into what seemed to be such a small space. Holden spotted him first and came to open the door saving him from having to knock.
"Hey Reid, come on in," The older man said stepping aside. "Do you need me to take that?" he pointed to the jug of Mulled Cider Reid held in his hands.
"Could you take these instead?" He asked handing Holden the cup holder with the two piping hot lattes inside. He followed Luke's dad into the house and set the jug onto the table, his eyes already seeking out his boyfriend amongst the throng of people. A pair of small arms attached to his leg and he looked down to see a pair of brown eyes staring up at him. He marveled momentarily at how like Luke's they were. "Hey there, little man," He said bending down to pick Ethan up. "Have you been practicing your numbers?"
"Uh Huh," The little boy nodded vigorously.
"And what number have you mastered this time?" Reid inquired.
"Four! Like me," Ethan said proudly.
"Alright!" Reid said giving Ethan a high five before placing him on the floor. He reached into his pocket and peeled off four one dollar bills, folding them up before sticking them in Ethan's pocket. "Don't go spending it in one place okay."
"Thank you, Dr. Reid," Ethan said hugging his leg again before running off to tell his sisters of his good fortune. Reid just smiled as he wondered where his boyfriend was hiding.
"You're really good with him," He heard a voice close to his ear. Turning quickly he allowed a smile to cross his lips as he gazed upon his boyfriend's smiling face. "Happy Thanksgiving."
"Same to you," Reid said reaching out to take Luke's hands into his. Luke leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. It was brief, but for the moment it was enough for Reid. "Are you still ready to make the announcement tonight?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," Luke said brightly. "And I think I'm ready to tell them."
"Yeah?"
"I think it's about time," Luke said stepping closer. "Especially since we're practically living together."
Reid chuckled and stole another kiss before pulling Luke out of the crowded room. They settled down on the couch next to Holden who was watching the football game with a few other guys, whom Reid later learned were Aaron, Caleb, Jack and Parker. Luke explained the complicated family tree to him and he was certain that by the end of the evening he would be able to remember who everyone was.
Reid was pleasantly surprised to realize that he was enjoying himself. The conversations going on around him didn't annoy him as they usually did. The Snyders, he realized, were actually a fairly decent group of people, if not a little sanctimonious. He got to meet most of the members of Luke's family, but the one omission was very glaring even if no one said anything. When Reid asked Luke why his mother hadn't shown up he just shook his head and avoided the question. Reid took the hint and didn't ask again, though he hoped Luke knew he wasn't fooling anyone. Reid could tell that his mother's absence upset Luke greatly.
"What are we doing again?" he whispered in Luke's ear as they followed Holden and Jack into the garden.
"We're harvesting squash," Luke explained. "It's a tradition. Each year we have a Hubbard squash, and we use a saw to cut into it. It's like a Snyder family rite of passage type of thing."
"Oh okay, that sounds interesting."
Luke laughed at the expression on Reid's face. "Just humor us okay? It's actually pretty cool. You get to cut it this year."
"Why is that?"
"Because you're the newest addition to the family," Luke said beaming proudly. "This will be your official inauguration so to speak."
"So if I help you cut a squash I'm family?"
"Reid," Luke laughed as they stopped to watch Holden and Jack lift a squash between them.
"Think you guys could help here?" Jack asked. "It's a heavy one this year."
Between the four of them they managed to get the squash into the house and Aaron brought in the hack saw. Reid watched as each of the Snyder men took a turn carving into the monstrous squash. He moved forward when Luke waved him over and handed him the saw telling him to go ahead and take his turn.
Reid personally thought it was a silly ritual, but he couldn't deny the feeling of satisfaction that came from cutting the thing in half. Everyone cheered and Holden patted him on the shoulder and welcomed him to the family. He felt a hand encircle his and turned to see Luke beaming at him. He smiled back and gave Luke's hand a squeeze. It felt nice…right to be a part of a family. He liked it.
At the dinner table he sat between Luke and Carly, whom he had struck up a conversation with upon realizing they were somewhat of kindred spirits. He liked a feisty woman who didn't take crap from anyone…and Carly fit that description to a tee. Besides that she didn't take offense to his humor; she was now on the short list of people who were not intimidated by him.
Once the food was on the table Emma instructed everyone to hold hands so they could say grace. Reid took Luke's hand into his; entwining their fingers together while he placed his other hand on top of Carly's. Holden led the grace, and then Emma instructed everyone to name one thing they were thankful for.
As he listened to the family members go around the table Reid found himself wondering what he was thankful for this year. There had been a lot of changes, and he didn't foresee them stopping anytime soon. In just the few months since he visited Oakdale his life had changed drastically.
"Reid," he felt Luke squeeze his hand and turned to look at him quizzically. "It's your turn," Luke said softly, and Reid realized that all eyes were on him waiting to hear what he had to say.
"Well," Reid said clearing his throat, his hand tightening on Luke's as if he needed the support. "I'm not usually one for family rituals…in fact I think this is the first time that I have ever really thought about what I am grateful for. I'm used to being a loner. I live for my work and that's always been good enough for me. But I guess what I am thankful for is for the chance to be a part of a family." He glanced at Luke who was beaming with pride. That was all the encouragement he needed to continue. "If it wasn't for a certain someone that I met at an airport terminal I wouldn't be sitting here today, so I guess that is what I am thankful for. And grateful to all of you too," he said as an afterthought. Everyone chuckled at his words before turning their attention to Luke who was the last to speak.
"As always I'm thankful to all of you," Luke said looking around at the faces of the family he loved. "As crazy and neurotic as you all can be, I don't think I could live without any of you." He blushed as everyone chuckled lightly. "I'm also thankful to second chances," he smiled at Reid who squeezed his hand encouragingly. "I've had a lot of those this year, including the opportunity to go back to school."
"That's terrific news," Emma said clapping her hands together. "I didn't know you were thinking about doing that, Luke."
"I'm proud of you, son," Holden said smiling as he lifted his glass in the air. "I want to propose a toast," he said waiting for everyone to follow his lead. "To Luke."
"To Luke," everyone chorused before clinking their glasses together. Luke ducked his head bashfully under all the praise and Reid squeezed his hand, smiling when they made eye contact. They held hands throughout the meal, only letting go when they needed to pass around dishes. There were many conversations going on around the table, and Reid was relieved that no one really tried to talk to him. He was having a fairly decent time listening to Luke converse with everyone around him. He was very good at talking to more than one person at a time, and he also seemed keen on making sure everyone who wanted it had his attention. Even Reid himself was gifted with that brilliant smile every once in a while. It was very clear to him that everyone loved Luke.
Reid licked his lips hungrily as Luke placed the slices of pie in front of him. There was cherry, apple, sweet potato, and his personal favorite, pecan, all sitting there waiting for him to devour them. And he intended to eat every morsel; he just didn't know where to start.
"I can't believe you're going to eat all that," Luke's voice was full of amusement but Reid paid him no attention. Nothing was going to come between him and his pie.
"What I don't eat I will take home," Reid said without looking up from his plate. He finally decided to start with the pecan and work his way down the line. Taking the fork into his hand he sliced into the piece of Pecan Pie and brought the fork up to his mouth, ready to wrap his lips around the sweet treat when he heard someone talking to him.
"So are you guys going to take advantage of black Friday sales tomorrow?" Carly asked conversationally. He held up his finger signaling for her to hold on a minute. Without another thought he took the pie into his mouth and closed his eyes as he enjoyed the savory rich taste of pecans, sugar and crust. It was divine
"As a matter of fact we are going to take advantage of the black Friday sales tomorrow," he said as he continued to chew. "In Chicago," he said casually, taking another bite of his pie completely missing the shocked look on Luke's face.
"That sounds like it could be fun," Carly commented.
"We're going to Chicago?" Luke asked his own dessert forgotten for the moment as he watched Reid shovel pie into his mouth.
"It was a surprise," Reid said with his mouth full. He swallowed it down with a sip of his cider before turning his attention to Luke. "I wanted to take you away for a celebration of all you have accomplished," he explained. "We can hit the stores tomorrow and then just hang around Chicago for the weekend. That is unless you have plans or something. I mean, I checked with your assistant…your calendar is free unless something came up."
Luke placed a finger on Reid's lips to silence him. "Reid, you're babbling," He said smiling softly to let his boyfriend know it was okay. At the moment neither of them cared that they weren't alone…as far as they were concerned they were the only ones in the room. "I would love to spend the weekend with you in Chicago. Thank you. I can't believe you'd do that for me."
"I'd do anything for you, Luke." The response was instantaneous and so matter-of fact that it took Luke's breath away. He smiled sweetly, his hands reaching up to cup Reid's face as he brought their lips together tenderly.
Holden couldn't help the smile that crossed his lips as he watched the scene unfold in front of him. He had to admit that he hadn't seen his son this happy in a very long time. It was a refreshing sight and one that he hoped would last. He stood from the table motioning for those around him to start clearing away. It was time to give Luke and Reid a little privacy.
One by one everyone followed his lead. Faith and Parker ushered the kids out of the room to watch the Wizard of Oz, while the adults milled around cleaning away plates, scraping food into garbage bags and wrapping up leftovers. Every now and again someone would glance over at the two men who were now alternating between kisses and eating pie, but for the most part they let them be.
"Did you know?" Jack asked his cousin, nodding his head towards Luke and Reid.
"I had no idea," Holden admitted softly. "Last I remember he was still dating Noah. Though honestly I haven't seen or heard from Noah in a while."
"I think we could take a lesson from him," Jack said admiration in his voice as he glanced once more at his young cousin. "He's kept his relationships so quiet, that none of us had any idea there was a change."
"That's my son for you," Holden said shaking his head. He's good for keeping his issues or problems to himself. It's not often that he puts himself first."
"Maybe it's about time he started to do that," Jack said patting his cousin on the back before moving away to collect his crew. Holden smiled looking over at his son and Reid one last time before focusing on the dishes. He only wanted the best for his son. In the end that was all he could ask for.
"Do you guys have everything?" Emma asked as Luke loaded their bags into the car. She had a picnic basket full of thanksgiving leftovers and more pie all ready for them, and Reid insisted on carrying it on his lap.
"Yes, Grandma we're all set," Luke replied smiling at his family who had assembled outside to see them off.
"There's a snowstorm heading this way," Holden informed them, his hand tapping the hood of the car. "You guys drive safely, and if it hits on Sunday I don't want you to try driving through it."
"Okay, Dad. Are you sure you're okay with me going? I know Sundance is supposed to foal soon."
"Don't worry about Sundance," Holden said waving him off dismissively. "You just have a good time."
"You ready?" Reid asked leaning against the door with the picnic basket in his hands."
"Yeah," Luke smiled giving his dad a hug before getting into the car. Reid followed suit and Holden watched them buckle their seatbelts before stepping back with the rest of the family to watch them off. Luke looked out the window one last time honking the horn before pulling away leaving the chorus of good-byes behind them.