The preacher knew his father as well as anyone in the town. Thankfully, he could handle the service alone, speaking eloquently about the man and his life without Luke’s participation. Luke didn’t think he had it in him to stand, let alone get up there in front of everyone and tell them how much he’d miss his father. That would have broken him for sure. As it was, it was difficult enough simply listening. One big fat tear rolled down his cheek. He brushed it away quickly with the back of his hand. His father had never given him the real-men-don’t-cry speech as a kid, but still, Luke wouldn’t let himself break down. Not here. Not now. Lilly leaned closer. “You all right?” What the hell kind of question was that? Of course he wasn’t all right. His father was laid out in a coffin when he should be out enjoying the prime of his life. Somewhere in the back of Luke’s mind he knew Lilly was only trying to be nice, but right now he wasn’t feeling all that receptive.
