Blind Love

Part 14

Luke POV

The car pulled to a stop, and I was excited to get out. Sure, I don't have my full vision back, but sitting in the car for hours nonstop has me wanting to stretch my arms and back. Dr. Summers opened the doors for me, and I almost groaned in relief at the scent of the fresh air. If I could hug air, I would. Stuck in the hospital for a few weeks definitely had me missing the freedom from behind walls and cool air.

"Oh, good," Dr. Summers said happily as she clapped. "The others were right behind us. Dr. Roberts, why don't you take the boys and their entourage into the retreat. I'll help the medical personnel set things up."

Dr. Roberts chuckled. "You just want to be with Dr. Akatsuki. Okay, men and women, please follow me."

Marc let me grab onto his elbow as he led me into the new building. I heard Erica and Jessica giggle something with Kayli as there was some smacking sound to my right. I rolled my eyes. That must be Raven and Corey. Ever since they came out to Kayli, they've become insistent to show their love in public. Uncle was in a conversation with Charlie, and Wil and Theo were mumbling about something electronic behind us. Kevin was talking with Nathan, and Axel and Owen were talking about who knows what.

"Good afternoon," a person greeted us. "You must be the Blackbourne and company team."

Dr. Roberts answered for us. "Yes."

"That's wonderful. I'm Mr. Abel Kyne. I'm the manager of this retreat. While I get the papers ready, I'll let my employee Rachel here tell everyone the activities we have available." Mr. Kyne said before I heard him and Dr. Roberts walk away.

A clap took my attention and calmed the conversation around me. A feminine voice began to speak. "Good afternoon. I'm Rachel London, but please, call me Rachel. I'm in charge of the activities around the resort. While I'll not be able to attend each activity with you, I'll make sure that you have qualified employees nearby. The activities we have around here are not scheduled, meaning you can do anything as long as you have an employee around you. I don't say this because of your predicament but because the equipment we have can be confusing to use and require professional help."

I heard the rustle of papers around me before she spoke again. "I gave out some pamphlets to you. You can see the list of activities that we provide. We have a horseback riding trails, hiking trails, swimming in the lake or pool, canoeing and kayaking, ziplining, and arts and crafts area. We also have a theatre, a salon, a gym, and a yoga studio. We have walkways around the resort with handrails so you can take a walk anytime. We also have a kitchen, library, and music room. Around the resort, we have an electronic system that if you call out for help, we receive your location and are able to get to you."

"Wow," Jessica who was next to me whispered in awe. "It's like summer camp, but better."

I laughed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Exactly, kiddo. Now, I know that you're here to help us, but make sure you have tons of fun." Whispering to her to make sure some protective brothers don't overhear, I bent down. "Maybe we can go to the kitchen and make some cookies."

North grunted from a few feet away from me. "Luke, my radar is going off. You better not be doing anything stupid."

I gasped and placed a hand over my heart. "Me? When have I done anything stupid?"

Jessica's shoulders shook as she kept herself from laughing. Others let out a snort or started to chuckle.

Uncle spoke. I could almost imagine an unimpressed and deadpan look on his face. "Luke, a few weeks ago, you put pancake batter in the toaster because you wondered if pancakes tasted better toasted."

I winced, and Jessica laughed. "You have a radar?"

There was probably a stupid smirk on his face. Or maybe an exasperated look. Who knows? Definitely not me because I can't see.

He sighed heavily. "Live with him over a decade, and you'll be able to sense when he's about to do something that you'll regret."

I sniffed in fake self pity. "I just like to experiment."

"Uh-huh," Sean piped in. "You like to experiment on how to cause trouble for the rest of us. Add Gabriel in, and you two are like little devils."

"Excusez-Moi!" Gabriel gasped. "Don't lump me in with this blonde Oompa Loompa."

"Hey!" I raised my voice above the laughter around me. "Don't insult them! They get to eat candy every day! It would be a great honor to be one of them!"

North shook his head in despair. How in the world was he related to this man-child? He blamed his father because well...his adoptive father was a piece of shit. Father issues, right?

Rachel laughed as she spoke. "Please, stop. You're making it hard for me to stay professional. If all of you are ready, I'll lead you to your rooms."

As the nine men and their family and friends followed the girl down the hallway and around a corner, no one saw the figure walking through the front doors. The pieces of hair that peeked from underneath her hat glowed with the sunshine behind her. A white mask covered her nose and mouth, but it did not hide her bright green eyes. She looked over the room for someone.

"Ah, you're finally here."