On the day of the funeral, Luke never left Ava's side. He was at her side in the church, at the funeral parlor while she greeted the guests who had come to sympathize with her and offer their condolences.
The whole of the Carter family was present, family friends, business associates, and acquaintances of the Graysons too. They each paid their last respects to Michael Grayson, one after the other.
When everyone was done, it was just Ava left.
Luke could read the fear and the grief on her face. He gently nudged her forward "Go on, Ava. Pay your last respects to your father. He deserves it."
It took Ava a great deal of courage to move forward. For the first time that day, she realized Luke's presence at her side and was grateful for it.
She managed to step forward with shak
