Page 2 of Since the Day We Wished

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A few days later, Emma was in her bedroom, packing a few knickknacks and books into a box. Her heart sank into a bottomless pit when she came across the snow globe that Chad had given her on their second date. With trembling fingers, she grazed the smooth surface of the glass dome as if it had held all her broken dreams inside.

Just then, Lisa entered the room with an empty box. “How are you holding up?”

“I think I’m okay. It’s the packing.” Emma set down the globe and collapsed onto the bed. “I’m feeling a bit…I don’t know. This is all just a lot.”

Lisa walked toward the bed, taking a seat beside Emma. “Well, how about a break? I’ll make us tea.”

“Sure,” Emma said, her voice almost too quiet to hear.

“Or we can go out. We could get all dressed up and grab some drinks.”

“It’s tempting…” A hint of interest flickered in Emma’s eyes as she paused, almost tasting the long-overdue strawberry margarita. “But not tonight. I’d rather stay in. I don’t have much time left here.”

“How about a movie night then? We can watch something funny, get our minds off things. I can go grab some ice cream—the chocolaty kind with the peanut butter chips that you love.”

“Okay, I guess. I’m not hungry though.”

“You might be in a little while. For starters, let’s go downstairs and pick out a movie. We can finish packing tomorrow.” Lisa grinned, extending a hand to Emma. “Come on, let’s go get our Netflix on!”

Before Emma stood up, all seventy pounds of Riley bounded onto the bed, sending tremors through the mattress. He scrambled onto her lap, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as he whined for attention. It was as if he had forgotten he was no longer the little golden retriever pup she adopted five years ago. “Riley, be careful, boy. You’re squishing me.”

“Ah, canine therapy,” Lisa said. “Works every time.”

Emma chuckled at Riley’s antics and reached down to rub his belly, feeling the soft fur beneath her fingers. She couldn’t imagine life without him. The judge had been right to give her custody. Chad had never been a fan of animals and had even scolded her when she picked him up from the rescue. But since Riley kept her occupied and out of his business, he tolerated him being around.

The divorce proceedings had brought to light the signs that were there all along but were difficult for her to see. Deep down, she had known their marriage was crumbling. Although she tried to hold on, to believe that things would get better, they never did. Chad, the man she had once fallen in love with, had changed over time, and the reality of it all was too painful to bear.

Emma glanced at the boxes on the ground that still needed to be filled.

“So have you thought about what you’re gonna do?” Lisa asked, sinking back on her elbows.

Emma moved up to Riley’s ears, scratching behind them, and looked up at the wall. There, above the side of her bed, hung a painting of the ocean that she hardly noticed anymore. “I think I’m gonna look for a place closer to the water. A small cottage for me and Riley. We don’t need a big place…just something cozy and quiet.”

“That sounds lovely. Have you started looking yet?”

“No, not really. I guess I should though. It’s a lot to think about right now.”

“Don’t let this stress you out.” Lisa took Emma’s hand. “I’ll text a few of my realtor friends to see if they have any listings near the water. I’m sure we can find you a place in no time.”

“I can’t thank you enough.” A lump formed in Emma’s throat and her voice began to quiver. “Seriously, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Lisa leaned in, giving Emma a quick hug. “That’s what friends are for. Now let’s go and pick out that movie.”

She nodded and followed Lisa out of the room. As she closed the bedroom door, her thoughts ventured to the prospect of moving into a beachside cottage. The idea filled Emma with hope and excitement, a glimmer of happiness amidst the chaos of her divorce. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she pictured herself walking along the shore with a salty breeze in her hair, basking in the serenity of her new coastal sanctuary.

A growing sense of peace and possibility settled within her as she descended the stairs. This was her chance for a fresh start. It’s going to be good, she reassured herself, feeling her heart thrumming with anticipation. Although Emma knew the road ahead would be challenging, she was determined to forge a brighter future alongside Riley—and leave behind the life she thought she’d always have.

Chapter 2

Luke

Chicago

Luke’s secretary stood in the doorway of his office, her brows knitted with concern. “Mr. White is on the line for you again.”

“Right. Thanks, Jeannie. I’ll take the call.” Luke looked up from the email he was reading and sighed. He reached across his desk and picked up the phone. “Mr. White. I’m sorry I missed your calls earlier…I’ve been in and out of meetings all morning. What can I do for you?”

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