Page 30 of Since the Day We Wished

A seagull cried out in the distance, its sound mingling with the chatter of other volunteers.

“I suppose that’s true. And yeah, I already did, but only for a couple of hours. I’m about to head out now. I still need to replace the knob on the backdoor. Don’t want Riley getting out again.”

“How’s he doing? Is he getting use to his new home?”

“I think so,” she answered, tapping a finger to her chin. “He hasn’t destroyed anything yet...I left him behind today, and he didn’t seem to mind.”

“That’s good to hear. It was nice having him around though when I did,” Luke said, looking into the distance as if remembering the moments. “Reminds me a lot of my childhood dog.”

“Oh really? Was he a golden retriever too?”

Luke shook his head. “No, a husky. His name was Moose.”

“Moose?” Emma’s brows lifted as her lips curled into an amused smile. “Is there a story behind the name?”

Luke paused, his eyes reminiscing about a distant past. “Yeah, Moose. I was five years old when I named him, and I like to think that I was pretty creative back then. Moose and I used to do everything together. There was a park across the street from my dad’s apartment, and I would walk him around it every day before school. And then again when I’d get home later in the day. He slept at the foot of my bed every night, and always woke me up in the morning by licking my face.”

Emma leaned in. “Aww. Riley does the same thing.”

“I noticed.” Luke chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Riley’s a special dog. Just like Moose was.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Emma replied, glancing away momentarily. “Now I’m a little bummed I didn’t bring him with me.”

“Well, that’s okay. So, do you have any plans for the day other than fixing your doorknob?”

“Just driving my grandfather here and then picking him up later.”

Luke glanced toward the horizon, where the cerulean blue of the sea met the sky. A gentle breeze ruffled his hair, carrying the scent of salt and freedom. “Well, how about going for a walk?” he suggested,pointing vaguely in the direction of the ocean. “I haven’t really explored the beach yet, and maybe we can grab something to eat later. Are you hungry?”

“Sure, I’m down for that. And there’s a secret spot on the beach that the tourists don’t know about. I could show you,” Emma responded, a playful glint in her eyes.

Luke clapped his hands together. “Let’s do it. Lead the way.”

Chapter 13

Emma

It was a perfect day for a walk, Emma thought, as her footsteps echoed on the pavement, crossing the street with Luke by her side. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore could be heard in the distance as they made their way down to the beach.

As Emma spent time with Luke, she found herself drawn to his easy-going nature, his thoughtfulness, and his genuine kindness. He was a breath of fresh air, and she felt comfortable around him in a way she hadn’t with Chad.

Continuing down the boardwalk, Emma confided in Luke, giving him advice about Jeremiah, and he listened attentively, showing a level of care and understanding that touched her heart.

Although Luke’s warmth and sincerity was disarming, memories of her failed marriage with Chad lingered, reminding her of the façade that some men put on in the early stages of a relationship, only to reveal their true colors later on. Emma was no stranger to ignoring red flags in the past. She had hoped Chad would change, so she turned a blind eye to the warning signs, only to end up where she was now.

Emma questioned her own judgment, fearful of repeating past mistakes and misjudging Luke’s true intentions. She wrapped herself in the comfort of their blossoming friendship, thinking it was the safer option. Yet in her quietest moments, when her heart whispered truths her mind dared not voice, she couldn’t ignore the undeniable connection growing between her and Luke.

As they approached the beach entrance, the smell of fried food wafted toward them from a nearby food truck.

“Is there anything here for you?” Luke asked, his eyes scanning the menu.

Emma smiled, touched by his consideration. “I usually go for the boardwalk fries. I haven’t had them in almost a year.”

Luke turned to the cashier. “Can we get your largest size of boardwalk fries?”

“Coming right up!” The man behind the window smiled as he took Luke’s payment.

Emma let out a soft, amused chuckle that hung in the air. It was the sound of someone who had been through this before and knew what to expect.

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