Page 50 of Since the Day We Wished

Jeremiah didn’t seem to miss Luke’s presence much since he was always busy with friends. Luke was glad he was finally getting out of his room and venturing out to the town. He only hoped Jeremiah would stay out of trouble.

One Saturday afternoon, while he waited outside the rescue for Jeremiah to finish his volunteer shift, Lisa passed by. She smiled as soon as she spotted him and walked over.

“Hi Luke. Thinking about adopting a pet?”

Luke chuckled and shook his head. “No, not today. I’m waiting for my son to come out. How have you been?”

“Good, except for missing my friend who has been mysteriously occupied every time I call her to hang out.”

Luke feigned innocence. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

“Mm-hmm.” Lisa gave him a knowing eye. “I’m kidding, of course. I’m thrilled that she’s finally dating. Especially with her birthday coming up and everything—”

“Birthday?” Luke’s eyes widened. “When is it?”

“September twentieth. She didn’t tell you?”

“No, she didn’t. And that’s next week!”

“I guess I’m not surprised. She doesn’t usually mention it to anyone.”

Luke furrowed his brows. “She doesn’t tell anyone? Why not? It’s her birthday; why wouldn’t she want to celebrate it?”

Lisa let out a sigh. “She used to, but Emma hasn’t really celebrated her birthday in years. Her friends and I buy gifts and make a cake every year for her, but that’s it. She’s never made a big deal of it.”

“I don’t understand. Is she upset about getting older?” Luke asked.

“No, it’s not that. It has to do with her ex-husband.”

Luke remembered his brief encounter with Emma’s ex-husband at The Point and knew he was a scoundrel, but he didn’t realize he was this cruel. “He didn’t celebrate her birthdays?”

“Well, he’d still get her a little something for the occasion, but it was never thoughtful,” Lisa said. “I thought it was strange that we never did anything for her birthday, so I finally told her I was going to plan a big party with all of her friends for her. And that’s when she told me what Chad had told her.”

“Which was?” Luke asked, almost dreading to hear the answer.

“He somehow convinced her it was narcissistic to celebrate your birthday. It was fine to do when you’re younger, but not as an adult.”

“This guy is really something,” Luke said.

“I agree wholeheartedly. And you know, it’s a little ironic Chad always used to put Emma down about celebrating birthdays, since he was so into himself, and always bragging about his own accomplishments. I swear whenever I went out to dinner with both of them, it would turn into the ‘Chad Hour.’ I couldn’t be happier that he’s out of her life.”

Luke couldn’t believe what he had heard. His anger was rising, and he bit down on his lip to control it. Emma was a sweet and caring person, and the fact that she felt bad about celebrating her own birthday wasn’t right. He knew he had to do something special for her.

“Lisa, I want to do something for Emma’s birthday, but I’m not sure what yet. Can you help me out?” Luke asked, his voice heavy with determination.

Lisa’s face lit up with excitement. “Of course! I’m more than happy to help. Here, take my number. Let me know what you need, and I’ll be there.”

Luke pulled out his phone and quickly saved Lisa’s number. “Thanks a ton. I’ll brainstorm some ideas and reach out to you soon.”

“Perfect! Emma would be happy with anything you did for her, but I know something she has always wanted to do is take one of those coastal helicopter tours. For her fortieth birthday last year, I had one booked for us and some of our girlfriends, but Chad told her she couldn’t go,” Lisa explained, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice.

Luke nodded, a spark of determination igniting within him. “Okay, we’re going to make this a day she’ll never forget.”

At that moment, Jeremiah walked out of the rescue and Lisa said her goodbyes, walking back toward town.

Later that evening, Luke went into his office determined to plan the perfect celebration for Emma’s birthday. With the weight of secrecy on his shoulders, he knew he couldn’t risk being seen in town. Every detail had to be executed flawlessly, without a hint of suspicion.

Sitting down at his desk, he began to scour Google for inspiration, poring over countless pages and websites. As he sifted through the options, one idea stood out: sending a bouquet of Gerbera daisies to her at school on the morning of her birthday.

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