Page 86 of Since the Day We Wished

Luke smiled at them, thankful he walked away with no serious injuries.

“Well, I think I’m going to head home now and get something to eat,” Jeremiah said, stretching his arms over his head.

“Why don’t you take the car home?” Luke suggested. “I’ll drive Emma’s car. I’ll text you to come pick me up after I get her and Riley home.”

Jeremiah took the keys from Luke and bent down to pet Riley before leaving.

Luke looked back at Emma. “You ready to go?”

“Yeah. that sounds good.”

In that moment, Luke realized all the feelings for Emma he’d been trying to squash were too strong. He knew in his heart of hearts he loved her as much as he ever had. And now the universe had brought them together again, even if it was only to drive her home.

The car ride back to Emma’s house was quiet, but full of anticipation. Riley had fallen asleep in the back seat and Luke had been stealing glances at Emma’s profile whenever he could. When they pulled up into her driveway, she caught him and gazed back with those dark brown eyes he’d fallen for months ago. A surge of emotions rushed through Luke’s body as he locked eyes with her, hoping beyond hope she’d understand what he really wanted to say. His lips were still, but his heart was singing—this moment was meant to happen.

There’s no way now he’d take the job offer in New York City, despite the perks, he thought. The woman he loved was two feet across from him, here in Hadley Cove. He was going to tell her exactly how he felt and how he’d thought about her every day since they met at Phil’s. He’d tell her how much he missed seeing her name pop up on his phone and how he couldn’t imagine a life without her. Luke only hoped it wasn’t too late.

Chapter 43

Emma

The way Luke gazed at Emma with his intense, ocean blue eyes sent her heart fluttering with a thousand emotions. Unspoken words seemed to drift like a mist between them as she felt every bit of what his eyes were saying—that he adored her and loved her as if they were still together. It was confirmation of an unwavering love Emma thought had been long forgotten. She leaned in closer, feeling a strong electric current surge through her body as her hand clasped tightly with his. Just then, Riley leapt from the backseat, interrupting the quiet moment as he licked Emma’s face.

She burst out into a fit of laugher. “Riley! Get down, boy!”

“Looks like he’s doing much better already.” Luke smiled as he reached over, petting Riley’s head.

As they got out of her car, the sun had begun to set. The warm, salty breeze gently tousled Emma’s hair as she surveyed the scene, noticing the crushed box of treats she was supposed to deliver. She made a mental note to get another box ready for tomorrow. In the grass near the driveway, her phone was still lying there, its sleek surface glistening in the fading light. Walking toward the porch, she saw a piece of fabric from Chad’s torn pant leg. There was also a note from the driver who hit Riley, or rather, that Riley had hit. Her phone number was scribbled on the back. Emma decided she’d call her later to let her know Riley was okay.

Anxiety swept over her as she caught sight of the tire marks from Chad’s car in the driveway, leaving an unnerving stillness in its wake. “Would you like to come in and stay for a while?” Emma asked. “To be honest, I’m a little shaken up. And now that Chad’s car is gone, I know he’s still out there somewhere.”

Luke nodded. “Of course. I’ll stay for as long as you need me.”

Emma felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was grateful to have Luke by her side, especially after everything that had happened. The thought of Chad coming back no longer scared her, as she felt protected in Luke’s presence.

Riley came up between them, sitting down in front of Luke’s legs. He laughed and bent down to scratch behind his ears.

“How’s it feel to be a hero, bud?”

Riley let out a little whine, then rolled over on his back for belly rubs.

Emma’s heart warmed, watching the exchange between them. “How about we head inside for some treats, huh?”

Riley barked and ran inside as Emma opened the door.

When they got inside, she set the note on the end table and pulled out her phone, scrolling through several missed calls and stopping at a voicemail from her father. Emma wondered if he had found out about what happened earlier or if it was time to meet up again for coffee. She walked toward the kitchen as she played the message.

“Hey Emma, it’s Paul. We got a call about an incident at your house and the caller mentioned someone matching your ex-husband’s description fleeing the scene. We’re trying to track him down. Call me back when you get this and let me know you’re okay. Also, let me know if you were able to catch any of the incident on your security footage. Thanks, Emma.”

His words brought her reassurance, knowing the police were looking for Chad. Emma hung up the phone and sent Paul a quick text, telling him she was fine, and she’d send the footage over in the morning. She didn’t have the energy to talk on the phone to anyone tonight and wanted today to be over.

“Can I get you anything?” Luke asked with a sly grin across his face. “Water? Ice? A large bourbon?”

A smile tugged at the corners of Emma’s mouth. “I can probably use a strong drink, but I’m okay for now. I just want to sit and relax.”

Emma walked out to the living room and collapsed onto the couch, letting out a long sigh. Luke sat next to her and settled in as Riley hopped up onto his lap.

“Well, I missed you too, Riley.” Luke patted him gently, trying not to hurt any of his sore spots.

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