Page 13 of Since the Day We Wished

As she looked into Riley's eyes, she realized that her love for him had become a source of strength and healing. It was a pure, uncomplicated affection, free from the deceptions that had marred her marriage.

“You and I, we've got each other.” She kissed him on his head. “And that's all that matters.”

Emma settled into bed, snuggling Riley as his trembling slowly ceased. The persistent sound of fireworks, the booms and whistles, filled the air. Her eyes focused on the window where occasional flashes of light appeared.

Why do we cling to things that we know cause harm?

The question wasn't just about the fireworks. It was also a reflection of her relationship with Chad. How many times had she tolerated his harsh words and dismissive behavior? Like the fireworks, beautiful but destructive, their relationship was a facade hiding a bitter reality. He had continued to hurt her, time and again, and she had endured it, believing it was just who they were.

With the sound of the last fireworks dwindling into the night, Emma's thoughts grew quiet, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

***

The following morning, Emma slept in, waking up later than usual, around 11:00. As she rose from the bed, she noticed that Riley hadn’t been there to greet her with his usual face licks. She stretched her arms, welcoming the salty scent of the ocean that had entered through the partially opened window. Gazing out at the sparkling sandy beach, a feeling of contentment washed over her as she prepared to start her day.

“Riley? Where are you, boy?” she called out in a singsong voice.

As she made her way through the cottage, the sound of water droplets drew Emma to the bathroom, where she found Riley lapping up water from the faucet.

“Silly boy.” She giggled as she crouched down to pet his soft fur. “You’re such a goofball.”

After feeding Riley and starting the coffee maker, Emma showeredanddressed in a patriotic ensemble of blue shorts and a red and white striped top. She pulled her hair up into a neat bun, then went to the back door, ready to walk Riley. Just as she clipped on his leash, her phone buzzed in her back pocket—it was Lisa calling.

“Hey girl!” Emma chirped.

“Hey! Happy Fourth!”

“Same to you. How are you doing?”

“I’m good. Just calling to see if you’re going to Phil’s before heading down to the beach?”

“Of course, I’m going. How could I miss that?”

“Well, I wanted to make sure. I’m gonna be there soon. Maybe we’ll get lucky and meet a couple of hot guys at the beach later.”

“Maybe,” Emma said, letting out a nervous laugh.

Lisa’s tone turned serious. “I just want to see you happy again. I figured if you met someone new, it would help.”

“I appreciate you looking out for me, but I don’t think I’m ready for all of that.” Emma's voice carried traces of past heartache as she shook her head. “It’s too soon. I’ve only been divorced for three months.”

Riley trailed Emma as she stepped outside, her phone and leash in hand. As the stubborn door handle closed behind her, she made a mental note to fix it later.

“Take all the time you need, Emma. You’re an amazing, intelligent, and beautiful woman. And anyone would be lucky to have you.”

Emma sighed, her eyes falling upon a flock of seagulls taking flight near the shoreline. Lisa could be right about finding someone new. Still, the idea of opening her heart again was daunting. She could only hope that, eventually, she'd find the courage to take that leap of faith.

“Thanks Lisa. You always know what to say.” Emma walked into the kitchen, grabbing Riley’s water dish from the floor.

“I’ll see you at Phil’s in a bit, okay?”

“Sure thing. See ya then.” Emma hung up and filled the dish to the brim.

With a busy day ahead, the decision to leave Riley at home alone stirred guilt within her, especially since he hated fireworks. But really, what other choice did she have? He never did well in large crowds, like last year’s town Christmas parade incident, when he snatched a pretzel from a kid’s hand, bolted off, and narrowly escaped being caught under the wheels of the truck pulling Santa’s sleigh.

After bidding a reluctant farewell to Riley, Emma walked out the front door and into her car, driving a short distance to town. She found a parking spot on a side street a couple of blocks from Phil's Diner, where the usual parking had filled up. The sun beat down on her shoulders as she crossed the stop sign, making her way onto Main Street. As she dug into her purse, a sudden realization caused her fingers to pause: she had forgotten to bring sunscreen. Emma hoped Lisa had brought some; otherwise, she knew that her fair skin would soon be a painful shade of red. The thought quickened her steps along the cobblestone pathway, momentarily setting aside her guilt for leaving Riley behind.

The diner was packed as she walked in, taking a seat at the counter. She waved at Margie, the seasoned waitress, and Phil, who had popped out of the kitchen. “Hey, Em! Good to see ya!”

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