Page 24 of Since the Day We Wished

“It must have been really hard for Jeremiah to lose his mom at such a young age...”

“Yeah. They were like best friends. I worked a lot, and Kate stayed home with him. I know Jeremiah resents me for not always being there. And I’ve been trying to make it up to him, but most of the time I just feel like a terrible father.”

“I don’t think you’re a terrible father,” Emma said softly. “I mean, you’re acknowledging the fact that you and Jeremiah could be closer, and you’re actively trying to make that happen. To me, that’s what makes you a wonderful father.”

Her words hit him hard. “Thank you, Emma,” he said, choked with emotion. “That means a lot to me.”

She reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “I want you to know that you’re not alone in this. And if you ever need any help or support, let me know.”

As her fingers tightened around his, the warmth of her grip seemed to fill a space in his soul that had been empty since Kate’s passing.

He nodded, grateful for her offer. “I will. Thank you.”

Emma’s expression grew solemn as she continued. “When my mother died, my father became really depressed and completely neglected me. There were so many times when I wanted him to ask me how my day was, or even yell at me when I didn’t clean my room. I just wanted some sort of reaction from him, but I never got it. He was too sad to even care and eventually left town without me. That’s why my grandparents raised me.”

Luke listened intently as Emma’s words echoed in his heart. Her story struck a deep chord within him, stirring up emotions in how he had failed Jeremiah through the years.

“That sounds terrible, Emma. How old were you when she died?”

“Twelve. So, a few years younger than Jeremiah. I’m sure some of his behavior is just normal teenage angst. He’ll eventually grow out of it, trust me.”

Luke hoped she was right. “You don’t have any kids, do you?”

Emma shook her head. “Chad and I argued about it a million times, but he didn’t want any. He said it was a career killer. So, I rescued this fur baby instead.”

They both looked down at Riley, who had laid down on the floor, taking a post-meal nap.

Luke found himself enjoying Emma’s company more than he had expected. They had only just met, but there was a natural ease to their conversation, like they had known each other for years. From across the table, he admired how her auburn ringlets cascaded down around her shoulders into perfect curls, framing her face and highlighting her delicate features. He felt a magnetic pull toward the kindness in her warm, chocolate brown eyes, almost getting lost in their depth.

At that moment, Phil came over to the table and clapped his hands. “So, what’ll it be?”

Luke's eyes darted down to the menu. “Uh, ham and Swiss. With potato salad if you have it.”

“We sure do,” Phil said. “And for you, madame?”

“I’ll take a veggie wrap. Do you still have some of that vegan mac and cheese left?”

Phil smiled, then nodded. “We do. And even if we didn’t, I’d make it happen for you. I’ll go ahead and put your orders in.”

As Phil walked away, Luke turned to Emma with a raised brow. “Are you vegetarian?”

“Actually, I’m vegan. It’s been about ten years now.”

Luke’s eyes widened. “Oh, geez. I should’ve ordered something less meaty. Let me see if I can change that—”

Emma reached out and grabbed his arm. “No, it’s fine. I lived with Chad for years, and he was the biggest carnivore I knew. Trust me, I’m used to it.”

Luke sighed, shoulders dropping slightly. “Okay, I’ll take your word for it. So, I hope this isn’t too intrusive, but what made you go vegan?”

She leaned toward him, her eyes brightening with passion as she spoke. “Well, I think people are vegan for different reasons. Some for health, some for the planet. But for me, it was for the animals. Years ago, I was having dinner with friends and as I looked down at the veal on my plate, it just hit me. I thought to myself that this represents what is most awful in this world: fear, suffering, and death. Right then, I realized all animals aresomeone, not something.”

Luke tilted his head, listening to her every word with genuine interest. She took a deep breath and continued sharing her story with him.

“And loving some animals while eating others didn’t sit well with me. When it comes down to it, ultimately, being vegan is the belief that an animal’s life is worth more than a sandwich. I’d like to think most people believe that.”

Luke's jaw dropped a fraction, clearly impressed at what he’d heard. “I’d never thought of it that way before. It makes sense, though. I love how you acted on your convictions. You’re inspiring.”

Emma smirked at his compliment and quipped. “Thanks for that. I know I’m pretty awesome.”

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