Page 47 of Since the Day We Wished

“Thank you, kind sir. Likewise. Well, you’re handsome, not beautiful. You know what I mean,” Emma said, with a flirtatious laugh.

Luke grinned. “Thanks. Now, shall we go and sit down?”

Emma’s eyes darted around the room. “Did you already get a table?”

Luke nodded and gestured toward the seating area. “Right this way, ma’am.”

As they stepped into the grand atrium, Emma admired the stunning view of the high ceilings and tall glass windows. The décor was rustic with thick wood-paneled walls covered in heirloom paintings and hanging lanterns, giving the restaurant a cozy and intimate atmosphere. They sat at a table near the wall, with a spectacular view of the woods beyond, its trees bathed in moonlight. The twinkling stars overhead added to the romantic atmosphere of the restaurant.

Luke’s head swiveled as he surveyed their surroundings. “Now I see why they call it the Treehouse Café.”

“Isn’t it gorgeous?” Emma asked, her stomach grumbling as she picked up the menu.

After they put in their orders for food and two glasses of wine, Emma began to feel at ease. The restaurant was bustling with customers, but no one recognized them. They could enjoy each other’s company without it getting back to the Hadley Cove gossip mongers.

“Do you think we should’ve ordered an appetizer?” Luke asked. “I feel like I could eat a whole wheelbarrow of food right now.”

Emma arched an eyebrow and smirked. “Really? I’d like to see that.”

They were admiring a waitress carrying several wine glasses in one hand when their waiter brought out a basket of rolls. Luke picked up the basket and held it out to Emma, who usually avoided filling up on bread before a meal. She hadn’t eaten since lunchtime and couldn’t resist tearing one open and taking a bite. Luke grabbed two of them and followed suit.

As they devoured the bread basket, Luke’s eyes caught sight of the lighthouse through the window.

“Oh, look at that.” Luke pointed at the glass. “You can see the lighthouse behind the woods from here.”

Emma turned her gaze toward the window. “It’s easy to get to the Bridwell Lighthouse from the beach, but if you’re driving, you have to go around the cove to where we are.”

Luke stared out into the night skyline. “It looks beautiful in the moonlight.”

Emma smiled. “Did you know it’s the tallest lighthouse in the country? It dates back to the American Revolution.”

Luke looked at Emma with wide eyes. “No, I didn’t. You’re full of surprises.”

“I’m just full of random trivia, thanks to my grandpa’s stories,” Emma said, chuckling. “If you want, we can walk up there after dinner.”

“At this time of night? I don’t know.” Luke’s face paled as he contemplated the suggestion. “Isn’t that something teenagers would do?”

Emma rolled her eyes. “Probably so. But come on, Luke. Live a little. It’ll be fun.”

Luke took a long swig of his wine. “Well, I do love the spontaneity of your idea, so I guess you’ve talked me into it.”

Emma grinned, raising her wineglass as if proposing a toast. “Here’s to us living in the moment.”

When the plates arrived, they were both instantly captivated by the sight and aroma of their dishes. Without a word, they dug in, savoring every bite. Even in silence, Emma was comfortable in Luke’s presence. She didn’t need to fill the air with small talk to be connected with him. They were content with enjoying the food and each other’s company.

As Emma twirled a forkful of butternut squash ravioli into her mouth, she noticed how each ingredient had been perfectly crafted to create a symphony of flavors and textures on her taste buds. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to be fully immersed in its artistry.

When Emma opened them, she saw that Luke was relishing every bite of the meal as much as she was. With Chad, mealtimes were fraught with tension, his constant policing of her food choices suffocating her spirit. But with Luke, it was different.

Luke’s easy-going nature and genuine interest in her thoughts and opinions were a revelation to Emma. She found herself opening up to him in ways she never could with Chad, feeling a sense of freedom and liberation she hadn’t experienced in years. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, as if they had known each other for a lifetime, and Emma was captivated by Luke’s unwavering attention and understanding.

In Luke, Emma saw a stark contrast to her past, a beacon of hope for her future. He made her feel heard, valued, and cherished, igniting a long-dormant spark within her. She marveled at how someone like him existed, and her heart overflowed with gratitude for this unexpected gift. She felt a sense of serendipity, as if destiny had orchestrated this very moment.

After finishing their meals, Luke reached for the bill, insisting on paying for dinner, while Emma protested for a split check. They finally reached a compromise, agreeing that Emma would pay for the next date as they left the restaurant.

As they stepped out into the warm South Georgia night, the sight of fireflies greeted them. The tiny insects bobbed up and down, illuminating their bodies like miniature spotlights, casting a warm glow all around them.

Emma pointed to a narrow pathway leading through the trees. “Look, over there.”

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