Page 53 of Since the Day We Wished

Emma walked over and placed the box on the table. “Didn’t your mom tell you I was dropping off some treats?”

“She didn’t, but it’s still great to see you.”

Charlotte opened the box, taking out a few bags. “I’m glad you brought these. We’ve had two people asking for them since I started my shift twenty minutes ago.”

Emma grinned. “I’m so happy they’re popular here. I’ll have to bring more soon, I think.”

While Emma and Charlotte were stocking the shelf, the door suddenly opened, and Jeremiah walked in. Emma turned to see him looking at Charlotte before he headed to the back without uttering a word.

“I should probably head out,” Emma said, handing the remaining bags to Charlotte. “Please say hey to your mama for me!”

As Emma made her way to the door, she noticed Jeremiah emerging from the back and walking toward Charlotte. She closed the door behind her and headed to her car.

Emma’s heart sank as she thought about Jeremiah. She felt a knot forming in her stomach as guilt crept up on her for keeping him in the dark about her relationship with Luke. As much as she wanted to tell Jeremiah, it wasn’t her place to do so. Luke would have to be the one to tell him when the time was right, but that time was not now.

But Emma pushed those thoughts aside, determined not to let them ruin her birthday celebration. Tonight was going to be a night to remember, she thought, feeling a spark of excitement. Nothing, not even the guilt or Chad’s hurtful words, was going to spoil it for her. This night was about her and the man she was falling for, and she was going to enjoy every moment of it.

Chapter 24

Luke

As he gazed into the mirror, Luke grinned from ear to ear. Emma had that effect on him. Every time they were together, he felt like the luckiest man alive. And tonight was no exception, they were celebrating her birthday, just the two of them.

He sensed her reservations about the idea on the phone. Luke hated that she felt she couldn’t celebrate her own birthday because of her ex-husband. But this evening he was determined to make her feel like the most special woman in the world.

As soon as he finished shaving, he splashed his face with water and strode into the bedroom. Tonight was a special occasion, and he had planned his outfit accordingly—a sharp suit with a matching tie. Time was ticking away, so he dressed in a hurry, bending down to tie his shoes when he heard the front door creak open.

“Dad, are you home?”

Luke hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen. “Hey, Jer. How was school?”

“It was fine.” Jeremiah took off his backpack and slung it across the kitchen table. He walked over to the fridge and pulled out a carton of orange juice.

Luke leaned over the counter. “How about the rescue?”

“Pretty good,” Jeremiah said, pouring the juice into a glass.

“That’s great to hear. I’m glad you found something you like doing for those community service hours. But you know at this point you’re going beyond what the court required you to sign up for, right?”

Jeremiah shrugged his shoulders. “I guess it turned out to be better than I thought it was going to be.”

“I told you it wouldn’t be that bad. You get to help animals, and you’ve always had a soft spot for dogs. And not to mention, who knew you’d be hanging out with a pretty girl at the same time? Now aren’t you glad you didn’t pick the roadside clean-up job?”

Jeremiah chuckled and shook his head, acknowledging the truth in his father’s words. Luke was proud of the progress his son had made and even noticed he seemed less hostile than before. Perhaps it was that pretty girl he was working with, but he didn’t want to pry too much.

“Do you have any plans tonight?” Luke asked.

Jeremiah walked over to put his glass in the sink. “No, I’ve got some homework to catch up on.”

“But it’s your night off. You don’t want to go out?”

“I guess not.”

“Hmm. Well, I’m going to meet up with a few friends in Savannah. Will you be alright here by yourself?”

“Yeah, Dad I’ll be alright. I’m not twelve.”

“Right. I know,” Luke said. “Sometimes I forget you can take care of yourself. I’ll leave you some money for pizza, or there’s still that leftover lasagna in the fridge.”

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