Page 58 of Since the Day We Wished

“Yeah, she’s inside at the bar. We’re actually waiting for a table to open up. Who knew this place only took reservations?”

Luke gestured over to Emma, who had been patiently waiting and sitting there silently while they spoke. “Adam, this is Emma.”

Emma reached out and shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I haven’t met any of Luke’s friends from Chicago.”

“Nice to meet you, Emma. It’s good seeing someone get Luke out and about.”

Luke ignored this last comment and diverted the conversation away from Emma. “How are the kids, Adam? Did they come along on vacation with you?”

“Oh, no.” Adam waved his hands in front of him. “It’s a couple’s getaway this time. The kids are at home, holding down the fort. It’s hard to believe that Macey and I have three teenagers now and that we can leave them alone at home for an entire week. It’s amazing, but they’re growing up too fast.”

Luke nodded in agreement. “I know how you feel. Jeremiah is a high school senior now, and it’s hard to believe he’ll be off to college soon.”

“How’s Jeremiah?I hope things have slowed down enough for you two to spend more time together,” Adam said. “I know that was always an issue in Chicago.”

“Jeremiah’s doing great, thanks.” Luke bit down on his lip to restrain himself from saying anything he’d regret.

“So glad to hear it,” Adam said, patting him on the shoulder again. “Well, I’d better get back to Macey. I don’t want to miss our time together. Good to see you again, Luke, and nice to meet you, Emma.”

“It was nice meeting you as well,” Emma said in a soft, polite tone, smiling at him as he turned and walked back inside the restaurant.

Luke’s grip tightened around the stem of his wineglass as he took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. Adam’s comment had cut deeper than he could admit, stirring up a storm of emotions within him. He had to fight the urge to lash out, to defend himself. Of course, Adam had no idea he’d offended him by saying it was nice to see Luke spending time with his son, as if he hadn’t spent half of his life working hard to give Jeremiah a better life.

“He seems friendly,” Emma said. “And very family oriented.”

Luke gave a single nod in response, his expression stoic, as he turned back to his portabella steak. They continued eating, mostly in silence, until the waiter returned to collect their plates. A few minutes later, he came back with a small chocolate cake that Luke had forgotten he ordered from a vegan bakery in Savannah, with instructions for the cake to be delivered to the restaurant.

“Luke! When did you order this?”

“A couple of days ago. It’s completely vegan, from a bakery here in town. If you’re too full, we can have it boxed up and you can try it later.”

Emma patted her stomach and fell back in her chair. “That sounds like a great idea. I’m stuffed.”

Luke motioned for the waiter to come over and wrap up the cake and then asked for the check. The last thing he wanted to do was stay and encounter Adam again.

After paying with his card and leaving a generous tip, he escorted Emma out of the restaurant, avoiding looking over at the bar. The Rolls Royce was waiting for them as they stepped outside.

As they drove back toward the heliport, a heavy cloud seemed to settle over Luke. He wanted to shake off Adam’s comment, but it lingered in his mind.I hope things have slowed down enough for you two to spend more time together... I know that was always an issue in Chicago.Luke had been through so much with Jeremiah since Kate’s passing, and he didn’t need anyone reminding him of his past mistakes as a father.

Emma’s hand squeezed his, bringing him back to the present. He forced a smile and reached up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. Tonight was supposed to be about her, and he wouldn’t let his own turmoil ruin her birthday celebration.

Luke was determined to focus on making this a special night for Emma, even if it meant pushing aside his own worries and doubts.

Chapter 27

Emma

As they returned to the heliport, Luke’s car stood alone, its glossy exterior reflecting the dimly lit surroundings. The empty lot was a stark contrast to the bustle of the city they had left behind.

Emma noticed the sudden shift in Luke’s demeanor. The earlier light-hearted banter and laughter had disappeared, replaced by a somber and pensive expression.

Emma wondered what had caused this sudden change. Was it Adam who had reminded him of the pain and heartache he had left behind in Chicago? Or perhaps it was Kate, the woman he had loved and lost?

The driver pulled up next to the Range Rover and hurried to Emma’s side, opening the door for her. She stood up, the weight of the night settling into her bones. The dress that had seemed so elegant hours before now felt cumbersome, and her feet ached from the unfamiliar strain of high heels.

Luke rushed to Emma’s side, noticing her discomfort. “Are you alright?”

She looked up at him and chuckled. “It’s these heels. I love how tall they make me, but they’re killing me.”

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