Page 60 of Since the Day We Wished

A tear slid down Emma’s cheek. “Me too, Luke.”

He continued, the words tumbling out, raw and honest. “Emma, I need to tell you something, and it may sound weird. I’ve been wanting to tell you this the whole night. I love you. It’s crazy saying that out loud, since we just met. But it’s the truth. On paper, the timeline doesn’t make sense, but everything else about us does.”

“It’s not weird, Luke. I feel exactly the same way. I love you too.”

As Luke’s car headed down the road leading to her cottage, Emma turned to him with a heart overflowing with gratitude. She felt an intense affection for him after he had opened up to her with such vulnerability and honesty. She had never experienced this level of emotional intimacy with Chad, no matter how much she had encouraged him to share his deepest thoughts.

With Luke, Emma felt a genuine connection, and she knew without a doubt that she had fallen for him. The uncharted territory ahead was all at once scary and thrilling. As she sat there beside him, Emma realized that this was what love truly felt like.It was a love that made her feel alive again, to take risks and chase dreams, and without a doubt, was worth fighting for.

As they pulled into Emma’s driveway, a familiar sound caught her ear. She glanced over at the radio and turned the volume knob up slightly. To her amazement, it was the same song they had danced to at The Point. Emma’s voice rose in excitement. “Luke, it’s our song!”

Luke nodded with a grin and let out a soft chuckle. “I guess it is, isn’t it?”

Chapter 28

Luke

As Luke gazed down at their entwined hands, it seemed like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. The gentle touch of her hand, the kindness in her eyes, and the soothing words that flowed from her lips had eased his soul in ways he never thought possible.

In the safety of her loving embrace, Luke had opened up to Emma about the darkest moments of his life and the deepest fears that haunted him. He spoke of his late wife, unburdening himself of the pain and guilt from the past year. And yet, she listened with a heart that overflowed with compassion and empathy, offering no judgment or criticism, but only a tender understanding that Luke desperately needed.

Most women, he believed, would have turned away from him at the mere mention of his deceased wife, recoiling from the pain and complexities of his past. But Emma was different. She saw beyond his scars, his brokenness, and his flaws, embracing him fully and unconditionally. Emma had arrived just in time into Luke’s life.

“Thanks for listening. It means a lot to me. I feel like I have a fresh start with you,” Luke said, his voice filled with sincerity.

“Well, you’re already off to a great start,” she said. “None of my other boyfriends have ever taken me for a ride in a helicopter.”

Luke chuckled, appreciating how she always knew when to throw humor into a conversation. He unbuckled his seatbelt and turned the car off. “Stay right there.”

He hopped out of the car and went over to open her door, offering his hand.

Emma emerged from the car, holding her heels in one hand while taking Luke’s hand with the other. As they made their way to the front door, Luke thought about how she had grown even more beautiful as the night went on. The porch light illuminated the swarm of moths and mayflies circling around the bulb, their wings creating a soft hum. He heard the faint sound of the television coming from the inside.

“I should relieve Lisa of her dog-watching duties,” Emma said.

Luke glanced at his watch, his eyes widening in surprise. “Wow, I had no idea it was so late. I hope I haven’t kept you out too long. Do you have an early start tomorrow?

“Just at six. But it won’t be too bad. I’m used to it. Plus it’ll be Thursday, which means it’s almost Friday and the weekend will be here soon.” She smirked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve checked with you first about your schedule.”

“Don’t be sorry. Tonight was incredible. At this point, I wouldn’t care if we were coming home at dawn.”

Luke wrapped his arms around her waist. “I wouldn’t keep you out that late. I’m sure Lisa would have something to say about that.”

Emma tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “She would most likely scold me for being out past curfew.”

“Jeremiah might do the same with me when I get home,” he said. “Fingers crossed he’s already asleep.”

“Well, I guess I’d better go inside then,” Emma whispered.

Luke nodded, pulling her closer to him. “Yeah, I guess you’d better.”

Their breaths mingled together as they gazed into each other’s eyes for a few more moments, delaying the night’s end. Luke felt the thudding of his heart, and he knew Emma could feel it too. He couldn’t resist the urge any longer and dipped his head down to kiss her. Emma’s arms tightened around his neck as their lips pressed together.

It felt like time had stood still, and Luke wasn’t sure how long they had been kissing. Minutes, hours, he had no idea. All he knew was that he wanted to stay there, with her, forever.

Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the moment. But suddenly, they were interrupted by a loud scratching noise coming from the other side of the door. A high-pitched whine accompanied the scratching, and the door flew open.

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