Page 64 of Since the Day We Wished

Emma was delighted by Luke’s helpfulness as they worked together. He took direction from her with ease, making sure he was doing things correctly. They kept finding ways to make each other laugh, and as they brushed up against each other in her small kitchen, the sparks flew between them. Soon enough, they finished enough batches for half of the orders that week, and Emma would be able to deliver them all after school tomorrow.

“You do all this by yourself?” Luke asked as they started cleaning. “Even after working full time?”

“Well, yes, but I’ve thought about hiring someone to come help me once in a while. I just haven’t gotten there yet.”

“I think you’ve got a great thing going here, Emma. And I think you should hire someone. If you had someone doing this, say, eight to ten hours a week, you could put out twice as much product, and reach out to more pet stores in the area with the time you’d save.”

Emma’s face lit up at Luke’s suggestion. Chad had never been interested in her business, but Luke was different. He believed in her and offered ways for her to grow.

“I should just hire you.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her chin on his chest.

“Now that’s an idea, but I’d never let you pay me.”

“What if I paid you in kisses?”

“Hmm. We might be able to work something out then.” Luke dipped his head to take his first payment.

Emma giggled as she rested her head against him, listening to the sound of his heartbeat. “Are you hungry?”

“I am, but I don’t know if I’m up for cooking after all that.”

“Me either—Pizza?”

Luke grinned. “You read my mind. Let’s get a veggie one with the Violife cheese. The reviews said it was really good.”

“Aww. You’re so thoughtful.” Emma was surprised again by Luke’s consideration, like at the restaurant last night. She loved that he was willing to try new things and embrace her beliefs, unlike her ex-husband. On several occasions, Chad had made fun of her in front of their friends for not eating “real” food. He did this even knowing veganism was a moral conviction to Emma, not just a preference. Emma wondered why’d she let him mistreat her for so long. It was probably the fact he had gotten into her head and, with his hurtful words, destroyed her self-worth. Not all at once, but a slight here and there, and over the years, it compounded to the point she had forgotten her own value. But she was glad those days were over. With Luke, she felt safe and loved.

After she ordered the pizza, they settled on the couch and decided to watch a movie. Emma handed him the remote to choose, since that’s what she always did with Chad.

“You don’t want to pick one?” Luke asked.

“I’m okay with whatever you pick.”

Luke shot her a side-eye. “So,Gladiatoris a good choice?”

Emma grabbed the remote from him. “Well, maybe I’ll pick one this time. Don’t worry, I won’t make it too girly.”

Luke threw his arm around her. “It’s okay if you do. I don’t mind chick flicks.”

Emma settled onCrazy, Stupid, Love, since she enjoyed anything with Steve Carell in it. And the fact it also starred Ryan Gosling was a plus. Just as the movie started, the pizza arrived. Luke got up to answer the door, making sure Riley didn’t get out and jump all over the delivery guy.

Emma paused the movie and grabbed plates and napkins, as well as a couple of soda cans. Once they had everything they needed, they dug into their dinner and started the movie. When they finished eating, Emma cuddled up to Luke on the couch and got comfortable enough to where she wasn’t even paying attention to the movie anymore.I could definitely get used to this, Emma thought, as her eyes fell heavy and closed. She rested her head against his chest, hearing Luke’s thudding heartbeat, which drowned out the sound from the movie. Only minutes had passed before her consciousness could no longer linger in that place between being awake and asleep. Before she knew it, Emma had drifted off for the night, embraced by the man she loved and who loved her.

Chapter 30

Luke

Luke knew Emma had been sound asleep in his arms for the last hour, her gentle breathing a comforting lullaby. As the credits rolled on the TV screen, he knew it was time to go. He didn’t want to disturb her peaceful slumber, knowing that she had a long day ahead at school.

Carefully, he reached for the remote and turned off the TV, the room suddenly plunged into silence. His thoughts drifted to the past, when he used to carry his son Jeremiah to bed after he fell asleep watching movies. He wondered if he could do the same with Emma, without waking her up.

Slowly, he slid his arm beneath Emma’s slender frame, cradling her like a precious jewel. With utmost care, he lifted her up and headed toward her bedroom. It was his first time in her room, and he was struck by the beautiful decor, the blue flowery bedspread, and the serene ocean paintings that adorned the walls.

As he laid Emma gently on her bed, Riley jumped up and nestled at her feet. Luke pulled a warm blanket over her, ensuring she was comfortable and secure. As he was about to leave, he heard her sleepy voice.

“Where are you going?”

“Heading home so you can get some rest.”

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