Page 6 of Since the Day We Wished

Riley looked back at Emma and let out another bark in protest, but eventually gave up his quest. Emma turned and headed back down to the beach toward the cottage when her phone began to vibrate. Pulling it out of her pocket, her face lit up when she saw it was Kara, the founder of Second Chance Rescue.

“Hey Kara. How’s it going?”

“Hey Em. It’s going well,especiallyfor you.”

“Oh, is that so? Tell me more.”

“Well, we’ve completely sold out of the dog treats you brought in last week. I’ll need more as soon as the Independence Day festival is over. People love your Barking Orders brand. You’ve even grown a little following at the rescue. I’ve already had three people ask today when we’re gonna be back in stock!”

Emma smiled, feeling much better than she did a minute ago. The news of her obscure brand of dog treats she had launched last year, finally gaining traction, lifted her spirit up and out of the dumps. “My goodness, Kara! I’m so happy to hear they’re doing so well. And I’ll have another batch ready for you soon. Thanks again for carrying them. I know it’s not like the usual stuff y’all have.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, girl. It’s time for the pet owners around here to branch out and try something different. How’s everything else going?”

As Emma reached the back door of the cottage, she pulled out her key. “Oh, it’s fine. I’m fine. Just...getting the house together.”

“You can tell me anything, Emma. No one expects you to be doing okay right now. Listen, I’m gonna come over soon with some ice cream so we can celebrate your housewarming, and the success of your hot new brand. How’s that sound?”

Emma let Riley inside the cottage and closed the door behind her. “Sounds like a plan. I could use a girls’ night. But I need to know one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Is the ice cream vegan?”

“Of course it is!” Kara laughed over the phone. “Do you think I don’t know you at all?”

Chapter 4

Luke

The sight of the Georgia state line filled Luke with a sense of purpose as he steered his Range Rover toward a rest stop. Hadley Cove was not far now, and with it, the hope of a brighter future for him and his son. The long drive had taken its toll on his body, and he relished the chance to get out of the car. Pushing open the door, he took in a rush of fresh air as Jeremiah clambered out of the passenger side.

“Here.” Luke grabbed a few dollars from his pocket and gave it to Jeremiah. “See if the vending machine has anything good.”

He took the cash without a word and walked away. Jeremiah had barely spoken to Luke since breakfast, and even then, it was only to ask him to pass the salt.

After a few minutes, Jeremiah returned, handing the cash back to Luke. “The vending machine is broken.”

“Well, we can try again at the next rest stop.” He placed a hand on his son’s shoulder, but Jeremiah pulled away and trudged toward the passenger side.

“Are we going?” he asked, an edge of annoyance in his voice. “It’s so hot out here.”

Luke nodded in agreement. “You’d better get used to the Georgia heat. I think it’ll be cooler on the coast though. At least, let’s hope it will.” He climbed back into the driver’s seat, eager to hit the road again.

The car ride dragged on, in silence, broken only by the monotonous hum of the engine and the country songs on the radio. Luke tried to start a conversation with Jeremiah but was met with brief and disinterested responses.

Luke knew it would take time for Jeremiah to come around. He promised himself he would be there for him from now on, phasing out of his job and working part time remotely so he could focus on repairing their relationship. No more late nights at the office, or business trips. Luke was all in for his son, and nothing would stop him from being the father Jeremiah needed.

“Are you hungry?” Luke turned to Jeremiah. “We can stop and get something. Or we could wait until we get to the house.”

Jeremiah shrugged and continued staring at the window.

“So, is that a yes?”

“No, I’m gonna take a nap.”

“Alright then.”

Almost two hours later, Luke leaned over and shook Jeremiah awake. He slowed down as they were passing a sign.

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