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While voices rose and fell in playful banter, Margie returned to the table, placing Emma’s black bean burger in front of her.
There’s something different about him. Emma couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
Sensing his discomfort from all the flirting, Emma decided to save him and pointed at the bag of treats in his hand. “I hear dogs love those. What’s your dog’s name?”
Luke glanced at the bag, then gave her an appreciative nod as he looked back up. “Oh, these? Yeah, I picked them up at the pet store in Bridwell Bay—kind of surprised we don’t have one in town. But I don’t actually have a dog of my own. They’re for a stray I found curled up on my porch.”
“Oh?” Emma’s interest piqued, both at the mention of the stray and the treats. “I know those treats well. I started making them a couple of years ago to help our local animal rescue.”
“Really?” A look of surprise flickered across Luke’s face. “That’s incredible. He loves them. Been caring for him for about a week now.”
A spark of excitement edged into Emma’s voice. “Happy to hear they’re being put to good use. So, about this stray—does he happen to be a golden retriever?”
“Yeah. Sandy-colored male. He had a collar, but no tag. I made a post on the community Facebook page, but an admin hasn’t approved it yet.”
No way.
Emma pulled off the flyer she had taped on the window and passed it to Luke. “Is this him?”
He looked down at the paper, just as surprised. “Yeah! I’m pretty sure that’s him.”
Emma gasped. “Really? You have Riley?”
Luke nodded as he handed back the flyer. “Only one way to find out. When can you swing by to pick him up?”
“Do you think I can come over now? Are you busy?”
“No, not at all. I stopped by to grab some lunch for me and my son, and I’m heading home after that. You’re welcome to come and take him if you’d like.”
Her voice brightened. “That would be amazing!”
Emma felt a surge of excitement. Yet, she tried not to let her hopes soar too high, knowing the disappointments of the past week had taken a toll on her. Regardless, the possibility of reuniting with her beloved Riley filled her with quiet optimism.
The conversation reached a natural lull as Margie arrived, perfectly timed, with Luke’s wraps in hand. Emma gave her an apologetic smile. “If it’s not too much trouble, could I get this to go? Luke might have found Riley. We’re about to leave.”
“That’s wonderful! See, I told you not to worry, Em. Sometimes things just have a way of working themselves out.” Margie gave her a hug. “Just give me a minute to throw this into a box for you.”
“Thanks Margie. You’re the best.” Emma looked toward Luke. “Are you parked close by?”
“Yeah, that’s me right across the street.” He pointed out the window to a large black Range Rover.
“Nice car.” She imagined it cost much more than her little Honda Civic.
“Thanks. I bought it before we moved down here. Thought I’d get something durable.”
Just then, Margie arrived with her to-go bag. “Congrats on finding Riley. It’s good to see a smile on your face again.”
“Well, let’s hope it’s him.” Emma grinned and turned to Luke. “Shall we?”
After exchanging final goodbyes with Margie, he held the door open as they stepped outside the diner. “Do you want to follow me?”
“I think I remember how to get there.” Emma chuckled. “I’ll see you at the house.”
Emma pulled into the driveway behind Luke and got out. With restrained eagerness, she stood back, allowing him to unlock the door as her anticipation grew.
When Luke opened the it, Emma was enveloped by the rich smell of the old wooden floor and the subdued sunlight streaming through the curtains. Though the furniture bore the personal stamp of someone else’s life, the essence of the home—her home—still lingered.
“Ah, there he is,” Luke said as they stepped into the living room.
