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Emma looked over; Riley was gnawing at the rug in front of the fireplace. “Riley! That’s a no-no.”
At the sound of her voice, he bounded over and jumped up on his hind legs, nuzzling her with his wet nose. She laughed and sank to her knees, burying her face in his fur. “Oh, Riley. You scared me.”
Luke smiled. “When I first found him, I didn’t see a tag. Even took him to the vet to see if he was chipped.”
She nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. “It fell off in some bushes. Long story. But I’ve been meaning to get him chipped. Just never got around to it, I guess,” Emma said, looking up to meet Luke’s eyes. “But it looks like he was well taken care of.”
Luke rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, about that—I don’t actually have any dog food for him at the moment. But I have some leftover treats.”
A light laugh escaped her. “Do you have a bowl?”
“Sure do.” Luke gestured for her to follow.
Together, they moved into the kitchen, with Riley at their heels. Luke carefully opened the bag and put half the treats into a bowl, then placed it on the ground. Riley dove straight in, gobbling up the treats as his tail whipped back and forth like a pendulum in overdrive.
Emma leaned against the counter, allowing her gaze to wander around the familiar space.
“Can I get you a cup of coffee?” Luke asked.
“Only if you’re having one too.”
“Great.” Luke walked over to the cupboard and pulled out two mugs. “So, you used to live here?”
Emma nodded. “With my husband. It’s a wonderful house.”
“Why’d you sell it? If you don’t mind me asking.” He filled up one mug and handed it to her.
“That’s alright. I got divorced a couple months ago, and our lawyers decided it was in our best interest.”
Luke stopped what he was doing and looked up at her. “I’m sorry. I never would’ve asked if—“
“No, it’s okay, really,” she assured him. “It’s nice to have someone in town who doesn’t know all my business.”
Luke continued topping off his mug. “Milk or sugar?”
“I’m good. Thanks, though.” Emma took a small sip of the piping-hot coffee. “I see you haven’t changed much of anything in the house yet.”
Luke looked around and shrugged. “I’m not sure what I’d change. Maybe a coat of paint in the dining room, but other than that, I’m not really sure.”
Emma’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Yeah. The dining room could definitely use it. It looks exactly how my grandpa left it.”
“Your grandpa?”
“Yeah. It was my grandparents’ house. He gave it to us as a wedding present. After my grandma passed, he wanted to move into something smaller.”
“I’m sorry about your grandma.” Luke’s eyes met hers. “I know losing someone isn’t ever easy.”
Emma took a moment to soak in his kind words. “Thanks for that. It was years ago though, and we knew it was coming. I’m alright now.”
Luke gave a small nod, as if acknowledging the gravity of her loss, before breaking into a grin. “Maybe you can solve a mystery for me,” he said, motioning for her. “Come check this out.”
Emma followed him into the living room and over to the mantel. He pointed to the A + L carving.
“A and L. Who were they?”
“Amelia and Liam,” she answered. “My grandparents. They were married fifty years before she passed. They met when they were kids.”
“Wow! Fifty years. They sound like me and my wife. We were high school sweethearts.”
