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In their clandestine relationship, Luke and Emma savored every stolen moment. They took turns planning each outing, carefully avoiding any public places where they might be spotted. Emma had suggested they drive to the neighboring town and catch a movie at the colossal fifteen-screen cinema. For their next date, Luke arranged a dinner cruise on the Savannah River. The sunset views and the coastal air breezing against their skin left them in awe aboard the Georgia Queen. Each rendezvous was a mini adventure, and Luke couldn’t recall the last time he had enjoyed himself this much.
Together, Luke and Emma found happiness in the simple moments, and it didn’t always involve extravagant outings. They cherished the times when they would just unwind and enjoy each other’s company, whether it was cooking dinner together at Emma’s cozy home or baking dog treats to fulfill orders. Thankfully, Emma’s cottage was tucked away, making it difficult for anyone to spot Luke’s Range Rover parked there.
One such evening at Emma’s cottage, she had pulled him into a spontaneous dance session in the backyard. As the sunset draped the sky in shades of gold, he felt the irresistible urge to capture the moment.
Battling the breeze, they struggled to prop Emma’s phone against the Range Rover. Finally, they positioned the phone just right and stepped back into each other’s arms. The Bluetooth remote was in Luke’s hand as they began to sway to a Taylor Swift tune. Emma’s laughter echoed in the air as Luke dipped her. When he pulled her close with one arm around her waist, they pressed the remote, capturing the moment. The camera snapped just as Riley looked back with a playful smile, a scene that felt ripped from a fairy tale—the charming cottage, the brilliant sunset, a rescue dog, and two people unmistakably in love.
It was one of those perfect moments where everything around them fell into place.
Even in such times, the question of when and how to break the news to Jeremiah pressed down on Luke’s heart.
Fortunately, he had more time to figure it out. Jeremiah seemed preoccupied with his newfound social life and hardly noticed when Luke was away. Luke was just glad his son was finally getting out of his room and venturing out to the town. He could only hope his son would stay out of trouble.
On a Saturday afternoon, while Luke waited outside the rescue for Jeremiah to finish his volunteer shift, Lisa passed by. She smiled as soon as she spotted him and walked over.
“Hey, Luke. Thinking about adopting a pet?”
Luke chuckled and shook his head. “No, not today. I’m waiting for my son to come out. How have you been?”
“Good, except for missing my friend who’s been mysteriously busy every time I call her to hang out.”
Luke feigned innocence. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re getting at.”
“Mm-hmm.” Lisa gave him a knowing look. “I’m kidding, of course. I’m thrilled that she’s finally dating. Especially with her birthday coming up and everything—”
“Birthday?” Luke’s eyes widened. “When is it?”
“September twentieth. She didn’t tell you?”
“No, she didn’t. That’s next week!”
“I’m not surprised. She typically doesn’t mention it to anyone.”
Luke furrowed his brows. “It’s her birthday. Why wouldn’t she want to celebrate it?”
Lisa sighed. “She used to, but Emma hasn’t really celebrated her birthday in years. We still buy gifts and make a cake every year, but that’s it. She’s never made a big deal of it.”
“I don’t understand. Is she upset about getting older?”
“No, it’s not that. It has to do with her ex.”
“He didn’t celebrate her birthdays?”
“Well, he’d still get her a little something for the occasion, but it was never thoughtful,” Lisa said. “I thought it was strange that we never did anything for her birthday, so I finally told her I was gonna plan a big party. And that’s when she told me what Chad had told her.”
“Which was?” Luke asked, dreading the answer.
“He somehow convinced her that celebrating her birthday was narcissistic. It was fine to do when you’re younger, but not as an adult.”
Luke remembered his brief encounter with Chad at The Point and knew he was a scoundrel, but didn’t realize he was this cruel. “This guy is really something.”
“Oh, I know. It’s ironic, really. Chad would always put Emma down about celebrating birthdays, even though he never missed an opportunity to brag about himself. I swear, every dinner with them felt like the Chad Show. I’m so glad he’s gone.”
Luke couldn’t believe what he had heard. Anger rose inside him, but he bit down on his lip to control it. Emma was a sweet and caring person, and the fact that she felt guilty about celebrating her own birthday—he had to do something extraordinary for her.
“Lisa, I want to do something for Emma’s birthday, but I’m unsure of what exactly. Can you help me out?” Luke asked.
Lisa’s face lit up. “Of course! I’m more than happy to help. Here, take my number. Let me know what you need, and I’ll be there.”
