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Emma smiled. “Did you know it’s the tallest lighthouse in the country? It dates back to the American Revolution.”
Luke looked over at Emma with wide eyes. “No, I didn’t. You’re full of surprises.”
“I’m just full or random trivia, thanks to my grandpa’s stories,” Emma said, chuckling. “If you want, we can walk up there after dinner.”
“At this time of night? I don’t know.” Luke’s face paled as he contemplated the suggestion. “Isn’t that something teenagers would do?”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Probably so. But come on, Luke. Live a little. It’ll be fun.”
Luke took a long swig of his wine. “Well, I do love the spontaneity of your idea, so I guess you’ve talked me into it.”
Emma grinned, raising her wineglass as if proposing a toast. “Here’s to us living in the moment.”
When the plates arrived, they were both instantly captivated by the sight and aroma of their dishes. Without a word, they dug in, savoring every bite. Even in silence, Emma found herself feeling comfortable in Luke’s presence. She didn’t need to fill the air with small talk just to feel connected to him. They were content with enjoying the food and each other’s company.
As Emma twirled a forkful of butternut squash ravioli into her mouth, she noticed how each ingredient had been perfectly crafted to create a symphony of flavors and textures on her taste buds. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to be fully immersed in its artistry.
When Emma opened them, she saw that Luke was relishing every bite of the meal just as much as she was. With Chad, mealtimes were fraught with tension, his constant policing of her food choices suffocating her spirit. But with Luke, it was different.
Luke’s easy-going nature and genuine interest in her thoughts and opinions were a revelation to Emma. She found herself opening up to him in ways she never could with Chad, feeling a sense of freedom and liberation she hadn’t experienced in years. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, as if they had known each other for a lifetime, and Emma was captivated by Luke’s unwavering attention and understanding.
In Luke, Emma saw a stark contrast to her past, a beacon of hope for her future. He made her feel heard, valued, and cherished, igniting a long-dormant spark within her. She marveled at how someone like him could exist, and her heart overflowed with gratitude for this unexpected gift. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of serendipity, as if destiny had orchestrated this very moment.
After finishing their meals, Luke reached for the bill, insisting on paying for dinner, while Emma protested for a split check. They finally reached a compromise, agreeing that Emma would pay for the next date as they left the restaurant.
As they stepped out into the warm South Georgia night, the sight of fireflies greeted them. The tiny insects bobbed up and down, illuminating their bodies like miniature spotlights, casting a warm glow all around them.
Emma pointed to a narrow pathway leading through the trees. “Look, over there.”
A wooden sign, bearing a picture of the lighthouse and an arrow pointing forward, stood beside the path.
Luke extended his hand toward Emma, a glint of adventure in his eyes. “Shall we?”
Emma’s heart skipped a beat as she clasped his hand. “Let’s go.”
They followed the winding path through the trees, which dipped and rose with the contours of the woods. The fireflies Emma had spotted earlier seemed to be even more abundant here, flickering their lights on and off in the darkness, creating a magical ambiance. Every now and then, they caught glimpses of the lighthouse through the trees, reassuring them they were on the right track. As they emerged from the trees, the towering structure stood before them, casting its shadow on the water. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore added to the enchantment of the moment.
Luke broke the silence with a question. “Do they still have lighthouse keepers?”
Emma shook her head. “No, lighthouses are automated nowadays. This one is still maintained though, but only comes on for certain occasions, so there’s no one inside.”
Luke sighed wistfully. “It’s a shame. I always imagined some quirky old guy living at the top of a lighthouse.”
Emma’s eyes glimmered mischievously. “Well, there’s only one way to find out.”
Luke turned his head, looking down at her. “What do you mean?”
Emma led Luke to a door at the base of the lighthouse. “They never lock it up. Come on.”
She opened the door and pulled him inside, illuminating their path with the flashlight on her phone.
“Isn’t this illegal?” Luke asked, his flashlight beam darting around the room. “Maybe we shouldn’t be here.”
“It’s going to be fine. We’ll just go up the steps and come back down,” Emma reassured him. “I want you to see the view up top.”
Sighing, Luke reluctantly took out his phone and turned on the flashlight. “Alright, but only if we’re quick.”
They ascended the spiral staircase, picking up the pace at first but slowing down as they continued. When they finally reached the top, they were both exhausted.
