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As they placed their orders, Emma was delighted to see Luke had chosen the same portabella steak as her, despite her insisting he didn’t have to. It was a small gesture, but it made her heart swell with affection for him. She was still adjusting to the novelty of having someone who was open-minded and considerate, unlike Chad who never dared to venture beyond his comfort zone.
While they waited for their food to arrive, a different waiter appeared carrying a bottle of wine, and he filled their glasses to the brim. Emma took a sip and savored the complex flavors, feeling a warmth spread through her body. In the background, a violinist began to play, a melody weaving through the air and adding to the already enchanting ambiance of the restaurant. It was a moment she knew she would never forget.
Emma savored a sip of her wine before expressing her amazement to Luke, “Tonight still feels unreal to me. The flowers caught me off guard, but everything else is beyond what I could have imagined even in my wildest dreams.” she said, inhaling the pleasant scent of the gardenias nearby.
“So you’re telling me I could’ve stopped at the flowers and called it a day?” Luke quipped, his playful tone filling the air.
Emma burst into laughter. “Yes, you could have.”
“But it’s your birthday, Emma. I had to make it unforgettable.”
“Well, you definitely succeeded. I think all my birthday wishes have come true.”
Luke leaned in and whispered, “And what about your regular wishes?”
“Well, I guess meeting you is one wish that has come true.” Emma looked down as her cheeks flushed a delicate pink.
“That was a wish we both shared,” Luke said, reaching for her hand, interlocking his fingers with hers. “Any other wishes?”
“Hmm. There is one other thing. One day I wish to have an actual brick and mortar store for my dog treat business. But I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to make that happen.”
“Well, that definitely sounds possible.” Luke’s voice was soft and sincere. “You’re capable of so much. I don’t see why owning your own shop isn’t something you couldn’t do.”
Emma found herself filled with a sense of calm as Luke spoke, his words wrapping around her like a warm embrace. She knew he was sincere, and that his belief in her abilities was real.
Raising his wineglass, Luke spoke again, “To you, Emma. Happy birthday.”
Emma picked up her wineglass and clinked it with his. “Thank you, Luke. For everything.”
After they took a sip, Luke reached into his jacket pocket. “Well, there is one more thing.” He pulled out a small black box and placed it on the table between them.
Emma’s heart skipped a beat. “Luke, what is this?”
“Everyone needs a present on their birthday. Go ahead. Open it.”
Emma carefully lifted the lid and found a shiny, silver bracelet inside. “It’s beautiful Luke! You really didn’t have to, but I love it!”
“It’s a charm bracelet,” Luke explained, taking it and clasping it around her wrist. “One charm is a dog, and the other is a lighthouse.”
Her voice quivered with emotion as she examined the shape of the dog charm. “It looks just like Riley!”
Luke’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Yes, that charm represents how we met, when Riley ran back to your old house.” He paused for a moment, taking her hand in his. “And the lighthouse charm symbolizes the place where we had our first kiss.”
Tears welled up in Emma’s eyes as she leaned across the table and pressed her lips against Luke’s. “I love it so much, Luke. Thank you,” she whispered.
Luke smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness. “I wanted it to be special. Every moment, every detail,” he said, his voice soft and sincere.
Just then, the waiter came over with their meals. After not eating anything today but her veggie wrap, Emma couldn’t wait to try her portabella steak.
She took a bite and watched as Luke did the same. “How is it?” she asked.
Luke’s eyes lit up as he wiped his mouth with the unrolled linen. “This is incredible! I can obviously tell there’s a difference from regular steak, but still, I’m impressed.”
“Yeah, plant-based food has come a long way over the years. Honestly, it used to be terrible, but not anymore.”
They carried on bantering and downing wine until a man they hardly noticed approached their table. “Luke? Is that you?”
Chapter 26
