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Luke gave a single nod in response, his expression stoic, as he turned back to his portabella steak. They continued eating, mostly in silence, until the waiter returned to collect their plates. A few minutes later, he came back with a small chocolate cake that Luke had forgotten he ordered from a vegan bakery in Savannah, with instructions for the cake to be delivered to the restaurant.
“Luke! When did you order this?”
“A couple of days ago. It’s completely vegan, from a bakery here in town. If you’re too full, we can have it boxed up and you can try it later.”
Emma patted her stomach and fell back in her chair. “That sounds like a great idea. I’m stuffed.”
Luke motioned for the waiter to come over and wrap up the cake, and then asked for the check. The last thing he wanted to do was stay and encounter Adam again.
After paying with his card and leaving a generous tip, he escorted Emma out of the restaurant, avoiding looking over at the bar. The Rolls Royce was waiting for them as they stepped outside.
As they drove back toward the heliport, a heavy cloud seemed to settle over Luke. He wanted to shake off Adam’s comment, but it lingered in his mind. I hope things have slowed down enough for you two to spend more time together... I know that was always an issue in Chicago. Luke had been through so much with Jeremiah since Kate’s passing, and he didn’t need anyone reminding him of his past mistakes as a fater.
Emma’s hand squeezed his, bringing him back to the present. He forced a smile and reached up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. Tonight was supposed to be about her, and he wouldn’t let his own turmoil ruin her birthday celebration.
Luke was determined to focus on making this a special night for Emma, even if it meant pushing aside his own worries and doubts.
Chapter 27
Emma
As they returned to the heliport, Luke’s car stood alone, its glossy exterior reflecting the dimly lit surroundings. The empty lot was a stark contrast to the bustle of the city they had just left behind.
Luke’s mood had taken a sharp turn since their dinner, and Emma couldn’t help but notice the sudden shift in his demeanor. The earlier light-hearted banter and laughter had disappeared, replaced by a somber and pensive expression.
Emma wondered what could have caused this sudden change. Was it Adam, who had reminded him of the pain and heartache he had left behind in Chicago? Or maybe it was Kate, the woman he had loved and lost?
The driver pulled up next to the Range Rover and hurried to Emma’s side, opening the door for her. She stood up, feeling the weight of the night settling into her bones. The dress that had seemed so elegant hours before now felt cumbersome, and her feet ached from the unfamiliar strain of high heels.
Luke rushed to Emma’s side, noticing her discomfort. “Are you alright?”
She looked up at him and chuckled. “It’s these heels. I love how tall they make me, but they’re killing me.”
“Well, they do look amazing on you, but just so you know, you never have to wear them for me. I’d rather you be comfortable.” He crouched down in front of her, lifting the hem of her dress and taking off each shoe.
Emma giggled and let out a sigh of relief. “It’s like we’re acting out Cinderella in reverse.”
Luke grinned, but she could see it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He walked over to the passenger side door and opened it for her. She kissed him on the cheek as she climbed into the seat, placing her high heels on the floorboard.
The drive back to Hadley Cove was serene, the roads clear of the earlier traffic. It seemed they would reach Emma’s house in no time. But as the silence lingered between them, Emma couldn’t help but glance at the clock, realizing that time was slipping away before she could find out what was weighing on Luke’s mind.
“Tonight was wonderful, Luke,” Emma said. “Thank you for being so amazing.”
“It was nothing. You deserved it.”
“I’ll have to make it up to you on your birthday.” She turned to look at him as he gave a single nod, keeping his eyes on the road. “Luke, what’s wrong? Something’s bothering you.” She reached out and took his right hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Luke sighed. “It’s nothing, really. It was just something Adam said at dinner, when he stopped by the table.”
Emma thought back to the conversation. “What did he say?”
“He said he hoped things slowed down enough for me start spending time with my son since that always a problem in Chicago”
Emma realized the remark sounded a bit condescending. “Yeah, that is a little off-handed to bring up.”
“But it’s true,” Luke said. “I didn’t spend enough time with Jeremiah, and I didn’t spend enough time with Kate. I really messed up in the family department.”
“You did the best that you could, Luke. You were working to support a family.”
