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“We’ve ended things, Grandpa. It’s for the best.”
Liam frowned. “The best for who, Emma? I thought he made you happy.”
“He did, but that’s not the point. I had to break up with him.”
Liam reached over and placed his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. “And how did you come to that decision, sweetheart?”
Tears formed in Emma’s eyes as she spoke. “Because I don’t want to come between Luke and his son. I didn’t have a father growing up and I don’t want to be the reason Jeremiah feels the same.”
Liam scooted his chair over to Emma and pulled her into a hug. She tried her best to stop the tears from falling, but she couldn’t help it.
“Hey, I’ve got an idea,” Liam said. “I think that rain might hold off for a while...why don’t we take the boat out and ride around the cove?”
Emma nodded, leaning back to give him a watery smile. “That sounds nice.”
After finishing lunch, they headed out to the small motorboat parked next to the dock. Riley ran ahead and climbed in, followed by Emma, then Liam. She was grateful he hadn’t pushed her to talk more about Luke, or tried to convince her she was overreacting.
They rode along the coast and up to the marsh through the waterways up to Bridwell Bay. Emma remembered how much she used to love going out on her grandfather’s boat in the fall when she was younger, and how Amelia would wait on the dock to bundle her up in blankets as soon as she stepped off.
They cruised the water until the early evening and headed back after seeing the golden light of the sun disappear behind some dark clouds moving their way. It had just begun to rain as they pulled up to Liam’s dock.
“Since you made me lunch, how about I make you dinner?” Liam asked, as they hustled across the yard to the door and walked inside.
Emma grabbed the throw off the back of his couch and wrapped herself in it as her teeth chattered. “That sounds good.”
Liam had a way of knowing just what Emma needed. As she walked into the kitchen, she caught a whiff of something delicious cooking on the griddle. It was the same smell that used to fill the house when her grandmother Amelia was alive, and it instantly made her feel warm and comforted. Liam had made blueberry pancakes, just like Amelia used to make for her when she was a child. Emma couldn’t help but smile, grateful for the small moment of happiness that Liam had brought into her life.
“Have a seat,” Liam said. “Now I know these aren’t as good as your grandmother used to make, but I think they’re still edible.”
“They look great, Grandpa. I don’t think anyone could make them as good as she did.”
“And no one ever will.” Liam gave her a wink and fixed each of them a plate before walking over to the table.
As they ate, he tore a piece of one of his pancakes while he thought Emma wasn’t looking and fed it to Riley.
“Don’t tell your Momma,” he whispered behind his hand.
Emma let out a small laugh as she wiped syrup from the edge of her lip. Liam spoiled Riley as if he was one of his grandkids too.
“How’s your dog treat business doing?” Liam asked.
“Really great,” Emma said. “My orders have doubled over the last month.”
“That’s incredible, dear. If you need any help, you know, I could come and help you bake, Em. I am retired you know.”
“That’s nice of you to offer, but you’ve done enough for me throughout the years. I’ll think about it though.”
“Well, I’d do anything for you, sweetheart. You are my favorite granddaughter.”
Emma burst into laughter, shooting her hand up to cover her mouth. “I’m your only granddaughter. But I guess that does have its perks.”
After dinner was finished and they cleaned up, Emma decided it was time for her and Riley to hit the road. As they walked to the door, Liam pulled her aside, his eyes brimming with concern. “Emma, I know that Luke is the love of your life. And if you truly love him, you should be happy with him. Everything else will work itself out. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back.”
Emma felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Liam, her heart heavy with emotion. “I just don’t know, Grandpa. I do still love him, but it just feels impossible.”
Liam placed a comforting hand on Emma’s shoulder, his eyes full of understanding. “I know it’s scary, Emma. But love is always a risk. It takes courage to put yourself out there, to take that leap of faith. But I truly believe that if you and Luke are meant to be together, everything else will fall into place.”
Emma took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. “Thank you, Grandpa. You always know just what to say.”
