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Luke looked from Emma to Jeremiah, and back to Emma, utterly confused.
“Can you tell me what happened?”
Emma took a deep breath and dried her eyes. “It all started when I was about to leave and make some deliveries. Jeremiah came over to apologize for everything and that’s when Chad showed up...”
Luke listened in stunned silence while Emma told the story of what happened. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. If he would have known Chad was harassing Emma over the last few days, nothing would have been able to stop him from teaching that guy a lesson.
But Emma was right. Jeremiah was a hero. Luke turned to his son and smiled as his eyes welled up. “I’m really proud of you, Jer. You did the right thing today, by going to Emma and apologizing, and standing up to Chad. You’re brave. Thank you for doing that.”
Jeremiah smiled as Luke pulled him in for a hug. It was the first time they’d hugged like that in years; probably since Jeremiah was little, Luke thought. He embraced his son tightly, holding onto him as though he’d never let go.
“You don’t have to stay, Jer. I can sit with Emma.”
“I want to be here for you and Emma. I’m not going anywhere.”
The three of them sat down and settled into the floral-patterned wooden-armed chairs from another era. Jeremiah pulled out his phone and busied himself with a game while Luke wrapped his arm around Emma and held her hand. They sat like that for close to an hour without saying a word. Overcome by the day’s events, Emma fell asleep, resting her head against Luke’s shoulder.
“Emma Wright?”
All their heads popped up as the veterinarian walked into the waiting room.
“Yes, that’s me,” Emma said, shooting up from her chair. Luke stood with her, squeezing her hand.
“I’m Dr. Evans. Riley is stable. He’s got a few bruised bones and a fair amount of anxiety from the incident. It looks as if Riley ran into the car, instead of the other way around.”
Emma let out a long exhale. “So, he’s going to be okay?”
“Absolutely. I’m going to prescribe him some anti-anxiety pills and pain medication to take over the next week. I’ll be right back.”
After Dr. Evans walked away, Emma collapsed into Luke’s arms. “He’s going to be okay. He’s going to be okay.”
“Of course he is,” Luke said, hugging her. “He’s a tough guy.”
Emma chuckled and reached out for Jeremiah, bringing him into the hug. “I don’t know how I can thank you enough. The both of you.”
Jeremiah smirked. “Maybe you can let Riley come over to our house once in a while to visit. He’s a pretty cool dog.”
“You got it,” Emma said, wiping a tear from her eye.
Dr. Evans returned to the waiting room as they broke up the hug. “There’s someone here that would like to say hello.”
Emma turned around and gasped. The vet tech led Riley out on a leash. As soon as he saw Emma, he started wagging his tail.
“Never scare me like that again!” Emma bent down to the floor and hugged Riley around his neck.
Luke smiled at them, thankful he walked away with no serious injuries.
“Well, I think I’m going to head home now and get something to eat,” Jeremiah said, stretching his arms over his head.
“Why don’t you take the car home?” Luke suggested. “I’ll drive Emma’s car.”
Jeremiah took the keys from Luke and bent down to pet Riley before leaving.
Emma looked up at Luke. “You ready to go?” I can give you a ride back, later.”
“Yeah. that sounds good.”
In that moment, Luke realized all the feelings for Emma he’d been trying to squash were just too strong. He knew in his heart of hearts, he loved her just as much as he ever had. And now the universe had brought them together again, even if it was just to drive her home.
