AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Luke pulled out his phone and saved her number. “Thanks a ton. I’ll brainstorm some ideas and reach out to you soon.”
“Perfect! Anything you do for Emma will make her happy, but I know she’s always wanted to take one of those coastal helicopter tours. I had one booked for us and some of our girlfriends on her fortieth birthday last year, but Chad told her she couldn’t go,” Lisa explained.
Luke nodded, a spark of determination ignited within him.
23
Emma
The final bell of the day rang, and students sprang from their seats like a herd of gazelles. The classroom buzzed with chatter as they packed up their books and slung backpacks over their shoulders.
“Don’t forget to jot down the homework assignment!” Emma called out, raising her voice over the noise. “See y’all on Monday.”
She watched her students heading toward the door, their footsteps echoing through the emptying classroom. Emma sank into her seat, letting out a deep, reflective sigh.
Today was Emma’s birthday, yet she had deliberately kept it a secret, even from Luke. She didn’t want to make a fuss and certainly didn’t want her students to be distracted by it. Instead, she threw herself into her work, trying not to dwell on past birthdays.
With Chad, birthdays had always been a letdown, a reminder of how unimportant she was in the relationship. Every year, she had hoped he would surprise her with something special, but each time she was left disappointed. Instead of celebrating her special day, he would make her feel guilty for wanting any kind of attention. Until the divorce, Emma hadn’t grasped how much he had neglected her.
It was a stark contrast to the joy she experienced now with Luke, who made her feel cherished every day. The mere thought of him made Emma smile from ear to ear. She felt lucky to have someone so wonderful in her life.
After packing her bag, she locked the classroom door behind her and hurried down the hall to the teachers’ lounge. Emma’s hunger pangs were intense as she eagerly anticipated the delicious flavors of the hummus veggie wrap waiting for her in the fridge.
When she stepped into the teachers’ lounge, she noticed several teachers huddled around something, their whispers growing louder with her approach.
Emma leaned forward and tilted her head. “What’s going on?”
“Oh, Emma, you sly thing! You didn’t tell us you had a secret admirer,” one teacher said, playfully nudging her.
What’s she talking about?
As Emma approached the table, she saw a stunning bouquet of Gerbera daisies arranged in a vase. A small white envelope with her name on it was nestled amongst the blooms.
“Who’s it from, Emma?” one of them asked.
“My husband never buys me flowers,” another teacher complained.
With her heart racing, Emma picked up the envelope, feeling its weight in her hands. She tore it open and pulled out the card.
Emma,
Nothing would make me happier than celebrating you on your special day. Happy Birthday! I’ll see you tonight.
Luke
A smile spread across Emma’s face, and she pressed the card to her chest. She couldn’t believe that Luke had sent her flowers on her birthday.
But how did he know?
She leaned toward the bouquet and breathed in, relishing the sweet fragrance of the daisies.
The other teachers looked at her expectantly. “So, who are they from?” one of them pressed.
Emma quickly thought of a harmless lie to avoid further questions. “Oh, they’re from my grandpa.”
The teachers wore disappointed expressions, but Emma was unfazed. She turned to the flowers again, closing her eyes, and lost herself in their fragrance.
With a contented sigh, she returned to the present and headed for the fridge. As she reached inside for her wrap, Mr. Simmons, the physics teacher, chimed in. “You’re just having lunch now? The day’s almost over.”
