Chapter 43
Emma
The way Luke gazed at Emma with his intense, ocean blue eyes sent her heart fluttering with a thousand emotions. Unspoken words seemed to drift like a mist between them as she felt every bit of what his eyes were saying—that he adored her and loved her as if they were still together. It was confirmation of an unwavering love Emma thought had been long forgotten. She leaned in closer, feeling a strong electric current surge through her body as her hand clasped tightly with his. Just then, Riley leapt from the backseat, interrupting the quiet moment as he licked Emma’s face.
She burst out into a fit of laugher. “Riley! Get down, boy!”
“Looks like he’s doing much better already.”
Luke smiled as he reached over, petting Riley’s head.
As they got out of her car, the sun had begun to set. The warm, salty breeze gently tousled Emma’s hair as she surveyed the scene, noticing the crushed box of treats she was supposed to deliver. She made a mental note to get another box ready for tomorrow. In the grass near the driveway, her phone was still lying there, its sleek surface glistening in the fading light. Walking toward the porch, she saw a piece of fabric from Chad’s torn pant leg. There was also a note from the driver who hit Riley, or rather, that Riley had hit. Her phone number was scribbled on the back. Emma decided she’d call her later to let her know Riley was okay.
Anxiety swept over her as she caught sight of the tire marks from Chad’s car in the driveway, leaving an unnerving stillness in its wake. “Would you like to come in and stay for a while?”
Emma asked. “To be honest, I’m a little shaken up. And now that Chad’s car is gone, I know he’s still out there somewhere.”
Luke nodded. “Of course. I’ll stay for as long as you need me.”
Emma felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was grateful to have Luke by her side, especially after everything that had happened. The thought of Chad coming back no longer scared her, as she felt protected in Luke’s presence.
Riley came up between them, sitting down in front of Luke’s legs. He laughed and bent down to scratch behind his ears.
“How’s it feel to be a hero, bud?”
Riley let out a little whine, then rolled over on his back for belly rubs.
Emma’s heart warmed, watching the exchange between them. “How about we head inside for some treats, huh?”
Riley barked and ran inside as Emma opened the door.
When they got inside, she set the note on the end table and pulled out her phone, scrolling through several missed calls and stopping at a voicemail from her father. Emma wondered if he had found out about what happened earlier or if it was time to meet up again for coffee. She walked toward the kitchen as she played the message.
“Hey Emma, it’s Paul. We got a call about an incident at your house and the caller mentioned someone matching your ex-husband’s description fleeing the scene. We’re trying to track him down. Call me back when you get this and let me know you’re okay. Also, let me know if you were able to catch any of the incident on your security footage. Thanks, Emma.”
His words brought her reassurance, knowing the police were looking for Chad. Emma hung up the phone and sent Paul a quick text, telling him she was fine, and she’d send the footage over in the morning. She didn’t have the energy to talk on the phone to anyone tonight and wanted today to be over.
“Can I get you anything?”
Luke asked with a sly grin across his face. “Water? Ice? A large bourbon?”
A smile tugged at the corners of Emma’s mouth. “I can probably use a strong drink, but I’m okay for now. I just want to sit and relax.”
Emma walked out to the living room and collapsed onto the couch, letting out a long sigh. Luke sat next to her and settled in as Riley hopped up onto his lap.
“Well, I missed you too, Riley.”
Luke patted him gently, trying not to hurt any of his sore spots.
“I don’t think he realizes his own size. Riley, get down,”
Emma said with a sharpness in her tone. Riley looked up at her and whined, then did as he was told. A second later, he laid across Luke’s feet.
Emma and Luke laughed. “He really does like you,”
Emma said. “Maybe even more than me.”
Luke raised an eyebrow skeptically and let out a small chuckle. “That’s not even possible.”
Emma took a deep breath and looked down at her hands. “So, tell me about this job offer in New York. Are you going to take it?”
Luke turned to face Emma; his eyes locked with hers. “I thought I would...that is until I saw you again today. After we broke up, I thought there wasn’t much left for me here. But I don’t think I can do it.”
Every sense in Emma’s body heightened as she listened intently to his words.
Luke looked away for a moment before turning back to her with a fierce determination in his eyes. He leaned in, bridging the gap between them. “Jeremiah’s not too excited about it and I know we’re not together anymore, but the thought of being so far away from you doesn’t sit well with me.”
He paused as if he had lost his words. The room fell silent, with only the faint sounds of their breathing filling the air. The tension thickened, causing her heart to thrum as she anticipated his next words.
Luke took Emma’s hand, lacing his fingers with hers. “I’m still in love with you and haven’t stopped thinking about you since the first day we met. You’ve brought a joy to me I never thought I’d have again after losing Kate. You’ve helped me realize that second chances do exist.”
Emma’s eyes welled up with tears and her breath hitched in her throat. “Jeremiah told me about the job. It sounds great, but I...I don’t want you to move there. I know that sounds selfish, but that’s how I feel. You said there was nothing left for you here, and that’s not true.”
A note of surprise crept into Luke’s voice. “It’s not?”
She shook her head. “No, it’s not. I shouldn’t have pushed you away, Luke. You’ve made me happier than anyone I’ve ever known. I’m in love with you. I never thought I’d find someone who could love me and Riley the way you do. I don’t want to lose you.”
“Emma, I never wanted it to end. And in some ways, it never did. I love you with everything that I am and always will. I think even Riley knows I belong with you and him, even right from the start when he showed up at my house.”
His words hung in the air between them, and seeped into her skin, where she could feel it in her bones. She beamed at him, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek. “Luke, I love you.”
“And I love you, Emma.”
Without hesitation, Luke leaned in, sealing his lips to hers in a passionate kiss, full of promise and a fervent love that would stand the test of time. Her fingers clenched his upper arms as her breath quickened.
It was in this very moment that Emma knew, with every fiber of her being, that she had found her forever love in Luke.