“Okay.” He was gone and back in a flash, and another round of tears started when she saw her sister and brother-in-law, along with Gabriel’s three best friends and a woman she assumed was Glenn’s wife. Gabriel had introduced her to Glenn via a videoconference shortly after their reconciliation. She was further shocked when Pam’s family walked in behind them. She grabbed her sister up in a big hug. “What are you doing here?”

Chandra touched the ring on Serenity’s finger and winked. “Mom and Dad said to tell you congratulations and they’ll call you tonight.” Their parents had left for DC earlier in the week.

“You knew?” Chandra nodded, and Serenity turned her stunned gaze to Gabriel, who merely shrugged and smiled. The day couldn’t get any better. She went around and greeted everyone else.

Gabriel’s sharp whistle cut through the chatter. “Can we have your attention, please?” He waited until the conversation quieted. “Serenity and I have an announcement.”

He nodded her way, and she whipped her hand out, wiggling her fingers.

The room erupted in cheers and calls of “congratulations” and “it’s about time.” Everyone crowded around to get a better look at the ring. Serenity smiled so hard her cheeks hurt. But she didn’t care. Brianna tapped Serenity on her arm, and she hunkered down in front of the little girl.

“Can I be the flower girl when you get married?”

“You sure can.”

“Yay! Mommy, I’m gonna be Ms. Wheeler’s flower girl.” Brianna bounced up and down, then threw her arms around Serenity and hugged her tight.

“Okay, everyone. This calls for a toast,” Natasha said.

Official bartender, Dana produced bottles of champagne, and Darius helped her fill everyone’s glasses. Brianna held a flute of sparkling apple cider.

Natasha held up her glass. “To Gabriel and Serenity and Serenity’s Supper Club. Good food, great friends.”

Gabriel whispered to Serenity, “And a taste of passion.” He touched his glass to hers and, instead of sipping the bubbly, lowered his head for a kiss.

Serenity wrapped her arm around his neck and held him close, trying to infuse all the love she had for him in it. She’d risked it all this time, and won.

RECIPES

Vanilla Crisps

Makes 24 crisps

• 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the sheet
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup margarine
• ¼ cup solid vegetable shortening, plus more for the sheet
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with shortening and dust with flour. You may be tempted to use a nonstick flour spray, but old school is best as the cookies tend to burn.