Jeffrey scoffed. “Judge Sullivan’s leading in the polls. The people want someone like Ray bringing justice back to not only Georgia but, in my humble opinion, back to the United States. It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine Judge Sullivan will one day be sitting on the bench of the US Supreme Court.”

“Ms. DeMarco, you’ll have to excuse my ambitious friend here, but to answer your question, I have it on pretty good authority that Sheriff Huggins and his team have made some significant progress recently—”

“What kind of progress?”

“All in good time.” Lane’s father clapped his hand on the shoulder of the man to his left. “Now, I think it’s time we enjoy ourselves and the fabulous food.”

Lane smiled on the inside at her father’s dismissal of Ms. DeMarco. The reporter pursed her lips, undeterred, and moved on to a group of guests Lane didn’t recognize.

The delicious smell of the caterer’s menu of southern comfort food made her stomach grumble. Or was that the sky? A wall of gray loomed in the distance, ready to overtake the clear blue sky. A gust of wind swept in, causing an outburst of surprise as napkins flew off the tables.

“And y’all thought you wouldn’t have to work for your meal this evening.”

Laughter followed her father’s charming response to the unpredictable weather. Her mother didn’t look so relaxed. She kept gazing up at the sky and narrowing her eyes as if she could will away the impending storm.

As guests took their seats, Lane became aware of how lonely she was in the middle of all these people.

Where was Charlie?

“Momma, can I go inside?” Noah walked up, scratching at his cheek. “The squitoes are eating me alive.”

Lane bent down and pulled her son into a hug and planted kisses on his face. He was her one constant in a life where her emotions shifted as quickly as the wind. “That’s because you’re so sweet.”

“I’m going to take them inside and let them watch a movie.” Meagan walked over, holding Paige’s and Owen’s hands. “Is that okay?”

“Charlie!”

Lane rose and took Charlie in as he strode across the lawn in a pair of pressed khaki pants and a teal-blue collared shirt, the sleeves rolled casually to his forearms. Butterflies danced inside Lane’s chest.

“Hey, Noah.” Charlie met Noah’s excitement with a dimpled grin. He stuck out his hand palm side up. Noah smacked it with his hand. Charlie’s electric-blue eyes met hers. “Sorry I’m late. I had some work to finish.”

“Honey, with a smile like that, you can be late anytime you want.” Meagan’s drawl would’ve put Scarlett O’Hara to shame.

Lane forced her tongue to work. “You were going to take the kids inside for a movie, right?”