“What’s not to love? Their mother has done a great job raising them. They kicked my ass at some of the video games. They know a bunch of secret codes to make themselves invincible. I couldn’t get them to reveal the codes. Anyway, we have a lot to talk about. Are you fully awake now?”

“Yes, why?”

“Because I want to tell you that you scared the hell out of me!” His voice started out soft, but by the time he got to the end of the sentence the anger spilled out with his words. “When I think of what could have happened if you weren’t here with me . . .”

Sarah raised up and faced him, leaning on one arm. “Luke, I’m sorry I frightened you. Don’t you think it scares the hell out of me to wake up on your kitchen table not knowing how long I’ve been asleep, or what might have happened to my boys? They’re everything to me. Don’t you think I’m sitting here thanking God that you were here to take care of us? Don’t you think I have a thousand different scenarios going through my mind about what might have happened to them if I’d hurt them, or myself? This is killing me and I’m so sorry that you’ve had to put your life on hold to take care of us.”

Her words set off a deep frown on Luke’s handsome face. “I love having you and the boys here. I’ve told you several times now that I don’t want you to go. Apparently, that hasn’t sunk in yet. So, let me say it again. I want you and those boys here with me. I want you to be with me.”

“I want that, too.”

“Then help me make it happen. Work reasonable hours. I know it’s a long commute from here to Silicon Valley, but I could set up an office for you here. We’ll figure something out, depending on what you need. And Abby has called way too much. I finally had to threaten to sue her for harassment if she didn’t stop calling every half hour to see if you were awake. She’s really great. She cares a lot about you. Anyway, I took care of what I could. She’ll call later today to update you on what’s happening.”

“What do you mean you took care of what you could?”

“Apparently Evan leaked to the press that you’ve finished the Knox Project and it far exceeds expectations. They want to set up a bunch of interviews immediately. I told her not to schedule anything, that you didn’t want to do the interviews anyway, and the press would see you at the benefit. As far as the dress you need, I asked Abby to get you something. She’ll send it tomorrow.”

“Oh God. You have no idea what you’ve done.”

“You said you didn’t want to do the interviews. Putting them off a week won’t matter, will it?”

She waved that away. “No, not that. Thank you for putting that off. It’s the dress. You have no idea what Abby will pick. She’s wanted to make me over forever. I have no idea what she’ll send. She thinks I dress too conservative.”