Chapter Thirty-Nine

After the congratulations from the charity organizers, Sarah walked down the stage steps and went to the table as waiters began to serve dinner to all the guests.

Luke met her a few feet from the table and wrapped one arm around her waist in a hug and handed her a glass of wine. “You were fantastic. Congratulations. How does it feel to finally stand in the limelight and celebrate everything you’ve achieved?”

“Truthfully, a little exhausting.” She took a sip of the wine and smiled up at him. “But also really good.” She’d worked hard and given back. She’d risen above her circumstances and achieved great success. It was something to be proud of, but until now, she’d never really done so. Tonight, she felt it.

And sharing it with Luke and her family made it even more special.

Luke walked with her the few steps to the table.

Tyler stood up and hugged her first. “Abby gave me the package from you. Thank you so much, Sarah.” Tyler looked just like their father, with the same lean, strong build and chiseled jaw and high cheekbones. Sarah liked his hair the best. It was dark and he kept it just a little too long. His mother was forever asking him to cut it, because it constantly fell across his brow. She imagined some young girl brushing it away for him. He’d graduate high school this year and make young ladies drop at his feet in college.

“I can’t wait to go upstairs to our room and check it out. How do you think it turned out?”

“Awesome. I loved all of your ideas.”

“You really used them?”

“I told you I would. In fact, I have something else for you.” She spotted Abby and waved her over. Abby handed her an envelope, which Sarah then gave to Tyler. “Thanks, Abby.”

“Your speech was fantastic. I’ll check in with you later.” Abby walked off to join the Spencer Software group at their table.

Tyler opened the envelope and stared at the check. “No way! Sarah, no way. You didn’t have to do this.”

“You earned it. Most of that game was your idea. You deserve to be paid for your work.”

Tyler leaned in close. “Dad’s not going to like this.”

“Tell Lyon it’s my fault. You did the work, and I’m paying you.”

“You’re awesome! Thank you.” Tyler wrapped her in a big hug.

Sarah put her arm around Tyler and he did the same with her as they both faced Luke. “Tyler, I’d like to introduce Luke Thompson of the very prestigious Thompson Law Firm. He’s the lawyer slash rancher I told you about.”

Luke smirked. “You forgot ‘future husband.’”

She frowned at him. “You still haven’t asked me.”

“I will,” he assured her with a grin before he looked at Tyler. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, too.” Tyler glanced at her. “Are you guys really getting married?”

“Not before I have a chance to find out what kind of man Luke Thompson truly is,” Lyon said from behind Luke.