“I will.”

“You have a lot of plans. Travel. A proposal. A life with me.” How could she not believe he loved and wanted her?

“So let’s talk details about life at home.”

Chapter Forty-One

The doorbell rang right at noon. Sarah and Luke had their talk about the future on the back patio and stayed out there long after they’d made the decision to make the ranch home base and use her place in Silicon Valley for the days and nights Sarah and Luke worked in their offices there, though they promised each other that one of them would always be with the boys back at the ranch, even if that meant she and Luke had to coordinate their schedules and spend more time apart than they’d like. But it was worth it to give the boys the stability they needed and deserved.

She loved that they could sit and talk about everything openly and come to a decision that worked for both of them.

She didn’t need to give anything up for Luke. He didn’t need to for her either. They talked about how they could have what they both wanted with a little give-and-take.

Optimistic about their future, and excited that Luke was going with her on her trip overseas, she felt like her life was finally on track and included everything she’d ever wanted.

“Sounds like the kids are home. I bet they’re excited to be back.” Sarah rose to get the door.

Luke followed her. “Um, I might have forgotten to mention that I have another surprise for you.”

She turned in the living room and looked at him. “What surprise?”

He gave her that grin she loved so much. “Open the door and find out.”

Sarah rushed to the front door and opened it to her entire pieced-together family standing on her doorstep, Jack and Nick right up front.

“Surprise!” they all shouted.

Luke stood beside her and put his arm around her back, his hand on her hip. “I invited everyone over to celebrate your big night last night and you finishing your huge project.”

No wonder the chef Luke hired was still in her kitchen.

Sarah smiled at everyone, then pushed the door open wide. “Come in.”

As everyone passed by, they said their hellos.

Lyon, Norah, and Tyler came in after Jack, Nick, and Margaret made their way inside. Behind them, Luke’s family: his parents, brother, sister-in-law, and little Emma.

Bridget and Sophia each gave her a hug, then went to find everyone else settling into the living room.

Abby brought up the rear. “I really like your guy. You two are going to have a great trip.”

Sarah hugged Abby. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Luke said it was a family event.” Abby winked, because she knew Sarah considered her the sister she never had, then walked in.

A car pulled up to the curb outside.

Before Sarah closed the door because she didn’t think anyone else was coming, Luke halted her. “We have one more guest.”