And that sold Sarah on the fact Bridget really wanted to learn and work and do this for the right reasons, not just for the money. “Okay. You’re hired.”

“Really? To do what?”

“Whatever most appeals to you.”

Bridget looked taken aback. “Thank you, Sarah.”

“I’ll expect you to do your best work and be diligent about putting in the hours required to meet deadlines.”

“I will. I promise. I’ll work really hard. To earn your trust as well.”

To ease Bridget’s mind, and help Sarah really take it in that she had family, she said, “It’ll be nice working with my sisters.” Sarah glanced at Abby and Michelle chatting. Abby had been by her side from the beginning. She was more than just an assistant or best friend. She was just as much a sister as Michelle and Bridget.

The handsome chef touched Abby’s shoulder. She jumped and turned to the man. They exchanged a few words before the chef went back into the kitchen. Sarah caught Abby checking him out as he walked away.

Maybe there was something there. Abby worked hard and barely had a personal life. Just like Sarah’s life used to be. Perhaps now that Sarah had hired some new people and evened out the load, freeing up herself, thereby freeing up Abby, Abby might take a chance and find the kind of happiness Sarah had found with Luke.

“Lunch is ready,” Abby announced to the room.

Bridget walked with Sarah to the dining room. “Thank you, Sarah. For giving me a second chance.”

“I think we all have a chance now to have what matters.”

Bridget went ahead.

Luke met her at the stairs going up to the dining room and took her hand. “Everything okay?”

“It’s a whole new beginning for all of us.”

Luke kissed her hand and they walked up the three steps and joined everyone at the massive table. They were a bit squished together and extra chairs had been brought in to accommodate everyone, but no one seemed to mind.

Luke held his wineglass up and everyone followed suit. “To family.”

“Family,” they all chorused and everyone started passing bowls and platters.

Sarah filled her plate but didn’t eat right away. Instead, she took in the people around the table, the conversations going on, and the love in the room.

Luke took her hand, leaned in, and whispered, “This is family. This is home.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Sarah stood in her bedroom at the ranch and stared at herself in the full-length mirror. The beautiful white gown came from St. James, designed and created just for her. She loved the draped neckline that gathered at her breasts and flowed over her shoulders and took a deep dive to her waist, leaving her back bare, much like the dress Luke loved that she’d worn to the benefit. This one hugged her hips and draped to the floor with a slit up the back so she could easily walk in it.

It was perfect.