Blackout After Dark by Marie Force

Author:Marie Force [Force, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781950654987
Publisher: HTJB, Inc.

Chapter 20

“I think we have a hit on our hands, sweetheart,” Charlie said as he stood with Sarah to survey their guests, who were eating and drinking, talking and laughing, despite the heat and the power failure that had thrown them into chaos earlier. The sun was inching closer to the horizon, promising a spectacular sunset.

“Seems like it,” she said. “Thanks to the kids and Seamus for bringing more ice.”

“It helps to have well-connected friends.”

“For sure.”

“Who’s that young lady Jeff is talking to?” Sarah asked.

“That’s Mac and Maddie’s au pair, Kelsey. I hear she’s a delightful girl.”

“She sure is pretty.”

“Indeed.” Charlie looked down at her. “Why are you biting that poor lip?”

“I worry about him. Even though he seems to be doing so much better than he was, he’s still so young and unsettled.”

“He’ll find his way, just like the others have. He’s doing great, a college grad and lots of opportunities to explore.”

“I suppose. Did John say anything to you about an issue at work? I heard him on the phone, but I didn’t want to ask.”

“He referred to an argument with a superior officer, but I didn’t get the details.”

“Oh jeez. I hope he’s not in trouble.”

“I didn’t want to pry, so I didn’t ask any questions. Just let him know I’m available if he needs to talk. He said he’s surprised I’d welcome a police officer into my home after what I went through.”

“What did you say?”

“That as Sarah’s son, he’s always welcome in my home and that I don’t blame the police for what happened to me. I blame my ex-wife, who was the one to hurt my daughter and who allowed me to take the blame for what she did.”

“Thank you for making him feel welcome.”

“Of course he is. He didn’t lock me up for someone else’s crime. I don’t look at him and see all law enforcement. I look at him and see your son. My stepson. A member of our family.”

“I love you, Charlie.”

“I love you, too, Sarah.” He smiled down at her. “Check us out, huh? This amazing house, our beautiful kids, all these incredible friends. How lucky are we?”

“The luckiest people I know.”

“Who had the shittiest luck ever until they found each other and everything changed.”

She crooked her finger to bring him down for a kiss.

“Um, excuse us, you lovebirds.”

She released Charlie and turned to Big Mac and Linda. Sarah’s went hot with embarrassment. “Sorry.”

“Please don’t be,” Linda said. “You two are adorable together.”

“Not sure how I feel about being called adorable,” Charlie said gruffly.

“You should feel pretty good about it,” Linda said. “I’m so, so happy for you both. Your house is absolutely gorgeous, and we wish you many, many happy years here.”

“Thank you so much, Linda,” Sarah said, hugging the other woman.

“Congratulations, guys,” Big Mac said. “It’s a beaut. One word of advice? Get one of those whole-home generators that’re all the rage. We love ours. Damned grateful for it today.”

“That’s at the top of my list of priorities,” Charlie said.

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