SarahI glance at my phone as it buzzed, a piece of cookie halfway to my mouth. The screen flashes with Vincent's name, and a grin tugs at my lips before I even read the message."Meet me in the garden. Now."I've been ready for this promised date ever since Bryce had settled down with his Nanny. But Vincent told me to be patient and wait for his signal.What is Mr. grumpy up to this time?I step inside the garden, and there he is—Vincent, looking dapper in a charcoal suit that hugged his shoulders just right, his dark hair neatly combed, yet one rebellious lock insists on falling over his brow. That mischievous smile played on his lips, the one that told me he was up to something wonderfully ridiculous."Vincent," I say, feigning exasperation. "What is all this?" In front of me is a table set for two, draped in a white linen cloth that fluttered slightly in the evening breeze. Candles flickering in the dimming light. A bottle of what I assumed was expensive wine chilled in a bucket

Vincent"Alright, everybody, drop what you're doing. Meeting, now," I bark into the phone. My fingers drum impatiently on the desk, and urgency knotting in my stomach. The warehouse fire incident isn't just a blip—it's a five-alarm problem screaming for attention.I stride into the meeting room and wait for all my staff to get together."Listen up," I start, my gaze sweeping over the sea of faces. We've got a situation—a serious one. Someone deliberately set fire to the warehouse."A faint gasp ripples through the crowd."I reviewed the security footage with Hal earlier. There was a man, his face obscured, who broke into the warehouse through a side door right before the fire started. He knew the code and disabled the alarm. This was calculated," I say, looking around the room.Murmurs ripple around the table as the staff exchange uneasy glances.I clear my throat before continuing. "I've asked you here because I need your help. You all know our operations inside and out. If anyone ha

Vincent"Humph!"Sarah mutters under her breath, but I hear it clearly.My lips quirk into a mischievous grin as I revel in her obvious discontent.Meanwhile, Lucy remains blissfully unaware of Sarah's disapproval, flashing a toothy smile my way."Vince! Oh, it's so good to see you again. I've missed you," Lucy says.She had rushed towards me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace earlier right in front of Sarah.Oh, boy. I'll be in trouble later.Jennifer's daughter Lucy towered over Sarah, her long and slender frame accentuated by the ash blonde locks cascading down her back. Her piercing light grey eyes seemed to radiate an intense energy.Right now, we are all sitting in the living room. Jennifer served us coffee and some snacks so we can catch up with Lucy."My god, Vince. I can't believe you got married. And to someone so...young at that," Lucy says, looking at Sarah."I am not that young," Sarah nearly barks, her tone defensive and her eyes narrowing.Lucy raises an eye

SarahAs soon as we enter the animal shelter, my heart leaps. I take in the sight of all those wagging tails and perked ears poking out from behind chain link fences."Hey there, cutie!" I coo, stopping to scratch a spotted mutt behind his floppy ears. His tail thumps against the concrete floor in appreciation.Vincent chuckles, giving my shoulder a squeeze. "Someone's excited.""Are you kidding? Just look at all these faces!" I gesture excitedly. "How could I not be? There are so many puppies here!"Vincent smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "How will you choose?""I will know when I see the right one," I say determinedly.We make our way down the crowded aisles, pausing every so often so I can offer a scratch or a kind word. Somewhere among all this fur and fluff was a new member of our family, just waiting to be found.I can't wait to welcome them home.I let my feet guide me, weaving through the maze of kennels as I take in all the unique personalities around me. There are

SarahIt is finally Christmas day and I am feeling pretty festive as all of us gathered around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree."Look at all these presents!" Sophia exclaimed, clapping her hands together in excitement. "You guys went overboard.""Sarah did most of the shopping," Vincent announces."I couldn't help it. I love spending your money," I grin. "Besides, it's Bryce's first Christmas!""Where is the little guy?" Lucy asks."Upstairs, sleeping. I will wake him up in a few minutes," I say."It's also my first Christmas with my wife," Vincent says, pulling me closer.My heart flutters as I look at his loving gaze. "That's the real present," I tease, nudging him gently.Nathan suddenly enters the room, carrying a tray of steaming mugs of hot chocolate."Hot chocolate, anyone?" Nathan offers, his gaze lingering on Lucy for just a moment longer than necessary."Thanks, Nathan," I say, gratefully taking a mug from him. I noticed the subtle tension between Nathan and Lucy.