Page 52 of Rescuing Sara

“And this rather formidable man standing behind you two is–?”

“That’s Lieutenant Patrick Danton, Danni’s boyfriend,” Sara announced. “He’s a veteran and is the best cook ever.”

“Humph.” Judge Hastings pulled his reading glasses further down his nose. “And you’re a party to all this, Lieutenant?”

“Yes sir,” and Danni could hear the tears in his voice.

“Very well. By the power given to me by the sovereign state of Tennessee, I award temporary custody of Sara Turner to Danni Blake, looking to lead to adoption. Happy birthday, Miss Turner and Merry Christmas to you all. Court is adjourned.”

He banged his gavel, and a three-way hug was exchanged. Then Sara ran to hug Fiona McGillicuddy who was laughing and crying at the same time.

“Are you sure about this?” Danni asked, enjoying the now familiar feel of his arms around her.

“Yeah. I told Hank Patterson I liked it here in Tennessee and he said he was sure he could find something for me to do here while working for BP.

“Good.” Danni hugged him again.

“I did tell him there was one condition, though,” Patrick warned.

“Oh yeah? What was that?”

“That I would be home in time to cook dinner every night,” Patrick said. “I’ve seen the state of your home kitchen and if I’m not here to cook dinner for Sara, she’s gonna starve to death and then where would we be?”

In the distance, church bells tolled, and Danni laughed, leaning in to kiss the love of her heart, she said, “Then let’s go home, Lieutenant. Let’s go home.”