Chapter 317

The Ashford men sat at the patio table of the restaurant where they had met for supper, arguing about their favorite football teams, while the girls sat around and listened. It was a typical argument that never seemed to end when the men of the family got together.

The night was warmer than it had been in several days, and the sound of crickets outside made for a pleasant ending to an unusually fun day. Sabrina looked at her phone, anxiously waiting for the text she sent Andre to be answered. A part of her hoped he decided not to come after all, while another part wanted him here beside her. Everyone in the family had someone. Derek had Kristin, Andrew had Cathy, then there were Creighton and Sandra, and even Peter managed to make it by dessert. Everyone had someone except her.

Guests from New Hope Technology’s Australia plant were already arriving, and the guests from New York would be there in the morning. Those from Paris would come and go at leisure, with only a handful of worke