“Next month,” Irene said before Luke could respond. She was barely able to restrain her excitement.
“The publishers say that advance orders have been very good. They think that Strategic Thinking
Lessons from Philosophy and Wa r will not only find an audience among people who read military and business books, but may even cross over into the general market.”
Hackett and Katy appeared out of the crowd.
“Nice going,” Hackett said. “Looks like you’ve found another career for yourself.”
“It lacks some of the zest of the innkeeping business,” Luke said, “but I think it suits me better. Th est part about the job is that I get to work at home.”
“Which is good,” Irene added, “because he is going to make an excellent father.”
Jason nodded with an air of great seriousness. “Sure glad you got past your little E ssue, Big Brother.”
“You know,” Luke said, looking both dangerous and thoughtful, “with all the new offspring on the wa n this family, you can probably be replaced one of these days.”
Irene and Katy dissolved into laughter. Luke, Hackett and Jason exchanged grins.
On the other side of the room John, Gordon and Vicki turned their heads to look.
Irene could see the satisfaction and pride radiating from the two men. Vicki gave her a warm, knowing smile and winked before she turned back to her guests.
Joy, bright and full of promise, flooded through Irene. Luke tugged her closer, his arm around her waist.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“I’m thinking that this is how it feels to have a family. That with a love like ours and a family like thi ne, we can handle whatever comes along in the future.”
He smiled, looking satisfied and certain. “Talk about your astonishing coincidences.
“I was just thinkin he very same thing.”