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“And he always caters the fire hall Christood man,” one of the women praised

“I think so,” Sarah automatically replied, then realized what she’d said and that she’d meant her words

Despite her thoughts to the contrary just a few days previously, she did think Jude was a good man

She glanced toward hi at her, and just to throw him off kilter as much as he threw her off kilter, she winked

His grin won out on the off-kilter causing, though, because her knees wobbled at hoas looking at her

“You’re a lucky woman”

Sarah turned to the young blonde woman who’d spoken from behind her

“I’a

in girlfriend” She sain”

Okay She smiled at the woman For the next thirty uys did their thing across the roo at her or quickly did, as if he sensed her gaze Or couldn’t go long between looks

They shared smiles and winks Sarah was surprised at how coroup of woain, they were a friendly bunch and all had wonderful things to say about Jude, praising hienerosity, which apparently extended way beyond what he did at the holiday parties as one co his home when he’d fallen behind due to his wife’s medical expenses Another commented on how Jude had saved the day when he volunteered at every community outreach event Another went on and on about he’d started a scholarship program for kids of the NYFD

His crew and their significant others couldn’t say enough good things about hi at just how deep Jude ran

When the chief called their attention to say grace, Jude made his way over to Sarah, took her hand into his as they bowed their heads

For the rest of the night he was by her side Not once did Sarah feel out of place or aard

She felt like she was right where she should be