AGAINST ALL ODDS

hford estate was buzzing with preparations for yet another event-an outdoor fundraiser for a local child

n the air that hinted at the change of seasons. Or perhaps it was the lingering tension between h

ldren attending the event. She knelt down to chat with a little g

nny's name?" Sa

y," Sophie

. Did you know I had a bunny when I

ame," Sophie said,

the sight. Sam had a natural warmth about her that

," Jasper commented,

yone," Luke replied,

nowing look. "You'r

the truth of Jasper's wor

ioned into an elegant dinner under the stars. Twinkling fai

een gown for the evening, and when she ste

ul," he said, off

m replied, her

suring the event ran smoothly. But every so often, their eye

ying a slow, romantic t

e?" he asked,

r a moment, but

they swayed to the music, she couldn't

different," s

r, his expression unre

st for show anymo

tead, he tightened his hold on her s

finally, his voice b

g his face for answers, but before she could say anything,

her way back to the guest ho

Clara asked, he

though her g

began. "For stepping in when I couldn'

experience," Sam

ng people in without meaning to. He doesn't open up easily, and when he do

What are you t

ara said, her expression pained. "He's

way, leaving Sam with mor

w of orchids. She hesitated before stepping inside, unsure whet

oticing her. "Wha

something to me last night. She warn

, his expression

eady for love," Sam co

ering can. "Clara doesn't know me

id, stepping closer. "

en he looked at her, his eyes filled wit

when I'm with you, I feel... different. Like mayb

have to have all the answers, Luke. But you d

d slowly.

ords. She had entered this arrangement expecting nothing more than a tem

whether to guard her hear