Page 67 of Chasing Sunsets

The couples came toward them, led by Nanette and Floyd.

“It’s good to see you,” Sadie said as she hugged Nanette. “How did your children take the news of the baby?”

“They don’t know. We didn’t return home. After being checked out at a hospital, we’ve spent time vacationing on our way here.”

“How wonderful.”

Sadie embraced the other participants.

“No matter who wins...” Gemini clapped. “I think we can agree Zack and Sadie are the big winners this season. Before we go any further, we’d like to show clips of the people who contacted the show and suggested your names when the call for separated couples was sent out. We’ll use the other side of the trailer as a screen.”

Everyone rounded the trailer and sat on the ground.

The screen came to life with a photo of Nanette and Floyd on one side and three teenagers, who looked like Floyd, on the other. “Our children,” Floyd proudly cried out.

Brett and Kelly filled one side and the other side was another picture of Brett. Sitting close to them, Sadie saw Kelly turn her head and kiss Brett.

Uri and Lowell were next with two men and two women. “Our siblings.” Lowell’s voice sounded choked.

Matt and Karen split the screen with two young boys and an older woman. Matt exclaimed, “Our sons and my mother!”

Maxine and Jude’s picture was opposite three young people in their twenties. “Our children,” Jude explained.

Ted and Doreen flashed on one side and again on the other. They embraced.

Ruben and Tamara’s wedding picture opposed a photo of Tamara. Ruben’s excited “Whoop,” filled the air.

Heather and Ryan, dressed in camo, were sent in by a whole group of people. “Our families,” they both said.

Then Zack and Sadie’s photo flashed across from Cally, Dre, and Kasey. “Our friends,” Zack announced. He faced Sadie and chuckled. “You think Cally went to my friends, or they went to her?”

“I’ll wager Kasey learned about it since his show is on the same network asChasing Sunsets, and he told them about it.”

“Okay, everyone,” a crew member called. “Please return to the finish area, and we’ll film the final clip.”

They headed back around the trailer, and the crew descended on them, handing out champagne glasses. They asked if each person preferred alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Sadie chose a non-alcoholic glass, not ready to drink again. She didn’t know if she ever would be. The clarity she’d gotten the last ten days, even during the agony of detox, was not something she wished to lose any time soon.

Zack took a non-alcoholic glass as well.

Camera workers documented everything.

“Zack.” Rueben hurried toward them. “Was that Andre Biel in your photo? Is he the one who convinced Snyder to help me?”

“Yeah.” Zack smiled. “Dre’s one of my best friends. We played high school football together.”

“Wow. What was that like?”

“Surreal.”

“I bet. We’ll talk.” Rueben stepped away to stand next to Tamara.

“Gemini, we’re ready,” someone yelled.

A young man from the show sped toward the stage with an envelope and stood off to the side.

The results.

Everyone’s attention turned to Gemini standing on the platform holding hands with her husband, Piers Ardoin. The gorgeous Parisian was a world-renowned professional soccer player.

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