Epilogue
“Where is he?” Jemma asked, craning her neck as she scanned the crowd for her brother.
“He’s probably over there,” Saif teased, tugging her gently down into the reserved seats.
“Where?” nine-year-old Jayla demanded, clutching her father’s hand and jumping in place, trying to see over the taller adults. “I want to see my Uncle Jasper!”
Seven-year-old Ahsan poked his sister in the ribs. “He’s getting his coat today!”
Jayla glared, ready to retaliate, but Jemma reached over just in time and caught her daughter’s hand. “Nope. You,” she said sternly, pointing at Ahsan and tugging him over to her other side. “Hands to yourself, mister.”
Angela and Tiro chuckled behind them as they settled into their seats. Their own teens were sitting with Granddad Raj, who looked particularly dashing today with the sun catching the silver streaks in his dark hair.
Jemma glanced around at the entire family who had shown up for Jasper’s white coat ceremony.
So many people who had carved out a permanent place in her heart.
Once, it had just been her and Jasper… then Jayla had arrived.
Now her world was filled with love and laughter and more support than she ever imagined she’d find.
The ceremony began. The audience quieted as the names of medical students were read, each one announced with reverence.
These students had endured the first grueling year of medical school.
And now, they were about to receive their white coats—a symbolic moment marking their transition into the world of medicine.
Jemma’s chest swelled with pride. Her brother had worked so hard to get here. And when Jasper stepped onto the stage, a collective gasp rippled through the room—followed by a wave of excited squeals from the women in the audience.
Tall, confident, and handsome, Jasper strode across the stage with that same easy charm he’d always had. But beneath that grin was a fierce determination—to help people, to make lives better, one patient at a time.
And Jemma knew Saif had helped make this dream possible.
But what rose above the squeals and sighs from the admirers was their family.
Without hesitation, they all stood—clapping, whistling, cheering like proud maniacs. Royal titles were forgotten. Protocol abandoned.
Jasper turned toward them, grinning wide as he waved to his family. The female fans groaned in disappointment but stayed seated as the ceremony continued.
Jemma turned to Saif, who looked like he might burst with pride. Ahsan had climbed into his lap and was whispering in his ear.
“I want to be a doctor too!” her son declared.
Jayla rolled her eyes with dramatic flair. “You can’t! I’m gonna be a doctor, just like Uncle Jasper!”