Chapter 45
Serenity
One minute, we’re parked outside a building that hasn’t been rented out in years, and the next we’re inside looking around. I’m not sure what for. It’s not like Victor can move Barlowe Technology out here. Not to mention, this place looks like it was at one point a doctor’s or dentist’s office.
I sneeze, some dust burrowing its way into my nostrils.
“What do you think?” Victor asks with his arms spread out wide. “It shouldn’t take a lot to get it up and running. Maybe just a few updates, especially with the technology.”
“It’s almost like you’re speaking gibberish.” I shake my head as I continue to take in the space. There are at least ten examination rooms from where I’m standing. “Why are we looking at this place?”
He takes a step toward me but leaves enough space for me to feel comfortable. “Did you know the closest doctor’s office is thirty miles away?”
I nod. Of course I know. That’s why so many people end up at my hospital. So much could’ve been prevented if people had opportunities to go to the doctors more often.
He spreads his arms out wide, motioning to the area around us. “I want us to buy this together and turn it into a free clinic for people in need.”
Time seems to slow down as I turn around in a circle, finally taking everything in. There’s a waiting room through the doorway to my right, and I already spotted all of the examination rooms. There are cubicles in the center, bunched together.
I always hated when he threw money around so needlessly, but this … this is something I can get behind. It isn’t a frivolous purchase. We can help everyone in Granite Falls, maybe even people in the surrounding towns.
Tears well in my eyes when I turn back to Victor. “Why?”
He must take my reaction in a good way because he steps closer until he’s right in front of me.
He’s so close, I can feel his body heat beckoning me to him.
“I’m sorry about everything. I knew you didn’t tell anyone about my biological father, but I was too blinded at the moment to see it.
” He places his fingers under my chin and tips my head up.
“I know that isn’t a great excuse, but it came as such a shock to my entire family. ”
I open my mouth and close it. Can I really trust him to believe in me after that? Or maybe the better question is, is it worth keeping our family apart because I’m too afraid?
“I want to be by your side every day,” Victor continues, caressing my face. “I want to wake up beside you and see your sleepy smile. I want to get up in the middle of the night with the baby to let you sleep.”
A sob escapes my mouth. I want all of that, too, but—
“Please, give me the chance to make it up to you. This clinic will be good for all the residents of Granite Falls.” His mouth hovers over mine, and I don’t pull away. “Let me do some real good for once.”
Tears are streaming down my face. “I know you already do a lot of good. I went to the charity auction with you.”
He nods. “I’ll continue to donate, but this place will help people every day. And I want you to help run it.”
I furrow my eyebrows. “Help who?”
“Do you know of any doctors you trust? Someone who isn’t in the medical field for millions of dollars but to help people.”
There’s only one doctor who pops into my head. “Dr. Evans. She worked with me at the hospital. I can give her a call and ask.”
A big grin takes over his face. He must take my answer as my agreement. If I say no to the clinic, I’ll be hurting my neighbors. But if I say yes, then I’m saying yes to him. To our family. To forever.
My heart is in my throat as I push up on my toes. His blue eyes sparkle while he watches me, waiting for me to make a decision. And I do. I press my lips against his. Our kiss isn’t rushed. No, we take our time exploring each other again as if it’s our first time. Five days apart is too much—
I pull away. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think living in New York will be good for the kids. Here in Granite Falls, they have family and friends.”
He nods again. “I already thought of that. It’s why I brought my sister along.”
I wait for him to continue. I’m not sure what his sister has to do with it.
“After all the hoops I had to jump through to stay CEO, I can see why my father retired young. I’ve decided to become the Chief Marketing Officer and step down from CEO. Isabella has agreed to take on the role. She has wanted it for as long as I remember.”
My jaw drops. He … what? All thoughts escape my brain. Everything he has done was to be able to remain as CEO. “Please don’t tell me I’m one of the reasons why.”
He shrugs. “Just a small portion.” Then he winks, and one of the shards of my heart snaps back into place. “There’s also Summer and the baby.”
Something about this doesn’t sit right with me. “I can’t let you do this. You’ll regret your decision eventually and grow to resent us.”
Victor crushes me against his chest, keeping his strong arms wrapped around me.
“I won’t. I promise.” He pulls away slightly, keeping his arms around me.
He looks me in the eye as he says, “I saw my future when I watched my dad almost die because of a heart attack. I want to have a long life with you and the kids.”
When I open my mouth to protest more, he plows on. “Not to mention that my grandfather also died of a heart attack while still CEO. It may not be genetic for me, but the job itself is probably causing it.”
“Then how do you expect your sister to handle it?”
“She was made for the fast pace of being CEO. For now, she’s going to stay in Granite Falls so I can train her. She’ll go to the city a few times a week but other than that, she can do everything through Zoom until she’s ready to handle it on her own.”
I don’t respond, taking a moment to soak up everything he’s said.
This is a big decision, one that I can’t be too hasty in making.
But he wants to be here with us and help do something amazing for our community.
He’s not running away. No, he’s running to us.
Maybe I can put my heart on the line one more time.
“I’ll go call Dr. Evans.”
He gives me a single, knowing nod. “I’ll call my realtor.”