Chapter 46
Victor
Today is the grand opening of our clinic, Happy Hearts. After everything my father went through, even with all the medical care in the world, I can only wonder what people who don’t have easy access to a doctor would do.
Harmony and Lana stand beside me with big, proud smiles on their faces.
I squeeze Summer’s hand and look down at her.
Her gaze is on Serenity, who stands near the ribbon.
Her bright pink dress is popped out by her beautiful baby bump.
Over these past six months, she has glowed, and I’ve been lucky enough to stand by her side.
We bought a new house big enough for the four of us plus an office for me.
Bigger than her condo but smaller than the house I had.
She keeps giving me lecture after lecture about not wasting money, so a big house was out of the question.
It will take me some time to not jump immediately to spending money when that was how I was raised my entire life.
But she’s right. Why waste money unnecessarily?
We’d both rather pour it into the clinic anyway.
Dr. Evans says something to Serenity before my wife climbs off the small stage. She walks over to Summer and me and says, “You’re wanted at the ribbon.”
I shake my head. “You two do it. It’s yours.”
She narrows her eyes at me. “No, this is ours. Now come help us.”
I chuckle and scoop up Summer. “Do you want to go help your mom cut the ribbon?”
Summer’s eyes light up. “Yes!”
We follow Serenity onto the stage, and Dr. Evans says hello. I haven’t gotten to know her too well since she agreed to help us. She’s quieter, but Serenity vouches for her great medical care and ethics, so that’s all I needed to hear.
Harmony, Elias, and Lana move to stand at the front of the crowd. At least a hundred people showed up. And I hope more people come to make an appointment eventually.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming,” Serenity says, her entire face lit up like she’s a kid in a candy store.
“For too long we have gone without a doctor. And too many people go without medical care every day because they can’t afford it.
But now, no matter who you are or how old you are, if you have insurance or not, everyone can get the medical attention they need. ”
People cheer, and Serenity’s cheeks turn an adorable shade of pink. “After we cut the ribbon, please come inside and fill out the forms we have. Tomorrow will be our first day open, so please call and make appointments for a checkup.”
Tears gather in my eyes, and I wrap my free arm around Serenity’s shoulders. This is exactly where she should be. And being by her side is the spot I want for the rest of my life. I finally found the place I belong and a family who chose me.
Dr Evan’s picks up the big pair of scissors, and together, she and Serenity cut the ribbon. The crowd cheers, and tears stream down Serenity’s cheeks.
I pull my wife in for a kiss and say, “Congratulations.”
She sniffles. “Thank you. Without you, all of this wouldn’t have been possible.”
She doesn’t have to say anything else. I know what she wants to say, so I say it for her, “I love you.”
We move to the side, and people shuffle inside the clinic. By the time we’re done for the day, at least a hundred and fifty people have scheduled appointments. I’m sure more people will come. Finally, I can do some real good with all the money I’ve been blessed with.