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“Hey,” I smiled back.
I stood behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist.
“You’re getting used to it?” I asked referring to his beard.
His beard had grown in nice and full and thick. Most men had patchy starts, but his was full, black and sexy as hell.
“I will probably cut it before I go back into the office.”
“You gone let me test it out first?”
He turned around and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“I may let you keep it if you act right.”
“Aww, well, let me get it in now cause you know me and act right don’t get along.”
We both laughed.
Doctor McIntyre walked into the room and greeted everyone. He’d become an unofficial member of the family. The way he examined Torrey every time he came around made it seem like he wanted to be an official family member. I don’t know if she saw the way he looked at her, but I noticed, and so did Vivian. He was single, educated and successful. He was the middle child, but he, his older brother and younger sister were only minutes apart, he was a triplet. We’d been around each other enough to discuss matters other than Samuel. He was sweet, and he was sweet on Torrey.
“Mr. Valentine, are you ready to get out of here?”
I released Samuel so he could walk out of the bathroom.
“I am,” Samuel responded.
“Good. I’m finished with all your paperwork. Victoria is about to bring it in along with a wheelchair. It’s hospital protocol that we wheel you to the front door. On a personal note, it’s been a pleasure having you as a patient and working with your wonderful family. I hope we can keep in touch.”
“Thank you for everything you did to save my life, your words of encouragement, your prayers and the way you led the team. Your faith along with your skill kept me alive. I appreciate you more than I could ever express. Yes, let’s keep in touch.”
The two men embraced. I opened my purse in search of Kleenex. I knew these tears were going to come sooner or later.
“Alright, Mr. Valentine!” Victoria announced when she entered the room pushing a wheelchair, “Your chariot awaits!”
“Vic, this is not your shift. What are you doing here?” I asked surprised to see her at hospital during the day.
“We are all here to see off Mr. Valentine. The rest of them are waiting in the hall,” she motioned behind her.
Samuel opened his arms to hug Victoria.
Without hesitation, she walked into his embrace.
“Thank you, Vic. Your smiles and stories carried me through this. Thank you for your gentle and skilled hands.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Valentine,” she smiled while wiping her eyes.
“You are going to remind me of the vow renewal for you and Harry, right?” Samuel asked.
“I will be sending the save the date shortly. Now come on so we can get you out of here.”
Samuel sat down and passed his cane to Roc. I followed her out of the room with the rest of the family in tow. The hospital staff that worked with Samuel on all the shifts was there to see him off. They lined the hall as Victoria pushed him past them toward the elevator. Each person said their goodbyes and Samuel, in turn, thanked them by name. I did as well. I had made sure to give each person a personalized thank you card with a little something on the inside—from the custodian who came in daily to clean the room to the hospital chief. Everyone worked together to take care of Samuel, and I appreciated it.
We made it to the first floor where Ray was waiting by the car parked at the entrance. Brick, the security guard assigned to Samuel stood next to Ray.
Brick, whose nickname fit his six-seven, three-hundred- and twenty-four-pound frame, had been working for a pop star for several years but had been reassigned since she was not touring.
Samuel stood from the chair and hugged Victoria one more time before getting into the car.
