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“You want us to fund the flight?”
“No. Consider it a loan. You know I have the funds since I barely touch my salary given my lifestyle. The protocol in accessing it is difficult. Years ago, I set up steps to prevent theft. Please understand time isn’t on my side.”
His parents murmur quietly between themselves.
“You understand the risk of a newborn flying?”
“It’s why I need a private jet to minimize human contact for Rose’s immunity.”
“Eden and Rose will require clearances from the hospital.”
“It goes without saying. I won’t put my family at risk. The arrangement is to safeguard them.” He almost addedfrom meonly he held his words, knowing it could incite an argument. Instead, he offers words of peace. “I’m sending the photos of Rose to your email now. I know Mom will gush. She’s truly my little princess.”
“Consider it done, son. Just do theright thing.”
Samuel closes his eyes and slowly opens them with his father’s words opening wounds of the past. “It’s my intention. I’ll email you the details of payment. Thank you. This is generous, especially considering the short notice. I’ll be in contact soon.”
“I’ll email you when the funds are ready.”
“Thanks, Dad. Bye.”
Holding the phone to his chest, Samuel assesses his next move. He has a mental list to tick off before he can arrange the flight for Eden. With no time to waste, he calls the private jet company to secure flight dates. He glances up to the window where Eden waits and inhales deeply. They promised each other no more secrets. Only he can’t share his plan to keep her safe, for without a doubt, she’ll fight him on it until her last breath.
Samuel bows his head and prays she understands he’s doing it all for her.
* * *
The long, white-walled hallways of the hospital ward remind him of where he studied. There are fond memories mixed with bad. In his final years of medical school, he decided he had to be a better person after Inesa asked him to promise not to follow the same path he was on.
He hopes he has made her proud.
Hopes he has fulfilled his obligation.
There’s one more matter to uphold before he can move on with his life.
He opens the door to where his future awaits and hears her on the phone. Their eyes meet. She laughs, and a twinkle lights up her blue hues.
“I can’t wait for you to meet her, too… I’ll send more photos… I know, I know. I’ll tell him he has to look after me.” She grins at Samuel. “Love you all. Bye.”
Pulling the AirPods out of her ears, she says, “My friends say hi.”
He nods. “Have you sent photos?”
“I have, and they want more.” She giggles lightly as though still high on happiness, and it’s a moment of reassurance that sending her home is the right thing to do.
“Have you called your parents?”
“They are next on my list.” Her eyes narrow. “Did you call yours?”
“I did. They send their regards to Rose and you and can’t wait to meet you both. I also need to send photos, so I’ll compose an email now.”
“Okay… while youcompose your email, I’ll call my parents.”
His phone vibrates before he does so. It’s the private jet company. “I’ll give you some privacy,” he tells her. “I have to take this.”
Samuel opens the door and says, “Samuel McMahon,” and then closes the door behind him.
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