AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I laughed, and he joined in, the light jab exactly what I needed to shake myself out of my thoughts.
“Thanks,” I said. “Aspen just pulled in, so I've got to go.”
“Let me know how it goes,” Ethan said before we both hung up seconds before my security cameras showed Aspen and Breckon heading up to my apartment.
The pep talk from my friend gave me the confidence I needed, so I shoved the thoughts of where Aspen and I stood to the back of my mind, and concentrated on what really needed my attention right now. And that was the dedication.
After that?
Well, after that, I’d know.
“Bristol, I said, tugging my sister into a side hug as we made our way inside the hospital. The media was a frenzy, cameras flashing as I reached behind me and grabbed Aspen's hand, Brecken trailing behind her. “You look beautiful.”
“You look pretty good yourself, brother,” Bristol said, her massive husband acting almost like a bodyguard as we made our way inside, him at the helm. It was a lucky thing that he didn't have a hockey game tonight. I knew Bristol wanted him there, and luckily the schedule worked in our favor.
Certain media outlets that had gotten special permission from us followed us inside, documenting everything from the head of the hospital greeting us and guiding us to the newly constructed level one trauma center, to the nurses and doctors who would be taking the first shift there giving their thanks for the new space.
Having Aspen's hand in mind meant everything to me. Especially on a night where my parents’ death felt so close.
How would their lives have gone if there’d been this kind of resource when they'd gotten into their accident? Who would Bristol and I be now if they had survived?
“I love that piece on you,” Bristol whispered to Aspen.
Aspen smiled at her, running her hands lovingly over the glittering black dress that my sister had made just for her for this occasion. It’d been a welcome surprise when it showed up at my apartment this morning, and Aspen practically squealed at the sight.
“Thank you,” she said. “It's remarkable. And I'm just glad to be here to support you both.”
Bristol hugged Aspen, then flashed me a knowing look that screamed in her sisterly silent wayyou better hang on to this one.
I kissed Aspen on the forehead before leaving her side while Bristol and I were beckoned by the head of the hospital. A beautiful gold ribbon had been ceremoniously hung up over the main entranceway to this wing, a symbol of what this place stood for.
My throat tightened slightly, something I wasn't particularly used to when it came to public speaking. I never had a problem before, but tonight was different. Tonight was closer to my heart than any business deal I'd ever done before.
This was more important.
This would save lives. Save sons and daughters from a lifetime of grief.
The crowd before me hushed as the head of the hospital put a pair of scissors in my hand.
“I want to thank you all for coming tonight,” I finally managed to say, doing my best to ignore the cameras that were recording my every word. “Some of you know mine and my sister’s history. You know we lost our parents to a fatal accident that might have been prevented had there been a trauma center like this nearby. It’s been my sister’s and my dream to ensure that hospitals and smaller cities have access to the resources they need to save lives. And I'm honored that all of you are here in order to witness that dream come true,” I said, clearing my throat when it cracked. “And we can only hope that this center will be the place that saves many lives to come.” I looked down at Bristol, feeling as if we'd come to a pinnacle in both of our lives. Cutting this ribbon would be a healing moment in grieving our parents.
We'd always miss them, but there was something monumental about achieving this goal of ours, and when Ireached out to the ribbon, I made sure that Bristol helped me cut it. The fabric fell apart, and the crowd erupted into applause. I wasn't sure how my heart could feel so heavy and so light at the same time.
Bristol and I hugged before we welcomed everybody into the new center, doctors and nurses walking inside.
And when I released Bristol, despite all the reporters asking for more questions and more details, there was only one person I wanted to see, to talk to, and that was Aspen. I made my way to her through the crowd, effortlessly catching her when she wrapped her arms eagerly around my neck.
“I'm so proud of you,” she whispered into my ear.
I couldn’t speak. I just leaned my cheek against hers, closing my eyes as I inhaled deeply.
Having her here tonight, having her support, and holding her against me truly felt like I was holding my heart in my arms. She’d become a safe space for me, this non-judgmental and fully accepting space. She never asked me to change.
She may have started off as a business deal, but she’d quickly become something so much more.
“All right, everyone, we need to clear this space, but we’re having a celebration on the lower level in the conference room. We hope all of you can attend,” the head of the hospital announced.
I interlocked hands with Aspen and smiled down at her as I followed Bristol toward the elevators, waiting our turn to attend the celebration that would commemorate this great achievement of ours.
