Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 79932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“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 way you 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 I reached 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.
By the time we made it down to the party, I was surprised at how packed the room was. Benefactors, press, some of Bristol's friends, and obviously me, Aspen, and Brecken made up only a small portion of the crowded room of attendees.
And it wasn't until I’d mingled with a few of the people who approached me that I finally found my voice.
“I don't know what I would do if you weren't here,” I whispered into Aspen’s ear, sliding my hand along her lower back.
“You're doing amazing,” she said, looking up at me. “Once this is all over, I'll be here. I know how hard this must be for you, so I'll be there when you need to let the mask down.”
“Aspen,” I breathed her name, leaning closer to her, my heart racing as the words I needed to say rose in my throat. “I—”
“There's my daughter,” a crass masculine voice cut over my words, seconds before a man inserted himself between us.
Aspen’s eyes flared wide, fear and shock swirling together as she stepped away from him. A woman quickly followed, stepping up to his right side and wearing a saccharine grin as she looked at Aspen.