Chapter 14 - THE SHADOWS FADE AWAY
That evening, the Voss estate was filled with celebration.
Belle had baked a lopsided chocolate cake with the help of the kitchen staff, proudly presenting it to Ru with white frosting smeared across her nose.
Elena toasted to Ru’s new medical license with sparkling cider, her health fully restored.
Later that night, as the house grew quiet, Ru and Harland walked along the stone pathway overlooking Lake Michigan.
The moonlight danced across the dark water.
“Do you ever miss the diner?” Harland asked softly, slipping his hand into hers.
“Sometimes,” Ru admitted, leaning her head against his shoulder.
“I miss the predictability of burnt toast.”
“You won't have to worry about burnt toast anymore,” Harland promised.
“I’m funding a new community medical clinic on the east side.”
“And I want you to run it.”
Ru stopped walking, looking up at him in absolute astonishment.
“You built a clinic?”
“For every nurse who couldn't afford her board exam fees,” Harland said simply.
“And for every little girl who needs someone to care when everyone else walks past.”
May you like
Ru stared into his gray eyes, seeing the profound depth of his love and respect.
She smiled, the last remnants of her hard, exhausting past finally washing away into the night breeze.
