Chapter 361
Moonlight spilled through the indows, washing over Adam’s face as he held Irene’s gaze. Her question about why he wanted to invest in a research institute stik hung between them.
“Professionally? It’s good for Haven and medicine,” he said, his eyes ever leaving hers. “Personally? It’s all for you.
The honesty in his voice made her heart skip. Even as he tried to sound practical, they both knew the truth–this incredible woman had changed everything for him.
Irene couldn’t fight the smile that spread across her face. “Business reasons or personal ones… I’m just touched you’d even think of it.” She reached for his hand, lacing their fingers together. “You’ve changed my life too, you know. Before you, I was just going through the motions.”
Adam tugged her hand gently, pulling her down beside him. Their knees bumped, creating a bubble of warmth in the quiet room.
“Haven’s already got its fingers in medical stuff overseas. Always been good business,” he said, his voice dropping to that soft tone he saved just for her. He gave her hand a squeeze. “But after seeing all the crap Roberts pulled… Silver City needs a place that actually cares about patients. And you’re the only one I’d trust to run it.”
The warmth of his palm sent her pulse racing. “Starting a research place and putting me in charge… that’s a big deal.
“What’s bugging you?” he asked, watching her face with those eyes that seemed to see right through her.
She bit her lip. “I’ve got the doctor part down, but running a whole institute? And people will talk. They’ll say I only got it because we’re…” she trailed off, gesturing between them.
His thumb drew lazy circles on her hand. “Anyone who’s seen you work knows you’re the real deal. As for the gossips… let ‘em talk.
We know what’s what.”
“It would be your show,” he added. “I wouldn’t butt in. You’d call all the shots.”
Irene looked at him with warmth in her eyes. “Whatever I decide about the institute, I want you to know how much having you in
my life means to me. You’ve given me and the kids something we never thought we’d have again… a sense of family.”
As they talked, Irene spotted something new on the wall–Wesley’s drawing from their park day, now beautifully framed.
“You framed it?” she asked, standing for a better look.
Adam wheeled over beside her. “Kid’s got talent. Deserved a proper frame.” They stood side by side, taking in the captured moment- kids with kites, the family picnic, and tucked in the corner, the two of them holding the same kite string.
Her fingers drifted to the frame, her voice suddenly thick. “That was such a good day.”
Adam looked up at her, moonlight catching her profile. “Every time I see this, I remember exactly how it felt… your hand on mine. Never thought I’d feel that kind of simple happiness again.”
Their eyes locked, saying more than words ever could.
Changing the subject, Irene’s face brightened. “Your legs are doing great. I think we can try having you walk a few steps now that you can stand for short periods.”
Hope lit up his entire face. “For real? I can actually try walking?” His voice had that rare vulnerable quality she treasured.
She knelt down, her hands resting on his knees as she looked up at him. “We’ll need to take it super slow. Rush it and we might
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Chapter 361
mess up all the progress we’ve made.”
He covered her hands with his own. “Whatever you say, doc. I trust you with this… with everything.
The pure faith in his voice warmed her from the inside out. “We’ll figure out a plan. Baby steps, okay?”
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