Chapter 10 - A New Rhythm
The grand opening of the Cole-Bennett Pediatric Wing was a quiet affair, exactly the way Ethan and Avery wanted it. There were no flashy cameras, no socialites in silk, and no grand speeches. Just the doctors, the nurses, the patients, and the families who finally had a place of hope.
The playroom on the top floor was flooded with sunlight from the massive glass ceiling Avery had designed. On the wall was a beautiful mural of a giant oak tree, its leaves painted in bright shades of green, blue, and gold.
Ethan stood by the entrance, holding a cup of coffee, watching his family.
Avery was sitting at a low table, helping a little boy in hospital pajamas paint a picture of a spaceship. Nora and Lila were nearby, playing with a set of wooden blocks, their laughter filling the warm, sunny room.
"Dr. Cole."
Ethan turned to see Camila Ross standing beside him, holding a chart.
"We have a new admission in Suite 4," Camila said, a warm, knowing smile on her face. "A two-year-old with a suspected murmur. But don't worry—her father is with her, and we already have her full medical history."
Ethan smiled, setting his coffee cup down. "I'll be right there."
He walked over to the table where Avery was sitting. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, and then kissed the tops of Nora and Lila's heads.
"I have to go do some rounds," Ethan said.
Nora looked up, her bright eyes shining with intelligence and love.
"Okay, Daddy," she said, her voice clear and strong. "Go help the other kids' hearts."
Ethan looked at his daughter, feeling a profound, overwhelming wave of gratitude. The scar on her chest was hidden beneath her lavender sweater, but the strength of her heart was visible to everyone who saw her.
"I will, sweetie," Ethan said.
May you like
He walked out of the playroom and down the corridor, his white coat flowing behind him.
His boots clicked against the clean, bright floor, but the sound was no longer lonely. It was a rhythm—a new, beautiful rhythm of a life rebuilt, a family reunited, and a heart that would never miss a beat again.
