Page 46 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

I squeezed his hand. "Me too. I was afraid we'd ruined any chance of something real."

"Well, I guess it's a good thing I'm so stubborn," Nate grinned.

I laughed. "Very true. You never gave up on me, on us."

We reached my car, but neither of us moved to leave just yet. The golden light cast a glow on Nate's face as he turned to me.

"I meant what I said - I'm all in this time. No more pretending." His eyes shone with sincerity.

My heart fluttered hearing those words. "I'm all in, too. This is our fresh start."

Nate pulled me close, and our lips met in a kiss filled with promise, a new chapter beginning. When we finally drew apart, both our faces were flushed.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" Nate asked.

"Definitely." I gave him one more quick peck and slipped into my car. As I drove off, butterflies danced in my stomach. The future felt full of possibilities—his clinic, my blog, and this tender new relationship blossoming between us. There were challenges ahead, but together, we could weather any storm.

Chapter twenty

Nate

Susan and I strolled into the grand Rivermint Cove Hospital ballroom, our arms linked tightly, our footsteps echoing on the polished marble floors. I could feel the excitement radiating from her hand as I gave it a comforting squeeze.

The elegant crowd mingled around us. Tuxedos and gowns of all colors and styles filled the room. Each face held a spark of excitement, eyes glinting with the promise of an unforgettable evening.

My heart was already racing, though not just from nerves. I couldn't wait for what was about to happen.

The grandeur of the occasion was apparent in every detail, from the crystal chandeliers that cast a soft, warm glow over the room to the lavish decorations that adorned the walls.

Susan's eyes widened, taking in the breathtaking sight before us. "Wow, would you look at this place? It's like we've stepped onto the set of a movie or something," she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. Her gaze wandered from the intricately designed ceiling to the vibrant floral arrangements that graced every table.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "Yeah, they really went all out this year. But it's for a good cause - all proceeds go to the Children's Health Fund."

Susan nodded, and I always admired her empathy for others. We continued mingling, exchanging hellos, and shaking hands with the generous donors who had gathered to support this noble cause.

My eyes flitted between the stage where I would soon deliver my speech and Susan's radiant presence beside me, and my palms got sweatier by the minute.

I reminded myself to stay calm—to just breathe. I had to hold on a little longer before I took the leap that would change my life forever.

I smiled to myself, giving Susan's hand another squeeze as we made our way closer to the stage. She had no idea what was coming, but I knew that if everything went as planned, it would be a night we'd never forget.

Just then, I spotted Ethan waving at us from across the room, his wife Lizzie by his side. They walked over, big smiles on their faces.

"Nate! Big night for you, huh?" Ethan said, giving me a pat on the back.

A nervous chuckle escaped my lips. "Yeah, I'd say so," I replied, feeling a wave of gratitude for their unwavering support.

Lizzie gave me a quick hug. "We're so excited to hear your announcement! But just a fair warning - if you bore this crowd to tears with medical jargon, I may have to heckle you from my seat," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

We all laughed at that. Leave it to Lizzie to add a touch of humor to cut through my nerves.

"Don't worry,” I retorted back playfully. “I think I can make it at least mildly interesting.”

Just as I finished speaking, a hush fell over the room. Dr. Gwen Maddison took the stage, her no-nonsense demeanor commanding immediate attention. A soft spotlight cast an authoritative glow on her chocolate-brown hair and sharp features.

"Good evening. I am Dr. Gwen Maddison, Chief of Surgery here at Rivermint Cove Hospital. Please take your seats. We're about to commence the program for this evening's charity ball." Her voice resonated through the grand ballroom, its clarity and strength captivating everyone present.

Dr. Maddison's words were met with swift compliance as murmurs quieted and chairs creaked softly. The room's anticipation reached its height as all eyes turned towards her, awaiting the next momentous announcement.

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