Page 92 of Doctor Neighbor

COLE

Saturday, August 9, 2025

478 E Richardson Avenue, Birmingham

It’s a beautiful Saturday in Birmingham, the sun shining brightly as we stand in front of our new home. We got moved in as much as we could yesterday, and the air is filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia.

The historic neighborhood is perfect, with tree-lined streets and charming houses that exude character and warmth. It’s close to UAB and Brewed Awakening. It's in a quaint area where we can both still walk to most of the places around downtown or bike almost everywhere. Buster is thrilled about biking to work, and the house even has a pool for our swims and Maddie to play.

I watch Maddie and Buster's niece, Lucy, giggling as they chase each other around the yard, their laughter filling the air. They’ve become fast friends, and it warms my heart to see Maddie so full of life and joy.

"Hey there," I call to my sister as she walks up with her full pool bag and straw hat. Anna joins the girls in the pool. The three girls are a whirlwind of energy, playing and laughing together.

Lucy runs up to us, her face flushed with excitement. “Aunt Cole, can we go swimming?”

"Go for it,” I respond. They have put on their bathing suits and are anxiously awaiting Anna's arrival.

Buster comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “How’s it going, beautiful?” he asks, his voice playful as always. He has been inside unpacking something. "Do you think I should show them a real cannonball?”

He is fully clothed, and I know him well enough to confirm that he has no plans to change into his bathing suit.

"Absolutely. If not you, then who?" I ask, laughing.

"Y'all are nerds," Liesle says as she throws a rolled-up towel at us. "Get a room."

"We have four inside," he says, his eyebrows dancing up and down.

I smile, leaning into his embrace. “Go get in the pool. The girls need a giant kid to show them the ropes. Liesle and I have some catching up to do.”

I think back to everything we’ve been through over the past year. Maddie’s diagnosis, the intense weeks of treatment, and the incredible relief when she went into full remission. Her numbers have been perfect ever since, and there’s no sign of infection. She’s healthy and happy, and I owe all that to one overgrown kid who holds me tight every night, keeping us all safe.

Brewed Awakening is thriving. We’ve expanded our menu, and our loyal customer base is as strong and robust as ever. There has not been a single health code violation, and if I never see John Early again, it will be too soon. Again, Buster saved the day on that one.

Buster kisses the top of my head, and I turn to look at him. He’s still the same jokey, playful guy, but there’s a new depth to him. Our relationship has grown stronger with each passing day. He’s not just my partner; he’s my rock, best friend, and the love of my life.

"Cowabunga," he yells as he tucks in his fully clothed legs, sending a mammoth splash across the entire pool. The girls eat it up, and all fight to climb on him.

After playing Buster the jungle gym for a few minutes, he saunters out, dripping. His face twisted like he’s up to no good. I know that look well.

"Get away from us," I yell at him. "You're getting us soaked!" I throw him a towel and kick my leg at him.

“I was hoping you could help me unpack a box?” he asks, a twinkle in his eye. "I have one more room I want to tackle before calling it a day."

“Go on, you two. I've got the girls. God, y'all are almost too much," Liesle says with a laugh.

“Thank you,” I whisper to Buster as we walk inside together, my heart overflowing with gratitude.

“For what?” he asks, his eyes twinkling.

“For being you. For saving Maddie. For saving me. For everything.”

He pulls me close, kissing me softly. “We did this together, Cole. And we’re going to keep doing amazing things together.”

Watching Maddie splash around with her friends, I feel a profound sense of peace and happiness. We’ve been through so much, but we’ve come out stronger, closer, and ready for whatever the future holds. This is our new beginning, and I couldn’t be more excited to see where it takes us.

---