Page 23 of Shadows of Recovery

James patted Tristan on the back. "Yeah, bro. You're making a real difference."

Tristan, though slightly uneasy with the praise, had learned to accept it graciously. "Thank you," he said, a modest smile on his face.

The Blackwell family gathered around the large dining table in their elegant Manhattan apartment, the city lights twinkling through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The evening was still buzzing with the energy of Tristan’s successful lecture at Columbia, and the pride in the room was palpable.

Richard Blackwell, the family patriarch, sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes observing each of his children as they engaged in light conversation. He was a man of few words, but his presence commanded respect. Millicent sat beside him, her gentle demeanor complementing Richard’s quiet authority. Tristan, who had just delivered a compelling lecture, was seated across from Amelia and Claire, while James was next to Richard.

As the last of the dinner plates were cleared away, Richard leaned back in his chair, a rare smile playing on his lips. “Tristan, you did an excellent job today. I’m proud of you.” His deep voice carried the weight of genuine admiration.

“Thanks, Dad.” Tristan felt a warmth in his chest that only his father’s approval could bring.

Amelia, always the lively one, leaned forward with a mischievous grin. “So, Tristan, we’ve been hearing some interesting things. Word is you’re seeing someone—a certain twenty-nine-year-old, if I’m not mistaken. Are we finally getting the scoop?”

Before Tristan could respond, Claire jumped in, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Yeah, what’s she like? And isn’t she a bit... young?”

Richard’s voice cut through the room, firm and unyielding. “Enough of that, Claire. Age isn’t what defines a person. Let’s not judge someone based on something so trivial.”

Claire immediately backed down, recognizing the authority in her father’s tone. “Sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean it that way.”

Richard nodded, then turned his attention back to Tristan, his expression serious but not unkind. “But I am curious, Tristan. Sophie, you said her name is? You know I trust your judgment, but I have to ask—how capable is she? The ER is no easy environment, and she can’t have been out of her fellowship for long.”

Tristan met his father’s gaze, understanding the concern behind the question. “Sophie is more than capable, Dad. Yes, she’s young, but she’s already proven herself in some of the toughest situations. She’s quick on her feet, sharp, and has an incredible instinct when it comes to patient care. The staff in the ER and at the Institute respect her because she’s earned that respect.”

Richard nodded slowly, processing his son’s words. “That’s good to hear. You know how important it is to me that you’re surrounded by competent professionals, especially in the ER. It’s a place where there’s no room for error.”

“She’s exactly the kind of person we need,” Tristan affirmed, his voice steady. “And beyond her professional skills, she’s someone I care about deeply. She makes me better, Dad.”

Millicent, who had been quietly listening, reached over to squeeze Richard’s hand, her eyes filled with warmth as she looked at her son. “I’m so happy to hear that, Tristan. You deserve someone who makes you happy and supports you in your work.”

Amelia grinned, her earlier teasing replaced with genuine excitement. “I can’t wait to meet her, Tristan. She sounds amazing.”

“Me too,” Claire added, her tone sincere now. “I’m sure she’s great.”

Richard’s stern expression softened, and a rare smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “You’ve always made us proud, Tristan, with everything you’ve accomplished. If Sophie is someone who brings you happiness and supports you in your work, then she’s welcome in this family.”

Tristan felt a deep sense of gratitude as he looked around the table. His father’s approval meant the world to him, and knowing he had his family’s support made everything feel right. “Thanks, Dad. That means a lot.”

James, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up, his voice carrying his own experience. “Sounds like you’ve got something really good, Tristan. Don’t let anything get in the way of that.”

Tristan smiled, appreciating his brother’s straightforward encouragement. “I won’t, James. I won’t.”

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, the room filled with the comfortable hum of family—shared stories, laughter, and the kind of warmth that only came from being surrounded by those who truly knew and loved you. As the night wore on, Tristan knew, whatever the future held, he had the unwavering support of his family, and that made all the difference.

The evening unfolded with the kind of easy camaraderie that only a close-knit family could share. The conversation ebbed and flowed naturally, with Millicent occasionally leaning over to offer Richard a quiet word or a knowing smile, the kind that spoke of decades of partnership and understanding.

As dessert was served—a rich chocolate torte, one of Millicent’s specialties—Amelia took the opportunity to turn the conversation back to her older brother. “Tristan, you’ve been so busy with work and the Institute, but what about you? What’s going on in your life outside of the hospital?”

Tristan, savoring a bite of the torte, paused and smiled. “Honestly, between work and Sophie, there isn’t much else right now. But I’m happy with that. Sophie... well, she’s become a big part of my life.”

Claire, ever the curious one, tilted her head with a soft smile. “You really like her, don’t you?”

Tristan’s smile deepened as he set down his fork, looking around the table at his family. “Yeah, I really do. It’s more than like. I love her. It’s... different with Sophie. She’s not just someone I’m seeing; she’s someone I can see a future with. And I didn’t expect that.”

Millicent’s eyes softened with maternal warmth. “That’s how the best things happen, Tristan. When you’re not looking for them. I remember when your father and I first met—neither of us was looking for anything serious, and yet, here we are, decades later.”

Richard nodded, his hand resting gently on Millicent’s. “She’s right. Life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.”

James, who had been quietly observing, chimed in with a grin. “Sounds like you’re serious about this one, Tristan. It’s good to see. You’ve always been focused on your career, but it’s great to see you making time for someone who clearly means a lot to you.”

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