Page 99 of Drew
Abby didn’t say anything but jumped into my arms, nearly knocking me on my ass. I quickly recovered, but instead of staying on one knee, I pulled us into a standing position.
When I was sure she was steady on her feet, I finally looked her in the eyes.
Tears streamed down her face, and her smile could probably be seen from the moon, it was so big. But she still hadn’t given me a definite answer. Then I whispered, “Is that a yes?”
“God, Drew!” Abby said on a sob. “Yes… Yes, I’ll marry you!”
My heart nearly beat out of my chest as my lips crashed onto hers to show her she’d made me the happiest man alive.
Cheers erupted from the diner, and I could care less we had an audience.
When Abby pulled away breathless, the expression of wonder and beauty would be etched in my memories for as long as I live.
Of course, our friends and family surrounded us by the time we broke free, and each of them congratulated us. When Abby realized the lengths I went through to orchestrate this, she turned to me and said, “You’re in so much trouble, Drew Jacobs.”
“You can be mad at me after my game this evening. Until then, just continue to love me like you do.”
With this, everyone laughed at my smartass antics.
“Dr. Jacobs?” Suzanna, a nurse we’ve hired to work in our clinic, interrupts my trip down memory lane.
“Your wife is looking for you. You were supposed to meet her out front a few minutes ago. Everyone is waiting.”
“Thanks for the reminder,” I say as I get up from my desk.
When I reach the lobby of the building Abby and I have leased, I find everyone I know and love standing in there waiting.
Abby still manages to take my breath away when I look into her beautiful golden-brown eyes. I swear she’s hardly changed in the last ten years, though she’d wholeheartedly disagree. When Abby spots me, she comes up to take my hand. There’s a bounce to her step, and radiant energy flows through her. I love her more now than ever before. She’s been my partner in every sense of the word. I’m so thankful I chose her that day when I walked into class. It was by far my best decision. Ever.
I lean in to kiss her, and I’m still mesmerized by her beauty and scent that’s uniquely her. She’s dressed in a navy-blue wrap dress that accentuates her every curve in the best possible way. Especially, the baby bump that only I can notice.
Abby and I are planners. We plot everything out. Make goals and smash them into oblivion together. Pregnancy wasn’t on that list, with opening our practice together, but knowing Abby as well as I do, she’s not about to let anything get in her way. I know with every fiber of my being, she’ll be the best mom possible.
She steps up to the podium we’ve set up with pride and confidence. Everyone in the room settles. I stand by her side, never letting go. It’s an honor to share this with her.
“Welcome, everyone. Thank you so much for coming.” Applause fills the room, and she waits, before continuing. “Drew and I couldn’t be happier to have you experience this journey with us.
“This has been a dream come true for us. For years, we’ve wanted to return to Spokane and open a practice of our own. Our goal is to provide preventative and routine care to children in this community. We’ll be there with you as if you’re members of our family. We value you as unique individuals and promise our care and commitment to you. We look forward to working with you and want to welcome you to Jacobs’ Pediatrics & Oncology.”
Another round of loud applause roars throughout the room, making my heart soar.
I take this moment to step up to the mic and say a few words in honor of this celebration. Sure, we officially opened months ago, but today is the grand opening to welcome the community.
“When my sister Summer was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s years ago, my family and I were devastated. But through the strength and support of great health care professionals, we were able to spend many more years with Summer and get through her loss as a family. I know what it’s like to have to travel across the state to receive the care you need in this situation. Part of the reason Abby and I wanted to open our practice here, is to provide opportunities for families on this side of the state to get their needs met. We thank you for coming out today to help us celebrate. We couldn’t do this without you and want you to know how much your support means to us. Thank you.”
Once another round of applause dies down, I remind the crowd, “Please help yourselves to food and refreshments. Abby and I will be around should you have any questions. Thanks again for coming to celebrate this journey with us.”
With that, I look to Abby. She reaches up on the tips of her toes and kisses me lightly on the cheek. Seeing that I hadn’t forgotten to say anything, she squeezes my hand, and we walk away from the podium to mingle with our guests.
Before we part, she looks to me and caresses my face with her free hand. Then she whispers, “I love you, Dr. Jacobs. We did it. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
The look on her face makes me wish we were anywhere but in a crowded room. But I’m brought back to my memories at my desk from earlier, and I proudly remind her, “I’m sure glad I chose you, Angel. I’m sure glad I chose you.”
She rolls her eyes and smiles. “I won’t let you forget it.”
THE END
