Page 66 of A Kind Wedding: Christian & Charleigh

I walked back into my office and over to Charleigh, who lay there with her eyes closed.

“Hey, sweetheart.” I softly ran my finger across her forehead. “I called your mom, and she’s on her way to take you home.”

“Christian, what are we going to do?” She started crying again.

“We’re getting married on March 16thas planned, and it will be just as beautiful as we planned it to be.”

“Do you realize the work I’ve put into this wedding?”

“I know, and you’re not doing another thing. Consider your wedding plan duties lifted.” I softly smiled.

“You’re so fucking delusional.”

“I’m an optimist. I told you that I’ll take care of it, and I will. I’ve never let you down, and I’m not about to start now.”

“Charleigh, sweetheart. I’m here,” Jillian walked into my office.

“Mom!” Charleigh sat up and started sobbing.

“Come on. Let me take you home.” She sat next to her and hugged her tight.

I said goodbye to Charleigh and Jillian. After they left my office, I grabbed my phone from my desk and sent a group message to the entire family.

“Emergency family meeting tonight. I need all of you.”

“We heard, bro, and we’re sick over it. Everyone meet at my house at seven.”Conner texted.

I placed my phone in my pocket and scrubbed in for my surgery. After my last surgery, I pulled my phone out and called Mr. Russo.

“Dr. Kind, I was just going to call you.”

“Any updates, Mr. Russo?”

“The hotel has suffered some damage, especially the first floor. Unfortunately, we were told that the hotel has to shut down while an investigation is launched and repairs are made. The fire started in our main kitchen, and the firefighters believe it was arson. I was instructed that we must cancel all our weddings for the next couple of months. I’m so sorry, Dr. Kind.”

“Don’t apologize. It isn’t your fault. I’m happy no one was hurt. Thanks for letting me know, Mr. Russo.”

“I feel awful, and the look on Charleigh’s face earlier broke my heart. If I can do anything for the two of you, please call and let me know.”

“I appreciate it, and I will. Thanks again.”

It was six-thirty when I arrived home from the hospital. As I walked through the door, I saw Jillian cleaning up the kitchen.

“Just in time.” She smiled. “I made dinner. I wasn’t sure when you’d be home, so I put a plate in the warming oven for you.”

“Thank you, Jillian.” I kissed her cheek. “Where’s Charleigh?”

“She’s sleeping. We ate about a half hour ago, and then she went upstairs to lie down. I just checked on her. Have you heard from Mr. Russo?”

“Unfortunately.” I sighed. “All weddings are canceled for the next couple of months. They have to shut the hotel down for an investigation and repairs.”

“Why an investigation?” Her brows furrowed.

“They think it was arson.”

“Shit.” She shook her head. “So now what?”

“I told Charleigh that I’ll fix this, and I will.”

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