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KIERA

We flew to Rio de Janeiro, and I fell in love with the liveliness of the city. The beach was alive with colors and music. It looked just like all the tourism photography I’d seen on the internet.

We were back in the small town today, and Forrest took me to visit the Ba7M5Bu88Project, and I met his dedicated employees. It resembled the Holistic Farm in Texas with the abundant plants and dried herbs, but this center had an expansive farm in the back with a lot of fruit trees and vegetable gardens. An attached warehouse had workers sorting out the fruits and vegetables. A few people loaded up containers onto delivery trucks with the Ba7M5Bu88Project brand on it.

The employees pronounced the project as BaMBu without subscript, which was how I’d been addressing it.

We exited the office and headed down the street to the health center. We held hands as we walked down a paved street with adorable little shops. He’d told me earlier that this area hadn’t been developed until he came and built the center. If there ever was a billionaire who used his money well, it would be him.

“What’s the significance of the subscripts?” I pointed to the numbers on his Ba7M5Bu88T-shirt.

“Those were dates that changed my life. July fifth was when my father died. August eighth was when my mother died.” He stopped on the sidewalk and gestured to the grocery store where an older woman exited with a little girl. “This was what they wanted for me—to live in a safe place where money didn’t determine your worth.”

I wrapped my arms around him, stroking up and down his back, wanting to smooth out all the wrinkles in his life. He’d seen and experienced too much at such a young age. His trauma could have turned him into a bitter person. And yet the man before me offered hope to people. Did he understand the magnitude of his achievement?

His desire for revenge against Red Venom had placed a veil over him, making him remember the dark things more than the hopeful things. I wanted to change that for him.

“You’re doing marvelous work.” I placed my cheek against his chest. “I know your BaMBuProject is making a tremendous difference in the world. Your employees must be honored to be part of this project—this movement.”

He drew back, smiling. “What movement is that, Kitty K?”

“Affordable and free healthcare for everyone. Teaching people how to heal themselves by going back to basics. Reminding people to love and respect themselves and others, including nature. I think society forgot the definition of humanity.” I gestured an arm to my surroundings. “But I see it here. And it’s all because of you.”

Something passed over his face.

“What are you thinking?” I asked.

“You know what’s strange? A lot of people, including my grandma, have told me this. But your words are the only ones that finally sank in.” He tipped up my chin. “Your love and understanding of my mission means more to me than you could ever know.”

My heart burst into a thousand suns, each forming their own galaxies. The joy in me was indescribable. I went up on my tiptoes and planted a loud, sloppy kiss onto his lips.

“Let’s go see the health center, then we can head out for lunch.”

The health center offered services based on a sliding scale. People paid what they could, and for those who couldn’t, they were free. He’d gotten grants from the government and put in his own money to support the clinic. His billionaire friends also supported the cause.

My heart was full when we sat down at a local eatery facing a pretty garden.He ordered the traditional Brazilian food of papaya, coffee, ham, cheese, bread, and beans.

“I’m going to gain twenty pounds from all this food.” I bit into the papaya, and it was sweet and juicy.

“More of you to love.” A wicked smile formed on his lips. “I can help you burn off the calories.”

I was going to tell him I had plans for him when the host came out to our table. “Dr. Navarro, you have a phone call from the States.”

Forrest’s eyebrows furrowed. “Be right back.”

While I ate, an older woman wearing a straw hat walked by with her barking white Pomeranian. She tripped and fell, and the dog leash escaped her grip. The dog took off into the garden, chasing after something.

“Cupcake! Come back here!” The woman flinched as she tried to get up.

I stepped out to the sidewalk, helping her up.

“Thank you,” she spoke perfect English as she limped. “Can you help me catch Cupcake? I think I sprained my ankle. I’m on vacation and don’t want to lose my dog.”

“You sit on the bench. I’ll get her.” I brought her to the iron bench by the tree.

“This bag of snacks will help you lure him out. Thank you, dear.” She handed it to me.

With the bag of treats in hand, I rushed into the garden, calling his name, “Cupcake!”