Page 47 of Reasonable Doubt
“We’ll come listen to you,” Nick commented. “After you marry us.”
The last to join them were two couples. Stephanie and Pax and Will and Katie had driven together. Will and Steph had become partners in his security business and the four ofthem had become close friends, socializing often. Katie was remarkably slim for having given birth to twin girls a month ago. And Steph had confided in Noreen that she and Pax were trying to conceive, too.
“Did Audrey make it?” Jackson asked.
“No, she moved to California where her parents still live and apparently didn’t want the reminder. I don’t bear her any resentment, though.” Nick motioned to the front. “I think they’re about ready to start now.” He kissed Noreen’s forehead. “Do you want to tell them before we go up there, love?”
“I know what it is.” Katie grinned. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you Noreen?”
“How did you know?” Noreen asked.
“You’ve got that pregnancy glow.”
“We just found out.” Noreen’s hand went to her stomach. “We’re thrilled.”
“Just you wait,” Will said, looking very tired. He shrugged boyishly. “But it’s worth it.”
“Ican’twait,” Nick told him. “Listen we’ll see you when the tour of the wing begins. Be sure to check out the father’s room. It’s where Dads—and Moms—can go and do some work when their child is hospitalized.”
“Nick.” This from Jackson who knew the extent of Nick’s guilt from that fateful day in the park.
“It’s good. It’s all good.”
The ribbon cutting took place in front of the double doors to the new wing. Anthony Johnston and Nick stood together and at that moment, a ray of rare sunshine appeared in the sky and shone down on the group. A blessing, indeed. And what was this? His mother and Tommy and even Liam stood behind everyone else at the back of the pavement. His heart clutched at his family’s presence.
Nick said hoarsely, “Welcome to the Scotty Redmond Children’s Wing.” He could feel his eyes moisten, but he battled the emotion back, took the scissors from Anthony and snipped the blue ribbon in half. “Now let’s see what’s been done to help the children and parents of Westwood.”
He took Noreen’s hand and she gave him a loving smile as Anthony opened the doors. Nick knew he could get through today because of her, and because of the support of all his friends. Ironically, he felt very lucky as he entered the wing dedicated to the memory of his dead son.
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