Chapter 46
Following the survivor gala, Caroline spent the afternoon walking through the newly completed pediatric recovery wing, talking with young patients and their families, listening to their stories, and sharing her own journey of recovery without bitterness or sorrow.As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow across the hospital courtyards, she stepped outside onto the quiet stone terrace overlooking the botanical gardens.Marcus walked up beside her, handing her a light wool wrap to guard against the evening chill."You've given thousands of people a second chance at life," Marcus said softly, resting his hands on the stone railing. "People who would have remained invisible in the shadows if you hadn't come back to turn on the lights."Caroline wrapped the soft wool around her shoulders, looking out over the sprawling sanctuary she had built with her own hands. "I didn't do it alone, Marcus. I had a very stubborn former detective who refused to let me walk through the fire by myself."Marcus smiled, turning his head to look at her. "Well, someone had to make sure you didn't crash any more weddings in a hospital gown."Caroline laughed—a bright, genuine, unforced sound that echoed softly into the evening breeze. "No weddings, Marcus. From now on, we only build futures."
