Alarms beeped, and pain tore through his gut. “They’re going to blow up the restaurant. Josh. You need to save Josh. My team…drugged.” He continued to fight them.
“Logan, two of lorazepam. Kip, it’s okay. We know.”
“Harper…” Kip’s eyes closed.
* * *
“How’s his latest numbers?”Harper asked Logan.
“White count is dropping, and he’s still a pint low,” Logan said.
“I was speaking with Hunt and Tuck. He said they’re running out of excuses to keep the triplets out of the foster system,” Harper said sadly.
“I wish there was more we could do. We tested their eyes, hearing. We are treating their reflux. They’re drinking from a bottle. But they need a special family. Even though they’re doing well, they are still fragile. Even the best parents will need access to resources,” Logan sighed.
“That worries me the most. If they’re part of the foster system, the family will get funds per baby. Will they spend it on them?” Harper asked.
“Adopt them after you marry me,” Kip said in a hoarse whisper.
“Hey.” Harper leaned down to kiss him.
“Beautiful, marry me, and we will adopt them. Raven said I had a large penis and would be surrounded by babies. She also said I should take care of you.” His eyes were slits.
“I think we can come down on the pain meds,” Logan laughed.
“I mean it. Harper Rousselle, marry me. Then we adopt the triplets and Babette and Desirée, and then I will make more babies with you. I love you. Now kiss me.”
Harper’s cheeks flamed as she leaned down, placing a gentle kiss to his lips. His hand came up, and he held her close, devouring her mouth somewhat clumsily from the medication.
* * *
Monday,September 24th
Hurricane Greta T+24 days
Kip and Kylewaved as Wes, Bruce, and Rich climbed up the steps to the Chase jet. Kieran laughed, looking at two huge billboards. “Your ladies are incredible. Do you know how many calls we’re receiving? Evidence is pouring in.”
Pictures of the woman known as Serafina, Beverly White, and Colvin Hellman were spread like a hand of cards. They sat above a tip line number and the question,If you know where these people are, please call. All three were now in custody. They would soon change the wording to the same as on Pierre and Rosalind’s billboard, which read, If you believe you were harmed by these people, please call,along with the tip line number.
“I made them understand they couldn’t call them murderers until they were convicted.” Kieran chuckled, then shook each man’s hand. “Kip, congratulations on everything. Kyle, congrats to you as well.”
“Boss, we will all be praying for you to have an easy time with the chemo.” Kip touched his heart and pointed at Kieran. He tapped his heart in return and walked toward the plane.
Kip slid his sunglasses down and looked up at the sun. A wry smile touched his lips, and with Kyle, they headed toward the Suburban.
Epilogue
Wednesday, December 5th
A new beginning T-0
The large blue ribbon hung in front of the double doors of what looked like a colonial revival building but was actually a three-hundred-bed center for nursing and rehabilitation. Kip walked to a podium and scanned the crowd of dignitaries, residents, friends, and the press.
“Good morning. I want to welcome you to the Chase Care Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. My name is Kip Brennan. I’m the CEO of Chase Care-New Orleans. With our women’s health center, Chase Care Hospital, and today, with this stunning new facility, we affirm our commitment to the best health for New Orleans residents.”
He had the mayor cut the ribbon. “I invite you to share some refreshments and take a tour of the facility. Today at three pm, our first residents will begin arriving.” To polite applause, Kip stepped down, making himself accessible to the crowd for questions.
“Mr. Brennan, a moment of your time,” a reporter asked.
