“Sure, ask away.” He smiled.
“We’ve heard that speech before, so what makes Chase Care different?”
Let me count the ways. “The only way to prove our worth is to keep our promise. I’d urge you to look into our commitments in other states, as well as our primary care and urgent care practices throughout Louisiana.”
Kip answered a few more questions and then headed into the lobby where the refreshments were being served. Thom Wagner, the Center’s medical director, headed toward him, shaking hands along the way. “This place is incredible. You considered every design recommendation. Thank you for having faith in me.”
“That was the easy part. Staff, visitors, and patients—that’s the hard part,” Kip said. Leaving Thom and making his way around the large area, he saw Brock Carpenter rushing toward him.
“Elin said I could find you here,” Brock said, out of breath.
“Don’t have a coronary. Breathe. Do you want to go to my office here?” Kip suggested.
“No, here.” He thrust an envelope into Kip’s hands. “You and Harper did it. Your site visit was approved. The girls are Harper’s, and papers are in the envelope for you to sign to adopt them. And, finally, the State, with a push, agreed to let you and Harper take over as guardians of the triplets on the route to adoption. Congratulations.”
Kip clutched the envelope to his chest. “Brock, thank you.”
“You two did it. Usually, the State gets nervous when a couple marries quickly and then files for guardian, foster, or adoptive parent. But your interviews and what happened to you were game changers. Again, Kip, congratulations.”
He thought about their small wedding after he was discharged from the hospital. They both needed the formal tie. He promised her a wedding of her dreams on whatever day she picked. “When can we bring them home?” Kip asked.
“Today,” Brock said.
In between shaking hands and walking through the building with the mayor, the city council, the fire chief and the press, he found a few minutes to call Elin. “Hey, the triplets are ours. Could you…”
Before he could finish, Elin said, “Cribs and furniture will be delivered in an hour. I’ll send someone from engineering to hardwire the baby monitors. You do have portables that work on electricity and battery power. I will contact the three additional nannies you hired. The bedrooms in the cottage each have two sets of adult bunk beds. Diapers, formula, and clothing will also be delivered. And car seats are in the health center. Anything else?”
“Yes, promise me you’ll never quit!” Kip laughed.
* * *
Finally,the ribbon cutting and the after-ceremony were over. Kip climbed into the Suburban. “We can bring the triplets home.” He waved the envelope. “I can’t wait to tell Harper.”
Zayne laughed. “You do know most people would consider you crazy. But congrats.” He shifted the SUV into gear.
At the building, he first headed to his office to touch base with Elin. He found Josh sitting with her. “What are you doing here?”
Kip leaned down and hugged him. He had spoken with or visited Josh every day once the physicians allowed him.
“Had my appointment with Logan and my psychologist.” Josh broke into a smile. “I am approved for duty.” He did a shimmy in his seat.
“Yes! That’s great. Welcome back. Did Elin tell you the news?” Kip beamed.
Josh laughed, his eyes flashing. “You took Raven’s reading to heart.”
Kip’s eyes shone brightly. “You did too, Mr. Sexy Bodyguard. How are you two doing?”
“She is an amazing woman.” Josh blushed.
“Come on, come help me take the boys home. We’ve been holding off naming them out of superstition. The parents hadn’t named them when they left the hospital. That’s a whole other story as to how they were allowed to leave without names.”
* * *
“Once a day, I promise,”Harper said to Logan, holding a bottle of vitamins. “I can’t wait to tell Kip.”
“Well, there’s no time like the present.” Logan lifted his chin.
Harper squealed and ran toward Josh, hugging him. “You look amazing.”
