Chapter 17 - The New Foundation
The helicopter landed on the snowy lawn of the upstate estate. Arthur stepped out, leaning on his cane, the cold wind whipping his expensive coat.
Sarah was standing on the porch, wrapped in a thick sweater, holding a mug of coffee. She had watched the press conference. She knew the war was over.
Arthur walked up the steps, moving much faster than he had a week ago. He stopped in front of her, looking into her tired, beautiful eyes.
"You did it," Sarah said softly.
"We did it," Arthur corrected. "I couldn't have survived the hospital without you, Sarah. And I certainly couldn't have learned to walk again without your stubbornness."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a thick envelope, handing it to her.
"What is this?" she asked.
"The deed to this estate," Arthur said. "And the trust fund documents for Toby. It's fully funded. He will go to any college he wants, and you will never have to work a double shift at a hospital again."
Sarah stared at the envelope, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Arthur... this is too much. I was just doing my job."
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"You saved my life," Arthur said, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out, gently wiping a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "And I'm hoping... if you'll let me... I can stick around and be a part of it."
Sarah looked up at him, her heart hammering. She stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest. Arthur dropped his cane, wrapping both of his arms tightly around her waist, supporting his own weight perfectly.
