Dr. Stewart surprises Emma and Sam with the invitation to take jobs at Ravenwood.
"We can get an apartment nearby," Emma began.
"You won't need to," Dr. Stewart said. "As it happens, the music room his only a small part of that building. There's a one room house attached. It's small, but perfect for the two of you. That's if you want it."
"We'll take it!" Sam replied, laughing. "Thank you, Dr. Stewart."
"You're very welcome, Sam. Meanwhile, there are some folks coming by to see you later today. In fact, I believe they should be arriving soon. We'll get all the paperwork out of the way tomorrow. I'm so glad we'll have you as permanent additions to the Ravenwood family." She glanced at Emma. "I know you don't like that word much."
Emma went around the desk, hugging Dr. Stewart. "I don't mind it anymore," she replied, hugging her again. "Because you've helped me see that the best family you can have, is the one you pick for yourself."
They went to the common room and found a clutch of people waiting for them. One was Rosalee, another was Dr. Rivers. Grant and a couple of their good friends were also there. They stood when Emma and Sam came in. The friends exchanged hugs and kisses.
"I'm starting the program next week," Grant announced.
"You'll do great," Sam assured him. "How about you two?" he asked the others.
"They're coming to the day groups," Grant replied. "If you and Emma can do it, we can."
"I hear we're going to be working together," Dr. Rivers told Sam as they sat down.
"We are? What?"
"The music program," he replied. "Amanda enticed me away from the ER."
"Admit it, you were bored," Rosalee added. "When my contract runs out at the hospital, I'll be joining the team here full time. Meanwhile, I'll be here part time, so we'll still see one another."
"That's fantastic!" Emma hugged them both.
Rosalee smiled, patting her shoulder. "I can't get over the changes in you both. You don't look, or act, like the same young people I saw less than two months ago. I am delighted that you're doing so well."
"Oh, hey, bro," Grant said suddenly. "We went by your foster parents' house and got your stuff."
"And we went to Emma's as well," Rosalee added. "Your parents were most cooperative in giving us your clothing and personal items. We've brought it over in a P.O.D. Storage and you can go through it at your leisure."
"Have you thought of everything?" Sam asked.
Rosalee smiled. "Yes."
Their friends stayed until after dinner. Emma and Sam went to bed in her room. His had been released, but Molly and Raleigh thought they deserved to have a little special treatment for their last few days.
Grant started the program the same day that Emma and Sam were released. Although they were no longer guests, they were allowed to join them for meals and after dinner activities. The only real difference was that they were both working, instead of just going to therapy. However, as part of their pay, they were allowed to continue conversations with Dr. Stewart and join group therapy.
That night, they went back to their small house. Emma stood at the door, surveying the cozy, well lit space. She, Molly and the girls had worked tirelessly for the last week to make it homey. Sam picked her up, carrying her inside. He shut the door with his foot before taking her to the bed.
"I thought you were only supposed to carry me over the threshold when we married."
Sam kicked off his shoes, yanked off his shirt and flopped on the bed beside her. "Maybe so, but is there a rule against it?"
Emma screwed up her face, pretending to think deeply about it. "I'm sure there's a rule somewhere."
©2020 Dellani Oakes
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