"Sorry for the delay. Traffic is a bitch right now," he lies, but everyone chuckles as they accept it for the truth. "Most of you have been dying to know what's been going on with this building since it started going up a year ago. Today, the mystery ends.
"This building is a symbol of hope. There are many people all around who don't have the money for all the treatment and rehabilitation they need. Insurance only covers so much, and the patient is liable after that. This clinic is a nonprofit organization that has been built to help.
"Counseling, reconstructive surgeries, and even therapy for things such as speech and walking—all of this will be available and made possible by the generous donations, fundraisers, and volunteers we've been collecting for the past six years. Future fundraisers will help us keep the place running, so keep your checkbooks handy."
He pauses as everyone chuckles again, proving he's a master at running a crowd. Then he turns to see the tears dripping slowly from my eyes, my bottom lip quivering, and my hands over my chest.
"Six years ago, Maverick, Kode, Corbin, Dale, and I all shared a friend who was fortunate enough to afford these things, but her mother hadn't been. Her grandmother hadn't been, either. They didn't have the same fortune she did, but thank God she had that fortune. She was the heart of our group then, and she still is today.
"Somewhere out there, there's another group of guys who need their best friend to keep them out of trouble. The one who never judges and loves them unconditionally. And the girl who tells them like it is when they need to hear it most. That girl may not have the ability to afford what she needs."
He turns back toward the crowd as I struggle to breathe.
"That's why we did this. The five of us have been collecting contributors, orchestrating charities, and putting forth our own money for the past six years to get this up and operational. Now I want the girl who inspired it all to cut the ribbon."
Words won't form in my mouth, and I can barely keep from crumbling to the ground. Kode actually has to start holding me up by pulling me to his side. Dane turns to me, grinning as he motions for me to join him.
He's got to be kidding. I can't walk.
He stifles a laugh when he sees my wobbly body, and he glides over to me to collect me from Kode's supportive hold. He moves me toward the ribbon as they bring out the ceremonial giant cutting scissors, and Dane hands them to me.
"I declare this the opening of the Rainy Days Medical Facility," he says while looking down at me.
My heart thuds in my ears, and Dane's smile becomes huge as he bends down. "Cut the ribbon, baby."
All five of them come to stand around me as flashes from numerous cameras blind me from all sides. The familiar warmth of Dane's hand finds my back, and his other hand slides up my arm.
I snip the ribbon, but the scissors drop the second the task is complete, and I throw myself into the group of awaiting arms, hugging them all and kissing their cheeks as my tears fall. Maverick sniffles and coughs when he tries to act unaffected, and Corbin discreetly wipes away a tear.
I love my boys. But not the way I love Dane Sterling.
After letting go of Dale, I turn to Dane and launch myself at him. He stumbles backwards, caught off guard by my near tackling embrace, and he chuckles as he kisses my forehead and holds me tight.
"I can't believe you guys did this." I'm choked up and my words are all muffled, but they all grin and try not to get emotional themselves.
"Well, I did it because I'm in love with you. Why these assholes did it, too, I don't know," Dane teases, taking me back to prom night when these five boys showed me what family really meant.
Everyone snickers, even Kode, and like the family we are, we all walk inside together.
Everything is perfect. From the marble floors, to the leather couches in the waiting room, to the state-of-the-art equipment, it's all so amazing. Dane walks me through each section of the enormous building, gives me details of all the volunteer doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and even street people who want to help.
Every new room is more fascinating than the last, each new gadget is more complicated, and every breath he breathes leaves me more in love. If there wasn't a huge audience, I'd show him just how amazing I think he is.
He's handled every single detail, and everything is... I can't believe they all did this.
***
DANE
Rain is laughing with Tria in the far corner of the waiting room inside the new clinic. I haven't been able to tear my eyes away from her since I got here. I'm ready to get out of here, and the second I'm sure Rain is ready, I'm taking her home for part two.
"It's been a while since I've seen Rain this happy," Dale observes, sipping his champagne beside me.
"She's still shocked and impressed by this place," I say with my dopey smile.
Dale grins while we both stare at the beauty I love.
"There's no doubt that she enjoys this, but she looks happy because she's with you. I hope you know what you're doing. I never want us to all be split up again. Rain's like my sister, and you're like my brother. And now things are good with her and Kode, too. I've missed our group."