Page 217 of True Blue

Then I feel another hand on my shoulder, and I smile when I think I hear someone humming softly in my ear—ABBA, of course.

Pressing my fingers to the chain under my shirt, where Pop’s ring rests against my skin, I breathe a little easier.

I walk into this conference room prepared to lose everything.

My brain had already started arranging Plans B, C, D, and E because that is what my brain does.

Glancing at Lorraine, I briefly consider asking her for a letter of recommendation for law school—maybe I could be a lawyer. It wouldn’t take long. Three years if I went straight through, four if I had to work around everything else. Financially, Teddy and I would be secure. He would support me through it. I would survive. I always survive.

Then Dr. Vale starts delivering their judgment and every plan goes silent.

I don’t know how I’m feeling as I walk out.

Lorraine holds my elbow and has to practically guide me out after we’re dismissed. I’m still processing, feeling as though I’m out of my body, watching from above.

My breath saws in and out of my lungs, my heart pounds against my ribcage, and adrenaline makes my entire body shake.

As soon as the door opens, I see Teddy pacing, but he stops in his tracks when he sees us. His eyes soften into concern when he sees the look on my face, and he immediately takes me into his arms.

And I break.

“It’s dismissed,” I gasp, clutching his shoulders. “It’s dismissed. It’s done.”

Teddy’s entire body goes still. Then he pulls back and holds my face in his hands.

“Say that again.”

A laugh bursts out of me unbidden. “It’s dismissed.”

Teddy presses a long, deep kiss to my lips. He picks me up around my waist and spins me around, not pulling his lips from mine. I let the joy bubble up in my chest, feeling buzzy all over my skin as I relish the celebration and relief.

It’s done.

I’m still a physician.

They’re not taking it away from me.

She’s not taking it away from me.

“No finding of misconduct,” Lorraine says, tapping a few times on her cellphone. “No evidence of elder abuse, undue influence, or financial exploitation. No recommendation for discipline. Dr. Vale said she’ll call your chief directly this afternoon to inform them of the preliminary decision.”

Teddy pulls back enough to look at me, his grin wide enough to crack his face.

“And who are you still?”

“Dr. Miller,” I laugh wetly, feeling a few tears spill over. “I’m Dr. Miller.”

“Damn right,” Teddy says, voice rough as he pulls me back into him. “I’m so fucking proud of you, honey.”

“I’m proud of you,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him down until our lips brush again.

Lorraine pointedly clears her throat, making us pull back and chuckle sheepishly.

“And I’m proud of both of you,” Lorraine says, gesturing to her watch. “But I have a dinner date to get to. Dr. Miller, Mr. Williams, it was a pleasure.”

“Thank you, Lorraine,” I say, shaking her hand. Teddy does the same after.

“You’re welcome,” she says, smiling before giving us a look. “Go celebrate, kids. Have fun.”