Chapter 11 - THE NURSE WHO GOT HER NAME BACK
Emma received the letter on a Tuesday morning.
She almost didn't open it.
The envelope carried the seal of the state nursing board.
Her hands began trembling.
Rachel stood beside her in the restaurant break room.
“Emma?”
Emma stared at the envelope.
“It's from the board.”
Rachel's eyes widened.
“Open it.”
Emma shook her head.
“What if—”
“Open it.”
Emma took a breath.
Then tore the envelope.
She read the first paragraph.
Stopped.
Read it again.
Tears filled her eyes.
Rachel grabbed her arm.
“What?”
Emma looked up.
“They cleared me.”
Rachel gasped.
Emma laughed through tears.
“The disciplinary allegations were dismissed.”
Rachel threw her arms around her.
“Emma!”
They laughed.
Cried.
Nearly knocked over a shelf of coffee cups.
That evening, Emma went to the Moretti estate.
Adrian met her at the door.
One look at her face and he stopped.
“What happened?”
Emma held up the letter.
“I got my license back.”
Adrian stared.
Then smiled.
A real smile.
Wide.
Unrestrained.
“Emma.”
She laughed.
“I know.”
He pulled her into his arms.
She hugged him tightly.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Adrian whispered, “I'm proud of you.”
Emma closed her eyes.
She had waited two years to hear that from someone who knew what she had endured.
Later, Adrian offered her a position.
Not as a nanny.
Not as a private nurse.
As director of a new family support program he wanted to establish through a legitimate charitable foundation.
Emma listened carefully.
Then shook her head.
“I appreciate it.”
Adrian looked disappointed.
“But?”
She smiled.
“I want to go back to nursing.”
He studied her.
Then nodded.
“Of course.”
Emma blinked.
“You're not going to argue?”
Adrian smiled.
“I'm learning.”
May you like
She laughed.
“Good.”
