The characters in this fanfic are not my creations but belong to their original author, Jess Cantrell, author of the Gray Matter Series.
While I strive to remain true to my perception of these characters, I may occasionally write pieces that could seem out of character. Please read with grace.
Dana finished her last consultation for the morning, a routine check-up for one of her frequent flyers, Anna. The teen was perched on the examination table, her eyes flickering with a mixture of curiosity and excitement.
"Everything seems to be in order, Anna," Dana said as she completed the examination. "You're in good health. Just keep up with the regulations I've given you."
Anna nodded enthusiastically, but her gaze lingered on Dana with a hint of mischief. "Dr. Whitechurch, I was just wondering..." she began, her tone light and teasing. "Have you been listening to the drama?"
"You know I don't engage in that."
Anna leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, I overheard a rather interesting tidbit the other day. It seems Dr. Stephen Reyburn has been visiting and wooing a certain local."
"Well, it makes sense," Dana responded. "He's a very eligible bachelor."
"Ooooh," Anna squealed. "You're too modest! Everyone knows he's been visiting you quite often."
Dana's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. "It's really not too much."
Anna's smile widened, her cheeks flushing with barely contained excitement. "Oh, you know how it is—people like to talk. But there's a certain buzz, if you catch my drift. It seems like there might be a bit more to his visits than just professional courtesy."
Dana chuckled softly. "Is that so? Well, I suppose it's only natural for people to speculate."
Anna nodded, clearly enjoying the role of bearer of gossip. "It's all just talk, of course. But if you need any advice on handling admirers, I'm here to help!"
Dana rolled her eyes at the gossiping teenager, "Be on your way." Gossip was a part of life, but it was never pleasant to hear oneself at the center of it.
With a resigned shake of her head Dana moved, taking the opportunity to slip into the adjoining room to check on Samuel. It was a routine she had come to cherish—one that provided her solace amidst the hectic pace of her day.
Samuel was sound asleep, his small body nestled into the folds of the blanket. Dana marveled at how deeply he slept, more so than most children his age. She attributed this to the immense trauma his young body had endured and was still healing from. His chest rose and fell rhythmically with each breath, a gentle reminder of the life she was so fiercely protecting. As she watched him, her mind wandered to the future that lay ahead for this boy who had come into her life so unexpectedly.
Her reverie was interrupted as she noticed the stack of mail that had been delivered earlier. She approached the desk, her eyes scanning for anything of importance. One envelope stood out—a response to her inquiry she had sent a month earlier. Her hands trembled slightly as she took the letter opener and carefully sliced through the seal.
Dr. Whitechurch,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing in response to your recent inquiry regarding the missing child you have been caring for. After a thorough examination of our records and inquiries with local institutions, I regret to inform you that we have found no documentation or reports concerning a child matching the description you provided.
Given the absence of any relevant records, it is imperative that you consider the following courses of action. The child in question must either be surrendered to an appropriate orphanage, where he can receive the care and attention required, or you may proceed with the necessary steps to initiate an adoption process if you are inclined to provide a permanent home for him.
The welfare of the child is of utmost importance, and I trust that you will make the decision that best serves his interests. Should you choose to proceed with adoption, I advise you to consult with the proper authorities to ensure all legal requirements are met.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your dedication to the well-being of those in your care. We at the Children's Home Society of Colorado greatly appreciate the work of doctors such as yourself.
Yours sincerely,
Ruth G. Schenck Director, Children's Home Society of Colorado
Dana exhaled a shaky breath as she stared at the contents of the letter. The words seemed to weigh heavily on her, a stark reminder of the difficult decision she now faced. Just then, a knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Dana, I've come to check on Samuel," Stephen announced, letting himself in with a friendly smile. He carried a small bouquet of wildflowers, their vibrant colors bright against the muted tones of the office. "I found these along the way and realized Grey and I don't have any vases in our house. I figured you must have something to put them in. Oh, and I've got some toys Grey picked up for Sammy."
Stephen's eyes softened when he noticed the look in Dana's eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, reaching out to take her hand.
Dana nodded, her emotions too tangled to articulate easily. She handed him the letter, watching as he read through it with a thoughtful expression. When he finished, he looked up, his brows furrowed in contemplation. "What are you going to do?" he asked, his tone indicating he had an inkling of her thoughts.
"Is it crazy to think about adopting him?" Dana asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I have a steady job and plenty of room. I know it's not conventional—" Her voice trailed off, and she hesitated. The prospect of adoption was daunting, not only because of the personal implications but also due to the inevitable gossip and judgment that would accompany such a decision.
Stephen considered her words carefully, weighing the practicalities and emotional implications. "Could you let him go?" he asked, his gaze steady.
Dana's face reflected her inner turmoil. "If it were in his best interest, I would," she said quietly. The decision was complex, balancing her protective instincts with the reality of what was best for Samuel.
They sat in silence, the weight of the letter and their conversation hanging between them. Stephen eventually stood up. "I should go check on the little guy," he said, giving Dana a reassuring smile before heading toward Samuel's room, leaving her alone with her thoughts and his input.
Dana's gaze fell on the bouquet of flowers from Stephen. The simple yet thoughtful gesture stirred a mix of emotions within her. Was she reading too much into this? Her mind wandered from Samuel's future to the potential meaning behind Stephen's gift. She had long been focused on carving out a professional reputation in a male-dominated field, and this subtle hint of personal interest was a new and unfamiliar territory. She had always been more comfortable navigating the professional realm, and the nuances of personal relationships felt foreign. The cheeky comments from Samantha earlier about Stephen's interest seemed to take on a new, confusing light as she considered the bouquet.
As Stephen returned from Samuel's room, he looked at Dana expectantly. "Any thoughts?" he asked, his expression open and supportive.
"I need more time," Dana replied, her voice firm but weary.
Stephen nodded in understanding. "Perhaps you and Samuel would like to join Grey and me this weekend. Grey's been wanting to go to the circus, but he's too embarrassed to go without a child to accompany him."
Dana raised an eyebrow, her surprise evident. "Mr. Reyburn, are you suggesting that we use Samuel as an excuse to take your friend to the circus?" She teased, her lips curving into a smile.
"Miss Whitechurch, I would never… but also maybe," Stephen said with a grin.
Dana laughed softly. "I think Samuel would enjoy that. We'd be delighted to accompany you and make up the party."
"Can we come to pick you up?" Stephen asked, his tone casual but hopeful.
"We'll be waiting," Dana replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Quarter to 8 on Friday night?" His smile had widened.
"Wonderful," Dana agreed, feeling a bit lighter. The prospect of a day at the circus with Samuel, Grey, and Stephen offered a welcome distraction from the weight of the decision she had yet to make.
