“He’s going to be fine,” I said immediately.
Catherine burst into tears. Jonathan grabbed his father’s shoulder, his own eyes filling. Senator Thornton, a man I’d seen on television countless times, always poised and commanding, looked like he might collapse from relief.
“The surgery was successful,” I continued. “His heart is functioning normally. Barring any complications, he should make a full recovery.”
“Can we see him?” Catherine asked.
“He’s still unconscious, but you can sit with him in the ICU. A nurse will take you up.”
“Dr. Chin,” Senator Thornton said, his voice rough with emotion, “you saved my grandson’s life. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“No thanks necessary, Senator. It’s my job.”
“No,” he said firmly. “This was more than a job. You left whatever you were doing on a Saturday night, came in on your day off, and spent six hours saving a child you’d never met. That’s not just a job. That’s a calling.”
I smiled slightly. “I love what I do.”
Catherine took my hands. “You must come to the wedding today. Please. I insist.”
I froze.
The wedding.
“My son Marcus is getting married this afternoon at our estate,” she said. “It’s the least we can do after what you’ve done for us. Please say you’ll come. I’d be honored to have you there.”
“I really don’t think—”
“Please,” Senator Thornton added. “It would mean a great deal to us.”
I thought about saying no. I thought about going home, getting some sleep, forgetting any of this had happened. But something in me, something tired of hiding, tired of being invisible, tired of being called worthless, said yes.
“What time?” I asked.
“The ceremony is at four, but there’s a rehearsal dinner at noon that we had to postpone because of Charlie. We’re doing it this morning instead. A brunch at ten. You’re welcome to both, of course.”
“I’ll try to make it,” I said.
I went home, showered, and changed into the one nice dress I owned. A simple navy sheath I’d bought for medical conferences. Not fancy, but appropriate. I did my makeup carefully, pulled my hair into a neat bun, and drove to Greenwich.
The Thornton estate was exactly as impressive as I’d imagined. A massive Colonial-style mansion on twenty acres of perfectly manicured grounds. A white tent had been set up on the lawn for the ceremony, and I could see workers rushing around making final preparations.
I arrived at the rehearsal brunch at 10:47 a.m. A valet took my car. A staff member directed me to the terrace where brunch was being served.
And there, sitting at a long table, was my entire family.
My mother saw me first. Her mouth fell open. My father turned, following her gaze, and went completely still. Sarah, sitting next to Marcus Thornton, looked like she’d seen a ghost.
“Emily,” my mother whispered.
Before I could respond, Catherine Thornton swept over with Senator Thornton beside her.
“Everyone, everyone,” she called out, getting the attention of all fifty or so guests. “I want to introduce someone very special. This is Dr. Emily Chin, the surgeon who saved our grandson Charlie’s life last night.”
The entire terrace erupted in applause.
I stood there frozen as Catherine pulled me toward the table.
“Dr. Chin performed emergency surgery at two in the morning and spent six hours saving Charlie. He’s going to make a full recovery thanks to her.”
Senator Thornton raised his glass. “To Dr. Chin, one of the finest surgeons in the country and a remarkable human being.”
“To Dr. Chin,” everyone chorused.
My father’s face had gone from pale to bright red. My mother looked like she might faint. Sarah was gripping Marcus’s arm so hard her knuckles were white.