Their Double Blessing

George laughed, planting another kiss on her cheek. “I am the luckiest man in the world to have you by my side. A woman who understands and cares for me in all the ways a wife and best friend can. Almost losing you was the worst day of my life. But I know now we’re strong enough to face down anything that gets in our way. We’re more than a couple, we are a team and nothing can separate us.” He pulled her into a tight hug, which she slowly returned, her heart beating a million miles a second.

Patricia blinked back tears. This was what she got for picking a sappy guy as her husband. Not that she would undo that choice for a second, but he was a great foil for her. The hard life she lived sometimes had her miss the simple joys in life. Ironic that a wealthy man with everything noticed them more. They fit together like a glove and she loved every moment of this wonderful life. “If you make me break down in front of our babies I’m putting you in the dog house. Cynthia can help you organize your schedule from there.”

George chuckled stroking her hair. Their different personalities melded or clashed with regularity. No matter what they were still deeply in love. Marriage wasn’t about being perfect. The union of two souls was about what they could do together that was impossible apart. The past wouldn’t be forgotten but they were focused on a happy future together.

“George, there you are. I have the ambassador you cancelled on yesterday on line two. If you send me with another delay I’ll go work for him.” Cynthia peeked in. “Hi Patricia, hi angels. Boss, you need to hurry up.”

Patricia sighed and stepped away from George. For the time being she’d chosen to be a stay at home mom, enjoying time with her young babies. George had taken three months off to be with them but that was past now and he had to get back to business. It wasn’t easy having a husband who was also married to his work. That was a choice both knew going in. He was never going to retire anytime soon. The call of the job was in his blood. She’d decided to accept that and was certain that they would find a way to make things work. The day she decided to start working again would be another discussion as well.

“Go get them tiger, we can talk more at dinner,” Patricia said. “Hi Cynthia, is the baby shower for the mayor’s daughter this weekend? I want to ensure my dress is ready in time.”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. The shower’s canceled, a family tragedy I’m afraid,” Cynthia sighed.

“Sad to hear. A reminder that we should treasure every second,” Patricia said.

“I love you forever,” George said and Patricia nodded. “Cheer up, you’re visiting for that charity auction event tomorrow.”

Patricia nodded and turned back to the babies.

****************

Patricia stood on the podium, naming the next item being auctioned. Determined to still be there for the community and city where she once lived. Seven months after the birth of the babies she started discussing restarting her activism. But on a larger scale. With all the new resources at her disposal. There was so much good that could be done. George was supportive as long as she took things slow and steady. She wasn’t completely obedient to that but knew when to sit back before taking too much of a physical toll on herself.

Most residents had been so happy for her good fortune. If there was anyone deserving of meeting a loving billionaire it was mall security guard Patricia Williams. It was touching with the many letters, emails, calls and more sending congratulations. Cynthia jokingly asked if she was secretly a celebrity in disguise. People where she lived were often there for each other, happy in their good fortune instead of getting jealous. A quality that made the place wonderful to love and cherish. Even if there were high rollers pushing out some of the working and lower middle class residents.

Which was a direction she was trying to undo. Those who resided in this community for decades should not be driven out by overzealous outsiders and greedy landowners. There was so much history and community being lost because of this. It started with emailing politicians and those of influence about the problem. Doing a few television spots to put a face on this issue by having residents speak out as well. Word got out and more were willing to look at what was happening. Which meant there was more offers to assist them.

There was some pushback by those who felt she was no longer part of the community. A woman who ran off with a billionaire now wanting to show off, not truly out to help but only hogging the spotlight. New residents of means took offense to being seen as problematic, stating they wanted a nice community to live in and the rise in price wasn’t their fault. Patricia did her best to explain that the problem was systemic and had multiple factors. Change had to be made from the ground up. The current system wasn’t helping people.

Proceeds went towards helping families keep their homes. Also towards research into legal representation to help set better real estate and rental rates. This was just a drop in the bucket towards solving this long standing problem. But a journey started with a single step. She was determined in her lifetime to turn things around for her community. Moving away didn’t lessen her dedication. She might not have been born there but moving to this place after all the divorces saved her life. This place knew how to fix the broken.

She also tried to help shelters that housed the homeless. Whether because of finances, social issues or abuse. Sending supplies and cash to help keep the places running. Remembering the days of visiting for food drives and other helpful activities. People would walk up to thank her. Sometimes stopped by bodyguards who now dogged her footsteps. They backed off when ordered but it wasn’t easy keeping them away after she was kidnapped and almost killed by her own sister. It wasn’t easy to turn people away. Whenever she could allow them to come close she did so with a smile and a hug.