Page 74 of Accidentally Perfect

It’s been one week since the charity event, and I still have the desire to help with the Foundation in some capacity. I spoke to my uncle and cousins first thing this morning about needing the financial backing of Jacobs’ Cattle and Oil when it comes time to figure out what I want to do. My cousin wasn’t too keen on the idea of using Jacobs money up here in New York when there are so many children who are in need down south. When I told him that I plan on continuing my work in Oklahoma once I figure out what I want to do, they were more gung ho on the idea. Getting the Jacobs name out in the big city was a good plan from a business aspect, the more their name is known, the bigger their cattle business grows. My uncle doesn’t see why Jacobs Oil can’t one day be traded on the stock market. Personally, I don’t see that happening in his lifetime or my own, but who am I to shoot down his dreams. I just know that my daddy wouldn’t want our family to sell out to the flash that’s New York.

The house is quiet as I continue to drink my coffee and watch the city come to life down below. The silence is calming. I know it won’t be much longer until the girls are up jumping around with the excitement of what today means. It’s been two weeks now, and if everything is healing right, Addie may be able to try out her crutches for today’s festivities. I’ve felt so bad for my baby these past few weeks. Her arms are always tired from pushing the chair around when me or Nathan couldn’t. Even Amanda has tried to help out with her sister. Taking a sip of my coffee, I smell Nathan before I see him. Fresh out of the shower, he comes into the living room.

“Good morning, love.” He leans down and places a kiss on my forehead. I love the feeling of his lips upon my skin. “How did you sleep?”

“Well, after the workout you gave me last night, I’m surprised I’m awake as early as I am.”

“It’s because of that workout that you’re able to sleep so soundly. I don’t think you moved all night.”

“What can I say, sex with you wipes me out.”

He laughs. “Wow, aren’t you the one that’s supposed to have more stamina, being younger?”

“I blame my lack of energy on the two, newly six year olds that have yet to wake.”

He tilts his head back and laughs, “I can see how that might give you an excuse.”

“Are you beginning to feel my pain? Parenting’s no joke.”

“I agree.”

I pour him a cup of coffee from the carafe I brought with me into the living room this morning. “I spoke to my uncle down south about financial backing when it comes time to make my move about the foundation. I still have no clue what I want to do. I know I don’t just want to give money; I want to actually do something.”

“Well, there’s something that I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve spoken with a couple of land developers this week, and I have some good news. Last week I shared an idea I had with my sister. I think it’s something that you would be on board with, something that you can head up.”

“Okay, what is it?”

“Nathan’s House.”

“Nathan’s House? I don’t get it.”

“I thought we could expand the foundation and use the neighboring land next to the main house and build smaller houses. Kind of like our own little foster home community. The land is capable of holding multiple houses because the zoning allows it. At first I thought about one big house, but Natalie suggested if I wanted the kids to feel normal then smaller may be better. What do you think?”

“Holy crap, Nathan, that’s perfect!” I put my cup down. “Oh, my goodness! That is exactly what we should do. If everything goes right then I can expand it to Oklahoma and help the kids down south as well.”

“Well, I hope that’s a possibility. I think if we establish a good thing here, then it will only take a matter of time before we can expand it throughout the country.”

“It sounds like a huge undertaking though. How would we be able to handle it all?”

“Well, with my money, Natalie’s money and the Jacobs money there isn’t any reason why we can’t get started soon. But you’re right; this is a full-time deal. What Natalie does is just during this time of year. What Nathan’s House requires, will be a full-time commitment.”

“I see.”

“If this is something you want then Natalie and I will support you, but you have to make that commitment also. Natalie already said she’ll do the fundraising all year round. With the enormity of this project, she’s going to need to. This may be like another child. You’re going to have to nurture and support it. Be there for it like you’re there for the girls. Nursing may not fit into the picture right now. I’m not saying that once it’s up and running that we couldn’t find someone to maintain it, but I don’t see anyone having the passion you’ll have to make sure this project is successful.”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to have someone else put in all their sweat in tears on something that’s my passion. Geez, I don’t know though. I love what I do. I love my patients. I love being at the hospital, making a difference.”

“You’ll still be making a difference though, love. You’ll be responsible for the happiness of so many children who may not have it without you. Plus, you could possibly be the resident nurse. I’m sure with a few houses full of kids there are going to be plenty of runny noses, sore throats and skinned knees that you can fix.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course you can. I have the developers on hold, once you decide then let me know.”

He heads into the kitchen to make some breakfast, giving me a moment to myself. If I know my girls; as soon as they roll out of bed, they’re going to want to eat.

This is an enormous opportunity for me to take on something so special. I know the foundation is important to Nathan and Natalie. If their mother were still alive, I’m sure the entire foundation would already be in existence. The idea behind Nathan’s House is something I agree with wholeheartedly. I see its vision and I know that it can become something great, something monumental for the city.

As much as I love the idea, it’s a huge step. I would need to make contact with the city’s children's services and see what I need to have to be able to get things started. I’m sure Nathan’s legal team at Whitmore would be helping us out and getting everything in order. Natalie’s fundraising ability is outstanding. I have no doubt that she'd be able to bring money in. I now have to make the decision whether or not to walk away from the hospital so I can focus one hundred percent on Nathan’s House.