Page 45 of Blinded
“Lead the way,” Sandra said and she and GT followed Ruby through the crowd. They arrived to find everyone they expected plus Jim and Paula.
“Didn’t know you were running,” GT said to his old fraternity brother.
“Why weren’t you?” Jim asked.
“Work to do. But I’m off duty for a while.”
“Great, man. Let’s get you decorated to match the rest of us.” Jim proceeded to take color packets of red, blue and yellow and throw them at GT.
“Thanks, Jim.” GT sputtered a bit, but he grinned wide, his teeth flashing white in his multicolored face.
Of the group around the two picnic tables, the only ones not covered in color were Connor and Suzie. Josh, Tim, and Abby had gotten color packets like the ones Jim had used on GT and looked as if they’d played a failed game of catch with them. All seemed in a good mood.
"I’m surprised you’re not up in the VIP lounge, Suzie,” Sandra commented.
“We have staff to take care of the catering now. I finished my work for the job yesterday. Sonja was going to be around to make sure everything goes smoothly, but it doesn’t need both of us.”
The group hung out for the next hour, enjoying the music coming from the stage at the end of the field and happy they weren’t any closer. James had brought a cornhole set, and they played a few competitive but low stakes games with all the winnings going to the Foundation. The DJ was playing a wide variety of music, so if you didn’t like one song you only had to wait for the next to get something different. People were dancing in pockets here and there. Sandra was pleased – if the crowd of people were any measure, the event was going to make a lot for the Foundation.
At 2 o’clock, GT’s phone alarm dinged, reminding him that he still had responsibilities for the event. “You’ll have to excuse us, folks. I’ve got official stuff to do and I need Sandra’s help.”
“Sure, run away just when things are getting interesting. I would have had you in the next round,” Jim said.
“You keep thinking that way, Jim. It will make my next victory all the sweeter,” GT replied. “I’m so glad y’all could come. Thanks. Enjoy the rest of the party.”
“What do you need me for?” Sandra asked as they moved through the crowd toward the stage.
“Moral support. I hate public speaking.”
“Since when?” Sandra’s brows creased.
“Since always. Just because I’m good at it doesn’t mean I like it. Having you nearby will make it easier.”
“If you say so.” She didn’t sound convinced, but she was coming with him and that was all that mattered now.
They reached the stage to find Marjorie, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, and Jack Lathem, the head honcho of the Color Run, waiting. “Time for the speeches. I hope you’ve had a pleasant time, Laurent?” GT asked.
“Very. But I missed you and your lovely young lady after the race.”
“We decided to spend some time with friends. But now it’s time for work.”
“Indeed,” Jack said. Would you like to go first, Dr. Lewis?”
“No, why don’t you lead off and then Mother can introduce Laurent and I’ll go last.”
“Fine by me.” He took the steps to the stage two at a time and the DJ faded out the current song a few bars early.
Jack began, “Welcome to the 2020 Kansas City Color Run!” He continued, building the enthusiasm of the crowd by complimenting them on their participation. When he finished two minutes later, even GT felt like cheering. Marjorie’s speech was brief, simply thanking everyone for coming and introducing Laurent, who surprised them by ginning up the crowd again and ending by introducing GT.
“I want to add my thanks to you for coming. I represent this year’s charity co-sponsor of the Color Run. As you may know, the Hawkins-Lewis Foundation concentrates on giving young people with talent a chance to pursue careers in medicine. However,” GT paused and made eye contact with Sandra “these days, the world of medicine consists of more than just those we think of as doctors, like Laurent and me. A beautiful and talented woman taught me that physical therapists, pharmacists, and nurses are doctors, too.” He paused for a laugh from the crowd and held out his hand to Sandra. She slowly walked up to him. She dreaded being the center of attention, but she wouldn’t leave him hanging. “In honor of her talent and how good she is at her work, I proudly announce the Hawkins-Lewis Foundation is starting a new venture – the Sandra Duncan-Lewis scholarships in allied medical fields.”
Sandra stared at GT. “What have you done?” she whispered frantically.
“These scholarships will be for students in physical therapy, pharmacy, nursing, and training to be physician’s assistants.” As the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, Sandra narrowed her eyes and he pulled her into his arms. Where Sandra would have pulled away from him a few weeks ago, she now snuggled into his chest. What had this amazing man done for her? How wonderful that more people could study her profession without crushing debt. Scholarships with her name – Sandra’s thoughts came to a shrieking halt. She pushed back and peered up into his face. “Did you say ‘Sandra Duncan-Lewis,’ GT?”
“Can’t sneak anything by you.” He smiled and disentangled their bodies before he pulled something small from his pocket and raised his voice. “Not so long ago, I knelt before you to beg for forgiveness. Now, I’m kneeling with a totally different purpose.” More gasps came from the crowd as GT went to one knee and held out a ring box. “I think we can still change the name but I hope I got it right in the first place. Will you do me the honor of marrying me, Sandra?”
Chapter Fourteen
