At around 11:30, Leona and Seven returned to the parlor, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished hardwood floor. Leona's face was alight, her energy buoyant as she practically skipped toward her mother-in-law. She dropped onto the sofa beside Amélie, her excitement palpable.

  “Mom, Dad!” she started, barely able to contain herself. “After the acupuncture session, Angus’s eyelids fluttered! And when I provoked him, he even managed to call out a ‘Lee’!”

  Alain raised a brow, a flicker of curiosity crossing his features. “Provoke him?” he repeated, inviting her to explain.

  Leona’s laughter bubbled up, filling the room. “It was Seven who told me to do that,” she confessed, her voice tinged with amusement. “So, I threatened him that I would leave him for another man if he didn’t wake up.”

  Amélie gasped before breaking into a soft chuckle, and Alain’s cackle came quick and hearty. “Even in a coma, he’s afraid of losing you,” he teased, wiping a tear of mirth from the corner of his eye. “Keep at it, Leona. If that’s what motivates him, then continue aggravating him!”

  The room erupted again, but Alain’s focus shifted to the young man. His sharp, discerning gaze softened with admiration. “Seven, you’re a miracle healer,” he declared.

  Seven’s smile barely reached his eyes. “You’re too kind, Grandpa.”

  Alain waved a hand dismissively. “Modesty doesn’t suit you; you’re a genius!”

  “Thank you,” he replied simply, his tone measured. The concise response hinted at his discomfort with heaped praise.

  Recognizing the subtle cue, Alain leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “So, what’s your assessment?”

  Seven’s thoughts crystallized, his professional demeanor taking over. “Ideally, I’d like to alternate between acupuncture and electro-acupuncture,” he began, his voice steady. “Based on my analysis, your son may regain full consciousness within 15 to 30 sessions, conducted three times a week.”

  A thoughtful silence settled over the room as Alain processed the proposal. His brow furrowed slightly, betraying his concern. “I understand you’re in the military. How do you plan to manage this?”

  Seven remained calm, though a flicker of tension passed through his eyes. “It’s complicated,” he admitted. “I’m currently on authorized leave, but I violated some regulations in the process of saving a civilian’s life. I’m awaiting a disciplinary hearing and subsequent decision from my superiors regarding the infraction.”

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Then, he added, “Additionally, I’m treating two patients. One requires nightly acupuncture, and the other just started physiotherapy. If I take on your son’s case, I can only come early in the mornings. However, should the military decide to penalize me with incarceration, I could have a colleague take over.”

  He paused, his gaze sweeping the room. “Given my situation, if you’re agreeable, I can come over on Sundays or Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, and Fridays or Saturdays, all at 6:30.”

  Leona tilted her head. “Why so early?”

  His tone softened slightly. “One of my patients wakes up around eight. Starting early allows me to finish here and still attend to them before heading out to work.”

  Alain frowned. “It sounds like you’re juggling a lot. What about your fees?”

  Seven straightened. “Grandpa, I’m interested in this case for its medical challenges. Seeing your son wake up from such a prolonged coma would be reward enough. Besides, as a military officer, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to accept payment.”

  Alain’s lips pressed into a thin line before curving into a smile, thoroughly impressed by Seven’s upstanding attitude. “If you won’t accept money, how about I hire the best attorneys in D.C. to handle your infraction?”

  Seven shook his head. “Thank you, Grandpa, but I already have an excellent legal advisor managing it.”

  Alain sighed, relenting. “Very well, but if you need anything, you must let Grandpa know.”

  Before he could respond, his phone buzzed, the sound slicing through the conversation. Retrieving it from his bag, he glanced at the screen. “Excuse me, I have to take this call,” he murmured.

  “Hello... Yes, I’m almost done… I’ll be home for lunch… See you soon.”

  As he ended the call, Alain’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Was that your wife or mother urging you to return home?”

  Seven’s features softened. “My girlfriend.”

  “You’re living together?” Alain asked cautiously.

  Seven nodded as he explained, “Yes. She was in an accident, so I’ve been caring for her.”

  Alain’s countenance turned thoughtful. “Why not bring her here? We have plenty of guest rooms. She could stay here while you treat Angus.”

  Seven nearly choked on the suggestion. “Thank you, but that’s not necessary. The other patient is staying at my girlfriend’s house, and he needs nightly treatments.”

  Alain frowned, pensive. “How long is the journey to get here?”

  “Between 25 and 30 minutes,” he replied smoothly.

  “Is there a flat patch of land near your home? Big enough for a helicopter to land?” Alain continued to probe.

  Seven arched a brow. “Yes. Why?”

  “We have a fleet of helicopters. I could arrange for a pilot to fly you here and back. It’ll save time,” Alain mused, pleased with his idea.

  Seven’s lips quirked upward. “What model helicopters do you use? Do they have noise-reduction technology?”

  “The latest Bell 407s. And yes, they’re equipped with noise-reduction.”

  “I see... Grandpa, if you can spare one, I can fly myself here and back,” Seven offered.

  Alain’s laughter boomed. “Kiddo, you’re simply amazing! What don’t you know?! Let’s have a pilot pick you up for the next session. After that, the chopper’s yours.”

  Seven inclined his head. “Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll send Garrett the address. Let’s start the next one on Monday.”

  “Monday it is!”