Chapter 9 - The Baptism
Three months later, St. Catherine’s Chapel was filled with flowers, warm candlelight, and the joyful voices of family, friends, and community members.
The sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting vibrant mosaic patterns across the stone aisle.
Dr. Adrian Bennett and Detective Sarah Reyes stood near the altar as the designated godparents for the triplets—a choice Claire and I had made without a second thought. They were the two people whose skill and courage had ensured our family survived that terrible night.
The priest dipped his hand into the holy water, blessing each child one by one.
"Maya Claire Sloane..."
"Liam Mason Sloane..."
"Ethan Vance Sloane..."
As the congregation clapped and cheered, I looked around the chapel. There were no corporate executives here out of obligation, no fake business partners seeking favors, no shadows of debt or jealousy. There were only people who genuinely cared for us.
After the service, we walked out onto the steps of the chapel into the cool winter sunshine.
Dozens of local reporters and photographers stood outside the gates, but my private security team kept them at a respectful distance. I looked out over the crowd, holding Liam and Maya in my arms, while Claire held Ethan beside me.
A young reporter called out from the front row: "Mr. Sloane! After everything your family went through, what's next for Sloane Infrastructure?"
I stopped on the top step, looking at the reporter, then down at my wife and our three healthy, beautiful children.
"Sloane Infrastructure isn't building roads or bridges this year," I announced clearly, my voice echoing across the courtyard. "We're building five new pediatric emergency wings across the state of Georgia—starting right here at St. Catherine's Medical Center. Fully funded, fully staffed, and free for any family in need."
The crowd erupted into applause, the sound filling the afternoon air with warmth and hope.
May you like
Claire looked up at me, her brown eyes shining with tears of pure happiness. "That's a very big project, Mr. Sloane."
"It's the only one that matters, Mrs. Sloane," I smiled.
