**Chapter 19: A New Appreciation**

As the days passed, Dorothy's condition slowly began to stabilize. The medication was working, and she was starting to regain her strength. Lucas was by her side every step of the way, holding her hand, feeding her, and talking to her for hours on end. The girls visited frequently, bringing cheesecake and stories to brighten her day. Dorothy couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support that surrounded her. She had always been a strong, independent person, but this experience had shown her that she didn't have to do everything on her own. Lucas was there to catch her when she fell, and he was determined to help her get back on her feet. As they sat in the hospital room, holding hands and watching the sun set, Dorothy turned to Lucas and said, "You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad I collapsed at the wedding reception." Lucas looked at her in surprise, and Dorothy smiled. "If I hadn't, I might not have realized just how much I appreciate you, and how much I appreciate life." Lucas squeezed her hand. "I'm glad you collapsed, too," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "It was a scare, but it made me realize just how much I love you, and how much I don't want to lose you." Dorothy's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Lucas. She had always known that he loved her, but in that moment, she felt it deep in her bones. She knew that he would be there for her, no matter what, and that gave her a sense of peace. As the days turned into weeks, Dorothy's strength continued to return. She was eventually discharged from the hospital and began a long process of recovery at home. Lucas was her primary caregiver, and he took his job very seriously. He cooked her meals, helped her with her medication, and even did her laundry. The girls were a big help, too. They would come over and visit, bringing food and stories to brighten Dorothy's day. Rose would often sit with her and read, while Blanche would bring her favorite magazines. Sophia would come and give her a hard time, but deep down, Dorothy knew that Sophia was just trying to keep her spirits up. As Dorothy slowly began to heal, she and Lucas grew even closer. They would sit on the couch and watch TV, holding hands and talking about their dreams and aspirations. Dorothy felt like she had found a new lease on life, and she was grateful to Lucas for being there to help her through it. One day, as they were sitting on the couch, Lucas turned to Dorothy and said, "You know, I've been thinking. When you're fully recovered, I want to take you on a trip. Just the two of us. We can go anywhere you want, do anything you want." Dorothy's eyes lit up. "That sounds wonderful," she said. "Where did you have in mind?" Lucas smiled. "I was thinking maybe Europe. We could go to Paris, or Rome, or Barcelona. Anywhere you want." Dorothy's heart skipped a beat. She had always wanted to travel to Europe, and now she had the chance. She looked at Lucas, and he smiled back at her. "I'd love to go with you," she said, her voice filled with emotion. Lucas pulled her into his arms, and they sat there for a long time, holding each other and looking forward to the future. They knew that they still had challenges ahead of them, but they were ready to face them together. And as they sat there, surrounded by the love and support of their friends and family, they knew that they could overcome anything.