Page 79 of Halo

I curse under my breath. Pushing myself off the bed, I retreat to the window before I do something I will regret— not that she doesn’t deserve it. Dragging both hands through my hair, I pace back and forth, every step feeding the fire burning in my chest. I swear to God, if she weren't Grady's mother, I'd tell her exactly where she could shove every excuse coming out of her mouth.

“I'm sorry. I just … I kept putting it off—”

There's a sudden knock at the door.

“Morning, y'all! I’m Rory, and I—Dr. Crawford?”

I double-take before my expression brightens. “Morning, Rory.”

She peers at me curiously before thrusting through my son's chart. “Is there a procedure I missed, or …?”

I chuckle. “Nope. I'm supposed to be here.”

She raises an eyebrow as her attention drifts to my son. “And who do we have here?”

Grady sits a little taller. “I'm Grady.”

“Well, Grady, I'm Rory. I'm the child life specialist here at Gulf Waters, and—” she adds a dramatic pause—“I also happen to know where all the best toys in this hospital are.” She lowers her voice conspiratorially. “Including dinosaurs.”

His eyes widen. “Really?”

“Really.” She smiles, turning to Tiffany. “I'm assuming you're Mom?”

“Mommy,” Grady corrects.

“Pardon me.” Rory giggles, extending her hand for a handshake. “It's nice to meet you.”

Tiffany hurriedly wipes beneath her eyes before accepting the handshake. “Hi. Sorry ... it's been a morning.”

Rory smiles kindly. “It's nice to meet you. I'm really glad Grady's okay. I know this has probably been a scary night for all of you.” She turns back to Grady. “So … how do you know this big guy?” She points to me.

Grady beams.

“He's my dad.”

Rory's eyebrows shoot up before a warm smile spreads across her face.

“Is he now? Well, that explains why he hasn't left your side.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Tiffany glaring at me.

“So,” Rory says, smiling at Grady. “What do you think? Want to come check out the playroom with me?”

Grady looks at me, asking if he can go with an innocent longing in his eyes.

“Go have fun, partner.”

As Rory disconnects the IV pole and monitors, Grady climbs off of his bed, quickly adjusting his glasses. He instinctively holds out his tiny hand for Rory to take. “We have to hold hands when we go outside,” he explains.

Rory blinks, clearly caught off guard by the request. She shares a glance with Tiffany and me before a warm smile spreads across her face. “Of course! That's a great idea, Grady."

She takes his small hand in hers. “Ready?”

Grady nods, and together they head down the hallway, his IV pole rattling softly behind them.

Tiffany's head whips in my direction the instant we're alone. “You told him?” she hisses, keeping her voice low enough that Grady can't hear us from the hallway. “You actually told him you're his father?”

I stare at her.