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“That’s not a lot.” Ryan’s lips tighten for a second before they smooth out.
I need to go back to my life eventually and figure out how to do all of this new mom-to-be stuff. I need to prepare myself for what’s to come. By myself.
I’d have loved to spend more time with my dad and Sharon, but since I flew out here on a whim, they weren’t able to clear their schedules.
At home I can be miserable with Bacon, who misses my mom desperately.
“Did I say anything wrong?” Ryan’s voice is gentle and quiet, his words pulling me back to reality.
The brown of his eyes is rich and warm, like a hot chocolate on a cold winter night.
Comforting. Soothing.
I could get lost in them forever.
And like that, the burning in the backs of my eyes returns.
My pregnancy hormones are totally loopy.
I inhale deeply and shake my head. “No, just got hit by a wave of exhaustion.”
“I’m sorry. I wish there was something I could do.”
I shrug. “It’s all right. It’s not like you got me pregnant on purpose.”
He blinks rapidly. “I’d never do that.”
His voice is so strong, so . . . fierce and earnest that I want to hug him.
I knew it. He is a good guy.
“I didn’t think you would.” I meant it as a joke but clearly missed the mark.
I’m glad my instincts were right about him, despite the fact it almost feels worse that he’s such a good guy yet nothing can happen between us.
“Well, I should probably get going. I bet my dad and stepmom are wondering where I am by now.” I get up too fast, and Ryan grabs my elbow to steady me.
“Careful. I think one hospital visit was enough for today.”
I almost forgot about my little stunt this morning. My brain is such a mess that the discomfort from my injuries has been shoved to the back of my brain. I’m sure I’ll feel it more tomorrow.
An awkward chuckle comes out of my mouth, and I bite my lip to refrain from groaning. “Very true.”
We do a weird shuffle where I try to get out of the seating arrangement that suddenly feels like a labyrinth while Ryan’s still holding on to me. We probably look ridiculous, but I might as well add that to my how-can-I-make-my-life-even-more-awful list.
I grab my things on the way to the front door, Ryan’s footsteps following me quietly.
He reaches around me to open the door for me, and I turn to him.
“Thanks so much for the delicious food. And for being there for the whole hospital drama and all. I still feel bad I dragged you out there for basically nothing.”
His hand on the door tightens, but his eyes remain soft. “Don’t ever apologize for that, Harper. Or asking me for help. I mean it. I’m here for you and I want to take care of you. Your health and well-being are important for the baby.”
I gulp at his statement. Hard. I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by practically saying that the main reason I’m important is because of the baby, but it still stings. Even if he’s right since I am important for the baby’s health.
So I swallow my currently way-too-fragile emotions and nod. “Thanks.”
Ryan rubs the back of his neck. “Can I see you again before you leave? Maybe take you out for dinner or something?”
