Healing Hearts (New Hope Falls #6) - Kimberly Rae Jordan Page 0,105

might have made you happier down the road too.”

“What sort of woman?”

“One who wasn’t quite so focused on becoming the top obstetrician in the state.”

“Hmmm.”

“Lydia is very goal-oriented and not just for herself. I had a feeling that she would eventually have wanted you to take a career path that you might not want. Like taking over Landon’s job at PNWC.”

Ryker shuddered at the very thought, but he could see now that his mom was probably right. Lydia’s career plans had never been to just be an obstetrician. She’d hoped to end up in a higher position within the obstetrics community.

He hadn’t wanted—didn’t want—that for himself. Dealing with patients directly had always made him happiest, so an office job like his uncle had as the chief medical officer at PNWC was the absolute last place he would have wanted to end up. However, he could definitely see that Lydia would have wanted that for him.

He’d been attracted to Lydia partly because of the passion she had for her career. But if that passion had been directed to his career and where she thought he should go, it would have undoubtedly been the cause of some heated arguments.

“Well, it’s a moot point,” he said. “I’m not interested in getting back together with her, and I really can’t believe that she would want me back either. Regardless of what Callie has said.”

This time his mom’s smile was loaded with affection as she looked at him. “You’re quite a catch, sweetheart. Any woman would be lucky to have you.”

“You have to say that,” he said with a laugh. “You’re my mom.”

“Though your lack of drive to reach the top might not have been what Lydia wanted, you have many other things that I’m quite sure drew her to you. Which may be why she’s still willing to consider something with you.”

Ryker shrugged. “It’s not going to happen.”

This time it was his mom who hummed in response before saying, “You seem very certain of that. Has your heart moved in another direction?”

He didn’t even bother to answer her. The fact that she was packing up a bag of food for Sophia and Bryson told him that she already had her suspicions.

Reaching out, she patted his hand. “We’re praying for you.”

“Thanks, Mom.” He glanced at the arched doorway that led out of the kitchen. “Where’s Dad?”

“He and Jonah went to the museum,” she said as she zipped up the bags she’d finished packing. “There was some sort of science display on somewhere.”

That didn’t surprise Ryker. His nephew enjoyed science, and while he hadn’t expressed any interest in the medical sciences, Ryker expected that he’d have a career in the sciences somewhere.

“There you go.” She patted the bags with a smile. “Sure you don’t want some company?”

“I’m sure,” he said with a little bit of regret.

Something told him that Sophia would probably be a little overwhelmed by his mom. But at the same time, she and Bryson could probably both use a little bit of spoiling, which his mom was really good at.

“You’ll be back later?” she asked as they walked to the front door.

“Yep.” He’d decided to spend the night in Seattle since it would save him a trip back to New Hope. Now that word was out that he was spending time at the hospital, he might as well take advantage of closer sleeping arrangements. “But probably not until around nine or so.”

“Whenever you get here is fine. You know all the codes if Dad and I are in bed already.” She gave him a tight hug. “Love you.”

As he walked to his truck, Ryker found himself more grateful than ever for the support of his family. Even Callie…in her own way.

Now that he was on his way to the hospital, he was impatient to get there. Traffic moved far too slow. It took too long to find a parking spot. And too many people stopped him to chat as he made his way to Bryson’s room. Okay, so it was only two people. But after having been gone almost three days without seeing Sophia and Bryson, he didn’t like having to wait even longer.

As he approached the door, he slowed his steps a bit and took a deep breath. He was well aware that the feelings he had for Sophia might not be reciprocated, so he didn’t want to overwhelm her by running into the room and sweeping her into his arms.

The very idea made him grin, and he wondered if Sophia would