Healing Hearts (New Hope Falls #6) - Kimberly Rae Jordan Page 0,123

pit in her stomach at the thought of him leaving, but she knew he needed to go. He’d spent a lot of time with them, and she knew it was selfish to want more. But still, she did.

Ryker set the bags on a chair and came to where she stood. He grasped her upper arms, his grip gentle. Giving her an affectionate smile, he said, “You’ve got this, sweetheart. You’re stronger than you know, and Bryson is so lucky to have you as his mom.”

For the second time that evening, she blinked back tears. “I haven’t often felt that way.”

It was a relief to be able to say stuff like that, knowing he’d now understand where she was coming from.

“I know, but the reality is, he is blessed to have a mom who is looking out for his best interests now that she’s able to. Things might look a little rough at the moment, but you’re here with him, showering him with love, and he feels that.”

Lifting her hands, she gripped his forearms, trying to draw on the strength she felt there. “He’s lucky to have you in his life too. We both are.”

At those words, Ryker drew her close, wrapping his arms around her as she tucked her head under his chin. In his embrace, she felt protected and cared for. She’d never imagined that she’d want to be that close to a man again. In fact, she’d accepted that the life she’d once dreamed of wouldn’t be hers.

However, Ryker was changing that, offering her hope that she wanted to reach out and grab with both hands. But even though she’d accepted that she might get her heart broken again, she really didn’t want that, which made her afraid to hope too much. Too many times, her hopes had been dashed, and she had a feeling that this time would hurt the most because Ryker was a genuinely good man who Bryson also adored.

The feeling of loss would be immense if he decided that he really didn’t want to take on all their issues. Maybe she needed to protect her heart for just a little while longer. Just to be sure he wasn’t going to change his mind.

Stepping back, Ryker cupped her face in his hands, gazing down at her with an emotion she wasn’t sure she trusted just yet.

“Try to sleep tonight. I know it’s hard, but you’re still close to him. You’ll hear if he needs you, and the nurses will be checking on him throughout the night.”

She wished she could assure him that she’d sleep, but all she could do was say she’d try. She doubted she’d sleep a solid night until they were back in their own home, and Bryson was over the deadly disease that had brought him to the hospital.

“I’ll be back tomorrow,” he said. Then, after the briefest of hesitations, he leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.

She gave him a smile that felt weak, but she tried. “We’ll be here.”

After Ryker had left the room, she sank down on the bed she used and covered her face with her hands. With Bryson already asleep, she felt utterly alone. Even though she’d shared about her past, and Ryker seemed willing to help her with Bryson, the weight of it all fell heavily on her right then.

She wanted to be strong, not just for Bryson’s sake but also because she didn’t want to appear weak to Ryker. Though honestly, that ship had probably sailed already.

She let out a shaky breath even as tears pricked at her eyes yet again.

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

The verse echoed through her mind, offering her comfort and hope, if only she accepted it.

Every part of it seemed so relevant to her current situation.

She was afraid of what the future held for Bryson—fear not.

She was alone—I am with you.

She felt weak—I will strengthen you.

She was often confused and worried—I will help you.

And when she felt like she couldn’t go on—I will uphold you.

Closing her eyes, she thanked God for the reminder that He was there for her in every way she could ever need. She also thanked Him for sending Ryker to them. He was a blessing that she didn’t feel worthy of but was so very grateful for.

Visiting hours had just started when Ryker appeared the next morning, once again bearing