Page 61 of Love on the Brain
Ryan chuckled, relieved that Noah didn’t seem to mind the change of plans. “I wouldn’t let him near you if he wasn’t.”
“My daddy was soooo right.” Noah wrapped his arms around Ryan. “You miss him, too.”
It wasn’t a question. “So much, kiddo. So much.” He closed his eyes and hugged the boy to him.So much.
* * *
Jane leanedinto Shelby as they eavesdropped on Noah and Ryan. She was still angry with him, but Casey was right—Noah could trust his life to everyone here, and if Ryan felt someone else was better suited to saving that life, who was she to challenge him?
“It’s going to work out, Jane.” Shelby voiced her thoughts. “This is where faith comes in, right? Trusting what we don’t understand. You’ve prepared your whole life for this, you know.”
“She’s right, sweetheart,” her dad said, stepping into place beside her. “Whatever happens Tuesday, we’ll all be celebrating or grieving with you. You have our unconditional support, always, no matter what.”
“Thanks, Dad.” As Ryan hugged Noah to him, it occurred to her how hard it must have been to relinquish his control. It took a stronger man to admit weakness and ask for help than to try to solve and fix everything himself. Sheer will and determination only took a person so far.
She knew this because she was the same way, learning the same lessons.
When Noah fell asleep on the drive back to Ryan’s house, Jane broke the silence with her delayed apology.
Tentatively, she reached over and laid her hand on his thigh. His muscle clenched under her finger. “I’m sorry for being upset with you, Ryan. I realize how hard it must have been for you to cede the lead. Even harder for you not to be in the room. It’s clear to me how much you love Noah, and I trust you completely. Can you forgive me?”
“Of course.” Under the passing streetlights, she watched his face as he processed his emotions and marveled how he could forgive so easily. She’d doubted his expertise, his abilities, and his love.
“It’s okay to be upset with me for doubting you. I’d be upset with me,” Jane said, lifting her hand.
He caught it in his and squeezed. “You were afraid. And surprised. I was, too. I understand fear, Jane. Even more now that Noah is in my life. I love your boy like he was my own. You have to know that. Failure isn’t an option. And his best chance isn’t me. Not this time. You’ve got to believe me.”
“I do. And I’m sorry if I ever let you think otherwise.” She squeezed him back. “I have faith in you, Ryan. And in every decision you make. Because I know you don’t make them lightly.”
“I don’t. I wanted to be the one to fix him, so badly. I wanted to be your hero, swoop in and save him. And I wanted to be his hero, like Casey was.”
“Oh, Ryan. Youaremy hero. You swooped in and saved him. And he adores you.”
He pulled into the driveway and set the truck in park. “You think so?” He looked at her hopefully.
“I know so.” She stretched to place a chaste kiss on his lips. “And I adore you, too.”
CHAPTER17
Monday morning, Jane and Noah drove Ryan to work so she could use his car to pick up Molly from the airport and spend the evening with her family at the Allens’ house. He took a rideshare home and arrived just before Noah’s bedtime.
He keyed open the door to find Molly in the kitchen washing a mountainous stack of pots, pans, and cookie trays. Scents of vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter wafted toward him.
“Hey, Doc!” Molly greeted him. “Thanks for letting me crash here. Help yourself to a muffin, scone, cupcake, or cookie.”
Ryan grinned. “I will, after I say good night to the little guy. This is all for tomorrow?”
Molly nodded. “Figured it would be a long day. And my snacks are healthier and taste better than hospital food, no offense.”
“None taken.” His gaze fell upon the cupcakes, frosted in blue with a chocolateNas a garnish. “Did Noah get to try these?”
“Yep. Made a batch for dinner with the Allens. Speaking of, Connie sent a to-go container home for you in case you didn’t get dinner. It’s in the fridge.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He turned toward the hall and was surprised to see Jane rushing toward them, head down, clutching her phone with both hands.
“Molly! Can you—oh!”
Ryan stepped out of her way to give her a clear path to the kitchen. Her brow was creased with worry, and her pale cheeks concerned him. “Is Noah okay?”
