Page 77 of Whisper Of Attraction (Whisper Lake 3)

CHAPTER 23

“I’m sorry, Mom. Really.”

Ryder apologized for the…Brynn had lost count at this point. It was at least twenty times while they waited to see Max at the hospital. And then probably double that on the drive back to Whisper Lake. And since they’d gotten home just a few minutes ago, it had to be at least another ten. He’d never really done anything rebellious. Even when KJ was getting into trouble the year after his dad passed away, Ryder hadn’t been a part of it.

“I just couldn’t let her go by herself.”

“I know. But you’re still grounded.”

He nodded and started to go into his room, but pivoted and turned back. “What did dad want to talk to you about?”

“Nothing.”

Ryder’s lips pursed, the way they did when he thought she was not telling him the whole truth. Which she wasn’t.

She let out a small sigh. “He wanted us to get back together.”

Her son’s eyes widened. “What did you say?”

“That he was high on pain medicine,” she stated flatly.

Her son laughed and all in her world was right again. Regardless of what stresses or crises life threw her way, hearing Ryder laugh, really laugh, made everything better. If he was happy, safe, and healthy nothing else mattered.

It was short-lived and his face grew serious again. “Do you think he’s going to be okay?”

“I think so.” Max’s injuries were bad but it was nothing life threatening.

It must’ve really shaken him up, though, because he’d asked if Brynn would take him back and she didn’t really think it was because he was in an altered state. After dealing with Max for so many years she knew him fairly well. When he said that he wanted to be a family and was ready to settle down, he was sincere. She actually had made the crack about him being high, but he doubled down and insisted he was serious. That he was in love with her. To which she responded that was great but he was about thirteen years too late. It wasn’t that she was trying to kick him while he was down, she just didn’t want to give him false hope.

Thankfully, Max had asked Ryder to step out of the room before his declaration. It was a lot easier to downplay it that way.

“Is Izzy in a lot of trouble? I can talk to Axel. Tia, she really was in a bad place when we got there. Izzy might’ve really saved her life.”

Her son was not exaggerating. Before they left, Brynn had made sure to speak to the dorm attendant, who assured her that she’d contacted Tia’s family and she’d be staying with her until they came and picked her up. “Axel knows that. He’s not upset that you guys went to help her friend, it’s that you decided to Uber into the city in the middle of the night and not tell us.”

“I know.” He lifted his arms in frustrated agreement. “I tried to tell her that we should call you. I mean, you’re amazing when it comes to stuff like that. I told her how all the kids at school love you and tell me that you’re the best person to talk to and they wish they had a mom like you. I told her you would know what to do. When people are upset, or sad, or confused you always know what to say and how to fix it. You’re like an emotional superhero.”

Brynn was speechless and trying her best to not burst out crying.

Everything that she’d done in her life, every sacrifice, every impossible decision, every sleepless night, every mistake, every wrong turn, every everything was all worth it because it led her to this moment. Hearing her son say those things to her meant more than any degree she’d ever earn or any numbers in her bank account. Any accolade or honor that could be bestowed upon her was nothing compared to hearing those words come from her son’s mouth.

Ryder didn’t seem to pick up on the impact he’d just made on her as he sighed and shrugged. “But she said that if we called you, you would call her brother and he’d tell her she couldn’t go. She told me that Tia’s life was on the line and begged me not to tell you. I knew it was wrong but I agreed not to call you and went with her. I even turned off my phone, like she wanted. But somehow, it turned back on and when I saw that you left me a voicemail, I told her I had to call you back. I didn’t want you to worry. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She meant it. Because if he hadn’t gone with Izzy, Brynn might never know how her son felt.

He crossed the few steps it took to get to her and pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. “I know I don’t always say it, but the kids are right, I am really lucky that you’re my mom. I love you so much.”

Oh for the love of everything holy, was this kid trying to kill her?

“I love you, too.” The tears were pouring out now and there was nothing she could do to stop them.

“Are you crying?” He asked as he dropped his arms.

“Of course I’m crying.” She wiped her cheeks. “I’m not a robot. You can’t say those things to me and expect me not to cry.”

His lips turned up in an impish grin. “Would it help if I told you I only said it to get out of being grounded?”

She laughed and swatted him as he chuckled and went into his room and shut the door where she was sure he’d pass out for the next twelve hours or so.

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