Page 24 of Heart Set on You

“I’ll do my best to make it.”

There’s only one person I’d like to invite, but I worry she’ll think it’s too soon. And just like that, my mind is back on Rylee. We are the perfect example of how opposites attract, my city to her country. Her cautious to my curious. I have a feeling it would work for us.

After dinner we stay outside a little longer, the four of them catching me up on the news from Reed Point and their plans for their time in Vancouver.

“I rented a Suburban for you guys while you’re here, the keys are on the hook by the door,” I say. “I’m leaving the house around seven, so I doubt I’ll see you in the morning. But why don’t we meet here after work for dinner?”

“Works for us,” Liam says. “And don’t worry, I’ll drive. Parker will stay in the back seat.”

“I’d appreciate that,” I reply with a grin. “Pretty sure Mom never forgave him for that time he drove her car right through the back fence. Almost made it into the pool. Gas pedal, brake pedal. It’s a tricky concept, Parker.”

“Yup, a shit driver right from the start. At least he’s been consistent,” Liam adds.

“You two can be total dicks.” Parker shakes his head.

“We know, it’s a talent,” answers Liam.

Man, it’s good to have these two assholes here with me.

Chapter Eleven

Rylee

When we arrive at BC Children’s Hospital on Wednesday morning, we’re greeted by Mary, their media relations manager. Josh asked me to join him since I set up the visit. Miles is here too, as is his agent Matthew, Violet, her publicist and Jared. There’s also a camera man here to document the visit.

After introductions, we follow Mary to meet the kids. Their faces light up when they see Miles, Violet, Jared and Josh walk into the room. Miles’ expression mirrors theirs, his eyes bright and his smile wide.

“Look who came to visit. I’m excited to introduce you all to some very special visitors. Miles Bennett, Violet Michelson, Josh Lucas and Jared Kennedy are here to spend some time with you,” Mary says to the crowd of happy faces. A few of the kids move in closer, crowding around Miles. He bends down so he’s at their level, the camera clicking away, capturing images which will be given to the kids.

“I can’t believe you’re really here.” The sweetest little guy with lightning bolts covering his pajamas beams at Miles. “I’ve only seen one of your movies that my mom said was appropriate, but my mom has seen them all. Every single one. She says you’re the most handsome man on the planet next to my dad.”

I swallow back a laugh, and I can tell Miles is doing the same.

“His name is Jackson. He’s a cancer patient. He’s eight years old,” Mary tells me quietly. My heart lurches in my chest as I look at the little boy standing in front of Miles. How can life be so unfair? He’s so little. It really puts things into perspective.

I listen to Jackson tell Miles about his pet Pug and his dream to become an astronaut. Miles hands him a Canucks hat, which Jackson immediately flops onto his head. He’s thrilled, his adorable grin stretched even wider.

“Thank you. I don’t even care that it’s not my home team. I’m never taking it off,” Jackson says, adjusting the cap on his head.

“You mean you’re not from Vancouver, big guy?” Miles asks.

“Nope, but I live here now. I was born in Nashville.”

“Really?” Miles nods toward me. “My friend Rylee here is also from Tennessee. I think you’d like her. She says ‘y’all’ an awful lot. I bet you say it too.” Miles teases as I step forward and crouch down to Jackson’s eye level. Jackson giggles, bouncing his head up and down in agreement. He’s the cutest little thing.

“I thought I heard a little Tennessee in there. I bet you and I could teach this guy a thing or two about how we do it in the south,” I say, thumbing towards Miles.

Miles wrinkles his nose. “I’ll tell you what,” he says to Jackson. “You beat me at a game of rock, paper, scissors and maybe I’ll admit that your accents aren’t funny.” Miles does his best to let the 8-year-old win and after the tie-breaker match, Jackson shoves his hands in the air in victory.

Eventually Jared walks over to meet Jackson, so Miles gives the boy a high five and snaps a quick photo with him before moving on to meet a few more kids. He colors with a girl wearing a bright pink ballcap and plays Mario Kart with another little boy. Miles is so good with the kids.

An hour later, we’re headed back to the conference room to meet a few of the facility’s doctors and nurses. I catch Miles in the hallway before he steps into the room.

“You okay?” I ask.

Miles seemed perfectly at ease in there, taking photos and handing out a pile of merchandise he brought. I could see it in his expression that meeting the kids meant a lot to him. I could also tell by the tension in his jaw when he left how his heart must have been breaking at the same time.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he says, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Bringing smiles to these kids is one of my favorite parts of my job. It’s just not always easy. Kids shouldn’t have to go through this. They should be happy and healthy and not worried about being sick.”

---