The thought gives me a burst of strength. If Mom can do it, so can I.
“I love you, Ryker. I’m here.”
“Love you,” I whisper.
After the call, I don’t answer the texts but close my eyes and take deep breaths.
You can do this.
Be strong for Danny.
Don’t think of what might happen.
Take it one day at a time. Focus on the time you have with her.
DANNY
My phone begins to vibrate like crazy, and before I can reach for it, Ryker grabs it away, saying, “I’ll reply to the messages.”
He looks much calmer than I feel, and when our eyes meet, a smile curves his lips. It blinds me because here I am surrounded by grief, and his light shines through the dark.
Ryker holds his hand out to me, and I instantly reach for it. He pulls me to his side, then says, “As much as this hurts, we have to face it and power through it. Today, this minute is all that matters.”
Dad begins to nod as he sucks in a deep breath. “You’re right. One day at a time.” He pulls me into a hug, and for a moment, I have to let go of Ryker. “We’re going to fight this thing head-on.”
Uncle Rhett lets out a breath. “Whatever you need, princess, just say the word, and I’ll make it happen.”
I pull back from Dad then let out a chuckle. “Just treat me normal.”
“Done,” Uncle Rhett states.
“I need to tell Dash,” Christopher says.
I force a smile to my lips. “Try not to worry about me. You’ll have to run Indie Ink while I’m getting better.”
“I’ll take over for you until you can return,” Dad says.
“I’m going to have to talk to my dad and Mr. Cutler so they can hold the fort for me while I’m with Danny,” Ryker says, immediately taking out his phone to make the calls.
“Let’s go pack,” Mom tells Dad before glancing my way. “We’ll meet you at the plane.”
“Okay.” I keep the smile around my lips as everyone starts to leave, then Tristan turns to me. There’s an aching expression on his face, and it has me saying, “I’m going to be fine. You need to get back to Hana.”
He nods then comes to give me a hug before he leaves the room.
When it’s just Ryker and me, I sink down on the couch. The second he’s done with the calls, he walks to the bedroom. I get up and follow after him.
He pulls our bags out, and it has me moving forward to help him pack.
“I need to update my will,” I whisper as I place the dress I wore yesterday in the bag.
Ryker pauses to look at me. “We did one for you last year.”
“Yeah, but there’s something I want to change,” I say.
He turns toward me, the shirt in his hands forgotten. “What?”
“My shares in Indie Ink.”
“If I remember correctly, they’re divided between Christopher and Tristan,” he says.
“Yeah, but with Tristan leaving Indie Ink, I want to name a new beneficiary for his half of the shares.” Taking a deep breath, I push through, “You.”
Ryker shakes his head hard. “I can’t do that.”
“As my attorney, you have to. It’s my will,” I argue.
“No, I mean I can’t set it up, not if I’m a beneficiary. Mr. Cutler will have to set it up. It has to be a third party, or it can be contested in court.”
It hits hard how calm he is, and it has me asking, “What are you doing? Why are you like this?”
God, is he starting to withdraw from me?
Ryker drops the shirt on the bed then comes toward me. When he takes hold of my shoulders, I begin to tremble.
I don’t think I can handle losing him.
“I’m trying to keep calm,” he explains. “We’re looking at eight months of intense treatment, Danny. It’s going to take everything you have in you, so I’m just trying to keep my shit together so I can be strong for you. Okay?”
I begin to nod. “So, you’re not pulling away from me?” I ask, needing to know.
“Fuck no,” he exclaims, then he takes a deep breath. “I told you I’m not letting you go. I meant it.” His eyes jump over my face before they lock on mine. “All I’m asking is that Mr. Cutler deals with it because I can’t. Not legally.” He shakes his head, and for a moment, the ache bleeds into his eyes.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pull him to me. “Okay. I understand. I’ll ask Mr. Cutler.”
“Thanks. I can do everything else for you, but not that,” Ryker murmurs as he folds his arms around me.
I nod against him, then he pulls back. He pauses then says, “I want you to move in today. With me.”
I freeze, my eyes widening. “But I’m going to the hospital tomorrow. What’s the use?”