“Don’t ever think your health isn’t the most important thing, Hayden.”
Heaven smiled at that, nodding in agreement. Bryant’s eyes flicked over her and a different frown tugged at his mouth.
“Can we, uh, talk alone for a minute? About a few other things?”
About Heaven, no doubt.
“No.” My answer was resolute.
“Later, then.”
Heaven shifted to move and said, “It’s okay, I can leave if you need a minute.”
My brain worked slower than I’d like but I realized that this was my moment, the one where I finally made the decision about my health, my career, and my relationship.
Except it dawned on me. There was no choice.
There was only one path to take. One my brothers had already figured out. Maybe it was the brain injury, or my ego or just the fact I was a total dumbass that it took me so long to realize there was only one option.
“Bryant,” I said, in a calm voice, “I need you to get the fuck out of here.”
“Hayden, the press is already downstairs. I can explain your health, but,” He glanced at Heaven and Anderson, “How am I supposed to explain them?”
“You tell them whatever you need to about my career,” I said. “That’s all. If they want to ask me about my relationship, you direct them to me. I’ll handle it.”
He snarled in Heaven’s direction. “And Sabine?”
“I can handle that, too.”
In the end, he didn’t fight it or Anderson as he escorted him out the door. Having the air cleared with Bryant rid me of one more burden so I could focus on what was really important to me.
The Allendale Five.
51
Heaven
Once the press left and the team neurologist had done an examination with Hayden with instructions for an office visit in the morning, Anderson and I stood outside the guest bedroom door.
“Come get me if you need anything,” he said, leaning against the wall.
“I will.”
We’d decided that I would stay with Hayden overnight, making sure he was safe.
“I’m so glad you made us come out here. Good thing those spidey-senses were working,” he said, cupping a hand around my neck and pulling me close.
“I should have noticed earlier that he was in such pain.” Physical and emotional.
“Hayden’s always been so strong and stubborn. I’m not surprised he got it past us. Do you know that in the third grade, he fell out of a tree at Jackson’s house and walked around with a broken arm for four days before he told anyone?”
“No.” I shook my head. “But that makes a lot of sense.”
“We’re here now,” he said, kissing me on the lips. “Go take care of him.”
“You go to sleep, you look exhausted.”
“I am.” He kissed me again. Long and lingering, enough to get my heart racing just before he left me. Freaking tease.