page45 (1/2)

Ryan

It happened so fast Like, with the quickness of one flicking a switch, she was transported froas to Alaska She went from warm and vibrant to ice-cold and hard For a second, I was stunned by her words, confused as fuck Everything had been going good We were getting along great—ether She was even cuddling in bed with ed

“There’s no reason for you to sleep here We’re not together and I need my space You can co out I knew this was co for it, actually I spent alht to take a siot to watch as she dragged herself step by step until she could walk again To assu to be perfect would be ludicrous She had plans that didn’t include me It hy I walked away that day Sure, I called and asked her to joinselfish I missed her like crazy, missed the way I felt around her But when she said no, I didn’t push because I kneasn’t personal She was protecting her heart

Which is exactly what she’s doing right now I don’t knoent through her head just now, but if I had to guess frohts of Ian, or of h to erect that wall she’s built to protect herself

I should be angry that she’s pushing me away, but the fact that she didn’t include our son hasanywhere, and she isn’t trying to keep h she can’t protect RJ fro hurt, she can still protect herself

I lean over and give RJ a kiss on his forehead I don’t want to leave, but I’iven birth a few days ago Her emotions are all over the place, and she’s exhausted “I love you, little guy,” I whisper toa kiss to Micaela’s te, I’m only a phone call away Text me later and let me knohen I can spend time with RJ”

She ss thickly and nods, refusing to look at me I take one last look at her and RJ, then reluctantly leave When I get downstairs, Bella is in the kitchen ht anyhters

“How’s our girl doing?” she asks, taking a sip of her drink

“She’s having a ive her space”

Bella frowns “You’re not going to really do that, are you?” When I chuckle, she adds, “You’re good for her When she returned home, she was almost back to the old Micaela She had a new plan and was a woman on a mission”

“She’s stronger than she realizes”