I Waited For You(Book One)

Part 4

Jenna opened her heavy feeling lids, when she felt something cool press lightly against her forehead. She blinked slowly just to be sure her mind wasn't playing tricks on her. How did she get into her bedroom? Her question was answered when spotted Ryner sitting next to the bed, a bowl of water placed on the nightstand and cloth in his hand.
"Good you're awake. I'll go grab you a drink then you can take this medicine I picked up for you." She nodded. Jenna tried to gather herself as he left. She remembers him coming to house to get Avery earlier that day. She felt sick her body was on fire, yet she was freezing. She knew he showed up and called Avery to come with him. Did he say something before he left? That she wasn't sure of, but she did hear the front door close and his car, he picked up three days before. So why was he here now?

He returned with the drink, "Thank you," Her voice was raw and rough. She sat up to accept it and the pills in his hand. Swallowing the capsules and gulping down the water she returned the cup to him. He placed it next to the bowl of water, and then resumed his sit.
"What are you doing here?" She questioned gently, fighting off the wave of lightheadedness that rushed her.
"Isn't it obvious?" He grinned; she hadn't realized how much she missed that smile until now.
"Why come here to look after me with everything going on?"
He reached over and touched her fore head. "Through sickness or health, sweetheart." He joked lightly. "Now get some rest" He helped her ease back on the bed.
"How long have I been sleeping?"
"Just a few hours. Now lie back."
"Where's Avery?" she asked as resumed her previous spot. He dipped the cloth in the bowl, squeezing out the excess water, resting it on her head.
"He's with my brother." Their eyes meet. He was expecting to see panic, instead she mumbled, "Ok, then." She agreed and closed her eyes.

Ryner sighed in relief when she dozed off. He didn't want to talk right now. He brushed her cheek with his fingertips. It had been too long since he was this close to her. When she called earlier, he was high on hope that she was calling him back home. Instead he got immediately worried at her harsh tone asking him to come take Avery for a couple of days. He rushed over, to find her on the couch with a blanket over her shoulders. Avery watching a cartoon on the tv, butt glued to the floor. He was dressed and overnight bag next to him ready to go.
Avery was the first one to notice him there; he squealed out 'Daddy!' and ran to him full speed. Jenna glanced his way; she gave a small smile, and then plopped on the couch. Ryner told her he was coming back, but she was clearly gone. He doubt that she heard him.

Taking this opportunity as his wife slept, Ryner made his way down the stairs to call his brother.
"Still in one piece?" He joked when Brady answered the phone.
"I am but the house not so much." Brady laughed.
"Avery made himself at home, huh."
"More like dominated, I swear I blink and that kid is somewhere else ransacking it."
"That's my boy," Ryner gloated. "So you think you can handle him for couple of days? I do plan on stopping by to check on him and give you a break."
"Ry he is no problem, really. We are getting along great. In the beginning he was asking for mommy and daddy. But once he realized Uncle Brady was cooler, he forgot about you guys."
"Ha, in your dreams. But since you are doing me a solid I'll let you live with that delusion."
"Awe, you're so sweet little brother. How is Jenna feeling?"
"She still has a fever, hopefully it will break tonight." Ryner sighed heavily.
"And what about you, how are you doing?"
"Knowing that this will sound really cheesy, I feel a lot better being near her." He awkwardly laughed. "Am I truly that pathetic, Brady? That a part of me is a bit happy she got sick, so I can spend time with her."
"Bro-"
"I just can't take it anymore. It's been like a week and my lungs feel like they are going to collapse. My heart wanted to burst and there is nothing I can't do about it."
The brunette squeezed his eyes shut, his hand balled at his side.
"What you are doing right now, it's what you are supposed to be doing. You gave her time, but now it's time to remind her who you are. You're the man who always been there for her, her husband that loves her; even before she knew it. Let her know that you would walk through broken glass to prove it if need be."
Ryner opened his eyes, and then double checked his phone. "Wow, Brady listen to you sounding all profound. That was deep. I had to make sure I was still talking to you on the phone." He joked lightly the mood.
"What can I say, the part of South America I was in practiced Hinduism. They take this stuff seriously. I must have picked up a few things." There was a brief silence that fell between them before Brady spoke again.
"In all seriousness, don't let her push you away again. Avery and I can handle a couple of days without you. Just get your family back together."
"Thanks, I owe you one."
"I'll add it to your tab. I'll let you tell Avery bye." Brady called out to the toddler to come to the phone.
"Hi." The small voice answered.
"Hey, Av. Daddy wanted to tell you bye and to be good for uncle Brady and I'll talk to you tomorrow. Okay?"
"Kay." Absentmindedly Ryner smiled, picturing his son face; he knew Avery wasn't really paying attention. "Okay, then Avery. I love you, bye."
"Bye."
Just before he hung up he heard his brother questioned.
"How about chocolate cake for dinner, Avery?"
"What? Brady!" He yelled; the older brother instantly started laughing.
"Gotcha, I was only joking Ry geez, I ate the last piece this morning." Then quickly, "But we do have cupcakes, Nite bro." Then hung up the phone.
Ryner shook his head; his brother was like another child. Putting trust in Brady was just joking about the cupcakes. He headed back up to his sleeping wife.
This time when Jenna woke she felt a hell of a lot better, she took note of her snoozing husband. The chair he was in earlier pulled closer to the bed, his head down on the mattress, his hand tucked in her.

Sitting up careful not to wake him, she stoked the top his head with her free hand. Something swelled inside of her, he turned in his sleep his slumbered face made her catch her breath. This man had been with her the last three days taking care of her. He feed her, helped her to the bathroom and gave her the medicine on time. Most of the memories were foggy do to the medicine and sleepiness but she knew he never left her side.
What the hell did she do? What did she do that was so great in a past life that she landed a guy like Ryner. Here she was lost in a cloud of confusion, and this entire time he stood on the other side of that confusion; His hand out offering to guide her through it. Regardless of how he was feeling, he gave her time and then some. He always put her first never pushing or questioning her. Hatred for herself twisted her internal, her subconscious skipped forward pulling things from the dark. Things she didn't realize were there.

Fantasy, misconception and need had her convinced what she felt for Brady was love; when all she needed was closure. The truth was she was slow to catch up with Ryner. In a second he changed her life, he ran ahead and with every mile he waited just a bit longer than the last time. He halted just at the finish line cheering her on. Coaxing her to finish with him, his smile showed confidence, but his eyes were always uncertain on if she would turn back or take the final step with him.
Ryner eyes crept opened when his name was called. Chills shot down his spine when he felt Jenna's fingers against his scalp. Was this a sign that she missed him? The temptation to stay still was a strong one, but his concern for her health out bid it. His hand was still in hers, he sat up. She removed her hand once he leaned his forehead against hers, closing his eyes taking in the contact with her.

Pulling back, their glance locked. A half grin flooded his mouth; Jenna stomach flipped. She opened her mouth speak, "I-"
"-feel better?" He finished. "You should, your fever broke the other night. Do you think that you can stand?"
She nodded, "Ryner I-"
He injected again, "How about trying to get in the shower, get some of the sick off of you. I'll change the sheets and make you breakfast, something light." He planted a kiss on her knuckle, grabbed the bowl and glass then rushed out the door closing it behind him. He took a deep breath, he wasn't ready for her to thank him and send him off, he want to be there just a bit longer.
Jenna frowned when Ryner vanished. She bit her lower lip and pouted. She really couldn't blame him. The way she has been acting, he probably couldn't predict what she would say next. First things first, she pulled the covers back; her pajamas had already been laid out for her near the bathroom. She smirked, as always he was one step ahead of her.