One Night - Forbidden Hearts Series Book 1

19. Reunions and Regrets

Ryan held my hand as we stood behind Jackson at the visitor's counter at The Royal Marsden Hospital. Jackson explained it was a hospital that specialized at treating cancer patients.

This morning, Ryan told me he was nervous about going to see Jackson's mom. He really did care about her and he was very upset that she was going through this. He told me that he originally sent her an invitation to the wedding, but unfortunately she responded that she couldn't make it.

He wanted to know why she and Jackson never told him about her diagnosis. He could have helped. He wasn't sure exactly how, but he could have at least been there for both of them. He explained he had spoken to her over the phone quite a few times this year and she always said she was doing well and he had no reason to doubt her.

As we continued to wait for Jackson to sign us in, I prayed that she would find some way to beat this. When Jackson turned around and handed us our visitors passes, my eyes met his and I could tell he had the same horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach that I did.

Jackson led us down multiple hallways and onto an elevator that took us to the fifth floor. The smell of antiseptic grew stronger as we walked down the long corridor. We passed multiple nurse's station and the rooms of other patients. The sounds of coughing and crying couldn't be ignored even though I tried.

When we got to her room, Jackson told us to wait outside for just a moment. While we waited, I noticed Ryan was shifting his weight back and forth on his feet and rubbing his hands over his face. I may not be in love with the man, but I still cared about him.

I reached out and rested my hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you okay?"

He removed his hands and I could see that his eyes were red. "I don't know, Anne. I mean, I feel so pissed at myself. I should have visited her more."

He let out a long breath as he looked at the door to her room. "You know, she was more of a mother to me than my real mom. My mom was always more concerned with my grades and making sure I got into the top Ivy League schools. She was more of a counselor than a mom."

Just as I opened my mouth to say something, Jackson reappeared in the hallway. "Okay, I didn't tell her you were here. Thought the surprise would be nice." Jackson looked to Ryan, obviously seeing he was upset. They exchanged a look, clearly sending a silent message before Jackson ushered us into the room.

"Jackson, sweetie, is that Dr. Allen?" A weak voice called from in the room.

"No, Mum. I have a surprise for you."

We approached the bed and her eyes immediately went to Ryan.

"Is that-- What are you doing here?" She asked with a surprised tone.

Ryan wiped his face as he approached the bed. Even though she was sick, Jackson's mom didn't look much over fifty. It made my heart ache that she was so young. She had a breathing tube in her nose and she was wearing one of those colorful caps that most cancer patients wear when they lose their hair.

Ryan hesitated when he got to the bed. Ms. Reese had tears in her eyes as she reached for him. "Get down here and hug me, young man."

Ryan let out a choked laugh as he bent forward and embraced her frail body. They stayed like that for a few minutes and I could see Ryan's back shake from his quiet sobs. I glanced away, trying to give them some privacy.

I felt an arm slide around my waist and hadn't realized that Jackson had come to stand next to me. My eyes met his before I rested my head against his shoulder. He lightly squeezed my hip and I welcomed the comfort. Ever since the incident when I was a kid, I couldn't stand being in hospitals.