The Ryland Boys
Chapter 31

Sitting in the bed, I stared at the tv screen, my eyes on it but my focus on the small boy laying beside me and watching the tv intently.

Lucas brought a skittle to his lips and ate it chewing it slowly.

It’s been two days since the incident.

Losing the baby felt more exhausting than I could have imagined and all I wanted was Lucas beside me.

Alison made sure to keep the guests to a minimal. Although the guys begged, I told her no. I couldn’t see their faces, especially Carters. If he saw me right now he’d forever blame himself.

I ran my hand through Lucas’s hair “Did you take a bath?” I asked staring at him and smiling softly.

He smiled and stared up at me “Emily said I had to be fresh and squeaky clean.” He smiled and offered me a skittle.

I let him put the skittle in my mouth and I chewed it watching him stare back at the tv screen.

James has tried to leave me flowers, begged and bribed nurses. All of them refused because Benson had me placed under high security.

Alison walked in and shut the door behind her carrying a bowl of soup and a sandwich.

“You two eat yet?” She asked placing the tray over the bed and sitting us up more before putting the soup in front of me and the sandwich in front of Lucas.

He placed the skittles on the table.

“Jax asked for you again.” Alison said looking me over as she poured the small bag of saltine octagons into my soup.

I nodded “I know, the nurses let me know who comes asking to see. I just can’t see him. I’ve got such guilt.” I said sniffling and moving the soup around with the spoon.

Jax will eventually find out that Lindsay’s pregnant with Cory’s kid, and then he’ll find out I was the one pregnant with his kid. Only I kept that from him and then the baby’s gone and he never even had the chance…never…never even touched my stomach.

I shut my eyes and forced back my tears.

“He’ll understand. If you decide you don’t want him to know, we will hold your secret Norah.” She said sighing softly.

I smiled at her and watched the door open, “I brought you some things.” Amanda said walking inside and holding a stuffed koala, “It gives great hugs babe.” She said pulling it from her chest and placing it to mine.

The small stuffed koala hugged and felt so comfortable on me, it felt like…what I would’ve had. I smiled up at her and she placed a box of chocolates down in front of me.

The same chocolates we always ate during break ups.

I laughed softly and watched her smirk and k**s the top of my head.

Alison talked about how the weddings being postponed because of my incident and I gave her a small thank you.

“You’re a daughter to me Norah, your pain is our pain.” She said before standing and carrying Lucas’s sleeping body.

As I watched them leave, Amanda pointed to the half of my soup left. “finish it all.” She said eyeing the tv.

Nichole came in carrying a basket and placing it by my bedside “All the essentials. Books, snacks and wine.” She said before scooting me over and sitting beside me.

I smiled at her and laid my head on her shoulder.

My heart barely beat. The ache in my chest was too heavy.

I’ve been at the hospital for three days and when I finally got to go home, I wondered if I even could stay there.

Alison stood on my left with Amanda behind me and Benson to my right. Heading up the steps, I listened to the quiet home. They all left to go do their own thing and Alison wanted the house empty when I came home.

She said she remembered losing her daughter, she wanted a quiet home and to just be alone.

I’ve been in bed all week, getting up to shower and wash up but continued to slug back to my bed and cry.

Eyeing the time, I watched the tv a bit longer before getting annoyed with the stuffiness of the room.

Pulling on my running shorts and a sports bra with a camisole, I slid on my socks and running shoes braiding my hair back and going down the stairs putting my headphones in and pressing play on the iPod.

The only thing that seemed to keep me from crying was old eighties pop music and I think it’s what gave me the energy.

Going down the hall, I headed to the kitchen avoiding the stare I got from Mason.

Pulling out a water bottle, I kept the water on high and drank some of the water before walking out the front door and going down the street jogging before it turned to a run.

I kept running down the street and after a few turns, I ended up back at the house an hour later.

Feeling the heavy guilt crawl back up, I took another breath and ran it again.

I kept running that path until five hours had passed and I watched Alison’s car pull up to the front.

She stepped out and looked to me for a while before gesturing for me to get back inside. I headed up the driveway and headed in after her.

Shutting the door behind me, I watched her smile down at me “You up for eating dinner with us, the guys are already meeting at a nice restaurant?” She asked looking to her watch.

I nodded and gave her a small smile.

She eyed me over before kissing the top of my head, “Go shower and change. We’ll drive over.” She smiled and Tucked my stray hairs back.

I headed up the stairs putting my headphones back in and going into my room.

Shutting and locking the door, I showered and blow dried my hair before straightening it and trying to hide my tired and red face with makeup.

Pulling on a dress, I slid on a coat and some low heels walking out the door grabbing my bag.

Going down the stairs, I smiled at Lucas who was standing up staring over at the stairs.

His eyes moved to me and he smiled wide, “You’re up!” He said running up the stairs.

I pulled him up to my h*p and smiled at him, “I’m up and ready to eat some delicious food.” I said staring at Alison as she came out the hall.

She smiled at us both and gestured for us to hurry. “Let’s go before the guys just order alcohol.” She said laughing.

We made it to the restaurant and Benson called on the way asking if she was almost there. She didn’t tell them I was coming, I guess that’s good.

I haven’t seen either of their faces in almost two weeks.

Getting out, I took Lucas’s hand and we headed inside following behind Alison.

The restaurant was glamorous with very high ceilings and chandeliers that seemed about the size of a kitchen stove.

It had a very rich little Italy type of feel and I loved the soft music playing in the back.

Lucas pointed to the massive water fountain of a man wearing an ancient Greek dress, the water spilling from the arrow he had drawn back.

Alison took my other hand and I we headed to the table. She was smiling wide and happily, I could tell she was happy I was finally coming out of hiding.

It felt good too.

I kind of missed everyone.

Benson smiled at me and I kept my eyes on him hoping if I just stared at him I could avoid looking to the others.

I sat to his left, leaving Mason in front of me and Lindsay beside him. Jax sat beside her and Carter day at the other head of the table.

Lucas sat between Alison and I grabbing a menu and handing it to me.

“You guys already order drinks?” Alison asked looking to the empty table.

Benson nodded “Yeah, you ladies put your drinks in.” He said beckoning the waiter.

I smiled at the waiter, his eyes running over me and he smiled widely “Norah Anne. It’s been a minute.” Tucker said giving me a smirk.

Nodding I stared at his name tag quick to make sure his name was tucker. I hoped I remembered that right, “You still friends with Amanda?” He asked looking over at Lucas who was scowling at him.

I laughed lightly and nodded, “Yeah, she’s doing good. You’re working. What happen to law school?” I asked watching him raise his brows and widen his eyes “Turns out it’s a bit pricier than my parents and I hoped. I’m working to save up. Just need about six grand and I’ll be good.” He said proudly.

He looked around the table “Alright well one sprite and a Stella Artois. Unless you want a Bahama mama.” He said smirking at me.

Geez does everyone know my damn drink order, “No, a sprite and a Stella are perfect. Can you add two tequila shots too?” I asked watching him nod and jot it down.

Alison ordered her drink and I looked over the menu liking the salmon and seared potatoes.

Tucker left and came back a couple minutes later with all our drinks placing them down and then pulling out a pen and paper, “Are you all ready to order?” He asked looking everyone over.

“Been ready the last fifteen minutes kid.” Lindsay said reminding me that I can’t ignore her existence.

I stared at her for a moment, my hatred and anger, all the negative feelings that hung in my heart came out in my eyes and directed toward her.

She held my gaze before dropping it to the menu, goosebumps running up her arms and she shifted in her seat.

“I think we’re all ready.” Mason said softly.

Everyone ordered their food and I ordered the salmon with grilled whiskey vegetables instead of potatoes.

He disappeared, taking the menus with him and I stared at Lucas who leaned down and whispered to me “Can I go throw some pennies in the fountain?” Before staring up at me with raised brows.

I reached into my bag grabbing a hand full of change, “Lets go make some wishes kid.” I said standing and taking my Stella walking with him to the fountain.

He took one and held it tight in his small palm squeezing it and shutting his eyes tight before tossing it into the fountain.

“What’d you wish for?” I asked leaning back as I sat on the bricks around the fountain.

The coins sat in a pile between us and he smiled wickedly “If I tell you it won’t come true.” He said low and soft.

I smirked and nodded and he kept making his wishes until the last one was there. He lifted it up and then handed it to me, “You make one.” He said placing it into my palm.

Staring at it, I smiled softly and shut my eyes holding it tight in my palm.

I wish that one day, I’ll have three beautiful children as loving and caring as Lucas.

Tossing the coin into the fountain, I opened my eyes and stared at Lucas who smiled wide.

“Was it a good wish?” He asked.

I nodded “Oh yeah.” I smirked.

Taking his hand, I looked to see them all staring at me before looking away.

Great.

Walking him over, I stopped as Olivia ran up and smiled widely at me “Norah!” She said sweetly.

I smiled and knelt down giving her a hug, “Hey Olivia, you guys here for some good food too?” I asked watching her lean into me and nod smiling.

She looked to Lucas who blushed and smiled shyly.

Pursing my lips, I stared past Olivia to see a woman smile and wave softly. “My nanny isn’t as cool.” Olivia said low.

I laughed and shrugged “They can’t all be as cool as me.” I said watching her laugh and nod.

She stared at the table waving at Alison I guess, and then looking back at me “I should go back.” She said before I stood and walked her back to her table.

The nanny smiled widely at me “I’m sorry, she said she knew you and had to say hello.” She laughed lightly.

I nodded “She’s a really great kid. You’re Norah right? The babysitter everyone’s practically dying to have.” She said grinning.

Giving a thoughtful stare I nodded “Well I’m Norah, but I don’t think anyone’s dying to have me. I’m not the best.” I said shrugging.

She waved me off “Don’t be so humble. I heard you want to be a teacher. You’ll do amazing.” She said winking and I smiled at her before saying bye and heading with Lucas to our table as the food was brought out.

Taking my seat beside Lucas, we listened to Lindsay argue with Carter about how seafood is vegetarian.

“If it breathes its a creature and we don’t eat it.” Lindsay said annoyed.

I muttered under my breath “Don’t plants breathe? She eats fruits and basil.” I said watching Lucas laugh and nod.

Lindsay scowled at me “What’d the train wreck say?” She asked Lucas.

He eyed her confused “She said ‘What’d the train wreck say?’.” His sassy smart a*s self said earning a couple laughs off the table.

I eyed Lindsay and she sighed dropping her fork, “Just because you lost your baby doesn’t mean you get to adopt him and use him to fill the void.” She said pulling at a sensitive string in my heart.

Staring up at her, I sat back “Thanks for your insightful advice, I’ll really take it to heart.” I said giving her a small smile before taking a bite of my salmon.

Alison looked down at Lucas “He knows that if anything happens to Benson and I, he’ll be going to Norah.” She said staring from him to Lindsay.

I watched Lindsay stare at Alison in disbelief, “I’m sorry, you’d give your son to a stranger before you give him to his brothers or his aunts?” She asked scowling at Alison.

She stared over at me and then Benson, “She’s not a stranger, she’s family.” He said staring at me and giving me a small smile.

I dropped my gaze and moved it to Lindsay who huffed out in annoyance before standing, “I hope he got a few good f***s in you before he killed your broke homeless baby.” She said heading out the restaurant.

I watched her walk away and felt bad for the waiter she shoved hard into a wall.

She left and I looked from behind me to the guys feeling a bit worried.

I think I ruined their dinner.

Jax was staring at me with his eyes on me wide, his stare was cautious.

Mason had a similar stare and I looked to Carter who was eyeing me and tilting his head a bit.

Are they waiting for something?

“Should I go after her?” I asked confused.

Alison cringed “Oh god no. I can’t believe…I can’t believe she had the audacity to say that.” She said disgusted.

Staring at my plate, I sighed and took a drink.

“How are you not surprised or-or upset?” Alison asked eyeing me confused.

I stared at her as I tipped the bottle back and shrugged “Honestly, it wasn’t that shocking, I expected nothing less from her.” I said placing the bottle down, “Don’t worry, she won’t break me.” I said before staring at everyone watching me. “Let’s enjoy dinner.” I said bringing my fork to my lips and taking a bite.

We talked about Masons game coming up and he asked if I could come, “Of course.” I said smiling at him.

Getting up I stared down at them “I’m going to the restroom.” I said going to find Tucker.

He was by a register eyeing it, “Hey Tuck, can I have the check for the table?” I asked watching him nod and hand me the check, “You’re paying?” He asked smirking.

I nodded and took a pen out as I handed him my card.

The total was $350 and I tipped him $500.

“Norah.” He said softly and I gave him a smile “You’re almost there.” I said watching him nod and give me a hug.

Heading back to the table, I looked to Benson who was looking for Tucker. As if on time, Tucker walked past our table and Benson smiled “Can I get the check?” He asked.

He looked to me and then laughed “Uh, sorry sir, she already took care of it.” He said before walking to the next table.

I stared at Benson, “For ruining the damn thing.” I said smirking and picking Lucas’s semi awake self.

Benson sighed “You know you don’t have to go paying our meals Norah.” He said shaking his head.

I eyed him over and laughed “I think I owe it to you all, especially Jax. I mean his date almost broke her water in anger.” I said gesturing but avoiding looking at Jax.

Alison went to take Lucas and I gave her a longing stare and she smiled softly leaving him on my chest as he slept on me.

“You shouldn’t. You should be saving up.” She said giving me a wink.

I stared at Benson and kept quiet.

We headed to the car and the guys took their own vehicles.

Alison was quiet but she stared over at me twice before turning the music down, “How much do you have left? I paid the hospital bill for your recent incident but your moneys low now isn’t it?” She asked.

I looked over at her, “Benson told me not to tel you because he liked having me around the house, I have twenty two million dollars from inheritance.” I said watching her jaw drop before she looked at me.

She stared back at the road “That’s great Norah, oh my god. Okay. Well, do you think you want to stay? For a little at least.” She asked staring at me.

I shrugged “I mean I’ll obviously pay rent. I just might stay a bit. Just until I can think about not being afraid to live on my own.” I said honestly.

It scared me that if I left their safe home, I’d end up in a place where I was alone.

She smirked, “I wish I could adopt you.” She said softly.

I laughed and laid my head on the window, “She’s cheating on him.” I said softly.

Alison stared at me and I looked to her watching her face fall, “Who?” She asked knowing who I meant but still wanting confirmation.

“Lindsay’s sleeping with that Cory guy.” I said wondering if it was right of me to say.

She stared in disbelief before looking to me “Cory, that’s that was the guy who Jax threw down the stairs all bloody?” She asked.

I shook my head “No that was the guy who tried to rape me. Cory was the-” I stopped when she looked st me in confusion “He did what?!” She asked.

I looked back to see Lucas still fast asleep, “Nothing happened, Jax walked in before anything could happen. It’s why he dropped the law suit.” I said c*****g an eyebrow.

She stared ahead and I continued “Cory is the one I beat up in the gym. He was there the night you went with Benson and Lucas.” I said watching her eye me.

“You beat this Cory guy? So you knew? Since then?” She asked worriedly.

I eyed her “Jax didn’t want me telling anyone, he was sure they where done and they just aren’t.” I said shrugging.

She sighed “So Jax knows about the Cory guy and he’s still with her?” She asked annoyed.

“He’s just trying to take responsibility. We were hitting it off good before she dropped the pregnant bomb on him.” I said laughing low.

She nodded “We have to tell him.” She said but stopped and looked at me “How?” She asked.

I shrugged “I’m not the person to deliver any news to him. Especially since I’m the one with the deepest secret.” I said sighing.

Alison reached over and took my hand giving it a squeeze.

We drove in silence and I could see Alison plotting how to get back at Lindsay without hurting Jax.

Pulling to the driveway, I shut the door and Alison moved to the door pulling it open but one of the guys cars was driving up so quick, I didn’t think they’d see her.

My mind worked quick and I shoved her into the truck jumping off the ground and sliding off the truck landing on the ground on my a*s and watching the Hummer slam into the brick garage.

Jax!

I jumped up and ran my fastest run to the truck, the tires still spinning. Pulling the door open, I reached over him moving his leg off the pedal and deflating the air bag moving the car to park and shutting it off.

Looking to Jax’s unconscious body, I ran my hand over his face and felt his neck for a pulse, my relief flowing as I felt it.

“Jax!” Alison yelled running over with fear in her voice.

I reached over unbuckling him, “God dammit! He had another heart attack!” She said faltering and running to her car before running back calling the ambulance.

They won’t get here on time.

Carter and Mason arrived in the Benz and I looked to them “Grab him and get him in the car.” I said watching them stare at me confused.

Running to the front door, I turned it on and looked to Carter as he shut the door and I sped off.

I had no time for anyone to wait for anyone to get in.

The nearest hospital was about fifteen minutes from us but with my experience and amazing ex racer boyfriend, I made it there in six minutes.

Pulling to the front where the ambulance trucks unloaded, I parked the car and and got out going to the back door pulling it open.

A man came with a gurney, “He just had a heart attack.” I said watching them nod and rush him inside the building.

I reached down picking up his phone that had fallen on the floor. Shoving it in my back pocket, I eyed the nurse.

“I’ll park and come inside.” I said watching the nurse nod.

Parking the car, I ran back inside and one of the nurses walked over to me, “Who are you to the patient?” She asked.

“Friend.” I said watching as she nodded “He has insurance?” She asked.

I nodded and she looked me over “Could you fill this out as best as you can?” She asked.

Giving another nod, I sat down and took steady breaths before sitting and filling the paper out the best I could.

After fifteen minutes, the door opened and Alison came in with wide eyes, she looked to me and sighed placing a hand over her chest.

“How long have you been here?” Benson asked looking to me confused.

I eyed him and the time “twenty minutes.” I said before he stared at me in disbelief.

“You got here in five minutes? That’s a record Norah.” He said softly.

Mason shook his head “She used to race in racecars and crap.” He said sighing.

I stared up at Benson, “I filled it out as much as I could.” I said handing him the clipboard.

He looked to his wife who was a mess and sat down filling it out.

We waited a good hour before a doctor stepped out “The family of Jax Ryland?” He asked.

Alison and Benson stood and I took Lucas.

The doctor took the two back with him and I took steady breaths before they came back and Alison was calm, her eyes watered but a smile on her face.

Benson walked over and bent down kissing the top of my head. “If he had arrived ten minutes after, he wouldn’t be here.” He said pushing back his tears.

I sighed in relief “So he’s okay?” I asked watching them nod.

Oh thank god.

Closing my eyes, I smiled over at Mason who took a seat beside me. “Saving the day again. Heard he almost swiped you and mom.” He said.

I nodded oh s**t, “Alison I’m really sorry for just shoving you like that.” I said but she eyed me and gave a short laugh “Have you seen the car door? It was taken into the other side of the driveway. That would’ve been me.” She said sighing.

Good, so I shoved her but it’s okay.

“We got a bit worried when I closed the door and you just zoomed right off.” Carter said laughing.

I shrugged “I just felt his pulse lowering and I knew from the many books I’ve read, that ever second after a heart attack counts.” I said watching him smirk.

We waited another thirty minutes before they allowed us to go inside, Carter and Mason went in first.

Pulling his phone out of my pocket, I eyed the phone and Lucas who was now awake poked in his pin.

I watched him get up and go to Benson sitting in his lap to stare at his tablet.

Alison was sitting beside me with her eyes moving to his phone and then me and then at the recent calls.

She pressed the button and eyed the last call.

Lindsay. Ten minutes prior to the crash.

“She gave him a heart attack.” She said shaking her head in anger.

I eyed her “We should avoid saying anything, remember that he needs to know we respect his privacy.” I said watching her scoff and take the phone scrolling through it.

She eyed the photo album and hovered over it before handing it to me, “Tell me if you’re in there.” She said pushing it and I think avoiding any s*x pictures or nudes.

I laughed lightly and began scrolling through the photos eyeing the three poster ones, then a picture of me laughing in the ring during the photo shoot, I looked so happy and sexy. Then the other was the one he kept under his playboy magazines. “Well there’s a few.” I said laughing.

She smirked and took the phone going through his messages. “Oh hey, this ones about you.” She said catching my attention.

I eyed the unknown number, ‘I didn’t know she was pregnant. I’m sorry for not knowing. Hope you can understand.’

He responded: ‘You’ll never tell her your sorry. Never see her, and never even say her name. If I ever see you, I’ll make sure you never see or say anything ever again.’

Alison stared at me and then scrolled: ‘I understand. I never meant to take your child away.’

Oh s**t.

I read the next text, Jax’s… ‘My child?’

James’s text was to the point, ‘We never f****d.’

I eyed the message and checked the time and date. This was a week ago!

Staring at Alison, I watched her stare over reading the messages over and over again. “He knew.” She said softly.

Well shit…

She checked the other messages before stopping at my number saved to his phone.

I watched her click it and then eye the message in the text box, it hadn’t been sent yet.

She stared at me and then handed me the phone, “It’s for you, not me.” She said as I took the phone and eyed the message.

‘Norah, please tell them to let me in. I need to see you. I need to know, I need to know if it was mine. Why wouldn’t you tell me? I promise I’d have taken care of you, taken care of the baby. It’s killing me. Please.’

God dammit.

Closing his messages, I locked the phone and wiped a few stray tears. “I think he knew.” I said softly.

Alison sighed and pulled me to her chest hugging me.

Carter walked out with Mason and Alison and Benson stood going inside and taking Lucas.

I sighed and looked to Mason and Carter, “I think he knew.” I said watching them both sit beside me.

“Knew what?” Mason asked.

Handing the phone to him I ran a hand over my face, “That the baby was his.” I said pursing my lips and crossing my arms over my chest as I eyed the phone.

Carter rubbed my back and I gave him a small smile forcing back a cry.

“He’s conscious now, just seems a bit slow from the meds and everything. I’m sure if you went in, it’d be okay.” Mason said eyeing me.

I stared at the hall and watched the door open “Where is he?” She asked worried.

Oh shut up Lindsay.

Who invited this b***h?

I eyed her “He’s okay, his parents are with him right now.” I said watching her scowl at me and look to the guys before sitting and staring at the hall.

Her eyes moved to the phone in Masons hand, “That’s his phone. Hand it over.” She said reaching a hand out.

Mason eyed her and went to hand it over but I placed my hand over it pushing it back to his chest.

He pocketed the phone “I’ll give it to him when he’s awake.” He said giving me a small smile.

I smiled back and watched Lucas and Benson walk out with Alison following behind shortly.

Lucas was stumbling around sleepy, “I’ll take the boys home.” Benson said gesturing to Lucas and the two beside me.

I gave them hugs and watched them leave.

Alison looked to me, “You want to go in and see him?” She asked me.

Staring at Lindsay, she stood and walked past us going down the hall to his room.

The anger in Alison’s eyes was clear but I took her wrist, “No, it’s okay. Let me take you home. You can grab some pajamas or something more comfortable and I’ll bring you back.” I said watching her stare at her heels and dress and nod.

After driving home, we changed and headed back to the hospital. I stayed in case Alison needed a ride home and was too tired or crying.

Lindsay left two hours later and I walked into the room watching him asleep.

He had a bruised nose and eyes, a cut on his l*p and his hands cut up.

Sitting in the seat beside him, I crossed my arms over the bed and laid my head on them.

The sound of his heart beat cycling normally was soothing to me. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” I said softly watching his heart rate spike a little.

Staying quiet, I eyed him over “I wanted to. I was just afraid of ruining your future. I regret it though. I took the chance from you and I can never give it back.” I said softly.

His hand moved but he was still so slow and I think asleep.

Laying my head down I listened to the heart beat as it beeped me to sleep.