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.

Ryan straightened and didn't bother to wipe his face this time. He glanced to me with a smile before he said, "Mom, I want you to meet someone."

He held his hand out to me and it took me a moment to accept it. I didn't want to leave Jackson's embrace and the comfort he provided.

Jackson's mom smiled as she reached put to shake my hand. "Hello, dear. I'm Everly."

I returned her smile as I clasped her cold hand. "I'm Harper. It's so lovely to meet you."

"It's lovely to meet you, as well."

"Is there anything you need?" I asked.

She smiled as she looked to Ryan. "You found a good one."

Ryan laughed as we shared a glance. "Yeah, she's one of a kind."

Everly glanced at me with a quizzical look before she looked to Jackson and Ryan. "Can you boys go get us some coffee and lunch? We need some girl time."

Ryan agreed at the same time Jackson cleared his throat. We looked over to him and he arched a brow. "Mum, you aren't allowed to have coffee."

She glared at Jackson and I smiled at their banter. "Decaf then, my son."

"We'll be back soon," Jackson said and gave his mother a look that seemed like some kind of a warning.

"Take your time!" She called to the boys as they walked out of the room.

Once the door was shut, I looked to Everly with a smile. Until she spoke...

"So, my dear. Please tell me how you achieved the impossible and stole the heart of my son, Jackson Reese."

JACKSON
Reese

"One decaf coffee and one regular, please," I said to the barista in the cafeteria.

I did not want to be getting coffee right now. I wanted to know what mother was whispering to Harper. When I flew to Hawaii and told my mum that I met someone, I didn't tell her the name or any real physical features that could point to Harper. But my mother tended to have ways.

These past few days have been nearly Earth shattering. I thought back to my last night with Harper after the bachelor party and I knew I had made a huge mistake. Bringing out the blindfold and tying her up was one thing. Well, it was the most passionate and erotic experience of my life. Even though I tend to lose sense of all things responsible when Harper's around, I'm usually able to keep one hand on the wheel. That wasn't the case that night.

I let myself get lost in her body. Pleasure wasn't the only thing I was feeling that night. A wave of possession tore through me when she told me that guy almost kissed her and was dancing with her. I felt an uncontrollable urge to make sure that she knew she was MINE. I still could remember every second of that experience clearly.

I remembered fucking her in a way that I never have with another woman before. I remember the feeling of her climaxing around me; her legs squeezing the sides of my body.

There was nothing like it. There was no one like her.

She changed something inside of me to the point where, every rule I've ever made for myself, seems not to matter in regards to her.

"Your coffees, sir."

The barista's voice drew my thoughts back to the present. I thanked him as I took the coffee and walked over to where Ryan was sitting at a table.

"Ready?" I asked. I sure as hell was. I wanted to get up there before my mother got me in any trouble. Who knew what was going on inside her head.

"Can we sit here for a few minutes?" Ryan asked.

I gave him a half shrug as I sat down.

Ryan was quiet for a moment before he asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

I knew that question was coming. I was dreading it, and praying that I didn't have to answer it, but I knew it was inevitable. "She made me promise not to."

"That's bullshit and you know it. You know I love her just as much as you. You should have told me. I would have flown out here to help you and to spend more time with her." Ryan ran his hands through his hair. "Now, I have a week? Maybe two?"

I tried not to let my own emotions get the best of me. I knew where he was coming from. After all, I was in his position when I first found out about her diagnosis. I understood his anger and most of all, I understood his fear.

"You're right. I'm sorry, Ryan."

He scoffed at me and crossed his arms over his chest. "Sorry doesn't change it, Jay."

"You're right. I wish I did tell you. I wanted to. I needed my brother and I should have just picked up the phone and fucking called you. I was going to tell you and our dad after we returned from Hawaii. Then I got the call from her doctor."

When he remained silent, I was going to say something else and he shot to his feet. "Look can you take this food and coffee upstairs for them? I just need to go for a walk or something to clear my head."

Without waiting for an answer from me, he turned and walked away.