Unexpectedly Hers(25)

“I should’ve been there.” Ryder turned his face toward her, but his eyes remained obscured by the dark lenses. She’d read that some TBI patients needed to mute sights and sounds because the stimulation was too taxing. Yet even though she understood why he might wear them, she disliked the veil they created between his emotions and the world.

“There’s nothing you could’ve done to prevent this.” Emma swallowed a sigh, because she’d said that to convince herself as well. “Can I bring you some tea or coffee, or maybe more juice?”

Silently, he shook his head.

She couldn’t leave him there alone with his bleak thoughts. He needed another focus. Keeping busy and moving forward usually worked for her. “Ryder, I’m guessing Wyatt may need to take a day or two off from training to recover. If you have a free day tomorrow, would you like to join me at the Canyon Care Center? I go there every Monday to visit the senior citizens. Usually I bring goodies and organize an activity. It’d be nice to have some help, if you feel up to it. No pressure.”

Ryder glanced at her now, alert and thoughtful. “If Wyatt’s really okay.”

“Stay positive.” She smiled. “I’ll probably bake something tonight. You’re welcome to help me in the kitchen, if you’d like.”

Before Ryder could respond, they heard the van pull into the parking lot. Ryder stood and crossed to the window, his hand on the windowpane.

Emma patted his shoulder. “I’ll ask Avery to give Wyatt a secondary checkup, too, just to be safe. Excuse me while I go speak with her.”

By the time Emma got to Avery, Andy had already filled her in.

“I can’t believe this happened on day one of his training,” Avery whispered. “He probably didn’t know what to look for. How foolish of him to go back there without a guide.”

“You’re right.” Emma turned thoughtful. Avery’s fiancé and his partner operated a backcountry expedition company. They’d be the perfect guys to shadow Wyatt’s training. “I know Grey’s still a bit out of commission for a few more weeks because of his knee, but maybe Trip could get involved?”

“I suppose, although Grey will be jealous.” Avery winced. Emma knew Grey wanted to push his recovery, but Avery had kept him on a tight leash.

At that moment, Wyatt and the crew came inside. Andy went to grab some of the equipment, while Wyatt limped over to the parlor, where he and Ryder engaged in a long, silent embrace.

Emma repressed the urge to rush over and join them. Not only would it be wildly inappropriate, but also likely unwelcome. She’d wait to comfort Wyatt until everyone had calmed down and settled in for the afternoon. For now, she’d make sure that, physically, he really was okay.

When the brothers eased out of their hug, Emma tugged at Avery’s elbow. “Come on.”

As they drew nearer, she overheard Wyatt mutter to Ryder, “Don’t say it, brother.” He then slung off his coat, removed his boots, and hoisted his foot up onto the coffee table. He looked ragged, shaken. His beautiful hair lay flattened against his head. His distant gaze lacked signs of life.

“Wyatt,” Emma interrupted. “This is Avery, the town’s best orthopedic therapist. She worked with Ryder today. I think you should let her take a quick look at you and maybe give you a little advice about next steps or whatever.”

“I’m fine. Just one sore knee. Nothing but my ego got broken.” Wyatt looked like he might argue further, but then he relented. “Fine. Come have a look.”

Avery spent the next fifteen minutes with Wyatt while the crew and Mari discussed the harrowing episode and then, of course, how to maximize the impact of the footage. Emma rolled her eyes, sickened by the idea of Mari looking to profit, in any way, from Wyatt’s near-death experience.

Needing an escape from the crowd, she went to the kitchen and made an ice pack for Wyatt’s knee. She also brewed a pot of herbal tea and made up a vegetable tray. She put everything on a pushcart and rolled it into the parlor.

To her surprise, only Avery remained downstairs.

“Where’d everyone go?” Emma asked.

“To their rooms to rest and recover. Andy helped Wyatt up the steps.” Avery glanced toward Ryder’s room. “Ryder’s really shaken. We worked hard today on his leg strength, but from what I know about TBI, it’s that inability to regulate emotions that’s going to be his biggest lifelong challenge.”

“I suspected as much. Maybe I can help a little this month.”

“Listen, I’ve got to run, but are you okay? You look upset, too.” Avery squeezed Emma’s shoulder.