She tried to work it out, but her brain wasn’t functioning properly. She was so tired she wondered if she’d even have the ability to stand up when the moment came. Her short nap in the chair had made her feel worse, not better, as if the taste of sleep had reminded her brain what she’d been missing. Now that the danger had passed, the adrenaline that had kept her going vanished, taking energy with it.

“I wanted you to come,” Lizzy said sleepily, “but Emily said you wouldn’t because you don’t love us the way we love you.”

Oh, crap.

Meeting Ryan’s questioning gaze, Emily felt herself turn scarlet. “The fever has made her very confused.”

“I’m not confused,” Lizzy murmured. “Do you love us, Ryan?”

Emily held her breath. How on earth was he going to deal with a question like that?

“Of course I love you.” He didn’t miss a beat. “You think I’d endure a ride in that bumpy plane if I didn’t love you?”

“You see?” A satisfied smile curved at the corners of Lizzy’s mouth. “I told you.”

Emily felt a wash of cold spread over her skin. His answer was designed to soothe but he was making things worse, not better. He was using words like a comfort blanket, wrapping them around a sick child. What would happen when the blanket was ripped away and the child was left freezing and shivering? “Lizzy—”

“Are you scared?” Lizzy was still looking at Ryan.

“Scared?”

“You said you were scared of hospitals.” Her eyes closed. “You can hold my hand. I’m not scared of hospitals, only storms. I’m glad you’re here. I wanted you to tell me about Abbie and the hens.” But she was already asleep, and Emily sat, thinking about the way she’d felt when Ryan had walked into the room.

It was as if the sun had come out in her life.

The nurse put her hand on her shoulder. “She’s going to be fine. The doctor will be here in an hour to talk to you. Why don’t you go and get a cup of coffee? I’ll be right here, and if she wakes, I’ll call you. There’s no need to look so anxious.”

Yes, there was, because Lizzy was right.

She was in love with Ryan.

Chapter Sixteen

Sixteen