Dont…touch! he barked.

She yanked her hands back, startled at his anger. Unsure what to do, she looked over at Patty. The nurse, just out of Ryans line of sight, put her hands in front of her, palms down, and mimed pushing them down, as if to say lets lower the temperature a bit. Before Jessie could try, Ryan sighed heavily.

Im…sorry, he said. Tired…ornery.

That okay, she said quickly. Its already been a huge day. Why dont we take you to the bedroom so you can rest a bit?

She pushed him down to the master bedroom and, with Pattys assistance, helped him lie down in the new hospital bed. He looked at Jessie.

You? he asked. She knew what he meant.

Dr. Badalia thinks youll get better sleep if youre in this type of bed, so Im going to stay in the guest room for a little while, but only until we get back into a normal routine. And Ill still hang out in here to make you watch home renovation shows. Now that Im stronger than you, I control the remote.

He smiled but she could tell he wasnt happy. She realized that hed been looking forward to sharing a bed again as much as she had. Unfortunately, no one had thought to tell him that bit of normalcy would be delayed a while longer. Still, he put on a brave face.

Good, he said. You…snore.

Once theyd closed the door, the three women retreated to the breakfast table. Jessie tried to ignore the ache she felt in her chest at having Ryan here, but still not truly with her.

Patty, are you sure youre cool sticking around for a while longer? she asked.

Not a problem. Im contracted through the afternoon. Besides, for the first day, its always helpful to have a pro around to navigate personal care issues.

Awesome, Hannah said, because I was thinking of going over to Melrose to liven up my wardrobe.

Jessie looked at her sternly.

Did you mean may I please go to Melrose to look for clothes? she asked.

Yeah, that.

You may go for two hours, Jessie said. I need to do some research on this case and it might require some driving around. I dont want to leave Patty alone to handle everything on Ryans first day back. Got it?

Got it, Hannah snapped.

I mean it, Jessie reiterated. You need to be back inside the house by two p.m. or future wardrobe-livening sessions will be put in jeopardy.

Dont worry, Hannah said, hopping up and grabbing her purse. Im very responsible for my age.

She was out the door before Jessie could come up with the response she wanted, which would have involved reminding her sister of the myriad times shed proven that claim wasnt true. It was probably for the best.