Page 130 of Bleacher Report
I can see him considering it.
"You should stay," I say, quietly. "She needs you. I can stay too, if you want me to."
"Of course I want you here," he says. "But there’s nothing you can do. And you’ve got your meeting with the network. You should go home on the flight tonight like we planned. Do what you’ve worked so hard for. I won’t let you give up the syndication deal. I’ll cancel my flight until I know what’s going on."
The idea of leaving him here alone stings. But I know he’s right. There’s nothing I can do except be here for him. But there’s still a sting that he’s telling me to go, as if the syndication deal means as much to me as he does, but I won’t take it personally that he’s sending me home. He’s trying to do the best for everyone in this situation.
I nod, not wanting him to worry about my concerns or feelings at this point. He needs to focus all of his energy on Carly.
The sound of Carly stirring in bed has both of us glancing toward her room. She fell asleep after all the tests they ran this morning, wiping her out. “Hunter?” Her soft voice reaches out to us.
“Go take care of her,” I say gently. “I’ll go grab coffee.”
He presses a quick kiss to my temple and heads back into the room.
I glance across the hallway and spot Bethany deep in conversation with Bonnie, her voice low, her expression serious. The moment stretches, and for once, Bethany doesn’t look smug. She just looks...resolute.
Our eyes meet.
There’s something quiet in her gaze this time. Less challenge, more calculation. I turn away, heart pounding, and make my way to the elevators.
The ride down feels like it takes hours.
I stare at the metal doors, the hospital lights flickering faintly overhead, the scent of antiseptic thick in the air. All I can think about is the way Hunter’s face collapsed when he said the wordcancer. The way he leaned into me like I was the only thing keeping him upright.
I’ve never seen him look so wrecked.
And I’ve never wanted so badly to fix something I can’t.
By the time I reach the main floor, my decision is made. I need to find a way to be here. With him. For however long he needs. Even if it means reshuffling everything else.
Because I’m not just worried about him. I’min lovewith him.
Somewhere along the way—from fake interviews and made-up contracts to secret glances and unspoken promises—I fell. Hard. And I want to be the one standing beside him through this. Not watching from three thousand miles away while Bethany fills the gaps I leave behind.
I pause outside the cafeteria, pulling out my phone with trembling fingers.
Outside, the sky is a flat, winter gray. It’s Christmas. Everything beyond these hospital walls feels like it’s paused—frozen in place. But inside me, everything is moving too fast. I don’t want to make a choice between love and career. Not yet. Maybe I don’t have to, but either way, Hunter is worth everything.
I scroll to Rebecca’s contact and hit call.
She answers on the first ring. “Peyton! What a pleasant surprise.”
I was expecting to leave a voicemail today, but it’s just as well that I get my answer now so that Hunter and I can make plans moving forward.
"You’re working? It’s Christmas."
"Holidays are when I get the most done, and the news doesn’t care what day it is," she replies. "I don’t have anyone at home waiting on me, and the office is quiet. No distractions from the assistants around here." I hear her adjust in her chair. “What can I do for you?”
I take a deep breath. "It’s about the network deal. Can I do the show from New Jersey? If I relocate."
A pause. "You mean...move?"
"Yes. I need to know if that’s even on the table."
Another pause. "So, the trade rumors are true."
I don’t answer.
