Lindsey was momentarily taken aback by the tenderness in Sumner’s gesture, causing her to avert her gaze swiftly.


    His disys of affection always caught her off guard, making it difficult to maintain herposure.


    Unable to reciprocate his love, she pretended as though nothing out of the ordinary had urred.


    They remained seated at the hilltop for a while longer, soaking in the tranquility of the moment.


    Eventually, Lindsey gently assisted Sumner back into his wheelchair, and together they made their way down the hillside.


    Paige remained anxiously waiting in the ward.


    As the door was pushed open from the outside, she promptly rose to her feet.


    Upon witnessing Lindsey wheel the unscathed Sumner inside, she finally let out a sigh of relief, her tension dissipating.


    “Sumner, where were you? Why didn’t you inform me? I’ve been beside myself with worry!”


    Sumner began to apologize, “I’m sorry, I-“


    “Sumner just needed some fresh air.


    We wandered a bit far and lost track of time,” Lindsey interjected, smoothing over the situation.


    Bunny Bookery


    Sumner averted his gaze, lips pressed tightly together.


    Grateful that Lindsey was already looking out for Sumner, Paige felt a wave of relief wash over her.


    With Sumner safe and sound, her anxiety lessened.


    She regarded them both, raising an eyebrow.


    “Since Lindsey is here, she can stay with you.


    I’ve been fretting all night, and now I’m feeling tired.


    I need to return and rest.


    ”


    In truth, she hoped to leave them alone for a while.


    “Mrs.


    Lopez, please go and get some rest.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Don’t worry, I’ll stay with him.


    ” Lindsey assured her.


    With Leonel by Juanita’s side, there was no pressing need for her to stay.


    “Then I’ll take my leave,” Paige announced, casting a significant nce at Sumner before briskly exiting the ward.


    Once Paige had departed, Sumner turned his attention to Lindsey.


    “Lindsey, could you check the inner pocket of my coat for the business card?”


    “Let me assist you to bed first.


    ”


    After settling Sumnerfortably, Lindsey retrieved his coat and swiftly located the business card in the inner pocket.


    “I didn’t realize you kept it so close.


    ” Lindsey remarked as she handed the card to Sumner.


    Sumner smiled gratefully as he epted the card.


    Gazing at the name “Brady Lawson” on the business card, his expression grew somber.


    After a moment’s contemtion, he retrieved his phone and dialed the number printed on the card.


    Brady immediately picked up the phone, and upon hearing Sumner’s voice, he sprang to his feet, startled.


    Casting a quick nce behind him, he spotted Rachel dozing off in the room and let out a quiet sigh of relief.


    “Mr.


    Lawson, I apologize for thete call,” Sumner said with formality.


    “If you’re reaching out at this hour, it must be important,” Brady responded, his voice hushed as he settled back into the couch.