Ryan's embrace was warm and steady. He gently patted my back, comforting me little by little.

His deep, soothing voice broke the silence, "Gabby, I know exactly how you're feeling right now."

He paused, then let out a soft sigh, "Honestly, I wanted to keep this from you—to protect you from the truth. But sooner or later, you were going to find out."

"Life, death, sickness—none of us can escape them." His hand moved slowly across my back, his touch ...