** Paige’s POV **

Ryder appears not long after we finish eating, his hair still damp from a shower. His shirt clings to his chest, like he didn’t dry off properly. He looks exhausted, but more himself than yesterday. His eyes find mine, and he smiles.

“Hey,” he says, his voice still a little sleepy.

“Morning,” I smile. “You look better.”

He steps into the room, leaning down to kiss the top of Jaxon’s head as he passes. “I feel better. Slept like a ...