Chapter One Hundred and Eighty - Secrets from Jerry

Drawing the chair closer, I stared at Jerry as he repositions himself to lay back on the bed, before closing his eyes.

I searched his tired features and as much as I want to drag information from him, about why Adian should keep me safe, I realize I couldn't. I shouldn't put this extra stress on him. I have gone all this time ignorant of all that's happened, so I could hold on some more.

He's going to be having some kinda of heart surgery soon and I won't be responsible for anything going wrong with that.

Adian would never forgive me.

"You belong with us Hailey, never doubt that." Jerry suddenly breaks into my thoughts and I frown at his sleeping form on the bed.

Jerry opened his eyes and caught me staring at him before I had the chance to feel guilty, because I was so lost in my thoughts.

When I didn't respond to Jerry's comment, he continued.

"I heard you and I know that's why you remained to babysit me" he laughs and started coughing lightly.

Reaching out, I grab his hand, "hey please don't get sick on my watch, please" I pleaded with him, worry lines already creasing my forehead.

Jerry started laughing much more heartily and I tried rubbing his back to help him relax and thankfully, this time he didn't cough.

Jerry relaxed and smiles at me.

"I know you've got many questions and my knowledge is very limited plus I'm unable to say much, but I've watched you grow up from afar, hoping you and Adian would find your way to each other." Jerry muses softly, his eyes glassy as he speaks.

"I knew once Adian saw you, he would be captivated." Jerry winks at me, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "And I am not talking about outward beauty here, but inward beauty," Jerry nods in agreement with his words. "You are a beautiful and humble young woman and watching you interact with the children at the home, especially Emmy, confirms your compassion for others despite your mood." Jerry says sharing his assumption of me, which he got from observing me over the years.

"You watched me from afar?" I repeated, shocked that I wasn't a surprise to the family.

Chuckling softly, "yes, I did and so did Ryan," Jerry confesses.

"We both knew your father would not have approved of Adian for you, but my boy is a good man and I knew he will always treat you right, once you never betray him." Jerry continues with a stern look and I am wondering now, if it's because of his upcoming surgery, that he's saying all this, now.

Squeezing the hand he held mines in, "maybe we should leave this conversation for another time," I suggested softly, as a new thought occurred to me.

Why won't my father approve of Adian and I? I was quick to pickup and how would Jerry know this?

"Because he won't want Amelia's son tarnishing his beautiful baby girl." Jerry says seriously and I blushed looking down in embarrassment.

I spoke my thoughts out loud, again.

Deciding to go for it, "why does Adian need to keep me safe?" I asked softly, my head still bowed.

"You're worth much more than you actually know." Jerry responded in the same soft tone. "In fact, you're worth more than Adian." Jerry continues and I raised my head in confusion.

Shaking my head in denial, "I don't understand, why are you telling me all of this, now?" I asked nervously.

Adian and I are partners and whatever we own, belongs to each other.

"Adian and I are together, we share everything we have, with each other." I answered Jerry, turning my eyes towards the doorway.

I want to know everything, but I think Adian should be here, with me.

Jerry followed the direction of my eyes,

"Don't worry Hailey, he'll be back soon, along with my better half," Jerry smiles confidently, turning back to me. "So when are you going to give Ryan the good news?" He asked and I blushed again.

"I... I" I stuttered nervously, "I was under the impression Adian was going to do that earlier, but hearing about your upcoming surgery threw him off, I think." I shrugged casually, feeling my tummy growling softly.

Jerry eyes darted towards the doorway, before reverting to me, "Ryan mentioned Ameila had a houseguest last night and from what he overheard, they were awaiting Adian." With raised eyebrows, Jerry searched my face for a reaction.

Nodding, "yes, I heard Ryan mentioning it to him earlier, but Adian didn't react or respond, so Ryan changed the topic." I answered as honestly as I could, aware that Adian would the be the most appropriate person to have this conversation with.

Hoping my face didn't reflect my thought, I grinned at Jerry.

"Yeah, nice save" he chuckles, "those dimples is your ticket out of any jam." Jerry says closing his eyes, as I kept my gaze on him, I knew he was awake, but he was restless as his eyes kept blinking feverishly.

Reflecting on the conversation I just had with Jerry, I smiled, my mind on Emmy now.

I must ask Adain to take me for a visit at the home.

Do I mention the baby yet to her?

Jerry's eyes flew opened and I spun around as we heard voices and footsteps coming towards the room.

I turned to meet Jerry's eyes nervously only to see his eyes reflecting the same sentiment as mines.

Taking a deep breath, we stared at each other in silence.

Jerry's wife was the first to rush in, her eyes watery and I moved aside for her to reach him. Slowly backing away, until I bumped into the hard wall of my husband's chest.

I turned around quickly, "is everything going to be okay?" I asked fearfully.

Smiling with a twinkle in his eyes, "yes," Adian whispers, chuckling, happily.