The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 1681

McNeil’s mind snapped back into focus as he turned his gaze towards Bryan, who was chuckling at something on his phone. His cheeks turned a rosy red.

"Who's that from?" He probed.

Startled, Bryan stood up and cleared his throat. "Ah, Dad, give me a moment. I need to return a call to a friend. I'll be back to continue our chat in a bit.”

Without waiting for his father's response, he swiftly exited the room, phone in hand.

McNeil, being a man of experience, could tell that his youngest son was head over heels for someone.

Even Bryan had someone special, yet Balfour, his eldest, lived like a monk. A grown man of thirty who had never been seen with a girlfriend was a bit troubling.

Perhaps the failure of his own marriage had influenced Balfour's views on love, making him indifferent towards it.

Sigh.

Once out of the hospital room, Bryan asked the security guard to keep an eye on the door and walked towards a quieter spot to make his call.

It was a text from Ida, asking about his father's condition. The fact that she cared for his family's affairs delighted him. It felt like she was genuinely concerned about him.

After a few rings, Ida picked up. She barely managed a "Hello" before Bryan blurted out, "Ida, I miss you so much!"

Ida, who had intended to inquire about McNeil’s condition, was taken aback by Bryan's confession and fell silent.

From Bryan's tone, she could tell that Mr. Howard was probably well on his way to recovery.

Bryan pushed her to speak after a few moments of silence passed. "Ida, say something."

Adjusting her glasses, Ida replied, “What should I say?”

Grinning, Bryan teased, “Say you miss me too.”

Ida gave him nothing but a dry laugh. “As long as everything is okay with your family, I'm relieved. Stay home and take care.”