Page 121 of River Wild

“For being here. For being you.”

A tear runs from the corner of my eye.

He tugs me closer to him and lies back against the sofa, bringing me with him. My bump rests against his hard stomach. I lay my head on his chest, just listening to the steady beat of his heart.

His fingers start to run through my hair. I suddenly feel exhausted.

“What color is your hair naturally?” he asks.

I tilt my face up to look at him. “Blonde.”

He holds some strands of my hair up, rubbing it between his fingers. “I can’t imagine you as a blonde.” He looks into my eyes. “I like the red.”

“Yeah, I do, too,” I say, lowering my face back down.

I snuggle in closer. He wraps his arms around my waist and strokes his fingers over my bump.

“What was your name before you changed it?”

“Annie.”

“Carrie suits you better.”

“I think so.”

He’s silent a moment. “Carrie … I want you to know that I …”

He stops, and I hold my breath, waiting for what he’s going to say.

“You will always be safe with me. You and Olive. I will never let anyone hurt either of you.”

I place my hand over his heart. “I know. I trust you, River Wild.”

He exhales softly and presses a gentle kiss to the top of my head.

“I trust you, too, Red.”