Page 74 of River Wild

Carrie

I’m just on my way back from using the public restroom—because being pregnant requires frequent bathroom breaks—when I spot River loitering by a cluster of trees.

He came.

My insides light up.

I change direction and walk over to him. His eyes turn to me, like he sensed me, watching my approach.

He’s wearing his beanie on his head, covering his hair. A black knitted sweater, faded black jeans, and boots. There’s a slight chill to the air tonight. Hence why I’m wearing a knitted hat, coat, jeans, and boots.

I come to a stop in front of him. “You came.” I smile.

“Yeah. Well, I didn’t exactly have a choice, did I?”

He did. He could’ve just not come. But I don’t point that out to him. Because I’m happy he’s here.

He came tonight because he didn’t want to let me down.

And that makes me happier than I can explain right now.

“You missed the parade though,” I tell him, pushing my hands into my jacket pockets.

“Shame.”

“I’m assuming that was on purpose?”

Amused eyes look down into mine. “You would assume right.”

I laugh softly. “It was actually a very good parade.”

“Now, I know that’s a lie.”

“Nuh-uh. I would never lie about something as important as a Christmas boat parade.” I smile widely.

He chuckles. “You’re an idiot, Red.”

“Yeah, I know.” I gently nudge his arm with my elbow. “Hey, why don’t you come over and say hello to Sadie and Guy? They’re sitting out by the lake. You went to school with Guy, right?”

“Yeah, I did. But I’d … rather not go over.”

“Oh. Okay. Well, we can hang here for a while. Or take a walk? Whatever you want.”

“A walk sounds good.”

His eyes look different tonight. There’s an unease to them that I’ve only seen once before—yesterday, when he came over to talk to me.

He was uncomfortable then. He’s uncomfortable now.

“Awesome. Let me just run over and tell Sadie where I’m going.”

Leaving River, I walk quickly back over to where Sadie and Guy are sitting in our chairs, sipping on warm cider.

“Hey.” I tap the backs of their chairs, getting their attention. “I’m just gonna take a walk with River.”

“River?” Guy asks.

“Yes. River.”