Page 48 of Snowy Secrets

"I'm fine," I assure him, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "Just a little sore."

River chuckles, his fingers tracing the curve of my cheek. "I bet you are," he says, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "You were quite the wildcat last night."

My cheeks flush at the memory. I can still feel the echoes of pleasure coursing through my body. "Speaking of last night," I begin, a hint of curiosity in my voice, "I have to ask…"

River raises an eyebrow, silently urging me to continue.

"You weren't…jealous?" I ask hesitantly. "I mean, I was with someone else, and you just…" I gesture vaguely, unable to find the right words to express my confusion.

River takes my hand in his, his thumb gently stroking my knuckles. "Bella," he says, his voice serious, "I've seen enough darkness and pain in this world. I don't want to add to it."

His words catch me off guard. I've always thought of River as a man who craves intensity, who thrives on passion. But there's a depth to him, a wisdom that I'm only just beginning to understand.

"I want you to be happy," he continues. "I want you to live a life full of joy and freedom. And if that means sharing your love with others, then so be it."

His words are unexpected, but they resonate with me on a deep level. The stage of life where I'm at, I don't think I can survive the confines of a traditional relationship, especially with my main focus being my kid. Freedom and love, together? I thought that was the stuff of fairytales.

Maybe I am dreaming.

"I don't want to cage you, Bella," River says, staring at me with deep eyes. "I want to see you soar."

Okay, this is nuts. Like, squirrel-eating-its-own-tail, cuckoo-bananas, batshit crazy nuts.

This isn't how I pictured my life at thirty. Not even close. A secluded cabin in the woods with three insanely attractive men vying for my attention? Yeah, that wasn't exactly in my five-year plan.

But you know what? It's kind of…exhilarating. Like a roller coaster ride with no brakes, hurtling toward an unknown destination. And I'm not gonna lie, I'm kinda digging it.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. "River," I say, my voice surprisingly steady, "could you round up the guys? We need to have a little chat."

As River heads out to gather Marcus and Wyatt, I hop into the shower, the hot water washing away the remnants of last night's escapades. Standing under the spray, I can't help but sneak a chuckle at the absurdity of it all.

"Who would have thought I'd end up in a real-life soap opera?" I mutter to myself, lathering my hair with shampoo.

After toweling off, I reach for my phone, hoping for a sliver of reception. Thankfully, there's enough for a quick call. I dial my parents' number, a nervous flutter in my stomach.

"Hey, Mom," I say when she picks up. "How's Ginny?"

"Oh, honey, she's wonderful!" my mom exclaims. "She's been asking about you nonstop. Hold on, I'll put her on."

A moment later, Ginny's sweet voice fills my ear. "Mommy! When are you coming home?"

"Soon, sweetie," I reply, my heart doing a happy dance. "I'm just having a little adventure with some friends."

"Are they boys?" Ginny asks, her voice practically dripping with curiosity.

Okay, time to think fast. "Well, some of them might be, but it's really just…"

"They're boys, aren't they?" she interrupts, pure glee in her voice.

I frown at the phone, even though she can't see me. "Are you scowling at me?" she squeaks.

I stifle a giggle. "No, honey. Just…concentrating really hard on my book."

"No, you're not," she shoots back immediately. I can just picture her, hands on hips, brow furrowed like a tiny, determined detective.

"Can I meet them when you get back?" she asks, her voice full of hopeful excitement.

My heart swells, feeling like it's about to burst. I clear my throat and smile through the sudden tears. "Let's see where it goes, okay, sweetie? And if we're asking questions, what time are you going to bed?"

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