Page 119 of Red River

"Well, he’s not wrong," River admitted, still amused. "But yeah, you probably shouldn’t be wandering around alone too much. Someone’s bound to start looking for you soon."

"Okay, I’ll go. And sorry for taking your violin—it’s just really beautiful."

"It’s okay," River said with a small, thoughtful smile. "It was a gift from my dad. It’s important to me." He cleared his throat. "But if your parents agree, you’re welcome to use it more often." He flashed a bright, reassuring grin.

When Avery left, I turned to River. He looked a little flustered, biting his lip and shifting from foot to foot.

I had to ask. "River, is this what you really dream about? Teaching music? I already know you’re definitely not a fan of working in customer service."

River nodded shyly. "Before I met Thomas, I wanted to get into college for Music Education. After my escape, I still played on my own—a lot—but Thomas said the sound drilled into his head, so I practiced in the basement."

I muttered a curse under my breath.

"He wanted me to focus on handling clients’ matters, even though I hated it…" He paused for a second. "That’s why I was so grateful when you told me I should take a break from work. I despise working as a consultant."

"It’s messed up that he pushed you into something like that when you were passionate about music. I really think that if this is something you want to do, you should follow where your heart is leading you."

River looked at me melancholically. "I love working with kids. I liked teaching my brothers how to play. I went to a musichigh school, but I have no formal higher education in music. Thomas opposed it—he wanted me to get an associate degree in Communications and Business Administration, seeing it as more practical."

He lowered his head, his body tense.

"From what I remember, one of Oliver’s cousins owns that preschool," I said carefully. "Maybe he could put in a good word for you? You could visit the kids and get them interested in music—just in a fun way. I heard you can play more than just the violin… You know a bit of keyboard and guitar too, right?"

"Yeah," River nodded. "In my family, we were always taught to play a few different instruments. It helps when you’re playing with a band, so you can sync up better. I even know a little banjo… and a bit of harmonica."

"Then it’s settled. I’ll talk to Oliver about it if this is something you really want."

There was a small glint in River’s eyes. "Archer… that’s nice, but what I really want is to have more kids. I’ve always… I just want to focus on family. I never wanted a big career—that kind of life is way too stressful for me. I’d rather treat work as a hobby."

"I’m totally on board with that," I reassured him. "But if you do want to work in some capacity, even just part-time, to get out of the house, and grow in music, I wouldn’t mind at all. I just want you to be happy—doing something that actually brings you joy every day."

River looked a little intrigued. "Well… if there’s a shortage of music teachers around here, maybe I could fill that gap… and help out at the preschool a bit?" He smiled innocently.

I nodded, then let my gaze drift down to his chest. "But for now… maybe we should get back to working on the other part of your wish. A bigger family?"

River bit his lip and whispered, "You know, we never actually talked about how many kids you want…"

"River, you already have five kids. I doubt you want to double that. However, whatever number you give me, I’ll welcome them with open arms." I smiled warmly at him.

He tilted his head slightly, a playful sparkle in his eyes. "Well… Riley’s already in college. In two or three years, Igor will be off too. That’ll leave us with just three at home. I wouldn’t mind filling in those gaps as we go." He smirked mischievously. "Then Van will go to college and… another free spot? And Lake always wanted a little brother. I bet he’d love to help out."

"So… what kind of number are we talking here?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

River nearly snorted with laughter. "Well, I always wanted to beat my dad’s record by at least one! Or two!"

"Hold on, let’s do the math," I teased. "That would mean… four? Five?"

"Why not?" River shrugged. "If you’re up for it!"

I grinned. "River, that idea makes my heart so damn happy. And you have a point. With the kids being so spread out in age, our house wouldn’t be too chaotic… at least, not in a way that would stress you out."

River looked delighted to hear that.

"And I would make sure you have help, River. Oliver will be here to take some of the burden off you. Not everything would be solely on your shoulders. You’d still have time to relax and take care of yourself. I’ll make sure of that, I promise."

He reached out, placing a hand on my forearm, his gaze impish. "So… where were we? Halfway through our plan? Or really… just at the very beginning?"

I pretended to listen to something. "I think I can hear those monsters in the dungeon. You know, there’s one big ogre among them. If he were to break free…"

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