Page 126 of Red River

"I only know what I heard from Skye. And Skye’s a great guy, top student. Your other brothers seem to be doing well too—some are programmers, one’s a director at DevApp, and some are musicians with actual careers."

River nodded slowly. "So… even if their parenting style didn’t work for me, it worked for my brothers. Fa and Dad… they weren’t bad parents. I was just the misfit. I’m happy my siblings turned out… okay."

He sat quietly for a moment, gazing out the window. Then, finally, he said, "I’m trying to let go of how I used to feel about the past. Nobody is perfect, and I surely shouldn’t criticize others when I’m not a perfect parent myself. So, I think I’m getting there, Archer. Because more than anything, I miss them—even with all their… imperfections." A small, hesitant smile crossed his lips.

"I hope one day you’ll be ready to meet them," I murmured. "I don’t think Fate put us on the same path for no reason. I want to build more than just a home with you, River. I want you to thrive. And that includes healing your relationship with your parents."

River closed his eyes briefly, exhaling softly.

"I love you, Archer…" he whispered suddenly. "It may seem quick, but it’s what I feel. And it’s strong! As strong as… you."

"And I love you, my Red River. My turbulent, vibrant, perfect mate."

He grinned, and I saw another tear on his cheek.

"I dream that one day I will be able to tell him about you," he confessed. "My dad… He would be ecstatic for me. My disagreements were always with my father. But my dad… he tried so hard to make me feel safe, but the house was justtoo chaotic. He was really amazing, gentle, and loving. Very… omega! I miss his closeness. I miss him."

"One day, you’ll tell him about us."

River sighed. "Yeah… I think I’m getting there. To meeting them. Both. Not today. But soon."

RIVER

The next day, not long after I woke up, I told Archer—who had just returned from his jog—that I’d decided to announce my pregnancy.

The boys already suspected it, but I wanted to use it as a way to ease them into a bigger conversation about family.

After taking a shower, I stood in front of the mirror and, for the first time, truly noticed how much the True Mate bond had already changed me. My skin looked smooth, healthy—almost glowing. I appeared to be twenty-two. Not that I’d ever had wrinkles, and even before this, I didn’t really look my age, despite being thirty-eight.

It wasn’t a dramatic change, not like with Day, for example.

We’d been exchanging messages ever since their visit, and he’d shown me pictures of himself from before he met Jan—the difference was insane, like he’d aged backward two decades.

My transformation was more subtle, more like someone shedding years of stress and exhaustion, regaining their natural vitality. But still, there was something youthful about me now, a certain freshness and softness I hadn’t seen in myself since my early twenties.

And, really? I was starting to love looking at my reflection. My complexion was delicate—some might even call it luminous. I glanced down at my body and almost nodded in approval. Ihad never been too thin or too chubby, just somewhere in the middle. And now, my slightly soft curves seemed even more pleasant and appealing.

"Liking what you see?"

Archer’s voice reached me from behind. He stood in the bathroom doorway, amusement flickering in his eyes.

I giggled and was about to cover myself, but before I could, Archer was at my side in an instant, swiftly tugging the towel away.

"Beauty should not be concealed…" he murmured.

He was now right behind me, his head just above mine in the mirror.

"I was just contemplating how much the True Mate magic changed me," I admitted.

"Not that much, to be honest. You looked twenty-seven before—now you seem to be maybe five years younger. It’s not a huge difference."

I pouted, and the moment he noticed, he fought back a chuckle.

"Well, that was meant as a compliment," he assured me. "You were already mesmerizing when you got here. I never minded how you looked, River. You were beautiful then, and you’re beautiful now—just a few years younger. But the charm was always there."

"Maybe it’s because I’m a child of a True Mate couple. They say we age about ten years slower than everyone else."

"Who knows? Whatever the reason, you were always perfect for me, River."

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