Page 141 of Red River

I had spoken with my father too, but not as much. The most honest conversation was still waiting to happen. But in the ones we had already had, they both admitted they regretted tryingso hard to stop me. Looking back, they thought it would have been better to accept my choice and just support me through the consequences. They had been caught in a dilemma—should they keep pushing, trying to show me the truth? Or should they let me believe the illusion, just to keep me in their lives?

They thought they had made the wrong choice—because they lost me.

And I knew I had made the wrong choice—because I lost them.

It had been a true stalemate.

About a month later, after getting to know Archer a bit more, Dad said something unexpected to me that revealed a bit more about their initial reluctance:

"Your father and I always thought you’d end up disappointed with a dominant alpha. But seeing that Archer is your True Mate… we’ve come to realize maybe you knew something about yourself that we missed. Omegas are very different—some want a more equal partner, some want a strong leader. I guess we just had trouble accepting that you were one of those who wanted to submit."

"I guess you see submission differently than I do. There’s a negative undertone to that word for so many people. But the way Archer understands it… that’s a whole different world."

"I see that now. And I can appreciate the wisdom of Fate, who set you both on the same path. I’m happy you found exactly what you need."

My conversations with my father had been much shorter and… less clarifying. So I guess there was still something left to explain.

***

That evening, after feeding my son, I sat in bed with him in my arms while Archer took the boys out to practice. He never skipped their daily physical activities together. Even Sam’s son, Steve, who was Lake’s age, had become interested in the practice and joined them, treating it as a fun time with Uncle Archer.

A knock on the door—and a moment later, my father stepped inside.

Anyone looking at him would never guess he was over seventy. The magic of True Mates made him seem no older than his late thirties—maybe forty. His chestnut hair was free of gray, his face nearly wrinkleless except for a few expression lines at the corners of his silver eyes.

He walked over and sat beside me, his gaze soft as he looked down at the baby.

"How are you feeling, River?"

"Great. I gave birth in an hour—I don’t even feel tired!"

"Have you picked a name?" he asked, gently brushing his finger over his grandson’s cheek.

"The boys suggested Red, Rusty, Draco, or Roan… but I’m fond of Phoenix. Because it means rebirth, transformation, and a new life. Archer is a new force in my life, a new beginning for me, and my child is a manifestation of our union."

"I like Phoenix," he said. "It’s a fiery name. In Greek mythology, the Phoenix represented an immortal fire. And… Aiden means ‘little fire’ in Gaelic. It could be a nice link—how a small flame grows into a great blaze in the next generation."

He smiled a little sentimentally. I hesitated, wondering if I was reading too much into his words. But there was sorrowlingering in his eyes. I knew we kinda needed to have that conversation.

"I know you ran away because of me, River," he said slowly, his gaze still on little Phoenix—I was already getting used to that name.

"I had years to think about it." He sighed. "Sometimes, I thought about it every single day. About the mistakes I made. About how I failed to give you the space you needed to feel happy and safe."

"You didn't fail our family, Fa. You provided for us. We had a comfortable life. We were loved and taken care of. And look at my brothers. They all turned out to be good people. They got their education, built solid careers. They’re good partners to their loved ones."

"But I did fail you."

I closed my eyes. "I was a peculiar kid, Fa. Nervous and sensitive. Very different from my brothers. When Thomas promised me the perfect world, I naively fell for it. If anyone failed, it was me. I misjudged him and set myself up for a hard path."

"You searched for something you didn’t have at home. When Uncle Van lived with us, it was an eye-opener for you—a different kind of family dynamic, and I know it clicked for you."

For a moment, I delved deeper into my own feelings. "Maybe Uncle Van helped me discover what resonated with me, yes. But I should have approached it more wisely, been more patient, instead of running away."

I sighed and stroked Phoenix’s little head.

"There’s one more thing I need to say. I had time to reflect, Fa—to really look in the mirror. I was so critical of your parenting methods, but when it came to being a parent myself… I was far from perfect. The way I handled Igor’s latentMusthwas terrible. It was Archer who saved the day. I was lost and chaotic.I expected the impossible from you both and fell short in my own parenting. The worst part is, I failed to see you wanted the best future for me. I should have listened to your parental advice—that Thomas wouldn’t be a good provider or protector."

Father sighed. "It may sound cruel, but I’m glad you’re no longer with him."

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