Page 40 of Red River

"Yeah, yeah, and today I even walked here because my car’s acting up," Oliver cut in with a grin, his wide, friendly face adorned with a few wrinkles.

River held out his hand with a shy but warm smile. Meanwhile, Lake stepped forward to shake Oliver’s hand as well, his expression hilariously serious.

Only after the handshake did he accept a small gift, blinking in surprise as he studied the older beta with a hint of suspicion. But Oliver had the kind, trustworthy presence of a good-hearted gentleman, instantly likable.

"Thanks…" Lake quickly unwrapped the package, revealing a cup with his name on it.

"That’s a really nice gift. Thank you so much," River said, but Oliver just waved him off with a smile.

"I figured, since you’re in a new home, having something personal might help." He glanced at Lake. "Check the other side—it says 'OmegaCat'!"

"OmegaCat! That’s awesome!"

"It reacts to temperature, too! The color changes when you pour something hot into it," Oliver explained.

They immediately tested it with warm water, and Lake was overjoyed.

Then Oliver turned to River.

"Do the kids have any allergies? I’ll start on breakfast."

River hesitated, clearly thrown off by Oliver jumping straight into work. "They don’t. But… I’ll help. It’ll be faster with this many mouths to feed."

Oliver smiled warmly, his face crinkling with laugh lines. "Alright. I’ll handle the eggs and salad, and you can do the toast, okay?"

River nodded, visibly relieved. It was obvious he was used to doing everything himself, and this was almost like a glitch in the matrix—having someone else help.

They started off dividing the tasks fairly, but I watched as Oliver subtly took over, nudging River aside little by little. Before long, River was standing there, hands idle, chewing his lower lip as he stared at the bustling beta. I could almost physically feel his anxiety.

But he made an effort to stop himself from interfering, while keeping the conversation going.

He asked about Oliver’s house and family, and though it was clear he wasn’t used to this kind of situation, he seemed to also appreciate the beta’s cheerful, easygoing nature.

Watching them, I felt a sense of relief. The gray cloud of stress surrounding River wasn't something I could easily lift on my own. But Oliver's presence, with his positive energy, could help lighten the mood. He had a way of making things feel moremanageable, and if anyone could aid River free himself from the overwhelming weight of responsibility he carried—it was someone like Oliver.

Suddenly, Aiden and Van appeared at the top of the stairs.

I could finally see them clearly in the daylight, and once again, I was struck by how handsome all the boys were—not that it was surprising, given River’s looks and how Thomas had been in his youth.

Aiden had curly auburn hair and big steel-blue eyes. He already had a robust frame for a nine-and-a-half-year-old. A few sunny freckles were scattered across his pleasant, friendly face with adorable dimples, and his smile was infectious.

Van was taller and more wiry—his love for climbing had clearly shaped his build. He had short strawberry-blond hair and slightly wistful, dark blue eyes. His facial features seemed strikingly symmetrical, almost perfect.

Both boys had inherited their dad’s fair, rosy complexion.

"I saw ducks!" Lake exclaimed. "And Archer's going to be my father, and he’ll show me the chicken coop, and I’m going to have a chicken that I can name!"

Aiden got excited. "What? I want my own chicken too! You said yesterday you’d buy more chicks! Can I have one, Archer?"

"Yes, we’ll buy more, and everyone who wants one can have a chick and name it."

River gazed at me uncertainly. "Archer, we don’t want to be a bother. Little chicks, it’s a lot of duties—"

"Taking care of animals is a great way for children to learn responsibility. I was planning to expand the chicken coop anyway. Oliver wanted to buy eggs from me, so it was in the plans regardless of your stay."

Oliver eagerly nodded.

"I’ll name mine OmegaHen!" Lake shouted.

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