Page 96 of Red River

"I don’t even have to say it," he said softly. "Because I’ve been gone for you since the moment I saw you. No matter how ridiculous that sounds… it’s always been there."

I swallowed. "I’m yours, Archer."

He simply nodded.

Then, a thought struck me.

"Archer… I wanted to ask you something."

He arched a brow. "Shoot."

"That little islet on the lake… you know, the one with all the trees. Wanna go there tomorrow? Just you and me. We’ll bring a blanket, pack some picnic stuff… make it a real date."

Archer smiled widely.

"Tomorrow, I’ll pump up the pontoon."

***

Early in the morning, we picked Igor up from the hospital.

He was different. Quieter. More thoughtful. And definitely way more well-behaved than usual. I noticed the way he glanced at Archer—almost shy, with a hint of admiration and gratitude.

When we brought him home, Milo was already there with the rest of my boys, waiting for him. They welcomed Igor warmly—Lake even kissed his cheek. I raised an eyebrow at the surprisingly tight hug Milo gave Igor, but I decided not to overthink it.

We all sat down for breakfast, inviting Oliver to join us. The conversation stayed light; no one directly brought up the fact that Igor had nearly died, but it lingered in the air.

There was an unspoken understanding between us, a quiet appreciation that we were all still here together—that Fate had spared us from another tragedy.

Not long after we finished breakfast, when I started getting ready for our island picnic, my phone unexpectedly rang.

The name on the screen shocked me.

"Sam?"

"River."

A short but intense silence. It was almost hard to believe that he had called. So soon? After that tedious convo? A bit strange.

Then, he let out a heavy breath.

"I saw Igor’s video blowing up online."

"Oh."

"I’m really sorry this happened, and I just wanted to check in… How are you holding up?" His voice wavered slightly.

Hearing that Igor had already posted his video—probably still lying in his hospital bed—brought a mix of frustration and unease.

But I had to say something to Sam. Even though I appreciated the gesture, the hurt from our last conversation still lingered, and I wasn't ready to make up.

"I gotta say, I’m a little surprised you’re calling, Sam. After our last talk, I didn’t think I’d hear from you… ever again. You made what you think about me very clear."

Maybe I could’ve risen above my feelings, but the hurt was still way too fresh.

Sam was quiet for a moment before speaking softly.

"River, you know I love you…"

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