This feels super weird. And if this is a prank by my brother – tricking me into writing a letter to the parallel universe love of his life, then I will be seriously fucked off.
I’m kidding. I know he’s telling the truth. Because nothing else can explain the changed man that returned to Oakley Ranch a year ago. And, he tells me, that’s thanks to you. Which means I want to thank you too – for making him happy and for convincing him that he’d be much happier teaching. You were right. He is, and the Oakley Riding School is a huge success.
River tells me you wrote a whole series of books about my life? I have to say, I am a little creeped out by this but nevertheless hope I was good company. I love the idea that I’m somehow connected to someone in another world.Someone I will never ever meet. Makes me feel special! And, like I said, a little creeped out.
Lots of love,
Cassidy Calhoun
Owner, Oakley Ranch
With shaking hands I press the letter against my chest. Cassidy! Oh my God. This isnuts. Cassidy? I have a letter from actual Cassidy! And she says that River’s riding school is a big success. So does that mean—
Squish starts barking madly, his tail thumping rapidly against the duvet.
‘What is it, Squish?’ I ask. And then I hear it. A familiar rumble of deep, sure laughter from outside my door. My heart leaps with joy, but my body freezes in case I’m having a hallucination, because how could one person bethislucky?
There it is again. My favourite sound.
Scooping Squish into my arms, I dive out of the door and into the hallway where – as if it’s completely normal – River steps out of Mrs Casablancas’ apartment, Mrs Casablancas close behind him.
When he sees me, he drops the huge suitcase he’s holding, eyes lighting up and immediately filling with tears. We stand across from each other and just stare. Quite unable to take it in.
It’s him.
River Oakley.
River.
‘You came back!’ I breathe.
River shrugs, swallows hard, eyes crinkling with delight. ‘Well, you see, I had to. Needed the ribbon of my hat replacing.’ He points at the hat on his head. ‘Thought I’d go for navy blue with green rhinestones this time.’
‘I am going to make a new ribbon,’ Mrs Casablancas says efficiently. ‘But there will be a fee, of course.’ She takes Squish from my arms, kissing him all over, much to his chagrin. ‘Maybe I’ll give you a small discount because you brought my dog back to me.’
I run to River, crashing into him, disappearing into his arms as he squeezes me tight.
He’s here. He’s really here.
‘It worked.’
‘It worked, Owl,’ he murmurs into my ear. He pulls back, eyes travelling across my top. ‘Nice T-shirt. Looks familiar. Take it off and give it back right now.’
‘I’ll catch up with you two later,’ Mrs Casablancas beams. ‘I shall wear my headphones so you two can make as much ruckus as you like while you do your rogering. And if my manifestation from last night is also answered, prepare for the sudden appearance of Kevin Costner at any moment!’
Once we’re back in my flat, River reaches into the back pocket of his jeans, pulling out a neatly folded piece of paper – the letter I wrote him.
‘I’ve had a go-bag packed since the day I got back to Bedlam Creek,’ he tells me.
‘A go-bag?’
‘A suitcase full of everything I might need. I’ve been hauling it, and Squish, around with me everywhere, every day for the last year. Just in case you somehow managed to pull off magic for a second time.’
‘Are you serious? Everywhere?’
‘Yep. Didn’t want to be caught again with nothing but a bag of jeans and my daddy’s harmonica. Then when I got your letter, knew you were attempting a ceremony, you better believe I got my things and planted myself by that tree.’
I laugh out loud, pressing my hands against his face, unable to believe that he is real beneath my touch. That he’s actually here.
