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I can’t help but think how ironic and strange it is that we’re just now exchanging numbers.
“Please text me when you land so I know you made it back okay. And call me when you get home so I can at least rest easy tonight knowing you’re safe,” he says softly as I hand him his phone.
I smile. “I will.” And this time, I mean it. “Promise.”
Even though he’s dirty, he wraps his arms around me tightly, not wanting to let go, and it’s something I welcome. “Bye, River. Come back to me soon.”
“I will. I’ll keep you updated on everything, too. I’ll give you a timeline as soon as I get my life situated,” I tell him as he loosens his embrace.
“If you need any help with anything, just let me know.” Alex leans in, pulling my bottom lip into his mouth, and sucks on it. He runs his fingers through my hair and kisses me, and my hormones go haywire as I taste him. When we break apart, I realize that’s the goodbye we should’ve had in Key West.
A week has passed since I’ve been home and taking care of business. I’m nervous and have asked myself at least a thousand times if this is the right decision, but each time I speak with Alex on the phone, my heart reminds me it is.
After doing some research and pricing moving companies, which was way out of my budget, I decide to list all my furniture online instead. Then I’ll pack and ship a few boxes of things I want to keep, then donate the rest. Luckily, I don’t really have that much, considering I didn’t spend a lot of time in my apartment except to sleep and eat.
Once I returned from Key West, I kicked out my roommate because she kept bringing Asshole around, and I didn’t want that kind of negativity in my life anymore. I planned to move into a one-bedroom apartment, then found out I was pregnant. Now, I’m grateful I’d been downsizing.
There are only two things left to do before everything is wrapped up in Wisconsin: give my parents the news and say goodbye to Natalie.
My parents live up north, so I call them and ask if they can drive down to meet me after lunch. Even though they’re divorced, I want to tell them together in person.
I’m almost ready to start a new chapter in my life, as odd as it feels. Everything's happening so quickly, which might be the norm when it comes to Alex Bishop, but that’s yet to be determined.
My job was very understanding and allowed me to take the rest of my vacation days instead of working the final two weeks. Leaving was hard, but I took my time saying goodbye to my patients. It was bittersweet.
After I eat a quick bite, I take a bus across town to a coffee shop where I asked my mother and father to meet me. I’m nervous, but I don’t expect either of them to beg me to stay or anything. Since Rylie’s death and their divorce, they haven’t been the same. Even when I was around, they acted like I was invisible.
It’s been years since the three of us have been together, and for once, this is a good reason. Or at least I hope that’s what they’ll think.
When I walk in, they’re sitting at a table, pretending the other isn’t there. They’re not holding a conversation or even looking in the same direction, which kind of hurts my heart.
“Hey, you two!” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
“Hey, River. How’ve you been doing?” Dad asks, standing up to greet me with a hug.
“Good. Really good,” I tell him, giving Mom a hug next before I sit down.
“That’s great, River,” Mom adds.
“How was the drive? Traffic okay?”
Dad purses his lips. Mom narrows her eyes.
“Traffic was fine,” Mom finally answers. Geez, you’d think I asked them to perform a rain dance ritual or something. I know their marriage ended badly, but it’s been years. You’d think that hostility would’ve diminished by now.
“Well, I’ll just cut to the chase since you both have to drive back tonight. I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on,” I say, inhaling a deep breath.
My heart begins to race, and I know I need to spit this out, but it seems like I’m walking through thick honey and can barely move.
“I’ve decided to move to Texas in a few weeks.”
They both stay quiet for a moment until finally, my father speaks. “What prompted this decision?”
“Well…” I pause, wishing I would’ve bought a bottle of water because my throat is as dry as the Sahara. “I recently found out I was pregnant, and the father lives in Texas. We’re going to see where things go between us, but I also want the baby to have him in his or her life.”
