20. Huntley
Chapter Twenty
HUNTLEY
River was a warrior through and through.
It had been a night filled with so many moments and her strength—something I didn’t think she realized she had in spades—shined like a beacon on a dark night.
From the panic attack I was sure was caused by a flashback, to the scene in the car as the song played and Bre sang, and then to rushing to her daughter's aid when she was scared out of her mind.
But it didn’t end there.
She’d been courageous enough to let me stay in her home to make sure the whole family was safe, something I knew took great courage. Then she’d made her way to me, alone, to be near me, to talk to me and more than that, to hear me.
When I told her about my mother and me, the warrior came roaring to life. Only thing was, it was fighting for me, not herself. She had cussed, raised her voice, and she made me believe what she was saying.
I knew without a doubt that had my piece of shit father been in front of her right then, she’d have gone toe to toe with him .
On my behalf.
And even after all that, she asked for something monumental.
For her and for me.
River asked me to kiss her. A first for her and so unexpected I’d almost denied her, worried that I’d scare her or she would regret it later.
But I saw the plea and need in her eyes. And I couldn’t deny her anything.
Our lips met in a quick, gentle kiss, but one that was no less earth-shattering.
While some may consider it a fraction of what it could have been, I knew what it truly was.
The best kiss of my life.
Because it had been with River.
And after all of that, I got to hold her against me for a long while. Although, as soon as she slipped away, back to her room, I knew it hadn’t been long enough at all.
River, my warrior, belonged in my arms forever.