Taming River

Chapter Thirty Nine

*I'm sorry😳

KAILEE POV

I woke up to the sound of off-key music. Rubbing my eyes I got up and made my way to the room with the piano. Tears filled my eyes at the sight of her.

"Riv?" I called out to her.

Her head turned to me, a dorky smile in place. "I'm sorry, baby. Did I wake you?"

"When did you come back? How did they find you?" I asked, still standing by the door.

She patted next to her. "Come sit with me."

I went to her and sat. She kept messing with the keys, giggling when she messed up.

"I missed you." I whispered, I wanted to touch her but I was too scared to.

"You're the very best thing in my life. Did you know that?" She faced me. "I wanted to come back to you, I tried to but I couldn't." I watched as she smiled the saddest smile I've ever seen. "You're going to be okay. It'll only hurt for a while but then you'll be okay."

I shook my head, my tears falling. "What are you talking about? Where are you, baby?"

"I'm right here, love." She placed her hand over my heart. "I promise, I'll always be right here." She wiped my cheeks with her other hand then cupped my face. "I love you." She whispered, my eyes fluttering shut at those words. "I love you so much. I should've said that sooner. I wanted so much with you, Kailee. The house, dogs, kids running around. I would have loved to marry you."

"We can still have that, you just have to come back to me." I cried.

"I can't come back."

"Don't say that. Ma and my dad are looking for you. Everyone is looking for you." I sobbed.

She shushed me, placing a kiss on my forehead. "I like Rilee." She spoke after pulling away slightly. "Do you like it?" She grinned.

I was confused and heartbroken. Why was she smiling like that? "Riv,"

"It's the perfect blend to both our names. Yeah, I like it." She started messing with the keys again.

I sat, taking her in. As beautiful as ever, I loved everything about this girl. "They're going to find you." I choked out.

She shook her head. "Not in time, baby." Her smile faltered, then widened. "Play me something, I love hearing you play. Please, love?" She gave me her puppy eyes and a pout.