His Delicate Love

31

Riley sat quietly on the field, the gentle warmth of the sun surrounding him, a rare sense of peace beginning to take root within him. The Moon Goddess had indeed blessed Windhallow with beautiful weather, and as he breathed in the fresh air, he could feel the last remnants of his anxieties slipping away—if only for a moment. Even though his physical scars had long healed, the mental wounds were still mending. The image of Gil's twisted snarl would still flash in his mind sometimes, and he'd have to shake it off, grounding himself back into the safety of his new life here.

He moved a chess piece thoughtfully across the board, playing by himself until a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Riley."

Looking up, he met Annie's cautious smile and returned it with one of his own, gentle and sincere. "Annie," he greeted, his voice warm but tentative, aware that the bridge of trust they were rebuilding was still fragile.

Annie glanced down at the board. "Can I join your game?" she asked, and Riley nodded, motioning for her to sit across from him. They played in a comfortable silence, each move thoughtful and calculated, as if they were learning how to interact all over again. Weeks earlier, they'd sat together in Annie's home, sharing a quiet conversation over tea. She'd chosen to forgive him, allowing him a second chance, but he knew their bond had changed. They weren't the same friends they'd once been, yet a new connection was slowly beginning to grow, steadier, and more grounded in understanding.

After a while, Riley broke the silence, his gaze flickering up to meet hers. "Are you excited for your big day tomorrow?" he asked, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

Annie's cheeks flushed, and her eyes brightened with a happiness that was hard to contain. "I am," she admitted, her voice soft but filled with an unmistakable joy. "It's still hard to believe it's happening. Killian has been... he's been amazing."

Riley nodded, a genuine warmth in his expression as he watched her. "I'm glad, Annie. You deserve every bit of happiness." His words were sincere, and for the first time, the guilt in his eyes seemed to lessen, replaced by a deep appreciation for this second chance.

They continued their game, the pieces moving back and forth across the board, each of them content in the quiet companionship.

Annie's eyes glistened as she looked at Riley, her voice soft and filled with warmth. "My dress is ready," she murmured, a shy smile breaking through. "I feel so beautiful in it."

Riley held her gaze, his own voice gentle but sure. "Annie... you *are* beautiful," he said, his words carrying an unspoken weight, a sincerity that wrapped around her. "Inside and out."

A tear slipped down Annie's cheek, and her voice quivered as she continued. "Riley... I want you to be by my side tomorrow." Her hand shook slightly as she reached for his. "I still care for you, and I love you. No matter what's happened, I want you there."

Riley's eyes filled with tears, and he clasped her hands, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Of course, Annie," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I care for you, too. And I'd be honored to be there, by your side."

They sat in a shared silence, tears flowing freely, their hands entwined in a promise of friendship, forgiveness, and a bond that had weathered the darkest storms.

As their game continued, a familiar voice broke their quiet, and both Annie and Riley looked up to see Ms. Willow walking toward them, a warm smile lighting up her face.

"What are you kids doing here?" she teased, hands on her hips.

Annie jumped up with a grin, rushing over to give her a tight hug. "Ms. Willow!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with happiness. Riley, more hesitant, lingered for a moment until Ms. Willow gave him a gentle but firm look. "Riley, don't be a stranger now," she said with a wink, extending her arm. Riley's smile grew, and he joined them, wrapping her in a quick, appreciative hug.