A Life On The Edge

Love, Life, And Peace of Mind

I woke up that morning not as cold as I had expected to be. It's been a while since I've been in this house. The last time I was here I was River's age and Johanna had just discovered boys. I smiled at the memories. I know Ohio is a long ways from home, but we had to get out of that state. Plus after being buried alive well...I wanted to get far away from sand. This used to be my mom's room, and now...it was ours. I looked down at Riley and smiled. We got here just yesterday, it took us a while to get here but we did it. All eight of us and our new Pitbull Swagger. Being in this house...it brings back so many memories.

Being in this state.

Most of our family was living in Ohio when Rory passed, so he was buried here. Riley was still fast asleep on my chest. Exhausted from what I can only assume was her life. But everything is okay now. Chris is...Chris is dead. That lifted a huge weight off even my chest. She was free of his chains and no one had heard from Kelly after a fight he had with Chris before what happened in Helmsdale. But I don't really care. All of that is in the past now and this...I smiled down at Riley's little baby bump, this was our new beginning.

Just the way I saw it in my dream.

I tried to get out of bed without waking up my sleeping beauty but after all she's been through lately she's become sort of a light sleeper. She grabbed my hand and pulled me back to bed without opening a single eyes.

"No." was all she said and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Go back to sleep." I chuckled pushed the hair out of her face. God damn it she was gorgeous.

"I can't without my pillow." She groaned. I smiled at her.

"I have to go do something but I'll be back before you know it."

"We've been driving all day. It's 7:30 in the morning, where could you possibly have to go?" I paused and thought about it for a minute.

"You know what, come with me." I smiled.

"What?"

"Come on. I want you to come, bring River too. He's awake anyway. I hear his little feet exploring with Swagger." She gave me a tiny smile hidden underneath that glare.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise."

"Okay," she said sitting up with a yawn. She was so fucking cute I just don't know what to do with her. Fuck, that baby of ours is going to be gorgeous. I hope it's not a girl. Blake and I are going to have to walk around with guns holstered to our hips. I rolled my eyes, like he doesn't already. "I'll come," she said. "As long as we can eat first."

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Checkers." She smiled.

"It's called Rally's in the north but okay. There's one on the way." I stood up and got dressed. I gave Riley a coat. She's lived in Arizona all her life, I don't think she realizes how intense weather can get out here. "Does it usually snow in October?"

"No, not usually but its Ohio so...you know." She giggled. I went to help her into the car and she swatted my hand away.

"The fuck are you doing?"

"Helping you in."

"Why? I can get in a car by myself Lyle." She laughed. "I'm 3 months prego, not 7."

"I don't know if you're fragile."

"When have you ever known me to be fragile?" she scoffed with her hand on her hip. I smiled.