“Riley? Are you okay?”
Riley kept her head turned away, hoping Jennifer couldn’t see her tears. “Yeah. I just need a minute.”
Jennifer rolled them over, draping her thigh over Riley’s hips. Riley felt her hand wiping her tears away, but she refused to open her eyes.
“I love you, Riley.”
“I love you too. So much.” She hugged Jennifer closer, kissing the top of her head. “I never want to move again.”
“I wish we didn’t have to, either, but we only have about another two hours before Emily will want another feed.”
“Well, we better make the most of it then, shouldn’t we?” She tilted Jennifer’s head up and kissed her.
Chapter Thirty-two
Six months later….
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Jennifer asked as Riley pulled the car to a stop alongside the local park.
They were on their way to meet Angela, Richard, and Justin for a picnic. So far, Riley had avoided allowing her two worlds to collide. Her relationship with Jennifer was still in its early stages, and so was repairing her bond with her mother, father, and brother. So far, she hadn’t found the right time to have them all meet, and she was nervous about today. The reality of having everything she ever wanted was within her grasp, but she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. She never thought her mother would contact her again, or that Jennifer would finally admit her love for her, so having all of this happen was a bit much for her to take. It was time, though.
Jennifer and Riley had completed the nursery, and Riley spent most of her time at Jennifer’s house. They were even talking of her moving in permanently. They both still felt Kelsey’s absence, but having Emily made them feel as if she were still with them, at least in spirit.
Riley was shocked to learn she had a lot in common with Richard, and gradually their relationship had improved. They were bonding on restoring on an old Ford Cortina together. Justin helped too, and Riley was thrilled she could teach him things about cars.
Yes, it was time they all met.
She turned to Jennifer and laced their fingers together. “I’m sure.” She kissed her sweetly on the mouth. “You all know about each other and I can’t wait to have my family complete.”
“Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“Never. I love you. Even if you’re too stubborn for your own good.” Riley kissed her again and Emily took this opportunity to let out a giggle. “You get Emily and I’ll grab the rest.”
They exited the car, and after gathering everything up, they strolled across the grass to where they could see Justin chasing after Richard.
“They’re here!” Justin cried as he spotted them. He ran up to Riley and hugged her as best he could, considering she was loaded down with blankets, picnic basket, and Emily’s travel bag.
“Hey, kiddo.”
Angela and Richard came over to them, and after Riley dropped all the gear onto the grass, she made introductions. She took Emily from Jennifer and said, “And this little monster is Emily.”
“Aw, she’s so cute.” Angela glanced up at Jennifer. “Is it okay if I hold her?”
“Of course.”
Riley handed her over and was embarrassed to feel tears fill her eyes at the sight of her mother cradling Emily, and Justin reaching up to stroke the soft, fine hairs on her head.
“Are you okay?” Jennifer asked.
“Yes. Happy tears.” And they were. Riley couldn’t believe she’d waited this long to introduce them all to each other. She took a moment to gather herself and set about spreading out the blanket and laying out the food.
Justin came over to her to help. “Riley?”
“Yes, kiddo?”
“Is Emily my niece?”
Wow. How do I answer that? She turned frantic eyes to Jennifer, who had obviously heard the question, because she smothered a smile. She looked to Justin, taking a moment to think about what she would say. How do you explain to a nine-year-old the ins and outs of biology?
Jennifer saved her from floundering by kneeling next to Justin and saying, “Yes, Justin, she is.”
Riley stared at her, dumbfounded. They had never really spoken about who was what to whom. But it didn’t matter. Emily would always know who Kelsey was and who Riley and Jennifer were to her. Yes, they would raise her, but Riley had no thought of calling herself a mother.
Jennifer continued. “Do you know where babies come from?” Justin nodded and pointed to Jennifer’s stomach. “That’s right, except Emily came from my sister’s belly.”
“Where is she?”
“She died,” Jennifer replied in a soft voice.
“Oh.”
“Riley and my sister were best friends, and Riley is my girlfriend. Do you know what that means?”
“Like Mummy and Daddy?”
“Exactly. So, Riley and I will be looking after Emily like your mummy and daddy look after you, so that makes us her two mummies. Understand?”
“Okay.” Seemingly satisfied with the explanation, he ran off to play football with his dad.
Riley blew out a breath. “Thank you.”
Jennifer took her hand, her gaze settling on Angela, who was still cooing over Emily. “You looked a little out of your depth there.”
“I was.” She kissed Jennifer on her cheek. “Is it true, what you said? We’re her mummies?”
Jennifer turned to her and stroked her cheek. “Yes, sweetheart. She is our daughter. It’s not the way I thought this would go, but Kelsey is gone, and we need to bring Emily up as ours. She will always know Kelsey, we’ll make sure of that, but we need to be the best parents we can be to her.”
Riley thought over her words. She thought she should feel guilty for stepping into Kelsey’s shoes, but she didn’t. She felt proud Jennifer trusted her to be a parent to Emily and lucky she had Jennifer’s love. The road ahead would no doubt be difficult, but she knew that it would be worth it. Jennifer and Emily were worth it. She would do her best to be the greatest parent, lover, daughter, and sister she could be.
She leaned back onto her hands, stretching out her legs as she watched Jennifer and Angela play with Emily, and Richard and Justin kicking the ball between them.
Life was good, she decided. There were things she wished she could change, but it would be futile to wish for what she couldn’t have. She had to accept that fate brought her to this day, and she was going to love every minute of it.
Justin’s voice sailed over to her. “Hey, Riley? You want to play?”
“Definitely.”
She stood, and after kissing Jennifer on her head as she passed, she sprinted off to enjoy her family, and the rest of her life.
The End
About the Author
Samantha Hicks
Samantha currently lives in the south west of England with her best buddy Finley, her springer spaniel. She spends her time writing, drawing, and getting out into nature. Family and friends are the most important thing to her and she finds her inspiration for her stories from those closest to her. Writing has become her greatest passion, and after years of trying to find her confidence, she finally decided to make a career out of it. She hopes to be doing this for the rest of her life. Sam has a thirst for reading, preferring it to almost anything, and she hopes to one day settle down by the beach.
Other Books from Affinity
A Window to Love by Annette Mori
Two life events, two paths colliding, two souls destined to meet. Mandie Carter lives an uninspired life. No passion, no romance, and just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, life throws her a curve. Gail Forrester is barely hanging on. Buried under mountains of debt, only her much in demand architectural designs keep her afloat. Now, they must find a way forward together through what life and destiny has in store for them. Only then can they hope to step into that window to love.
Free Spirit by Erica Lawson
Priory McAllister has fought off boardroom sharks, handled high-pr
essure jobs, and thought she’d seen it all. She found her dream home and couldn’t wait to move in. Unknown to Priory, two ghosts…Rhee and a mischievous Dylan…have inhabited the house since 1935. They have no intention of leaving. Jacey Ryder, Priory’s long-suffering secretary, gets to play referee between her boss and a bossy ghost, as each side try to lay claim to the house. What can she do when an unstoppable force, (her boss) meets an immovable object, (the ghost) besides hope for a peaceful solution? They are like two peas in a pod—two angry, stubborn peas in a pod.
Addicted to You by Erin O’Reilly
Elin Prescot’s dream to be a top fashion designer is finally within her reach—then Marissa Banks enters her life. Snared by her first taste of passion, Elin is consumed by desire for more. Her life spirals out of control until she meets Doctor Aimee Sullivan, who understands all too well what Elin is going through. Can Elin let Aimee into her heart? Or will her addiction keep her enthralled with Marissa? This story explores first love, intense passion, manipulation of emotions, and the gentleness of real love and true romance.
At Last by JM Dragon
A perfume company in trouble, leading to a town in peril. Old Loves. Unrequited Loves. New passions. Can the reclusive Gene Desrosiers save her family company and the people she cares for, even though some are not aware of it yet? Will an ultimate sacrifice win the day, or will Grady end up a ghost town of unfulfilled lives? This love story will warm your heart.
Deuce by Jen Silver
When Jay Reid was in her twenties, she had it all. A professional tennis career, Charlotte, the love of her life and a new baby. Charlotte’s research vessel, RV Caspian, was lost at sea, leaving Jay to raise their child alone. Rescued by a local fisherman, with no memory of her life before, she lives on the Faroe Islands as Katrin Nielsen. Seeing a beached seal one day triggers her memory. Twenty-three years is a long time. Is the love they once shared strong enough to be rekindled or have too many years passed eroding all hope of a happy ever after?
After Dark by Samantha Hicks
Can a love that starts out in terror be real or last? Meredith Ashcroft disappears on her way to a client meeting. Five months later, art gallery manager Stephanie Edwards is also held and tortured by the same sadistic man. Thrown together trying to overcome their shared ordeal, they find themselves falling in love. Is it true love or just an attachment to each other born out of fear for their lives?
The Book Witch by Annette Mori
What if someone had the power to bring characters from a book to life…should they be allowed to glimpse reality? Imara is that person, a book witch who is convinced of her superiority, especially over book magicians. Join award-winning author, Annette Mori, and the gang from Asset Management, The Organization, and the colorful women in The Book Addict to bring you this delightful, magical romance.
Calling Home by Jen Silver
Sarah Frost, director of the Frost Foundation makes her home at a writers' retreat—The Lodge on the Lake. Galen Thomas, who is taking a break from her vet's practice goes to the island to fill the post of handy person. A revelation of events from forty years earlier, threatens what they now call home. Will the lives and loves of Sarah, Berry, and Galen survive the disturbing past legacy?
Reach of the Heron by Angela Koenig
After an automobile accident takes the lives of her parents and nearly her own, Arkadia O’Malley faces a painful recovery. She also seeks custody of her younger sister, Rini, and contends with Irish law. Arkadia’s efforts to reunite with her sister are aided by powerful women from this reality as well as from Elsewhere. Will they find her in time to save her?
From Wind and Water by Laura Kovack
Surrounded by the Lands of Earth, Fire, Water and Wind is the Seventh Kingdom. All but Earth have rulers. A new enemy threatens all Lands and it is imperative to find the last ruler of Earth. Morgayne, ruler in Land of Water and Ventus, ruler of Land of Wind, form a tentative relationship in this quest. Will they allow or deny their feelings in this fantasy adventure?
The Book Addict by Annette Mori
This is a captivating story of Tanya, a young woman whose life is without any friends or lovers. When she meets Elle, the alluring owner of the new bookstore. Tanya is immediately infatuated with the mysterious woman. Maybe, the books won’t be the only thing enchanted if Elle allows the magic of love to enter her heart.
Colors of Rage by Nanisi Barrett D’Arnuk
Dr. Kailyn DeKendran, head of the Acoustic Research Department, and her sister Jayanta, are drawn into a fray of unrest. When Kailyn disappears, family and friends band together to find her. Time is running out, and the riots are getting more violent. Will they find Kailyn before it is too late to put an end to the madness that has overtaken them?
Naomi’s Soul by Renee MacKenzie
This is the second book in the Karst Series and picks up where Kai’s Heart left off. Everyone is still struggling to find the balance between reconciliation and guarding. Warrior Naomi Adams is on a routine mission for the Peace Movement when a devastating earthquake strikes her contingent. She will need to dig deep to find the strength to move past what has split up her party.
My Starlight by Loryn Stone
If only we could have met sooner…
Orly Kochav likes nerdy things including beautiful girls. When she meets Danielle Cohen, the rising attraction to her threatens to make Orly question every choice she’s about to make.
True North by Ali Spooner
Cam’s story continues as the Gator Girlz business thrives under her leadership. Will self-doubt jeopardize her relationship with Luce? Will a devastating injury to Sandy end her career as a gator hunter or open a door to love? Join the St. Angelo family for a third adventure to find out more about life, loving, and family in Bayou Country.
The Dream Catcher by Annette Mori
What if all your dreams—the good ones and the nightmares—came to life in the real world?
Heaven is a Dream Weaver, and that is her reality. She meets the alluring Maya and the powerful Dream Catching sisters. Time is running out for Heaven. Who she can trust? Can the lovely Dream Catcher Maya protect her or is Heaven truly on her own?
Gator Girlz by Ali Spooner
In the sequel to Diamond Dreams, Cam St. Angelo finished her freshman year on a high. Her softball career is on path and everything seems to fall in place for Cam and Tab as the new school year and softball season take off. All too soon, unfortunate events at the home front force Cam to leave college and her softball dreams behind. As always, it’s family first.
eBooks, Print, Free eBooks
Visit our website for more publications available online.
www.affinityrainbowpublications.com
Published by Affinity Rainbow Publications
A Division of Affinity eBook Press NZ LTD
Canterbury, New Zealand
Registered Company 2517228
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two
About the Author
O
ther Books from Affinity
Unknown Forces Page 19
