Page 143 of River & Rue

Madrone Island is lush and beautiful, and Eva and Wilder’s small, gated community is no exception. Despite the wealth of its residents, there are no ostentatious mansions or clear-cut grass yards. Each house is unique, large but not excessive, and they blend beautifully with the surrounding nature.

Pulling my gaze from a charming trail leading toward a community park, I smile at River.

“This place always reminds me of PAC.”

“Me too. All we need is a coyote who loves cheese.”

I smile wistfully. “I hope Lenny’s pups are doing well.”

“With a mom like her, I’m sure they’re freakishly intelligent and well fed. But speaking of Lenny, how would you feel about driving down the coast next week? We can stop and see our favorite coyote, visit Maya and Dan in L.A., then⁠—”

“San Diego to see Ivy?”

He grins and nods. Squealing with happiness, I throw my arms around his waist.

“I love you, River Ashburn.”

He kisses my head. “I love you too, Rue St. James Ashburn.”

“Shhh!” My heart pounding, I peer around the empty street.

He snorts. “I don’t think the cats in the bushes will spill our secret.”

“Maybe not, but the twins have followed us on walks before. We can’t be too careful.”

The only person who knows we’re married is Katherine; she called to congratulate us as we were walking out of the courthouse. Neither of us were terribly surprised, and before we could ask, she promised not to tell anyone.

“Do you regret it? Eloping?”

The words, and the worry in them, shock the paranoia out of me.

“Of course not! Do you?”

He shakes his head, the tightness around his eyes releasing. “I’d marry you a hundred more times. A thousand. Every day for the rest of our lives.”

“What about after?”

His lips curve. “Forever and ever, Rue.”

Grabbing his face, I pull him down for a kiss.

“I’m sorry for freaking out. I know it was my idea—I just thought it would be nice to have a little reprieve before everyone starts throwing parties. But I think the secret is wearing on me.”

“No! Really?”

I roll my eyes. “Point made. But we’re telling Ivy first.”

“Naturally.”

Smiling down at me, he trails a fingertip over my cheek, then gently turns my face to the left.

“Want to check out this house?”

I stare at the house, then stare at him, then stare at the house again. There’s an empty real estate sign near the road. Huge trees and native plants everywhere. And beyond the curve of a circular driveway is the most beautiful house I’ve ever seen.

My mouth opens and closes.

River chuckles. “You’re so cute when you glitch.”