Where We Left Off (Phoenix Falls, #1)

by Sapphire Hale

“And if not,” I continue conspiratorially, thinking back to his garage, “I’ve already seen where you keep the murder tools.”

Get me out of this house.

He hangs my jacket over the chair and then drops to his knees, undoing the laces on my shoes before sliding them off my feet.

“Why do you keep saying that I ruined everything for us? How can you say that? I would have done anything for you.”

“Hey quarterback,” I tease and he gives me a cocky flash of perfect white teeth. “Hey wife,” he says, and he presses a firm kiss into my neck.

I should never have believed him, I think to myself. I knew that this was too good to be true. My trust. My faith. My fault.

“River, I’m in lo-”

I notice that the crucifix chain that he always wears is wrapped around his fist instead of hanging on his neck, and I wonder why he took it off.

No more skirts, I think to myself as I round the next corner, clutching onto my bag for dear life. No more skirts.

I’ve been in love with you for my entire life.

You let go of the good, but now it’s time to let go of the bad. I will be making this up to you forever River, starting now, but most importantly I want you to know that you have options.”

The sun burns a little brighter on my back as I drop the shirt and pants onto the floor, and lean across the quilt to pick up my dress.

But I know this song all too well.

“River, your ride out front is blocking the road, if you would be so kind as to move it.” I’m half-tempted to lob my shoe at him. “I don’t have a ride out front,” I grit out.

RIVER. Just like he always said he would.

“I love you.”

“I’ve wanted to do this since you were fourteen years old,”

“I can’t wait to make you my wife.”