After River accompanied Serenity and the children to the airport, Serenity urged him to leave.

“I’ll text you when we board and again when we land in Wiltspoon,” she assured. “With the bodyguards and nanny, I can handle the kids just fine.

“Go on back—you still have work this afternoon.”

Reluctantly, River hugged little Callia one last time. “Lil’ Pie, Uncle River will miss you. You better miss me too when you’re home, okay?”

Lil’ Pie nodded dutifully.

In reality, she would forget all about