All We Have

Prologue

Rob

Fifteen years ago

"Julian, darling, stay by Mummy's side," their mother called.

"But, Mum, I don't want to be near the water!" Rob's nine-year-old brother argued.

Their mother's nostrils flared in annoyance. "Arthur, could you please get that boy of yours? He's going to fall into the Yarra!"

"Julian." Their dad chased him as Julian laughed like he ruled the world. He ran along the riverbank until their father caught him. "Got you!"

"I let you get me, old man!" Rob turned his head to see Julian on their father's shoulders. "You know you're only nine. You shouldn't call me old man yet," his dad said looking up at Julian.

"If you say so, old man."

"Robbie, honey, are you listening?" his mother asked in her calm and soothing voice. His mother was the only person who ever really called him 'Robbie.' He loved it. It made him feel special. His brother and father used it occasionally but not like his mother did. Otherwise, everyone called him 'Rob;' it sounded more grown up and he liked that, too.

She was the best mother known to anyone. And he smiled at the way her light blue eyes sparkled at him.

"Yes, Mum," he replied.

His mother smiled proudly as she handed him an oar. "You're the grandson of a world champion. Whether you want to row for fun or as a sport, it's all up to you, my love."

Rob gazed out at the rowers from the row club gliding their boats through the water so effortlessly. He'd overheard them at the club talking about the upcoming world championship and winning gold at the Olympics. Rob wanted to do that when he was older. He wanted to make his mother proud.

"I'm going to do that, Mum," Rob said. He turned to see her staring at him.

"Do what?"

"I'm going to win you a gold medal. You're going to be proud of me. You'll see."

His mother stood up and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "Robbie, I'm already proud of you. You do what makes you feel like you'll be a proud man someday, okay? You be a good man when you grow up," she said into his hair.

He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her with as much love. "I promise, Mum." 

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Hey everyone! It's been a while. So many of you wanted to a preview into the other books in the Thirty-Eight Series. I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get to making that possible for you. I hope you enjoy a look into Rob and Ally's story. <3

P.S. I have no idea how Wattpad works anymore. It's so different!