Renee's River | √

61. unveilings & sweet endings

"You're unbelievable," I threw my arms around him. Who even was this guy I called my boyfriend?

"It might shock you to know that one person did all of these, and now's the time to appreciate the artist," she paused. "River Jenson, everyone."

*

I was chewing on an extremely delicious glazed donut when I felt River press a kiss to my cheek.

I smiled, "Hey there, celebrity. How does it feel to be the star of the day?"

He chuckled, "I think I'm done with all meet and greets for today. Want to get away?"

*

"Is it me or does the park look even more beautiful today?" I looked up at the Sky, smiling until I felt a flash go off on my face.

I looked at River who had a smile on his face, putting his camera away. He always said that this was one of the perks of being a girlfriend of a part time photographer, and somehow I was getting used to feeling a camera go off on me when I was with him.

"It's because of you," River replied to my question, pulling me closer to him.

"Stop being cheesy," I laughed, and he was quiet for a while before saying in my ear softly, "You're beautiful."

I felt my face light up in a smile and I wrapped my arms around him, "You smell so good. It makes me happy that you put on the sweatshirt today."

"Yeah?" He flashed a boyish grin at me.

I nodded, "Mhm. It looks perfect on you."

We were quiet for a while, but it was a comfortable silence.

"Isn't it amazing?" River spoke up.

"What is?" I looked at him, curious.

"To think that all it took was a little bakery across the street to bring us together."

"I remember fighting Tanner before I actually started working there because I felt like I didn't need the job. He had told me to try working for a week. If after a week, I didn't like it, then I could stop."

"And after a week?" River looked at me.

I kissed his nose, "After a week I didn't want to stop. Because I knew if I stopped, I wouldn't get to see you again, and at the time I was already crushing on you. Super hard."

He intertwined our fingers and kissed the back of my hand, "I'm glad you didnt stop. I could have either still been in that toxic relationship with Chloe or I could have been alone and not as happy as I am right now."

I smiled softly, "A part of me keeps thanking Kendall subconsciously."

River chuckled, "Is she still with Tanner?"

I shook my head, "They broke up."

"So... how about he and..." his voice trailed off.

"Mackenzie?" I shook my head. "They're not together. But I realized, maybe that's okay, you know? At least they're friends. Anything could still happen."

"That's true."

"I'm grateful for you, though. Thank you for everything. You make my bad days good, and my good days even better. Being your girlfriend is one of the best things ever and I absolutely love who I am when I'm with you... makes me want to be yours forever."

I looked into his eyes before leaning into him and pressing my lip to his neck. I pulled away, now pressing my lips against his, moving them softly against his. I could never get tired of this.

I pulled away after a while and rested my head against his chest, listening to his heart beat. It was so fast.

"Your heart is beating so fast," I told him, and I felt him nod and pull away. Now, he looked into my eyes, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Is something wrong?"

He shook his head, "Renée?" His voice was husky.

"Yeah?" I wondered what he had to say. His grip on my waist tightened and he swallowed, "I- I think I love you."

My eyes widened at his words and I was unable to speak.

"I mean it," he added.

"Does... does that scare you?"

"Not at all," he shook his head. "In fact, I ove the feeling. I never felt this way with Chloe, so I feel like I'm doing something right. Like we're doing something right. And I can't wait to spend the coming days with you. To see where it all leads to... I know that we'll get through whatever obstacles we face. I just want to be with you."

I smiled, "I like that. I want that. And I'm excited."

He looked into my eyes, a smile on his face too. He smashed his lips against mine. I could never complain. I kissed him back just as hard as he did, and I smiled into the kiss when he cupped my face, pushing his tongue past my lips.

After what felt like forever in a kiss we were both enjoying, he slowly detached his lips from mine, his eyes never leaving mine.

"I think I love you too," I said to him.

He rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb, his eyes sparkling as he pressed a kiss to my nose, "Hey, want to go grab some fro-yo?"

I grinned, "You don't have to ask."

*

Authors Note

The End.

I feel so sad ending the book, but thank you so, so much for giving this book a chance. It means the world to me. A bigger thanks for sticking with me even when I went days and weeks without updating.

Be sure to read the next chapter I'll be posting tomorrow!