Chapter 1
Riley's POV
I stand alone… taking in a deep breath. The breeze flowing by, the sound of the water by my feet. This is the right thing, I keep telling myself as I do every morning. I've cried so many times in my life that I'm surprised I have any tears left. Here I am again, crying…
I don't even realize the sound of footsteps running up behind me.
Someone tackles my waist.
"Momsy!" Zoë exclaims clinging to my waist.
"What are you doing up? It's so early," I laugh bending down and moving the hair from her eyes.
"Not tired, I like being outside in mourning like you Momsy!" she says sweetly as she hugs me close.
Five years old, big blue eyes, long curly hair, my little angel. It's just her and me; it always has been and always will be.
She doesn't know it, but today is the anniversary of the day we came here, just her and me.
I'll tell her when she's older, I'll explain why I came here before she was born, why I live as if I've always lived here, why I never speak of my life before, why she's only met her father twice but doesn't remember because she was a baby.
"Momsy are you alright?" she asked looking up at me.
I hold her tightly, "Of course darling I'm fine!" I smile.
"Momsy can I go to work with you today ple—ase," she asks with big eyes, gosh she looks like him when she does that face.
"I guess," I say sarcastically.
"Woo hoo! Thank you Momsy! I can't wait!"
I laugh, "Why don't you go inside, I'll come in and make you some pancakes in a minute okay."
She smiles widely and runs up the sand and to the house.
I sigh…
Today is the day that five years ago I unwillingly left the man I loved. I didn't have a choice at the time, I don't regret leaving… I just wish I could see him again. I wish he could see Zoë. I wish Zoë could finally see him. But I know this is impossible. Bruce and I made a choice five years ago, the most painful choice I ever made…