Married at First Sight

"Romina, you're overthinking it. I stand by what's right, not just by family. I'd never help River trap you. I just told him to be nicer to girls. Even if you two don't get along, you're still a girl. He probably just started with you. Either way, you'll get used to it eventually. Let's go. The more you're afraid of him being nice, the more he'll use that against you."

Serenity took Romina's hand and started walking. After a few steps, she turned back and said, "River, bring the kids along."

She hadn't brought a nanny, so she had River take care of the baby. It was also a chance for Romina to see how good he was with kids-it might even earn him a few extra points.

River picked up Belle and reached for Maverick's hand, but Maverick didn't need any help.

"Uncle River," Maverick asked quietly, "why is my mom being so nice to Aunt Romina? Aunt Romina hit you before, and you said she's your enemy. Since you're family, that means she should be our enemy too. So why is Mom being nice to her?"

River glanced at the two women walking ahead, then said calmly, "Kiddo, this is the mysterious heart of a woman—like trying to find a needle in the ocean. Even I don't know what your mom's thinking. Just follow along and try not to upset them, okay?"

Maverick nodded. "I know. Dad always says not to upset Mom. If Mom gets mad, we're all in trouble. Dad's clearly stronger than Mom, but he's still scared of her. Whenever she looks serious, Dad gets nervous."

River chuckled. "Your dad isn't scared-he just spoils her. One day, when you grow up and fall in love, you'll understand. That's your dad's way of showing love. It's a good thing. You should learn from him."

Maverick thought of his other uncles, who were all the same way with Aunt Serenity. Even Grandpa and the older uncles-whenever Grandma was upset, they all panicked.

He suddenly had a realization. "Uncle River, is this like a family tradition for the men in the York family?"noveldrama

River laughed. "Yep, you got it. It's our proud tradition."

Maverick grinned. "I get it now. I'll definitely carry on the York family tradition when I grow up."

River praised him, "You're a smart one, buddy. Good job figuring that out."

Then Maverick asked, "Uncle River, when are you going to find us a Seventh Aunt? Grandma says you, Uncle Alex, and Uncle Rowan still aren't married. She keeps telling me to ask you when I see you."

River sighed internally. Why is Grandma nagging the kid about this? He's still so young. Don't let the little guy make fun of me later.

He replied, "Uncle River hasn't saved up enough for a wife yet, so I can't marry and give you a Seventh Aunt just yet. But once I've earned enough, I promise I'll find you one."

Maverick blinked. “What do you mean by 'wife money'? Do you mean actual money? How much do you need? My sister and I have money—we can lend you some, Uncle River."