Chapter Twenty
RIVER
“River!” Benita calls, waving me over. “I wanna introduce you to the ladies.”
I set down the bags and walk over, smiling wide. Between having breakfast at the diner and shopping at Dollar General, I’d already met handfuls of people from this small town. I’m actually surprised there are some I haven’t met at this point.
“River, this is Mrs. Hattie and Mrs. Savanna. They’re Aunt Rose’s choir friends.”
“It’s great to meet you both,” I say, reaching out to shake their hands.
They ignore my hand and wrap their arms around me instead. “Oh, River. It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”
“You’re just so darling. Look how big you are already.” Their eyes dart down to my belly, making me feel self-conscious. I’m only in my fourth month, but at my last doctor appointment, I mea
