#Chapter 100: Unchained

The shock of water up my nose cools my passions enough for fear to set in. What have I done? I basically shoved Caleb under the water. He’s going to be furious. He’s going to – My rush of thoughts is abruptly halted as Caleb yanks me up and out of the water. I brace myself, expecting to be yelled at. Instead, his chest shakes against my ear as a sound I’ve never heard before – at least not genuinely – escapes his lips. He’s… laughing. I look up at him to be sure, and…yes. His lips are curled up, his eyes squinting slightly, his mouth open. Genuine booming laughs, bright and happy, are coming out of him. If I wasn’t seeing it for myself right at this moment, I wouldn’t believe it. He’s happy. He’s playful. He’s… having fun? Cradling me against his chest, bridal style, he carries me to the edge of the river. Once there, he lowers me down onto his stretched out flannel shirt. Unlike where I had left my clothes in a neat pile, Caleb had left his shirt stretched out as far as