Finally Found the Words

Riverbend High Happy Endings Book 2

Emilia Preston is used to multitasking—helping rotate grazing on the family farm, studying regenerative farming practices, wading through sibling chaos. She speaks her mind and holds her own.

Until her academic confidence is subtly undercut.

Do her ideas matter less because she’s a girl interested in ag science—or because she’s a girl with Latinx heritage? Emilia doesn’t cause drama… but she might have to.

Tyler Alred clowns on the outside and stays quiet on the inside.

About the dad he barely remembers. About his mom’s immigration status. About how it feels to be seen—really seen—by a girl like Emilia.

When life in the same small town, starting the same high school, in the same small North Dakota town keeps pushing them together will Emilia and Tyler start to share what they’ve been keeping in. Notes. Truths. Memories. Wishes. And in the middle of basketball season, a season of self-doubt, a border crossing, and one impossible goodbye—they begin to say what matters most.

What you never thought you were saying is what you meant all along.

What They Never Thought They Were Saying…

• “I see you.” → Being truly known / quiet emotional intimacy

• “You’re the only one I actually want to text.” → Banter as a love language / emotional texting

• “Your family’s chaos doesn’t scare me.” → Found family / falling for the whole crew

• “I read what you wrote. Twice.” → Falling through words / creative vulnerability

• “Here, you can borrow my notebook.” → Small gestures, big feelings

• “You’re not alone in this.” → Immigration + identity support / soft solidarity

• “I didn’t mean to stop talking to you.” → Second chances / slow-burn friendship-to-more

• “You always show up.” → Emotionally available love interest / trust built slowly

• “I like the way you see the world.” → STEM girl romance / falling for her mind

• “It wasn’t just a basketball game.” → Hidden meanings / quiet emotional stakes

• “You matter more than the plan.” → Dreams vs. love / choosing each other anyway