Page 55 of Archer

Hitch barked out a laugh. “Sure, I don't. Do you still need me to check your kitchen faucet?”

“I thought you were going to do that tomorrow,” Elton said. Honestly, I felt like I was watching a tennis match.

Hitch shrugged. “We’re both here, so we might as well get it over with.”

Elton shrugged like he didn’t care one way or the other, but he hopped right up. They said their goodbyes and made their way out of the bar, too. “Daddy, what was that?”

Archer chuckled. “You get used to them.” He held out a hand. “Are you ready to go home, sweet boy?”

Home. The place I officially lived inside the most beautiful old hotel in the world with the most perfect man for me. “That sounds good to me, Daddy.”

“Did you speak to your brother today?” he asked as we weaved our way out of the bar.

“I did. My mom’s distraught about what happened, but my dad’s still being stubborn. I don’t know. Ben’s really upset about the whole thing, and he keeps saying he doesn’t know what he’s going to do.”

It hurt that I hadn’t heard from either of my parents yet, but I wasn’t sure what I’d say to them if they reached out. My dadcrossed a line, and my mom knew it. Until they apologized, I didn’t have anything to say. Between Archer and Ben, I knew now that I deserved better. I was allowed to make my own choices, and they needed to respect that.

He hummed. “Okay, why don’t you invite your brother over to our place for dinner sooner than later. I’d like to get to know him, better, and it sounds like he could use some brother time with you.”

Gah. He was the best. “I’d like that.”

We strolled through the lobby toward the grand staircase when I noticed a blank space on the wall where one of his owl photographs used to hang. “Daddy, did it sell?” I pointed to the empty space.

A huge smile spread across his face. “It sure did. I'm going to miss seeing it there, but it’s always nice when someone appreciates the photographs I've taken enough to purchase one.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“And I’m proud of you, sweet boy. The studio’s growing and you’re taking more time for yourself.”

“Only because you helped me with a website and advertising, and you’re helping me learn how to put myself first.”

He smiled down at me and winked. “That’s literally my job as your Daddy, sweet boy.” He frowned. “I just realized; I've never given you a picture of your own.”

“Ah, you have so many beautiful photos hanging in the condo, plus I get to see your art all through the Windsor.”

“I know, but that it's not the same,” he said, sounding disappointed in himself. That wouldn’t do.

Stopping, I turned toward him and wrapped my arms around his waist, tilting my head up to meet his beautiful blue eyes. “As much as I always wanted one of those pictures for my own, it's not necessary. I’ve already got something even better.”

“And what's that?” he asked.

“I won the photographer’s heart.”

“That you did, sweet boy.” He rested his hand against my chest, right over my heart. “And you entrusted me with yours. I’m not sure life gets much better than this.”

For us, I didn’t think it possibly could. “I love you, Daddy.”

“And I love you, my sweet boy,” he said, then sealed it with a kiss.

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