Page 126 of Tangled in Vows

Evie: I hate we’re not there for you today.

Me: I’m okay, I promise.

Me: Olivia, Archer, and I are settling in for our Rocky marathon.

Evie: Pictures, or it didn’t happen.

I let out an amused huff but comply, taking a quick picture of Archer on the other couch and a selfie of Olivia and me.

Evie: Well, that’s cozy. Can’t wait to be back and hear all about what’s been going on.

Phoenix: Is Archer wearing my shirt?

I look over at Archer and the “I like my men morally grey” shirt and press my lips together.

Me: Yes?

Phoenix: Tell him he’s a dead man.

Evie sends several laughing emojis.

Evie: Archer told Phoenix he lost it after he “borrowed” it.

I turn the phone to Olivia and show her the messages, smiling widely when she laughs at the exchange.

Me: Maybe I shouldn’t tell him then. I don’t want to ruin the surprise.

Phoenix: Fine.

Evie: They’re calling me for my sound check. You guys have a good day, okay? Let us know if you need anything.

Phoenix: Say the word, and I’ll call the pilot. The plane and crew are on standby, and we can be there in six hours.

Evie: Say hi to the others. Love you. And tell Olivia the new song she sent me is absolutely amazing. More notes and fangirling will follow soon.

Phoenix: And keep me updated about the meeting with Zeno tomorrow. Whatever you need is yours.

Me: Thanks, guys. Love you.

Evie sends a heart GIF, and I turn off the screen with a sigh. I know Archer and Olivia are here with me, but I do miss seeing Evie and Phoenix as often as we used to. Between Evie’s career taking off and Phoenix often using their trips to scout out more possible locations for our Foxhole Foundation, they’ve been jet-setting all over the country and globe.

Olivia bumps my shoulder with hers, watching me with big eyes. “All good?”

I nod, glad she interrupted my thoughts. Turning to Archer, I tilt my chin toward the large screen at the front of the room. “Let’s get started.”

“You got it, baby.” And then, in true Archer fashion, he opens his mouth and yells, “Adrian!” at the top of his lungs.

I take one of the fries and throw it at him, hitting his temple.

We all laugh as the opening sequence plays.

When the credits of the fifth movie roll, I check my phone to see it’s past midnight.

Another year has passed. Another day has started. Another chance to make good choices.

Love you, Irene.

Olivia and Archer are passed out, and I leave the latter but pick up Olivia to carry her upstairs to our bed. The lazy click-clack of paws behind us lets me know Stormy is following, ready to go back to sleep. We took her outside between the movies, but after she ate her dinner, she settled in with us for good.

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