Page 60 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

“When I heard about what happened, I stopped at a 24-hour store on the way back from my sister’s place. I browsed through the men’s department, looking for stuff for Archer because he’s gonna smell if he can’t change clothes. As I’m looking at the tags on jeans, trying to guess his size, Dallas taps me on the shoulder. He had the same idea. But he called Ava, who told us what size to get. We might’ve gone a bit overboard. But in our defense, it was very late, and we were worried about our friends.”

I want to hug Anderson, but it would disturb Archer’s much-needed nap. “I know he’ll appreciate that.”

“It was even funnier when Dallas and I wandered into the ladies’ department. We wanted to get you stuff, but I’m not good at guessing sizes. And I’m not sure Dallas had even been in that section of the store before. Then Garrett and Tessa walked up, pushing a very full cart. She and Layla had talked and said they had you covered.” He keeps his voice low as he talks. “Then this morning at breakfast, we drew straws to choose who would get to come up to the hospital. I won.” He leans closer and puts a hand to the side of his mouth. “Because I cheated, but please don’t repeat that.”

I tap a finger to my lips. “I’m overwhelmed with y’all’s kindness.”

“Family takes care of family.” He glances at my hand as I play with Archer’s hair. “It looks like y’all worked things out. My sister will be happy to know there was a silver lining to her accident.”

I nod. “It was an eventful night.”

“Well, I should get going. Parker messaged as I was walking into the building, saying something about babysitting his niece. I should get back so I can take care of the horses. But y’all call if you need anything.” He steps toward the door, then turns back. “And Beau said that he and Lilith will be by later. He’s bringing dinner since he knows how hospital food tastes.”

“Thanks.”

Archer lifts his head and sniffs the air. “Pizza?”

Anderson chuckles. “Yep. And like I told Lettie, if you need anything at all, call. I mean it.”

Archer walks around the bed and bear-hugs Anderson. “You were right.”

“Words I love to hear. But I’ll let y’all eat. I need to get back to the ranch.” He waves as he steps out the door.

“Ready to eat?” Archer lifts the lid of the pizza box.

Nodding, I push up to a sitting position. “I’m starved.”

CHAPTER22

ARCHER

Iwake up when the nurse walks in.

“I’m just checking her vitals.” She wheels her little machine close to the bed. After a quick glance at my hand, she asks, “Is she your fiancée?”

“Not yet.” Amazingly, Lettie is still asleep, and I make sure of that before adding, “But I hope that changes soon.”

Not that the idea of my proposing should surprise her. When I said forever, I meant it.

“Well, I think it’s very sweet that you’re staying here with her.” She takes the blood pressure cuff off Lettie’s arm and records the data.

“She’s my person. It took me longer than it should’ve to acknowledge that. Plus, I want to be here if she needs me.”

“That’s wonderful. I’ll turn out the light on my way out.”

“Thanks.” I settle back into my chair, but I don’t close my eyes.

Lettie looks so peaceful snuggled into her pillow. She’s somehow managed to maneuver onto her side. Her dark hair is a tangled mess, and her hands are tucked under her cheek like always. I drink in the sight of her, quenching the thirst I’ve had for years. I’ve missed her.

Apart from her, I exist fairly happily, but with her, I’m alive.

She shivers, and I lean over, pulling the covers up over her shoulders.

“I love you, Lettie. So much. And I’ve missed us.” I press a kiss to her temple, eager for her to be released from the hospital. I need to make a trip to my hometown, but I won’t leave until she’s settled at Beau’s.

Even then, it’ll be hard to leave her.

Getting what I need might be tricky. What seemed like a good idea years ago makes the situation a bit more complicated now.

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