Page 10 of The Archer and his Rosebud

Eli shakes his head, giggling. “Da-ad, you buy those bags. Not the real stuff.”

Oh, this kid. “Bagged salad is real stuff.”

“That’s not what Kurt says,” he mumbles, his attention caught by something. “Can I get my free cookie?” He points toward the deli where the sample sugar cookies are on display.

“Sure, kiddo. Grab me one, too.”

Not what Kurt says.Leah’s new husband is pretentious as hell for a man who grew up in the swamps of Louisiana. If he didn’t treat my ex and the boys well, I’d say something, but while he might be a bit high and mighty for my taste, he’s never done anything I can fault him for when it comes to Nolan and Eli. Co-parenting is hard enough without the parties disliking each other. Leah and I learned that years ago.

Keeping Eli in view, I push my way over to where Nolan eyes the tables of desserts. “You’ve been standing here for a good five minutes. Tough decision?”

“Can we get muffins and a cake?” He looks up at me with his mother’s eyes. Once upon a time, it drove me crazy seeing a hint of her in him. The animosity between us was too strong to look past. These days I’m reminded of the girl I knew in high school. The girl who shared all my firsts. His eyes and his trouble with making decisions, that’s Leah. The rest is me or unique to Nolan.

“I already promised ice cream. You want muffins, cake, and ice cream?”

“We are with you for a week.”

“Sure, and you two will have me driving to Hannah’s Custard at least two of those days. Make a decision, and let’s get moving.”

Nolan sighs before opting for a two-layer yellow cake twice the size of the ones he was looking at when I joined him.Smooth kid.

* * *

Having droppedthe boys off at my apartment with our groceries, I make my way to Willa’s with her bags. The moment I step into the hallway, Clem’s cries reach me. She’s the energizer bunny of crying.

Knocking with my fingertips, it takes Willa a minute to answer. When she does, she’s in less disarray than I’ve seen her the last couple of times, but her eyes remain underlined with dark circles. Her hair spun into a messy knot on the top of her head, her legs clad in navy leggings and a whimpering Clem cradled in her arm.

I hold up the plastic bags with a tentative grin. “Your grocery delivery, milady.”

Willa attempts a smile, but it’s only the curve of her mouth. Her eyes don’t rise with it. “I can’t believe I let you do this. Thanks, Archer. This was sweet and super helpful.” She steps aside, and I head to her kitchen, resting the bags on the counter.

“Do you want me to put everything away for you?”

“Buy my groceries and offer to unpack? You are a knight, and I can’t take advantage of that. Leave it. I’ll get it in a second.”

Stalling in the middle of the kitchen, I shift my weight. With the serenading of infant tears, one would think I’d want to get the hell out of dodge, but something about Willa and Clem makes leaving impossible. With the slump of her shoulders and the vacancy in her eyes, it’s obvious Willa’s tired, delirious even. And back in the day when I was home, I remember what staying up all night with Nolan was like, just to repeat the exhaustive schedule the next night. But at least during the day, there was a reprieve. And I had Leah, so we could at least trade-off. Willa has no reprieve. No third and fourth hand.

“Is there something I can do for you or her?”

“No, Clem just woke up from her nap and ate. This is what we do.” Willa bounces from side to side, trying to pacify her daughter, but when the cries seem to dwindle, she lets out another wail.

“You know…I’m going to take the boys to the park in a few minutes. There’s a pond and ducks. Would you want to come with us? Get some fresh air, a little sun on your face? It might help Clementine.”

Lines form on her forehead, her head tilting as she pinches her pale lips to the side.C’mon, Willa. I know you need a break.“That’s really nice of you to invite us, but I think we should stay in today. I’m going to give her a bath. That tends to make her happy.”

Not wanting to push, I nod. “Okay. If you change your mind, we’ll be tossing a baseball around for an hour or so. Come join us. And you know what…” Using the pad and pen affixed to the fridge, I jot down my cell phone number. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call or text.”

“Sure.” The way she says that one word, I doubt she will, but I feel better knowing she can get a hold of me. “Thanks.”

“All right.” Walking by Willa, I pat Clem’s head. “Be good to your momma, will ya?”

Clementine’s blubbering quiets, her eyes searching until she finds my face, blinking away tears. “Yeah, I’m talking to you, little one. Give her a little break.”

Willa chuckles. “Why can’t I quiet her like you do?”

“You will.” I meet her weary eyes and head for the door. “Okay. I’ll let you do your thing. Take care, Willa Rose.”

Clem’s cries pick up with the closing of the door, and tension settles between my shoulders.

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