Page 31 of The Archer and his Rosebud

“This is too hard. I need help!”

Nolan and I burst into laughter at Eli’s grunted shouts.

With the boystuckered out in their sleeping bags, I settle into a chair around the dwindling fire and breathe in the pine mixed with lingering smoke. It’s a beautiful night. We’re lucky the weather’s on our side for the weekend.

My phone beeps from my pocket, and I pull it out.

Willa: Get eaten by a bear yet?

It’s a little after 10:00. Is she up feeding Clem or just can’t sleep?

Archer: A deer took a nip at me, but I’ll survive.

Willa: You really gotta watch out for those ferocious creatures.

Willa: Are you guys getting back tomorrow or Monday?

Archer: You can admit it. You’re lonely without me.

Willa: I will neither confirm nor deny.

My grin can’t help but take up my entire face.

Archer: My offer still stands.

Willa: Even if I wanted to, you do not wish to camp with an infant. I know you don’t.

Archer: Drive up tomorrow. It’s less than an hour away. You don’t have to stay the night. Just a little fresh air for you and my favorite girl.

Willa: I see what this is. You’re using me for my baby.

Archer: I will neither confirm nor deny.

Her reply takes a couple minutes, and the longer she goes, the less likely it seems she’s going to agree.

Willa: Send me the address.

ChapterEleven

WILLA

In black leggingsand loose-fitting floral tee, I step from my car onto the dirt and weed parking spot at Archer’s campsite. Eli and Nolan come running, meeting me by Clem’s passenger door, hollering our names. As I unbuckle her, Archer hip-checks the boys out of the way and steals her from me, Clem’s limbs squirming as soon as she sees him.

“There she is.” He gives her his finger to grip. “Hey, sweet girl.”

“Hey.” I smirk.

Archer lifts a humored smile and winks from beneath a navy ball cap. “How was the drive? Did Clem do okay?”

“We had a crying match about ten minutes in, but she calmed down and fell asleep for most of the drive. The bumpy roads into the park jostled her awake.”

Eli and Nolan crowd Archer, trying to get Clem’s attention.

“Well, you got me here.” I rest my hand on my hip, swinging the diaper bag onto my shoulder. “Now, what are we going to do?”

“Are you hungry?”

While I feed Clem,Archer grills some hotdogs over a grate on the firepit. Nolan helps him while Eli settles in one of the camping chairs beside me.

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