Page 16 of The Archer and his Rosebud

“If you need to feed and change her, you’re welcome to use my room for privacy. The bed is made. Help yourself.”

“Actually, my mom sent a pump and these special bottles for me to try a few weeks ago. I couldn’t figure out why I would bother using the thing since it’s not like I have someone to share feeding duties with, but I realized tonight would be a good time to try it out since I can’t feed my breastmilk to Clem. So, I pumped before I came over.” She rubs her forehead. “Okay, that was unnecessary information. I gave you TMI to say, all I need is some water for the formula.”

After cleaning up the kitchen, my boys set up their pillows and blankets on the floor while I turn on a new animation they both love.

“Hope you like Disney movies.”

Willa smiles, and thankfully Clem appears to like them, too. She lets Willa bounce her for the first little bit, mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of changing colors. But her usual fussiness kicks in at the twenty-minute mark.

“Hey.” I get up from the couch and step around the boys’ make-shift bed. “Let me take a turn. You sit down.”

She gives me a shoulder, holding Clem out of my reach. “It’s fine. This is what we do.”

“I think I can handle the task, Willa.” I wink. “You’ll get her all night. I want some Clementine time.”

Releasing the smile she bites back, Willa hands her off and takes my seat on the couch. A few bounces and sweet talking and Clem quiets, allowing me to return to my seat. Willa tries taking her, but I refuse, keeping Clem entertained in my arms.

Her gaze sweeps from my face down to the floor where the boys are riveted on the movie.

“You know…this is what I expected when I had a kid. This family feeling,” she murmurs. “It’s funny the way life works out.”

“Yeah.” I scratch the back of my neck, keeping my voice quiet. “That’s what Leah, my ex, and I wanted, but it wasn’t in the cards for us.”

Keeping my eyes on the TV, Willa’s stare tingles the side of my face, but she doesn’t pry, focusing back on the movie. Ten minutes later, Willa is out, her head lying on the armrest of the couch, her feet working their way under my thigh as she curls up. The new parent life—able to nap any time, anywhere if given the chance. To my surprise, Clem makes it the entire movie, wide awake when the credits roll, soaking up Eli and Nolan on the floor.

I hate to wake Willa, but I doubt she’ll want to wake up in a strange home, and Clementine will need to eat soon. I checked the diaper bag for her fancy formula, but Willa only prepped the one bottle.

Getting to my knees, I tap Willa’s arm. “Hey there, sleepyhead.”

She jolts upright. “What happened? Where’s Clem?”

“She’s fine.” I hold up a hand in surrender and point over my shoulder. “She’s right there.”

Willa glances to the floor and a squirmy Clem. “Sorry.” She rubs her eyes. “I don’t remember what it’s like to not wake up to her crying.”

“The movie’s over. I thought you might prefer sleeping in your bed rather than on my less-than-comfortable couch.”

“Are you kidding me? That’s one of the best naps I’ve had in months.”

I smile, stepping back. “C’mon. I’ll walk you two home.”

As if I clocked her mealtime to the second, Clem starts fussing. Willa picks her up, and I grab the diaper bag, slinging it over my shoulder.

When we stop to unlock her apartment door, Willa says, “Thank you again for today. For taking care of the window. I can Venmo you or get some cash later.”

“Don’t even worry about it.” I hand over the diaper bag. “I broke the window. It was my idea. It’s on me.”

“No, I draw the line there. I locked her in the car. You’re not paying for my mistake.”

“I won’t take your money, Willa. Just accept that I’m a stubborn man and you won’t win this.”

Clementine’s whimpers raise in volume, so I take advantage of her baby’s need to feed and slowly back away. “Better get her some food. I’ll see you later.“

“Archer.” It’s too late to be any louder, so she whispers-hisses, “Archer!”

“Night, ladies.” I smile and slip inside my apartment before she thinks she can win this argument.

ChapterSeven

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