Page 19 of The Archer and his Rosebud

Continuing working in the kitchen, Devin’s stare prickles the side of my face. There are many things he could say, I know they’re building up inside, but he says, “He doesn’t deserve either of you, Will. You’re better off.”

I muster a half-smile. There are days when I wonder if that’s true. Days when I look at her and see my stupidity rather than the daughter I’m supposed to love with all my heart.

Devin comes and leans his back against the counter beside me. “When did you feed this little zombie? She’s going to town on my arm.”

“Here”—I pull a bottle I pumped from the refrigerator and run it under warm water—“I think she’s hitting a growth spurt. She’s been eating like a champ the last few days.”

“Think you can handle feeding her?” I hand over the bottle and a burp cloth. She’s not overly fussy while eating, but Devin has less experience with babies than I did, and that’s not saying much. Maybe if I’d babysat as a teen I wouldn’t struggle with her as much.

“Psh, you make it sound hard.”

I chuckle. “Just make sure you keep the bottle tilted this way. That little vent helps with gas, so her tummy doesn’t hurt.”

“Easy peasy.” Devin places the bottle against her lips and Clem swats his hand, turning her head. He tries again, but she does the same thing. I bite back a laugh.

“I thought she was hungry.” He looks at her in his arms. “You’ve gotta be hungry.”

I chuckle. “She hates pacifiers, try again. Sometimes she thinks that’s what I’m giving her.” Breast to bottle isn’t an easy transition, but she takes it in stride.

It takes Devin a few more tries, but Clem eventually cuts him some slack. He sits at the little kitchen table while I get dinner in the oven. It’s fun watching him with her, like he’s the big brother he always wanted to be. If he’s half as protective of her as he is with me, she’ll never be able to date a guy.

Six o’clock on the dot, there’s a knock at the door.

“I think yourneighboris here.” Devin wiggles his eyebrows.

“Shut it. I told you,” I whisper over my shoulder as I walk to the front door. “We’re just friends, so please keep the overprotective brother bit in check. He’s been kind and helpful, and I don’t need you making him uncomfortable.”

Devin raises a hand with faux-innocence in his eyes, but I don’t trust him one bit.

Archer holds up a six-pack of Coke as I swing open the door. “I normally bring beer. I wasn’t sure what you’d like to drink.” Then he pulls his left hand from behind his back. “I also found this popcorn popped in avocado oil, so, no soy. Plus it doesn’t have butter. It might be tasteless, but I’ve got your back, Will.”

“Tasteless or not, it’s the thought that counts.” I accept the popcorn, and though I’m not much of a soda drinker, warm fuzzies assault me at his thoughtfulness. “As for the soda, it’s a good thing my baby brother surprised me.” I widen the door and gesture Archer in. “Devin will appreciate it since all I was prepared to offer him is water or orange juice. Thanks, Archer.”

“Your brother?”

Devin appears, holding Clem and tosses a wave. “Hey. I’m Devin.”

“Oh, hey.” Archer steps in, offering a handshake, and Clem’s head pivots toward his voice. “Archer.” He glances at me while giving Clem’s sock-clad toes a tug. “Willa, you should’ve let me know. I don’t want to impose on time with your family. I know you don’t get to see them often.”

“Nah, it’s cool. Stay.” Devin nods him in and takes the Coke. “Any guy who knows the right soda to bring is okay in my book.”

Archer chuckles. “Glad I didn’t snag the ginger pop instead.”

“Yeah. You’d have been turned away.”

“Devin.” I laugh and tap the back of his head.

“I hope you’re craving a dairy-free, soy-free meal. I made this recipe I found online for sweet potato nachos, though I did put cheese on half for you two. So, not totally dairy-free.”

“Dinner is dinner, and this smells amazing, so I won’t complain.”

I take Clementine from Devin.

“I don’t mind holding her while I eat,” he protests.

“Trust me. She can’t grab anything yet, but her unpredictable limbs won’t make it easy on you. I’ll hold her.”

“I can take her, Willa,” Archer offers as he sits.

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