Page 21 of The Archer and his Rosebud

“Are you kidding me? My boys love birthday parties, and it doesn’t matter whose. If there’s cake, they’re happy. And they love Clem and Willa. Hanging out with y’all is a pleasure.”

Devin offers a smile. When Willa asked if I wanted to join in on his birthday fun, I couldn’t say no. What kind of eighteen-year-old boy flies to his sister for his birthday? I wouldn’t have. He’s a rare one. I can tell. As much as I love Paige, I’d have spent my day with Leah and my friends, doing God knows what. As it is, my day was spent finding out I would be a father.

While Eli and Nolan play on the jungle gym, Willa swings with Clem strapped to her chest in a stretchy wrap sling. And miracle of miracles, Clementine doesn’t seem to mind. That’s progress.

“Did y’all have fun shopping and eating your way around Church Street last night?”

“Yeah.” Devin watches Willa with an occupied look in his eyes. “It’s good spending time with my sister. Haven’t done that much since she lived at home. Willa’s been a little different, though.”

“Different? Different how?” I light the grill.

“She’s just not the sister I’m familiar with. Willa’s a lot of things. Smart, outgoing, determined as hell, but I haven’t seen any of that the last couple of days. Normally she’s given a problem or challenge and faces it head on. No matter how difficult it might be. She’s a go-getter, you know, full of life, and there’s been no life in her.”

He runs a hand over his sandy brown hair and hands me the tray of beef patties. “It’s probably the new mom stuff. Clementine is pretty exhausting, and I haven’t been taking care of her for the last two months. Just…something’s nagging at me. My sister is an affectionate person. Hell, she clung to me for five minutes when I showed up Thursday afternoon. I don’t know much about babies, but Willa doesn’t love on her or play with her like I’ve seen other moms do.” His hands rise on the defensive. “Don’t get me wrong. She takes care of Clem and makes sure she’s fed and clean, but there’s like a disconnect, maybe? I don’t know what I’m saying. I’ve never had a baby. What do I know? I’m just a teenage kid.”

As I season the burgers, I glance over at Willa on the swing set. At first glance, she looks like a mom having fun with her baby, enjoying the summer sun, but when I study her, Willa doesn’t look at Clementine or touch her, not even a kiss on the head. With her hands glued to the chains, she pumps her legs while her mind is on another planet. I’ve been brushing off her behaviors as exhaustion, but is there something I should be worried about?

Devin shrugs. “Who knows? Maybe it’s our dad. He left when we were so young. I think it’s messing with her head and probably the way she sees Ty.”

His bitterness when mentioning his father keeps me from prying, but I can’t stop from clarifying. “Ty?”

“Yeah. Tyler. Clementine’s dad.” He must notice the lack of knowledge in my eyes because he says, “She hasn’t mentioned much about him to you, has she?”

I shake my head. She hasn’t so much as mentioned a name before, and asking feels like crossing a line. A line she’s uncomfortable crossing.

“Well, as you’ve probably figured out since he’s not in the picture, he’s a real jackass. Not the type of guy I ever expected her to date. And to end up pregnant? Willa deserves so much more. And so does Clementine.”

Spend five minutes with them and anyone would understand what Devin means. There’s something special about those two.

“Thanks for helping my sister, Archer. She’s mentioned you’ve done a lot for them, and it’s all my mom talks about. She’s grateful, too, though she’s a bit skeptical considering your age difference.” He runs a hand down his mouth. “But, she’s been so worried about Willa being on her own with Clem, I think she’s giving you the benefit of the doubt.”

“I’d never take advantage of them, Devin.”

“I can see that. After spending so much time with her these past two days, I’d be worried, but knowing she has you next door is reassuring.”

Rubbing my nape, I shrug. “I don’t do more than a good friend would, and with a sweetheart like Clem, lending a hand is easy.”

The edges of Devin’s mouth tilt up. “I know Willa says nothing’s going on between you two, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing, would it?”

Avoiding answering, I ask my own question. “Did your sister tell you how we met?” Devin shakes his head, and I relay the afternoon that changed my life in Vermont in under five minutes.

“She must have been exhausted.”

“She was. She is.” I chuckle as I slide the burger patties on the grill. “Willa’s handling so much, I’m sure dating is the furthest thing from her mind.”

“What you’re saying is, you’re just friends.”

I don’t allow myself to look at her any other way. I can’t. “We’ve got ten years between us. We’re in different places in our lives. It’s another reason I can help out. I’ve got the time, and the experience.”

“Yeah, I can see that. You’re good with Clem.”

“She steals your heart in the blink of an eye.” I’m talking about Clementine, but as I look at the beautiful woman on the swing, I can’t say the sentiment doesn’t apply to her.

Whether I mean for it to or not.

* * *

Anticipatingthe mess Willa will be once Devin leaves, I offer to play chauffeur and drive them to the airport Sunday afternoon for his six o’clock flight.

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