Page 49 of The Archer and his Rosebud

“Excellent.” Ruby tugs me in for a side hug before corralling me toward the door. “You have nothing to stress about. We’ll take good care of her.”

“I know that.” I don’t know why I’m reluctant to leave her. Nova comes closer and says under her breath, “I can’t believethisguy is your neighbor. Willa, he’shot.” I bite back a laugh, nodding, and bend to kiss Clem’s plump cheek. “Love you, baby girl,” I whisper.

“Have her back by eleven.” Brett remains stone-faced for a few seconds before his lips twitch.

Archer’s head cocks like he’s trying to gauge if he’s serious, then lifts a half-grin. “Yes, sir.”

Ruby smacks Brett’s shoulder. “He’s kidding. Take your time. You deserve this, Willa. Go. Have fun.”

Taking a deep breath, I nod. “Thank you, Ruby.”

As the front door shuts, and we walk down the steps, Archer nudges me. “Those Pratts sure love you.”

I brush away fallen strands of hair from my eyes. “They’re good people.”

“I was a little concerned for my life back there.” He laughs, following me to the passenger side and opens my door. “Brett has the concerned father act on lock.”

“Pretty sure he’s had a lot of practice with Nova. And his twin sister, Amber. I’ve never met her, but I heard she was a handful when they were teens.” I chuckle, sliding inside the car and Archer hangs onto the door, watching me. “They actually have an unbelievable love story, Brett and Ruby, but that’s a tale for another day.”

ChapterSixteen

ARCHER

My pulse racesas I turn into the Marketplace Garage four minutes after leaving the Pratt’s home. If it were spring or summer we could have walked. When I initially chose our dinner spot, I had no idea we’d be so close to Clem. As I steal a glance at Willa, I’m glad. Her hands haven’t stopped fussing with the hem of her jacket since she buckled her seatbelt.

Parking my car, I angle her way. “She’ll be fine. We’ll eat dinner, then pick her up. No need to do anything else tonight.”

She looks at me with guilty brown eyes under a wrinkled forehead. “That’s not much of a first date.”

“I’m out with you, Rosebud. It’s a perfect first date. Besides, how much fun are we gonna have if you’re worrying the entire time?”

“It’s just, I’ve never left her with anyone but you.” Her certainty in my ability to care for Clementine does something to me. “When Nova has her at the studio, I’m in the building if there’s an issue.” Her frown deepens.

Unable to stop, I stretch over the console and loosen her bottom lip from her teeth and run my thumb beneath it. “I know, Rosebud. It’s taking everything I have to not turn around and go pick her up. Especially since she started that little giggling thing yesterday.”

Willa’s eyes light. “She really loves you, Arch.”

“I love her, too.”Scarily strong. “It’s why I’m taking her momma for a nice dinner date, before we pick her up and head back to your place for a movie. Sound like a plan?”

Brushing a loose wave off her face, she smiles. “Thank you for understanding.”

“That’s not something you have to thank me for.” I hop out of the Expedition and wave for her to stay put.

“So, where are we eating?” When I open her door she takes my hand and slides out of the car.

I keep her palm wrapped in mine for the three minute walk. “Verducci’s. Ever been?”

“No, actually. I’ve been to plenty of restaurants in the area, but Verducci’s always seemed like a date place.”

And your ex was too much of a prick to take you to a nice place?

“I guess I made a good choice.” We stop at the glass door, and I pause as I take the brass handle. The string lights hanging from the green awning overhead casting a glow over Willa. “You look beautiful, by the way.”

“In makeup and wrinkle-free clothing?”

“Always.” I tug her hand and open the door. “But especially tonight.”

We’re seatedat a bistro-sized table near the windows looking out onto College Street. The battery operated candle between us adds to the romantic tone set by the low lighting and soft music. After filling us in on the specials, our waiter leaves to grab us ice water and bread.

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