Page 56 of The Archer and his Rosebud

“Wise judgment call.”

“I need to get to work, and judging by the time, this little one needs her lunch and a nap, unless she’s off schedule.” Rubbing my thumb along Willa’s neck, I lean closer. “Plus, I want to take my time the next time I touch these lips.”

Willa’s eyes glimmer as she nods.

“You two wanna eat lunch at my place? You can leave Clem to sleep there to have some alone time before going to the dance academy.”

“Yes, please.”

* * *

WILLA

When I roundthe corner of Archer’s entryway after letting myself in following work, a sweet, quiet conversation travels from the living room. He’s on the floor with Clem and she’s on her back, cooing like she’s telling him about her day, and he responds in the gentlest tone.

“Oh yeah? You think she likes me?”

Clem babbles back in the tiniest voice, and I clutch my chest.

Archer reaches out, stroking her chubby cheek. “I think I like her, too. Are you okay with that?”

My momma’s heart constricts and melts at her soft oohs and aahs as she stares at him. We might not know what she’s saying, but she sure does. And she has a lot to talk about.

And Archer. Archer Thomas makes good on his name. He’s lodged an arrow into my heart so deep, I didn’t stand a chance.

“So, I have your blessing? Good, good. Because I can’t do this without your support.” He glances up with a knowing smirk, and I know he must have heard me come in.

Tilting my head, I smile back. “Recruiting allies, I see.”

“I need all the help I can get on my side.”

“You need less help than you think.” I kneel beside him, and Clem beams when she sees me, resuming her cooing and kicking her legs. Bending, I kiss her soft cheeks and brush our noses. “Hi, sweet girl.”

Archer curses under his breath. “You gotta stop that, or Clem is going to witness things an infant shouldn’t.”

“Keep it in your pants, Arrow.” I chuckle. “I’m just talking to my baby.”

“And it’s the biggest turn on.” He lifts from his elbow and cups the back of my head, sealing his lips to mine. His teeth catch my lower lip in a light bite, and a shiver courses up my spine. Against my mouth, he murmurs, “I’ve gotta get started on dinner or we’ll never eat.”

Archer is not a bad cook.He’s much better than I am, which is unsurprising considering he’s had a few more years of practice. So, it’s hard not to do a little happy dance and release a satisfied hum when I take my first bite of his homemade bolognese.

“You’re killing me, Willa.”

When I glance up, Archer’s fork is halfway to his waiting mouth. “What? Your food is delicious. Even if you cook with frozen veggies and bagged lettuce sometimes.” I smirk, bouncing Clem on my leg.

“Hey, I make a mean boxed mac and cheese, and don’t you forget it.”

Laughing, I take another bite but hold in any more noises.

“So, I got some big news today.” Archer waits for me to meet his eyes. “They accepted my offer on the house.”

A mix of happiness and disappointment settle in my chest. “Wow. That’s…that’s amazing, Archer. To be so close to Eli and Nolan. You must be excited.”

“It’s more than I could hope for. Like it’s meant to be.”

“When do you move in?”

“I don’t have a closing date yet, but within the next month.”

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