Page 71 of The Archer and his Rosebud

“Ty, it’s nine o’clock. Why are you here?”

“I wanted to see Clementine. Is that too much to ask?”

Trying to keep the bite out of my tired, stressed voice, I sigh. “Yes, actually, it is. I’m putting her to bed. This is not a good time. You should’ve sent a text or called. You can’t keep showing up here.”

“I shouldn’t have to ask to see her.”

My head rears back, and I lose my calm tone. “That’s precisely what you have to do. Now is not the time to start this with me. I’m sorry, but it’s too late. You’ll have to come another time when you can be bothered to contact me and arrange it.”

“I’m already here. Can’t I just come in for a few minutes?”

“You heard Willa.” Archer expands his height, towering above Ty. “I think you should go.”

His head shakes as he takes a step back, glaring at Archer. “No matter how long you play house, you’re not her father. Don’t forget that.”

Tension rolls off Archer, and I slip my arm further around his back, molding to his side.

“We’ll be in touch, Bunhead.” Ty spins the brim of his hat forward, tapping it.

As I close the door, Archer’s forehead rumples. “Bunhead?”

“It was a stupid nickname from a joke when he found out I dance ballet.” God, Ty’s nerve. He has no clue what it is to be a responsible parent. Or respectful, for that matter. Maybe I’m grateful he left us in the dust months ago. Otherwise, I’d probably still be tied to his thoughtless ass.

Archer strokes the back of Clem’s head as she fusses. “I don’t like him showing up like that.”

“Can’t say I’m fond of it either.” I spin around, back to my textbook to mark my spot before I forget.

“Why don’t y’all come stay with me for a few weeks?”

I pivot.Say what now?

“Your last exam is Thursday, and the studio is closed for the holidays. I’m keeping the boys for most of their break. It’d be nice to spend the holidays together.”

My eyes squeeze shut. I mean, I can’t afford to fly to Michigan for Christmas, and my mom can’t afford to fly us out either. I planned to spend time with Archer, but staying with him at his new house is a lot different from spending the night at his apartment here and there when mine is feet away.

When I don’t respond right away, Archer steps closer. “I don’t want him showing up while I’m not here.”

“That’s not something we can control, Arch. I don’t like it, but he has a claim to Clem whether we want him to or not. And you can’t always be here.”

“Maybe not always, but at least for the meantime. While you two figure things out. The holidays won’t feel right without you and Clem there.”

Why am I holding back? We’re apart less and less every day, but am I ready to pick up all of our stuff and stay with him for Christmas, like a happy little family? Isn’t that setting us up for more complications? Bringing this to the next level? Subjecting us to higher expectations that would lead to greater heartbreak?

“I don’t know, Archer.”

Chewing on the corner of his bottom lip, he glances to the side. “I’m moving this weekend and you still can’t decide if you’re all in this thing with us.”

“That’s not… That’s not fair. I’m just trying to think things through.”

“I get it, okay? I didn’t expect you to barge into my life.” He shrugs. “I know you’re young, but I’m thirty, Will, and I feel like I’ve made my feelings for you pretty clear.”

I take a deep breath and toss my hand toward the door. “Ty makes things complicated. Spending the holidays together makes things complicated. Your moving makes things complicated. I just… I don’t know. I can’t tell you what you want to hear right now.”

“You still talk like you’re unsure of where you’ll be come January. I’m doing my best to be patient with you, but either you’re in this or you’re not. I’m not asking for a lot. I’m not down on one knee yet, but I would like to know I’m not the only one who sees this being something bigger, something worth fighting for.”

“I’m in this. I am. Of course, I am. But I can’t think right now, Archer. I’m exhausted, and Ty showing up again is screwing with my head. Add finals to the mix, and I’m close to losing my mind. And now you want to toss in living with you for the holidays.”

Clem’s fussing turns to full-on wails, snapping us both out of the moment.

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