Page 88 of The Archer and his Rosebud

I nearly slip on the steps in my haste to exit his house.

“Willa,” he calls from the doorway as I buckle a grumpy Clem into her seat. “I miss you both, too. Actually, I’m miserable without you.” I pause in my open car door, clutching the metal frame and spare one last look, but that one second is enough for him to call out, “I love you.”

Damn it all to hell. I blink back tears and the urge to tell him I love him, too. Spinning, I fling the door shut once inside and pull out of his driveway, glancing at his immobile form on the front porch as he watches us drive away.

The road muddleswith my misty eyes. I keep wiping away tears, but it’s like the motion produces more and more. My vision bleary, I worry I’ll crash.

Veering right onto the shoulder, I slam on the brakes before I run off the road. Clem grunts, and I dig for napkins in my console to soak up the tears and mascara from burning my eyes.

When I can’t seem to slow the emotions pouring down my face, I pull my phone from the side pocket of the diaper bag and search for the right contact on my list.

“I love him, Dev.” I cry into the line the moment my brother picks up. “I’m in love with him, and I don’t know what to do.”

“Don’t know what to do? What are you talking about, Will? Are you okay? What’s going on?”

I rest my forehead on the steering wheel and take a deep breath. “I didn’t want to tell you guys and have you worry—”

“Willa,” he warns.

“It’s Ty. He showed up after the first and threatened to take custody of Clem.” Devin spews a string of curses. “He doesn’t wanthis childaround a mur…around Archer,” I correct.

“What in the hell?Hebroke up withyou. What, is he jealous because there’s actually a good guy in your life?”

“Not exactly, it’s a long story, Dev, but it has to do with Archer’s past. Ty and his family are holding it against him.”

Devin mumbles another curse. “I knew I should have hunted him down and kicked his ass when I was there for Thanksgiving. Apparently, that’s what he needs in order to be put in his place.”

Snot makes its presence known when I laugh, and I blow my nose into a napkin from my glovebox. “I’m dropping my classes and coming home.”

“Like hell you are.” The line ruffles on the other end like he’s resituating. “You are not a quitter, Willa. You don’t leave when things get hard.”

“Dev, he could take my daughter away. This isn’t about quitting. This is about protecting Clementine. I can’t risk her over a man I haven’t even known for a year just because he says he loves me.”

Dev scoffs. “Sayshe loves you? Willa, you’re joking, right? Please don’t tell me you doubt him.”

I sniffle, wiping at my nose.

“Willa, don’t be stupid. I know you’re smarter than this. Archer is the real deal. A man doesn’t pay for a woman’s mom and brother to fly in for Thanksgiving if he doesn’t have strong feelings for her. A woman he’s had one date with.”

“He what?” My stomach flips, my heart sputtering. “Archer flew you guys here? Mom said she saved the money. She—”

“She lied, Will. Archer called us and planned it all, but he didn’t want you to know. He knew you’d make a big deal out of the money and be upset. He knew youthatwell, even then.”

Covering my mouth, I hold back a sob, but it squeaks through.

“Whatever Ty is holding over you two, it shouldn’t keep you from a guy I know would do anything for you and that niece of mine. A man who could change your life for the better.” Devin takes a breath. “We know rotten, worthless men, Willa, and he’s not one of them.”

Archer really loves me, even then.

He’s done nothing but fight for me, for Clementine. Over and over, he’s been there, showing up even when it wasn’t convenient or feasible for him. He’s been there.

I dry the wetness on my cheeks, clearing the moisture from my eyes.

Now, how can I show up for us?

ChapterTwenty-Eight

WILLA

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