Page 166 of Destined Lovers

I’ve braided Charlie’s, Maeve’s, and my hair, and we’re about to all head to lunch when a car pulls up.

“Who is that?” I ask.

Declan smiles and squeezes my neck. “Archie.”

“He’s coming to lunch?” I ask excitedly, bouncing on my feet.

“Aye.”

I wrap my arm around Declan’s lower back and cuddle into his side until Archie walks over to Declan’s Range Rover.

His other Ranger Rover, not the one from Ireland.

“Hi, Archie!” I smile, realizing I probably look like a creep, all hopped up on a sudden burst of adrenaline.

He blushes and doesn’t make eye contact. “Hi, Fiona.”

I concluded that I feel such a responsibility for Archie because, like me, he is parentless.

Charlie tugs my hand, which her fingers are intertwined with. “I hungry, Auntie Pip,” she says and rubs her tummy.

I laugh. “We’re going to lunch now, and you can get anything you want.”

“Anything?” she squeals.

Declan grumbles, and I nod. “I’m the cool aunt. She can do whatever.”

“You ready to go, mate?” Dec asks Archie and pats him on the back. Archie looks up at Declan and nods. There is an air of awe that passes his face. You can see, just by a glance, that Archie looks up to Declan.

Can you imagine, one day, you’re living poorly with your gran, then the next, an ex-professional rugby player takes you under his wing? Including you in his life, ensuring your happiness. It’s nothing short of a dream come true.

“Auntie Pip, at Uncle Dec’s house. Can we paint?”

“Of course, we can. Would you like to make something for your mammy and the new baby?”

She furrows her brows, thinking hard. “I tink just, Mommy.”

Declan suppresses a laugh. This kid is in a rude awakening when that baby gets home.

* * *

“Who are you texting?” Declan asks from beside me. We’re waiting outside for our table to be ready for lunch. Charlie’s chatting it up with Maeve, I love their close relationship, and Archie hasn’t left Declan’s side.

“Bennett?” I answer, who else would I be speaking to? I talk to four people.

Declan, Bennett, Agnes, and Penny on occasion.

Bennett and I speak every day, sometimes more than once. Usually, he checks to see how Agnes and I are doing and to make sure I know he’s there if I need him.

When Agnes gets well, we’ve made plans because I know he misses her. They formed a bond over the years as well.

“Hey, Archie, Declan tells me you want to be a veterinarian,” I ask, trying to start a conversation. He’s not shy when it’s Declan asking, so I’m trying to get him warmed up around me,

“Yes, I doubt I’ll be able to afford it, though.” He shrugs. He’s right, only Declan and I wouldn’t let that happen. “But if I could, I would.”

“Maybe we can reach out to a few veterinarians in the area to see if you can shadow them after school or on the weekend if they are open,” I suggest.

“Really?” He perks up. “That would be so cool. Declan, can you help me get there? I’m not sure there would be anywhere I live willing to do that.”

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