Chapter Fifteen
“T ell me everything,” Brynn said as the kettle whistled on the stove. “I saw the way you and Silver were looking at each other in the hospital waiting room, and I’ve been giddy ever since. Please don’t spare any details.” Brynn efficiently flittered around the bright, modern kitchen, which was adapted to suit Jacob’s needs. The granite countertops were mounted, so Jacob’s wheelchair could slide beneath. A lot of planning had gone into ensuring the house was perfectly adapted for someone who required daily living assistance, from the wide hallways to the roll-in shower in the bathroom. There was even a chair lift into the swimming pool.
“So much has happened in the last few days I don’t even know where to begin.” The coffee hissed and a plume of bitter, fragrant steam hit her nose. She drew the scent into her lungs and sighed. After the last twenty-four hours, she could use a coffee.
“Okay, well, the last time I asked you what was going on was at my wedding. You said there was no you and Silver because he didn’t think of you that way.”
“Thanks for the reminder.” Addy rolled her eyes and Brynn grinned. “Remember I asked Archer to spend the night watching the meteor shower?”
“You were disappointed because he said no, and Viv was about to stomp off the dance floor and kick his butt.”
“Exactly.” She slid onto one of the barstools at the island. “He ended up following me into the woods to make sure I was safe. I knew someone was tracking me on the trail and confronted him.”
A huge grin lifted the apples of Brynn’s cheeks as she smiled over the teacup she was holding with both hands. “Oh, this is going to be good.”
She folded her arms on the cool stone surface of the counter. “I was upset that he was worried about my safety but didn’t want to spend time with me. When we got to the clearing, I set up my stuff—”
Brynn waved her hand. “I don’t want to hear about campsite setups, Ad.”
She laughed. “He kissed me. For hours.” Even thinking about it made her a bit breathless.
Brynn’s delighted expression returned. She set down her teacup as the coffee dripped to a stop, then she turned to gather a few mugs. “Said he couldn’t be in the same room without wanting to consume me. He remembered the dress I wore to Sam’s baby shower. The orange one. Said he’d wanted to strip me out of it.”
“It was a fantastic dress.” Brynn’s wry smile deepened.
“Then, long story short, our research company was hired for a government assignment. Me and one of my colleagues were placed on the guys’ team. It was such an odd twist. I had no idea they’d be the SEAL team we’d be traveling with. Partnering to help the government was always on the table but didn’t seem likely. When we got home from the mission, things escalated. Julian came looking for me at Archer’s house.” She bit her bottom lip. Now that it was over, she could see the humor in it all.
Brynn took in a breath, held it, and gripped the side of the counter. “Oh no.”
“Archer answered the door with nothing but a blanket around his hips. I thought Julian was going to punch him in the face, so I ran downstairs in Archer’s shirt. Julian was a bit hurt at being left out of the loop, but he gave us his blessing.” Addy snapped her fingers. “And that’s how we ended up in the waiting room of the hospital together and now at your house.”
“Wow.” Brynn exhaled, her shoulders relaxing. “You have had an action-packed few days.”
Brynn set a cup of hot water in front of Addy and added a ginger honey teabag. “You always remember my favorite.”
“Of course I do.” Brynn skirted around the island and gave her a squeeze. “Love looks good on you, honey.” She kissed her cheek and went back to arranging sugar and cream on a tray.
“Ransom usually insists on you relaxing while he’s getting drinks and making food. Did you want to grill me or is there something he’s sharing with Archer that I shouldn’t overhear?”
“The first,” Brynn gushed. She poured coffee into two mugs and set them on the tray.
“There’s something that’s been bothering me.” She glanced at the teabag steeping in her cup. “Something I haven’t shared with anyone.”
“Go on,” Brynn encouraged, leaning over the counter so she was closer.
Her cheeks heated with shame. “I always knew I wanted to study cultures and people. I made big sacrifices to be able to attend university. My father and brother have made big sacrifices. I spent nearly eight years of my life after high school earning my doctorate.”
“And it’s not what you expected?” Brynn’s voice was soft and knowing.
Addy nodded. “I loved it at first. I’m tired of the travel, though. Missing out on Julian’s milestone events. Of not having a place to call home. Being alone so often.”
“When I came to America from Ireland I knew I wanted to work in a hospital as a nurse. Wanted to take care of others. I went through school after my nana died, got my degree and became an emergency room nurse. I enjoyed caring for people, but the atmosphere was filled with so much tension and pain. I felt as though I’d failed until I learned I could use my skills in other settings. The moment I met Jacob, I knew he was my reason for becoming a nurse. Walking away from the career I’d envisioned but that didn’t end up being right for me was hard. Meeting Jacob filled my life with love and happiness. What I’m trying to say is there are more careers in anthropology than the one you currently have. There are many universities in the area. You could be a professor of anthropology.”
“You’re right.” She smiled. The weight of her indecision over her career finally seemed to lift. Maybe changing jobs didn’t mean throwing away her whole career. “I just…” She let out a long breath before continuing. “My mother was never content. Always chasing happiness instead of looking right in front of her. Always onto the next best thing.”
“Addy, walking away from two children, a husband, and your home is wildly different than doing what is right for you at this point in your life when it comes to your career.” Brynn reached out and gripped her hand. “You are nothing like your mother. I would stake my life on it. Your mother, if we can even call her that, left two young children alone in the Alaskan Bush during wintertime. She had no idea how you were surviving, if you were starving to death, yet she didn’t return. That is unforgivable. But you and Julian survived and came out strong and good despite your circumstances. Don’t for one second think you possess any of the same traits that she does. Ransom and Jacob’s mom was neglectful, too. Manipulative and self-absorbed. People like that don’t deserve all the beauty children bring them.”
“I hope not. I can’t bear to think I would ever leave or hurt Archer in any way.”
“It’s up to both of you to openly communicate when something bothers you. There are days when relationships aren’t the easiest, but the benefits are far greater than anything else. I can’t imagine never meeting Neo. The thought of it makes me feel sick, so I get how you’re feeling. But there comes a point that you just need to reach out and grab the happiness and love that they’re offering and hold it tight.”
“I love him so much, Brynn, and I want to give him those words. I’ve never said them before to a man who wasn’t in my family, and I want him to be the first and the only. I just don’t want him to feel pressured to give them back.”
Brynn’s expression softened. “Addy, that man in there is so deeply in love with you, it’s written all over his face. Stamped into his expression. He’s not going to feel pressured. Your love is going to soothe every hurt he’s ever had. Ease all the bad memories and make the terrible things he’s seen on missions more bearable. You are going to make everything he’s done worthwhile.” Tears filled Brynn’s impossibly blue eyes. “Now I’ve gotten all emotional. I’m just so excited for you and so pleased all our men are happy and settled with amazing, strong women. You’re going to be the first I tell. We were going to wait but Ransom already let the cat out of the bag. We’re having a baby.”
Happy tears prickled behind Addy’s eyelids. “That’s wonderful!” She skirted around the island and gave Brynn a big hug.
“That’s another reason I wanted to have you to myself for a few minutes.” Brynn grinned.
Optimism filled her. Maybe it was the afternoon sun pouring through the windows, playing over the sunny trio of herbs by the sink, soaking up the light. The normalcy of the dishes in the sink and lemon-scented soap. The basket of shiny red apples and bright citrus fruit on the countertop. She needed this sense familiarity and home after returning from the Amazon and the terrifying reality of those women and children. She was blessed to feel safe, to have friends, a brother, and a boyfriend who cared about her. She’d never take any of it for granted.
They grinned at each other for a moment and Addy picked up the little tray had Brynn put together with coffee for Ransom and Archer.
She walked into the living room first and Archer’s gaze, all sweet and soft, made her belly somersault. She set down the tray on the coffee table and handed Ransom a mug, then Archer. Maybe Brynn was right in her assessment, and he had feelings to match hers. Even if he didn’t, though, he should know he was loved. Her heart expanded when she saw Oscar lying across Archer’s lap, and she maneuvered herself into the space next to them. The dog spared her a quick glance and thumped his tail before closing his eyes. Archer wrapped his arm around her, and she tucked her stocking feet beneath her and sighed. Brynn crossed the room and sat on Ransom’s lap.
“Congratulations, Ransom. Brynn told me the great news. Jacob must be so excited.”
“Yeah. That’s an understatement. Every store we go in he needs my credit card for something for the baby.” His face broke into a big grin. “I told the guys, but with Sam’s delivery being like it was, no one filled in anyone else. I’m glad you know, though.”
“I can’t wait,” she said, and Archer held her closer.
“Silver and I were just talking about plans to deal with the potential threat. We have a debrief with our lieutenant commander in the morning,” Ransom began.
“But I was thinking with my mom’s birthday in a couple days, it might be a great surprise for her to meet you. We could drive to Maryland and spend a few nights there. You can get to know my parents and relax by the bay.”
“Hide or relax?” She leaned back to look at him.
“Why can’t it be a bit of both?” He kissed the side of her head. “Wyatt will be expected at the debrief.
“And the team can ask him a few questions, take a pulse of the situation. You and Silver not being there might piss him off, especially if he was the one to break your windows. He might be eagerly anticipating hearing you both talk about the damage to your homes.” There was a skitter of nerves low in her gut, and it had nothing to do with Wyatt. Maybe it was too soon to meet Archer’s parents. If they didn’t like her, things between them might be over before they really started.
*
That was the same thought Addy had when they pulled down the dirt path of Archer’s childhood home. They’d crashed at Brynn and Ransom’s house the night before and left the house at seven o’clock in the morning to begin a four-hour drive to Maryland. Archer had called his mom the night before and let her know to expect them. She’d said hello briefly and the woman had sounded sweet and full of excitement when she gushed over meeting Addy. She just hoped she didn’t disappoint Archer’s mom when they met.
“What’s going on in that head of yours, sweetheart?” The low rumble of Archer’s voice was soothing.
“I’m nervous. I’m afraid they won’t like me. Most of my time growing up was spent without a mother. I’m not sure how to act or what to say. Sometimes I just spout out random research facts or say the wrong thing.” She clasped her hands together in her lap.
“You don’t have to act any certain way, Addy. Just be yourself. You’re the most amazing, intelligent, beautiful woman I’ve ever met, and I can’t wait to show you off. If anything, my parents will want to know what you’re doing with me. How I got so lucky. They’re going to love you and never want you to leave. Sweetheart, look at me.” His voice was a gentle command.
Addy blew out a breath and felt Archer’s fingertips pressed gently beneath her chin. She lifted her gaze to his and was instantly grounded by the certainty in the navy-blue depths. So steady. So secure.
“Do you trust me?” Archer parked behind a Subaru in the driveway and turned off the ignition.
“I wouldn’t have gotten in the car to come here if I didn’t.”
“Then keep trusting me. I’m not going to let you down. This isn’t some kind of test. My parents aren’t going to grill you to find out your intentions toward me or ask uncomfortable questions about your childhood. They’re just going to be happy to meet you. To see how happy you make me. How deeply their son has fallen in love with the woman he’s meant to be with for the rest of his life.”
Addy started at Archer, mouth agape, replaying his words to make sure she hadn’t heard him wrong. The entire car ride she’d been trying to work out a way to tell him, and he’d done it first with no hesitation. She fumbled around for the buckle of her seat belt. She didn’t want to look away from him right now. Instead, she took in the lines of his face. The angles of his cheeks and the strong set of his jaw, made more apparent by his beard. She loved running her fingers over the coarse hair beyond his chin. His blond hair was cropped so close, nearly shaved, and a hint of silver grew at his temples. Then there were his beautiful eyes, so thick with emotion it made her throat constrict.
“I wanted you to know. If it’s too soon—”
Addy didn’t wait for him to finish, she unbuckled and shifted to her knees, scrambling over the center console. When his strong arms circled her and his fresh scent hit her nostrils, a coastal breeze in a cypress forest, she forgot all about where they were and who she was meeting. He loved her. Her palms skimmed up the soft fabric of his shirt, over the hard muscles of his chest. She memorized the ridge of his collarbones as she wrapped her hands around his neck. Heat was tumbling off his body in waves. He buried one hand in her hair and the other looped around her waist, pulling her onto his lap in one easy maneuver. She tilted her head, and leaned in, caressing his lips with hers. His mouth opened, deepening the kiss. Nothing else existed except Archer and the way he was surrounding her. She was floating. That was the only way to describe the sensations swirling through her head, like a crystal chime slowly spinning in the wind, catching the light, and splashing rainbows behind her eyelids.
“Archer,” she whispered against his lips, hyperaware of her racing heart. “I love you, too.”
He sucked in a sharp breath. “Addy.” His hands slipped from her hair and framed her face. Tingles warmed her lips as he spoke softly, his mouth teasing hers in gentle touches as he spoke. “Fuck. You have no idea what you’ve just given me. Hearing those words roll off your sweet lips—it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed about.” He kissed her again, tongue moving in tender strokes, like they had all the time in the world to explore. His calloused hands wrapped around the backs of her knees and inched her closer. A horn blared. It took her a moment to register that it was Archer’s vehicle making the noise. Her butt had hit the steering wheel. Where they were and what they were doing hit hard and fast.
“Oh my God.” The slam of a screen door echoed in the distance. “Please tell me your parents didn’t just come out of the house.”
“My parents didn’t come out of the house.” Humor lit his voice.
“It’s not funny.” She buried her head in his chest. “I can’t turn around and look at them.”
Laughter rumbled from his lips. “Sweetheart.” He smoothed his hands over her hair. “They’re going to love you.” He enunciated each word. “I’m going to open the driver’s-side door and help you down. Are you okay?”
She looked up. “How red are my cheeks?”
He cleared his throat and schooled his expression. “Just a little pink.” He kissed the tip of her nose and opened the door, holding on to her as she climbed out. Her neck and cheeks felt impossibly hot, like she’d baked face up in the sun all day. A tingle of embarrassment swept up her back.
“This is my best birthday surprise yet!” The excited voice was followed by the quiet crunch of stone.
Addy finally mustered the courage to glance up from the driveway when worn Birkenstocks and hot pink toenails entered her line of sight. Archer’s mom hurried to erase the distance between them with a big smile on her face. Her lips were glossed and there was a bridge of freckles across her nose. Her eyes were a pretty chocolate brown that matched her hair. Amusement danced in her eyes as she pulled them both in for a hug. “We didn’t mean to step out during a private moment.” Archer’s mom moved back to look at them. “I know we talked on the phone but I’m Emily, Archer’s mom. It’s so good to meet you.” The woman unabashedly touched her cheek before pulling her into a hug, this time meant just for her. As she stood in Emily’s embrace, she looked over the woman’s shoulder to find Archer smiling. She gave him what she hoped was a look of reassurance. Her chest tightened at the maternal hug. Everything about Emily was sweet and down to earth. She smelled like lemon peels and a hint of vodka. Not your typical motherly scent but it fit her bubbly personality.
“Glad you made it. I’m Jim.” A male voice resonated behind her. Emily let her go and stepped back as Addy turned to meet Archer’s father. He shared the same dark blue eyes as his son and there was still a cap of short silverish-blond hair on his head. He looked at her with a warm expression and the same glint of mischief as his wife. “It was doubly exciting when Archer said he was bringing someone home to meet us. Why don’t we go inside. You must be hungry for lunch after your long drive. Archer and I can grill up some burgers while you ladies talk out on the deck.”
“I’ve been mixing up drinks all morning.” Emily linked arms with Addy and started across the driveway to a tall, rustic green home shaded by thick clusters of maple and oak trees. “I made a batch of boozy lemonade, rum punch, and some fruit spritzers. I also have a pitcher of virgin cucumber coolers if you’d prefer.”
Addy smiled. That explained the lemon with a hint of vodka scent.
“Were you planning a rager before I called, Mom?” Archer’s deep voice was full of humor. She took a deep breath through her nose. The salty scent of Atlantic waters pouring into the bay mixed with the fragrant forest.
“You know your mother. Life of the party.” Archer’s dad winked at her.
“It’s not every day my son brings a woman home.” She bumped Addy’s shoulder gently as she leaned in. “Actually, it’s the first time Archer’s brought someone home to meet us. That makes today perfect for a celebration and when I have a celebration it comes with boozy lemonade and fruit spritzers.”
The men chuckled and Addy’s shoulders relaxed. The heat was beginning to seep out of her cheeks. It was hard to believe she already felt at ease with Archer’s parents, when just moments earlier she was paralyzed with embarrassment over getting caught making out like teenagers. They walked up the steps, the wood planks creaking below their feet. The porch seemed to wrap all the way around the house. She bet the views were beautiful, but she’d have to wait to explore. Jim held the door open, ushering them inside.
Down the foyer hallway, there were pictures everywhere. She stopped and started at one of a boy. There was a pail and shovel in one hand and his other was slung around the shoulders of a girl with an impish grin. Her dark hair was pin-straight down to the waist of her bikini, a pretty contrast to the little boy’s blond. Their dark blue eyes were the same, though. She stepped closer to the picture, and felt Archer’s presence behind her, his hands on her waist. “You and Quinn.” She stilled at the sharp intake of breath from both of Archer’s parents.
“Me and Quinn,” he murmured. “Here’s another I love,” he said, guiding her a few pictures down. “That’s us camping in the backyard. And her softball game, a fastball knocked out her front tooth.” He turned to his parents. “It’s been too long since I’ve looked at these pictures. Too many times I’ve walked past this wall with my eyes trained on the floor. I’m sorry I never let you talk about her in my presence. That stops now.”
She glanced at his parents. His mother was crying. His father’s eyes were filled with tears. They both hugged him, and Archer’s mother caught her eye, mouthing thank you . Her throat grew tight, and she blinked back the prickles that gathered in the corners of her eyes. “There’s nothing to be sorry for, son.” His father’s voice was gruff with emotion. “There’s no time stamp on how long you can grieve or how you go about it.” Archer’s mom released him and came to stand beside her. She was still wiping away tears when she leaned in and kissed Addy’s cheek. “You’re good for him, honey. Quinn would’ve loved you.” Emily took her arm and led her into the next room.
Addy stopped short as the living room opened to panoramic views of the bay and the lush green forest. The walls of glass let light seep into the home, washing everything in a warm golden hue. Off the living room was an outside deck with a bright orange table and chairs. “Your home is absolutely beautiful. I feel like I’m in a tree house.”
“That’s what Emily and I loved about it, too.” Jim gave her a wide smile, eyes crinkling at the corners, still glistening from his earlier tears. “We wanted a place that felt peaceful. In nature but with modern conveniences. The sunken hot tub and sauna outside helped, too.”
“My room is at the top of the house. I’ll bring our suitcases up there.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. She hoped she never got used to the way Archer surrounded her in his warmth.
“I always worried Archer would fall off the roof up there. But he loved to read out in the eagle’s nest as we call it. His bedroom opens to a rooftop balcony. You can see the water and it feels like you’re right up in the trees.”
Jim wrapped his arm around Emily’s shoulder. “Why don’t you kids head upstairs and get settled. We’ll work on setting up that afternoon rager for when you come down.”
Archer was already holding both overnight bags in one hand. The other he intertwined with hers and gave a quick squeeze. They walked up the first set of stairs, which sharply angled to another. Once they rounded the corner Archer stopped and dropped his forehead to hers. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
“Yeah,” she croaked, her body still not quite calm from being pressed against him in the SUV. “Really good, actually. Your parents are so down to earth.” She tilted her chin up and kissed him. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Thank you for coming. I know this isn’t easy on you. I never meant to embarrass you earlier. I tend to lose any rational thought when it comes to you. I love you.”
She smiled. “I love you, too. And, honey, I’m so proud of you. So brave facing those pictures. For sharing them with me.”
“It’s easier to do hard things when you’re with me.” He leaned down, kissing her again.
She never wanted to stop. Until she remembered where they were. “Let’s not make them wait.”
“It will give my mom a break in between cocktails. I think she’s been doing some morning sampling of her concoctions.”
“Well, it is her birthday, isn’t it?”
“I suppose she’s entitled to a little bit of pregaming before the actual event. Her real birthday is tomorrow.” They ascended the rest of the stairs and Archer opened the door to a teenager’s bedroom. They walked in and he tossed the duffel bags on a queen-size bed. Posters were still hung on the wall—a rock band and a linen hanging of the mountains. A floating shelf displayed rows of medals and trophies, and there was a desk where she could imagine him sitting to do his homework. He took her hand and led her to a door at the end of the room. Archer turned the dead bolt and swung open the door. His mother was right. From up here, they had an expansive view, and she could reach out and touch the leaves of the closest trees.
“This place is so special, Archer.”
Below, she could see a second deck with the hot tub and sauna Jim had mentioned.
“I used to love to come out here and look at the stars when I couldn’t sleep. This is the one place I allowed myself to cry. To miss Quinn.” He closed the door behind them and rested his hands on her hips as they looked out over the bay.
“I glad you had that. You even have your very own nest out here.” She turned into him before wrapping her arms around his waist. The deep round chair was netted in rope, making it look just like a giant bird’s nest.
“I can’t wait to sit out here with you later. Share one of my favorite places on earth with you.” His warm breath caressed her cheek.
“Me, too.” She snuggled closer. “Thank you for bringing me here.” She kissed him sweet and slow. “Let’s go downstairs before they think we’re up to no good.”
“What would ever give them that idea?” Archer chuckled as they walked down the steps. When they reached the living room, Jim waved to them from outside on the deck. Emily was already seated with a pair of big shades covering her eyes. Jim was standing behind Emily, massaging her shoulders. Love that stood through pain. Archer’s mom gestured to the table. “Come on over. I saved a spot just for you.” Addy hadn’t noticed the dimples on Emily’s cheeks. She was utterly adorable and set in front of her was a tray of mini drinks. A matching display was placed at her side, where Emily was gesturing for Addy to sit. All the glass shooters were adorned with some kind embellishment like a sprig of greenery. Some had rims of sugar or little fruit kabobs.
“Those look too pretty to drink,” Addy said, pausing on the deck.
“Nonsense. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I decided to make a little glass of everything. This is just for the girls. Archer and Jim, you’re going to have to fend for yourselves.”
“Sounds like I’m going to be carrying you inside for a post-lunch nap, sweetheart.” Jim leaned in and kissed his wife. There was a prickle in her nose and a lightning sensation in her chest. She loved that Jim called Emily sweetheart, just like Archer called her. Archer’s parents had a beautiful story of perseverance and love that she would be more than happy to have as a good example of a healthy relationship.
Archer pulled out one of the bright tangerine chairs for her to sit. “Where should I start?” she asked, eyes roaming over the frosted glasses.
“Wherever you’d like. We don’t have too many rules in this house. The only expectation is to be comfortable, have a full belly, and a drink in your hand.”
She tentatively picked up one of the glasses. There was a twist of lemon rind at the top and sugar around the rim.
“Are you a professional bartender?” she asked, gaze focused on the pretty drink in her hand.
Emily smiled, looking quite pleased with herself. “I’ve been known to pick up a few odd jobs here and there while I was raising Archer and Quinn. One of them was working the bar at the local beach club down the street. Archer told me you’re an anthropologist. I had to look it up if I’m being truthful.” She grinned and took a sip of the ruby-colored cocktail. “But I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
Addy smiled and lifted her own drink to her lips. The sugar was sweet on her tongue and a burst of tart spiked lemonade followed. “Oh, this is so refreshing. I love it! I can’t wait to try the rest.”
“Looks like we’re going to have two ladies to carry inside for an afternoon nap,” Jim said over his shoulder to Archer, who was carrying a tray of burgers and hot dogs to throw on the grill.
A bead of icy condensation gathered on the side of her glass and rolled down her wrist.
“You just enjoy yourselves,” Archer said with a laugh. She and Emily talked over the sizzle of the grill. Her stomach growled just as they were topping the burgers with cheese.
“I’m going to run inside and get some of the salads Jim whipped up.” Emily stood. “In this house, I make the drinks; he makes the food.”
“Unless I want to stay up all night with stomach cramps that’s how things go.” Jim laughed, sliding the grilled patty onto a bun.
“I’ll help.” She stood up feeling a tiny bit tipsy despite the small size of the glasses and followed Archer’s mother inside the house. The conditioned air gave her warm skin an exhilarating burst. Emily was leaned over pulling side dish after side dish out of the refrigerator. When she stood up, the woman’s soft eyes sparkled with unshed tears. Panic gripped Addy. What if she had done something to upset Archer’s mom?
“I’m sorry I’m getting emotional.” Emily rested the side dishes on the counter and turned to face her. “I’ve always wanted to see Archer settle down. To let go of some of the anger and pain over Quinn’s death. I haven’t seen him truly smile since he lost her, until today. You are so special, darling. I have never seen our son look so happy. The second he lays eyes on you it’s like the sun rises and sets in his expression. Thank you for helping him heal. Welcome to the family.”
“I’m so sorry for all your family lost. Archer loved Quinn so profoundly. I—I was nervous to come here. My mother left me and my brother when we were young. Even though it still strikes me at different times, I’m starting to learn that the reason had nothing to do with me.” Addy’s voice was quiet.
Archer’s mom recoiled. “Well of course it didn’t. You are a beautiful treasure. And I’ve heard many stories about your brother, Joker. Your mother didn’t appreciate all the wonder she’d been given. For whatever reason she made the choices she did, but look at you.” She cast her arms open wide, reminding her of the fairy godmother from Cinderella. “Successful, kind, and by the way those windows were steamed up, a helluva good kisser.”
Addy sputtered, “I—I, ah…”
“I took it too far, didn’t I?” Emily asked.
The drinks had lowered her inhibitions, and Addy clutched her stomach as she doubled over with laughter.
That’s how Jim and Archer found them, both gasping through silent bouts of laughter with tears rolling down their cheeks. “All right, party’s over. Let’s get some lunch into you two booze bags.” Jim’s words sent Addy and Emily into a fresh peal of laughter. She stumbled into Archer, who scooped her up. They followed behind Jim, who was steering Emily toward the deck. “You two sit tight.” Jim and Archer went back inside to get the chilled salads she and Emily had forgotten about. They talked and laughed over plates of delicious food. Addy leaned back, full and content. She couldn’t wait until the sun set over the bay and she was able to sit up in the eagle’s nest with Archer wrapped around her and watch the stars.