AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Please don’t be a stranger,” Gemma tells Annie as we hug and say our goodbyes.
Since we’re parked a few blocks away, Archer carries Sadie to the car. She’s nearly fallen asleep by the time we get there.
On the way home, Sassy lies on my lap while Archer drives us home. Even she’s exhausted from all the excitement.
“Thank you so much for making this such an enjoyable evening. I had a really good time,” Annie whispers.
Archer turns to meet her gaze. “What do you think? You like it here?”
Annie laughs. “I actually love it. Well, from what I’ve seen anyway, but I get really good vibes.”
“Then I guess that means you should move! You are family, after all.” I take the opportunity to remind her how much we’d love for her to be here.
She sighs. “I dunno. I’d need to find a job first.”
“You’re just in luck. The school nurse just retired, and they’ve been searching for someone with the right qualifications to replace her. Mrs. Abernathy told me in the grocery store yesterday.”
A wide grin spreads across her face. “Seriously?”
“You should apply, sis. You’ve got a lot of experience, and you’re great with kids. I bet you’d be a shoo-in,” Archer says.
“I would love that.” Annie sighs, and I can tell she’s contemplating it.
“And hey, if that doesn’t work out, I could always use another manager at the boutique.”
“Really?” Annie asks. “You’d hire me?”
“Absolutely!”
“And that means I’d be closer to you two. Sadie seems to love it here too. All the kids were so nice to her tonight. Especially sweet Owen. She’d fit right in.” Annie’s lost in thought as we pull into the driveway. Archer slides Sadie out of the back seat and carefully carries her inside, then puts her in my room.
She speaks up when it’s just the three of us hanging out in the kitchen. “Oh my God. Am I really considering moving?”
“Yep! And it’s going to be great. You can even use my spare room until y’all find a place,” I offer, removing the headpiece from my hair. Archer’s eyes soften. It’s not something we’ve talked about, but I know how much it’d mean for him to have Annie living here.
“Then we’ll finally be able to be one big happy family,” Archer says, pulling us both into a hug.
Annie and I both laugh.
“I can’t wait!” I beam with excitement.
“Honestly, me either,” Annie says. If Lawton Ridge can win me over in less than twelve hours, there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s where we’re meant to be.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
ARCHER
It’s Everleigh’s favorite time of the year, which means the house is decked out in red, green, and gold. The tree is trimmed, and my closet is full of Christmas sweaters. And I can’t even be mad about it because it makes my wife happy, and that’s all that matters. I love seeing her eyes light up when she sees all the decorations. This year, Everleigh’s even added a train set that moves on a track around the tree. Sassy loses her freaking mind every time it starts playing music, but it’s kinda funny.
Since it’s our first Christmas as husband and wife, I want to make it extra special, but it’s going to be hard. Everleigh’s extra when it comes to the holidays, but I think I figured out what will make this year stand out.
At least I hope.
Annie and Sadie just flew in, and I know Everleigh’s overly excited about them being here. They’re staying in our spare room until their place is ready, but the moving truck won’t arrive for a few more days.
“Everleigh?” I look around the house and find her in the bathtub. “There ya are. We’re supposed to be at Jerry and Belinda’s in an hour.” They’ve invited everyone over for Christmas Eve dinner.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be ready. Just wanted to test out my new waterproof vibrator.”
My eyes widen as I lower my eyes to the bubbling water. “What happened to BUB?”
I laugh at her cute pouty face.
“He retired. So I had to get a new one.”
I step in closer. “Oh really? What’s this one’s name?”
“BUB 2.0. The speeds are...chef’s kiss.” She puts her fingers to her mouth and smacks her lips together.
“Not sure if I should be happy about that or not…” I furrow my brows, then roll up my sleeves. “I’ll be the judge of that.”
“Be my guest.”
I lower my hand into the warm water and slide between her thighs where I find a bullet vibrator massaging her clit. Instead of turning it off, I move it to her nipple.
“What’re you doing?” she asks, breathing faster.
“You’ll see, my love.” I flash her a wink, then push my finger inside her pussy.
“That’s intense,” she mutters as I move it to her other nipple. My thumb rolls over her clit, circling it fast and hard.
