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Cheering, Sofie rushed up to Archer, taking his hand in hers and pulling him outside. I was sure she’d make a stop in the kitchen to check what Jacques had made today.
Everleigh watched them, her mouth slightly open, her eyes unblinking. “You’re a miracle worker. Last time we came over, Archer barely acknowledged us. He didn’t even freak out that I told Sofie he was her uncle.”
“Not quite a miracle. But give him time.” Taking her hand in mine and squeezing it lightly, I led her over to a room off to the side. We never used it, but it was the perfect space to sit and talk uninterrupted.
We sat down, but the words wouldn’t come, silence enveloping us. Turning to face me, Everleigh clasped her hands in front of her, then released them. “I know William is gay, but what’s going on? You’re still married. Unless that’s changed and you didn’t tell me.”
“I’m still married. But I also have feelings for your brother. And I think he likes me too. And William knows about us and has no problem with it,” I finally rushed out, the words almost joined.
Going behind her back or hiding something from her felt utterly wrong.
A huge smile spread over her face, and she jumped up. I froze in my seat, unsure if I should call for help or return her smile. But instead of punching me for having feelings for her brother, she tackle-hugged me.
We fell back on the couch, giggling.
“I’m so happy for you both.” Sitting back up, she dug her elbow into my side, all while beaming at me. “My brother has had the biggest crush on you for years. I never thought you returned his feelings. But you always had a special connection. After all, you both love those awful old Westerns nobody in their right mind would ever watch.”
Swatting at her, I sat up, making sure she knew I meant business. “They’re not awful. They’re art.”
She snorted. “Whatever. But seriously, I think you’ll be good for him.”
She was excited now, but once I told her that us hooking up meant he’d have to leave San Diego again, she might not be as happy about it. “Being with me also means William fired him. He hasn’t told me yet what Gunner said, but I’m guessing he’ll have to go back to Chicago. I’m sorry, Everleigh. I know how much you hoped you’d finally have a relationship with him again.”
Not to mention how much I enjoyed having Archer around. I didn’t know how I’d survive with him going back to Chicago.
You’ve only spent one night with him. Stop planning a future together.
Everleigh’s smile melted off her face, replaced with a frown. “If he really wants to have a relationship with me again, he knows where to find me. He also has my number. Would I love to have him close for longer? Definitely. But don’t blame yourself for anything. I know you. You’ll make this into a big deal when it’s not.” She sniffled. “I doubt it’ll make a difference to our relationship whether he’s in Chicago or San Diego. He’ll ignore me no matter where he is.”
I put my arm around her. “I’m sure he’ll eventually realize how much he’s missing out on. I remember how stubborn he used to be, and it looks like that hasn’t changed.”
Sighing, she stood up. “I guess. But at least he has you now. He needs someone he can count on. Someone he trusts. And I’d be more than happy if that person is you.”
I walked her to our front door, thinking about her words. Archer and Everleigh didn’t have a big family. Their parents had no interest in them, their grandparents were long gone, and there were no uncles or aunts.
But even if things between Archer and me didn’t work out, I’d always be there for him, I hoped. The thought of not having him in my life sent a stab of pain through me. The last seven years without him had been hard enough; I didn’t want to go through another seven where he wasn’t talking to me.
“I’ll be back at six to pick Sofie up. Lucius wants to take us camping tomorrow morning.”
Everleigh pulled a face, and I laughed at her bugged-out eyes. Neither of us had much experience camping. And the thought of having to dig a hole to go to the toilet just didn’t seem all that appealing.
“Sounds fun. She’ll be ready and all sugared up for you to pick her up.”
Blowing me a kiss, Everleigh walked to her car, pausing in the open door. “I love you.”
Waving at her, I thought for not the first time how much she and Archer had saved me. “Love you too.”
She crawled down the driveway, apparently still scared from when she nearly ran over our peacock. Perry had run in front of her car, and she nearly rolled right over him.
Ever since then, I could walk faster than she was driving when on our property. The peacock was William’s baby and had already been with him for a few years before I moved in. He usually kept out of the way but had been feeling social that day.
After getting changed into a red polka-dot bikini, I went outside in search of Archer and Sofie.
Loud shrieks and deep rumbling laughter filled the air as soon as I stepped out onto the patio. Curious, I made my way to the side of the house where the pool was to find Archer throwing Sofie high in the air.
She shrieked and landed back in the pool with a big splash. They repeated their game a few more times before Archer spotted me.
“You want to go next?” he asked, swimming to the edge of the pool.
