Her eyes widened fractionally, and that’s when I realized I had been an asshole to more than just Archer.
“I’m sorry, Penny. I do appreciate you.”
“I know. I’m good at forcing myself into your life. But I got Cora out of the deal, so in all reality, that’s all that matters.”
She leaned down and pressed herself against the Lab as Cora gave her best doggie smile.
“I don’t know what we would have done without you.”
“Cora would make sure you find your way.”
“Maybe.”
“You’re allowed to live, Killian. You’ve been doing so these past few weeks. The difference has been remarkable.”
“Why do I feel like I’m making a mistake?”
“Because you’re scared. And you’re allowed to be scared. But you don’t have to be. That’s the difference.”
I swallowed hard, then reached for another cookie.
“Last one, boy. You don’t want to get sick.”
“I always knew I could count on you to take care of me.”
“Always. Now, I do believe somebody’s coming up here to say hello, and you should let yourself be.”
I turned as Archer came forward, takeout boxes in his hand.
“Well, I see I may have been too late with the food. Are those sugar cookies?” Archer asked, his eyes bright.
“They are, young man, these are for both of you. Now I’m going to go take Cora on a walk.”
At the W-word, Cora started to bounce.
“You don’t have to do that, Penny.”
“Yes, I do. I want the company. Now, go make some company of your own.” She shoved the plate of cookies at me, and I shook my head and looked over at Archer.
“I like that she takes care of you. It’s sweet.” Archer leaned forward, kissed me softly on the lips, and I sighed.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered.
“I went up to Wyoming today,” I blurted, not realizing I was going to say the words.
Archer’s eyes widened, and then he hugged me tight, the food in between us. “Are you okay? No, that’s not a good question even to ask. Do you want to talk about anything? Or do you want to just eat?”
“It depends on what you brought to eat,” I teased, and Archer’s shoulders relaxed.
“Well, if you’re going to joke around, I’m going to count that as progress.”
I met his gaze and then leaned forward and kissed him softly on the mouth. “Progress,” I whispered against his lips.
“As for food,” he said as we walked into the house, “I brought with me Greek food from my favorite place in Fort Collins.”
I raised my brows. “And it’s still warm?”
“I had it in an insulated pouch, thank you very much. We have Greek potatoes, gyros, chicken kebab, basmati rice, and some marinated mushrooms.”