Archer leans in and whispers in my ear, “Yeah, ’cause you’re my dirty girl.”
A blush sweeps over my cheeks.
After we’ve visited every booth and eaten too many corn dogs, we go through the hay maze. It’s clearly built for kids, and we can see over the hay wall, but we follow Owen and Sadie through it. They get lost a few times and fall into a fit of laughter. It takes us nearly twenty minutes to reach the end, and it’s obvious that Sadie’s growing tired. She and Owen got so much candy. Their bags were so full, they had to get another one. The twins and Scarlett are getting fussy, and even Owen’s yawning, so we know it’s time to call it a night.
“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.”
CHAPTERFORTY-THREE
ARCHER
It’sEverleigh’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. 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 has 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.