“Uhh...” Owen shrugs and takes a big bite. He already has yellow smeared on his cheeks.
Katie’s mother hands him a napkin. “Thanks, Grandma.”
“I brought you guys a blanket,” Tyler says, pointing at a spot that they saved for us. Archer sits, and I settle down on his lap.
“Did you really want a corn dog?” he asks.
“Yes.” I waggle my brows, and he chuckles at my insinuation. “I actually think I want some chili cheese curly fries.”
“That does sound good,” he admits.
“I got this.” I kiss him, then stand. “I’ll be right back.”
It doesn’t take long for me to find the food stand. They’re curling whole potatoes right out front, and everyone in line watches in amazement. Minutes later, I have two large plates of fries, and my mouth waters as I carry them back to Archer.
When I return, we sit next to each other and listen to the first band that plays some old country tunes. I eat and sing to the music, knowing all the words. Laughter and chatter surround us, and there’s no doubt this is my definition of summer.
“Oh you’re a Southern-Southerner, aren’t you? Didn’t know you knew Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.”
“Willie is my homie.” I chuckle as I finish my food.
Archer throws our plates in the trash then lies down. I lay my head on his stomach and chat with Katie and Gemma.
“How are things moving along with the rebuild?” Gemma asks.
“Well, thanks to Noah, I think it’ll be finished even quicker than I anticipated.”
Katie beams. “That’s my man.”
Noah grins sheepishly. “I’m just happy you trusted me enough to do the job.”
“Of course! You’re the only person who I knew would do it right,” I tell him.
“Yeah, it’s been an experience.”
Archer chuckles.
I tilt my chin up to meet his eyes, then poke his side. Archer squirms, and everyone laughs at him.
“No, no, no,” he pleads, trying to escape.
“Take it back,” I offer with a wink.
He grins. “Okay, fine. Erase what I said from your memory.”
“I mean, he’s not lying.” Tyler shrugs.
I scowl at him. “Excuse me, but I’m a ten out of ten. I’m highly recommended and give amazing experiences.”
“I can agree with that. Would return for the exceptional service alone.” Archer mocks, settling back onto the blanket, so I can lean into him.
“So, are you two…boyfriend and girlfriend?” Owen blurts out, and I nearly forgot he was within hearing range. Oops.
I meet Archer’s eyes and smile. “Yep. We are.”
Owen beams as I take a sip of the beer Noah brought. “Are you gonna get married?”
“Maybe one day,” Archer answers truthfully. “Just depends.”
“On what?” Owen asks.
“You’re treatin’ them like they're on trial, son,” Katie interrupts with a laugh, and I can tell Noah still had more questions.
Owen shrugs. “Dad, can I go play with my friends?”
“Sure, but stay where your mom and I can see you,” Noah reminds him.
Seconds later, Owen runs off and meets a group of kids his age.
“Is that his girlfriend?” Gemma asks, squinting her eyes, and I laugh when I see Owen hugging a girl.
“Yeah, that’s Amelia.” Katie sighs.
“He’s going to be driving soon, ya know,” I remind them both.
She groans. “I know. Lord help us all.”
After the first band finishes their set, another one comes on stage and plays more modern songs.
“Do any of you want an ice cream cone?” I ask when Archer and I decide to get some, but they all shake their heads.
We take the opportunity to walk around and see how they transformed the city square for the festival. There are mini American flags waving in the ground along the parade route. Several booths have summer-themed jewelry and wreaths. I interlock my fingers with Archer’s and love being open about our relationship. It’s still surreal to me even after all this time.
We browse around for an hour, then find the ice cream stand that’s selling butterscotch hand-dipped cones. It’s so hot outside that by the time we get them, we have to hurry and eat them before they melt.
Once we’re done walking around, we go back to our friends and wait for the big fireworks display. The sun won’t set for a few more hours.
I’m so relaxed on the blanket, I feel like I could fall asleep. But as soon as the band starts a slow song, Archer asks me to dance. People and blankets are spread around, but I don’t care and stand up with him. He wraps his arms around me, then tucks his hands in my back pockets, firmly gripping my ass.
“This is perfect,” Archer whispers in my ear. “I love being with you like this.”
“I do too,” I admit, never wanting this moment to end.
Later on, Jerry and Belinda come over with Scarlett who’s wearing the cutest little T-shirt that reads My Daddy Fought for My Freedom.
“Oh my gosh. That tee is adorable.”
Tyler beams as he pulls her into his arms. “My sweet girl. Did you have fun?”
Scarlett sucks her fist, drooling all down her arm. I take that as a yes.
The sun finally sets, and there’s not an empty patch of grass as everyone anticipates the show. Glittery fireworks fill the sky, and I can’t help but look over at Archer. I inhale his scent and he meets my eyes before brushing his lips against mine.
It goes on for at least thirty minutes, and I soak up this moment with him and our friends. At the beginning of this year, I wished we could be together, and now, here we are. We’ve already been through a lot of struggles, but with Archer by my side, we’ve gotten through it.
Chapter Fourteen
ARCHER
Spending the Fourth of July with Everleigh and our friends was an amazing time. It was nice to forget all the drama for a few hours and watch her eyes light up during the fireworks.
Now that I’ve been at the gym for eight months, my client list has grown and has kept me busy during my shifts. Everleigh’s been working from home, but her shop is almost finished, so she’ll be able to go back soon. It’s supposed to be done by the beginning of August, just in time for back-to-school shopping.
After my first training session of the day, I walk down to the coffee shop. Even though it’s the end of July and hot as fuck outside, I enjoy leaving the gym and taking short breaks when I’m not booked solid. Plus now, thanks to Everleigh, I’m addicted to drinking iced coffee lately.
When I walk in, I order a cold brew. At this point, the owner expects my boring drinks, and while she no longer teases me about it, she always smirks. I know she’s thinking about it.
On my way back to the gym, I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. I smile, hoping it’s Everleigh, but it immediately fades when I see an unknown number. Before I even read it, I know it’s from Krystal. I’ve now blocked at least a dozen of her numbers, but she always makes a new one.
Unknown: Do you understand that I’ll destroy your life and everyone else’s lives that you love.