“I’m sure you are. Hold on one second,” Mimi tells her, then runs inside. When she returns, she’s carrying a large bag. “I made some chicken and dumplings for you. I know how much you like those, and it’s the perfect weather. Also, I just fed Sassy, so she doesn’t need anything until tomorrow.”

“I love you. Thank you for takin’ care of my baby,” Everleigh says.

“I’m so happy you’re okay. Take care of her, Archer,” Mimi says as she leans in and hugs Everleigh.

“Yes, ma’am. You know I will.” I grin, and we say goodbye.

Sassy stays close to Everleigh during the short drive. After we pull into the driveway, I walk around the car and help Everleigh stand. Sassy jumps out and stays next to her. I wrap an arm around Everleigh and guide her to the door.

“Home sweet home.” She sucks in a deep breath and smiles when we walk inside. “I’m so glad to be here.”

“Me too. I hate hospitals,” I say matter-of-factly.

“Then why did you stay with me?”

“Because I love you and wanted to be close to you.”

Everleigh’s face softens.

“You hungry?” I ask.

“I’m starving. I’ve eaten garbage for days.”

“I’ll go grab the food from the car,” I tell her, then run outside. Once I’m back in the kitchen, I grab two large bowls and spoons. “Geez, she sent enough to feed a small army.” I remove several large containers filled to the brim. “And even then, I could down all of this on my own.” Everleigh chuckles.

There’s at least a gallon of soup here. I glance up at her. “No way.”

“Yeah, I literally become a dumpling afterward.” She snickers.

As I fill our bowls, gigantic dumplings splash liquid on the counter.

“I should’ve warned ya about that,” she says. “They can be messy.”

“Wanna sit on the couch?” I ask, and she nods.

After I microwave our dishes, I I carry them into the living room, then hand hers over once she’s settled with some pillows. Sassy lies on the floor and stares at us with begging eyes.

I taste the first spoonful, and my eyes go wide. “Wow, this is the best soup I’ve ever had.”

“Wait.” Everleigh stops eating. “You’ve never had chicken and dumplings before?”

“Not like this. The ones I’ve had tasted like chicken noodle soup with slivers or something.”

Her jaw nearly falls to the floor. “We’ve got to introduce you to more Southern delicacies. That’s just a travesty. For real.”

I start laughing. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”