Most of my day is spent on the couch staring at my computer screen, and I have to force myself to get up and walk around. Being in one place for too long isn’t helpful and makes me sore. Archer brings me my meds when the pain becomes unbearable and takes Sassy out when she goes to the back door.

Once the sun sets, Archer goes to the kitchen.

“Whatcha makin’?” I peek my head up and meet his eyes.

“It’s a surprise,” he tells me. “Need anything right now?”

“I’d love to down a bottle of wine, but you know…” I point at my stomach. Since I’m on pain meds, that means no alcohol.

He chuckles. “Not too much longer.”

“I hope you’re right,” I say, then busy myself on my laptop again.

An hour passes and the house smells amazing. Archer has been working hard on whatever he’s preparing, and I can’t wait to taste it. When I hear him setting the table, I take it as my cue to stand but can’t pop up as easily as I’m used to.

Once I’m in the kitchen, my eyes widen at the view. Two plates are filled with spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread.

“Archer,” I gasp. “You’ve completely outdone yourself.”

He pulls out my chair and lowers the overhead lights. “I promised to make it for you one day. Today seemed like the perfect time.”

I swallow hard, remembering when he mentioned it all those months ago. We’ve come so damn far since then. “This is so sweet, thank you.”

“Anything for you, baby,” he says, sitting across from me.

As soon as I taste the meatballs and garlic tomato sauce, I moan.

Archer lifts his brow. “That’s music to my ears.”

“This”—I point down at the plate—“is orgasmic.”

He grins. “I’m glad. I was scared it wouldn’t taste the same, but it does. Brings back a lot of good memories.” His gaze meets mine. “And making it for you gives me new ones.”

I smile and bite the corner of my lip. “Makes me feel really special.”

“You are, babe. You are.”

Chapter Four

ARCHER

After taking care of Everleigh for a week, she demanded that I go back to work. I didn’t want to leave her side, but she made some valid points that I could no longer argue. She hated being a burden even though I told her several times she wasn’t. Since she’s not driving or leaving the house yet and five security cameras keep watch outside, I agreed to go back for a few hours a day. Then I made her promise she wouldn’t answer the door and to call me if anything happened or if she needed me.

The first morning I go back to work, we eat breakfast together, then I kiss her goodbye.