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“We’re both committed to burying the past, right?” she says gently. “You’ve been trying and so have I. But Archer, that’s easier if I live elsewhere.”
“Like Chicago,” I say numbly.
“Chicago, yes. Not too far, but far enough. A comfortable distance and a quick plane ride away.” She smiles and pats my arm. “Go get her, Arch. We can talk more later, after she’s back home.”
Home.
No matter how weird it sounds coming from her, it still feels right.
It’s almost felt like Winnie always belonged with us. Not that there’s any guarantee she’ll just move back in with me like nothing ever happened.
“Later,” I agree, raising a hand and jogging back to the car.
It’s only when I’m walking in with Colt that I notice I don’t feel the same lingering melancholy frustration I usually do over Rina’s antics.
Once stung, twice shy, they say.
Winnie Emberly has broken the cycle, and I can’t wait to bring her home for good.
27
BEE MINE (WINNIE)
Even a couple weeks after my discharge, I’m still bursting with gratitude to be free.
I spent way too long cooped up in that hospital bed. My parents visited every day, which was definitelysomething,and Archer rarely left my side to shower, which was sweet but unnecessary.
The not showering part, I mean. Keeping me company and bringing Colt around every day was a nice bonus. A gesture that told me he really, really meant everything he said on that delirious walk back to civilization.
If he was going to tell me he loved me, he could have done it with roses and a tasty dinner like most guys. Or at least when I was fully awake and able to process words drenched in emotion.
I hate that I have blurry half-assed shards of a core memory I wasn’t totally present for. But I love that his confession kept me alive more.
He did it again, too, which was even better.
Several times, actually.
Once when we were still in the hospital, when he kissed me and told me he loved me and never could’ve forgiven himself if something awful happened to me.
That was adorable.
So was the moment he brought me home and I stood on his threshold. He asked to carry me in, and I told him absolutely not.
They haven’t let me do much standing over the last few days. Walking still feels like a newfound luxury and my legs still hurt plenty from my time in hell.
But Archer gently swept me up, carrying me into his house like a total gentleman while I laughed and demanded to be put down.
I’m glad he didn’t listen.
He told me I didn’t have to stay, but he wanted me to.
What girl could say no?
So yes, I stayed.
We didn’t even bother pretending I had the guest room this time, not after we set up my stuff in Archer’s bedroom. Colt was amazingly cool with it, turning down his chance to crack a hundred cheesy jokes.
“I know you’re with my dad now, Winnie,” he said, rolling his eyes. “You guys make each other happy and all. It’s cute, but just don’t get all kissy in front of me.”