Page 40 of A Million To Fall

He doesn’t look at me, but I can tell he doesn’t like my response. “Why not?”

I choose my words carefully. “I talked to my counselor, and she didn’t think transferring would be in my best interest. Best to just finish my degree at Northwestern, you know?”

“You should’ve transferred after your first year,” he mutters, then looks at me. “You know how much I hate not having you close. Not being able to protect you.”

“I know.” I caress his arm with my free hand. “But I don’t want to lose momentum, Arch.”

Archer exhales deeply, shaking his head. “I don’t get why you even bother with college. You know you don’t need a degree, baby. I’ll take care of you.”

This isn’t a new opinion. Archer has told me plenty of times that I won’t work a day in my life once we’re married—that he’ll “provide.” His parents’ marriage is the blueprint. His mom never worked, even now that all four Longfellow boys are grown and out of the house.

“It’s security, Arch,” I say, not looking at him. “I want something behind my name. I don’t want to be dependent—”

“On me?” he cuts in, hurt in his eyes like my desire for independence is the ultimate rejection.

“On anyone,” I say carefully.

He scoffs. “Skye, I provide, you take care of our family. That’s how it works.”

I can’t help but make a face.

“That’s so outdated, baby,” I say, my voice feather-soft. “I don’t even know exactly what I want yet. I just know I want the choice to figure it out myself. Maybe I don’t want to be a stay-at-home whatever. And we’re not married. We’re not even engaged. I’m not going to gamble my future on something that might not even happen.”

His face darkens. I should’ve stopped talking four sentences ago.

“You don’t think we’ll get married?”

I try to walk it back. “I don’t know. Baby, I’m nineteen.”

“So? You’ll be twenty in a week. And I’ll be twenty-one in September.”

“That’s still really young.”

“It’s just a number,” he insists. “When you find the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, age doesn’t really matter, don’t you think? When you know, you know. And I know. I’ve always known. You’re it, Skye.”

Even in his frustrated state, the words snake their way into my heart. Archer can be harsh, but he can also make me feel chosen.

“I guess,” I say quietly.

He squeezes my hand. “I love you, Skye. You’re mine. Forever. If finishing your degree means that much, fine. But I’m telling you, you won’t need it.”

I only nod.

“What’s happening?” Archer calls out the moment we step through the door of Jake’s home.

Everyone greets us like we haven’t seen each other in years, even though it’s only been three months. Lily practically launches herself at me, squeezing me tightly.

Everyone looks great. Relaxed and happy. Such is the magic of summer break.

“I’m starving,” Pacey announces. “I’m thinking AJ’s. I need a big fucking burger.”

“Works for me,” Jonathan says, already slipping into his sneakers.

Like me, Jonathan goes to school out of state.

Jake stayed in Minnesota, attending a private university in St. Paul.

He turns to Archer. “Hey, what’s the status on Boston’s mom?”