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I snort because the Fourth of July one-liners don’t get any cheesier than that. “Am I?” I prompt.

“Yeah, baby, you just made my heart explode.”

My head falls back with laughter. “Really workin’ on those dad jokes these days, aren’t ya?”

“I try. Are we taking Sassy with us today?”

“Nah. She hates fireworks and big crowds.”

“Of course,” he mutters, then pulls me into his arms and brushes his soft lips against mine.

“We should probably get going,” I tell him, moaning as he slides his tongue inside.

He pouts, biting on my lower lip. “I guess you’re right. I know what will happen if we keep going.”

I smirk. “We wouldn’t make it to the Fourth of July celebration.”

We both chuckle, knowing it’s the truth. After Archer takes Sassy out one more time, we make our way downtown.

“You should have a huge grand reopening when you know the date and make a big deal out of it,” Archer suggests.

“You’re right! I had planned a Christmas in July sale for this month, but since that won’t happen anymore, a grand reopening sounds even better. Send out flyers, get a huge sign for the front of the shop, hire a local band and get food trucks to come out like when Tyler opened the gym.”

“I bet it’d do really well.”

“Speaking of, do you wanna see Noah’s progress?” I ask, and he nods.

I enter, then disable the security alarm. The walls have been freshly painted, and the wooden floor was refinished. The counter is now more of a U-shape, and he even magically made the dressing rooms bigger.

Archer’s eyes widen. “Wow. It looks like it’s almost done, baby.”

“I know. Noah’s been busting his ass for me. Put a lot of guys on it. I kinda like it better than the original. I’m so excited to reopen.”

He pulls me closer and brushes loose strands of hair from my face. “Sounds like something positive did come out of this after all.”

I squeeze him hard. “I guess so. It’s still stressful, but as you’ve said, the comeback will be better.”

He kisses me, and I sink into him, getting lost for a moment.

“Okay, come look at my back room,” I say, leading the way. Right now, it’s just a wooden structure with studs and no insulation yet.

“Do you have more space here too?”

“Noah hooked me up by bringing it out a few feet on each side.”

“I would say so.” Archer looks around. “I can’t wait to see it when it’s done.”

“I also asked him to install better lighting because it was always so dark.”

Archer smiles. “Baby, I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, babe. You seriously kept me from jumping over the edge when things felt too overwhelming.”

“And now it’s over halfway done. Before long, you’ll get back to normal, and we can put this all behind us.”

My heart pounds hard in my chest, and we meet each other’s eyes. “Still, I hope we can find out who’s responsible. I’m not sure I’ll feel safe until we do.”

Archer pulls me into his chest and kisses my forehead. “I know, love. I know.”