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I flip the camera around and face Sassy, who’s sitting at my feet, glaring at me.
“She’s so cute! I want a puppy, but Mom said no.”
“I said not right now,” she corrects. “Not while we’re in an apartment.”
Sadie’s shoulders sag, and I wish I could help them get a house. Something bigger and with a yard.
Everleigh comes into view and gives my niece a little wave. “That’s Everleigh, Tyler’s sister.”
“Oh, she’s pretty,” Sadie says nice and loud. “Is she your girlfriend?”
Everleigh grins, and it’s obvious she overheard.
“No, we’re friends,” I say awkwardly because…are we friends? Or just roommates?
“But you live together?” Sadie gives me a look, and Annie’s just seconds away from sending her off.
“Yeah, but we have our own rooms.”
“Why don’t you get ready for your bath so I can talk to Uncle Archer for a minute,” Annie tells her.
“I’ll talk to you soon, kiddo. Make sure to call me later, okay?”
She blows me a big kiss. “I will! Bye!”
Annie sighs and waits until Sadie’s out of earshot. “How was your Thanksgiving?”
“Great. Tyler and Everleigh invited me to lunch with their friends, and I ate my weight in turkey and cake.”
“Cake? No pie?”
I chuckle. “Nah, Everleigh was in charge of the dessert and made Better than Cuddling cake.”
Everleigh cough-laughs from somewhere in the kitchen, and it’s obvious she’s listening.
“Is that a Southern recipe?” Annie asks as I try to hold back my amusement.
“You could say that.” I shrug.
We chat for a few more minutes until Sadie returns and says she’s ready to get in the tub. I tell them goodbye and that I love them before hanging up.
“Your niece sounds adorable,” Everleigh says when I open the fridge. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.”
“No, it’s fine. Sadie’s loud like her mother, so it's impossible not to hear her.” I take out a bottle of water.
“I bet you miss them being far away.”
“I do, but then again, I’m kinda used to it. I hate that I wasn’t around when Sadie was born and only got to see her during their monthly visits. It’s all she knows of me, and I hope to change that eventually.”
“Should have them come visit. They’re more than welcome to stay here. I can get an air mattress and make room for them in the living room. Could have one big slumber party.” She leans against the counter and smiles genuinely. When she crosses her arms, the movement lifts her breast, and I find myself lowering my gaze, then quickly meeting her eyes.
“I bet they’d love that,” I say. “But I don’t wanna put you out even more than I already have.”
“Archer.” Her voice lowers, and it’s obvious she’s being serious. “This is your home now. At least that’s how you should think of it.”
Reluctantly, I nod, shoving my hands in my pockets. “I’m trying. It’s a big adjustment for me.”
Pushing off the counter, she walks closer, causing my heart rate to increase. She’s so damn beautiful, I have to remind myself not to stare like a creep.
