Chapter 5

“Mama did you see me up there?” Glory’s little legs carried her so fast she couldn’t stop in time and slammed right into Archer’s long, denim clad legs. “Whoops, sorry Mr. Archer. Did you see me on the float dancing?”

He knelt down and scooped her up, his wide smile matching her own and Ally’s heart squeezed at the image they made. “I did. You were the best dancing turkey I’ve ever seen and you gave me a candy cane.” He pulled it from his jacket pocket proudly.

“All right!” Glory held up her hand for a high five but Archer closed her hand and bumped her tiny fist to his. “Mama did you get candy too?”

Ally shook her head and smiled. “I’m too short. All the tall people caught it first.” She pretended to pout, grinning when her daughter leaned forward to gently stroke her hair.

“That’s okay Mama, maybe Mr. Archer will share with you.”

“That’s okay sweetie. I’m sure we’ll get plenty to eat before the day is over. You ready for the contest?”

She gave an exaggerated nod and tightened an arm around Archer. “Let’s go.”

Glory turned to Archer, studying him quietly for several long moments before she leaned in so they were nose to nose. “Mr. Archer are you coming to watch our gingerbread castle win?”

“A castle,” he asked to distract her and turned a questioning glance to Ally.

“Yep! It’s so cool. We’re gonna win, right Mama?”

“I don’t know about that, but I do know we’ll have the best gingerbread castle in Blissful.”

“Yeah!”

Ally felt her grin widen and she placed a hand over her heart at Glory’s enthusiasm. She was truly the best thing in Ally’s life and knowing she was happy and loved, made her feel like she’d accomplished something important. She still had her reservations about Archer, but watching them together she knew she’d have to put her own feelings aside and do what was right for Glory. Dammit.

“You comin’ Mama?”

Ally blinked and put on her best smile. “Sure am little girl. Got sidetracked by Mrs. Plimpton’s peppermint marshmallows.”

“Cocoa,” she asked excitedly.

“After the contest we’ll walk around until you’re too heavy to carry. Deal?”

She grinned and nodded, rosy cheeks making her look like a little Irish doll. “Deal. Mr. Archer is strong. He could carry me a lot longer I bet,” she said innocently, trying hard not to look at the man in question.

His deep chuckle hit Ally like a ton of bricks in the water. She felt as though she were sinking, drowning in that sound she hadn’t heard in forever. His deep, rich laugh that compelled everyone within earshot to join in on the joke. “How do you know I’m strong Ms. Glory?”

She giggled. “Maggie May’s mom said she wanted to lick all of your muscles. Why would anyone do that?”

Ally tried to hide her smile but she couldn’t so she slid her scarf up to cover her amusement. “Yeah, why?”

Archer glared at her and she erupted in a full blown laugh just four booths away from the gingerbread house contest. Cindy showed up just as his face turned red with embarrassment. “What’s so funny?”

“Granny, why would Maggie May’s mom want to lick Mr. Archer?” Maybe it was Archer’s choked laugh or the beautiful childish innocence of Glory’s face, but Ally doubled over and laughed until her sides ached.

“Honey, that woman would lick a pig’s foot for a hot meal, don’t you worry about her. Don’t we have a contest to win?” With the skill of a woman who’d raised a house full of rambunctious kids, Cindy managed to corral Ally, Glory and Archer to the tables set up for the gingerbread architects. “Now you ladies go kick some butt, Archer and I will cheer you on from there.”

Ally took her daughter’s hand and watched them go, wondering if this would blow up in their faces or turn into modern day co-parenting. Mom would have hated that, she thought with a smile. Torie Faulkner didn’t do with anything she considered modern or new-fangled, she’d scoffed every time the world ‘co-parenting’ was used. Even on TV.

“Why are you smiling Mama?” Glory lifted her arms so she could be placed on the stool to help her reach their table, and Ally dutifully lifted the adorable tyrant.

“I was just thinking about your other grandma, my mom. She would have loved you so much.”

Glory said nothing in response and they both got busy putting together their castle. All the pieces had been pre-cooked and cut to save time, but they had seventy minutes to erect their structure for the judges, so there was no time to waste. Ally kept smiling at her little girl, tongue poked out as she grew more focused on her creations. “Mama,” she whispered.

“What’s up?”

“Can I add something else for Santa to bring me this year?”

“Sure. Just remember that if it’s difficult to find, Santa might have a hard time getting it on time, okay?”

“I know, Mama but this present is really important. More than all the rest. I want Santa to bring my daddy home.”

She paused for only a second. “Is that really what you want?”

“Yes, Mama, so bad. Do you think Santa can do it?”

“I guess that depends. Have you been a good little girl this year?”

She leaned forward, concentrating and moving very slowly to add the last gummy candies on top of the tower as the crowd counted down. When the last piece was settled her little arms shot in the air excitedly as the bell sounded. “All done, Mama!”

Ally picked up her little girl and twirled her around, kissing her cheek while she laughed with abandon. “Great job, kiddo.”

“You too, Mama.” Glory squeezed back and squirmed down, running towards Cindy while the judges began making the rounds. Ally stayed near the table, not because she worried a competitor might attempt sabotage but because she wasn’t quite ready to be close to Archer again. His laugh had affected her more than she wanted to admit, even more than those lickable muscles, which meant she needed some distance.

At least until I figure out what’s best for Glory.

 

 

“She’s great, Ally.” Archer knew she didn’t need his praise, she’d done it all on her own, but he needed her to know. “Bright and funny. Inquisitive as hell. Reminds me of someone.”

She tried not to smile but Glory walked with her hand in his mom’s, talking with the seriousness of a female at least twenty years older. “She is the best thing that ever happened to me.” Her voice filled with love and Archer felt a pang that she’d never speak about him with that kind of emotion again.

“She looks so much like me.” It was uncanny and he wondered how long it would be before it stopped surprising him.

“I know.”

He’d wondered about that over the past few days, how hard it must have been for her to look at their daughter and see his face every day. “Thank you, Ally.”

She sighed and he just knew she would argue with him. She always had. Instead she sighed and rolled her eyes, then she rolled her shoulders until they loosened. “It has been my absolute pleasure. So much so that I’m warning you before Meggie May gets close enough to strike.”

His body went rigid at her words, head swiveling to see the viper, er, the woman in question shaking her hips with an exaggerated swing as she headed his way. “Ma,” he called out harshly.

Ally snickered. “Mommy.”

“Damn straight,” he whispered, fixing a polite smile on his face when Maggie May pasted herself against his side. “Good afternoon Meggie.” He tried to step away from her clutches but she—literally—had her red claws sunk into his arm.

“Archer, babe, it’s so good to see you again.” She licked her red lips, sending out a puff of breath that reeked of cigarette smoke. “I’ve been meaning to call you but I don’t have your new number. We should get together soon.” The way she raked her nails down his chest left no mystery to what she was offering. “Real soon. It’s been too long.”

“I’ll let you know.”

“Call me Archer, I’m always available.” The woman was forward, which he didn’t usually have a problem with, but it felt weird to get hit on in front of his daughter and he didn’t know the protocol. Plus, he had no interest in becoming another one of Meggie May’s baby daddies. “I’ll show you a real good time. Soldier.”

Archer shuddered, his gaze darting between Ally and his mom. “Yeah well, see you around Meggie. I think your mama’s calling for you.” His entire body exhaled when she turned on her ridiculous heels and tottered across the dirt towards her family.

“Real smooth, Romeo.” She snorted and shook her head.

“Yeah, thanks Ally. I can always count on you to keep me grounded.” Another truth disguised as a joke and Archer was starting to get on his own damn nerves.

“Anytime.”

They stopped for food at the large area set up for Angelo’s Pizzeria, where all of his beautiful young cousins acted waitresses. Archer placed an order for pizza, wings and beer, plus juice for Glory. “I could eat a horse,” he said and patted his flat stomach.

“Me too,” Glory said, leaning back in her high chair and mimicking his actions. He smiled as affection bloomed in his chest for the sweet little girl. She talked a lot. About all the different gingerbread houses and what she liked and disliked about each one, how much fun she had making gingerbread and dancing around the kitchen with her mama and even dinosaurs. Yep, dinosaurs. She turned blue eyes on to him. “How do you know my granny, Mr. Archer?”

He swallowed, glancing first to Ally who offered no help and then to his own ma, who only grinned. “Well I grew up in this town. I’ve known both of these ladies all my life.” It was the truth, hopefully he could tell her the full truth soon.

“Where have you been?” She shot off questions like a little rocket. Chin resting in one chubby little hand, she was a rapt audience.

“Mostly here and there. In the military I went all over.”

Blue eyes went round with wonder. “You have a gun?”

“I do and no you can’t shoot it.” She pouted and he laughed.

“Were you and my mom friends when you were kids?”

Damn but she really was an inquisitive little thing. “Yes. For a long time we were best friends.” His gaze slid to hers and he found her staring at him, anger and hurt and love, all burning her eyes until they were practically black.

“And then?”

Ally sighed. “And then he left to go to war and I haven’t seen him since.”

Archer sent her a grateful smile, sliding a piece of cheese pizza on her plate when the waitress returned and giving her the boneless wings while she got Glory settled with food. Watching her was fascinating, how quick she moved, performed every task with ease. “That about sums it up. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to stuff my face.” He bit into his slice with a growl, making her laugh. It was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard.

“I want Mr. Archer to help me.” Glory tried to reach for him but Ally stood and switched places, while Archer focused on not reacting to the press of her curves against him.

“What would you like me to do, eat your food?”

“No! You have to cut it, silly.” She giggled and he let the sound wash over him as he used a plastic knife to cut her slice of pizza. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now are you going to cut up mine?”

She giggled again. “Mama will, she does it the best.”

Ally’s mouth curved into a ghost of a smile, but she remained quiet like she did throughout most of dinner. Archer didn’t know if she was giving him a chance to get to know their daughter or if she was angry. They would talk soon and he would have his answers. “You want me to cut up your food, Mr. Archer?”

“Would you?” There was a challenge shining in his eyes and she wouldn’t back down. She couldn’t.

Pulling his plate in front of her, Ally cut his steak into tiny bite size pieces and pushed it back to him. “There you go. Napkin?”

His gaze seared her and Archer refused to look away until her skin was stained pink. “I’m good, thanks.”

She bit back a laugh and he groaned, making Glory giggle. Archer let himself enjoy the moment, just being with these two females. He didn’t know how long it would last but right now, surrounded by holiday cheer, he leaned into it.

“Oh my god, Archer and Ally. Blissful’s favorite couple.” Crissy Montrose cooed but to Archer, it sounded fake. “I thought you guys were…oh my god, look at her! She looks just like you.”

Archer froze but not before noticing that Ally had too, luckily she recovered first. “Hi Crissy. Are you visiting for the holidays?”

She grinned. “I am. This is my husband Bobby, he’s an accountant. Mom has our three boys so we can have some couple time.” She sucked in another breath and Archer flashed a smile at Ally while Crissy prattled on and on about her fabulous life.

“Wow, sounds like you guys are very happy. Congratulations.” Finally he managed to join the conversation just in time for Crissy to give him a strange look and pull her husband away. “Did you hear what she said?” He couldn’t believe that it wasn’t just his family who saw the resemblance.

Ally didn’t seem as happy. “Shhh,” she put two fingers to his lips and glanced over his shoulder where Glory happily ate her food as she hummed.

“She’s going to find out soon,” he warned, his voice dark and angry. She rolled her eyes like she was the upset one and he fought to push down his anger.

“I said that I would tell her. I’m her mother and this is part of the job.” He opened his mouth to argue but she stopped him with a hand. “How would you feel if you’d found out from anyone but Cindy?”

Well hell, when she put it like that he couldn’t be mad. And that just brought up his same old fears that maybe he wasn’t ready for the responsibility of parenthood. Could he put Glory first? Keep her safe and get her ready to go out in the world? He didn’t know, and worse, he didn’t know if he would ever be ready. “I’m screwing this up, aren’t I?”

Her shoulders relaxed and her expression softened. “No one knows it all on the first day, Archer. But I have been doing this for a while, so learn to trust me where my daughter is concerned.”

He nodded his agreement. “Our daughter,” he corrected with a dark look.