He shook his head. “I’d like to take you. We’ll get the van later.”
“Thank you.” Her smile was a thing of beauty. “Now?”
He didn’t realize his family was watching him. Until he tore his gaze from Eden’s. Every single one of them was staring. Even the kids. He sighed. “Now’s good.”
“It was nice to meet you all. I’m so glad he’s going to be okay.” Eden gave smiles, hugs and handshakes to the whole damn room before he managed to get her to himself.
It was only as he was moving Lily’s car seat into his truck that he realized someone was missing. “Where’s Ivy?” he asked.
“She’s with Clark.” Eden clipped Lily into her seat.
“Clark?” Archer started the truck, frowning. Who the hell was Clark?
She glanced at him, suddenly nervous. “My ex-husband arrived. He volunteered. Ivy was sleeping, so I figured he could handle it.”
The son of a bitch was here. Talk about exercising self-control. He glanced at her, hearing more than she said. “Not too hands-on?” He pulled the truck onto the highway and headed toward the ranch.
She shook her head. “He loves them, but they’re not a...priority. If that makes sense. I’m not sure it does.”
“You’re amicable?” he asked. He couldn’t imagine how that worked. But then, he couldn’t imagine letting Eden go.
“We try. He’s not really a bad guy. Just not family material.” She paused, stroking Lily’s brow. “He wanted...more.”
He watched the sweep of her finger, the way Lily’s brow relaxed, and smiled. More? Than his wife? His daughters? “Sounds like his priorities are out of whack,” he mumbled, taking her hand in his.
They settled into a comfortable silence. It was easier to breathe now, knowing his father was in good hands. And having Eden with him. Everything was better with her.
She squeezed his hand. “Your father is going to be okay, isn’t he?”
“The CT scan tomorrow will tell us more. But hopefully, it’ll be a matter of resting.” He turned his hand over, threading his fingers with hers. “I think we’re all willing to take turns making sure that happens.”
“Clara, too,” she added.
“You’re okay with that?” he asked, curious.
“She deserves happiness. I think your father makes her happy.” She ran her thumb across the back of his hand. “What about you? Are you okay with the two of them?”
“It’s good.” Never in a million years had he imagined his father letting
another woman into his heart. But Archer had never been in love or shared a connection. Losing that, being alone, would be hard. If his father had found someone to love, who loved him, he had no business interfering.
“You’re a good son, Archer Boone.” He liked hearing her say that. And felt no small amount of pride at her words.
He parked the truck and carried Lily’s car seat inside.
“See, she’s home.” A man was holding Ivy. Ivy, who was crying. “She’s home.”
“Momma, where did you go?” Ivy wailed, tears streaming down her red-cheeked face. “I can’t find Mr. Snuggles. And you were g-gone.”
Archer frowned.
Eden crossed the room. “I’m so sorry, Ivy. You were asleep and Daddy wanted to stay with you. Mr. Teddy had a big fall and I went with Archer to see him in the hospital.”
Ivy was still sniffing, her breath coming in little puffs of air. “I-is h-he okay?” she asked.
“He’s gonna be fine, Ivy, don’t you worry,” Archer said.
Ivy nodded, still sniffing. “I couldn’t find you,” she said, burying her face in her mother’s neck.