“Annie mentioned taking us on a hike. You’ll get some great photo and views of the mountains on the trails.”
“You didn’t warn me we’d be hiking in the freezing cold…” I release a grunt. “But I guess I can try.”
Archer chuckles. Though I love staying busy at the shop and being on my feet all day, my adventures are limited to being indoors.
After we land, I schedule an Uber. Archer stays quiet as I take pictures through the back-seat window. He’s next to me and so close, I can feel the heat radiate off his body, which feels nice in this chilly weather.
“So, what are you lovely couple going to be doing in Wyoming?” the older man driving asks. “Gonna see the sights?”
“Yeah, a little. Mostly visiting family, though,” Archer responds without correcting him.
“Oh, how nice. Make sure you stop by the Tetons. Might be a little bit of a drive, but it’s a must-see during this time of year. Could possibly spot some elk.”
“That would be great. I’ve only ever seen the peaks online,” I chime in as I continue snapping pictures of snow-covered fields.
The driver drops us off at Annie’s apartment complex. Since she’s working, she left us a key so we could let ourselves in. “Have you seen her place before?” I ask.
“Nope.” He unlocks the door, and we wheel our suitcases inside.
“It’s really cute, clean, and smells good. Wow, she should be an interior decorator,” I say, hoping he agrees. I know he wishes he could do more for them, but Annie is used to taking care of herself and Sadie. It’s obvious she takes pride in being independent, and I doubt she’d take any help.
“Yeah, it is, but also smaller than I imagined.” He scratches his cheek as if he’s contemplating something.
“No…it’s quaint. And cozy,” I correct, rolling my bag to the kitchen. “Hope Annie doesn’t mind me digging in her fridge.”
“Nah, she told us to make ourselves comfortable,” Archer reminds me as I grab a drink.
Since she only has two bedrooms, Annie insisted I take Sadie’s bed, and Archer’s sleeping on the pull-out couch. Sadie will crash with Annie for the two nights we’re here. Our arrangements are fine, except I haven’t slept alone in weeks.
Archer and I watch TV and doze off some as we wait. Before dinner, Annie and Sadie come home with a couple of pizzas.
“Ah, you’re here!” Annie collides with Archer, nearly dropping the food. I take the boxes from her so she can properly hug him.
Archer wraps his arms around her, and I almost choke up because of how happy they look. I understand how hard it can be not to see your sibling.
“Everleigh, so happy to finally meet you in person.” Annie grabs me next as Archer lifts Sadie.
“Wow, you grew a foot since I saw you last!” he teases, setting her down.
I follow Annie into the kitchen and put the pizzas on the counter.
“How was the flight?” she asks.
“Great! I slept the whole time.” I chuckle. “I love your apartment, by the way.”
“Oh, thanks,” she says with a small shrug. “It’s not much, but it’s our home, and it’s in one of the better school districts.
“We really need to plan for you to come visit Lawton Ridge,” I say. “You’d love it in March or April. There’s something magical about the wildflowers that bloom around that time.”
“Maybe during Sadie’s spring break,” she suggests. “I’ll have to check if I can get off work first.”
“Yeah, we need to go!” Sadie enters. “Plus, they have a dog.”
I chuckle, kneeling and giving Sadie a hug. “And she would adore you.”
“Where is she while you’re here?” she asks.
“My mimi and pops are dog sitting for the weekend. They’ve been sending me pics every hour,” I tell her with a laugh, then pull out my phone and show her. “See? She’s being spoiled rotten.”
“She already was,” Archer blurts out.
“Of course, Sassy’s my little queen.” I smirk.
Annie tells us to eat while she changes out of her scrubs. Sadie talks about school and the cute boy she sits next to every day.
“You’re too young to like boys,” Archer says in a disapproving tone.
“Nuh-uh, Uncle Archer. I’m five. Almost six!” she exclaims. “I’m very bature for my age.”
I give Archer an amused look as I swallow down my laughter. “A woman who knows what she wants, I love it,” I sing-song. “Does he like you back?”
“We’re getting married on the playground Monday. I’m going to wear my prettiest dress.”
“Excuse me? Are you five or twenty-five?” Archer scowls, and Sadie giggles as she grabs another piece of pizza.
Annie returns in comfy clothes and sighs as she swallows down a bottle of water. “You hear you’re gaining a son-in-law?” Archer asks unamused.
“Johnny? Oh yeah. They’ve been going steady since October.” She snickers. “Johnny also has a single daddy who likes to come over for playdates.” She waggles her brows, and steam blows from Archer’s ears.