In fact, I couldn’t handle anything else right now.
The road was dark, the silence was equal parts heavy and peaceful, and I was too tired to worry about tomorrow.
Sloan had his eyes closed next to me, but I knew he was awake. He was playing absently with my fingers.
Archie sat behind me. In the sideview mirror, I spotted him letting out a sigh and peering out the window.
I caught Corey wiping away a stray tear in the rearview, the sight causing my chest to tighten uncomfortably. He appeared as lost as he had earlier, if not more.
I reckoned we had a whole new project to immerse ourselves in now. A new journey, a new road.
Then I had to say something. I had to lift our spirits.
“Can I interest anyone in the finest drive-thru dinner Winchester has to offer at this hour?” I asked. “Because I’m thinking burgers, fries, shakes, and a movie on the couch is just what we need now.”
“I say that’s a fine idea.” Sloan squeezed my hand.
Corey perked up a tiny bit. “Could I maybe buy a kid’s meal where you get a toy?”
“No, but Sloan and I will buy one for you.” I smiled at him in the rearview.
The boy sat back and grinned shyly.
Archie leaned forward and snuck a hand over my shoulder. I caught it and kissed his palm.
“I’d like the biggest serving of fries and a vanilla shake for dipping.”
Okay—I dropped his hand like a hot potato and shook my head. “I was waiting for your flaws to make themselves known, but I never thought… Good Christ.” I shuddered. “Perhaps we aren’t meant to be, bubbles.”
Corey giggled. “You’re only joking, right, Master Greer? He’s kidding, right?”
Precious boy.
Archie flashed me an amused look in the rearview. “He’s definitely kidding. I’ve gotten him hooked on my snack packs.”
“You kids call your assholes the weirdest shit today,” I drawled.
Even Sloan cracked up a little at that, and Corey spluttered a laugh and slapped a hand over his mouth.
That felt much better.
I exchanged another glance with Archie in the rearview, and I couldn’t fucking help myself. “I love you,” I mouthed.
His beautiful eyes lit up in the dark. “I love you too, Master.”
Yeah, that did it. My chest flooded with warmth.
Now I was ready to face whatever the future had in store.