I put my arm around his shoulders. “No. Stay. I love you.” I kiss him tenderly.
“Are you okay?”
“Not right now, but I will be.”
I video call Mum via the house’s internet connection so I don’t rack up a huge phone bill calling her from overseas. Archer lies on the bed beside me, stroking my thigh. Unless I purposefully angle the phone camera towards him or he speaks, Mum won’t realise he’s here.
Mum appears on the small phone screen, her brows pinched. “Hello, love. Is everything all right?”
Why is it that that question can undo me? My chin trembles.
“Jacob. What’s wrong?”
“Dad and I had a huge fight. He’s on his way back to the UK.”
“Oh, love. What about?”
This is it. The moment of truth when I find out if Mum can support my relationship with Archer.
“I-I’m seeing someone. I’m in love with them. Dad thought I was only doing it to get back at him, but that’s not true. I swear it’s not.”
Archer increases the pressure of his hand. His touch grounds me. Damn, I’m glad he’s here.
“Slow down. Who are you seeing?”
“Archer. He’s amazing. I love him.”
“Who’s Archer? You’ve never mentioned him.” Is that a hint of disappointment in her voice?
“Molly’s son.”
Mum stares at me.
“I love him, Mum.”
“Is he there?” She sounds a little strangled.
“Yes.”
“Well, you’d better introduce him to me, hadn’t you?”
I gesture for Archer to join me. He sits and shuffles close.
“Hi, Mrs Hart.” Archer winces. “That’s right, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s right. Truth be told, I never liked my maiden name.”
Archer replies with a nervous smile.
“So, you’re the young man who’s stolen Jacob’s heart,” Mum says.
“I wouldn’t say stolen—” I say.
Mum rolls her eyes. “Do you love Jacob?”
“Yes. Very much so.” Archer looks away from the phone into my eyes.
I meet his warm, caring gaze and smile. Probably a sappy smile, given that’s how I feel whenever I’m around him, but I don’t care. He makes me happy.
