Noticing our arrival, my mom shoots up, discarding the book she was reading. “Ellebelle!” She shouts, wrapping me in a hug. I didn’t realize how badly I craved one of my mom’s hugs until just now.
“Mama!” I say hugging her back.
“You must be Archer.” She places her hands on his forearms. “Oh my gosh, you’re even more handsome in person.” She says, wrapping him in a hug.
My dad takes several pork chops off the grill and allows them to rest before coming over to join us.
“Pumpkin!” He kisses my temple and my heart constricts. I really missed them. “Archer Bell, it’s great to finally meet you! Ellie here says nothing but amazing things. I can’t thank you enough for taking care of her.” He holds out his hand for Archer to shake which Archer does enthusiastically. Unfortunately for Archer what I failed to mention is that my dad is a hugger. Archer doesn’t seem phased though as he returns the gesture with a heartbreakingly stunning smile on his face.
“It is so great to meet you both.” Archer says soaking it all in. “Your property is gorgeous. Ellie says you built the house; it looks amazing from out here. I can’t wait to see what the inside looks like.”
“We will give you the grand tour, but first we need to eat!” My mom ushers us over to the picnic table that rests under the deck across from the man-made pond that we used to swim in. “Erica! Come say hi to your sister.”
Erica jumps out of her seat just now registering our arrival. Her friends Cece and Bellafollow behind giggling.
Erica gives me a quick hug before turning all her attention on Archer. “Holy shit, you’re even taller than I was expecting. I can’t believe you’re dating my sister. Are you being held hostage? Blink twice if you’re being held hostage.”
Ha. Ha. She’s so fucking funny. The little shit.
“I’m not being held hostage, but I appreciate your concern.” Archer smiles. Complying with all the photo requests that Erica, Cece and Bella stage before my mom steps in.
“Alright girls that’s enough. Let Archer breathe. It’s a long drive for them.” While the girls were occupying Archer’s time with photos, Mom set out quite the spread for dinner. We have the pork chops dad grilled, mom’s homemade pasta salad, a fresh garden salad with her homemade dressings, sweet potatoes and it looks like pie for dessert. “Pumpkin, I stopped by Copper & Oak and picked up your favorite beer. I bought enough that you can take home a few extra six packs.”
“Thanks Dad!” I smile and grab two, one for me and one for Archer.
“Can I help with anything?” Archer asks, refusing to sit down until he knows for sure that he can’t help.
“No, sit down, you’re our guest.” Dad says sitting down across from us next to mom. The girls went back to the fire pit, no doubt posting all the pictures they took with Archer. So much for keeping that a secret. I load my plate up and dig in.
Chapter 32
Archer
Ihave to bite back a moan. Holy shit. Jim and Joyce can cook. Ellie mentioned her mom loves to cook, but she didn’t mention her dad is a grill master.
“Mr. Taylor—”
“Call me Jim, please.”
“Jim, these might be the best pork chops I have ever had.” They’re topped with apples and onions in some sort of glaze. “What did you marinate these in, if I can ask.”
“Apple cider.” Jim smiles “Believe it or not, this is Ellie’s grandpa’s recipe.”
“It’s freaking delicious.” I say making sure I don’t accidentally curse in front of Ellie’s parents. “Joyce, please teach me how you made these sweet potatoes.” I’m not sucking up, this is legitimately one of the best meals I may have ever had. I continue to gorge myself on her family’s food as they chat about everything and anything.
Joyce beams as I take another helping of pie. Ellie is chatting with her dad, she didn’t mention she’s a daddy’s girl, instead of it being off-putting, it’s endearing, they’re close. Not that she’s not close toher mom, she’s close to her too, that was evident the minute we got here, she’s just closer with her dad.
“Mrs. Taylor, if you are looking to leave the teaching profession, I know many professional football players who would hire you in a heartbeat to bake this pie for them.” I’m not kidding. She baked two pies for tonight, her homemade pumpkin pie, for Ellie and Jim’s favorite— peach pie topped with ice cream.
“You are too sweet. And again, please call me Joyce.” She pauses. “I know Jim thanked you earlier but truly thank you for being there for Ellie. We worry about her being so far from family. She has Sadie and Violet of course, but it’s nice knowing she has you now as well. And thank you for putting up with Erica’s antics earlier.” Her mom lets out a soft laugh as she turns her attention to her youngest, who is working on some TikTok dance with her friends.
I’m finishing my second helping of peach pie when Ellie walks over to us and sits down bringing her mother’s attention back to us. “Did Easton tell you that we are supposed to wear the color we think the baby is tomorrow?”
“Yep! I packed a blue dress.” Ellie answers as she helps herself to some pie. “What color are you thinking Mama?”
“Pink.”
“Hey! I packed a pink shirt too!” I smile, earning a high five from Mama Joyce.
