“I know I supported the fake story at the time, but that was before we both knew Ellie and how genuine she is. She loves you Archer. Don’t let that lie get in the way of your relationship. Don’t let the mistakes of the past become another ghost that haunts you.”
I sit there processing my best friend’s words of advice. If he wasn’t a professional football player I think he would make an excellent couples’ counselor. I think it’s in part due to all the romance books he reads.
“So now that she knows the whole history, how is she? Did you guys talk about what happens next? Because having the truth out there is just the start, man.” Ty’s deep voice brings me back to our conversation.
I’m exhausted but that doesn’t stop a smile from ghosting my lips. “She was heartbroken for me.” I take a deep breath, trying to dispel the knot in my chest. “When I told her about Lucas driving all the way out there, and the media, and how I just shut down... she cried. Not for us, but for me, and what I had been through.”
“She’s a good egg.” He interjects.
“Yeah,” A slight chuckle escapes me. “She is.”
I take a steady breath before continuing. “We talked about what happens next. She knows I have no more secrets. That’s the deal. She said she needs me to be honest about everything; the good, the bad, the ugly, the little things that feel easier to hide than acknowledge. She knows that the part of me that was broken by Cassie andthe media... that part is still healing, but it’s not going to keep coming between us. So yeah. We’re okay. Better than okay.” I smile, tired but happy. “She knows everything, and she’s choosing to stay. She’s the real deal.”
“Good. That’s all I ever wanted for you, man.” Ty says standing up, holding a hand for me to take. I grasp my best friend’s hand as he hoists me up off the bleachers. Both of us groaning like we’re ninety.
I feel lighter than I have in months. I finally feel ready.
Chapter 50
Elle
Ispent most of my Christmas Eve morning baking. I baked the cinnamon rolls that Archer loves so much. He became addicted after my mom made them for the gender reveal. I had to promise Joyce Taylor that I would never share the recipe with another soul, apparently, she was sworn to secrecy by Nana Jones, but broke that oath by sharing it with me. I told her I would bring flowers and bourbon to Nana’s grave as reparations next time I was home.
Large fat snowflakes drift dreamily through the sky, making the view from the windows reminiscent of a snow globe. The living room smells like pine and cinnamon because Archer insisted on lighting both candles at once, even though it’s way too much for one room.
He’s sitting on the floor by the tree, legs stretched out, wearing gray sweatpants that make me drool and a Wolves hoodie that still smells like laundry detergent. His hair is damp from his post practice shower.
I sit cross-legged across from him with my favorite blanket draped over my shoulders.
Archer reaches under the tree. “Ladies first.”
The box is small and neatly wrapped, too neat for him.
“You had someone at the facility wrap this, didn’t you?” I tease.
He scratches the back of his neck. “I’m a quarterback. Not a magician. Plus, Steph insisted.” He pauses before continuing, “my first several attempts were horrendous, she took pity on me.”
“Add that to the things Archer Bell is bad at, singing and wrapping presents.” I laugh and peel back the paper. Inside is a velvet box. My breath catches as soon as I open it.
It’s a delicate gold bracelet, thin as a thread of sunlight, with three tiny charms.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.
“There’s a meaning,” Archer says, suddenly shy. “You know how crazy the season gets.. But you’re… you’re the one constant. The person I always come back to. So, you’re my—” He gestures awkwardly. “Compass.”
My eyes sting. He sees it and immediately panics.
“No—no, Elle, don’t cry. It’s supposed to be sweet.”
“It is sweet, Arch!” I say, laughing through the tears as I lean across the floor to kiss him. “I love it.”
His shoulders relax with visible relief.
“What’s the other charms’ meanings?” I smile already knowing the meaning behindthe four leaf clover.
“Well since everything started with our coffee date.” He says rubbing his neck sheepishly. “I just thought- well your other charm bracelet is all filled up from your adventures with your family, I-I wanted to continue the tradition with charms that symbolize us.” The tips of his ears are pink. “Hence the coffee cup.”
I once again find myself fighting tears. “Oh Archer… It’s perfect. Help me put it on?” I hold my wrist out to him, he happily obliges.
