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We fall into silence. It’s not awkward. It never has been with Archer. Sitting next to him, the tension eases from my shoulders, and my mind becomes more aware of my surroundings. The cool air against my cheeks. The gentle rocking of the wagon. The tack of the draft horses jingling in contrast with the wooden wheels. Laughter sounds from the passengers behind us, and the maple trees along the road boast a range of bright yellow and orange to an otherworldly red.
More than anything, I’m aware of Archer’s warm body next to mine, warding off any chill from the crisp breeze brushing against us. My skin is humming, as if an electrical current is pulling me closer and closer to him, promising of even more warmth—and even more energy.
Here, sitting next to him, I feel comfortable and alive. I feel at home.
I feel like I belong.
After a minute, he leans toward me, his eyes focused straight ahead as he drops his voice. “While I have you, I’ve got more news on Operation Daddy Mayor.”
I pull on a look of disgust, and he laughs. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
His leg inches closer to mine. Whether that’s by his own actions or simply the movement of the wagon, I can’t tell. My leg’s doing the same.
“Let’s hear it, then,” I say.
“Word on the street is that your dad was seen handing a bag from Keller’s Bakehouse to his secretary this morning.”
“Lisa? Did you see what pastries were inside?”
“Sadie tells me they were sticky buns.”
The information settles over me. So. It’s Lisa, then.
She’s a good match for Dad. Stable, pretty, secure. The obvious choice, seeing as how long they’ve known each other. But I don’t like how Dad’s poisoning her against Archer already. Not to mention the scandal it would create. Unless Dad’s planning on not running for mayor next term?
“You okay?”
I glance up at Archer. “What? Oh, yeah. Just...thinking.”
“About which lady it is?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you have a preference?”
I think for a minute. “Honestly, whoever will make him happiest. Lisa has always been such a good counterpart for him, keeping his busy schedule aligned and helping him stay focused. Genevieve seems really fun, easygoing, and gentle. I don’t know much about Sharon, but any person who chooses to be a nurse has gotta be the salt of the earth.” I pause. “Maybe we can morph them all together to make Frankenstein’s wife or something.”
“Ah, yes. What every man wants.”
We share a smile, his eyes lingering a minute more than necessary before he pulls his horses to a stop.
I didn’t realize we’d arrived at the patch already, but sure enough, the orange pumpkins dotting the field appear before me.
“Want a ride back?” Archer asks.
“If I can.”
“’Course.”
He nods goodbye to those exiting the wagon as I turn to do the same to Landrie and those with her. Ari and Wade wander off with their fingers interlaced, and Landrie gives me a very not-discreet thumbs up, then motions for me to call her soon. I nod my understanding, then turn to face the horses.
When the wagon fills back up with more passengers wanting a ride back to town, we head out. Archer takes a wide turn with the horses and wagon, clicking his tongue, shifting the reins with subtle movements, and speaking to them soothingly.
Watching him handle the team fills my chest with an airiness I can’t define. It might be a sense of pride, but whether it’s for being proud of Archer and his actions or pride in myself by sitting beside him, I can’t be sure.
Once the horses move forward, Archer settles back against the wooden bench. His leg presses against mine fully, and I wait for him to move it.
He doesn’t.
