Page 211 of Three Reckless Words

“Don’t you want to see your bees?” he counters. “Colt also needs a ride. He’s got a lab today and I’m not risking some college punk inviting him to a drunken party or some shit.”

I sigh because he’s right—Idowant to see how my bees are doing and Archer is understandably protective of his genius son who skips his normal school a few days a week for college classes.

“Fiiine,” I whine, forcing myself up to get dressed quickly.

Once we’ve dropped Colt off at the science building on campus, Archer drives us to Solitude. It’s framed with vibrant red leaves from the forest behind it beginning to change over. It’s a dry, warm autumn day, and I hunch my shoulders in my sweater.

His hand finds mine and we take a minute, just standing and staring at the little cottage and the garden beyond. Late blooms of summer flowers still give the place a lovely streak of color with other plants going dormant.

This is my favorite time, before the cold weather rolls in and everything shrivels up. Change is in the air, so thick you can smell it.

Long hikes won’t be on my menu for a while, but I don’t have PTSD over camping or anything.

Even though I almost died there, the thick trees still look beautiful from a distance, especially with gold leaves showering the ground.

“How does it feel to be back without freaky stalkers and endless stress?” Archer asks softly beside me.

I blink back tears. “So good. You have no idea.”

“I think I do,” he says gruffly, hiding a smile.

Together, hand in hand, we walk around the back of the house to the gardens next to the woods.

Everything feels so still, like the whole world is holding its breath. For the first time in a long while, I’m at peace.

My hand tightens on Archer’s fingers. I’m so grateful to be here, to be with him, I could practically fall over.

“What is it?” he whispers.

“Being here, with you… I’m happy.”

“Always what I love to hear.”

“It’s making me think… maybe I’ve never been happy before. Not like this.”

Archer pulls me closer until I’m in his arms, looking up at him, this bear of a man I’ve given my heart to, wholly and completely.

The feels are overwhelming.

I need to get them out so I can breathe again.

“I love you, Archer Rory,” I start, but my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I hesitate, the moment interrupted.

“I know you do. You should answer that, Winnie.” His blue eyes shine, impossibly soft and smiling as he looks down at me.

I shake my head, but when I flip the screen over to see who’s calling, my heart leaps into my throat. I actuallysqueak.

It’s the lab from the University of Missouri calling me back.

A few weeks ago, we sent them a sample of the honey and all the info I had about the bees. I thought maybe they could analyze it and see if there’s anything special, beyond the neon violet color.

“Oh my God, if that’s who I think it is…”

“Go on, pick up.” Archer chuckles when he sees the panicked look on my face.

I don’t need more encouragement.

As he wanders along the path where the bee boxes used to be, I swipe the screen and hold my phone against my ear.

---