Guardian Angel

Chapter 28

Archie helps Veronica put on her coat when Everleigh comes running towards them. "Mommy, Daddy where are you going?"

"Mommy and I are going for a walk with Vegas"

Everleigh gasps "can I come too?"

"Uhm sweetie I want to be alone with daddy, just for a little while. We will be back soon and then we can snuggle and we will both tuck you in. You can spend some time with Mary. She's so nice"

"Okay" the little girl mumbles. A tear rolls down her cheek. Veronica squats down to her daughter and kisses her cheek a couple of times. "I love you sweetie, so so much"

"I love you too mommy" she sniffs "and daddy too"

"We'll be back soon Ev" Archie smiles and runs his fingers through her hair. She nods and kisses Veronica goodbye before she runs off.

"Don't worry she'll be fine" Mary smiles. "You two enjoy your time. Archie can show you the neighborhood and you guys can talk— about stuff" she says her eyes stay on Veronica for a second before she looks to her son.

"Thanks mom"

"No problem"

Archie takes Veronica's hand in his. In his other he holds Vegas's leash. He opens the door and walks outside. Veronica follows behind him.

•••

Archie shows her the neighborhood and all the places he liked to go to as a kid. His favorite playground, a place by the river he liked to go to with his dad, they walked past his elementary school and high school. They keep walking until Veronica sees neon lights in front of her. As they get closer she recognizes it's a little diner.

"This is Pop's" he smiles. I used to go here all the time with my dad or friends. It's the best place on earth. Pop serves the best burgers and milkshakes"

"That sounds great Archie"

"Come on lets go in and say hi and have a milkshake. My treat of course"
He starts walking but Veronica pulls on his hand and stops him.

"Archie before we walk in, there is something I need to tell you"

"What's wrong?"

Tears form in Veronica's eyes. "Uhm—" she says with a shaky voice. "Well—"

"Honey what's wrong?" Archie asks. He steps closer to her and wraps his arm around her waist. "Did someone hurt you?"

She shakes her head. "I'm just a little nervous. Last time I said those words it didn't work out so well"

"Last time?"

"Archie" she whispers. A tear rolls down her cheek. "I— I'm — pregnant"

Archie stares at her for a moment. He tries to process the words that just left Veronica's mouth. More tears roll down her cheeks.

"Archie?" she whispers.

"With— with a baby, my baby?"

"I'm just going to pretend you didn't ask that"

Archie drops Vegas's leash to the ground and places his hand on her waist so he can pull her against his chest. His lips meet hers before Veronica can even process what he's doing. He kisses her long and passionately. His hands hold her waist firmly though his thumb softly stroke her side.