Recovery

Chapter 6

Before his Dad walks in, Archie expects disappointment. He expects anger and grief and eventually forgiveness, but what he doesn't expect is the smile on his fathers face. Fred immediately engulfs him in a hug, letting out some tears.

"I didn't know how things would be the next time I saw you," Fred admits. "You look great."

"Thanks, Dad," Archie smiles, only slightly. He knows it's nothing to be ashamed of, but he's still embarrassed. "I, uh, I thought Ronnie would come."

"She's in the car," Fred chuckles, patting him on the back. "The baby was fussy, and she didn't want to bother anyone."

"Just wasn't sure," Archie shrugs, shouldering most of his belongings, leaving Fred with a rolling suitcase. "She hasn't come by in two months."

"Well, she had a baby, Arch," his father explains.

"I thought maybe she would bring her up, at least once," Archie shakes his head. "So I didn't know if she bailed."

"Bailed? Son, Veronica's been through the ringer right by your side," Fred frowns. "She's doing the best she can, so you can't be mad that she didn't bring the baby. Plus, re-" Fred stops himself, pausing. "This isn't a good place for a newborn."

"You can say rehab, Dad," Archie pinches the bridge of his nose. "Let's get out of here."

He can see her outline from the window of Fred's truck, peeking down into what he assumes is the baby's car seat. Before opening the door, he takes a deep breath.

"Hi, Veronica," he mumbles, climbing into the backseat. Normally, he would take the passenger seat but he wants to be able to stare at his daughter the whole way home, memorize all of the details of her face. He's already missed the first two months of her life and he doesn't want to miss any more unnecessary time.

"Archie," Veronica smiles softly. "Meet your daughter."

The circumstances are definitely not ideal, holding his daughter for the first time in a parking lot, but he doesn't mind, he can't focus on anything else other than the precious little girl he's holding. They don't speak, they sit in silence as Claire discovers her father for the first time. He becomes acquainted with her dimples, her frown; her little nose is all his. And most importantly, he sees her yawn and stretch.

It amazes him, every little movement. He eventually surrenders her to the car seat, watching Veronica softly buckle her in and soothe her by rubbing her tiny belly. Her little feet kick in her onesie, covered in a little floral pattern. He knew Veronica would pick out so many adorable outfits for their children, and it's exciting to see it in real life. Once they pull in front of the street or their apartment, Archie starts to get out of the truck, and Veronica gives him an odd look.

Fred seems to get the hint, grabbing the car seat from between them.

"How about Grandpa can take you upstairs, huh?" he coos at the baby, leaving Archie and Veronica standing on the sidewalk.

"It'll take me a couple of trips to get my stuff, so you can head up without me," Archie looks at her, watching her tearful gaze.

"Archie," she frowns. "I've decided that you need to stay with your Dad for a little while, so you can look for an apartment."

"Apartment? We already have one, Ronnie and-" he tries but is interrupted.

"I mean your own apartment," Veronica states at her feet. "Since you won't be living with me and Claire."

"Why would I not be living with my fiancé and my kid?" Archie questions, furrowing his brow. She can sense the anger in his tone, and it makes her feel tense.