Refuge

Right At Home

"Mommy, Mommy," Charlie jumps up, in her red and white striped pajamas. "Can I put the star on top of the tree?"

"Of course," Veronica assured her, taking a step back to look at the placement of all the ornaments. Archie has been overly generous throughout the months of them staying there, and was excited to decorate the tree as a family. She even adds some of the ornaments Charlie has made in past years and Archie wants them to be front in center.

Putting Charlotte on his shoulders, Archie stands up and holds her carefully. When she's done Charlie claps and Archie holds her up high.

"Put me down," Charlie giggles, squealing. "Daddy, put me down." Veronica and Archie share a glance before he puts her on the ground, where she admires her work and pretends nothing happened.

"Did you-" Archie whispers to Veronica.

"Yes, I heard," Veronica grins softly to Archie, not saying anything else before tucking herself into his side. "Alright, baby, it's past your bedtime."

"Fine," Charlie huffs, heading for the stairs. "Can you both tuck me in?"

"Absolutely," Archie agrees, racing their little girl up the stairs. Veronica trails behind and watches them interact, her two favorite people are now completely best friends and Charlie adores her Dad.

Veronica lays next to her and reads her a short story while Archie sits at the end of the bed.

"One more Mommy?" Charlotte attempts, to which Archie chuckles.

"She's pretty convincing," Archie adds in.

"Good try you two," Veronica laughs, kissing Charlie's forehead and tucking her in her blankets. "Sleep tight, angel."

When Veronica and Archie reach the base of the stairs, he's still smiling ear to ear.

"Do you feel like a superhero yet?" Veronica smiles softly, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I never knew how much I would love her," Archie shakes his head. "I didn't realize that being a parent could be the hardest and the most fulfilling thing at the same time."

"You're doing an amazing job," Veronica assures him. "Charlie adores you... and I have to admit that you are the hottest Dad at school drop off."

"Really?" Archie smirks, before leaning down to kiss her lips softly. "Ronnie-"

"Don't," she argues. "Just kiss me."

"I love you," he persists. "I love you so much."

"Archiekins," she pouts, pecking his lips again. "I love you too. But I asked you to kiss me."

"Happily," he chuckles, lifting her in his arms, and he kisses her lips until they're numb.

"Do you ever think about what would have happened if we wouldn't have found our way back?" Veronica asks.

"I know that no matter what, I wouldn't have gone the rest of my life without you," Archie kisses her temple. "And without my Charlie."

"She adores you, Archie," Veronica grins. "You might be her new favorite person."

"And she might be mine," Archie adds, watching Veronica's face drop.

"I thought I was your favorite person," Veronica pouts slightly, making Archie break out in a nervous grin.

"Of course you are, both of you are," Archie agrees. "It's no surprise that Charlie would have me wrapped around her finger, just like her mother."