Guardian Angel

Chapter 19

Everleigh smiles widely while she holds on tight to Archie's left and Veronica's right hand. She swings both of her hands back and forth. She still has tomato sauce from her pizza on her chin and cheek. When they pass a toy story Everleigh lets go of the adults' hands and turns around. "Mommy can I look"

"Yeah sure"

She runs to the store and leans her forehead against the big window. Her hands are placed next to head.

"Mommy look! They have the baby doll" she giggles and taps her finger against the glass.

Veronica smiles. She runs her fingers through her daughter's long brown hair. "That's great honey but you know it's really expensive"

"I know" she mumbles. Her hands slowly slide down the window until they drop to her side and only her forehead touches the glass.

"Come on love, let's go home" Veronica says taking her daughter's hand into hers. A disappointed look is on Everleigh's face. She turns around one more time before she reaches for Archie's hand too. Archie hates to see her upset so he picks her up and kisses her cheek before he begins to tickle her in his arms. Her expression changes and a wide smile grows on her face. Giggles quickly turn into laughter.

"Nooo!" she squeals. "Stop!"

"Only if I get a kiss"

"Okay, okay, okay"

Archie stops immediately and stares at the little girl. She wraps her arms around his neck and pulls his head closer so she can place a bunch of little kisses on his cheek. After what felt like 100 kisses she lies her head on his shoulder and yawn. Veronica reaches up to his cheek and wipes the tomato sauce, which is now also on his cheek, away with her thump.

"Thanks Ronnie"

"No need to thank me" she giggles and takes his hand.

When they arrive at Veronica's apartment, Everleigh is half asleep. While Veronica is in the bathroom, taking her makeup off, Archie dresses Everleigh in some pjs and brushes her hair.
He puts on some sweatpants before he lifts the little girl into his arms and walks to the living room. He lies down on the couch with Everleigh on his chest.
Her head rests in the crook of his neck and her hands hold on to Archie's shirt. She breathes calmly and falls asleep before Veronica is even out of the bathroom.
She lies down next to them. Her head is on Archie's arm. She runs her fingers through her daughter's dark brown hair and just watches her.

"Thank you again" she says before she looks up to Archie. "For dinner"

"No problem Ronnie. I really enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun"

"I think so too" Veronica smiles. "I really appreciate the things you do for me and her. No one ever cared so much about us"

Archie kisses the top of Veronica's head. "I don't even understand why. How can someone not fall in love with you two"

"Uhm" he mumbles as his cheeks slowly turn into a rosy color. "that- that doll Ev was talking about earlier, what about it?"

"Veronica sighs "she has been asking for it for months now but I can't afford that. I mean it's a doll for almost $90. I don't even know what makes it worth $90. I mean it's probably not that much money for most people but it's a lot for a toy. I've been saving so I can buy it for her for Christmas but I don't know if I can"

"I'm sorry" Archie whispers. He pulls Veronica a little closer and kisses the top of her head. "I'm so sorry"

"It's not your fault. You know when she's older she won't remember all the toys I bought or material stuff in general. She will remember this" Veronica says and moves her hand in a circular motion above all three of them "she'll remember movie nights, cuddles, family moments"

"Family?" Archie grins.

"You said love" Veronica giggles and raises an eyebrow at him.

"So we're on the same page?" he whispers. He looks into her eyes. They are so beautiful. There is something special in them that could make him stares forever. "Are we this serious already? Is this forever?"

"I think so" Veronica whispers back. Then there is silence for a second. Both simply stare into each other's eyes. Veronica remember what Archie said to her a couple of weeks ago when he was drunk. Both of their hearts beat fast and Archie can feel his cheeks heat up. He moves a little closer and leans his forehead against hers. "I love you"

"I love you"

Archie slowly places his lips on hers and enjoy the tingly feeling in his stomach. He pulls back slightly to take a breath before he kisses her again and again and again.