Guardian Angel

Chapter 33

"I can't believe my little girl is graduating from college" Hiram sighs as he looks at Veronica. Archie is next to her with his arm around her waist and his hand on her tiny baby bump. In his other arm he holds a sleepy Everleigh. She woke up from her nap just a couple of minutes ago. Dressing her into her sweet pink tulle dress was a real challenge for Veronica.
She smiles at her dad "I worked hard for this" she giggles and leans into Archie's side.

"I know honey. I'm so proud of you"

"I'm proud too" Archie whispers. He kisses the side of her head and holds her a little closer. "My girlfriend is so smart"

"You're cute" she giggles "but you're just as smart as I am. You're graduating too"

"Yeah but you're way smarter than I am. You're literally perfect"

"Oh Archie, I'm not—"

"Ev who's smarter, mommy or daddy?" Archie interrupts Veronica. He looks at the little girl whose head rests on his shoulder. Her arms are dangling down next to her body.

"Mommy" she mumbles "but daddy is funnier"

"That's true" Veronica smiles. She gets on her tiptoes and kisses her daughter's forehead.

"I hate to interrupt this but I want to take some pictures" Hermione says. She pulls out her phone and waits for all three of them to look at her. Everleigh lifts her head and rubs her eyes before she begins to smile and look at her grandma. Archie's hand is still on Veronica's stomach. He rests his head on top of hers and smiles into the camera. After a couple of pictures he takes of his cap and puts it on Everleigh's head. Veronica is holding hers in her hand.
Everleigh giggles "look mommy I'm gradu— gradu—ating too"

"You have all the time in the world. Don't grow up. Stay in preschool forever"

"Okay" the little girl grins.

•••

Archie and Veronica stand in front of their college a few feet away from the rest of their family. Veronica can't believe she's graduating. It feels like only yesterday when she walk inside for the first time.

Veronica wraps her purple gown around her. Archie furrows his eyebrow. "Hey, what are you doing? Why are you hiding our little bump. We love this, we're proud of this. Don't hide it!"

"I'm sorry Archie it's just— I remember how people looked at me, how they judged me when I was pregnant with Everleigh. I'm 22 almost 23 and I'm pregnant with my second child. Most women my age don't even have kids. Don't get me wrong I love it but I don't want people to think I can't control myself"

"Honey" he sighs and places his hand on her stomach. "Who cares what other people think. You will never see them again. You're happy right? Don't let them take that away from you and besides no one will dare to say a single stupid word to you and my baby. I'll protect you two"

Veronica smiles and puts her hand on top of Archie's. "You're so sweet. What did I do to deserve you?"

"I ask myself the same question every day"
He brushes the gown away from her stomach and places his hands on her waist. "You make me the happiest. I love you"

"I love you" she grins and gets on her tiptoes so she can kiss him. Her hands moves from his chest to his hands. She intertwines their fingers with her eyes never leaving his.