Page 82 of Let Me Love You

“My mimi and pops are dog sitting for the weekend. They’ve been sending me pics every hour,” I tell her with a laugh, then pull out my phone and show her. “See? She’s being spoiled rotten.”

“She already was,” Archer blurts.

“Of course, Sassy’s my little queen.” I smirk.

Annie tells us to eat while she changes out of her scrubs. Sadie talks about school and the cute boy she sits next to every day.

“You’re too young to like boys,” Archer says in a disapproving tone.

“Nuh-uh, Uncle Archer. I’m five. Almost six!” she exclaims. “I’m very bature for my age.”

I give Archer an amused look as I swallow down my laughter. “A woman who knows what she wants, I love it,” I sing-song. “Does he like you back?”

“We’re getting married on the playground Monday. I’m gonna wear my prettiest dress.”

“Excuse me? Are you five or twenty-five?” Archer scowls, and Sadie giggles as she grabs another piece of pizza.

Annie returns in comfy clothes and sighs as she swallows down a bottle of water. “You hear you’re gaining a son-in-law?” Archer asks unamused.

“Johnny? Oh yeah. They’ve been going steady since October.” She snickers. “Johnny also has a single daddy who likes to come over for playdates.” She waggles her brows, and steam blows from Archer’s ears.

“Okay, what? You’re both dating, and no one told me?” His voice echoes, and I adore his protective side. It reminds me of Tyler in a way.

“We’re not dating. We just hang out,” Annie insists. “He’s still grieving his wife who passed last year, so we’re more friends than anything.”

Archer points a finger at her, then at Sadie. “No boys.”

Annie rolls her eyes, grabs a plate, then meets us at the kitchen table.

“So besides you getting hitched and you being friend-zoned, what else do I need to know?” Archer asks as I open the second box and squeal.

“Pineapple!”

“Archer told me it’s your favorite.”

“I love you already,” I say, taking a slice and inhaling the first bite.

“Don’t change the subject. Tell me,” Archer insists.

“Nothing, overbearing brother,” Annie interjects. “I work, drive Sadie around, do endless loads of laundry, and sleep somewhere between.”

“Okay, good,” he says, smiling. “Any more sightings of you-know-who?”

“Nope.”

I’m lost, so I need to remind him to tell me later.

“Wanna watch a movie?” Sadie asks after we clean up and make our way to the living room.

“Sure, kiddo. What did you have in mind?” Archer pulls her onto his lap as I sit next to them.

“You’re gonna regret asking that,” Annie muses.

At the same time, Sadie replies, “Tangled!”

“Told ya,” Annie mutters.

“That’s my favorite Disney movie!” I exclaim in all seriousness.