eight
. . .
Winnie
The rehearsal dinnerhad been so much fun, but Melody and I sneaked out right after we ate. She was exhausted, and I knew Archer wouldn’t relax until she was in the room resting.
And of course, when we attempted to sneak out, he followed us all the way back to the suite to make sure we’d made it back safely.
I encouraged him to get back downstairs, because a gorgeous Frenchwoman named Sabine was clearly interested in him—she’d pulled up a chair at our table and attached herself to him.
I’d given Melody her bath, and we’d both slipped into our jammies before climbing into her bed and turning onDumbo, which was her favorite movie.
“I like snuggling with you, Winnie,” she said as her little hand found mine. We were both sitting with our backs pressed to the headboard.
“I like snuggling with you, too,” I said, stroking her little hand with the pad of my thumb.
She scooched closer to me and slid down on the bed a bit, and I knew she was getting sleepy. “Will you go with me to getmy hair dones tomorrow for the flower job? I don’t think daddies are supposed to go in that room.”
“Of course I will. Are you excited?”
“Yeppers. And I’m happy I’ll have my Beefcake with me when I walk down that island with my flowers.”
I chuckled. She was damn cute.
Speaking of cute… Cutler, a.k.a. “Beefcake,” had more game than most grown men I knew. He’d introduced himself to me, kissed the back of my hand, and told me I was his girl.
“He will definitely be right there with you.”
“Will you stay with me in here tonight until Daddy gets back, Winnie?” She squeezed my hand as her little eyes fell closed.
“Of course I will. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here watchingDumbo.”
I listened to the sound of her breathing until it settled and she fell into a sound sleep. Her hand slipped from mine as she rolled onto her side. Her arm came over my waist as if she was hugging me and making sure to keep me there.
Melody was the sweetest kid I’d ever met. I continued watching as the cute little elephant on the screen started flying, his ears flapping around him.
My phone vibrated, and I looked down to see a text from Archer.
Archer
How is it going over there?
We’re good. She just dozed off. And I’m watching Dumbo get his redemption on all the haters.
Archer
Fabulous movie.
We’re fine. Get back to your date.
Archer
I’d rather be watching Dumbo.
Suck it up, Archie. You know what they say… when in Paris.
Archer