Chapter Thirty-Seven

The credits start rolling across the screen as a Christmas carol starts loudly playing in the background.

"That'll always be one of my favorites," Archer says as he unwraps his arms from around me and stretches them up towards the ceiling. I follow suit, pulling my legs out from under me and stretching them out.

"Agreed," I answer him as his dad nods.

"I think she enjoyed it, too," Mr. Stiles responds as he points toward Juliet laying on the couch next to him. Her eyes are closed and there's a faint snoring coming from her direction. "I guess I better take her upstairs." He starts to stand from the couch.

"I got her," Archer interjects as he jumps up from his seat.

"No, you've got company. Don't worry about it."

"It's fine. I'll tuck her in and then Alison and I will hang out in my room for a bit. You go to bed. It's late."

I can see Mr. Stiles wants to argue but his exhaustion wins. "Okay, fine. Call me if you need me."

Archer walks over to the couch, bends down, and very easily scoops Juliet up into his arms. She startles awake for a second, sees Archer's face, then curls into his chest as he starts heading upstairs.

"Good night, Mr. Stiles. Thank you for everything. It was truly amazing," I say before quickly following behind Archer.

I try to keep quiet so as not to wake Juliet. I have a feeling that if she fully wakes up, we're in for more hours of her Christmas fun.

I enjoyed today so much. It was great being with a family and taking part in all of their traditions, but I'm tired now and spending some alone time with Archer sounds like the perfect way to end the night.

Archer basically tiptoes into Juliet's room, clearly having the same thoughts as me about waking her up. He gently sets her in her bed, pulls the blanket up over her, and then gives her a quick kiss on the cheek. My heart seriously feels like it's going to explode from the admiration I feel for him in this moment.

I sneak in behind Archer and stand next to him as he looks down at this little kid with her glasses on in a twin size bed with nothing but love in his eyes. She looks so cute laying peacefully.

Archer wraps his hand around my waist and leans his forehead against the side of my head. "Let's go," he whispers before gently kissing my ear. He wraps his hand in mine and leads me out of Juliet's room.

I quietly follow his lead to his room. He closes the door behind us and pulls us down on his bed. I snuggle up next to him and shut my eyes for a second, breathing him in. It's officially become my favorite scent. Woodsy, manly, and a touch of spice. I don't think anything has ever smelled so good.

"Did you have a good night?" Archer whispers, almost like he's hesitant to break the peaceful silence around us.

I nod my head on his shoulder.

"Good," he whispers again. "You know, I still have a present to give you."

I quickly sit up at that and turn to face him. I put my hands out and open them in front of me. I look up at him with wide eyes. "Yes, please."

He chuckles as he sits up and grabs the present from the drawer in his nightstand. He must've snuck it up here at some point.

"Don't get too excited. It's not much. I just thought you would appreciate it."

I roll my eyes at him. Archer has nailed basically every nice thing that he's tried to do for me. Every date. Every conversation. I'm sure this will be no different. "Did Willow help you pick this one out?" I tease.

His eyes go wide in shock. "What? No. I picked this one out myself. On our festival date actually. Why would you think Willow was involved?"

I laugh at his discomfort. "Oh, come on, the jig is up now. I know she's been your go-to for advice."

He starts to talk, trying to deny it. I throw my finger up against his lips to shush him. "Don't. I'm not mad. It actually makes me happy that you cared enough to go to her."

His face relaxes into relief.

"Can I open my gift now?"

He quickly nods his head and then watches my face the whole time I unwrap the beautiful paper. Inside is a small box. I slide the lid off the top and stare down at the glittering object inside. It's a very delicate silver necklace. The chain is so small and dainty, it glitters in the dim light coming from the window. Hanging on the chain is a small charm. I bring it closer to my face to get a better look. It's shaped like a sun with small diamonds filling in the center. I move it back and forth, admiring how it glitters.

"Do you like it?" Archer finally breaks the silence.

I look at him. "I love it."

"Wondering why it's a sun?" he asks as he takes the necklace and gently slips it around my throat. I lift my hair up as he clasps it behind my neck. He lays the clasp down and kisses my skin. Goosebumps form up and down my spine.

"Yeah, actually. It's beautiful, and I love it regardless but I am a little curious."

He grabs my knees and turns me towards him so that we're face to face. I feel his warm breath on my face as he starts to speak.

"Because to you, the sun is the enemy. You can't go into it and feel its warmth. You have to hide from it."

I turn my head to the side, trying to figure out where he's going with this. I feel like a necklace reminding me of that isn't quite the gift he thinks it is.

"What you don't see though, is that you're the sun to so many people. You brighten their lives each and every day. Whether that be with your music or your love. You shine brighter than the sun on the warmest summer afternoon after a dreary day. You may not be able to go out in the the sun but you bring it with you everywhere you go. For me, you are my sun."

I put my head down and lift the glittering object up in my hand. I start to feel tears fall. Archer hooks his finger under my chin and pulls my head up so that our eyes meet.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry if I messed up on the gift. I can exchange it," Archer rattles on, clearly nervous.

"Archer," I say, putting my hands on his chest. "This is the most thoughtful gift that I've ever received. I don't even know what to say. I'm at a loss for words. And that is a very good thing."

I shift my weight and crawl into his lap. I grab his face between my hands and lean forward until our lips meet. The kiss starts off soft and loving. Just our lips barely grazing each other's. However, it quickly builds with intensity, becoming more firm. Archer wraps his hands around my thighs, sliding me closer to him until our bodies are completely touching each other. I fall into the passion ignoring everything around us.

We finally break apart, both out of breath. A smile takes over both of our faces simultaneously.

"Best. Christmas. Ever." I say between breaths. Archer instantly pulls me back towards him.