Chapter Thirty-Eight

"I'm so happy for you!" Willow shouts as she grabs mine and Archer's hands and starts jumping up and down.

I glance towards Archer trying to catch his reaction. I'm afraid Willow's enthusiasm is going to be too much for him. Thankfully, his grin is almost as big as hers. I let out a breath of air and finally relax, jumping up and down with her.

When Willow finally releases our hands, Archer snakes his arm around my waist and pulls me to his side. I wrap my arms around him and squeeze.

This just feels so right. I don't think I've ever felt this level of happiness before. The closest would be with milestones in my career, but this is something totally different. Sometimes it just feels so surreal. I feel like I need to pinch myself to make sure it's real on a regular basis. It doesn't feel like I deserve to be this happy.

As if she can hear my thoughts, Willow locks her eyes on me and smiles. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that her eyes were glistening with tears.

"I'm so happy for you guys. You both deserve this," Willow starts. "So what's the next step?"

I throw my hands up. "No. No next step."

"Ali, you do realize you need to officially make it public right?" Willow pushes.

"No. Not yet," I respond, blowing my bangs out of my eyes. Archer starts to draw small circles on my lower back.

"If you don't do it on your own, it's going to get leaked. There's no way it doesn't. Then you're on their terms," Willow grabs her phone and starts typing away on it. "It's fine. I've been working on a plan."

I finally release my grip on Archer and grab her phone from her hands. She has the note app open and there is a massive list on it.

"Fancy dinner date. Disclose location beforehand. Wear something fancy but sweet. Small display of affection," I start reading. "No. Absolutely not." I hand the phone back to her.

"It's a solid plan," Willow states. "I think it'll get the job done."

"I don't want to ‘get the job done' with this. I want to enjoy my relationship with my boyfriend. Not flaunt it to the public."

Willow bites on her thumbnail. She obviously has an opinion about what my thoughts but is afraid to say it. I look away from her and stare at the wall, trying to calm myself down.

I get where she's coming from, and I know she's trying to help, but I'm so frustrated right now. I'm so frustrated with all of this when it should be something that I'm enjoying.

"Willow's right," Archer finally breaks his silence.

I spin towards him, my jaw dropping open and eyes widening in disbelief. I can't believe the words he just uttered. I thought for sure he'd be on my side.

Willow quickly perks up. "Thank you," she starts but Archer cuts her off.

"I'm not saying I want to follow what you planned. I'm just saying you're right about us doing this on our terms instead of some tabloid that happens to catch a snapshot of us when we don't expect it. I'd rather this come from us instead of a random rumor mill that takes on a mind of its own."

"Exactly my point," Willow nods.

I look between the two of them kind of in shock. I definitely wasn't expecting this conversation to happen today. I figured we'd just be celebrating in our little bubble for awhile longer.

Archer turns towards me and puts his arms on my shoulders. I keep my head turned to the side. He grabs my chin and gently turns my head towards him until our eyes meet. I slowly melt into his hand and let my eyes soften.

"I know how you feel. Believe me I do. And I can only imagine that your fears and anxieties are ten times worse than mine being that you've been in the limelight for so long but, honestly Al, I think this is the best way. I've actually been thinking about it since it seemed like you and I could actually happen. I know it's not ideal but I think it's the best option."

I nod at him. What he's saying makes complete sense. It does. I can't argue with it.

"What would be ideal to you?" I whisper, my voice hitching at the end. I drop my gaze down a bit.

He hooks his finger under my chin and pulls my lips to his. He gives me a soft kiss, and my heart drops to my toes.

"To keep you all to myself," he whispers against my lips. "Forever."

I smile and give him another kiss. We both lean into it this time. He quickly wraps his arm around me and pulls me against him. I smile against his lips.

"Uhm," Willow interrupts us. I quickly jump back from Archer.

"Sorry," I say, running my hands over my lips trying to avoid eye contact.

"So, I'm assuming we all agree then?" Willow questions, looking directly at me.

I hesitantly nod my head. "I guess. But if we have to do this, we're doing it my way." I grab Archer's hand. "Our way."

Willow nods. "I mean it does seem like we have the king of romance here. Maybe we let him run the show."

"I couldn't agree more," I smile up at Archer who leans down and kisses the top of my head.

"Sounds good to me." Archer grabs my hand and starts to pull me towards the door. I follow him, wrapping my other hand around our joined hands as we go.

I feel a smaller hand wrap around my elbow.

"Wait, can we talk?" Willow asks.

I'd love to spend some time with Archer and have a serious conversation before this all happens but I can tell by Willow's eyes that she has something she really wants to talk about.

"Sure," I look back towards Archer. "I'll meet you in a few, okay?"

He nods and leans down to give me a quick kiss before leaving.

"What's up?" I ask, turning back towards her giving her my full attention.

Before I know what's happening, she's wrapping her arms around me and giving me a squeeze.

I hug her back but am definitely taken over by panic and confusion. She finally pulls away from me, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Willow, what's wrong?" I put my hands on her shoulders.

She quickly swipes the tears from her eyes. "Nothing. I'm just so happy for you. Archer is seriously the sweetest and I've never seen you this happy. I know you've been thriving in your career, but I also know you've been struggling with everything else. I'm just so happy that you found someone that has brought back that shine in your eyes."

She pulls me in for another hug. This time, I squeeze back with just as much enthusiasm.

"Thanks, Willow. For everything."

"You know I'm here for you, Sis. Just don't forget about me when you want to spend all of your time with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome."

"I won't. Pinky promise." We intertwine our fingers and bob them up and down. Then we slowly pull them away, high five, bump hips, and then high five again. We take a second to look at each other before we simultaneously start laughing over the handshake we created when we were kids.

"Love you, Sis," I say.

"Love you, more," Willow answers.

I head out the door with a smile on my face that at this point, I'm pretty sure is never going to leave again.