Archer's Angels (18 page)

The wedding was in Australia, and it was everything Clove could ever have wished for. To her astonishment, the entire clan of Jeffersons came down, bringing armloads of gifts, toys and well-wishes. She even met people she didn’t know were part of the family, two men named Hawk and Jellyfish. And the first people who had “accepted” her into the Jefferson family, Delilah and Jerry, also arrived for the two-week “wedding vacation” Archer and Clove had arranged. Two weeks, they’d theorized, was the proper length of time for family to get to know each other since it took so long to fly to Australia. Delilah and the Jefferson wives said two weeks was just long enough for them to spoil the babies, since the honeymoon was being put off for a year.

The men helped Robert. They liked him, and they felt that the family farm could be fixed up in no time. Setting about with plans and muscle, they spent their time before and after the informal family wedding repairing fence and tack and teaching Robert those things that he’d never had a chance to learn.

This male tutelage, Clove noted with deep appreciation, seemed to bridge some sort of gap between Lucy and Robert. For the first time in a long time, they touched each other as if they cared. Their gazes lingered on each other.

“It’s almost as if they’re falling in love,” Archer whispered in her ear at the rehearsal dinner. “I would never have believed that they nearly divorced.”

“It’s strange,” Clove murmured. “Robert admitted feeling lost marrying into a situation that he knew nothing about. When we ran into problems, I think he felt powerless to help because he didn’t understand the running of a real farm.”

“There’s a lot to it,” Archer agreed. “But he’s catching on fast. In fact, he enjoys it.” He pressed his lips across Clove’s temple as they sat together on the porch. “I think he likes having something to talk to Lucy about. And that he likes having the answers for a change.”

“I wish I’d seen that before.” Clove turned to took into her husband’s eyes. “Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

“I like gratitude,” Archer said, “but I’m afraid I didn’t do anything.”

“You did,” Clove said. “You and your brothers, and Jerry, and Hawk and Jellyfish, helped Robert, and gave my sister back her husband.”

“Good,” Archer said. “I like that kind of gratitude. You worried me when I thought you were going to give her my children to save her marriage.”

Clove blushed. “She’s my sister.”

“And I’m your husband.” He grinned. “And I’m never going to let you forget that.”

“Good,” Clove said. “Because I never want to.”

They kissed, each of them in the moment, trusting and in love, and knowing that the family they were sharing was what their hearts had always searched for.

“I love you,” Clove said. “Stunt work wasn’t half as much fun as falling in love with you.”

“I love you,” Archer said, “and the three angels you’ve given me—”

“Are going to keep you hopping for the rest of your life,” she said with a smile.

“Just like their mum,” he agreed with a grin. “I can honestly say you gave me the adventure that I hoped for, and I couldn’t be a happier man.”

Twelve months later, in Malfunction Junction

From: Robert

To: Union Junction ranch

Birth Announcement

Robert and Lucy are delighted to announce the arrival of SKYLAR and ZANE ANDREW on Monday 26 July 2004 at 2.00 p.m. Zane, weighing in at 7 lb 1 oz, measuring 51 cm long; Skylar Jayne, 5 lb 8 oz measuring 47.5 cm.

Mum, Dad, Skylar and Zane are all doing really well.

Photos will follow in another e-mail.

Thanks for all your good wishes throughout the pregnancy.

P.S.

I would like to add that Lucy has given me one of the memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. For anyone who has experienced the miracle of childbirth you will understand what I mean. Zane is just as much a picture of beauty as Skylar. There are no words to describe my feelings for the lady who has given me everything that a man could ever ask for and much more. Well, maybe I’m biased but I think she will do a wonderful job and that most of the babies’ wonderful personalities I can already attribute to Lucy. I guess I want everyone to know how proud I am of Lucy, not just because she just gave birth, but for her wonderful qualities as a woman and a mother (hey, I
am
the new father, I can gloat). As a last and very important note, Lucy and I would like to announce that we are going through the final adoption process for two children, two sisters. This farm, thanks to you, is a wonderful place for children to grow up.

Well, I’ve embarrassed myself enough so I just want to say thank you to all of the “Jefferson Cyber Uncles.” You all mean a great deal to Lucy, I know this because she talks about you all the time.

See ya,

Robert

Mason looked at Archer. “Emotional sort, isn’t he?”

Archer smiled at Clove and their three babies. She did such a good job with him and the children that his world was complete. Tink scratched at his boot, and
through the window, he could see Tonk grazing. Life was very, very sweet. “Emotional is good. You should try it sometime, Mason.”

“So, is this the end of the Aussie e-mail correspondence relationship? Clove’s happy here, and Lucy’s happy there, and you’ll split your time between the two ranches, and the children will have dual citzenship?”

Archer’s heart filled with love as he watched his wife nurturing their children. “She’s happy. And I found the one woman for me.”

“Congratulations,” Mason said, looking like the strong Mason of old. “I’m really glad to hear it. I remember being very worried about you and your mystery woman.” He sighed, and rubbed his chin. “Now, call the rest of the boys in. We need to have a family conference.”

“Topic?” Archer asked.

“Mimi,” Mason said. “That little gal is driving me nuts with her run for the sheriff’s seat! More to the point, she says she wants me to be her deputy!”