"Is the dip ready?" Anneliese asked as she finished hanging up the decorations.

"Yeah, I'm transferring it to a bowl," Archer answered then brought it over to the coffee table covered by a smooth, beige cloth and party food and drinks.

She got down from the couch and sat down, followed by him, after admiring her neat work on the wall. "How does it look?"

"It looks perfect, Anne." He ruffled her hair lovingly, and she gasped.

"Archer! You're ruining my hair." She pouted as she raked a hand through her hair several times to let it resume its wave-like state before he laid a hand on it.

"You look beautiful as always, Anne. Messy hair or not," he said with her small face cupped between his large hands, staring at her genuinely.

Her brow creases subsided as she gently touched his hands, looking dazed and captivated in his icy, blue eyes. Even after all this time, his charm and aura still had an effect on her; it would take control of her and put her into some sort of temporary trance. She blinked hard and snapped out of it. "Let me taste your dip..."

"Oh, yeah. How is it?" he asked as he watched her dip her finger into it.

She licked her finger as the liquid dripped down at a fast but steady pace then sucked her finger and smiled. "Huh, it's nice and thick..."

He stared at her with his mouth slightly agape, and a deep blush spread across his face. His mind was spiraling out of control from the sudden sensual actions his lover had performed before him like it was nothing. She knew darn well it'd have an effect on a male with such a gorgeous female present, not only a woman but his. At least that was what he was thinking, but the mixed expressions of confusion and amusement painted on her face said otherwise. "U-Uh..um..A-Anne- Anneliese..."

"Is your brain buffering?" she joked. "What's wrong, Archer?" She was honestly too slow and innocent to notice what she had done to him. Before she knew it, he grasped her small waist in both hands, lifted her, and set her into his laps sideways with her legs draped across his and feet hanging adjacent to his. Her arms circled his neck from the suddenness. "Um..Archer...?" she asked in a whisper as she looked into his longing eyes with her gullible ones, still lost.

"How can you..do this..to me...?" he asked breathily.

"Do..what...?" Her brows creased. He watched her pink, plump lips move as she talked. He'd only ever laid his onto hers a few times during their relationship since he was super busy, and her dad was keeping tabs on them whenever they were together; he didn't get to be with his daughter for sixteen years, so it was totally understandable.

If he remembered correctly, they hadn't kissed since last New Years. He'd been able to control his want for physical affection this whole time; however, her little stunt made his emotions go haywire and set his caged Tiger free. "You're so cute..that I can't..comprehend what's going on sometimes...I'm absolutely..lost and tongue-tied when you do..certain things..." He licked his lips, and she stared at them this time.

"I..feel..the same way..." she remarked breathlessly, her forehead resting on his with her eyes closed and lips centimeters apart from his. He closed the distance, and they both hummed in satisfaction. She dug her fingers into his soft and thick hair while he rested a hand behind her neck, and the other worked its way into her shirt and up her back slowly. The kiss was slow and gentle, making her heart palpitate and slam against her chest repetitively.

Becoming absorbed in each other's arms, they didn't hear the door opening. "Hey, Archy! I brought your favorite pepperoni, beef, and black olive pizza!" Clarissa exclaimed. The couple's heated session was broken in a matter of seconds. They pulled away from each other in a blink from shock and froze in their spot as Anneliese brought a hand to her mouth, and they stared at the entryway, both totally flustered. Clarissa watched them with wide eyes, her mouth agape and hands raised with a box of pizza and a bag of beverages. The two finally separated to sit still next to each other, their heads hung low with complete and utter embarrassment. Her eyes narrowed, and she smirked. "Oh, ho, ho. What do we have here? Is this why you told me to come later? So you can be with this..this inferior woman?!"

Anneliese stood up abruptly, making her jump. "I-I can't believe this! Her?! How could you?!"

"Excuse me? What do you mean 'her'?" Clarissa asked with a hand on her chest, feigning offense. He let out an exasperated sigh and rubbed his face. "How dare you sigh at a time like this?! You cheated on me with this cheap woman!"

"Really? Cheap?" Anneliese asked with a raised brow.

"What? I can't insult my bestie."

"You called me inferior."

"Oh, please. No harm was done."

"Actually, that hurt me a lot more than you think. Now, I feel like I'm inferior to all the women who dated Archer before me." She feigned hurt and clutched her chest.

"Aw, you poor soul. You're the best out there. Come here." Clarissa pulled her into a hug, and they giggled.

"Is this really necessary?" Archer asked, a blush still imminent on his face. "Can't you just be like normal people and walk out or brush it off after seeing what happened?"

"How dare you ask me to be normal like those peasants when I'm extraordinary?" Clarissa blinked several times in disbelief.

"Yeah, well, you're extra for sure..."

"Although I love you, I do kind of agree with Archer here, Clare. I'm still flustered," remarked Anneliese.

"But you agreed to do this with her..." He raised a brow.

"I did, but I didn't know she'd remember to do it, and that it'd happen continuously as if planned. It's like you know when to show up, and I obviously can't leave her hanging since she's my best friend. I was flustered when I stood up to put my acting skills on."

"You should've just left her hanging then," he mumbled with a pout.

"Hey, I'm right here," Clarissa pointed out. "Besides, it's not like I'm a two-year-old. What's a little make-out session? Nothing I've never seen before."

"Yeah, but don't you know how we'd feel if you walked in on us?" Anneliese folded her arms.

"It's fine. You'll get used to it." She waved her hand at them then sat down. They looked at her, and she sighed. "Alright, alright! I won't ask you to do it anymore. I don't want to walk in on something else and still have you act it out." Anneliese covered her face with embarrassment. "Now that reminds me. Have you guys tied the knot yet?"

The couple both felt blood rush up to their faces. "Clare!"

"What? Y'all are engaged already. When you going to get physical, physical?" she sang the last part.

Anneliese chuckled and lightly hit her on the hand, still flushed. "Stop! We just got engaged two months ago!"

"Yeah, plus almost two whole years of dating! You guys must be the most boring couple of the century, lacking the essentials of a young, lovey-dovey couple. You let your dad get in the way too much, and Archy, stop being a workaholic. I swear Mr. Raymond is giving you piles of work on purpose to keep you away from Anne. He's too attached to her. I get the whole 'It's been sixteen years' thing but come on! He can't keep cock-blocking you two. You deserve to be happy. If he means what he said, and he wants to make up for the time he lost to make you happy, then he should be letting you guys have some 'fun'."

"Okay, Clare. Please stop talking now. I know you mean well, but this is getting awkward for Archer. He's barely holding it in," Anneliese said, motioning towards Archer raking a hand through his hair. "We can talk more when we're alone," she whispered. "Also, my dad meant everything he said. He just needs time to relax and realize I'm not going anywhere."

"Who's not going anywhere?" Nathaniel came in with a bottle of wine in hand.

"Dad!" She ran over to him and gave him a big hug, almost toppling him over and making him drop the bottle of wine.

"Whoa, easy there, pumpkin!" He chuckled heartily. "You almost made me drop the Cabernet Sauvignon."

"Why'd you even bring red wine?"

"Because we're celebrating your birthday, and it tastes amazing!"

"It's better if we drink soda, juice, or water."

"Don't worry. It's totally fine." He grinned.

"I'm here too, sweetheart!" Nicole exclaimed with open arms, ready to receive her hug.

"Mom, you're back! I missed you!" She embraced her smiling mom then released her. "I didn't think you'd make it in time."

"Well, I couldn't miss my sweet daughter's birthday." Her mom cupped her face and mushed it around playfully.

"Dad, did you know and not tell me?" she asked, and he looked at her contritely.

"Don't blame him. I wanted it to be a surprise!"

"Good afternoon, Archer," Nathaniel greeted Archer.

"Good afternoon, sir." He shook his hand.

"Hi, Mister and Missus Raymond!" Clarissa waved at them cheerfully.

"Oh, hello, Clarissa!" Nicole smiled and returned the wave, and Nathaniel nodded at her.

"Where's Tyler and Nathan?" Anneliese asked as she looked for her two, little brothers.

"They're-" her mom started and looked behind her for her sons. "Oh, geez! Tyler must be on his phone playing games again while Nathan followed him." She poked her head out of the entrance and shouted, "Tyler, get your butt here this instant, or I'm taking away your phone for a week again!" The sounds of hurried footsteps and a small pitter-patter could be heard down the hall. Tyler and Nathan appeared by the entrance not long after their mom's call.

"I'm here," Tyler said with his hands in his pockets and little Nathan adjacent to his legs.

"I swear your dad spoiled you with video games too much when you were little. You are forbidden to go on your phone while you are here with us. You hear me?" Nicole declared sternly, and he rolled his eye before nodding his head. "Did you just roll your eyes at me? Do it again and see what I'll do. I dare you," she chided.

"Ahaha..go easy on him, mom. Tyler is still a teenager. He'll learn as he continues to grow up," Anneliese defended. "Hi, Nate!" She crouched down and pet her little brother's head.

"Anne!" He smiled widely and hugged her.

"Oh, gosh. My heart. You favor your brothers too much!" She sighed and gave up.

"My daughter does have a heart of gold, doesn't she?" Nathaniel smiled proudly, creating smile lines. "Am I right?" He looked to Archer.

"Yes, sir. She does. It's one of the many qualities that make her Anneliese," he replied.

Anneliese stood up at smiled at Tyler. "Oh my, you've grown since I last saw you, and it's only been a few days. You're the same height as me. Soon you'll be taller like Archer."

He slightly pouted at her statement. "Thank you..for defending me..." he mumbled with a light blush across his face.

She put a hand on his shoulder. "No, problem, Ty. I am your big sister, right?"

"I still can't get over it though," Clarissa spoke up.

"Still can't get over what?" Anneliese asked.

"The fact you three are somewhat related." She pointed to the three siblings. "Ya'll don't look alike at all."

"Oh, geez, Clare. We are only half-siblings. Of course, we don't look a hundred percent alike!" Since Anneliese, Tyler, and Nathan were born from different moms, they only had somewhat of a resemblance. Anneliese had dark brown hair like her biological mom's and her dad's hazel eyes while Tyler had light brown hair and their mom's green eyes. On the other hand, Nathan had blonde hair and hazel eyes with a light green hue in them since their mom was a blonde with green eyes. None of them looked similar to each other at the moment, but soon, Nathan was going to resemble Tyler because Tyler's hair was also blonde when he was little. However, as he got older, his hair morphed into a light brown, which was a mix of their dad's dark brown hair and their mom's blonde hair. Genes were a complicated thing.

"You'll get used to it," Nathaniel commented with a wink, and Nicole chuckled.

"Please sit," Anneliese motioned for everyone to take a seat on the couch. "Ah, I almost forgot to ask. How was your trip to Rome, mom?"

"Oh, honey. It was amazing. The monuments were quite fascinating might I say. Nathan loved seeing them too."

"And Tyler?"

"Gosh, don't even ask. He was on his phone the whole time!" He rubbed his neck contritely.

"Maybe he has a girlfriend," she teased.

"Oh, please. I hope not. He was gaming as always."

"It won't be a surprise if he does, Mrs. Raymond. After all, he is 16 and turning 17 soon," Clarissa remarked.

"I'd rather he focus on his studies and quit gaming." Nicole let out an exasperated sigh.

"Don't worry..I don't have a girlfriend..." he mumbled and glanced at Anneliese.

"Well, that's fine. I'd like to spend more time with my little brother before he devotes himself to his girlfriend," she stated as she ruffled his hair. His cheeks turned pink, and he fixed his hair.

"So, are we going to eat soon?" Archer asked, and she laughed.

"Archer, are you afraid your dip goes to waste?" she joked, and he scratched his head.

"I did make it..." he murmured.

"Alright, let's eat. I'm starving," Clarissa declared.

"Where's the wine opener, pumpkin?" Nathaniel asked.

"Dad." Anneliese narrowed her eyes at him.

"What? Just a little won't hurt."

"Daddy, I want some," Nathan said as he rested his hands on their dad's lap.

"See? This was what I wanted to avoid!"

"Don't worry. I won't give him any."

"Really, dear? We know how soft-hearted you are," Nicole remarked.

"And you are prone to Nate's puppy eyes," Tyler added.

Nathaniel's body shrunk a little as everyone stared at him. "I won't give in this time. Look, watch. Nate, you can only drink juice or soda. This is for adults, okay? You can have some when you're older," he told Nathan, and the little boy pouted.

"I will get to have some when I'm an adult?" He nodded as a response. "Will I be an adult soon?"

"Yes, of course, Nate!"

His pout turned into a smile. "Okay then!"

"Wow, I'm impressed, dad." Anneliese leaned against his shoulder. "Nate even brought in the pout, and you didn't give in."

"Of course! I'm a responsible father." He felt proud of himself. "Now, where's the wine opener so that I can pop this cork out and pour us a drink? I really need one after what just happened." He then proceeded to wipe imaginary sweat off his forehead, and everyone laughed.

"I'll get it," Archer replied and got up to go to the kitchen to get the wine opener for him.

. . .

Anneliese went over to the cabinet above her kitchen counter and brought out a tea set and brewed some tea. It was a few hours after the party, and everyone was relaxing while doing their own thing. Nathan was asleep in her room, Clarissa was looking through Instagram, Archer was watching Tyler play games on his phone, Nathaniel had fallen asleep on the couch due to drinking too much, and Nicole was waiting for her to bring the tea.

She set the teacup and saucer on the coffee table then poured some freshly brewed Earl Grey tea in it. "Ah, thank you, dear," her mom said.

"Here's some evaporated milk if you want to add some." She set a creamer container in front of her, making the beige liquid inside move a little.

"Thank you, dear." She tipped it over to let it drip into the tea and turn it into a murky white as she stirred. She brought it up to her mouth and blew on it a few times, resulting in the steam rising away. She took a few sips and nodded. "Mm, this is really good."

"Can I get a cup too?" Clarissa asked with a cheeky grin while batting her eyes. She sighed but brought a teacup and filled it for her anyway.

"Oh, this reminds me." Nicole reached for a bag leaning against the couch, which Anneliese didn't notice before. "I got you something." Archer's ears perked up as she said that. He took a side glance at them.

"Really? You didn't have to." Her brows knitted together.

"I wanted to. I was going to anyway." She smiled kindly and passed a big, rectangular box to her.

"Ooh, I wonder what it is." Clarissa clapped her hands a little.

She lifted the top part off to reveal a pink and white, bone china tea set. She brought a hand to her mouth in disbelief. "M-Mom..i-it's..it's beautiful..." Her eyes started to well up as she ran her fingers across the shiny and smooth surface, tracing the gold, curved lines decorating it.

'So she likes stuff like that..It is pretty...' thought Archer.

Nicole squeezed her other hand and nodded. "It took me some time to find the right design that you'd like. I think this suits you very well, Anneliese."

"Thank you, mom. It must've cost a fortune." She hugged her tightly.

"It wasn't that much. As long as you like it, honey." Her mom patted her back. "Your dad told me you had an old one and that one of them lost the handle, so I thought I should buy you a new one. The one we're using right now is the old one, right?" Anneliese nodded. "Well, you should use the new one from now on. Okay?"

"I will, mom. I'll use it all the time." She smiled widely.

"Okay, enough being sappy," Clarissa commented. "I got you something too." She brought out a small bag and handed it to her.

She looked inside and took out a perfume box labeled 'Maybe Baby Eau De Toilette' by Benefit with a half-naked, blonde woman on it. Archer took a peek at Clarissa's gift this time, and his face went red and so did Tyler's. "Ooh, it's perfume. Thank you, Clare. I'll use it well!"

"Look at the bottle design. It's a cute retro one, and the smell is floral!" she exclaimed excitedly. Anneliese took the bottle out and admired its pinkish hue and brown, knob-like cover. "I got it for you so that you can lure in Archer when the time comes," she added in a whisper, and Anneliese laughed quietly as she lightly hit her arm.

'Ah, even Clarissa got her perfume...' thought Archer.

"Did you get your big sister anything, Tyler?" she asked.

"It's fine. I don't have birthdays to receive presents," Anneliese remarked.

"What? What kind of thinking is that? Birthdays are all about receiving presents. It's the only other time you'll get them other than Christmas!"

"My, my. My dear Anneliese is so humble it certainly reaches my heart," Nicole commented with a hand on her chest.

"We're still having karaoke later, right?" Clarissa asked.

"You youngsters go. I'll stay here with Nathaniel and Nathan." Nicole sipped her tea again.

"Yeah, definitely, but I have to do something before that." Anneliese rubbed the necklace laying below her clavicle. "I should probably go right now..before I'm too late..."

"Anne, may I...speak with you before you go?" Archer asked as he got up.

"Sure, let's go outside." They stand outside the apartment door, and Anneliese could see how nervous he was. He had his hands behind his back as his eyes wandered everywhere. She huffed out a breath and cupped his face. "Why are you looking around when I'm here?"

"Ah, I-I'm sorry..." He touched her hand, which was still on his face while the other stayed hidden behind his back.

She walked closer and sighed then slid one hand onto his shoulder while the other continued to hold his face, covered by his hand. "What is it that you wanted to talk about?"

"I-I, uh, you-" He cleared his throat and hesitated as he thought about what to say.

"Relax, Archer. Just let the words flow out. I'm not going to bite you." She chuckled.

He let out a breath and closed his eyes. "I got you something too..."

"Oh, really? What is it? Is it really special because it's making you extremely nervous."

"I just..don't know if you'll..like it."

"I'll love anything you give me, Archer."

"This might be a little late, but..."

"Late..?" He revealed his other hand, which he was hiding. He was holding something in his fist. He put it out in front of her and unfolded his fingers to reveal a pink, gem-encrusted, rose-gold ring accented by two smaller diamonds on both sides. She gasped and covered her mouth. "I-It's-Archer...I-"

"It's your engagement ring. I'm sorry it's two months late." He took her right hand and slid the small jewelry onto her ring finger in one smooth stroke. He chuckled a little. "It..fits perfectly...I was worried it wouldn't." He gave a sheepish smile and rubbed his neck. She was frozen in her spot as she stared at the sparkling item adding flair to her bare hand. "Anne..? Do you..not..like it?" He looked at her with knitted brows. "If the design is not to your liking, I can return it, and we can go look at others to-"

"No, I love it, Archer. It's magnificent." She threw her arms at him and hugged him so tight he started coughing. "I love you." She gave him a little peck. "I can't wait until we get ma-..." She stopped and cleared her throat then got off him.

He frowned. "What's wrong?" He was extremely happy that she liked it until she cut herself off.

"Nothing..it's just...Don't I sound like I'm waiting for my wedding ring?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know? Since I'm so enthusiastic about my engagement ring, and then, I talk about not being able to wait for my wedding. It's as if I'm waiting for my wedding ring, hoping there's a bigger gem sitting in the crown..." She pouted sadly and looked at him. "Doesn't it sound like it? I sound horrible." He burst out laughing at her adorable, little theory. "Hey! It's not funny."

He pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry. It's just you're worried about something so trivial. I know who you are Anneliese. You'd never marry me for wealth. Furthermore, if you're really looking forward to a large diamond on your wedding ring, I'll get it for you, and if you don't like it, I'll let you choose whichever appeals to you most for however long you'd like. After all, you're going to be my wife, and I'm looking forward to loving you for a century."

She looked up at him with watery eyes. "You're such a sweet talker..." She chuckled, making the tears at the rims of her eyes glide down her face, and she quickly wiped her cheeks. "Don't worry. I'm fine with any kind of gem. It doesn't have to be a diamond, and it doesn't need to be any particular size. I don't want to strip my man of his riches before we become a family."

"This is one of the other reasons why I love you." He kissed her forehead.

"By the way, this isn't a diamond ring, right?"

"No, it's morganite. Looks pretty similar, huh?"

"Kind of," she replied with a grin. "It's looks pink."

"It is pink. I thought it'd look nice with some color."

"Ahaha, it seems like everyone's gifting me with pink items today. I was wondering if your gift would be another color. Thank you, Archer. It's a lovely and long-awaited present. I will treasure it." She kissed the gem with much delight.

"I'd be devastated if you didn't," he mumbled.

"Is this also considered my Valentine's gift?" she teased, and he pouted, making her chuckle. "Don't worry. I don't expect people to give me two gifts since it is unfortunate that my birthday is also on Valentine's Day." She then checked her watch. "Oh, shoot. I'm going to be late."

"Anne...are you going where I think you're going?" he asked, holding her hand and staring at her neck.

She brought a hand up to her chest and let her fingertips brush against the metal. "Yeah..I'm going to go visit Gabriel..."

. . .

"Good evening, I'm here for visitation," Anneliese told the guard.

"For who?" the guard asked.

"Gabriel Mormont."

"Name and relation."

"Anneliese..Mormont and..his daughter..."

He typed away on his keyboard and clicked the mouse a few times. "He's already got a visitor. You're going to have to wait until they're done."

"No need, I'm done," someone declared.

"Mother..." Her eyes widened at the sight of her biological mother. She had aged a bit. Probably due to stress and worry.

"It's nice to see you again, Anneliese." Karen smiled, creating smile lines and crows feet.

"Same here, mother." She embraced her for the first time since the arrest of her step-father, Gabriel. "How have you been? You've aged quite a bit."

"Ahaha, I know. It must be my age catching up to me. I'm good. How are you doing with Nathaniel and Nicole?"

"Oh? How do you know her name?"

"Your father contacted me a long time ago to let me know how you were doing, and he mentioned her. She sounded quite lovely."

She smiled a little. "She is and so are her sons."

"It's good to know you're doing well and living happily...Something I failed to provide." Karen smiled bitterly.

She pursed her lips. "It's not..your fault...It was unavoidable. We can't control things like emotions."

"Oh, dear. Of course we can. If only I had held it in and pushed them away. If only I had talked to Nathaniel about it and worked something out, our family would still be intact."

"Enough, mother." Her voice raised a little. "It's all in the past now. We can only look towards the future and execute our choices better after learning from our mistakes."

"Anneliese, I'm sorry if I upset you. I didn't mean to. I was ju-"

"Now, if you'll excuse me. I have someone to visit before the visitation time is over." She kept her head down and walked past her. Karen frowned and put her face in her hands then left.

The guard led her to the visitation room where Gabriel was seated behind a glass pane, on the other side of the room, in an orange outfit that made his complexion seem a bit darker. He had aged quite a lot as well. Maybe it was due to prison life; it is fairly rough considering the work they're required to do as prisoners. He was surprised to see her take the seat opposite to his, and his eyes widened as he straightened up. She brought the phone to her ear, and he quickly picked his up. "Anneliese, what are you doing here?"

"Hi, Gabriel. I thought I should visit you. It just turned out to be today." She gave a bitter smile.

"But..isn't today..." He counted his fingers and mouthed along the numbers. "Isn't it your birthday?" He put a hand against the glass.

"Yes, I'm surprised you remember."

"Of course I do. You..were my daughter..."

"I won't be here long, so I'll be quick with what I have to say."

"Oh...please go ahead."

"The reason I came today was to see how you were doing, and you seem fine. The second reason was to tell you that I forgive you and that I don't resent you anymore for breaking up my family even though you made up for it without me knowing."

"Anneliese, I-"

"Sorry, I honestly don't want to hear your thoughts on what I said. That was all I needed to say. I guess, if anything, I might visit you again. If not, maybe I'll see you walking on the street or in a grocery store a few years later. Until any of the two, I wish you continued good health so that you may finish your sentence or even acquire the privilege of having a parole hearing to get out sooner." He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. "Well then, I'll-"

"I'm sorry, Anneliese. Thank you for your forgiveness. I really appreciate it, and I'll do my best to fix everything after I get out." He waited for her response.

"I'll await it, Gabriel." She put the phone back and got up out of her seat to leave, leaving him with tears in his eyes. As soon as she reached outside, her eyes were blinded by the yolk-like, setting sun. Her phone rang, and she quickly answered. "Hello?"

"Where are you? We're already at the karaoke place waiting for you so that the party can get started!" Clarissa exclaimed.

She chuckled. "Text me the address." She took out her car key as she walked towards the parking lot and pressed the call button, making her car chirp and its headlights blink twice. "Pick a few songs and order some snacks and drinks first. I'll be there soon." She smiled widely.

This is the last part of the story. I contemplated whether I should've written and published it or leave it be since it was an extra, but I decided to do it. I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed writing it! I'll see you in my next story!