Chapter 47

Mila stroked Oatmeal's fur and ran her finger behind his ear as he snoozed lazily on her lap. The warm glow of the candles on the coffee table made the shadows flicker around the living room. Mila's eyes were fixed on the dancing flames. She stared at them until her vision blurred and she had to look away.

Archer walked up to where Mila was and leaned down to her ear. He pressed a soft kiss right below her earlobe and whispered, "If you think so hard, you will give yourself wrinkles."

Mila sighed. She lifted the blanket on her lap and made her way over to where Archer sat down beside her on the couch. He effortlessly pulled her onto his lap and tucked her in under his chin. Mila laid her head against his heart and shut her eyes.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have really cold feet?" Archer reached down and grabbed Mila's toes. "It's like sleeping next to a snowman."

"Has anyone ever told you that you take up the whole bed?" Mila pocked his arm.

"That's you."

"No!" Mila protested. "You had me on the edge last night. I was fighting for my life."

"You stole all the blanket!"

"You kept rolling onto me."

"And you....." Archer struggled to complete his sentence. "You....."

"Me what?" Mila challenged him.

"I don't know! You looked really cute when I woke up to get water last night," Archer stated.

Mila laughed as she looped her arms around his neck and pulled herself up for a kiss. Archer responded right away, pulling her closer to his chest as his hand spread on her back and he inhaled her sweet scent.

"I love you," Mila whispered in between her kisses.

"I love you, too," Archer whispered back.

"What were you and my dad talking about in the garden?" Mila leaned her head against his and asked.

"He was telling me about his plans to pull his business out of New York."

"Why?"

"Because it doesn't look good if the man responsible for so many crimes in the city is married to the woman who is supposed to be lady justice," Archer explained. "That's their compromise. He states out of New York and she comes to Del Mare when she's not working."

"It's all bullshit," Mila said with bitterness. "Anyone can find out if they look at her marriage license. It won't be that hard to make the connecting."

"They're getting married through church," Archer said. "No civil marriage."

"Why not?" Mila clicked her tongue. "Why couldn't they think of all this before?"

"They made a mistake, kitty cat," Archer brushed back her hair with tenderness. "We all make mistakes."

"Stop that," Mila pushed his hand down. "And stop defending them."

"I'm not defending them."

"You are," Mila scowled. "What's next? You'll agree with their plans to go back?"

Archer stayed quiet. His eyes watched Mila with his breath held because he knew she was about to fly of the handle.

"Archer?" Mila narrowed her eyes when he didn't respond.

"Let me explain..."

"How could you?" Mila threw the blanket off and jumped up to her feet. "After everything?"

"Listen to me, Mila," Archer sighed and sat up. "Let me explain."

"There's nothing to explain!" Mila shook her head. "We're not going anywhere. We're fine right here. This is our home."

"What will you sell next?" Archer looked up at her, his face serious and his eyes tired.

"What?" Mila's brows furrowed. "What are you talking about."

Reaching into his pocket, Archer fished out the gold chain with the small pendant. Mila's eyes widened slightly as he held it out towards her.

"Where....." Mila cleared her throat. "Where did you get that?"

"You took it off to shower, right?"

"Yeah," Mila nodded.

"Why didn't you put it back on?" Archer asked, slowly rising to his feet. "Did you lose it or did you give it away to pay our rent?"

"How did you get it?" Mila asked as Archer motioned for her to turn around.

"Your parents got it," Archer pushed Mila's hair aside and looped the necklace around her neck. "That's how they found us. Katherina's granddaughter was wearing it in New York and your mom recognized it."

"Shit," Mila whispered.

"Yeah," Archer secured the necklace and pressed a small kiss on the back of Mila's neck. "Shit."

Very slowly, Mila turned to face Archer. She looked up at him through her lashes as he placed his fingers under her chin and lifted her face to look at her.

"Why did you do that?" He asked.

"I didn't want you to stress," Mila said. "I know we owed rent because of the hospital visits so I took care of it."

"As much as I appreciate you looking out for me, I still can't help but think that Giovanni and Anjali are correct."

"No," Mila shook her head.

"Listen to me," Archer held Mila's face and stopped her from backing away. "Stop being stubborn for one minute and listen to me when I speak, Mila."

"They're not corre-"

"Will you shut up?" Archer scowled.

"No."

"You're not going to let me talk?"

"No."

"Fine," Archer placed his hand over Mila's mouth. "Have it your way."

Mila's eyes widened as she began to struggle. She tried to shove Archer away but he had a firm grip on her and he wasn't letting go.

"Listen," Archer ordered. "Or I'll go get ducktape."

Mila's eyes narrowed.

"You know I'll do it," Archer challenged her. "Are you going to listen?"

Mila continued to glare.

"Listen or I'll ducktape your mouth shut and sit on you."

Mila rolled her eyes.

"You'll behave?"

Mila stomped her feet.

"Okay, that's it," Archer reached down to try and scoop her up. Mila began to protest as she pushed his shoulders back. "You'll listen?"

Mila nodded.

"Thank you!" Archer sighed and shook his head. "So you do have brain cells!"

Mila responded by trying to bite his hand over her mouth.

"Not nice, kitty cat," Archer carried her back to the couch and sat her on his lap. "You know I can bite you back too."

Mila groaned.

"I just want to explain my thinking to you," Archer slowly lowered his hand. "I'm not going to drag you back there screaming and shouting. But I think I deserve for you to hear me out."

Mila wasn't thrilled but she complied. She tucked her hair behind her ears and climbed off of Archer's lap. Taking a seat beside him, she folded her legs before her and faced him.

"Go on," she said.

"I love our life here," Archer began. "I do. But I think we need to go back."

Mila frowned but held her tongue.

"My dad had a few businesses that my mom has been looking after," Archer continued. "I want to go back and look after what we have left in the family."

"Why?" Mila's voice was barely a whisper, a fragile inquiry that betrayed the vulnerability she felt at that moment.

"Because I want to take care of you," Archer said, his fingers tracing the contours of her face. "The hospital here won't be enough one day. One day, we'll need connections, better medical resources, and funds to pay for all that."

As he continued, her desire to argue back faded, and she found herself lowering her gaze to their intertwined hands. The reality of their situation settled over her like a heavy fog.

"I can't give you all that if we stay here," Archer admitted, his words resonating with a sincerity that pained Mila.. "And it'll kill me if something happens to you because I couldn't give you what you needed."

Mila remained silent, her internal struggle manifesting as an ache in her chest. The pressure built up, threatening to spill over, as she grappled with the conflicting emotions of love, fear, and the inevitability of change.

"Don't you want to see Geet again?" Archer's question pierced through the heavy silence. "Sophia, Emily, Leo?"

The mention of their loved ones intensified Mila's internal conflict. She longed for the familiar faces and the warmth of their relationships. Archer sensed the weight of her struggle. With a tender gaze, he said, "Mila, I know it's hard. Our life here is beautiful, and I love every moment we've spent together. But I can't shake the feeling that going back is the right thing for us."

Mila's eyes filled with warm salty tears. She tried to keep them hidden but they spilled down her face.

Archer frowned as he watched the small glowing drop on her smooth skin. He wiped it off and kissed her cheek.

"I want to create a future where we don't have to worry about medical resources and expenses," he whispered. Archer gently lifted Mila's chin, ensuring their eyes met. "But most importantly, I want to build a life where we can be surrounded by the people we love. I want you to have the support you need, not just from me but from everyone who cares about us."

"I don't want to give up our life here," Mila confessed. "I like it here."

"It's not about giving up on the life we have here," Archer shook his head. "It's about creating a future that ensures our happiness and security. I promise I'll do everything in my power to make it a smooth transition."

Archer's words held a sincerity that touched Mila's heart. She felt a storm of emotions brewing within her. The sincerity in his eyes began to chip away at the walls of her reluctance. She felt the truth of his words sinking in, like a gentle tide pulling her towards a new shore. As her throat tightened, Mila could only nod in response, her eyes betraying the sadness she felt at the prospect of leaving behind the life they had come to love.

"I promise you nothing will change," Archer held her closer and kissed the top of her head. "This will be good. I want to see you surrounded by our family, someplace where everyone loves you....but not as much as I love you."

"They could never," Mila leaned forward and buried her face in the crook of Archer's shoulder.

"So we go home?" Archer laid his hand on the back of her head.

Mila nodded.

"We go home."

_________________________

A few months later

"Mila!" Geet's voice rang out, a perfect blend of authority and sass. "You're still not ready? Archer, let go of her!"

Mila and Archer turned to face the doorway, where Geet stood with a beautiful plate for the arti ceremony. The flickering light of small oil lamps added a warm glow to the scene as Geet shook her head, a smile playing on her lips.

"We're stuck," Archer explained with a grin, his eyes twinkling. Mila's jhumka (earrings) had intricately caught on his embroidered kurta. He held her to his chest as if she was a prized treasure he found.

"Don't act so innocent," Geet scolded the pair. "I know exactly how you managed to get stuck that way. At least for today, keep your hands off of her."

Archer couldn't resist a cheeky retort, his laughter filling the room. "And put them on you, gorgeous? Say less."

"Besharm," (shameless) Geet walking and smacked the back of Archer's head in mock disapproval. "Hold this."

Laughing, Archer graciously took the arti plate as Geet, with nimble fingers, skillfully untangled the knot the thread from his kurta had created with Mila's jhumka.

"Mom's ready?" Mila asked, a touch of anticipation in her voice.

"Yes, and she's asking for you," Geet responded a hint of urgency in her tone. "Giovanni is already on his way. All the guests are here. The pundit is late, and you two are in here!"

Archer, attempting to diffuse the tension, chimed in with his laid-back reassurance. "Relax, relax. Chill out. It'll all be fine."

"Teri munh na me tod doon," (I'll break your face) Geet was having none of it. She reached up and smacked him once more.

"Stop hitting me, woman, or I swear I'll fall in love with you," Archer teased.

"Is it done?" Mila asked. With the last thread in place, Geet stepped back, and Mila let out a relieved sigh. "Oh, thank god! I was getting a cramp in my neck."

"Now let's go," Geet directed, turning towards the door. "Archer, go check on the guests-"

As Geet looked over her shoulder, she caught a sight that melted her heart. Archer, gazed at Mila with an expression as if she were the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in the whole wide world. The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment, capturing the sheer sincerity and adoration that radiated from Archer's eyes. It was a snapshot of pure love, a silent acknowledgment of the profound connection between them.

As Mila delicately fixed her hair and adorned the bindi on her forehead, Archer stood by, captivated and spellbound. Every graceful movement she made seemed to cast a spell, and he found himself utterly incapable of tearing his gaze away. Mila's reflection in the mirror held a certain allure, and the delicate placement of the bindi accentuated the beauty of her features. Archer's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and love, realizing just how fortunate he was to stand beside her.

"What?" Mila asked, finally noticing the way Archer stared at her.

"Nothing," Archer shook his head.

"Stop staring," Mila said.

"I can't."

"Hey Ram," Geet shook her head as she grabbed Mila's wrist and pulled her away. "Go make yourself useful, Archer."

Mila's laughter echoed through the room as she gracefully lifted the weight of her vibrant lehenga, a kaleidoscope of colors that mirrored the festive spirit of the occasion. Following Geet, she stepped into the buzzing atmosphere of the venue, where excitement permeated the air and guests eagerly found their seats.

The venue itself was transformed into a mesmerizing tapestry of colors and lights. Marigold garlands, resplendent in hues of yellow and gold, adorned the high pillars, intertwining with twinkling lights that turned the entire space into a magical, starlit wonderland. The fragrance of fresh flowers wafted through the air, adding to the sensory richness of the celebration.

As guests made their way through the venue, a trail of hundreds of candles illuminated the path, creating a warm and enchanting ambiance. The flickering lights led the way to the backyard, where a breathtaking mandap awaited in the heart of a lush garden. The vibrant colors of the flowers and decorations against the backdrop of the clear night sky created a visual masterpiece.

Under the canopy of stars, the mandap stood as a symbol of love and union, adorned with intricate details and draped in rich fabrics. The night sky above twinkled with a myriad of stars, casting a celestial glow on the joyous scene below. The air was filled with the rhythmic beats of dhol, creating a lively melody that resonated with the collective excitement of the gathering.

And when Giovanni arrived and stood at the altar, his eyes filled with a mixture of awe and longing, the years spent away from Anjali seemed to fade into insignificance. Anjali, radiant in her red bridal lehenga, walked down the aisle with a grace that could only be matched by the magic of the moment.

Mila and Archer, seated behind the enchanting couple, exchanged knowing glances at one another. The pandit commenced the marriage ceremony, his words weaving a tapestry of commitment and love. Mila and Archer's eyes were fixed on Anjali and Giovanni, their hands delicately entwined on Mila's lap, hidden under Mila's long dupatta.

As the ceremony unfolded, the air itself seemed to shimmer with the promise of new beginnings. The love between Anjali and Giovanni radiated. The garden, adorned with twinkling lights and fragrant flowers, provided a picturesque backdrop to this celebration of love.

After the vows were exchanged and the families rejoiced in the joyous occasion, Mila, feeling the magic in the air, gently picked up her dress and slipped away.

After a while, as the joyous celebration continued, Archer, sensing Mila's absence, decided to seek her out. Walking through the lively halls of the venue, he called out to Leo, a familiar face in the bustling crowd.

"Leo," Archer called, concern etching his voice, "Have you seen Mila?"

Leo shook his head, signaling that he hadn't spotted her amid the festivities. Just as Archer's worry began to deepen, a familiar voice interrupted from above.

"She's up here," Emily called down from the second floor, pointing Archer in the right direction.

"Thanks, Em," Archer replied, his pace quickening as he took the stairs two at a time. As he reached the second floor, Emily and Sophia pointed towards the balcony.

Archer's eyes narrowed in the direction they indicated, his gaze falling upon the darkness of the balcony. A deep frown formed on his lips, the worry intensifying as he stepped around the girls and headed toward the shadowy area. The lively sounds of the party faded behind him, replaced by a serene ambiance that matched the concern growing within him.

"Mila?" Archer called to her. "Are you out here?"

"Archer..." Mila called to him from somewhere in the darkness.

"Mila," Archer stepped forward. "Where are you?"

In an instant, the room was transformed into a scene of enchantment as all the lights came on simultaneously. Mila stood amid a breathtaking display of red rose petals carpeting the floor around her, and above, a celestial canopy of golden tealights resembling a starlit sky.

Mila, a vision of nervous excitement, stood at the heart of the mesmerizing setting. Her eyes revealed a mixture of nervousness and joy, and a jittery smile adorned her face. Gripping the fabric of her dress, she awaited Archer's approach, her heart pounding with the magic of the moment.

As Archer entered the illuminated space, his eyes widened in awe at the spectacle before him.

"What's all this?" he asked, his curiosity blending with a sense of wonder.

Summoning her courage, Mila took a deep breath and slowly lowered herself down on one knee, a radiant smile playing on her lips. She extended her hand towards Archer, the anticipation and love in her eyes shining like the tealights above.

"Archer?" she began.

"Are you about to blow me?" Archer blurted out, his eyes widening in a mix of surprise and concern. "Sophia and Emily are right there. What if someone sees us from the garden-"

"Oh my god! I'm not going to blow you, you idiot!" Mila exclaimed, rolling her eyes at Archer's unexpected assumption. With an exasperated sigh, she jerked him closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'm trying to propose to you."

"Oh, shit!" Archer's eyes widened in realization. "My bad. Carry on."

"Archer Dampsey," Mila shook her head and her eyes narrowed playfully. "Will you marry me?"

"You turned me down so many times."

"Not right now, Archer."

"I asked you ten times! Ten times!"

"Are you going to make me ask ten times?"

"I'm not heartless like you."

"No, you're not," Mila rolled her eyes. "You're the flagbearer of warm and fuzzy feelings."

"Are you proposing to me or insulting me?"

"Can you say yes or no?" Mila snapped. "My knee hurts."

"Well, if you're not going to blow me while you're down there then get up."

"Not until you answer me," Mila said.

"Just to fuck with you, I'll say no."

"No?" Mila asked.

"No."

"Fine," Mila took his hands and climbed to her feet.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm sure I can find a gun somewhere at this wedding," Mila pushed her hair back. "Stay right here."

"Give it a rest, you wanna be mafia princess," Archer rolled his eyes as he hooked his arm around Mila's waist and spun her back to himself. "Do you have a ring or was this a half assed proposal?"

"Don't I get a ring?" Mila asked.

"So I get nothing?"

"You get me," Mila looked up through her lashes.

"I'll settle for that," Archer chuckled as he pulled out the ring he had been carrying around and slipped it onto Mila's finger.

"Can you be any more aggressive?" Mila complained as she admired the ring. "God damn, this is huge."

"Don't talk about my dick like that in public."

"How much money do you have?" Mila whistled. "Look at the shine!"

"You like it?" Archer asked, holding her in his arms.

"Yes," Mila nodded. "So is this a yes?"

"Yes," Archer laughed. "God, you are just so obsessed with me. Happy now?"

"Very," Mila pushed to her toes and kissed Archer. "Very happy."

"I love you," Archer captured her face in between his hands and lowered his lips to her. "Thank you for being mine."  

The End 

Thank you so much for all the love <3 I am so grateful that I get to write for you 

There will be an epilogue