Royally Yours

Chapter 22

For Archie's twenty-eighth birthday we decided to go 4,445 miles away to Seaside, Florida. Seaside was a quiet beach town that had turquoise water, people rode bikes everywhere, and beautiful sunsets.

It was nice to lay on the beach for what seemed like hours with no worries in the world.

Archie looked over at me, "Wouldn't it be nice to bring our future children here for family vacations."

I smiled, "Yeah, I like it here. It's very private and quiet."

"How does it feel to be twenty-eight?" I asked him

He sat up a little, "I don't know. I actually feel older. It's nice to keep having birthdays with the same person. Plus holidays."

"It is." I spoke as I brushed the sand out of his hair, "We should probably start getting ready for dinner."

"We should." Archie agreed, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

I put on my cover-up, "What is it?"

"I have to go on a five-week trip to South America the week after we get back from vacation," Archie informed me as we began to walk back to our rental house

I nodded, "Oh, ok. I kinda knew it was coming soon."

"I'm gonna miss you and everything, it's just that I'm used to this now." I clarified as he held my hand, "I still love you."

Archie squeezed my hand, "I'm happy I'll be back in time for Parker and Peyton's wedding."

"I know, it is going to be gorgeous." I agreed with him

I was so excited to be a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding but I was also excited to be a bride in my own wedding whenever that time would come.

When we got back to the house, I showered first and then Archie. I did my makeup, put on a blue striped off the shoulder dress, and sat on the couch as I waited for Archie to finish getting ready.

"Are you feeling the steak or seafood restaurant?" Archie asked me as he walked into the living room, buttoning up his shirt

I scrolled through my phone, "It's your birthday."

He looked over my shoulder, "Alena, please stop reading that trash."

"I'm worried about you." Archie began, "It's not healthy to hold everything in, Lainey."

I put my phone down, "I've had to adjust to a lot in the past almost two years, Archie. And even though days are going by it's not getting any easier."

"You know I love you but I hate this life sometimes." I looked up at him

Archie rubbed his forehead, "Alena, it's just stupid rumors."

I took a deep breath, "Archie please just listen to me."

"Consider my situation. Your whole entire bloodline all the way back to when Jesus walked the Earth is white. I'm black, Archie. I have brown skin and people don't like that. They hate it! You've seen all the magazines, the whispers from your cousins and extended family members." I started, "You say you want a future with me and to have children. What would you say to your black daughter or son if people did the same things they do to me. Think of it in that way, for at least a few seconds, then tell me what you feel."

"We're suing The Galaxy." he stated, "I don't care how hard it is or how long it takes. They aren't going to bring us down like this."

I nodded, "Ok."

I stood up and wrapped my arms around him, "I love you so much."

"I love you forever, you don't even know the things I would do for you." Archie hugged me tighter, "If they cross you then they cross me."

I looked him in the eyes and gave him a kiss, "You're my forever."

Archie brushed my cheek, "I'll talk to my Dad and I'll get everything figured out. Don't worry about it, Lains."

"You make me the happiest person the world so don't you doubt that for a second." Archie smiled at me

"Happy birthday, Archibald. You deserve everything the world has to offer." I held his hands, "And yes I'm feeling the steak."

He raised his eyebrows, "There's the Lainey I know. I love how you hit me with 'Archibald'."

"I have to keep you humble." I joked as I grabbed my purse, "Let's go."