Page 103 of The Guest Cottage

“They’re part of us now.” Joann smiled at her. “They have to stay.”

Others weighed in with agreement until the whole room was talking, and Marlow could barely breathe. These wonderful people were openly championing her. She’d badly wanted to be here, but she hadn’t realized that they wanted her, too.

Cort met her gaze while speaking to everyone. “If you can’t see your way clear to approve that, I understand.” Grumbled complaints ensued as others made it clear that they did not understand. “I’m prepared to sell my properties.”

Marlow’s heart shot into her throat, then dropped into her stomach. “What?” She forgot about everyone except Cort. “No, you can’t—”

“Sell?” Herman shouted theatrically, startling Marlow because he was not a good actor. Anyone could see that he was speaking a rehearsed line. With a gasp for effect, he demanded with flair, “Why ever would you sell?”

Oh, this was like a terrible play that delighted you anyway.

Cort, however, delivered his lines with true conviction. “Because if Marlow moves to Lankton, I’ll be moving to Lankton, too.”

Happiness bubbled up, threatening to burst until she couldn’t hold back her grin. Of course, she’d never let him do that. Cort and this town were intrinsically tied together. Could she stop him? Yes. Somehow, she’d find a way.

Wade pushed back his chair and stood. “You’re still working on our addition.”

Cort said, “I’d drive back to finish it.”

Bobbi shook her head. “But we need youhere.”

Gloria pointed at the back wall. “Herman has your photo hanging. You’reourhero, not Lankton’s.”

And with firm conviction, Cort said, “I go where she goes.”

Incredulous, Marlow covered her smile with a hand. No matter how her housing situation worked out, she was so very glad she’d met this remarkable man.

Uncaring that much of the town looked on, she said clearly, “You’re the most wonderful man, Cort.” She couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “Thank you for backing me up.”

“I told you I would.” His gaze locked on hers, and he added with some significance, “Always.”

The way he said that, infused with such meaning, made her think impossible things. Amazing things. “You . . . Does that mean . . . ?”

Everyone started chuckling, even the mayor.

Good God, she couldn’t ask him to clarify his feelings right here, right now, with an audience all around them.

Pixie called out, “FYI, I love you both.”

That got more laughter and some agreement.

Slowly, Marlow got it together. In a voice unlike her own, she squeaked, “Ditto,” to Cort, to Pixie, to all of Bramble.

Knowing everyone waited to see what she’d do, Marlow stepped up to Cort’s side. He put his arm over her shoulders and gave her an encouraging squeeze.

She faced the mayor. “Bramble is special. I would never want to do anything to change it. That’s why Pixie and I want to stay, because it’s perfect as it is. But Cort is right. One way or the other, we’ll respect your rules.”

The mayor let out a groan. He leaned in to talk quietly with his council members: the postmaster, fire chief, head of maintenance, and the owner of a house museum, as well as his wife.

In no time at all, they turned back, and the mayor announced, “We like the idea of simply restricting the buildings. That regulation should ensure that we don’t grow too large. Since the houses Cort owns are already here, and you and Pixie live in them, your permanent residency shouldn’t be a problem. However, we’ll discuss a limit on how many can dwell in a single-family home.” He raised a hand. “But we’ll leave room for extenuating circumstances. Of course, the new ordinance will have to go up for a town vote, but we don’t foresee a problem.” He grinned at Marlow. “Welcome to Bramble.”

Her legs went weak. Oh my God, for months she’d been quietly campaigning to gain citizenship here and it had turned out to be easier than she’d ever hoped.

Shocked, she turned to Cort, who hugged her off her feet.

Everyone loved that, too. She felt certain that Cort could do just about anything and they’d adore him for it.

After a lot of cheering and celebrating, everyone gradually settled into enjoying meals and drinks, which meant Marlow needed to get back on the clock.

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