Page 106 of The Guest Cottage

He was already doing it, sharing the difficult moment, and as he’d promised, not escalating things.

From the step below them, Aston said, “What happened is unforgivable, but I can promise that we won’t bother you again.”

Marlow leaned into Cort, and together, they peered down at the older couple. They appeared utterly defeated, and she couldn’t be immune to their pain, no matter what.

She couldn’t pretend that nothing had happened, but she could proceed differently. “You’re forgiven, but Sandra, you will never again lay a hand on me or I’ll file charges.”

Sandra nodded. “I wouldn’t blame you. I don’t know how it happened this time.” The words shuddered out uncontrollably. Digging a tissue from her purse, she patted her cheeks, but the damage to her makeup was done.

Aston took the tissue from her and gently cleaned around her eyes.

Sandra looked at him with gratitude before lifting her face to address Marlow. “I’ve never struck anyone before.” She glanced at her hand as if she didn’t recognize it, then cradled it to her chest. “I love you, Marlow. I know you don’t believe that, but it’s true. We haven’t been fair to you, and you owe us nothing, but . . .” Her voice broke. “You’re all we have left of Dylan.”

Gently, Marlow said, “No, I’m not.” She reached out a hand to Pixie, who reluctantly joined her. “If you’ll open your heart just a little, you’ll see that Pixie is a wonderful person who simply made a mistake, same as Dylan did, and the same as the rest of us do.”

Cautiously, Sandra’s gaze moved to Pixie, and then as if drawn by a will of its own, to Andy . . . where it lingered.

The baby kicked his legs and grinned.

The little stinker seemed to be doing his best to thaw Sandra’s heart. It would surely work, because who could resist him?

Of course, Andy surprised everyone with a little gas, which made him grin even more.

Pixie chuckled nervously and kissed him again. Even Cort cracked another grin.

Sandra appeared mesmerized, her own lips tilting a little.

“You see, Sandra?” Marlow smiled. “You have a beautiful grandson. He’s healthy and well-cared-for and loved. Not just by Pixie but by Cort and me, too.”

Both Sandra and Aston glanced at Cort. He stepped closer and put a possessive arm around Marlow. She didn’t mind; she loved him and didn’t care who knew it, including her in-laws.

As soon as she got Cort alone, she’d make sure that he knew, too.

For now, she had other issues to settle. “Whether or not you get to know Andy is up to you. I hope you give that a lot of thought.” Having said her piece, Marlow led Cort and Pixie back inside. No way could she leave just yet.

After watching them drive away, Cort closed the tavern door.

“I’m sorry, Marlow.” Sadness and regret showed in Pixie’s blue eyes, but the baby was still fascinated with the lights and sounds of the tavern.

Cort drew Marlow into his arms. He, too, was somber.

By God, this was a celebration. Marlow wasn’t about to let anything, or anyone, destroy their happiness. “Let’s focus on the fact that we’ve been accepted, and we get to stay in Bramble, okay?”

“I’m so glad I have you in my corner.” With the slightest smile, Pixie said, “My hamburger is ready. I think I’ll go enjoy it.”

“You’re going to stay?” Marlow asked.

“Yes, because no matter what, I’m happy now, and like you, I’m determined to stay happy, to concentrate on the good stuff.”

“A sound plan,” Cort said.

“Please, you two don’t need to stay.”

Marlow said, “But—”

“But nothing. Andy and I are enjoying the time out, and everyone is super nice. I’m not worried, and I don’t want you to worry either. Go, relax.” Her gaze flicked to Marlow’s cheek. “You two deserve some downtime.” This time she smiled at Cort. “Together.”

Giving a nod, Marlow allowed exhaustion to steal over her. Her mind was weary, her thoughts fractured. Resting her face against Cort’s chest helped, as did the way he coasted his hands up and down her back. “That was so awkward.”

---