Page 59 of The Guest Cottage

When she reached the small lake house, she looked beyond it to Cort’s home. Bigger, with more land, it sat on a rise and, like the cottage and lake house, it would have phenomenal views of the water.

She went down a narrow gravel drive to the lake house. Before she could knock, the door opened and Pixie stood there, looking very uncertain in her bare feet, an oversized T-shirt, and pull-on shorts.

Her hair was now neatly brushed, and her eyes were still puffy from crying but currently clear of tears. She appeared better rested but remained far too frail.

Marlow smiled to put her at ease. “Good morning, Pixie.”

“Morning.” She shifted from one foot to the other. “Andy’s sleeping. I saw you coming and thought you might knock.”

“And that would wake him?”

“I’m not sure. This is a new place and all, and I only got him to sleep about ten minutes ago.”

Still smiling, Marlow asked, “May I come in?”

“Oh, yeah. Sure. I’m sorry.” Pixie stepped aside, watching her warily. “Um, is everything okay?”

“With me, yes. How about you? Were you able to sleep last night?”

“Oh, my gosh,yes,” she said with enthusiasm. “I slept so well. Andy only woke up once, and after I fed and changed him, we both conked right back out again.” Still standing just inside the door, Pixie started thanking her. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I know Mr. Easton let me stay here because of you, and it’s so kind of you—”

“Let’s sit down for a few minutes, okay?” Somehow, she had to get Pixie to stop groveling. Being appreciative was fine, but Marlow wanted her to understand her own worth, too.

Face going hot, Pixie nodded. “Sure. Um . . .” She looked around. “Where do you want to sit?”

Marlow glanced around, too, then made a decision. “The kitchen is always a nice gathering place. Let’s sit there.”

“Okay.” Pixie hurried in that direction, her bare feet making little sound on the cold floor.

Marlow was pleased to see that she appeared steadier today. Clearly some food and rest had done her a world of good. She still looked worn, and with the shadows under her eyes there was no doubt she was under the weather. One night’s sleep wouldn’t be enough for her to recuperate, and that’s why Marlow was here.

The kitchen was small, but what caught Marlow’s attention was the roll of toilet paper on the counter. Pixie followed her gaze and a three-alarm fire lit up her fair skin, making her look feverish again.

She snatched the roll off the counter and put it behind her back. “I don’t have any tissues, and I was using it to cover my cough and—”

“I understand.” Marlow added, “We’ll be sure to get some tissues today. Until then, it’s nice to have that on hand.” She pulled out one of two chairs at a small table. “Let’s sit.”

Still mortified, Pixie sank into her seat.

Rather than keep her in suspense, Marlow said, “I’m all in on helping you. I haven’t changed my mind, so relax.”

Pixie started to speak, no doubt to express more gratitude, but Marlow didn’t give her the chance. She wanted the young woman to understand what would be expected of her, the scope of Marlow’s intrusion into Pixie’s life. Because she absolutely planned to intrude. In a big way.

There was no better time to explain than right now.

CHAPTER8

“Once you’re well,” Marlow stated, “there won’t be much downtime. My ultimate goal is to see you on a better track, able to care for yourself and Andy.”

“I want that, too,” she said. “So much.”

“Perfect. Then I hope to help you learn a trade, something marketable that you can use to secure a decent job with a future. That might require education, which would involve night classes.”

“I’ll do anything,” she promised.

Pixie made it so easy, Marlow was starting to feel like an ogre. “You say that now, but keep in mind that your days will be spent caring for the baby and working.”

Eyes flaring with a look of hope, Pixie whispered, “Working where?”

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