Page 78 of The Guest Cottage

Pixie sang to Andy while she did the dishes. There weren’t many, so it didn’t take her long. Every few seconds, her gaze returned to the baby, and each time, she got a smile. This, seeing Andy happy and being able to care for him, was all she needed to be content. He was comfortable, safe, and she didn’t have to wonder about running out of diapers or being able to clean his clothes. They were undisturbed. They had everything they needed. More than was essential.

Only because others were being so generous.

It was a wonderful—but temporary—fix. Making the same mistakes over and over would be unforgivable, so she had to think about their future. She needed to plan, and then she had to work toward that plan.

Today, she would call Marlow and explain that she was ready to get to work. Shehadto work. Until she started repaying her debt, she couldn’t move forward with her life.

As a realist, she knew this current situation couldn’t last much longer. Just thinking about Cort supplying her with a home and Marlow covering all of her expenses made her face burn with humiliation. She wanted to be independent, to take care of herself, and she had been, at least for a little while.

Until she’d met Dylan and her entire life had derailed in a big way.

When her phone dinged, she glanced at the screen and saw it was Marlow. Quickly, she dried her hands and read the text. Oh good, Marlow planned to stop by. Perfect timing. Of course, that impressive woman always knew the right social moves, so even though Pixie was dependent on her for literally everything, Marlow asked if it was convenient for her to visit.

As far as Pixie was concerned, Marlow could wake her in the middle of the night if she wanted to. Pixie owed her too much to ever refuse her anything. Besides, she liked and respected Marlow so much, she was always thrilled to hear from her.

After sending back a quick reply, Pixie finished the dishes and scooped up Andy to head to the front door. She got there mere moments before Marlow pulled in.

The fact that she’d driven instead of walking up told Pixie this wouldn’t be a long visit. She didn’t mean to, but she felt . . . envy. Where else did Marlow plan to go?

Wherever it was, Pixie would have loved to accompany her. Much as she appreciated everything that had been provided for her, now that she felt better, she was sometimes . . . bored. Just a little.

Feeling like an ungrateful loafer, she concentrated on greeting Marlow with a smile.

What a blessing it was to have her as a friend. Sometimes Pixie almost couldn’t believe it.

Holding the door open, Pixie said, “Come on in.”

“Thank you.” Smiling at the baby, Marlow asked, “May I?” and took Andy from her.

That, too, amazed Pixie. Marlow owed her nothing and had every right to despise her, but instead, she not only helped in every way possible but also seemed to truly care about Andy. Like an aunt.

Pausing, Marlow asked, “Hey, what’s wrong?” Then she made a face. “Did I overstep? I did, didn’t I? I asked if I could hold him and then didn’t even wait for an answer.” She cuddled Andy closer, nuzzling her nose against the top of his head. “I blame this cutie-pie, because he’s so irresistible.”

Touched by the sentiment, Pixie led the way to the kitchen. That was something she’d learned from Marlow. Lead a guest to a seat and offer her a drink. She indicated one of the two chairs at the table. “Andy adores you, so no, you didn’t overstep. I owe you so much that you never could. It just struck me . . .” But how could she explain? Shaking her head, she asked, “What would you like to drink?”

“A bottle of water would be great.” Settling Andy in her arms, she eyed Pixie. “What struck you?”

Worried that she’d offend Marlow, Pixie stalled while getting two bottles of water. She set them on the table and then took the chair opposite her guest. She felt silly, especially since she didn’t know how to put her feelings into words.

So often around Marlow, Pixie felt like a bumbling, awkward child. “Andy and I don’t have any relatives. I don’t mind for myself—I mean, I’m used to being alone—but for Andy . . .” She was blundering! “You’re really good with him, and I was just thinking that you’re like his aunt or something. Of course, you’re not, but sometimes I think of you that way.”

Marlow grinned. “Remember when you first came here, you said you were my sister?”

Groaning, Pixie covered her face. “I feel so bad about that.”

“Don’t. I’d love to be an honorary aunt. Even though I’m not actually a blood relation, I care about you both. Babies can’t have too many people who love them, right?”

Pixie had a hard time believing anyone could be that generous, and yet the proof sat before her. Seeing Marlow’s carefree smile, the affectionate way she nuzzled her nose over Andy’s sparse hair, she knew the sentiment was genuine. Her throat felt thick as she nodded. “The more caring people Andy has in his life, the better.”

“Then that’s settled.” Marlow cleared her throat and said in a mock-lofty tone, “Henceforth I shall be known as Aunt Marlow.” Her grin widened. “I’ve had many titles in my life, but I like that one the best.”

Over and over again, Marlow left her completely undone. Humbly, Pixie whispered, “I’m so grateful to you. I hope you know that.”

“Pfft. It’s a favor to me to have this little stinker in my life, so thankyou. You’re both wonderful.”

It was an effort, but Pixie got it together, and just like that, real words, better words, came to her. “I’ve always been glad that I met Dylan. Even when I was most afraid, when I was at my sickest and couldn’t get out of bed, when I didn’t know what to do, I was still glad—because I had Andy. He kept me going when I really wanted to give up. Now I have another reason, too.” So many emotions welled up that Pixie was nearly drowning in them.

“It’s the town, right? I agree, Bramble is wonderful.”

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