Page 81 of The Guest Cottage

“Oh, honey. Nothing could be further from the truth. You took a very messy life and somehow managed to become a strong, capable, and determined woman, who I think also happens to be an incredible mother.”

“You’re going to make me cry again,” Pixie warned with a laugh. “I swear I never used to be this weepy. The doctor said it’s from having a baby and my hormones being overactive—though that’s not how he said it—but seriously . . .” She fanned her face as her eyes turned red. “Don’t be so nice to me.”

Marlow laughed. “I’ll be as nice to you as I like. After all, you’re working for me and that makes me the boss. Bosses often do exactly as they please.” Inspiration struck, and she said, “In fact, as your boss, I’d like to stop for ice cream.”

“Ice cream?”

“Yes. I think I want a banana split. What do you say? You like ice cream, right?”

“Love it, actually.”

“Good, then let’s indulge.”

“But . . . you’ve already spent enough on me.”

Marlow waved that off. “Consider it payment for today, for keeping me company and helping me view properties. Your time is valuable. You’ll be compensated.” As she drove, she saw a department store and decided on another stop first. “An ice cream doesn’t cover it, so I also want to get one of those neat baby carriers. You know, the kind you wear like a backpack? What are they called?”

Pixie stared at her. “Um, with Andy so small, I’d need to carry him in front of me.”

“Of course. I should have realized. A front carrier then. We’ll find one.” Her thoughts seemed to skitter everywhere at once. There were many things she suddenly wanted to do, and while she could claim they weren’t self-indulgent, she knew that would be a lie.

Spending the day out, pampering Pixie, and enjoying time with her in the ways she wanted were actually forherenjoyment—but hey, they’d benefit Pixie as well, right?

As she parked in the lot, she added, “Since you’re feeling better, one night this week we’ll walk on the beach. I know you’ve seen the fireflies.”

Pixie nodded. “They’re neat.”

Was Marlow the only person completely amazed by the tiny creatures, then? “There are so many of them along the empty stretches of beach. You’ll love it. And I’m sure Cort won’t mind carrying Andy.”

“Oh, um . . .” With wide eyes, Pixie lifted a hand, then let it drop. “I wouldn’t want to interrupt a date between you two.”

“Nonsense. He’ll enjoy it.” Marlow felt certain of that. “And Andy will get some fresh air. Babies need fresh air.” That had to be true. “It’ll be a nice evening out. Not too late, of course. I don’t want to throw off your schedule.” She stopped in the middle of releasing her seat belt. “Will it hurt the schedule? I have no idea.”

Slowly, a smile spread over Pixie’s face. She released her own belt and twisted to look over the seat at Andy. “It’ll be fine, and I’m already excited thinking about it.”

Such a simple thing, but the joy on Pixie’s face couldn’t be feigned. Marlow vowed to herself that she’d arrange more days like this one, no matter what.

She and Pixie deserved it.

And at the end of the summer, if both of them weren’t able to stay, well then, she’d find permanent housing for them nearby. Living just outside Bramble would bealmostas nice as living within it.

One way or another, she wanted to continue her relationship with Cort, with Pixie, and with sweet little Andy.

Funny that she’d left so much behind . . . but found so much more in her new life.

* * *

Not only company but shopping and then ice cream. Pixie couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such an awesome day. Excited to visit the store, she started to open her car door, but Marlow reached over and touched her arm.

“You look so happy, I hate to burst your bubble, but while Andy is still sleeping, there’s one more thing I want to discuss.”

Pixie just knew what it would be. “You talked to Andy’s grandma, didn’t you?”

The funniest expression fell over Marlow’s face before she grinned. “Sandra, a grandma. I can almost see her reaction to that.”

Pixie felt a little sick, and all of her happiness leached away. “She wouldn’t like it, would she?”

“Well, I feel certain she won’t like the termgrandma, but as to whether or not she’ll enjoy being one, who knows? We won’t find out until you tell her.”

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