Chapter 9 #2
Bumping into her car door, Ruthie muttered, “You have no right to run me off.”
“I have every right to have you arrested for assault. I saw what you did. The only reason I haven’t already put you in your car is that my husband wouldn’t want me to dirty my hands.”
Cort took a step closer to her, but still didn’t say a word.
God love him for being the quiet type who could easily back up any threat.
“However,” Marlow continued silkily, further crowding Ruthie, “I don’t mind displeasing him every now and then when necessary. Removing you is necessary—like taking out the trash.”
“This is between me and Brogan.”
“Not when my sister and nephew are watching. Not on my property. Not when you assault someone in their presence. And not when you could have injured one of them.”
Uncertainty turned Ruthie’s face pale. “Wasn’t anyone hurt.”
Pixie disagreed. The entire ugly scene had hurt her, and she knew it was one more injury to Brogan’s heart—not that he’d ever admit it.
“I’ll give you until the count of three to be in your vehicle and backing out, and then you will drive away, and you will not, under any circumstances, return to any of my properties. If you do, I’ll ruin you.”
“You can’t do that.”
“Actually, I can. I have the means and connections to do it. I’m not normally a vindictive person, but I’ll make an exception for you. I might even enjoy it. The count of three. Now, is that clear?”
Ruthie blustered. “No, it’s—”
“One.”
Eyes widening, Ruthie gasped, “How dare you—”
“Two.”
She shot a glare at Brogan. “This isn’t over!” Then she jumped into her car, locked the door, gunned the engine, and peeled out with a lot of noisy fanfare, spitting more gravel everywhere.
Marlow watched with satisfaction until Ruthie’s taillights could no longer be seen.
Cort immediately got on his phone while attempting to usher his wife inside.
Marlow allowed that, at least until she came alongside Brogan. Then she stopped and smiled up at him. “Hello there.”
Brogan still looked poleaxed.
“You’re Brogan Rafferty, I take it?”
“Yes?” he said, eyeing Cort with uncertainty.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Never had a big, gorgeous, totally ripped man looked so discomfited. “Yeah, it’s, um, nice to meet you, too.”
“I apologize for the display. I’m not usually so … blunt with people.”
“I’d say forceful,” Brogan said.
“Maybe even ferocious.” Cort gave her a brief smile, spoke a few more words into his phone, then returned it to his pocket. “Herman will watch to make sure that woman actually leaves town. If necessary, we’ll call in the cops.” He offered Brogan his hand. “Cort Easton. Nice to meet you, Brogan.”
Brogan seemed marginally more at ease with another man. “I’m sorry about all this.”
“From what Pixie told Marlow, I assume it wasn’t your fault.” He gestured toward the door. “You’ll come in so we can talk.” It wasn’t asked as a question, but spoken as a statement.
Nodding, Brogan replied, “Of course.”
Marlow turned and knelt down. “Let him loose, Pixie.”
Andy cheered and raced into the yard, chanting, “Lo! Lo!” as his short legs pumped, propelling him at Mach speed.
“Lo” was his version of “Marlow.”
Arms open, Marlow scooped him up and kissed his face a dozen times, making Andy laugh.
Cort stood smiling beside her, his hand on Marlow’s back.
Pixie’s gaze met Brogan’s, and she smiled to help soothe his confusion as she walked out and handed him Shayna. “I’m going to park Marlow’s car, and then I’ll join you all.”
Cort said, “Thanks, hon.” He took Andy from Marlow and got his own share of hugs and little-boy kisses on his jaw.
Clearly, though she’d told Brogan how these two amazing people had accepted her and Andy, he hadn’t quite realized just how close they’d all become.
Very soon, he would find out.
Seated with Marlow on the couch, Pixie couldn’t stop smiling. Shayna was now asleep on the floor, and Andy was dozing off in Marlow’s arms. She rocked him, petting him often, and repeatedly kissing his head.
At first, there had been pandemonium with Andy so excited and Shayna ready for a bottle. She knew Brogan would have liked to escape, but no one gave him that option.
Explanations had been put off while he’d fed Shayna, cleaned her face and hands, put on a fresh diaper, and then changed her into a gown. Shortly after, she’d fallen asleep with Cort holding her.
Marlow had gone with Pixie to the bedroom, where she’d given Andy a super-quick bath, cleaned his teeth, and dressed him in his favorite pajamas. Afterward, with a blanket and a soft toy, he, too, had wound down in Marlow’s arms.
“I should probably get him into bed now.” There was still so much for them all to discuss, and it was getting late.
“I missed him so much,” Marlow whispered. Her gaze lifted to Pixie’s. “And you. My day felt very incomplete without seeing you.”
“We’ve gotten into that habit, haven’t we?” A day never went by without them at least speaking, and usually visiting each other.
“Do you mind?”
Pixie reached out to put her hand on Marlow’s shoulder. “I’m sure I missed you even more.” Having Brogan around had brought home several realizations. She was a little choked up when she said, “You and Cort are the only family Andy and I have. We both love you so much.”
Marlow swallowed heavily, blinked fast, and said, “Blast. If I start getting weepy, your guy will think it’s his fault, and Cort will come loom over me.” Her mouth tilted in a smile. “He does that, you know. Looms. Especially if he’s worried. Even if I cry over a silly movie, it worries him.”
“Because he loves you.”
They shared a smile, but Pixie couldn’t keep her attention away from Brogan. He stood in the kitchen with Cort, looking like a soldier cloaked in pride and determination. “He’s been through so much.”
“You’re in love with him,” Marlow whispered.
Never would she lie to her friend, so she admitted, “If I’m not, I’m well on my way.
How could I not be? When you get to know him, you’ll see what I mean.
He’s … remarkable. In so many ways. He’s gentle with Shayna, and natural with Andy.
” She told her about Benny and how she’d felt seeing Brogan in rescue mode.
“It was awe-inspiring. Everywhere he goes, he makes an impression.”
“He certainly did with Renee,” Marlow quipped with a grin. “After all she said, I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
“Renee is outrageous,” Pixie said with a grin. “You know that.”
“I think she’s half in love with him, too.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not what he wants, at least not from me.”
Marlow gave her a long look; then she got to her feet with Andy slumbering in her arms. “Let’s put him into bed, and then we can get into the nitty-gritty of this fascinating story.”
“There’s a lot I have to tell you, actually, and I’m not sure you’ll like it.”
Tipping her head, Marlow studied her. “Has he hurt you?”
“No! He wouldn’t, not ever.” He hadn’t even said harsh words to Ruthie. Brogan’s character was too honorable for that.
“Then whatever it is, it’ll be fine.”
With every quiet step they took together toward the bedroom, Pixie’s anxiety deepened.
The last thing she’d ever want to do was cause Marlow more upset, yet it was inevitable.
Her friend had a right to know and Pixie felt certain that, after the shock wore off, Marlow would accept Shayna as Andy’s sister.
“Look at him,” Marlow whispered, smiling down at Andy with pure love. “I hope you know what an excellent mother you are.”
“I hope I am.”
Marlow shot her a look, then carefully lowered Andy into his crib, covered him, and pulled up the side rail. “There’s no question about it.”
“I think with children, there’s always a question. You do your best and adjust where necessary, but you don’t know the result until they’re grown.”
“Probably true. I’m not sure Dylan was what his parents expected.”
Pixie often wondered about that. To the outside world, they gave the impression that their son could do no wrong. But in quiet moments, were they disappointed that he’d treated Marlow so badly, that he’d lied to Pixie?
How would they feel when they found out about Shayna?
With Andy settled, Marlow led the way back out of the room. Pixie wanted to go back to the couch, but Marlow stopped in the kitchen—in front of the two men waiting there.
“He’s asleep?” Cort and Brogan asked at almost the same time.
Everyone smiled.
“He is,” Pixie assured them. The two men definitely had similarities, maybe because of their military backgrounds. “And so is Shayna.”
Brogan nodded. “I checked on her right after you left.”
Of course he had.
“So,” Marlow said. She sat in a chair that Cort pulled out for her. “Let’s talk.”
“Marlow …”
“Take a seat, Pixie, and try not to worry so much.”
Out of deference to Marlow and all she’d done for her, Pixie normally would have complied. This time, however, she had reason to worry. “I should talk with you privately.”
“We’ve talked. It’s his turn.”
Brogan braced himself. “Right, this is on me.” Never had a man looked so uncomfortable. “First, I’d like to apologize.”
“You did already,” Marlow said.
“For Ruth, but there’s more.”
Pixie couldn’t stand it. Ignoring the seat, she went to stand beside him.
Lifting a brow, Cort put a hand on Marlow’s shoulder. “I think we’re all as ready as we can be.”
Though he nodded, Brogan still hesitated.
Pixie didn’t. “You know Dylan wasn’t faithful.”
“Obviously not,” Marlow said.
Brogan didn’t give her a chance to say more. “He fathered another child.”
Marlow blinked.
Rushing out her words, Pixie said, “Shayna is Andy’s half sister.
I know, it’s such a close thing on the timing, but I worked out all the math—and honestly, you can see it when you look at them.
It’s even more than that, though. Maybe Andy would have been taken with any baby, but, Marlow, he’s over the moon with this baby. With Shayna.”
Again, Brogan took over. “I wanted her to know her family, good family, I mean.”
Expression a little dazed, Marlow said quietly, “Pixie and Andy are certainly wonderful.”
Cort was often quiet, but this time Pixie had no idea of his mood. “Cort?”
“Sorry. I was doing my own math.”
“I wanted children, you know. Dylan always said he wasn’t ready.” Marlow smiled up at Cort. “He’s willing.”
Cort held her gaze. “Whatever you want.”
“But I’m so happy now, and everything is … was … so perfect.” Marlow looked at each of them. “I don’t mean that Shayna isn’t perfect. I just …”
Pixie realized her hands were shaking. She clasped them together and leaned into Brogan.
With a glance of surprise, he put his arm around her waist and pulled her a little closer. “Pixie only just found out,” he explained. “I know it’s a lot for all of you to take in. You need time, and instead you pulled up and found Ruth raging in your driveway. Again, I’m damned sorry.”
Marlow waved off his apology. “I wondered why you were here and why it seemed you were focusing on Pixie. Not that I don’t think she’s amazing and deserves every bit of attention any man would give her.”
Both Brogan and Pixie remained silent.
After a long look, Marlow continued speaking. “But your attention felt deliberate, and at first that concerned me.”
“It was very deliberate, actually.” Brogan cleared his throat.
“My sister, Connie, left a lot of paperwork when she died. It was as if she’d been writing out thoughts and instructions for herself, things she considered important, but also things she hoped to do for Shayna.
Sometimes she included me in the notes, saying that if anything ever happened to her, she wanted me to know what to do. ”
“The notes were helpful?”
A fleeting smile touched Brogan’s mouth. “You have no idea. Before Shayna, I’d barely held a baby. One of my brothers …” He glanced up at Cort, then at Marlow. “A teammate.”
“Cort is military. I understand.”
He nodded. “Anyway, he had kids, so he was great with them. During a raid, a father needed help with his baby. The kid was older than Andy, but not much bigger. I had him under the arms, wondering what to do, when Detroit stepped in.”
“Detroit?” Pixie asked.
“A brother—from Detroit,” Brogan said. “It was the damnedest thing. While the others were helping the family, I gave the kid a bottle. He stared up at me with the darkest, most intent eyes.” He shook his head. “Anyway, that was the extent of my experience with babies.”
“Until you found out about Shayna?” Marlow asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Believe me, I learned fast. I’m still learning.” He stepped away from Pixie.
To her, it felt like a deliberate move.
“I’m doing the best I can, but I figured it couldn’t hurt for Shayna to know other family.
” He looked at each of them. “Connie knew about Pixie because Dylan had told her. It’s complicated, and I was a lousy brother, but Connie knew what it was to be alone, so she’d done her own research.
I think, had she lived, she’d be the one reaching out instead of me. ”
Everyone was quiet. A wall clock in the kitchen ticked away the seconds.
“I suspected,” Cort admitted, breaking the silence. “Like Marlow, I had suspicions, and I did my own research on you.”
Brogan slowly inhaled—and held the breath.
“You know what really struck me?” Cort asked. “How a man with so few redeeming qualities …”
As if expecting a personal insult, Brogan waited.
“… could father two such adorable kids.”
Brogan’s breath left him in an audible exhale.
Pixie wanted to throw herself against Cort and squeeze him tight. “They are adorable, aren’t they?”
“You’re not upset?” Disbelief kept Brogan’s brows together. “After everything I just said?”
Cort squeezed Marlow’s shoulder. “Losses are devastating. Expanding this family won’t be a hardship.”
Marlow beamed at him. “I agree.”
Taking a firm step forward, Brogan regained their attention. “Pixie misunderstood at first, so I want to make myself perfectly clear. I’m not handing off responsibility. Shayna is mine, and that won’t change. Ever. I won’t keep imposing on you, either.”
“You have a lease,” Cort reminded him. “A rental agreement.”
“I meant …” Brogan’s gaze shifted to Pixie, then away. “I’m not relocating here. You won’t have to contend with me—or Ruth—indefinitely. My goal was just to connect, for Shayna’s sake, because it was important to Connie.”
“And important to you,” Pixie insisted.
He frowned, then gave a reluctant nod. “Yes. It matters to me, too.”
Marlow stood as if in challenge. “How can she have family if you’re not around?”
“I had hoped to make a connection. To … I don’t know. Include Pixie and Andy in birthday parties and stuff.” He looked off in the distance as he admitted, “I wanted her to have backup, people she could turn to, so she’d never feel alone the way Connie did.”
The way he had. Pixie couldn’t stop herself from leaning into him again. “It’s a wonderful gesture, and I’m glad to count her as family. After all, she’s Andy’s sister. We won’t ever forget that.”