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“Oh,” she said, disappointment crushing her windpipe. She knew Owen would have to leave at some point, but she’d foolishly hoped he’d hang around a little longer. “Then sure. You can hold her.”
Owen stood over her and cradled his arms, waiting for her to deposit Nora into the safe crook he’d created.
“Make sure to hold her head. She likes to see your face. She’s a very curious girl, aren’t you, love?” Once Nora was settled, Marie sat and placed a piece of pizza on her plate.
Owen beamed at Nora. “Hello, little one.”
Mrs. Collins chuckled. “She looks even smaller in your arms.”
Marie studied the unlikely pair. The giant man with a scruffy beard and broad shoulders holding the tiny baby cuddled in a pink blanket. Her bones melted, and her heart filled with a sudden burst of joy she wished she could hold onto forever.
Nora gurgled and pumped her little arms.
“Oh, really,” Owen said, as if understanding what the baby was saying. “You have an interesting way with words.”
“I’m afraid once she starts talking, she’ll never stop.” Marie grinned then took a bite of the still-hot pizza. She closed her eyes on a moan as the gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni slid down her throat. “Heavenly.”
“Agreed,” Mrs. Collins said. “Nothing tastes better than a meal I didn’t have to cook.”
Marie laughed and took another bite. “Do you cook all the meals here?”
“Depends,” Mrs. Collins said. “Sadie and Laura help a lot, plus there are other volunteers who venture in to lend a hand when possible—some just not in the kitchen. Dr. Simon stops by to offer free medical attention when needed, and a local shop owner—Elsie—manages the donations. Neither are that good with a stove.”
“Both have got to be better than me,” Owen said. “Most nights I grab take out or end up eating boxed mac and cheese.”
“Oh, so you do have some flaws, huh?” Marie smirked.
Owen’s dark brows pinched together, and he lowered his face so he spoke directly to Nora. “Can you believe your mommy would say something like that about me?”
Marie barked out a laugh, enjoying the playful banter around the table. It’d been so long since she’d had this kind of comradery. Since she felt so at ease while enjoying a meal.
Mrs. Collins chuckled and rolled her eyes. “Men are such fragile creatures, but I do appreciate the meal, Owen. For now, I need to head upstairs and get another room ready. Marie, I’ll be putting the guest and her two children down the hall from you. Let me know if any issues arise, okay?”
“Okay.”
Mrs. Collins stood and reached for her plate.
“Don’t worry about the dishes,” Marie said. “Tidying up the kitchen is the least I can do.”
“Free dinner and no cleaning after holding a baby all day. Nothing gets better than that. Owen, send me a text when you leave so I can set the alarm.” Mrs. Collins gave a little wave and disappeared through the door to the front of the house.
A comfortable silence settled in the room, and Marie wished this moment never had to end. She picked at the last pepperoni on her pizza, searching for a way to keep Owen around longer.
But what was the point? He had to go see to Lewis, and she was just some woman who was more trouble than she was worth. Especially to him. Better not to get more invested than she already was. Surely only more heartbreak would follow.
Popping the last bit of her meal in her mouth, she stood and carried the dirty plates to the dishwasher. “Thanks. For everything. I can take Nora now so you can get back to your grandfather.”
Owen frowned. “Are you sure? I can stay a bit longer.”
She forced a tight smile. “We’re good.”
Owen carried Nora to her and handed her over. He brushed the side of his finger against the baby’s cheek. “Goodnight, then.”
Sighing, she watched him leave. If life was different, maybe she could throw caution to the wind and see if this attraction to the handsome deputy could turn into something more. But life was what it was, and dreaming about what could be was useless.
“Come on, baby girl. I need a shower and clean clothes, and you need to sleep.”
With her heart suddenly heavy, she climbed the stairs and shut her door. She found a pair of pajamas she’d packed for Nora and got her ready for bed, then settled into the rocking chair to rock her most precious gift.
