A deer leaped out in front of her, making her hit the brake. It jostled Andy and he started to cry.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry.” Her voice shook. What she wouldn’t give to have Cort and Marlow nearby. If they were home, she’d call them to meet her at the house and they’d take care of things.
The second she had the thought, it angered her.
I’m a grown woman, damn it. I can handle my own issues.
Andy said, “Mam,” on a sniffle.
“It was a deer, sweetie. Just a deer. Mama didn’t want to hit it.”
“Der?”
“Yes, but the deer is fine. We’ll be home in just a minute.”
“Cup.”
“Yes, I’ll get your cup as soon as we’re inside.”
She should call Brogan—but she didn’t want to look away from the road while driving.
Finally, the house was in view. She started to pull in, but then up the road, she saw Brogan jogging out of his driveway and she made a split-second decision. Instead of pulling in at her house, she drove a little faster to his.
Seeing her, he paused to smile—until she went right past him and parked at the side of the house, out of view. Frowning, he glanced toward her car. She got out and shouted, “Brogan, I need you up here. Could you hurry, please?”
If Ruthie turned the corner and saw him, she’d lose the opportunity to warn him.
Alarm showed on his face and in his posture. Pushing the stroller, he sprinted toward her while she rushed to get Andy out of his seat.
He reached her in seconds and asked, “What is it? What’s wrong?”
She hefted Andy into her arms, then reached in for his diaper bag. “We have to go inside. Please hurry.”
“Honey, you’re scaring me.” He glanced at Andy. “And you’re scaring him.”
She didn’t have time to explain. “Inside, Brogan.Now.”
Her urgency became his. With a nod, he pushed the stroller to the front door, unlocked it, and lifted the whole thing inside. Winded as if she’d run a mile, Pixie crowded in behind him and shut the door, then went to the window to look out, but she didn’t see Ruthie’s car.
“Hey.” Brogan took Andy from her, looking him over to assure himself that the little boy wasn’t hurt. “Take a breath, okay? Then tell me what’s happened.”
Anxiety had a death grip on her. Now that she’d reached him, she knew it would be all right—somehow. “Today, at the shop, your stepmother showed up.”
His head jerked back as if she’d struck him. “Ruth is in Bramble?”
She shook her head, but then nodded.
“Yes, no?” His sharp tone showed his confusion.
“The shop is in Lankton, remember, not far from Bramble, but Brogan”—Pixie braced herself—“she followed me. She’s looking for you.” Pixie stepped past him and knelt down by Shayna, who was still in the stroller. The baby grinned, pumped her legs in excitement, and cooed. “She said you stole her granddaughter.” She glanced up to see anger and hurt in his eyes. “Brogan … she says she wants her back.”
Rage boiled up, and with it a flash fire of disappointment. Did Pixie believe those lies?
“Fend?” Andy spoke in a small, confused voice. His palm open against Brogan’s jaw turned his face so Andy could see him.
Knowing the child felt his sudden tension, Brogan immediately removed his frown, then kissed Andy’s temple. “All is well, little man.”
Pixie let out a long breath. “Ruthie was horrible,” she said as she lifted Shayna from the stroller and protectively cradled the baby against her shoulder. “She was rude at the shop, and she caused a scene. I’m sure it upset Andy.”
