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 doyour 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.
