Over Andy’s head, Brogan’s gaze met hers. His mouth lifted in a crooked smile that, to Pixie, held not just affection but more.
Wiggling loose, Andy said, “My baby,” and ran over to Shayna, who was propped up in her infant high chair.
“He never seems to tire of her,” Brogan noted.
Very true. When the baby cried, Andy crumpled, too. If she slept, he’d lie down to watch her, and often doze off.
In no time at all, he’d become Brogan’s helper, running to get a diaper for Shayna, anxious to help hold her bottle. When he sat on the couch next to Brogan and they let him “hold” Shayna, his big blue eyes positively glowed.
Oh-so-gently, he would kiss Shayna’s head, and occasionally whisper, “My baby,” in a way that wrenched her heart.
Those touching moments were the highlights. There had also been a lot of confusion.
Showers were difficult, with Brogan jogging up to the lake house and insisting on taking Shayna with him. At least those first two days.
On the third day, she convinced him that she was more than capable of handling both kids for an hour. Reluctantly, Brogan had agreed and then returned in thirty minutes.
The next day, he’d insisted on returning the favor by watching both kids while she showered and dressed.
“This is working out, isn’t it?”
Brogan flashed her a grin while making waffles. “It’s easier than I expected.”
Unspoken was the fact that life would be better still if they knew where Ruth was.
Brogan had tried calling Erin right away, but her office explained that she was on the second week of a two-week vacation. The good news was, she’d be back in the office at the end of this week, and they’d let her know right away that he needed to speak with her.
Better news was that no one had seen her since the awful scene she’d caused in the driveway. Pixie hoped that she’d managed to drive out of town without Herman seeing her. Brogan worried that she was still hanging around, ready to cause trouble.
“I’m off today,” she offered casually. “If there’s anything you need to do, we could—”
“I’d like to see Benny.” With waffles and bacon served, he joined her at the table. “I had promised to visit him, but then with Ruth showing up …”
“I understand.”
“Ellen sent me a message this morning. Said Benny is still talking about me.” He stared down at his plate as if confounded.
“You don’t want to go?”
“Actually … I do.” His tone and expression both showed his surprise. He shook his head. “I haven’t interacted much with kids his age, but Ellen said he’s asked a few times. She said she explained to him that I’m on vacation and probably busy—only I’m not. Busy, I mean.”
Pixie hid her smile. “Not too busy to see a grateful mother and her son? Of course you aren’t. I’m glad you’re going.”
This time, his gaze settled on her. “She said you’re welcome to come along.”
Surprised, Pixie barely caught Andy’s hand before he got syrup in his hair. “I’m invited, too? I mean, I’d love to see her again, but I don’t want to intrude. I thought I’d watch the kids.”
“They’d probably like an outing, don’t you think? I saw thegrocery list you have going, so afterward we could stop at the store, and then maybe take a walk on the beach.”
There was absolutely no reason to get so flustered, but Pixie felt her cheeks heating and knew she wore a blush. “Okay, that sounds great. I don’t need to buy any perishables, so walking at the beach will work. Thanks.”
It might have been her imagination, but there was a subtle easing of Brogan’s shoulders.
The rest of the morning went smoothly enough, and shortly before lunchtime, they were ready to leave.
Anywhere you went with two kids, it took some packing. With both replenished diaper bags, two strollers in the cargo area, and a few toys between the car seats, they left for the drive.
“I’m not sure we’ll get to visit the beach,” Pixie said with a worried look at the sky. “It looks like it’s going to rain.” Through the gathering dark clouds, the sun was no more than a hazy, blurred glow. A strong breeze added a chill to the spring air.
