“Another time then. I hope the storm holds off long enough for us to visit Benny, though. Ellen said he’s looking forward to it.”
“It’s nice of you to see him.”
He hitched a shoulder. “I thought about giving Brian a call, to see if he knows that Ruth had been here.”
Sensing it was something he didn’t want to do, she asked, “When was the last time you spoke to him?”
He slowed as a rabbit hopped into the road, then came to a stop waiting for it to move. When it finally turned back to the clover, Brogan eased past, his gaze constantly scanning the woods. Finally, he said, “Remember I told you about how Connie came to see me and they blew up about it?”
“Yes.”
“That was the last time. Not counting the night I came for Shayna, but there wasn’t much talking then.”
Touching him was easier now, so she put her hand on his forearm. Not sure if he’d want to share, she asked, “What did he say to you?”
“That he had one kid, a daughter, and as far as he was concerned, I didn’t exist.”
Such deliberate cruelty astounded her. “Don’t call him,” she said, unable to keep the anger out of her words.
“Ruth might already be back with him.” His hands flexed on the wheel. “Or she might have been telling the truth.”
Doubtful. Pixie didn’t think people like Ruthie and Brian knew the truth. “About what?”
“Brian could be seriously sick, even dying. It’s more likely a lie, but if he is ailing, she might want to be with him.”
And if Ruthie wasn’t here, there’d be no reason for Brogan to stay with her. “Would you mind if I make a suggestion?”
“I’d like to hear your thoughts.”
Flattered, Pixie wondered if he’d change his mind once he heard her idea. “Marlow was a higher-up in an influential business. She handled a lot of negotiations, and she still has clout.”
“I don’t like where this is heading.” He shot her a look, but quickly returned his attention to the road. “I can handle this situation myself. It’s not like talking to Brian will be a big deal. I’ll just let him know that Ruth crossed a line, and if it happens again, the police will come calling.”
“Let’s discuss it with Marlow first, okay? I’m sure she’ll have some ideas on how best to handle it. In fact, I could invite them down for dinner tonight.”
“It’s your house—you can invite anyone you want.”
Softly, she said, “I’d like you to be there, too.”
After another lengthy silence, Brogan said, “I’m not good at this.”
“This?”
“Sharing. I mean, with you it’s easy. Has been from the start.”
He couldn’t know how that pleased her.
“But Cort and Marlow? I don’t like airing my problems. I prefer to deal with stuff on my own.”
“You’re not on your own, not anymore.” Pixie glanced into the back seat. Both kids were so quiet, she guessed they were napping. She and Brogan had actually timed the trip for it, so they’d be well rested when they arrived. “But you have Shayna now,” she unnecessarily reminded him, then added, “And that means you’re connected to Andy.”
“And with Andy comes you.”
She liked the way he said that, with a hint of a smile that told her he didn’t mind. “And with me, you get Marlow and Cort.” Actually, he got Bramble, because this place was now home to them in all the very best ways. Before his time here ended, she was certain he’d feel the same.
“Sounds like I’m outnumbered.”
She grinned with him. “That isn’t so bad, is it?”
