Brogan’s laughter had both women pausing. Andy went to the doorway to investigate. When Brogan called to him, he gave his little-boy laugh and charged forward.
Pixie watched as Brogan lifted him and, very seriously, introduced him to each boy. Shy, Andy tucked his face against Brogan’s chest, but he wore a big grin and repeatedly peeked at the boys.
Ellen leaned forward to whisper, “He’s staying close to you, right?”
It was a struggle, but Pixie managed to hold back her blush. “Cort is renting his lake house to him.” She didn’t admit that they were currently living in the same house.
“I think I’ve seen that property. It’s back in the cove, right?”
“Yes. Cort and Marlow are in the biggest house; then the next house is Cort’s rental property, which Brogan has leased for the summer.” He did still use it occasionally to do laundry or shower. “And then I’m in the last house.”
“You two seem to be hitting it off. Do you think there’s any chance he’ll relocate here?”
Pixie was quick to shake her head. “I know you come to Bramble to visit the lake, but the town is actually pretty strict about expanding. No new houses and definitely no new retail spaces. That’s why Marlow had to set up her shop in Lankton.” That was where Ellen lived. To be sure she hadn’t offered any insult, Pixie added, “Marlow and I both love the town, and thankfully, it’s not that far from Bramble.”
“A short drive,” Ellen agreed. “Shame he won’t be moving here for good. He’s a good influence. Can you imagine if he became a teacher? Or if he taught water safety or something?” She shared another grin. “Firefly Lake would get even busier.”
Pixie agreed with that. “Very true.”
After readjusting Shayna, who was starting to doze off, Ellen said, “I don’t mean to pry, and I apologize if I step on your toes or anything.”
Again, Pixie froze.
“There was a woman at the grocery store yesterday.”
She almost groaned, already knowing what she’d hear. “The store here?”
“Yes, about fifteen minutes from my house. She was talking to a man, a guy older than her, saying some nasty things about Brogan.”
“What things?”
“That he wasn’t a hero, that he walked around all high andmighty, but everyone knew the truth. She claimed he’d taken the baby from her.”
“Good God.”
“She was loud, Pixie, making sure others heard her, though mostly everyone tried to avoid her. I was behind her in the aisle. She made a point of saying his name. It really bothered me because Benny was with me. He didn’t need to hear someone talking like that.”
No, he didn’t.
“As you can imagine, he has a real case of hero worship right now.”
One glance in the living room and Pixie could see why. Brogan now had Andy up on his shoulders, his hands holding him securely while he continued to talk with the boys. They were quiet enough that she couldn’t catch the topic of the conversation, but the boys were listening intently. Andy bounced a few times, but Brogan didn’t seem to mind. When Andy leaned over and tugged on Brogan’s shirt, the sleeve of his T-shirt lifted and the kids could see his tattoo.
They all went wide-eyed.
Brogan answered their questions about the tattoo while helping to settle Andy more securely. Pixie’s heart seemed to shift, to swell. Andy was so happy with this new experience, his face lit up with glee. “He’s a good man, Ellen.” The words sounded inadequate. “He’s added so many new dimensions to Andy’s life.” Knowing she was in trouble, that she already cared more than she should, Pixie sighed.
Ellen agreed, with her own sigh. “He’s too nice for anyone to believe what she was saying.”
“Can you describe the woman?”
She did—and it was Ruthie.
Hiding her anger wasn’t easy, and Pixie was unsure how much she should say to her new friend, but she had to saysomething. “I hope you won’t spread this around, but that awful woman is his stepmother, and she’s here to make unreasonable demands.”
Ellen looked down at Shayna, who was now asleep, her little rosebud mouth occasionally puckering. “Does she really want to take the baby from him?”
“I don’t think she cares at all about Shayna. She just sees her as leverage with Brogan.”
