“He’d be a good person for Brogan to talk to about his stepmother.”
“Not a bad idea. I’ll mention it to him.” Pixie quietly pushed back her chair. “With both kids now napping, I think we should get going.”
Ellen cuddled Shayna one last time. “She smells so sweet. I’ve missed holding an infant.”
“Me too. Holding her is nice, isn’t it? She’s so tiny, and Andy is such a tank.”
“He’s a gorgeous little boy.” Her gaze went from Shayna toPixie. “With their nearly identical blond hair and blue eyes, they could both be yours.”
Lingering one moment more, Pixie admitted, “I wouldn’t mind that at all. I already love her so much.”
From behind her, Brogan said, “I feel the same way about this little guy.”
Startled, she turned in time to see him duck down as he stepped into the kitchen, careful not to bonk Andy’s head on the archway.
With her face feeling scorched, Pixie tried to brazen it out with a light laugh and a nod. “I think he’s asleep.”
“He’s snoring in my ear,” Brogan said, “so I’m sure you’re right.”
Ellen gave her a knowing look.
Brogan just smiled as he maneuvered Andy’s limp weight until he was resting against Brogan’s chest. “I’ll carry him if you take Shayna.”
Andy looked so peaceful with his cheek smooshed against Brogan’s chest, she didn’t want to disturb him. “All right.”
Ellen eased Shayna into Pixie’s arms. “That was a treat for me, seeing the babies. I hope you’ll come again. I know Benny had a great time.”
“So did I,” Brogan said. “He told me Officer Flynn has been visiting as well?”
Nodding, Ellen said, “Between you and Jansen, Benny has some great role models.”
Tipping his head, Brogan gave Ellen a look of sincerity. “I’d say his mom is the best role model.”
With a hand to her heart, Ellen nearly melted. “Thank you.”
“He’s a good boy. Smart and funny, and really curious about life. You’re doing a great job.”
Her eyes watered, and she gave a shaky laugh. “That means a lot.”
Yes, it did. Pixie got all kinds of encouragement from Marlowand Cort, but hearing it from others always reaffirmed that—so far—she was doing okay. She hoped Ellen received similar encouragement from her friends, but if they were all single, they might not be too focused on parenting.
For that reason, she backed up Brogan. “You’re working, parenting, keeping house—and inviting over guests. I agree, you’re impressive.”
“I invited you over to boost Benny, but you’re giving me such a boost, too.” Impulsively, she leaned in to give Pixie a hug, careful not to disturb Shayna. Then with a smile up at Brogan, she did the same to him.
He was able to free one arm and loosely return the embrace. “Keep in touch, okay?”
Ellen nodded. “This has been a wonderful visit.” To Pixie, she added, “Think about what I said, okay?”
“I will.” She pretended not to see the searching glance Brogan gave her, but once they were in the car with both kids sleeping, she knew it was time.
The weather had been accommodating enough to wait until they were on the main road back to Bramble before it started to sprinkle. His wipers came on automatically, swishing back and forth as the sky darkened and the humidity swelled. So far, the rain wasn’t too heavy, but weather in Kentucky was always unpredictable.
Pixie shifted to face him. “Ruthie is still around.”
Other than his hands tightening on the wheel, he didn’t show any reaction to the news. “Ellen met her?”
“No. She just saw her in the grocery store.”
