“I’d heard something along those lines.” One morning over coffee, Pixie had told him how the whole town had pulled together behind Marlow. Having met her, Brogan could understand that.
Gunther grinned. “If you want to stay, you could marry a local.”
Automatically, his gaze sought out Pixie. She was busy chatting with Toby. The boy held a toy boat that was usually sold as a souvenir at Marlow’s Whimsy. He certainly seemed pleased with it.
When Brogan realized he was staring, he shifted gears. “I wanted to ask you how you’re doing. That was a nasty hit to your head. I think you were unconscious for a minute or two.”
“Guess it knocked me out when I hit the steering wheel. No concussion, though. Just a nasty bruise.” Gunther lifted aside a hank of hair that covered his forehead.
Brogan whistled at the black-and-purple goose egg. “That had to hurt like hell. Still have a headache?”
“Not too bad.” He finger combed his hair back over it. “I keep it covered because it upsets Lily. She said she keeps thinking that I could have died if you hadn’t stopped.”
“Someone would have called 911.”
“No one else did, though. Everyone was just watching their driving, eyes on the road because of the storm. Not sure they even noticed me and Dee in the gully. If that fire had spread …” He let his words trail off a moment, then forcibly continued. “My door was jammed. No way would I have gotten it open, and after the smack to my head, I’m not sure I had it in me to climb out the window on my own.”
“I’m glad I could help,” Brogan said, and he meant it. “No other injuries?”
Gunther flexed his arm. “I guess I pulled a muscle, but it’s not bad, either.”
“You have to keep icing the injuries, okay? That lump on your head, and your arm.”
“Sure, Doc.” He grinned again; then his gaze moved to Brogan’s shoulder. “It’s true you’re a SEAL?”
Brogan nodded, but added, “Retired.” In very few words, he explained about Connie’s death and how he was Shayna’s guardian now. He did not mention his injuries or time in the hospital.
They talked a bit more, and Toby showed them his boat. Andy wanted to see the pond, so Brogan carried him there and kept a close eye on him while Toby showed him a big frog. Wildflowers were blooming around the shoreline, adding color. Silvery minnows swam by.
The sun was high, and they’d been there over an hour when Brogan decided it was time to go. “I’m sure Pixie put sunscreen on Andy, but Shayna will need a bottle soon, and then it’ll be time for her nap.” He put Andy on his shoulders and carried him back to the house, with Gunther, Toby, and the dog at his side. As they approached the women, he saw Shayna laughing on Pixie’s lap. Whatever silliness Pixie was saying to the baby, she liked it.
Just as Dee had done, Gunther insisted that he and Pixie come back again.
Lily said, “I’d love to cook you dinner, once I’m over this cold.” She put a hand to her stomach. “I never get sick—except for when I’m pregnant.”
Gunther grinned. “I think we’re having another boy. She got sick a lot with Toby, too.”
Thrilled for her, Pixie said, “How wonderful! Congratulations.”
“Thank you. We’re pretty happy about it.” She turned toBrogan. “I don’t know what I’d do without Gunther. I can’t thank you enough for helping him.”
“I’m glad I was there.” He shifted Andy around to his chest and picked up the diaper bag. “You want to tell them bye-bye, Andy?”
In reply, Andy pointed to Shayna and announced, “My baby,” ending the visit with a nice laugh.
Brogan felt that he was learning the town, not just visiting it. He felt … included. This could be home in a way nowhere else had been, except the military.
Before Shayna had been given into his care, he’d only been half living. He realized that now.Thank you, Connie. For not giving up on me. For trusting me.
It was too late to tell her he was sorry, that he loved her and was proud she was his sister. He’d blown that chance.
With a glance at Pixie, he vowed he wouldn’t blow another.
The next day, during a visit with Cort and Marlow, Pixie suggested that Brogan call his father to see whether Ruthie had returned to him.
Marlow said it couldn’t hurt, but then Brogan waffled. He hadn’t talked to Brian in a long time—and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now.
As long as Ruth didn’t show up, she was a problem he’d prefer to ignore. Except it wasn’t just him anymore. It was Pixie, Andy, and Shayna, too. He couldn’t protect them around the clock. Eventually, he knew Ruth would cause another scene.
