Page 104 of The Guest Cottage
With her heart still thumping double-time over the astounding news, she smiled up at Cort. “I didn’t come here looking for someone like you.”
“I know that.”
“But I’m so glad you’re in my life.” In case that was presumptuous, she said, “I hope that will continue.”
“I hope so, too.” Keeping his arms around her waist, he kissed her. “But there’s no rush. You can go on enjoying the sunrises and the fireflies.” He glanced down at her chest. “And your Dry Frog Tavern T-shirts. No pressure, okay? I’m happy that you’re happy. I’m surprised that I’m so happy, because until you, I didn’t realize what I was missing. Most of all, I’m glad I found you.”
Relief that she hadn’t misinterpreted brought back all her confidence. “I thinkIfoundyou, but I suppose Marines like to take all the credit.”
He treated her to that gorgeous, crooked grin.
“I should get to work.” A glance around the tavern showed several empty glasses. “I think this is the busiest we’ve ever been.”
Before she could move, Herman tugged her away from Cort to give her a long, tight, make-everything-right kind of hug that she felt clean down to her heart. Cherishing the moment, Marlow squeezed him back.
When Herman eased up, he said, “You’re a good one, honey. Now remember that I’m the boss and don’t argue when I tell you to take the rest of the night off.” He flashed a grin at Cort. “I’m sure you two have things to discuss.”
Before she could even think of disagreeing, Cort said, “Appreciate it, Herman.” He caught her hand and started toward the front door.
She resisted. “I can’t go. Herman will be swamped.”
The mayor interrupted their progress. “Not so. A bunch of us will help out. We’ve done it before, so go and enjoy yourself.”
Cort said, “Thanks, Butler.” The two of them shook hands. “For everything.”
Butler winked. “It’s what neighbors do.”
She’d heard that before. It could be a Bramble slogan, maybe on the shirts she’d make. Marlow decided to ask Cort what he thought about the idea—as soon as she got him alone. “We need to say goodbye to Pixie.”
“I’m right here,” Pixie said, having somehow snuck up on them. She held Andy, who was awake and smiling at everyone. “I’ll walk you both out, but I’ll stay another hour or so. Gloria ordered burgers and fries for all of us, and Wade said if Andy got fussy, we could pack the food up for home.” Sheepishly, Pixie said, “They treat me like a granddaughter.”
Cort asked, “Do you mind?”
“I love it.”
Happiness followed them out the door, until they came face to face with Aston and Sandra, who were just leaving their car to come in.
It was a toss-up who was more surprised.
“Sandra,” Marlow said. “What are you doing here?”
Sandra scowled at her, then narrowed her gaze on Pixie. Her color faded, and she breathed harder. “You.”
Pixie blanched.
Shooting Marlow a killing look, Sandra said, “I can’t believe you’ve hidden her here! Fromus.”
Well, hell. The day had been going so nicely and now this. There were other people in the lot, some hurrying into the tavern, likely to share the news of yet another standoff.
“No one is hiding,” Marlow said calmly as she stepped down to meet them on the gravel lot. “In fact, we were having a small celebration.”
Fury brought Sandra forward until she and Aston stood right in front of Marlow. “It’s a betrayal of Dylan, of everything he ever meant to you.”
Murmuring voices came closer, meaning they now had another audience. Poor Herman. She’d brought a lot of unexpected excitement to his establishment.
“Would you like to follow me home to talk?” Anyone could see that Sandra was hurting, but to Marlow’s mind, that didn’t excuse such an ugly public display.
Without looking at Pixie, Sandra demanded, “Is she staying with you? Living off you?”
