Page 28 of The Making of Marnie Jones

“I’ve seen you sitting out front a few times over the past few months.” He hesitated. “Unless you want to keep that as your private spot…”

“I’m willing to share.” Strong arms suddenly gripped her legs. Story time was over, and Mira’s arms banded around her thighs. Bending at the waist, she scooped the little girl into her arms. “You’re getting bigger each time I see you.”

Mira grinned, placed her hands on Marnie’s cheeks, and gave her a kiss on the lips.

Marnie couldn’t hide her surprise.

“New trick.” Pride shone in Rusty’s eyes. “This week we’ve been learning about showing affection to others. I hope she didn’t overstep the bounds of propriety.” His expression was sheepish. “She’s just proud of herself.”

In response, Marnie pressed a kiss to the toddler’s nose. “I love kisses.” Mira giggled and Marnie grinned. What did the world look like to this little girl? Hopefully she only saw people who loved and cared for her.

Rusty held out his arms and Mira launched herself into them. “So, tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow.” Holding herself stiff, she waited as he secured Mira into her stroller and left.

She turned back to the desk.

Loriana gazed at her intently.

“What?” Marnie frowned. Why did she feel like her boss had caught her doing something illicit?

Loriana shifted, clearly uncomfortable. “He’s married.”

“Well, we’re just getting together for coffee and a chat. You know very well I have no desire or ability to get involved with anyone.”She must know this.She’d never get involved romantically with anyone. Most especially a married man.

“Watch yourself.”

Loriana’s expression was impassive, but she didn’t fool Marnie. She waited.

Her boss finally added, “One of these days you might find the courage to let someone in. Let someone really get to know you.”

Jake McGrath might be that person.Since he knew about Laura Derks, and since she’d shared much with him last night, he was the person on this earth closest to knowing her. Even Mrs. Grant hadn’t been privy to all the sordid details. Marnie hadn’t shared as much during a year of therapy as she had during last night’s conversation with Jake.

Loriana didn’t seem to require a response, so Marnie didn’t give her one.

***

Wednesday was in direct contrast to Tuesday, weather-wise. The sun was out and a fresh wind blew through the Fraser Valley. As Marnie sat in her car waiting for Rusty, her nerves ratcheted up.What were you thinking, agreeing to go to coffee with someone?A male someone, no less.

Still, she spotted Rusty and Mira, and before she lost her nerve, she slipped from her car.

When Rusty caught sight of her, he waved.

Then Mira saw her and applauded.

That lifted Marnie’s spirits. But as she approached them, panic sank in. How was she supposed to greet him? Was a quick wave acceptable, or would there be some kind of touching? Trying to avoid the entire issue, she clutched her purse—holding it in front of her like a shield. If he thought there was anything odd about that, he said nothing.

“Why don’t we sit out in the sun? You and I can sit under the umbrella, and Mira’s stroller has a sunshade. That okay?”

She nodded.

“I’m going to run in and get our drinks. Why don’t you sit with Mira? What can I get you to drink?”

“Iced tea.” She reached for her purse, but before she snagged her wallet, he took off. She huffed as she sat at the table, well in the shade. “Your daddy is stubborn, you know that?”

“Da Da Da,” Mira parroted.

Watch what you say.

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