Marshall wasn’t expecting to see anyone for a few days, so when some very angry—and loud—knocking landed on his front door, he was both surprised and terrified. Only a handful of people knew the code to his gate, and he didn’t want to see any of them right now.
He ran his hands through his hair as he walked over to the monitor that would show him the front porch.
“Esther.” He breathed her name, more terrified than before, because she hugged the blue folder against her chest like a shield.
He twisted toward the door, wondering if he could simply not answer. He could claim almost anything. He’d been napping. Hadn’t been home. It wasn’t like he had a car and she’d know.
“Marshall!” she yelled. “You answer this door right now.”
The sound of her voice, furious as it was, ignited something
