Page 106 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“While we were busy doing other things.” He made the comment just to see that blush.

It crept across her cheeks and she turned, giving him a glower. No real malice behind it, however, and soon she was grinning. “Yes, I guess we were busy last night.”

“What were you doing? I know I was asleep when it snowed. Were you asleep too?” Mira’s gaze shot back between the two adults.

Oh, from the mouths of babes. He stood and motioned to the girls. “You little ladies go to the bathroom, and then we’ll go out in the snow.”

The girls scrambled away, giggling.

Remy looked at him. “Bathroom?”

“Have you ever tried to get a toddler out of a snowsuit when she has to go? Trust me, it’s not a pretty picture, and I have no wish to repeat the event.”

She poured some cereal into a bowl. “Are you okay if I do some work today? Only about an hour’s worth, I promise.”

He made his way over and surprised her with a sound kiss on the lips. “You take all the time you need. I know how important this trial is to you.”

“You’re important to me. You and the girls.”

“You don’t have to convince me. I see it every day.” He took her hand. “Let me shoulder this without you feeling guilty. I’m an easygoing guy. If I need more from you, I’ll ask.”

“Will you? Will you really? Because you sometimes seem like the strong silent type. Unwilling to express his needs and wants.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Is this because of last night?”

She replaced the cereal box in the cupboard and opened the fridge to grab a jug. Without meeting his gaze, she poured milk in her bowl.

Taking the remaining milk from her hand, he placed it back in the fridge. Then he took her hand, pulling her toward him. “I can be very vocal about my needs.” He ran a finger along her jaw and tipped her head back so she met his gaze. “Don’t feel that last night was anything but perfect, okay?”

She nodded.

“We’re ready, Daddy!”

His daughter’s words brought the moment to an end, but he was pretty sure his wife heard his message loud and clear.

Remy’s assistance in bundling the girls into their snowsuits was appreciated. He’d found a sled in the storage shed when he’d been hunting for a hammer a few weeks ago, and he retrieved it now.

The property had a natural downward slope, so it took very little effort to pull the sled down the hill. Back up was more work, and soon he shed his jacket, comfortable enough in a sweater. They were on their fourth pass when he spotted Remy with a camera.

She snapped a few shots as he trudged back up the hill and then took more while the girls made snow angels.

Even though she wore sunglasses, he was certain she was having fun. Her smiles came more easily. Her reticence was less pronounced. She was opening up.

“What would you ladies like for lunch?”

“Smilies, please.”

Remy looked at him, brow furrowed. “Smilies?”

“You grill toast with cheese on it in the shape of a smiling face.”

“Ingenious.”

“I wish I could take credit, but it wasn’t my idea.” In one of her better moments, his ex-wife had taught him the trick. And just like that, he was back in his old apartment with a sick wife and a crying Mira.

Seeming to sense the mood shift, his wife placed a hand on his arm.

“Why don’t I get the girls changed while you make lunch?”

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