Page 15 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“I know you did.” She patted his hand. “You looked down. I can call Bianca over.”

Was it that obvious? Were his ruminations over Sissy so intense others could see it? What if Mira sensed his distress over the whole issue?

“It’s not that obvious, you know.” Her hand squeezed his, long fingers curling around his stubbier ones. “Part of working with Bianca has been finding my own ways to tune in to people.”

“You’re good at it.”

“That’s what Marnie says.” She shifted, not meeting his gaze. “Given everything…you know…what I endured…”

He squeezed her hand, letting her know she had his support.

“I know what it’s like to hurt. What it’s like to feel despair. What it’s like to lose all hope.” She swiped at an errant tear. “I want to help people. I want to give them hope.”

“By your own existence, you give them hope. By surviving the horror you did, you’re showing healing is possible.” Was he saying the right things? Sweat broke out across his brow despite it being a cool day. “You and Marnie, what you went through, was unspeakable.”

Olivia drew herself up. “You know, there was a time when I couldn’t even talk about it. With anyone. Counseling taught me it’s okay to accept it as part of my past. Learning to trust has been the hard part.”

“You trust me?” Wow. Him? Sure, they’d met any number of times, but always with Mira. Always spending time with the dog.

“Marnie trusts you. Plus, you’re obviously an amazing father, and Mira’s a great kid.” She waved toward the girls.

They often met at the park, since she lived down the street. He basked in the praise because he was never sure when it came to Mira. He could do his best, but being a parent daunted, and then were the days when he lived on shifting ground.

“I’m subletting my place to Tristan.”

Olivia stood up, did a silent little happy dance, and sat back down with a flourish.

“I take it this is good news?” Another chuckle.

“The best.” Her grin was wide and open. “His roommates are jerks, and Tristan only lives with them to save money. We can’t go over there.” Olivia’s expression shuddered. “They give me the creeps. They’re always making crude and rude jokes. They go through women like toilet paper, and it’s disgusting to watch. It doesn’t say much for their choice of women, either. I can’t imagine dating someone who has so little respect for me.” Her grin grew wider. “I appreciate Tristan won’t have to live there anymore.” Her blue eyes shone with gratitude. “Thank you.”

A weight lifted from his shoulders. Tristan was a responsible young man—if he treated Olivia with respect—and that bespoke maturity.

“I hear you’re about to become a nanny.”

“Word travels fast around here.” He slanted his gaze toward the girls. “I think Mira will thrive. The only downside is we’ll no longer be living in the area.”

“But you can always come and visit. If you ever need a babysitter, I‘m game. I don’t have a lot of experience with kids, but I’m working on it.”

“I may take you up on that. You may rue the day you offered.”

“Never.” Olivia rose, pulling to her full height that equaled his. “With Marnie being pregnant, I want to get some experience. I’ll be an honorary aunt, and I want Marnie and Jake to be able to count on me.”

“You needn’t to worry on that count. One, you’re great with kids and two, Marnie and Jake adore you. You have nothing to worry about.” He stood, joining her as she headed toward the girls.

“I don’t want to let people down.”

“Has anyone said anything?”

“Well…no.”

“You need to stop worrying.”Tread carefully.“Sure, there are people aware of your past, but their opinion shouldn’t make any difference. Live your life. The best revenge on those who would judge you is to hold your head high and accomplish your dreams.”

“You sound like you’re speaking from experience.”

If you only knew.“I guess I am.” They stopped just short of the girls and Bianca. Amazing. The girls never tired of playing with the dog, and she seemed to have limitless patience. He pulled himself away from the touching sight. How to answer Olivia’s unspoken question? She’d opened up to him. Dare he reciprocate? He’d never spoken to anyone except their family doctor, and Dr. Raymond had suggested counseling. Still waffling, he took a deep breath.

“I’m married. To Mira’s mother.”Well, duh.How much of their story did he have the right to share? His part. “We had a great marriage. I mean, we were really happy. We didn’t fight, we never raised our voices. Not perfect, but definitely idyllic.

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