Page 19 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“They did.” His expression was open. Gone was the tension from mere moments ago. Like he’d flicked a switch.

Her heart hurt a little at the possibility of Calleigh being happy and of not being there to witness it. “I’m glad. Calleigh needs more of those.”

“Daddy!”

Rusty leaped to his feet and made his way over to the wall of blocks.

“Look.”

He knelt between the girls. “You made a pile that high? That pile is almost as tall as you!”

Mira giggled. “Silly Daddy. I’m this tall.” She used her arm to stretch her hand way above her actual height.

“I’m silly? I’m silly?” He scooped both girls in his arms, hugging them tight. “I’m going to tickle you.”

“No, Daddy, no tickle!” Even as Mira said the words, she was already giggling.

He gave Remy a wink. “Okay, I won’t tickle you if you promise to sit quietly and watch television. What would you like to watch?”

Calleigh glanced between Mira and Rusty, who still had his arm around her waist. “Dora.”

“What do we say?”

“Dora, please,” Mira replied, extending thesfor several seconds.

“Dora, please,” Calleigh confirmed.

The girls scrambled to the couch while he inserted the disc, and the familiar tune began. Gesturing for Remy follow him to the kitchen, he sat where he could keep an eye on the girls.

His weariness was palpable, more than just a man who was tired. A somber soul had replaced the man who teased the girls mere moments ago.

“Sissy—my wife—is no longer part of our lives. We’ve moved on, and I hope she’s done the same.”

She regarded him with skepticism. Her prosecutor’s senses were on high alert because he was prevaricating. On the one hand, he hadn’t been honest with her about his marital situation. Not that she’d asked. On the other, he promised his ex-wife wasn’t a factor and said they were getting a divorce. “If you say she’s not an issue, I’ll accept it. My concern is Calleigh’s welfare. And Mira’s, of course. I appreciate your honesty and should take Calleigh home. You’re sure you don’t mind watching her during the move tomorrow morning?”

“Tit-for-tat. You’ll watch them in the afternoon.” The quick grin was back as if he knew the terror the thought instilled.

Crap.She swallowed down the panic. She felt out of her league watching just Calleigh. Add another child to the mix?

“Relax, you’ll be fine. They’re self-sufficient. You watch them carefully, feed them, and make sure they don’t fight too much. Generally, I don’t like using the television, but sometimes it helps.”

“Like now.” The show entranced the girls.

“Like now.” His confirmation was soft and sure.

“How do I know what’s appropriate? What on earth does a three-year-old watch?”

He chuckled. “They know what they can watch. There are several channels for kids, so give them a choice. Honestly, it’s not so bad. You’ve been coping with Calleigh. Just multiply it.”

“But that’s the thing, Rusty, I’m not coping with Calleigh. I’m responsible for keeping another human being alive.”

“You’re scared. It scares all parents.”

“I never chose parenthood. I never planned on being a parent.” Was she oversharing? Letting him glimpse into a guarded secret? Even her parents hadn’t known of her decision to remain childless “I’m career-focused.”

“You were planning on having kids later, right?” The look he gave her was speculative. “I mean, once your career was on its way.”

Honesty.“Not everyone is cut out to be a parent.”

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