Page 32 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“Kennedy’s the best, you know, and patience is her strong suit. If this is the course she’s recommended, then it’ll be what’s required.” Marnie glanced at Calleigh. “I’m sure Bianca can help in her own way. Olivia says kids often confide in the dog as if she were a person.”

Haven’t thought of that.“Dogs are good at keeping secrets, but is that healthy for the child?”

“Olivia listens in and is prepared to intervene with professionals if she has to. She’s studying developmental psychology with an eye toward education.”

“She has the patience to be a teacher.”

“She has the patience to be whatever she wants to be.” Marnie beamed like a delighted parent.

“You’re proud of her.”

“I am, Rusty, I am.”

He held up the paper. “I’ll call her.”

Giggles came from the family room where Olivia was watching the girls.

Fantastic.

It’d taken him three hours to box up all of Remy’s parents’ clothes. The boxes now stowed in his SUV would go to the charity thrift store while the girls were at preschool tomorrow. Since he had more time, he tackled laundry. He wasn’t a paid housekeeper, but he had to do laundry anyway, so no big deal to add Calleigh’s clothes to the mix.

His boss’s were more…intimate. He tried to not pay attention, but he could hardly escape noticing her bra and panties were constructed of very serviceable and practical cotton. True to her word, her clothes were easy to clean and required very little ironing. He was finishing up the last of the load when Olivia appeared at the door to the laundry room.

“I think they’re ready for a nap.”

“They’re ready, or you’re ready?”

She grinned. “Is there a difference? Bianca is ready for a nap as well.”

He chuckled, following her to the family room. He yanked his camera from his pocket and snapped a shot. Bianca looked up and he grinned. Was the dog giving him a dirty look because he’d taken her photo or because she was now wearing barrettes in her hair? The girls were inordinately pleased with themselves and that was what mattered.

“Olivia said she’d read you a story before nap time.”

Mira started pouting. “Not tired.”

“Well, you can just lie in bed. Bianca needs her nap.”

“Doggies nap?”

Calleigh’s voice was barely audible, but his heart soared.

“They do.” Olivia clicked her tongue and Bianca rose, coming to stand by her mistress.

He pointed down the hall. “Why don’t you ladies pick a book for Olivia to read?”

Needing no further invitation, Mira grabbed Calleigh’s hand, and they headed toward their bedroom.

“I’m reading?”

He didn’t hide his amusement. “You wanted to get to know the girls. What better way than through reading to them?”

“Fair enough. Are you coming?”

“Heck, no. I’m making tuna casserole for dinner tonight and am taking advantage of the lull to get started.”

Olivia snapped her fingers and Bianca moved to her side. “Story time it is, then.”

“Only two. That should tire them out.”

---