Page 34 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“I know what you’ve been through, Sissy. I was there with you, and I stood by you for three long years. But you crossed a line when you put Mira’s life in jeopardy.” He enunciated the next sentiment for maximum impact. “She could have died.”

She closed her eyes and hung her head.

Pesky guilt reared its ugly head. Yes, his wife was addicted to drugs, but he just didn’t know what to do about it. Exhaustion overwhelmed him. The woman in front of him was both a complete stranger and achingly familiar.

She opened her eyes. “I’m clean, Rusty. I’ve been clean for thirty days. That’s something, isn’t it? Shows I’m committed to this.”

“How’s your pain level?”

Her eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed as she snarled, “Screw you. My pain level is none of your business.”

“But it is.” They were going in circles, round and round with the same arguments. “If you don’t have good pain control, then you’re just going to go back to using. It’s a vicious cycle, Sissy. One I’m not convinced you’re strong enough to survive.”

“How long?” Her brown eyes were wide with fury. “How long do I have to be clean before you believe me? Believe in me?”

His heart ached, a weight pressing against his chest. “I’ve always believed in you, Sissy. I just can’t trust you.” He’d never be able to trust her again with Mira. That was the crux of it. Why he’d taken the job with Remy. Why he’d left their home. Why he was ready to move on. He took a deep, calming breath. “I want a divorce.”

Sissy staggered but backed away when he reached out to help her. She swatted away his arms with more strength than he’d thought possible.

“That’s it? You’re giving up on us? Because I distinctly remember the minister saying this was a death-’til-we-part marriage. I don’t remember a covenant of giving up when things get tough.” Her eyes flashed brilliant anger. “I would never give up on you. Am I really so easy to walk away from?”

“It’s a matter of trust, Sissy. I don’t trust you.” He sighed. “Look, call me a son of a bitch. Call me a bastard. Call me anything that’d make you feel better. I’m not doing this out of malice, and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this. It’s the right thing to do.”

“I’m her mother.” The whisper was broken, the sentiment heartfelt. “If you think our marriage is over, that’s one thing. But to keep me away from Mira? That’s nothing short of cruelty.”

Hold fast.He’d known this’d be tough. He just hadn’t imagined it would hurt this much.I’m being torn in two.He could only imagine what this was doing to his wife.

“She barely knows you. It’s not your fault, true, but you haven’t been part of her life for most of her life.” He held up his hands when she began to argue. “I’d do anything to change the past, but it’s not within my power. What can I do is forge a future for Mira without uncertainty. She needs stability. You can’t give her that, but I can.”

“That’s it? Thanks for the ride, now get out of the car?”

He let out an exasperated sound. “I can give you some time to think it over, but it won’t change my mind. I want a divorce.”

“Fine.” Sissy glared at him. “But I still want to see Mira.”

“She’s asleep.” This capitulation was too easy.

“I mean a custody arrangement. If I can’t be part of your life, I can still be part of hers.”

Discomfort had him shifting. “I wanted to talk to you about that…”

A violent shiver rocked through her body. “You can’t be serious. You think you can take Mira away from me?”

That was exactly what he’d been thinking. Of how to keep his daughter from being around his soon-to-be ex-wife.

“Look, I’ll agree to the divorce, since your mind is made up, but I won’t let you take my daughter away from me.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll fight you. I’ll fight you tooth and nail. I love her. I love you too, but that doesn’t seem to matter.”

“You’re right, Sissy. This isn’t about love. I love you too, but it’s too late. It’s time to walk away from the past and forge a new future. You said you’re clean. Maybe you can find something to do. Find a way to rebuild your life.”

“Just without you and Mira.” Her voice was hoarse, her eyes brimming with dampness.

“Without me and Mira.”God, why is this so hard?

She shook her head. “I won’t give up on Mira.” She turned toward the door.

“Where are you going?”

She turned back. “I’m leaving. For now, at least. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”

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