Page 57 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

Rustyglancedoverathis wife whose hands were twisted in her lap, knuckles white. His heart took a knock because he’d hoped she’d be calmer now they’d shared a pleasant breakfast. “Nothing’s changed.”

“Everything’s changed.” She didn’t meet his gaze.

“Not for us—you, me, and the girls. We’ll go on as we have.” He killed the engine. “We have five days to get settled into this new family dynamic, but Remy, nothing’s changed.”

Finally, she offered him a tight smile, but her brown eyes held sorrow. “Rusty, everything’s changed.”

“Okay, let’s assume that you’re right. Now, instead of being a nanny, I’m a stay-at-home dad. Now, instead of being just an older sister, you’re a stepmother. They’re just words. You’ll go to work, and I’ll take care of the girls. We still have some conversations to be had. We need to talk about finances, and we should get our wills changed—but those are all side issues. What’s really going on, sweetheart? What’re you afraid of?”

A long sigh escaped her lips, and she glanced toward the house. “I’m afraid you’ll want me to change.”

Crap.He snagged her hand. “Look at me.” When she hesitated, he prodded. “Please, look at me.”

She finally met his gaze.

“I’ll never ask you to change. You’re a strong, independent, and professional woman.” He clasped her hand. “We’re meant to complement each other. You’ll keep me from being too involved in the girls, and I’ll encourage you to spend fewer nights in the office. We can plan date nights, because Olivia and Bianca love babysitting, and we can plan family nights when it’s just the four of us. We can do things that make life better for all of us, you included.”Am I losing her?Desperation clawed. “If you still want to focus on your career, that’s fine too. We’ll keep talking about this and working through it. A piece of paper doesn’t change who you are. You, Ms. St. Claire, are still a force to reckon with.”

“Mrs. Stevens.”

He blinked. “I’m sorry?”

“Mrs. Stevens. You’re right about putting up a united front. I’m your wife, and I’m willing to take your name.”

“I won’t think any differently if you don’t.”

Her smile was shy, but this time it reached her eyes. “And that makes you a special man. You said you were willing to adopt Calleigh, so we should all have the same last name. A family unit.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m all-in.”

“What changed your mind? Last night you were talking about an annulment.” He didn’t want to open that can of worms, but it couldn’t be the elephant in the room.

“I’ll go for therapy—if that’s what it takes. You’re willing to be patient, and I’ll take you up on that offer.”

“I’ll wait as long as it takes.” He pulled her hand to his lips and grazed a kiss across her knuckles. “Ready to start? To face the girls?”

She bestowed upon him a genuine smile that made swallowing hard.

“Just remember to blush when Marnie and Jake make innuendos about the wedding night. Remember the kisses and not what came afterward.”

She ducked her head, but he reached out to snag her chin and lift it. Their gazes met and, for a moment, his heart stuttered.

“How did you know?”

“Because I know you. You’re all about honesty and being up-front. This is one of those times when letting our friends think one thing is not such a bad idea. The night was special, Remy. One I don’t regret. You shouldn’t either.”

“Okay.” The word was quiet and sure, so he took her words at face value.

He rounded the truck and helped his bride from the vehicle. He grabbed the bags while she picked up the garment bag, placing it over her arm. He grasped her other hand, disconcerted to find it cold and clammy. Still, they walked together to the house, putting up a united front, if only in illusion.

The door opened, and the girls flew out toward them.

“Bianca slept on my bed.”

“We watched cartoons.”

“Can we get a dog?”

“I like popcorn.”

He dropped her hand and his bag and scooped up both girls, hefting one in each arm. “Not all at once. Why don’t we get settled, and then you can tell us all about your adventures?”

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