Page 58 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“Okay.” The girls chimed in unison, of course.

Calleigh reached out for Remy, who pulled the girl into her arms.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too, darling. You were never far from our minds you while we were away, and we’re glad to be home.”

Calleigh rewarded Remy by throwing her arms around her older sister’s neck.

He met her gaze. Her eyes misted, and his gut tightened. This was his family now. He’d do anything to protect them.

Mira kissed his cheek, mischief in her eyes. “I missed you too, Daddy. Tell me you won’t go away again. Unless we get to play with Bianca.” He rolled his eyes because a dog had supplanted him. And speaking of dogs, the guilty party waited at the front door, sitting pretty, but obviously anticipating permission to come over and greet him.

Olivia leaned against the doorjamb, waiting. She clicked her tongue, and Bianca stepped aside while the newlyweds entered the house, easing the girls from their arms.

While Remy removed her coat, he dropped to his knees. “Oh, come here, you big girl. You were a good babysitter, weren’t you?”

As if understanding his words, Bianca came up to him and slathered his cheek with a big kiss.

He gave her a good rubdown, grateful for her help last night.

Wow. He’d never spent a single night apart from Mira. He’d been so focused on his new bride last night that he hadn’t realized the implications. He stood while his bride took her turn with the dog. As he eased his jacket off, he turned to the three adults.

“Were there any problems?”

Three grins lit the faces of his friends, but Marnie answered. “Bedtime was a challenge, as everyone wanted Bianca to sleep on their bed. We resolved the debate by creating a bed for Bianca on the floor between the beds. That settled everyone down. They slept in late this morning.” She winked. “They’ve been motoring around this morning. Everyone had breakfast and laundry’s finished.”

“Thank you.” Remy’s expression was grateful but with a touch of wariness.

Olivia grabbed her hand. “We did a few other things; come with us to the kitchen.”

Remy shot a scared look at him as the women dragged her away.

“She’ll be fine.”

Rusty turned to Jake and grinned. “I know that. She’s strong-willed, and she’s not used to other people doing things for her.”

“Well, I think some baking and a few other things won’t upset her order too much. Marnie likes to control things, so she won’t have done anything to upset Remy’s space.”

“I appreciate that.” Jake’s genial demeanor put Rusty at ease. They’d all met one day when Rusty and Marnie had been enjoying a drink on the patio at the Starbucks. In June.

Jake’s interaction with Marnie had been confusing at first because of the woman’s skittishness toward all men. Quickly, though, Rusty’d recognized the attraction—even if it’d taken Marnie a while longer.

Her love for Jake made Rusty’s heart happy, because if anyone deserved happiness, that pregnant woman in the kitchen did. Jake’s easygoing nature matched Rusty’s own chill temperament.

“Daddy, Daddy. Let’s play horsey. Uncle Jake can play as well.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Uncle Jake?”

“Seemed expeditious. Now it’s Aunt Marnie, Auntie Olivia, and Uncle Jake.” Jake grinned. “I appreciate the experience. I haven’t spent a lot of time around kids, and I don’t have a lot of time to prepare.”

“You should try participating in Toddlers and Books. It’s an eye-opening experience.”

“Olivia suggested that I do that, so I plan to take a day off work. Marnie’s worried about being a mother, but I keep telling her she’ll be great.”

Rusty slanted Jake a glance. “Marnie will make a great mother. Why is she having doubts?”

“Don’t all women have moments of doubt?”

---