Page 60 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

The three women walked to the family room. The men were down on all fours, each with a girl sitting on their back. As they crawled around, the girls hung on the men’s necks, periodically erupting in giggle fits.

Olivia pulled out her phone and videoed for several moments.

Damn, why hadn’t she thought of that? Because she never took pictures. That’d have to change, because she needed to document the girls’ lives.

“Can I get a copy?”

Olivia nodded. “I need your email. I have piles of pictures of the girls with Bianca. So many you’ll get sick of them.”

“Never.” Her voice was vehement as she vowed. “I can never have too many pictures of the girls.”

At her voice Rusty turned. Following his movement, Jake also turned. Although the men attempted to look sheepish, they failed.

Mira sat up and reached out. “Pick me up, Olivia.”

As Olivia scooped up Mira, Calleigh held up her arms. “Pick me up too, please.”

Although Olivia was an uncommonly tall woman and probably strong, Remy doubted she could hold both toddlers at the same time. She stepped forward, easing Calleigh from Jake’s back and pulling the toddler into her embrace. When those small arms looped around her neck, she basked in the faith bestowed upon her. This precious little one trusted Remy to pick her up and keep her safe. She felt every single ounce of the metaphorical weight on her shoulders, and it staggered her, clenching her chest. For the first time in her life, people—two of them little—were counting on her. Or three, if she counted her new husband.

Marnie rubbed Jake’s back as he teasingly acted like he’d been injured.

Rusty placed a hand on Remy’s shoulder and whispered into her ear. “It’ll be okay. Just remember to breathe.”

She’d been telegraphing her panic again and was startled, as always, by his insight. She had to do a better job of marshaling her emotions, or Calleigh and Mira might pick up on them.

When Olivia put Mira down, Remy mimicked the action, and the girls headed to the toy chest and dug for something or other.

“We should be going.” Marnie still had her hand on Jake’s back, even though he’d risen.

Don’t panic.With the three adults gone, she’d be alone with her family. It might be a Saturday like any other, but that didn’t enter the equation. Today, the world had a different tenor, and it terrified her.

“We’ll see you at the parade tonight, right?” Olivia clipped the leash to Bianca’s collar.

“The parade?”

“The Santa Claus parade in downtown Mission City.”

Rusty grinned. “I’d almost forgotten. Mira and I go every year, so we’ll be there.”

“Marnie goes because she gets to see all the patrons of the library in a social setting.” Olivia pointed downward. “I’m going because it’s a chance to show off Bianca.”

“Like you need an excuse to do that.” His chuckle was wry.

Ears perked, Bianca’s nose rose in the air, as if offended by his attitude.

Olivia petted the dog between her ears. “She’s got to show off her training.”

Jake rolled his eyes while Marnie petted the dog. “She’s perfect, and we need to leave this family in peace.”

Remy and Rusty walked their friends to the door.

She jumped when he placed a hand on her shoulder as they waved goodbye.

“I’m proud of you.” He said the words as he closed the door.

She gave him a questioning glance.

“This can overwhelm…the whole chaos thing.”

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