Page 68 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“Well, we’ll head home.”

“We promised the girls we would go out.” The thought of heading back to town had her ready to drop onto the nearest chair and weep.

“And we will.” He plucked her coat from her arms, helping her into it. “Another night.”

She’d take the comfort he offered because suddenly exhaustion overtook her. Suddenly, her problems felt insurmountable.

Chapter twenty-nine

ByFriday,Remywasback in control with her work, and her life even seemed more manageable. She was back into her routine—the way she liked it. When she offered to pick up pizza on her way home from work, Rusty agreed. The smell permeated her little car as she drove into the hills.

As a teenager, she’d felt hemmed in by these hills. Without the ability to drive, she’d depended on her mother for rides to all her activities. Her mother never minded, or at least never complained. Remy had enjoyed figure skating in the winter, swimming and soccer in the summer. Not having a competitive spark, however, she’d dropped all sports as she neared university.

A history teacher at school turned Remy on to the law. Mrs. Grady had shown her how laws came into existence, and why they were so important in society. A fan of order, not chaos, Remy’d been fascinated, and then hooked.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during Remy’s final year of high school, Mrs. Grady was now wheelchair bound. Remy sent her email updates every month, sharing her triumphs and losses, knowing she had someone in her corner. She hadn’t yet shared the news of her wedding, but she’d have to soon. If her mentor heard it from someone else, it might hurt her feelings. Better email as soon as possible. No, she should call or pay a visit.

Once she arrived home, she was trying to balance her briefcase and the pizzas when Rusty sauntered out of the house. He took the pizzas from her hands and placed a kiss on her mouth as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Just a chaste kiss, but it had the desired effect because she was now obsessing about the kiss to come later.

They were still just kissing. Every night was a leisurely exploration, but his hands never strayed, and his patience never frayed. She feared he’d get bored, but he never did. With his actions, he showed her he was keeping his word. And then he’d tuck her against him, and a cocoon of warmth would envelope her.

Okay, remember to schedule an appointment.

“Rough day?”

Grateful he couldn’t read her thoughts, she smiled. “Nope. Just thinking about pizza.”

“With such a serious expression?”

“Well, I love my pizza.”

Seemingly mollified, he let her lead the way up the walkway. Instead of her normal routine of heading to her room, she made her way to the kitchen where Mira and Calleigh were sitting, coloring with crayons.

Calleigh was the first to look up. “Remy!”

She scrambled off her chair and threw herself into her sister’s arms.

Mira followed, and emotion again overwhelmed Remy. Every time she came home, the gang greeted her like a long-lost relative not seen for years. Every time Calleigh or Mira expressed her love, Remy fought the panic and fear of inadequacy.

Rusty quipped, “Pizza’s here.”

Suddenly Remy’d lost some of her appeal for the girls.

They headed to the bathroom to wash their hands.

“They might’ve had sticky hands.” He placed his hand at her waist and began a cursory examination of her clothes.

“Clothes will clean—I’m not worried.”

He met her gaze.

“I just wanted to hug them.”

“Okay.” He offered a grin. “I can relate to that need. Sometimes you just want to hold them close.” His careful examination continued. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m sure.” She drew in a sharp breath and let it out on a long exhale. “I’m just ready for pizza.”Please believe me.

Chapter thirty

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