Page 7 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

Two hours later, Rusty stood off to the side while Marnie, the assistant librarian, read a third book to the children. The Toddlers and Books program was a very popular event at the Mission City Public Library. The toddlers all sat quietly, completely entranced. The librarians had the magic touch.

“You look happy today.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t usually look happy?”

Loriana, the head librarian, shrugged. “Okay, let me rephrase. You look extra happy today.”

“I am.” His smile broadened. “You’ll probably get a call asking for a reference. I’ve taken a position as a nanny.”

The surprise on the older woman’s face was both comical and predictable. “Okay, that wasn’t what I was expecting you to say. I didn’t even know you were looking for work.”

“I didn’t know either, but this fell into my lap. It’ll be good for Mira.”

Loriana glanced over at the crowd of children, her light-brown eyes scrutinizing the assembled crowd of toddlers. “You’re talking about Calleigh’s sister?” At his nod, she continued. “What a tragic situation. They said in the papers the other driver was drunk. Those two girls are now orphans.”

He couldn’t argue with the reality, but it seemed odd to characterize Remy that way. She was in her late twenties. Not a stereotypical orphan. The title, however, fit Calleigh perfectly.

Quite a contrast to him. Two parents, three younger sisters, two brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, two nephews, a niece, and another one on the way. All his sisters had married early, become young parents, and planned big families.

A familiar pang of loneliness struck him. His family was back east, in Montréal. They’d been living in British Columbia until the end of his senior year in high school. When his mother had been transferred, the entire Stevens clan had picked up and moved east.

He had two good reasons for staying in Mission City. His scholarship to a local university and his new wife. Although he was just eighteen, he’d been certain he was ready to get married. He’d loved his wife deeply, and they’d made a good life for themselves.

Glancing over at Mira, he gave in—just a little—to the pain that always accompanied thoughts of this wife.

And, just like that, he thrust the thoughts away. She was out of his life for a reason. If Remy found out about Sissy, she’d question his judgement. How to explain that the woman he married was not the same woman he knew now?

And, despite everything, he still loved Mira’s mother. He just couldn’t live with her. Nor could she be part of their lives.

Ah, story time was over. As usual, Mira crawled into Marnie McGrath’s lap after the woman finished reading. His daughter loved the assistant librarian, who was always willing to cuddle with her. Although petite and dark-haired like Remy, Marnie’s eyes were a vivid green.

He barely registered Calleigh was looking lost before Loriana scooped the little girl into her arms. The two women sat side by side.

He pulled out his phone and snapped a photo.

Marnie looked up, panic across her face.

Quickly, he moved forward, hands out. “I apologize. I’ll delete the photo. I wasn’t thinking—”

A quick shake of the head and a determination shone from those green eyes. “My unreasonable reaction. I’m learning not to freak out. In fact, I’d love a copy of the photo.”

Thank God.He knew about Marnie’s demons. She’d lived in fear of being discovered and had hidden out in Mission City to outrun her unspeakable past.

It hadn’t worked. A reporter’d found her and forced her to relive the horrors of her childhood. She’d emerged as a stronger, more confident woman.

After all that, he’d found the courage to ask her out to coffee. Her affection for his daughter was so clear he’d thought maybe it could grow into a more intimate friendship.

He was disappointed when she turned him down, but he accepted her response. Two months later she’d been wearing an engagement ring. It turned out that she’d met the man who became her fiancé before Rusty asked her out. Knowing that helped his bruised ego.

Not that he’d been looking for anything more than friendship. He was, after all, a married man. He’d been lonely and looking for companionship. Any relationship would never go further than friendship because he wouldn’t cheat on his wife.

Not that she would’ve noticed.

Even in a search for a platonic companion, he’d been nervous. Marnie’d been the first woman he’d ever asked out. He and his wife had been high school sweethearts, and marriage had been the logical next step for a couple in love. He even saved enough money to buy her a plain antique wedding band he found at an estate sale. He surprised her on their wedding day and her delight warmed his heart.

Water under the bridge.

Mira hopped off Marnie’s lap and wandered to the toy section, Calleigh in tow.

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