Page 75 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

Assured the pancakes weren’t going to burn, he stepped away from the griddle and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her on the lips, and she rewarded him with a shy but strained smile.

He’d take it.

“I’ll get the juice.” Her smile was soft, and it appeared his kiss had steadied her.

He watched as she poured the juice.

If she noticed the sticky floor, she wisely said nothing.

When he joined them at the table, the girls were busy chatting away, but his wife remained subdued. He dished out the pancakes first to the girls and then to Remy. When she looked up to thank him, he winked. At first, she looked puzzled, but then she seemed to get the message. Slowly, inch by inch, she was learning to accept his affection. Maybe one day she’d initiate true intimacy.

You’re getting ahead of yourself.

“What is the plan for today?” Remy set her cutlery at the five o’clock position.

“Horses!”

The chorus overwhelmed the adults.

She glanced at him, an eyebrow quirked in question.

“The girls didn’t get to see the horses when we went to the farm, so Kennedy invited us to come visit today.” He paused. “I thought I’d mentioned it, but obviously it slipped my mind.”

“Or mine.”

She meant her offer to placate and, to be honest, he wasn’t certain which of them had dropped the ball. They’d recovered it, though, and that was what mattered.

“There’s a good chance you told me.” She pursed her lips, looking back and forth between the two girls. “Is there room for one more person in the SUV?”

Mira rolled her eyes. “You can sit up front with Daddy.”

“Oh, I can, can I?”

“Yes, Remy. Kids sit in the back ‘cause it’s safe.”

“Speaking of safety…” His tone was serious.

Both girls looked at him.

“I noticed someone tried to get the toast out of the toaster with a knife.”

“Not me.” Calleigh’s response was quick. “Mira did it.”

Mira glared mutinously at her new sister. Clearly, she’d assumed Calleigh wouldn’t tattle on her.

“It doesn’t really matter who did it.” His words were gentle but firm. “You remember why we said we didn’t touch hot things?”

The girls nodded.

“Well, for the same reason, we don’t ever put anything in the toaster.” He rose, moving into the kitchen. “We should never touch the knives, forks, or spoons.”

“Knives are sharp.” Calleigh’s contribution.

“That’s right. And we especially never put knives near here.” He pointed to the electrical circuit. “Or here.” He pointed to the toaster. “Or here.” He pointed to the stove.

Mira’s brow furrowed. “Are we in trouble?”

Remy grabbed each girl’s hands, surprising him.

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