Page 8 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

Marnie stood and came closer. “How are you?”

“I’m good.” He kept smiling because today was turning out to be a good day. “I’m going to be Calleigh’s nanny. You might get a call for a reference check. A little daunting, to be sure. Two three-year-olds.”

The librarian smiled. “I envy you.” She leaned in. “I’m just past the twelve-week mark.”

Wow.How wonderful. “Congratulations.” Ever-mindful of his friend’s skittishness, he gestured. “May I give you a hug?”

“I’d love it.”

She stepped into his arms and he held on tight. If anyone deserved happiness, Marnie did.

She was the one who pulled back.

“Jake must be very ecstatic,” He remembered his own joy when informed of his impending fatherhood.

She kept her hand on his arm. “He’s over the moon. We agreed we wouldn’t tell anyone before we hit three months. Now, however, we’re telling close friends and family.”

“I’m honored.”

“You’ll always be special to us. Plus, you can give me child-rearing tips.” Her words were quiet but earnest.

“I put up a good front, but don’t kid yourself. I have no idea what I’m doing.” Days when he had no clue what he was doing.

Marnie glanced over to Mira who was piling blocks with Calleigh. “To the contrary, I think you’re doing an amazing job.”

“For a single father.”

She squeezed his arm. “Especially for a single father. Mira’s very lucky, and now Calleigh will be as well.” She glanced toward the circulation desk where someone waited. “Best of luck.”

As she walked away, a sense of calm enveloped him. It wouldn’t last, but he’d enjoy it for the moment.

Walking over to the girls, he hunkered down on his haunches. “Calleigh? Mira?”

They looked up from their blocks. “I thought we could head home.”

Mira favored him with a smile. “Okay, Daddy.”

Calleigh glanced at him, her brow furrowed. “Me too?”

“You too. I could make pasta for dinner. Do you like pasta?”

Calleigh looked around and he held his breath. He’d got her to leave preschool by promising a trip to the library. He had no more aces to play.

Finally, she nodded.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Taking a small hand in each of his, he led the girls to the SUV. Being an expert on car seats, he had both secured quickly.

Pulling out of the lot, he glanced in his rearview mirror. Mira was handing Calleigh her teddy bear.

Apparently he wasn’t the only one sensing Calleigh’s grief.

Once they got home, though, things changed.

“Daddy play.”

He glanced down at his daughter and then into the family room. He’d hoped the two girls would keep each other company while he cooked dinner, but it wasn’t to be.

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