Page 99 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“What does all this mean?” She scrambled to catch up. “We both have enough money to live off. I think we should open a joint account for household expenses.”

“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that.” He shifted. “I feel I should pay for everything.”

“That’s a guy thing, right?”

He shifted again.

Nailed it.“We agreed to be equals. I’m happy to pay all the expenses, but I don’t want you to feel emasculated. If we have a joint account, then we can put in an equal amount every month. In truth, I should pay more. I’d have to shell out a ton of money to pay someone to cook, clean, and watch Calleigh.”

He leapt from his seat. “Is that how you see me?”

She rushed to her feet, stepping in front of him. “Of course not. I said it all wrong. I feel I should contribute more to the chores. You do everything, and I enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

“But you’re working as hard as I am. If not harder.” He ran a hand through his hair. “You’re setting a great example for the girls. You’re showing them women can make a difference in the world. That they can do anything they want.”

“And you’re showing them men can be loving and affectionate. You’re showing them…” She stopped mid-sentence. “We’re doing the right thing, aren’t we?”

He reached for her, pulling back at the last minute. “Of course we are.” He met her gaze head-on. “Don’t ever doubt that. We’re meeting all their needs. Sometimes I think we’re putting their needs ahead of our own—to our own detriment.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“We’ve never even been out on a date.”

She raised her eyebrows.What?“I just want to make it home every night to be with you and the girls. But I can see we don’t have much adult time.”

“We talk most nights, but I’d like to take you out. A movie. Dinner. Something for the two of us.”

“I’d like that too.” And she meant it. Maybe if they spent time together, then they could work on their intimacy. Maybe they could gaze into each other’s eyes over candlelight. Maybe they could hold hands at the cinema. Maybe she could let go of some of her ever-present vigilance.

He grinned. “This whole discussion started because the girls want a dog.”

In return, she laughed, realizing letting of some of the tension of the past half-hour was a relief. They’d gone to some deep places. Places they probably should’ve gone to before they’d gotten married.Water under the bridge.Oh, right, she hadn’t answered him. “I always wanted a dog when I was a kid. I would’ve suggested it, but let’s be honest—all the responsibility of the dog would fall on you, and I refuse to ask you to take on that burden.”

“What if it’s not a burden?” His eyes lit with delight. “What if my greatest wish is for a dog? What if it wasn’t just for the girls, but for me as well?” He smiled, part mischievous and part hopeful. “What if I asked Santa for a dog for Christmas?”

“Santa would be okay with that.” If he was willing to do the work, who was she to deny him anything?

“Puppies are messy. Puppies leave chaos in their wake.”

She placed her hand on her hip, eyes narrowing. “Yet somehow I suspect you’ll have that puppy whipped into shape in no time. He or she will have manners as good as the girls.” She paused. “I take it you’ve done some thinking about this.”

He shrugged sheepishly. “Only since the first time we met, and I got a good look at the property. Once Calleigh confided in me she wanted a dog, I knew you’d be the last one to convince.”

“Do we go to the Mission City pound?”

“I’d love to adopt a dog, but I have another idea.” His smile lit the room. “Tiffany is pregnant. She’s due to give birth in mid-January. The puppy would be ready to go about twelve weeks after that. We could bring him or her home in May.”

“Will you be able to wait that long? Will the girls?”

He rolled his eyes. “There’s no way we’re telling them about the dog ahead of time. I’m not spending the next eighteen weeks being asked ten times a day when the puppy is arriving. Santa is bringing matching tricycles for Christmas. The Easter Bunny can bring the puppy.” Long pause. “If you’re sure.”

“I am. You’ve convinced me that adding to our family would be a good idea.”

“I wouldn’t mind other additions to the family.”

Oh God, not that.

He reached for her again and then pulled back. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m sorry, Remy, it slipped out.”

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