Page 65 of Redeem Me

With their lives starting to make sense again, the kids don’t really want to move. If I could have Bear and also stay at the mansion, I’d agree in a heartbeat. This house feels so much more exciting since the kids came to live here. The size always intimidated me. Now, I can see all the places for them to explore. The mansion has become a wonderland.

Despite my newfound affection for this place, Bear lives somewhere else. Our lives are with him now. Today, I’ll help the kids see past their current comforts to the future we’ll share with their new father.

We arrive at the house around eleven with Petra and Laszlo in tow. The plan is to show the kids the new setup before Siobhan and the twins join us for lunch.

The three black SUVs pass through the house’s security gate before parking on the large driveway. Hector doesn’t want to get out. He asks to see the dogs back at the mansion.

“I know you’re nervous,” I whisper to him as Jacinda watches us. “Whatever happens, Mommy will be with you. We’ll stay together, okay?”

Hector looks at his sister who seems to understand his fear. He whispered something to her earlier, and she’s been edgy since then.

Breakfast was quiet. Petra and Laszlo were the only ones around. My brothers rarely show up, even Leon who still lives at the mansion. This morning, my parents ate alone in their suite. I like to think they were enjoying a romantic morning together.

Petra is my chaperone for today. I know she’s excited to get out of the house. Plus, she’s curious about Bear.

“Oh, this is quite nice,” Petra says as we exit our SUVs and wait for Bear. “Very masculine. Suits Bear, for sure.”

Frowning, I mumble, “That sounds like a backhanded insult.”

My sister’s painted red lips curve upward in a big smile. “Is there anything sweeter than you wanting to protect that big, violent man?”

“Bear’s house is beautiful,” I say as I admire the tall roofline and honey-colored wood exterior.

“No, I know. I just worried it was silly, that’s all. Carys claimed he bought this big, fancy house as if he knew you’d come back. I imagined a fussy place in my head. But this house looks rustic like a man would crave. Big and upscale but rustic. Don’t take offense.”

“Well, okay,” I mumble, feeling guilty for getting upset. “I hate how Bear’s lived alone in this large house. Mostly, I think he spent too much money because he had ideas about me coming back.”

“But you did come back.”

“True.”

Getting emotional, I admit, “I’m hormonal. I didn’t mean to get so irritable with you.”

“You want to protect him. I did the same for Brandon when people mocked him for being a lightweight,” Petra says and sighs as her gaze flashes to Laszlo standing next to her. “The difference is Bear is protective of you, too. I’m glad everything has worked out.”

I hug Petra and refuse to let go. I want my sister to get everything she desires in life. She suffered in her marriage, even if she always put on a brave face.

When I remain wrapped around Petra for too long, the kids decide to join in on the cuddling. Our five-person hug is what Bear walks outside to find.

Hector hurries over to him and makes bear sounds. I can tell the biker isn’t sure if my son is taunting him or being cute.

“He’s a baby bear,” I explain, so Bear won’t get his feelings bruised.

Kneeling, Bear pokes Hector’s belly. “You’re wearing a giraffe shirt. I don’t know what kind of noise they make.”

Jacinda runs over to them to show how she’s also wearing a giraffe shirt. The kids point at each other’s outfits, shocked to realize they match. I’ve always been lazy about dressing them. I tend to choose the same items for them both since they’re essentially the same size. I’ve long suspected I’m copying Siobhan who dresses her twins in the same outfits.

“I got everything ready like you wanted,” Bear tells me as if irritated.

“Time will tell if the changes are up to my standards.”

Bear frowns harder and stands up to loom over me. I laugh at both my attempt to screw with him and how easily he took the bait.

“It’s not funny,” Bear says despite his lips fighting a grin. “I didn’t like having stuff changed.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, still grinning at how easy he is to tease.

“No, you’re not.”

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