Harlequin Romance March 2021 Box Set Cara Colter (the mitten read aloud TXT) 📖

grinned and gestured at his head. “My halo should be lighting up any minute. So—” he gazed at her “—since we are housebound for the moment, we might as well have some fun…”

Ronnie’s fork paused in midair. She stared at him as if he had suggested something wild and inappropriate.

“I don’t need to be entertained,” she said stiffly, her expression wary. “I’ll be quite content reading one of my books.” She lowered her gaze, concentrating on cutting her omelet into small, precise pieces.

Red gazed at her thoughtfully. She wasn’t going to allow herself to relax. She had just given him the not so subtle hint that she didn’t need his company while stuck in his house. A sudden thought occurred to him. She hadn’t had a lot of time for “fun” while dealing with her son’s illness and treatment these last couple of years. She had probably forgotten what having fun was…

“Hey, I could bury myself in one of my books, too,” he said lightly. He had stocked the built-in bookshelves on either side of the fireplace with several boxes of his own books as well as a dozen from his recent trip to the local bookstores. “But why not live a little?”

He watched her as she dabbed at her lips with her napkin, avoiding his gaze.

“You can tell me to mind my own business if you want, Ronnie, but I think maybe you’ve had to put life on hold while caring for your son—”

“Andy is my life,” she blurted defensively. “He’s my priority and always will be.”

Red felt a twinge in his stomach at her words. “You’re obviously a good mother. A very good mother,” he said softly. “Andy’s lucky to have such a devoted—and strong—parent.”

Ronnie’s eyes flickered. “I had to be strong. I had no other choice.”

“Everyone has a choice,” he said, unable to keep a hint of bitterness out of his voice. “My parents chose to prance around the world on business and pleasure. That was their priority. I guess they figured their only son would have no problem growing up mostly with a nanny…”

She frowned. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be,” he said bluntly. “Thank goodness I was healthy and they didn’t have to spoil their plans to come back and take care of me. Besides, I had a great nanny.”

“I… I…that’s too bad.” She shrugged and shook her head. “The first part, I mean.”

“It could have been worse,” he said, making his voice sound cheerier. “I never lacked for food, clothes, or money. In fact, I shouldn’t really complain. It’s not everyone who ends up with a Porsche and a fancy condo as grad gifts.”

Her brows lifted and she blinked at him. “Yes, but—”

“Let’s not talk about me,” he said firmly, reaching for his cell phone. He texted something, waited, then looked back at Ronnie. “Just what I suspected,” he said, rubbing his chin.

“What do you mean?”

“You said you had no other choice. Well, you didn’t, not with a name like Veronica.”

“I don’t get it.”

“I just looked up the meaning of your name. It says here ‘Veronica—she who brings victory…and true image.’” He turned off his phone. “Well, it obviously takes a strong person to bring victory…and everything you’ve done to support your son has helped to bring that about.” He felt his gaze soften as her eyes misted. “Andy’s in remission. Don’t underestimate your part in his recovery, Ronnie.”

“I did what I had to do,” she said, her voice wavering slightly. “My hus—ex-husband couldn’t handle it. He left, and found comfort crying on the shoulder of another woman. And eventually moved in with her.” She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. “I took a leave from work. I had to travel back and forth to Toronto’s SickKids, watch my little boy subjected to treatment that left him weak and vulnerable. It was—” she bit her lip “—heartbreaking. And then for months, Andy couldn’t leave the hospital, and so I ended up staying at Ronald McDonald House. It was…tough.”

Red felt a surge of anger inflaming his gut. He could only imagine the emotional ordeal she had experienced, having her husband take off, unable to cope. Coping had fallen completely on her shoulders. His gaze took in the decisive tilt of Ronnie’s chin as she speared a piece of her omelet. His anger gave way to admiration. Despite her petite size, she exuded an air of inner strength and determination. She had carried on without her deadbeat of a husband.

Well, at least the guy had smartened up and had resumed his parental responsibilities. And if Ronnie had chosen to forgive him and move on, Casson had told Red, then he would have to, as well. At least now, Ronnie could have some time of her own. Time to enjoy life—especially since Andy was in remission—and have some fun.

Red dug into his omelet. The weather report earlier had indicated that the temperature was warming up. The crews were still out sanding the side roads. By sometime in the afternoon, driving should be able to resume all over town.

So they had about three and a half hours left in each other’s company. And as much as he loved to read, he had other plans. The challenge was getting the determined woman sitting across from him to consider what he had in mind.

Ronnie looked up suddenly and met his gaze. She swallowed and set down her fork. “Thanks, it was good,” she said. “A treat not to have to make my own breakfast,” she added with a soft laugh.

Red felt a warmth radiate in his chest. She deserved to be treated. “Glad you enjoyed it,” he said casually. “I’ll treat you to lunch if the roads aren’t cleared by then.”

She smiled, but Red could tell she was uncomfortable at the prospect. She stood and tucked her chair back in. “Since you cooked, I’ll be glad to do my part and wash the dishes.”

“Not a chance,” he laughed. “The dishwasher will take care of that. But—” he stood up and crossed his arms “—I’m