The Life That Mattered (Life #1)(77)

My hand shook, so I had to cap the polish again and flex my fingers a few times to keep it from shaking again. “Your lower back, huh. When did it start hurting?”

“About two days ago. It’s sciatic pain, shoots down the back of my good leg. Talk about two steps forward, one step back. But, on the flip side, this has been the best day emotionally that I’ve had since the accident, and it’s all because of you, Evie. My heart is full right now. I can’t believe you’re here, painting my nails like we used to do so many years ago.”

Taking several deep breaths, I held the nail polish brush with a firmer grip to steady my stroke. “I’m happy to do it,” I whispered, but not to Lila, more to a voice … that voice.





CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX





From the drive, my house looked like one of those lit villages people put on their mantels at Christmas time—the windows aglow with soft light, the roof covered in snow, and smoke wafting from the chimney as if breathing out a long exhale on a cold evening.

Sue’s car was gone, and the Subaru was parked in the garage. I anticipated takeout waiting for me and the kids in need of baths. On the nights Ronin got home before me, which wasn’t often, he picked up dinner so at least everyone was fed. Since the accident, work took everything out of him. I was appreciative of his efforts. Takeout was fine.

I slipped off my boots and opened the door. “Sorry, I’m so late—”

“Shh …” Ronin put a sudsy finger up to his lips.

With wide eyes and an unhinged jaw, I stood unmoving at the door. The house was quiet. My husband stood at the kitchen sink doing dishes in his thermal shirt and jeans that he wore over his base-layer pants to commute to and from work.

I slid off my jacket and padded into the kitchen in my wool socks.

“Your dinner is in the oven, keeping warm,” Ronin murmured as he rinsed the last dish.

“You made dinner?” I wrapped my arms around him, resting my cheek on his back.

“I need a shower, babe. You might not want to hug me. But yes, I made dinner.”

“It’s eight-thirty. Are the kids really asleep?” I slipped on an oven glove and retrieved my dinner.

“Yep, or at least they’re probably close.”

“Bathed?” I set my plate on the counter and glanced at Ronin, giving him a raised brow.

He dried his hands and hung the wet towel over the dishwasher handle. “Yes. Bathed. Any more questions before I shower?” Ronin crossed his arms over his broad chest.

I loved the way he looked after a day on the slopes in his fitted shirt, messy hair, and the perfect shadow of stubble covering his handsome chiseled face.

“No more questions.” I grinned, grabbing a fork from the drawer. “You seem to have a bit more energy today.”

“It’s been an okay day. I’m not sure I have that much more energy, but I’ve been in a good mood all afternoon, and that goes a long way.”

I nodded slowly, taking a seat at the little nook by the window. “Lila was in a good mood today too.”

“I figured.” Ronin turned and disappeared down the hallway.

I poked around at my dinner, no longer feeling hungry. He figured. What did I expect? He told me everything. I let him think I believed him, even when I knew my doubts overshadowed the true conviction I fed to him at the shop two weeks earlier. The worst part? I think he knew. Disappointment took up residence in his eyes when he looked at me … when I couldn’t hold his gaze.

He figured.

Lila had a good day. Ronin had a good day. Coincidence? God … I hoped so. After forcing several bites of food, I covered my plate and put it in the fridge. Tiptoeing into Franz’s room, I gave him a kiss on the head. He didn’t even stir. Then I did the same to Anya. She released a heavy sigh, which made me smile. Ronin had not only made dinner; he wore the kids out, bathed them, and had them asleep before nine.

As I sneaked out of Anya’s room, Ronin’s voice stopped me. Tears filled my eyes. After two weeks of silence, he was singing Sinatra in the shower again. My lips curled into a much needed smile. The whole day had been filled with smiles.

Lila had a good day. Ronin had a good day.

Releasing a slow breath, I pulled my sweater over my head while instinct guided me to the bathroom. One by one, my clothes dotted the floor like crumbs on a trail.

“Evie.” Ronin grinned as I opened the glass shower door.

I stepped inside, closing my eyes as he retreated to let me under the shower head. When I opened my eyes, Ronin was just … gazing at me like he did that day in the little cafe in Vancouver. It made my heart feel light, like it had wings, exactly like that day in Vancouver.

He didn’t touch me. He didn’t have to.

“I’m glad you had a good day.” I moved behind him, kissing along his back.

Ronin pressed his hands to the tile wall, bowing his head. My fingers massaged his back, inching lower until he moaned.

“Yes … god that feels incredible.”

He mentioned a bit of back pain the previous day. I didn’t think much of it, until Lila said she had lower back pain.

It’s sciatic pain, shoots down the back of my good leg.

Her words replayed in my mind as my thumbs kneaded lower, working to his left side and down over the tight muscles of his buttock.