“Of course you shouldn’t.” Claire looked down at her own skate-encased feet. “Can I tell you a secret?”

Emily leaned closer. “Sure. What?”

“I was so excited about this, about skating, but now that we’ve done it a few times, I’m totally over it. I want to spend my time here swimming, not skating.”

Emily snickered. “Well, I think it’s too late. I mean, look at our husbands! I can’t believe you got them both out there on skates.”

“I can’t take all the credit. Nichol and Michael were pretty persuasive. The thing is… Tony’s doing better at this than I am. I mean, seriously, I don’t think there’s anything he can’t do. It makes me sick.”

“That’s because you’re sitting here with me. Go on out there. Show them how it’s really done.”

When Claire looked back to the ice, she saw Tony’s eyes looking directly at her. Turning back to Emily, she said, “If you’re sure you’re all right?”

Giving her sister a playful push, Emily replied, “I’m fine. Go!”

With each clumsy step on the snow with ice skates, Claire lost any pretense at grace. Honestly, walking in five-inch Jimmy Choo heels was easier than skates. However, once she reached the cleared ice, Claire easily glided toward her family.

“There’s my beautiful wife,” Tony declared as he reached for her hand. “I thought perhaps this was some grand scheme: get me out here on skates and then slip away.”

“I wouldn’t do that,” Claire quipped. “I feel bad for Emily, not being able to participate.”

“Don’t,” John said. “She’s enjoying watching Michael—and seeing me make a fool out of myself.”

Claire nodded.

“Aunt Care, wook at us,” Michael shouted as he and Nichol held hands and tried to skate in a circle. Within seconds they were a giggling pile of snowsuit-covered arms and legs.

“I think we need to work on that,” Shannon said as she helped the two children stand.

“The winter Olympics is probably not in their future,” Tony whispered with a grin.

By the time they all made it back to the house, it was almost dark. After only a short distance, both children convinced their fathers they couldn’t walk another step and needed to be carried. Claire was pretty sure that Nichol had even napped a little during the hike.

“Would you like to come in for something to eat?” Claire asked John and Emily.

“No, thanks. We need to get this little guy home,” John replied. Then glancing toward his wife, he added, “I think we should’ve made Michael walk. He’ll have more energy than either one of us.”

After they’d all laughed and said their goodbyes, the Rawlingses made their way into the house. Shannon took Nichol to a warm bath as Taylor and Phil disappeared. In mere seconds, Tony and Claire were standing in the middle of the foyer all alone.

“Hmm, I like this,” Tony cooed, as he kissed Claire’s lips.

“This?”

“This… quiet.”

Claire nodded. “Yes, me too. Emily was asking me how I liked having so many people around all the time.”

Tony’s back straightened. “It’s really none of her business.”

Claire feigned a grin. She knew that for her sake and the sake of their families, her husband and sister were trying to get along. Most of the time, they succeeded; however, once in a while…

Tony’s tone hardened. “We’re not getting rid—”

“No, we’re not,” Claire interrupted. “I told her that often we don’t even realize they’re there. I mean, like now. It isn’t like they hover.” She touched his arm. “I’m truly all right with it. Eric and Phil are part of our family. I’m sure that one day Taylor will be like that, too.” She smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine.”

“Are you still comfortable with going to New York?” Tony asked.

Nodding, Claire answered, “I am. This will be Nichol’s first time in the city. I think that while you’re working, we’ll go to the museums. She’ll like the Museum of Natural History, and she’s already excited about the play.”

“As long as you have Phil and Taylor with you, go wherever you want.”

“Right now I want to go take a warm bath.” With a sly grin, Claire asked, “Should I ask Phil or Taylor to join me?”

Tony’s finger touched her lips. “Oh, Mrs. Rawlings, it’s been what, two or three hours since I’ve heard that beautiful smart mouth of yours?”

“Well, you’re the one who keeps emphasizing their presence. I just thought—”

His lips silenced hers as the temperature of the entry hall rose exponentially, and he swallowed her in his embrace. After a lingering kiss, Tony whispered, “Perhaps we could take this discussion upstairs? You, my dear, are excessively overdressed for a bath.”

“You are so right. Let me go get Phil—”

Taking her hand, Tony led her to the stairs. “We don’t need him.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek. “I think I’ve got this.”

“If you’re up for the job, I guess you’ll do,” Claire said jokingly.

With a devilish grin, he replied, “Not yet, but I’m sure that can be arranged.”

LATER THAT NIGHT, while in their suite, Claire settled into bed and reached for her Kindle. Not finding it, she realized she’d left her reader in their home office. Donning a robe, she slipped down the dimmed, quiet hallway. Unable to pass their daughter’s door, Claire reached for the door handle.