Sylvie moved over to the small sofa Cricket was sitting on and sank down beside her. “The two brilliant kids thank you. I know what you mean by helping. When I got to DC, I thought that was what I wanted. I found it to be hollow. I know everyone thinks it was a huge step down to come here and take over city hall, but I think I want to stay. I can make a difference here.” She needed to be completely honest with her mother-in-law. “I’m never going to be happy as a stay-at-home mom. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the work they do . . .”

Cricket waved her off. “No one expects you to. I rather think Rene likes the fact that his wife is capable of handling this whole town. He intends to back you wherever you choose to go and whatever you want to do. I overheard him talking about putting a small landing strip on part of the estate.”

In case she wanted to go into state legislature. “That’s premature. I’m happy here for now. I want to get the town’s infrastructure modernized before I even think about making a career change.”

“I’m glad to hear that, because I want you around for a long time. I know that you and Rene married because of this situation with his family and the company.” She sat for a moment, her hand stroking Lady’s back. “But sometimes those arrangements can work out.”

“Like you and Ross?” Sylvie asked.

“Figured that out, did you? That’s why I said we likely would have divorced if I hadn’t gotten pregnant with Rene. I did it to help out a friend, and because honestly, it seemed like an adventure. After a few rough years, we turned out to be pretty good for each other. I think we would have had a wonderful retirement had he survived. Ross was a workaholic. Rene isn’t the same. He doesn’t love it the way Ross did. And the two of you have a much better base to start from. You already loved each other.”

Maybe his mother could give her some advice. “Rene is reluctant to use that word.”

Cricket sighed. “That’s his father’s doing, but he isn’t his daddy. I assure you his father wouldn’t go around calling himself a dog dad and fretting over whether a six-pound dog is properly eating.”

Watching Rene with Lady had been a revelation. She’d always known how thoughtful the man could be, but there was so much love in him. It was just restrained, and she’d come to understand that was a learned behavior. Something that was learned could be modified. He had to realize that it was okay to be emotional with her.

He certainly didn’t have any trouble showing his passion in bed.