“Okay, you’re right. I don’t. But you might have to face facts. You might not ever see her again.” “Don’t you think I know that? Do you think it makes it easier?” “No. I don’t imagine it does. Is that why you put up with Katherine?” “She keeps the others away.” “And what about the wedding she’s planning?” Julius grunted, not offering a genuine answer. He had no plans to marry her. In fact, he had no plans to attend the function at all. Surely, that would send her a clear message. March studied his brother. It was hard to believe it had come to this. Like Julius, he grew up with Macey and considered her his little sister. He couldn’t remember exactly when he realized Macey had developed a crush on Julius, but he watched as she struggled to keep her feelings to herself while Julius remained oblivious. Like any teenager, Julius dated several girls and the hurt in Macey’s gaze as he ignored her was palpabl
Bending close to his employer’s ear, Stephen whispered low. Augustus’s expression immediately softened. He eagerly turned to his aide, saying, “Are they really?” Stephen nodded. Pecking a kiss on Rose’s temple, Augustus excused himself, claiming he had an urgent business matter to attend to before retreating inside with Stephen close at his heels. Rose let him go with a conflicted look on her face. It wasn’t like Augustus to interrupt such a gathering for business, but in the interest of reducing the guests’ tension, she let him go. Augustus hurried down the hall, his cane rasping harshly in his haste. Reaching his study, he disappeared inside. Stephen closed the door and remained outside, guarding it from entry. Reaching the desk, Augustus sat down and turned his attention to the open laptop. The sight that awaited him took his breath away and made him smile broadly. “Happy Birthday, Grand-père Gus!” two excited five-year-old
“Oooo! Here it is!” Katherine excitedly cooed as she dragged Julius into the art gallery. Though its grand opening was still a week away, it was open for business. Located along East Houston Street, it enjoyed proximity to several other galleries and ensured a steady stream of curious visitors. His father might not have much experience when it came to art, but he knew a good location. Julius was not surprised; however, it still didn’t explain why his father bought the art gallery in the first place. He sighed. It had only taken a day for Katherine to recover from his father’s public rejection. Julius hated to admit it, but she had some fortitude. She probably thought it earned her sympathy from him, but he couldn’t care less. If she wanted to punish herself by irritating his father, that was her business. Julius glanced around him to distract himself from her irritatingly shrill voice. Gray Studio Gallery’s mission was to be the premiere
“It’s an impressive series, isn’t it?” the curator asked, standing beside him. “It’s one of Gray’s masterpieces, the first really.” Julius nodded, not taking his eyes off the final piece. Would Macey have looked like that in her final month? What would it have been like to hold her then? To know their baby was soon to emerge. “People often make the mistake of thinking men have all the power, but in truth women do; after all, only a woman can create life.” Slowly, the thoughts that had been raging in his mind all week calmed and a new resolve formed. Somehow, he would find Macey again. When he did, he wouldn’t let her go. Before he left, he bought the entire Two Hearts series, only the third to do so from the gallery’s exclusive fifty print run.* * * Augustus scowled as the meeting droned on. He glanced at his youngest son, who seemed distracted, but better composed than he had been the last few days. Glad Julius seemed a little
Stephen escorted them to baggage claim and helped carry their five bags back to the car. Once they were situated in the limo, he drove them directly to the store. Augustus hadn’t just arranged them time to shop, but had reserved the whole store for their exclusive use. Security stood outside the doors, allowing Macey to shop unperturbed by other shoppers aside from her overly eager twins. The situation made Macey uncomfortable, but she decided to roll with it. She knew from experience how overbearing Augustus could be when he wanted something, but his heart was usually in the right place. Sifting through the racks, Macey eventually found one that piqued her interest. Taking it back to the changing room, she emerged wearing the hunter green evening gown. It had a high neckline, leaving her back and shoulders bare though it covered her chest. It fit her like a second skin hugging her curves and left very little to the imagination despite its coverage. Its snug fit c
“Excuse me?” Katherine scoffed. “Do you know who I am?” The security officer didn’t answer. His orders were very simple. No one was to enter while the party currently inside the store remained. The actual time limit was nominal. If the shoppers took longer, the patron who reserved the store promised to pay more, thus ensuring they could shop in peace without interruption for as long as they wanted. Katherine took out her phone, “If you refuse to be reasonable I’ll just have to call my father. He’ll have you fired. Are you sure you can handle that?” “I’ll be fine, ma’am,” the guard informed her. “Are you sure you can handle the consequences?” Katherine felt her face warm as she angrily dialed her father. As soon as he answered, she began her tirade, “Daddy! I’m outside Saks and they won’t let me in! They say the store has been reserved, but this is the only time I can get my dress!” “Okay, okay,” her father sighed with
Caden climbed on the bench and lifted the cover. He touched the keys in awe. His keyboard at home suddenly seemed like a poor imitation now that he sat at the real thing. Without hesitation, he began to play. The house was soon filled with the melody of Coldplay’s Clocks while Stephen brought in their luggage and shopping bags. Macey stood looking around her. Slowly, she stepped toward the patio door to look at the pool and well manicured yard. There was a small building tucked to the side. Even from a distance Macey could see the red light above the door. Combined with the lack of windows and ample ventilation, she knew it was a private dark room no doubt already stocked with all the needed supplies to develop photographs. She shook her head, looking at Stephen, and said, “This is too much.” “It was Mister DaLair’s wish that you have everything you need. The villa is also close to the gallery, which will be convenient for you.”
Julius sighed as he sipped his fourth whiskey. He tried to chase away memories too dangerous to linger over, but failed. Why did his father always choose this place for his public birthday celebration? The worst night of his life had been here. He had avoided Katherine, so he counted himself lucky. Even so, it wasn’t enough to raise his mood. If only he could have found her. If only he hadn’t been such an idiot to begin with. Turning and leaning on the bar, he allowed his gaze to drift over the crowd. As he brought his drink to his lips, he suddenly froze. A familiar figure with a mane of red curls tamed in a large clip flitted through the crowd. He blinked, rubbing his eyes. It couldn’t be. Julius suddenly lurched to his feet and pushed through the crowd, looking for the stunning vision only to find she had disappeared. He stood, wondering if he had hallucinated it. Were all his years of failure finally catching up to him? “Julius. Hey, Julius.”
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their