“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.”
Everyone froze. Idle chatter fell silent. The crowd parted, making way for the formidable DaLair patriarch. His gray eyes were a storm of rage. Harming his grandkids was a dangerous gamble. The entire crowd felt the unbearable tension, unsure of what was happening. No one knew what to expect until the little girl suddenly exclaimed, “Grand-père Gus!” Without hesitation, the pair ran up to the ruthless business mogul. Augustus’s scowl instantly disappeared. He dropped to his knees to catch the exuberant pair, wrapping them in a bear hug. “There are my little rascals!” he laughed, much to the crowd’s surprise. “We missed you grand-père!” the little girl said. “Why weren’t you waiting for us?” “I’m sorry sweetie. I got caught up with some business.” “That’s okay. We forgive you,” Aria said, her tone almost patronizing. Augustus chuckled, “Where’s your mother?” “Looking for you. Maman
“Did you know!” March demanded. “Tell me you didn’t know!” “I—I didn’t…” Julius stuttered before taking a breath. “I didn’t find out until after she left. I found the pregnancy test in the trash.” March stood, stunned by the news. The only thing holding back his rage was his brother’s obvious distress. Over the years, Julius’s depression and desperation to locate Macey had only grown. At first, March thought Julius had finally realized his feelings for her, but now it was beginning to make more sense. It was not just Macey he was frantic to find. He was also desperate to find his child. “Shit!” March cursed. “Julius…” “I know I messed up,” Julius said before he could say anything. “Why do you think I’ve been so desperate to find her? Just the thought of her out there, alone, without me to support her…” “Funny you should say that,” March said as a thought suddenly occurred to him. “What do you mean?”
“How long!” Julius demanded, throwing open the door to his father’s office. “How long have you known?” March followed a step behind, closing the door. This probably wasn’t the best conversation to have when everyone could listen to it. Augustus glanced up from the paperwork he was about to sign. His gray eyes were calm and appraising. Without a word, he returned to the paperwork in front of him, signing and handing it to Stephen. With a wave, he dismissed his steadfast assistant before turning his attention back to his sons. “Dad,” March prompted when he still didn’t speak. “How long have you known about Macey…and the twins?” Without a word, Augustus reached into the bottom drawer of his desk and removed a small photo album. He set it on the desk and shoved it toward them. Julius remained riveted where he stood. His hands were balled into fists as if fighting the urge to attack his own father, so March stepped forward to take the album. He s
“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