Hesitating she circled to the side of the villa. There she found a gate to the backyard but it was locked. The backyard itself was surrounded by a tall stone wall capped with an iron-wrought fence. Even the stone wall was above Katherine’s height as she walked down the narrow alley.
“Look daddy! Clean hands!” Aria proudly declared as she and Caden returned from the bathroom. “Very good!” he laughed picking her up and carrying her to the table which had been set much the same as the night before minus the candles. Even the bouquet remained as the centerpiece. “So
Aria and Caden cuddled up on either side of him as he read Stellaluna by Janell Cannon. Macey watched from the doorway. It had been years since the kids requested a bedtime story from her. She wondered if it was because they were bored or if this new found interest was them wanting to create memo
Macey stirred. Her body was warm, enclosed in his strong arms. Julius breathed against her shoulder. Her muddled mind slowly pieced the night together causing her face to warm at the memory of her inhibition. God! He even licked her there! He had never done that bef
“What’s wrong?” Julius sensed her discomfort. “I…can’t move. Everything’s just so sore.” Julius chuckled kissing her, “I’m sorry. I was too eager last night.” “It’s not funny. The kids will be up soon. What time is it?” “Six. Relax. We have t
* * * “Mister DaLair! We’ve been expecting you!” the owner of the tailor shop greeted. Julius nodded as he held the door for Macey and the kids. Though he was not one to reserve a whole store like his father Julius did prefer to alert shop owners when he planned to vi
“It comes in children’s sizes too, right?” Julius wanted to be sure. Reagan nodded. A salesperson brought a tape to take Caden’s measurements then selected a small range of sizes to see which fit best. A selection of shirts was also chosen allowing them to choose material best suited
Cars had been lining up for hours dropping off their passengers before pulling away. For tonight only the gallery had valets to park cars in a nearby lot reserved by the host for his guests. Part of the gallery had been taken over by long tables for the caterers to display a wide variety of hors d
“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