“Will you read us a bedtime story?” “Aria,” Macey wanted to protest, but Aria pressed the book into his hands. “One story, please!” “I don’t mind,” Julius assured her as the kids snuggled on either side of him. The picture book Aria handed him was Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. He remembered it from his own childhood and wondered if it was nostalgia that made his father include it. Aria and Caden leaned close as he opened it and read. Macey watched from the doorway, a soft yet conflicted look on her face. This was the scene she always dreamed of, but never thought she would ever see. Only when the story was over did Aria and Caden finally consent to change into their pajamas. After they brushed their teeth, they were ready to be tucked in. For once, they could be tucked in at the same time with Macey helping Caden and Julius helping Aria. Kissing each good night, Macey pulled the door closed with final en
Macey ducked into the bathroom avoiding the two stalls she went straight to the sink. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. What was wrong with her? After six years she should be smarter. But the moment his arms were around her it was like time stood still. As much as she tried to deny it she still loved him, still wanted him. And it seemed like he wanted her too. Was she getting her hopes up? She couldn’t shake the fear it would eventually fall apart. The door opened but she paid no mind to the newcomer. Macey gave herself a final glance before turning to see a blonde in a short, black dress that was mostly lace and left very little to the imagination. She struggled to keep her expression neutral. Other women had enough confidence to wear such provocative clothes but Macey wasn’t one of them. Vicki was but even she had limits saying there was a difference between sexy and trashy. Macey was pretty certain Vicki would put this dress into the latter.
She sent him a look of gratitude. He saw a glint of her confidence return to her warm gaze. Julius smiled, happy to see her reaction. He liked to see her self-assured and strong. She should always feel that way, especially around him. “Are we going to the zoo now?” Aria asked after giving their parents ample time to stare into each other’s eyes. For Phase Four, it was important to encourage their parents’ interaction, but knowing their mother had never been actively pursued romantically, they didn’t want her overwhelmed. Luckily, their father seemed to understand and was being very gentle. There was no doubting the passion in his gaze. Aria wanted to clap and dance for joy, but refrained. She and Caden had to keep cool heads if their plan was to work. Julius cleared his throat, remembering their audience, and said, “Yeah, let’s go to the zoo, so your mother can work in peace.” “You two be good,” Macey knelt, giving each a hug
“I thought you lived in Paris.” “We do,” Aria answered. “Maman travels a lot for work, and we go with her. We’ve been to Barcelona, Milan, Venice, Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Dublin… We’ve been to a lot of places.” Caden quietly nodded. Their mother’s various projects took her to many places. When they didn’t have school, they traveled with her. This earned them many envious stares from their peers. Others scorned them because they only had their mother whose work was unorthodox, but neither of the twins let that bother them. Their mother was the best person in the world. “You have been everywhere, impressive,” Julius said. “So does that mean you speak French too?” “Bien sûr!” Aria rolled her eyes.[1] Julius chuckled. His children were not bilingual, they were trilingual. Or at least Aria was, as Caden stressed, he didn’t know German well. Would they never cease to amaze him? Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Taking it o
Dinner was simmering when Macey arrived. He hadn’t said he was cooking, so she assumed he had ordered takeout until she found them in the kitchen. She set her bag down as the kids ran to greet her. Julius left his station to give her a peck on the cheek before escorting her to the table that was already set for four. There was a colorful bouquet in the center and even a pair of lit candles. “Maman! We made dinner!” Aria and Caden announced. “Made dinner?” Macey’s gaze traveled to the kitchen and the tell-tale signs they had been cooking rather than simply dressing up delivery. “You really cooked.” “Of course,” Julius slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her again. “I’ll admit it’s been awhile, so be generous.” He held out her chair. Once he seated them, he served the meal with a flourish. Julius had considered champagne, but with the kids present he settled for sparkling grape juice. Watching their delighted faces as they ate
Her arms wrapped around his neck as he suddenly hoisted her off her feet and her legs encircled his waist. Carrying her to the master bedroom, he barely managed to kick the door closed before lowering her onto the bed. He trailed kisses down her neck as his hands worked their way under her shirt. Her back arched in response, wanting him closer. Fighting control, he peeled away her top, revealing her milky, fair skin and perky breasts. She always complained they were too small when compared to other women, but he loved the way they fit into his hands and mouth. Sitting up, Macey helped him out of his shirt and tugged at his pants, surprised by her own boldness. She had always been shy during their love-making, but there was a new sort of confidence in her body that drove him mad with desire. Julius quickly stripped her of the barriers, keeping her body from his even as he kicked away the last of his clothes. Lastly, he pulled out the clip tying her hai
Early in the morning, Macey’s bedroom door quietly swung open. Two sets of eyes peered in to see their parents intimately entangled under the sheets. There was no trace of embarrassment even as one raised their mother’s phone and snapped a picture before they quietly closed the door. Julius lazily stirred. Blinking, he found himself staring at a field of red hair. He smiled, recalling the previous night. Macey still snuggled close to him, her face nestled against his neck. Her soft breath fluttered against his chest. He caressed her gentle curves, squeezing her butt as he pulled her closer. Silently, he told himself it wasn’t a dream. This was real. She was back in his arms. He would do anything to keep it that way. Macey stirred, shifting her hips, causing Julius to groan as they rolled against him. He could already feel himself stiffening. Macey sighed, shifting again. “Macey, sweetheart, you might want to stop that unless you want
Julius pulled on his shirt as he stepped down the hall. He paused at the kids’ door to see it was open and their beds empty. Aria’s bed covers had been recklessly tossed aside while Caden’s was neatly made. Macey’s motherly instincts were not wrong. Impressed, he continued to the living room to see them kneeling at the coffee table. Aria was quietly coloring with her hair a tangled mess. Caden tapped at his mother’s laptop. His early morning hair sported a cowlick. “Good morning,” Julius greeted. “Bonjour,” Aria smiled. Now that her language skills were out in the open she was happy to use them. “Are you two hungry?” Julius asked. “Yes!” Aria gave a characteristically enthusiastic answer that made Julius chuckle. “So, what do you normally have?” “Maman makes us oatmeal.” “And do you like oatmeal?” Aria made a face and stuck out her tongue. Caden scowled. Their mother dressed it up
“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