“See auntie! Your favorite!” Aria announced. “Tu as raison! Magnifique!” Victoria laughed as they reached the lavish hors d’oeuvre table. She never saw so much shrimp circling such a large bowl of dipping sauce. Victoria offered shrimp to the little ones and helped herself before loo
Macey blushed at their eagerness but she couldn’t hold back her smile at the memory. “It was…nice. Like the whole world just stopped.” Victoria smiled, “Le seul vrai langage au monde est un baiser.”[1] Macey’s blush deepened. “And then?” “I panick
Eventually Macey and Rose made their way back to their men and Victoria went in search of Paul. She found him as he exited the bathroom. He stumbled a bit leaning on the wall. The smell of vomit was apparent and she quickly handed him a mint. “Have you embarrassed yourself enough?” V
“Mommy!” Aria greeted as Macey made her way to them. “Hello, baby,” Macey smiled as her children clung to their father. She loved to see them like that except it meant he didn’t have an arm free for her. As if sensing her thoughts Julius carefully set the twins on their
Julius set her back on her feet still not breaking their kiss. She was his again and he was never letting go. Never. Finally releasing her lips he hugged her close. Nothing and no one would ever come between them. “I love you, Macey. I always have. I always will.” “I
Katherine felt herself pale as he slid the top page to the side. “This is a finger print analysis of that same glass,” Augustus said. “There are only three fingerprints on the glass. My son’s, though I doubt he would spike his own drink; the bartender’s, who swears he knows nothing; an
“Mommy! Daddy!” Aria shrieked as she and Caden bound up to their parents unable to hold themselves back any longer. Julius scooped up Caden as Macey picked up Aria. His free arm encircled Macey’s waist pulling her close so that his entire family was in his arms. His family was final
Augustus merely smiled and offered no apology for keeping it to himself. Julius’s embrace tightened and he whispered to Macey, “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Caden doesn’t usually like a lot of attention. I figured he’d tell you when he was ready.” Macey gave him an apologet
“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