Paul still remembered the first day he saw her on campus, her belly beginning to show. Victoria introduced them and Paul thought he was looking at an angel. Only later did he learn the truth, that her husband abandoned her and the baby. He was furious. If he had known who her husband was he would have hunted him down, but Macey never wanted to talk about him. He only saw her break down a couple of times. Paul was always there to comfort her and be a sympathetic ear. Yet, though he longed to be more, she always kept him at arm’s length. He assumed her reluctance was because she didn’t want to be hurt again. After the twins were born, Paul thought it was his chance to show her he wasn’t like her ex. At first, the twins responded well to him, but as they got older they too started to keep him at arm’s length. It was odd. Paul had been in their lives from the very beginning, but they already knew he wasn’t their father. Or was it because their mother ke
Julius clenched his fists, but held himself in check. When Macey introduced them she had been happy to see her college friends, but there had been no particular attachment to this man beyond friendship. So this man’s love was one-sided. That thought calmed him. Julius would tolerate many things, but not a rival for Macey’s affection. “You don’t know anything about her. You probably don’t even know her favorite food is strawberries!” March stood beside Julius as the drunk accosted him. Like his brother, he recognized the man as Macey’s friend, and like Julius, he also realized the man was in love with her. He glanced at his brother, trying to gauge Julius’s reaction to this revelation. Though the man’s accusations were not completely wrong, they weren’t completely right either. He opened his mouth to speak, but Julius beat him to the punch. “Macey doesn’t like strawberries. She’s allergic and breaks out when she eats them.” Paul
“See tante! Your favorite!” Aria announced. “C’est le cas! Magnifique!” Victoria laughed as they reached the lavish hors d’oeuvre table.[1] She never saw so many shrimp circling such a large bowl of dipping sauce. Victoria offered shrimp to the little ones and helped herself. Once the little ones seemed occupied, she turned her attention back to Macey. “Okay, spill it,” Victoria prompted. “What?” “You’ve been gone for a week and the day after you leave I get a mysterious invitation to this event. So here I am and one of the first things I see is you in the arms of a very handsome man who just happens to be your ex and father of your children. So, spill it. Rose wants to hear all about it too, don’t you? She’s just too polite to demand it. So?” “What do you want me to say?” Macey said. “You think I’m an idiot for getting back together with him, don’t you?” “I didn’t say that,” Victoria shook h
“And that’s when Julius showed up,” Macey said. “Honestly, I thought he was going to kill him. The look in his eyes was intense.” “If he heard what that man said I can see why,” Rose said. “He would never let that kind of insult go.” “And then?” Victoria prompted. “We kissed.” “Oh?” Victoria and Rose watched her, waiting for details. “Well? Come on. Don’t stop now!” 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 panicked,” Macey said. “I couldn’t think straight, so I said I should go get the kids and take them home.” “Macey!” Victoria admonished. One did not bring up kids when they were in the middle of a passionate embrace. Had Macey learned nothing from her time living
To make it up to him, Victoria whispered a suggestion to Aria and Caden and sent them to his side. She was delighted to see him immediately scoop up both of them and hold them tight. Not only had he managed to recapture Macey’s heart, he had definitely earned his children’s hearts as well. That was no easy feat. Aria and Caden had always been particular, never giving their attention to someone they deemed unworthy. Victoria was satisfied, so when he looked in her direction she smiled and gave him a wink. 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. She handed him a mint. “Have you embarrassed yourself enough?” Victoria asked. “Or do you want to go for round two?” Paul scowled. “Unbelievable,” Victoria sighed. “How could you do this on Macey’s big night
“Maman!” Aria exclaimed 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 feet and pulled her into his embrace. He pressed his forehead to hers. The last of his worries and anger drained away. She was in his arms and nothing else mattered. Well, maybe there was one thing. “So, are you going to tell me about Cap d’Agde?” Macey stiffened and said, “Nothing…happened.” “It’s a beach where people are nude in public.” “Julius…” “…Macey.” “Look, I had just started showing and I was uncomfortable and bloated and surrounded by young college girls with their perfect bodies,” Macey sighed. “Victoria suggested we get away for a weekend. I had no idea she made reservations at that resort and the firs
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 love you, Julius,” Macey could barely speak. Those were words she always wanted to hear him say. He leaned forward and kissed her again.* * * Katherine circled the exhibit space trying to calm herself. The redhead’s name was Macey Grayson and she was M. Gray! They were one and the same. How could a talentless hack become an acclaimed artist? She should be a failure like her father! And worse, she knew Victoria Laurent, one of the most famed wedding dress designers ever! Not only did they know each other, but they were on good terms. The kids dared call her Auntie Vicki like she was some sort of farmer’s wife! And the look on Julius’s face.
“This is an analysis of my son’s drink two years ago,” Augustus said. “It appears someone spiked his drink.” Katherine felt herself pale as he slid the top page to the side. “This is a fingerprint 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; and yours.” Katherine struggled to maintain a blank expression, but she felt a tick as her face twitched from the stress building within. “And this,” Augustus slid the analysis aside to show her the last page, “is a document showing you were receiving fertility treatments at the time.” Her mouth dropped open. She stuttered, “H-how did you get that?” “You’d be surprised what you can acquire with enough time, patience and money,” Augustus said. “A better question would be how you thought I wouldn’t know? Of course, all of this is
“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