“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
“Maman! Papa!” 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 finally complete, and he would never let them go. “Papa, does this mean we’ll be together forever?” Aria asked. “That’s right,” Julius smiled. “Forever.” “Are you going to live in Paris with us?” Caden asked. “Absolutely,” Julius assured him. “Really!” Aria clapped. “Yeah! And you’ll go with us to Milan and Rome and Barcelona too?” “Aria,” Macey admonished. “You bet,” Julius readily agreed. There wasn’t anywhere he wouldn’t follow them. “Does that mean we’re staying in Paris?” Caden asked. Despite the fact he had grown up there, he didn’t have any particular attachment to it. In America, they had f
“Dad. You knew. That’s why you have a piano here and one at the villa.” 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 apologetic smile. Caden finished to the stunned crowd’s applause. He smiled, uncomfortable with the attention, but he stayed at the piano and started playing a new song. This one was much simpler and more familiar if one knew their Disney movies, especially ones starring dogs. Aria’s voice soon joined him singing Bella Notte in Italian. Her little voice rang out clearly, resonating throughout the gallery. “È dolce sognar e lasciarsi cullar, Nell’incanto della note…”[1] As she finished, Aria giggled at the amazed faces. Applause erupted throughout the gallery. Caden scooted
Franklin gave them a sympathetic look, but he wouldn’t interfere with their parenting. Something told him there was more to the story, but he stayed silent. Right now, he was just glad he hadn’t gone crazy and made the whole thing up like his friends insisted. “And that goes for you too,” Macey turned to her father-in-law. “Me? What did I do?” “I don’t know, yet. But I know you had something to do with all of this and when I find out how…” He shared a look with the twins. It was doubtful they would be able to hide the whole truth once their mother started interrogating them, but their plan had succeeded, so it was a small price to pay. Augustus cleared his throat. Victoria smirked at his discomfort. “You’re not off the hook either,” Macey fixed her with a stare. “Me? Why?” “There is something going on, and I’m going to find out what.” “I just got here.” Macey
Six Months Later “Maman! Maman! Look at me! Do I look pretty?” Aria laughed as she twirled. She wore a white, sleeveless princess-style dress. The top was satin while the skirt was a gauzy material. Aquamarine and peridot colored rhinestones were applied to the skirt, concentrating along the hem. Her hair was piled up in a messy-style bun with her curls still able to bounce as she moved. She wore a crown of white flowers with rhinestones in the center of each. Her tights had a floral pattern and her shoes were white. “You look like a princess,” Macey smiled. “How do I look?” Aria pressed her lips together as she studied her mother. Macey’s dress was mermaid-style, strapless, with a sweetheart neckline. The material had a satin finish and was made to look as if it wrapped around her, giving it added texture as well as accentuating her curves, which now included a growing belly. Her skirt, which flared just below h
This time their photographer was Macey’s assistant, Dillon. Dillon, freshly graduated from college, was originally hired by Macey as an au pair for the twins. It was a position Dillon’s friends discouraged her from taking, especially after they heard she would be working for an American, but she really needed the money. Macey proved a surprisingly amiable employer and the money she offered was good. Coincidentally, Dillon’s dream was to be a photographer, a dream Macey was living, and Macey was the first to really encourage her interest. Not only did Macey let Dillon tag along to different photo shoots and even explained how to work and care for the equipment, Macey also gifted her one of her old cameras as a bonus. Though the camera was an older model and somewhat out of date, it still worked well enough to be Macey’s backup. She also gave Dillon free access to her darkroom and taught her how to develop her own pictures. Macey turned out to be the bes
“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