Movie Night Julius poured melted butter over the bowl of steaming popcorn before lightly shaking salt over it all. It might have been quicker to pop it all in the microwave but that popcorn lacked a certain flavor. Air-popping it and mixing it like this was how he remembered doing it
Julius couldn’t help but feel betrayed. His children were five years old before he even laid eyes on them all because of his father. At the same time his father had been seeing them regularly. Augustus had been there for their birth and made trips to see them on their birthdays and holidays in ad
Macey didn’t complain and he wasn’t interested in needless parties anyway so he couldn’t be bothered by it. Though he did recall March complaining once or twice asking him if he didn’t care people were being so disrespectful to his wife. Julius brushed it off saying if it didn’t bother her than it
Julius froze mid-step as the memory came flooding back. He had actually raised his hand against her. Cold suddenly assailed him and he felt himself go pale. How could he have done that? What was wrong with him? “Daddy,” Aria called. “Daddy, what’s wrong?” Aria and Caden were cam
“Do you know what that is, Julius?” she asked. “That’s your baby telling you to stop worrying about the past. If you want to worry about something, worry about the future…because you’re going to be a daddy.” Julius sucked in his breath staring into her shining green eyes. He wondered
And Baby Makes Five Macey stirred. It was late. A glance at the clock confirmed it was one o’clock. She sighed wondering what had woken her. Turning she thought to ask Julius if he was awake as well only to find his side of the bed empty. Startled she sat up. Was that why she had
“Macey, you are a good mom. You are a great, fantastic, awesome mom.” “Vicki.” “Say it.” “What?” “Say it Macey. Say you are a good mom.” Macey sighed. “Say it.” “I am a good mom.” “You are a gre
Victoria had been keeping tabs on Macey’s ex. While Macey insisted he probably moved on with his life with another woman Victoria saw no evidence of that. He was certainly a drinker but there was no sign of a new woman. Augustus expressed his desire to bring the two back together. After what Mac
“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