Ten years. He had missed ten years of their lives. Ten years he hadn’t been there. Ava raised them alone without support and without financial aid. His hands trembled at the mere thought of her plight. He should have been there to take care of her. He couldn’t imagine how scared she must have
Emerson Carlisle massaged his temples. On the computer screen was an unflattering picture of Marilynn partying in a club her face practically glowing from the alcohol in her system. Her dress was extremely short, barely covering her. Over the years she appeared more and more in the gossip columns
“Name,” Emerson repeated. “Carter. It’s not really that different from Carlisle if you think about it.” “What proof do you have?” “This isn’t enough?” the man genuinely looked puzzled. Anyone who saw the girl’s performance would agree with him. O
“All right kids, orderly fashion please,” the teacher announced. “Remember this is a public place so we are going to conduct ourselves like responsible young men and women. Keep close to your buddy. Now we are heading to the Educational wing first.” Alexis slipped her arms into those
Jake shook his head looking to their targets to see one of the brothers had disappeared. He jerked to attention scanning the crowd but didn’t see the boy. Jake’s gaze returned to the other two. They didn’t seem overly concerned with their brother’s absence as they touched one of the hands-on mode
Silas forced him to swallow back his disappointment. So Ava never told them about where they came from. But his children were smart and learned it on their own. “We also know she wasn’t born Lynn Carter if that’s your next question,” Alexis confirmed his suspicions. “We know all abou
“…Her high school crush?” Silas muttered under his breath. Did that mean what he thought it meant? Was it possible she had feelings for him? His Ava? “She doesn’t believe in love anymore,” Alexis continued. “She knows now that there is no such thing as true love. There is no prince
“And yet here you are…threatening my daughter.” “N-no. That’s not. I didn’t mean…I didn’t know.” “How much does the old man know?” “I showed him a recording of her performance,” Roy admitted. “And I might have mentioned her last name is Carter. But that’s i
“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