“Overdid it,” Ava muttered and blushed. “I know the perfect cure,” he whispered. “Wait here.” Silas slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Ava watched him go with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension until she realized he was naked. Blushing she hid her face in h
“Well…yeah…” “You seemed pretty excited when he proposed.” “It was kind of cool the way he did it in the courtroom,” Theo admitted. There was no mistaking the joy on their mother’s face and it did seem like their father wanted to make her happy. “Okay. Fine. I guess he’
“Here you are, ma’am.” The chauffeur leaned in accepting the slim hand reaching out and helped his employer exit the small limo. He was an older gentleman and had served the same family for years. In fact he had watched his employer go from a charming young lady to a dignified matriar
“Are you still alive?” a voice called from above. “Yep!” the boy on the floor declared. “Your turn! Don’t wuss out!” “Three! Two! One! Go!” Seconds later the performance was repeated as a boy identical to the first came sliding down on an orange toboggan a
Alexis snorted. Her brothers chuckled but agreed. It certainly wasn’t their intention to worry people needlessly. Opal nodded, satisfied, before she reluctantly took her leave and headed for the office. * * * “How about the Midtown Holiday Gala?” Thomas suggested. “N
“It has a high profile but it’s not terribly large so Ava shouldn’t feel overwhelmed and you can introduce her. Are you bringing the kids?” “Introducing Ava as my fiancée is sure to cause quite the uproar. The kids will be like dropping a bomb.” “You’re not wrong. You’ll
“So what’s this about?” Theo asked as he and his brother flopped on one of the couches in the living room. Alexis was ensconced on the other while their mother nervously stood by her. It had been two days since their grandmother swept in and they had suddenly been asked to join Silas i
“Me?” “Of course. The more people who know you’re mine the safer you’ll be.” Silas stroked her cheek. “Will you go with me?” Ava didn’t trust her voice but nodded. “Good.” He kissed her. “Maybe we shouldn’t go shopping,” Alexis said, “at least no
“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