“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
“Oh Auntie Tracy this is the goon squad,” Alexis introduced. “Mister Peppermint is Mike. Old Spice is Don. Smoky is Jake and Lilac is Matthew. He’s the only one with a girlfriend.” “H-how did you know that?” Matthew stuttered. He hadn’t even told his partner about his new girl.
“Almost done mom. Don’t move.” Alexis instructed as she carefully braided her mother’s hair in the half-up style she preferred. The braids added a bit of texture and style so it was less plain. “There, what do you think?” Ava turned looking at her reflection. Alexis had done a braid
Seeing her nervousness Silas reached for her clasping her hand in his. With a smile he kissed her knuckle beside her engagement ring before saying, “You have nothing to worry about. I’ll be with you the entire time and the moment you feel uncomfortable we’ll go.” “Won’t if reflect poo
Finally he settled for a relatively quiet area near the tree. Ava’s gaze studied the eight-foot pine marveling at the delicate ornaments. Seeing her joy Silas made a mental note to have Duncan purchase a tree and bring the decorations out from storage. Normally Silas wasn’t one to decorate for th
Marilynn sighed as she grabbed another glass of champagne. Her thick mane of brown hair had been straightened and highlighted to give her a lighter, trendier hairstyle. She wore a bright red dress with a low cut front and back. It seemed such a waste to show off her new look here but she hadn’t b
“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