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
Marilynn smirked but was surprised by the glare Ava gave her. In all the years she had known her sister Ava had always been meek and acquiesced to her sister’s whims. “I suggest you take your hand off of me before you have a real problem,” Ava said calmly and firmly making the man hes
“Ava is that you? Why are you with Silas Prescott?” Grace Carlisle asked. “Mother,” Ava finally answered, “Silas is my fiancée…and my children’s father.” “Your…children?” “That’s right. If you want to know more Tracy knows how to get in touch with me. She al
Silas stirred. It was late and the heavy curtains prevented any outside light from reaching him as he lay in bed. Even with his eyes adjusted for it the room was almost pitch black. He was beginning to see why Ava took such issue with it. She was a warm, good natured person so this kind of darkn
“I see.” Silas finally said. “Will you need anything else?” Duncan asked. “No.” Silas glared at him. “Nothing more tonight.” Wanting to avoid the butler’s laugh Silas carried Ava up the stairs and didn’t relax until they were safely in their bedroom. Ava mu
“Fine. Is that it?” “The bad news. I think your kids have been up to their old tricks.” Silas got a sinking feeling recalling Duncan’s earlier warning, “What did they do?” “Well, good news is I can’t prove it was them so they’ve covered their tracks pretty th
Emerson slumped in his chair drinking deeply from his scotch glass. Leaning forward he refilled it from the crystal decanter on his desk. It was already half gone and he showed no signs of slowing down. Ever since the courtroom debacle he urged his lawyer to find another way to claim the kids, or
“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