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
Silas Prescott attended the event with his fiancée and incredibly it was Ava. According to Grace she looked beautiful and they spent most of the night in each other’s arms. Grace had always thought Silas was stern and unapproachable but with Ava he was tender and gentle. Ava, she claimed, looked
“Marilynn convinced your wife her period cycles were too erratic and painful on their own and wanted birth control to regulate them which is not uncommon. She refused an actual examination but there was no reason not to prescribe the pills so I did. Seven years ago when she came to me about the te
Ava sighed stretching. Her body felt stiff yet relaxed. Though her throat was dry and her mind fuzzy she didn’t have a headache. Memories slowly trickled to the surface. She remembered the confrontation with her sister followed by the encounter with her mother. After that she had a good time ac
He forced himself to stand, “Sleep as late as you like. I’ll see you tonight.” “Tonight.” Ava agreed watching as he reluctantly forced himself to leave. She smiled as she lay snuggled in the blankets. She felt so warm. For years she struggled to fend off chills that ne
“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