“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
“Take care of Ava and the kids, anything they need.” “They shall want for nothing,” Duncan assured him opening the door. “Oh, Christmas presents. I need sizes, preferences, wish lists, whatever ideas you can get from the kids and Ava.” “Of course.”
According to rumors and pictures she was petite and beautiful. She was very personable and people already sung her praises as a gentle and genuine lady. But they still didn’t know anything about her or where she came from. Silas entered ignoring the stares that followed him as he too
“There is another announcement I will be making at the New Year’s party,” Silas said after a moment. “You’ll find that in the files Thomas prepared.” Hesitantly the board members turned their attention to the files and opened them. Inside were hospital test results. Each test was lab
“Deck the halls with boughs of holly,” Theo chanted as they wrapped garland along the base of the stair rail. Duncan suggested decorating the rail itself but the brothers vetoed the idea. For Alexis’s safety it was best to leave the rail uncovered and clean. In addition to garlands t
Ava wanted to bring the kids but thought better of it. Though they would certainly enjoy spending time with Gretchen she didn’t want them seeing her mother and she definitely didn’t want them to see her breakdown. In many ways facing her mother would be more difficult than her sister.
“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