“Here we are,” Silas offered his hand to help her out. Ava smiled nervously as his hand slid naturally to the middle of her back escorting her inside. The interior of the restaurant was warm and inviting. They were given a table in a quiet corner providing some measure of privacy. Si
“Doesn’t look like a mistake to me,” Anne said. “They’ve been like that for the past twenty minutes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Silas smile so much, or at all.” Marilynn’s face flushed red as she met her friends’ smirking expressions. They had been waiting to rub this in her face.
“Well my love. Do you want to go home? Or shall we take a couple turns around the park?” “A couple turns around the park sounds nice.” “All right.” Silas smiled leaning over to the intercom controls. “Take a couple turns and the park. And Thomas, no interruptions unless
Silas moaned as she gripped him stroking it, gently tugging on it. Though she was still unpracticed she had gained confidence from their last night together. He breathed deep wanting to bury himself in her but he was determined to let her have her way with him. She moved over him stro
Marilynn strode into her room tossing her heels to the side, “Scarlet!” “Y-yes miss,” a terrified maid answered the summons shaking as she stood in the doorway. “Tell Derek I want to see him.” “Um…Derek?” “Did I stutter?” “N-no.”
Marilynn bit her lip wondering what she should say. Should she play dumb? Innocent? Her father never questioned her before. Something must have happened to bring this change. There was no way Ava would seek him out so they couldn’t have talked not that he would believe anything she had to say a
The next two weeks past in a whirlwind and Silas struggled to keep up fearing he would wake up and discover it all was a dream. He couldn’t remember the last time he looked forward to the holidays. Ava and the kids seemed to enjoy the anticipation just as much as he did. With Duncan’s gentle prod
With a smile Ava accepted the package. Carefully removing the paper wrapping she opened it to reveal a green, glass penguin with a holly branch in its beak. It was a beautiful work of art but she was a little confused. “You said you liked penguins, remember?” Sean prompted.
“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