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.
Silas breathed deep as he stepped out of the limo. The ride had been a long one but not as tedious as usual. Smiling he reached in and helped Ava emerge. He warned her it was likely colder up north so she dressed warmly in thermal leggings, sweater and her favorite red coat along with a knitted h
The Madam had mentioned grandkids but that couldn’t possibly mean…Joseph turned back to Silas as the latter bowed his head to tenderly kiss the woman’s temple making her chuckle as her cheeks took on a soft blush. “You can put Sean and Theo’s luggage in the same room, they prefer to sha
“Really Richard! A woman is more than just a brood mare and children don’t make successful marriages either.” “That isn’t what I meant. Jenna is an excellent partner to support his business ventures…just like how we balanced our activities.” Opal rolled her eyes. Richard
“Grandma-O!” Theo greeted. “Looking good.” “Boys! I hope the drive wasn’t too long.” “Every drive is long with those two,” Alexis snorted. Opal chuckled, “Well boys will be boys. Dinner will be in an hour and a half. We eat on time around here but let me sh
Jenna Ryker stepped out of her Mercedes flipping her hair over her shoulder. Minutes later a servant hurried out to collect the luggage stuffed in the trunk while another moved to the driver’s side ready to park the vehicle. Paying neither of them any mind she strutted to the front door where Jose
“Well go get them,” Theo snorted. “They knew what time dinner was, didn’t they? It’s rude to make the rest of us wait because they don’t know how to tell time.” “I quite agree,” Opal suddenly spoke. “Joseph serve the first course.” “…But ma’am.” “I have wait
“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