The Billionaire’s Twins Play Matchmaker Novel – Macey! Julius burst into the bedroom only to find it empty. Then a small, plastic piece on the nightstand caught his attention. It almost looked like a toothbrush but with no bristles. Turning it over he read the digital display: PREGNANT. His hangover was instantly gone as the single word sank in. “Macey!” Suddenly panicked he darted out of the bedroom heading to the kitchen. “Macey!” She always woke early to start the coffeemaker knowing he couldn’t get his day started without his morning cup. But still, there was no sign of her and none of the usual breakfast smells. The living room was likewise absent of life. Julius continued to check every room of the apartment refusing to believe she was really gone. The faint smell of burnt paper eventually led him to the study.
Walking up to the desk, his eyes fell on the stack of papers: the divorce papers he requested from his lawyer in a moment of impulse after hearing the rumors circulating about her. He had been enraged that she thought she could fool him around. But it turned out he had wronged her. Resting on top of the divorce papers were her engagement and wedding rings. It was a simple, understated set. Her engagement ring was a smooth ring with five small stones: three diamonds and two emeralds. The wedding ring was likewise a simple ring with three stones: two diamonds and a slightly bigger emerald in the center. Underneath the rings was a note. With a shaking hand, he reached for it. “You win. I officially want nothing from you. Don’t try to find me. I don’t want you anymore.” — Macey stumbled back bothering her face as she stared wide-eyed at the man who had been her husband for the past two years: Julius DaLair.
His sandy blonde hair crowned him like a halo but there was nothing angelic about his expression. He stood in front of her with his face blazing with anger. His gray eyes were a storm of emotions. In the two years since their marriage he had grown cold and dismissive but never raised a hand to her before. His breath smelled heavily of drink and she could only guess how many drinks he imbibed since they arrived at his father’s public birthday celebration. “You’re just like the rest of them aren’t you?” Julius demanded. “You’re just a gold digging easy girl!” “N—no…” “Stop talking! I don’t want to hear it!” “But I’m not.” “What were you doing cuddling up to James? My money not good enough for you?” “I wasn’t. He came up to me! I told him…” “I said I don’t want to hear your lies!” Macey clenched her jaw rubbing her sore cheek. Tears welled in her normally bright green eyes. Two years and he still didn’t believe a word she said especially not when he had been drinking.
Two years? No. Actually, it was longer than that after all they had grown up together. “You can go home first!” With a look of disgust he turned and walked out of the private corner where he had dragged her from the crowd. Macey stood trying to compose herself. Their marriage had been one of convenience more or less. Her father was a veteran and served in Vietnam. There he met and saved the life of Augustus DaLair. After coming home her father suffered a severe reaction. Her mother, a nurse, encouraged him to use art as therapy and it worked. Slowly he pieced himself together, married and started a family. Art remained an important part of her father’s life. He tried to make it his livelihood. Though his paintings were praised for their innovative compositions and unique use of color the fact they always depicted war scenes and soldiers meant there was only a limited demand for them and her father never made much money. In contrast Augustus DaLair started a business empire.
Despite the vast difference in their social standings, Augustus remained their steadfast supporter. Her father refused to take handouts and in order to support his friend Augustus became his most loyal patron buying most of her father’s paintings thus ensuring they had an income. They were never rich but they had what they needed. Though her father wouldn’t take charity he was glad to accept invitations to family gatherings and occasionally family vacations. Macey grew up alongside the DaLair brothers: March and Julius. They were like the cousins she never had. March treated her like a younger sister and she secretly developed a crush on Julius when they were eight. Her father passed away from a attack when she was sixteen. Augustus became an even stronger supporter of her and her mother. In memory of his friend and the one who saved his life he vowed to help Macey and her mother in whatever capacity they needed even assisting her to attend the School of Visual Arts.
Her college plans came to a sudden end when she turned twenty and dropped out to care for her ailing mother who passed away shortly after. Two years later she and Julius married. It was Augustus who first proposed the idea of marriage to one of his sons. She wasn’t sure if it was charity or his abiding desire to ensure her a comfortable future. March was over ten years her senior and already married which naturally left Julius as the groom of choice. Though she initially spoke out against it her secret crush on Julius had only grown over the years. It had taken some time for Julius to agree. Macey tried not to seem overeager but inwardly she was thrilled. At first their marriage seemed to work. Despite his earlier reluctance Julius was a model husband: attentive and sometimes even caring. It was her hope eventually he would come to love her but it changed six months ago. Rumors started to circulate. Her family had been poor and well below the DaLair family’s means.
People called her a gold-digger, a shameless tramp and a hundred other names. She tried not to let it bother her but it never occurred to her Julius would believe them. She smoothed her dress and fiddled with her vibrant red hair that had come loose from its taming braid. Her naturally curly locks were hard to completely tame and she didn’t have much skill in working with it. That had always been her mother’s doing. Wiping away her tears she finally summoned the courage to leave the nook. Hugging herself she carefully made her way through the crowd that carefully avoided meeting her gaze. Nearing the bar she looked to see Julius surrounded by five gorgeous women. Tears came unbidden and her hands dropped to her stomach. Why? Why now? Why here? How could he do this to her? “Macey?” Turning toward the gruff yet gentle voice she saw her father-in-law looking at her with concern. Shaking her head she whirled around and rushed off as if chased by hellhounds. Outside she had the valet summon a taxi to take her home. Letting herself into the condo she leaned against the door.
The tears she tried so hard to control flowed freely. Stumbling through the silent suite she eventually made it to the study. She collapsed in the chair bringing her knees to her chest and sobbed into her gown. Eventually she exhausted her tears and slowly reached for her purse. Silently she removed a folded paper and smoothed it out. On it were the tests from her hospital visit confirming her pregnancy. She stared at it before reaching into her purse again for the card she bought. Pulling it from the envelope she read the front: A Surprise for You, before opening it to reveal a copy of the ultrasound picture. A small arrow pointed out the baby’s position. It was almost a month old and her morning sickness was beginning to set in. Macey smiled despite herself. Her day had started with such excitement. When the home pregnancy test came back positive she eagerly rushed to the hospital for confirmation. She planned to present the card and ultrasound to Julius during dinner but… Sighing she looked to the desk to see a stack of papers. It wasn’t like Julius to bring work home with him.
Her brow furrowed as she leaned forward and read the top page. It was a divorce settlement. The color drained from her face. He actually wanted a divorce. Her vision blurred and she touched the new wetness streaming down her cheeks. And here I thought I was out of tears. Macey didn’t know how long she sat there before finally coming to a decision. She flipped through the divorce papers until she came to the last page where it called for her signature. Using his favorite pen she signed with her neat scrawl. Then she grabbed a small paper pad writing a short note before setting down the pen. With a sigh she removed her wedding and engagement rings setting them on the stack of papers. Opening the drawer where Julius kept his cuba she grabbed a lighter and ashtray. Lifting up the hospital report she lit the corner on fire and watched it burn before dropping it into the tray. The paper burned quickly turning brown and crumbled to ash.
Satisfied she clutched the ultrasound picture to her chest, tossed the card and left the study. Retreating to the bedroom she moved to the walk-in closet and stared down her side filled with dresses, skirts, blouses and shoes of every kind and style, none of them hers. Going to the dresser she opened the bottom drawer removing a pair of jeans and a hoodie. Casting aside her black gown she changed immediately feeling better. Tying on her sneakers she stood leaving everything else. Retrieving her purse she returned to the kitchen. Digging through it she claimed her wallet but hesitated. Every credit card belonged to Julius. It was all his money. He’d probably cancel them all tomorrow once he learned she was gone. In the end she only took her driver’s license, fifty-three dollars in cash and her phone. Taking one last look around the condo letting two years of memories run through her mind she headed to the door. She opened it, locked it and stepped out closing it firmly behind her. There was no going back now as she had left her keys on the counter as well.
With a sigh she marched to the elevator and took it to the ground floor. If the doorman thought her sudden departure or new attire strange he said nothing as she exited the building. Reaching the street she turned and continued on her way. Every step that took her farther from her life made it all more real and surreal than before. There would be no more crying. She had lived her life trying to please a man who never wanted her but not anymore. This was her life and only hers. Her hand involuntarily drifted to her stomach: our life. She had responsibilities now to the growing life within. The idea of starting over with nothing was frightening, but her parents had done it. She would too. We’ll get through this, baby. Promise. She was several blocks away when her phone suddenly lit up and played Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Startled she took it out of her pocket to see Julius was calling. Macey chewed her lip. He was probably calling her for a sober ride…or to yell at her again. Shaking her head she tapped the dismiss button before tossing it into the trash.
There was no one she wanted to call anyway. A few more blocks brought her to a bus stop. Fifteen minutes after her arrival the last bus of the night pulled up. Determined she stepped on board, slipped a five into its collection bin before finding an empty seat. Silently she watched the city through the window as the bus disappeared into the night. Six Years Later “Julius!” Julius sighed as he looked up from his paperwork to see his self-proclaimed fiancée stride into his office. The woman didn’t know the meaning of the word knock among many others. Katherine Trent was everything one expected of an heiress: blonde, tall and well-endowed. Her parents were hotel moguls worth several million but still far short of the DaLair family. Yet with their support Katherine had never needed to work a day in her life. Instead she spent her time traveling the best social circles looking for her perfect groom. She found it in Julius. He was everything she wanted: rich, powerful and handsome. “Julius! Look I have found the perfect venue for our wedding!” Scowling he accepted the brochure seeing it was for Twin Peaks Country Club. Even for members the reception hall would cost a million to reserve at such short notice. He grunted.
“I thought you decided on Tribeca,” Julius said. He knew her family had already made the down payment for the reservation which was non-refundable. Despite being a prominent family they still had limited means and certainly couldn’t afford to throw it around even for their daughter. “That one was fine but this one will take the wedding to the next level!” Katherine squealed. “No.” “What?” “I said no,” Julius glared not likely to repeat himself. “The other hall is already reserved.” “But Julius, don’t you want…” “No.” He snapped. Katherine brought her lip forward, quivering it as she pouted. Julius glared at her, unyielding. The stand-off continued for several moments before she finally gave in. “All right, but mommy will be so disappointed.” “She’ll live.” “Well I already know how you can make it up to me,” she smiled. “I want M. Gray to be our photographer.” “Who?” “Really, Julius sometimes I think you were born under a rock,” Katherine gave him another brochure.
This one was for an art exhibit. Apparently M. Gray was a photographer and quite famous. The brochure announced the opening of the new gallery and its exclusive contract to display M. Gray’s work in America. Julius knew very little about art so he only gave it a cursory glance. “M. Gray is only the most famous photographer of this decade! Everyone praises his work as genius. Can you just imagine what our wedding will look like through his vision!” Julius gave a noncommittal grunt as his phone rang. Picking it up the receiver he answered, “Prescott, to what do I owe this call?” Katherine waited impatiently as he listened to the man on the other end of the line. Julius hoped she would take the hint and go but she remained as if determined to get the last word in. “No. I told you before we weren’t interested. Yeah, maybe next time.” The moment Julius set the receiver down Katherine began exactly where she left off, “The gallery’s grand opening is next week and will have M. Gray’s newest show on display for the first time anywhere! It will be the perfect opportunity to contact the artist, you know face-to-face. It’s supposedly really difficult to contact them. I guess he’s a bit of a recluse or something but there is no way he would deny seeing us.” Julius shrugged. An outing to an art gallery was the least offensive of her usual appeals.
Though his answer was less than enthusiastic she was satisfied. Pecking a greet on his cheek she breezed out as quickly as she entered finally leaving him to his work. Scowling Julius grabbed a handkerchief and wiped away the lingering wetness Katherine left on his skin. Her touch was nauseating. Glancing at the brochure again he realized the gallery looked familiar. Opening a drawer he removed an invitation that had arrived a few days ago for the grand opening of the same gallery. He remembered it because it was an invitation sent by his father. Augustus DaLair was not much of an art aficionado and yet he now somehow owned a gallery and wanted to display the photographs of this artist? Were they also war buddies just as he was with Macey’s father? And now Katherine wanted to go to the gallery to appeal to this photographer too? What was so special about M. Gray? Not for the first time he wondered how he got himself roped into this situation. Angrily he stood and went to his liquor cabinet pouring himself a glass of drink. He knew exactly how he got here.
Two years ago he got drunk like he did most nights since Macey’s disappearance. Katherine came up to him and aggressively started talking to him right at the bar. His mind had been elsewhere. His standards were lower. So low in fact he was beginning to wonder if something had been slipped into his drink. Luckily his brother was at the same party, pealed her off of him and took Julius home. Shortly after that Katherine started to claim he was her fiancée even going as far as buying herself an engagement ring. He hadn’t cared in the beginning but now she was planning their wedding. One moment of weakness and his life was sliding out from under him. Pouring himself another drink Julius returned to his desk. But really it started falling apart long before that. Hesitating he unlocked the bottom drawer to remove a small velvet lined box and a folder. Taking another sip of his drink he opened the folder. On top was a pack of papers: divorce papers.
Lying on top of that was a short note written in a careful scrawl. In moments he was taken back to that night six years ago. Slam! “Macey! How dare you ignore my calls!” Julius shouted as he stumbled into the apartment. “Macey! Don’t ignore me! We’re not done talking!” He made it through the entry, past the kitchen tossing his keys and phone on the counter without really seeing it or the items left on it and skirted the living room as he headed toward the bedroom. If he had been sober he might have realized it was too quiet and no one would be able to ignore his ranting. “Macey!” He burst into the bedroom only to find it empty. Undeterred he headed for the master bath intent on finding his wayward wife. Throwing open the door he stumbled all the way into the luxury shower before he realized she wasn’t there. Turning he staggered toward the door kicking over the garbage can and tripping on the trash that spewed across the floor. Sprawling on the bedroom floor he passed out completely. A splitting headache woke him the next morning. Rising from the floor he shuffled through the trash to reach the toilet and relieved himself. He yelled as he head slowly woke from its fog and a thought suddenly occurred to him. “Macey! Don’t think I’ve forgotten about last night!” he called.
Quickly washing his hands he kicked his way through the garbage again. Growling in anger he righted the trash can and began throwing the refuse away. He hated messes. “Macey, get in here the clean this up! I wasn’t put on this earth to clean up after a woman!” A small, plastic piece caught his eye. It almost looked like a toothbrush but with no bristles. Turning it over he read the digital display: pregnant. Julius’s hangover was instantly forgotten as the single word sank in. Pregnant. “Macey!” Julius rushed into the bedroom to find it empty. The sheet was unused and no sign of the redhead who shared it with him for the last two years. Suddenly panicked he darted out of the bedroom heading to the kitchen. “Macey!” She always woke early to start the coffeemaker knowing he couldn’t get his day started without his morning cup. There was no sign of her and none of the usual breakfast smells. The living room was likewise absent of life.
He continued to check every room of the condo refusing to believe she was really gone. The faint smell of burnt paper eventually led him to the study. Here at last was something she had touched. Stepping up to the desk his eyes fell on the stack of papers: the divorce papers he requested from his lawyer in a moment of impulse after hearing the rumors circulating about her. He had been enraged that she thought she could play him for a naive. But he was a naive. Resting on top was her engagement and wedding rings. It was a simple, understated set. Her engagement ring was a smooth band with five small stones: three diamonds and two emeralds. The wedding band it was made to attach to was likewise a simple band with three stones: two diamonds and a slightly bigger emerald in the center. Underneath the rings was a note. With a shaking hand he reached for it. You win. I officially want nothing from you. No. No-no-no-no. Panic sent his heart racing as he spun around and headed to the kitchen again. Her purse, wallet and keys sat on the counter. He ignored them reaching for his phone and dialing her number. Julius listened to the ring until it finally went to voicemail.
“Macey! Pick up the phone! Please!” Hanging up, he dialed again only to receive the same results. He tried again. Julius was ready to try a fourth time before a thought occurred to him. Checking to see the time was past eight he searched his contacts for a new name and hit send. It rang twice before a chipper voice answered. “You’ve reached the Lord of the Underworld…” “Chris Stop talking!” Julius snapped. He was not in the mood for the usual antics of the director of his company’s IT department. “Okay geez. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” “Just shut it. I need you to find Macey’s phone and tell me where she is.” “…You realize that is dangerous, right?” “I don’t care! She’s not answering and I need to find her. Can you do it?” “…What’s the number?” “xxxxxxxx.” Julius ran a hand through his hair. “Just so you know I’m doing this because she might be in the gutter somewhere because that will hold up in court.” Julius let out an audible yell. She couldn’t be injured. Dear God, let her be okay. Out loud he demanded, “Well?” “Hold on. This takes a little time even if you do it normaly. Do you know if her phone is on?” “It rang before going to voicemail,” Julius headed to the bedroom to change switching his phone to speaker. “Good. If it was off it would go directly to voicemail.”
Julius pulled on a pair of jeans and a clean polo before returning to the entry for a jacket and shoes all the while watching his phone and waiting for Chris’s verdict. Just as he reached for his keys he got his answer. “Got her.” “Where?” “She’s about six blocks from you. Just down the street.” Julius rushed out the door and down to the underground parking. Leaping into his favorite car; a blue Shelby GT, he raced out onto the street following Chris’s directions. He suddenly screeched to a stop at a quiet intersection. Climbing out phone in hand Julius searched for any flash of red hair. “Where is she, Chris?” “She should be right there. You’re practically on top of her.” “Chris there is nothing here…” Julius cut himself off as his eyes fell on the garbage can on the corner. “Chris, call her phone.” The spirited sound of Beethoven began to play. Blood drained from his face as his fears crept in. Clenching his jaw he approached the can shoving off the cover. Reaching inside he rifled through the trash before straightening with her phone in hand. Julius began to shake: trembling with rage and fear. It couldn’t end like this. Please. “Boss?” Chris asked over the phone.
“She threw it in the trash.” “God. Okay. So what now?” “We have a route. She obviously came this way. There have to be cameras.” “Yeah, but…” “I don’t care how you get it done. Find her!” Setting aside the papers he picked up the stack of five photos underneath. Their resolutions were poor. Only one was in color. They were retrieved from various sources: a neighbor’s Ring, an ATM, surveillance and security cameras. One thing they all shared was the subject: a woman dressed in jeans and a hoodie as she walked down the street hugging herself. Only one gave him a proper view of her face as she walked under a street light. Despite the poor resolution it was clear she was upset and had been crying. Her normally sparkling eyes were clouded with sorrow and fear. Macey had always been a vibrant woman but in the image she was pale and listless. She looked broken, abandoned. He had done that. It was his fault. Numbly he flipped through the photos as guilt gnawed on him. They tracked her to a bus stop and then she simply disappeared without a trace.
He spent the last six years trying to find her but always he came up empty. Finally he came to the end of the folder and last two items. He had combed the hospitals to find the one she visited. He now had a copy of her tests confirming her pregnancy as well as a picture of the ultrasound estimating the baby’s development. Julius stared at them for a long, quiet moment. He had people stake out several hospitals hoping to catch her. Babies required careful monitoring even before they were born but she never appeared and no one recalled a woman matching her description. He refused to believe she was gone. She had to be out there…somewhere. His shoulders shook with pent up emotion. Slowly he opened the small box to reveal both of their wedding rings. Next to hers was his own: a silver colored band inlaid with a green strip through the center. He had worn his for four years after her disappearance refusing to give up hope. Julius fingered the tiny diamonds and emeralds, belatedly recalling they were in fact their birthstones. With a sigh he once again found himself silently rehearsing his planned speech for when he found her again. Would he ever be able to say it? Would she even listen? Macey, where did you go? Come home…please. “Julius, you look like misery.” With a sigh he turned to face an older version of himself. March was ten years his senior and growing up the brothers had been quite close.
Their connection remained to this day. Standing next to each other it was not difficult to see the family resemblance: sandy blonde hair, gray eyes, prominent nose, chin and jaw. They could almost be twins. Julius gave his brother a warning look before sipping his drink. All around them were people dressed in fine suits and summer dresses despite the lingering chill of spring. The air had a party feel with balloons and even a DJ as they crowded the wide, stone patio surrounding the pool of the DaLair family estate. A large sign declared: Happy Birthday, Augustus! Augustus DaLair was the reigning patriarch of their family empire. At sixty-five he was as domineering as ever and despite losing his much loved wife to cancer thirty years prior he soldiered on with a sharp mind and cutting wit. He was known to be ruthless to his enemies but exceptionally generous to his friends. Everyone strived to be on his good side hence the dedicated attendance for the day’s festivities. “Dad! Uncle Jules!” The brothers turned smiling as a much younger version of themselves approached. Jude DaLair was nineteen. The only son of March and his loving wife Rose he was something of a miracle.
March and Rose had struggled to conceive and the pregnancy had been fraught with difficulties throughout. Jude was born four weeks premature and struggled to survive even with the latest technology and techniques. Yet all that was hard to imagine now. His height rivaled his father and he was an open, charismatic young man with a bright future. There had been no doubt in his mind about following his father’s footsteps as the only heir to the DaLair business empire and was currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire. “Jude!” March exclaimed wrapping his son in a bear hug. Like their father, March always wanted a large family. Given the difficulty of Jude’s birth he was resigned to one progeny but March would never give up the happy years with his son and wife. “Dad!” Jude chuckled hugging him back. There was no embarrassment from his father’s affections. Like his father and uncle Jude had been raised to cherish close filial ties. “Hey nephew,” Julius ruffed his hair. “Uncle Jules!” Jude mockingly whined about his hair being messed up.
“How’s school?” “It’s all right,” Jude shrugged. “Honestly the stuff they’re covering is pretty basic. I learned more on bring-your-son-to-work day.” “Well it’s only your first year,” March chuckled. “And not everyone has your advantages.” “True,” Jude agreed. He knew he was exceptionally lucky. “What’s the matter Uncle? You look like you haven’t slept in days.” “Just a little stressed at work,” Julius made an excuse. “There’s your mom,” March said changing the subject, “make sure you say hi before you disappear.” “Sure. Sure.” Jude laughed but obediently went search of his mother. “It’s about Macey, isn’t it?” March said quietly when they were alone again. The anniversary of her disappearance was around the corner. Every year Julius’s mood got worse and his drinking increased to dull the depression and guilt but it never worked. The collapse of Julius’s marriage made news six years ago yet was all but forgotten now. Still not even March knew the whole truth: that she had been pregnant at the time. It was a secret Julius simply couldn’t bear to tell. Julius scowled.
“Brother, I know how you feel but…” “You have no idea how I feel,” Julius snapped. March had been there that night though he hadn’t seen their argument, only the aftermath. He pulled his brother away from the bar and the social harpies congregating around him to demand what he was doing and where Macey had gone only to receive a disgusted answer, she’s probably talking with some other guy. It took everything in March not to hit his brother right then and there but settled for calling him an innocent. Shoving Julius toward the door March told him to head home, get his mind right and talk to his wife. He had hopes for his brother’s marriage, until it all came crumbling apart. “Okay, you’re right. I don’t. But you might have to face facts. You might not ever see her again.” “Don’t you think I know that? Do you think it makes it easier?” “No. I don’t imagine it does. Is that why you put up with Katherine?” “She keeps the others away.” “And what about the wedding she’s planning?” Julius grunted not offering a genuine answer. He had no plans to marry her.
In fact he had no plans to attend the function at all. Surely that would send her a clear message. March studied his brother. It was hard to believe it had come to this. Like Julius he grew up with Macey and considered her his little sister. He couldn’t remember exactly when he realized Macey developed a crush on Julius but he watched as she struggled to keep her feelings to herself while Julius remained oblivious. Like any teenager Julius dated several girls and the hurt in Macey’s gaze as he ignored her was palpable to those who realized the truth. When Augustus proposed their marriage March supported the idea hoping time together would help Julius finally realize the truth about Macey’s true feelings but it had all come crashing down. Only now in her absence did Julius realize how much she meant to him but it was too late. If March could turn back time he knew he would have done more to help his brother. Instead of waiting for Julius to figure out the truth he should have just told him. “There you are dad!” Katherine squealed as the DaLair patriarch finally made his appearance.
“Happy Birthday!” Augustus scowled at the woman he only ever referred to as the Harpy. How his son endured someone so blatantly shallow and deceptive was beyond him. Out loud he declared, “And exactly what’s so happy about it? Last thing I want to look at is you!” “Now dad,” Rose said coming up to him to play peacemaker: a role she was all too familiar with. “This is a happy day.” She was a small woman. Short and almost rail thin. Her lack of weight had always been a health concern but it didn’t matter what she ate she hardly gained a pound. Despite that she was a successful real-estate agent much sought after for the attention she devoted to her clients as well as the reputation of her father-in-law. “Yes, my dear,” Augustus smiled at his daughter-in-law hugging her tight. “You are right. Forgive this cranky old man.” “Of course,” Rose tenderly smiled. “Happy Birthday, granddad,” Jude said joining them to try and ease the tension.
“Jude! My boy!” Augustus welcomed his grandson with a hearty hug completely forgetting the woman who constantly irritated him. Katherine’s forced smile faded. For two years she tried to earn the DaLair patriarch’s favor and never once received so much as a grin from him. He was ruthless in his rejection and without Julius to contradict him or support her no one else dared stand against Augustus. Augustus was a man of intense loyalty and filial love. He cherished his family and was ready to defend them to the death. It was well-known he always wanted a large family and had he not lost his wife so early he might have had ten kids and still not been satisfied. After his loss he devoted his time to his sons and later his grandson. Rose easily earned her father-in-law’s favor and it was known he treated her as a cherished daughter. This was not something Katherine successfully achieved. Her jealousy toward Rose often made her snap at the latter. Had she realized her tantrums were well known to the patriarch she might have curtailed her childish behavior though it wouldn’t have secured her place within the DaLair family. Augustus had no interest in her at all.
The gathered crowd murmured quietly amongst itself. A few shot Katherine sympathetic looks but most averted their eyes. None dared defend her for fear of incurring his wrath themselves. Augustus was not a man to be trifled with. He could singlehandedly make or break someone’s career and it would serve no one to befriend someone who clearly did not have his favor. As the crowd milled around clearly uncomfortable a tall gentleman in a simple black suit sidled up to the DaLair patriarch. His dark hair and eyes as well as his impressive six foot five height made him instantly recognizable: Stephen Hugo, Augustus’s personal aid as well as secretary, valet, chauffeur and, some said, body guard. Though the last title was told as a joke the truth of the matter was Stephen was also a veteran and highly trained or else he wouldn’t have caught Augustus’s eye. It was not a stretch to say no man was closer to the patriarch than Stephen save his sons. Bending close to his employer’s ear Stephen whispered low. Augustus’s expression immediately softened and he eagerly turned to his aide saying, “Are they really?” Stephen nodded.
Pecking a greet on Rose’s temple Augustus excused himself claiming he had an urgent business matter to attend to before retreating inside with Stephen close at his heels. Rose let him go with a conflicted look on her face. It wasn’t like Augustus to interrupt such a gathering for business but in the interest of reducing the guests’ tension she let him go. Augustus hurried down the hall his cane rasping harshly in his haste. Reaching his study he disappeared inside. Stephen closed the doors and remained outside guarding it from entry. Reaching the desk Augustus sat down and turned his attention to the open laptop. The sight that waited him took his breath away and made him smile broadly. “Happy Birthday, Grandpa Gus!” two excited five-year-olds declared as soon as they saw him through the Skype connection. “Hello, you rascals!” he chuckled. The boy and girl on the screen giggled. The boy had a rather serious expression despite his bright green eyes. His blonde hair had a reddish tint to it. While his features were nearly identical to his father his sister had softer features inherited from their mother. The girl possessed her mother’s vibrant red hair and bountiful curls but her gray eyes definitely belonged to her father. “Are you having a good birthday?” the girl asked.
“Of course. And it’s even better now,” Augustus smiled. “I’ve been missing you both so much!” “We miss you too!” the pair declared. They hadn’t been together since their grandpa flew to Paris for their birthday. Though they Skyped at least once a month it wasn’t the same as seeing each other in person. All calls had to be carefully planned as Paris was six hours ahead so while his party started at one o’clock, in Paris it was already evening and nearly the twins’ bedtime. Being so far from his grandchildren was a constant irritation to Augustus who was so devoted to his family. “Where’s your mom?” Augustus asked. “Mommy had to work,” the boy said. “There’s a lot to get done before her big show.” “Ah, that is right. It’s only a week away,” Augustus nodded. “We have a special present for you, grandpa,” the girl said. “Oh do you?” She stepped back from the screen as her brother carefully set up his keyboard. Placing his hands on the keys he played Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Augustus sat back as the all too familiar chords echoed around him. His smile broadened as the boy’s fingers nimbly moved along the keyboard with practiced ease. The melody unexpectedly changed to a far simpler one with an upbeat tempo and soon the girl’s voice chimed in, “Joyeux anniversaire! Joyeux anniversaire! Joyeux anniversaire grand-père Gus! Joyeux anniversaire à toi.”
Augustus chuckled at the adorable pair. The only thing that could have made it better was if they were able to perform the number in person. How he would have loved to see his grandchildren sing and play their song in front of the stunned crowd. “Joyeux anniversaire, Grand-pére!” the pair said together. “Thank you, my little birds,” Augustus smiled. “Mommy says we’ll be visiting you soon.” “That’s right. I’ll be seeing you real soon,” Augustus promised. “You be good for your mother now. I don’t want to hear about any shenanigans.” “Okay grandpa. We’ll be good! You be good too! Love you!” All too soon the call ended and he slowly closed the laptop.
Augustus leaned back savoring the memory of his grandson’s expert piano playing and his granddaughter’s clear, sweet voice. It took him five years but he finally convinced his wayward daughter-in-law to return home. He could only guess at the fireworks that would begin once they set foot in the States. He already knew his sons would never forgive him once the truth was known but Augustus was prepared for that. It was time Julius earned his comeuppance and if he had any sense at all…he would take advantage of this opportunity. Things were about to get very interesting.