The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 34

Paul sat quietly nursing his drink. The reception was held on the patio with circular tables arranged along the perimeter. Off to one side was a piano with the center left open for the dance floor. The largest table held not just the bride and groom but the entire DaLair family from its reigning patriarch to the twins. As close friends he, Victoria, Franklin and Dillon (when she wasn’t taking photos) were seated at a neighboring table which would have normally been for Macey’s family.

From there he had an excellent view of the happy couple. Macey had not stopped smiling leaning in whenever Julius moved to kiss her, which he did often whether or not the crowd tapped their glasses. They followed traditional French meals beginning with an aperitif (an alcoholic drink which Macey substituted with sparkling juice she shared with the twins), hors d’oeuvres; a main course with a choice of vegetarian, seafood and chicken alongside a plate of salad and followed by a selection of cheeses. They were now enjoying dessert which had several options all included honey as the main ingredient to satisfy the bride’s sweet tooth rather than a typical wedding cake.

After he finished his dessert Caden left the table to sit at the piano much to the surprise of the majority of the guests. He started with Beethoven’s Für Elise and the attendee’s were instantly captivated to hear such playing from one so young.

Franklin did not miss the opportunity to record the performance on his phone. He still hoped to convince Julius and Macey to enroll the kids at Anderson assuming they returned to the States permanently next year. He also wanted proof as some of his colleagues still didn’t believe him about the boy’s ability.

Paul’s attention remained on Macey. No one had been more surprised than him when Julius followed through with his promise to move to Paris to be with her and the twins. There had been laughable moments as he adjusted to the unfamiliar culture but the twins helped him as much as they could even introducing him to Elias.

Surprisingly Elias, who generally didn’t like people, took to Julius immediately earning him even more points as far as the twins were concern since they were fond the street performer. In seemingly no time Julius was able to make business contacts and lay the foundations of his family’s business. Its influence was already growing.

But, worse for Paul, was news of Macey’s pregnancy. Ever since it was confirmed she practically glowed. Dillon was given more responsibilities in the dark room as Macey wanted to limit her exposure to chemicals though she still took the lead behind the camera fulfilling her promise to photograph Victoria’s new line as well as continuing her own projects. She wanted to get as much done as she could before the final trimester so she could focus on the baby.

When he saw her walk down the aisle Paul’s breath had been taken away. Even now he was lost in admiring her as she leaned into Julius’s embrace listening to Caden play. As he finished Caden looked to the table with his family gathered around. At first it looked as if he was seeking his sister but his gaze settled on his mother.

Smiling Macey stood, kissing Julius’s cheek before making her way to the piano. Aria immediately took her mother’s place and climbed into her father’s lap. Many curious gazes followed Macey as she sat beside Caden. Their curiosity was soon satiated as the pair played a tune familiar to everyone even if they didn’t know the name: Hoagy Carmichael’s Heart and Soul much to the delight of the audience.

“I didn’t know Aunt Macey could play,” Jude looked to his family in surprise.

“Oh yeah,” March nodded. “We used to go to her recitals when we were kids. I think she even won a few competitions, didn’t she?”

He looked to his brother for confirmation. Julius nodded remembering Macey being so nervous she almost threw up before one in particular, perhaps a city championship? If he remembered correctly she lost to a younger girl. He couldn’t remember her name but he recalled they claimed she was some sort of prodigy.

What he did remember was how devastated Macey had been. In order to console her Julius had gone to the refreshment area and brought her back a honey bun drizzled in extra honey. Macey’s tears had dried almost instantly at his gift and he was rewarded with a genuine smile.

“But she stopped all of a sudden,” March added.

“She stopped playing after he father passed,” Augustus informed. His sons looked at him in surprise as neither of them had made the connection. “He’s the one who taught her to play. I remember…they had his grandmother’s old upright and there was one key that was always out of tune no matter how often they had it adjusted. But he and Macey would sit together and play…just like this.”

Augustus looked over at Macey and Caden with a smile. No doubt memories were running through her head as she played her fingers moving over the keys with practiced ease. No one would be able to tell it had been decades since she last played seriously. As the duet finished the pair paused before shifting into Chopsticks making more than a few chuckle as they ended with a flourish. Laughing Macey hugged Caden whose expression was ecstatic and without his usual reserve.

Aria pulled her dad’s ear close whispering, “It’s time for your dance, daddy.”

Julius smiled standing and carrying her to the piano. Setting Aria down he offered his hand to Macey who blushed. Taking his hand she allowed herself to be led to the center of the patio. Caden situated himself on the bench and once his parents faced each other began to play.

To those who had been present for their wedding the melody was recognizable as it had been the song Macey and Julius first danced to in the past. For those who hadn’t been there it was still recognizable as it was the theme of Macey’s favorite movie: Storybook Love from Princess Bride. Aria’s sweet clear voice joined her brother’s playing as she sang in French to the crowd’s surprise.

Viens, je vais te raconter une histoire.

D’un gars et d’une fille et de leur amour.

Et il l’aimait tellement.

Et tous les charmes qu’elle avait.

Ça s’est produit une fois.

Quand ce n’était pas si compliqué.

Il adorait le sol qu’elle marchait.

Et quand il l’a vue, il était obsédé.

Mon amour est comme un conte de fées.

Mais c’est aussi vrai que mon cœur.

Mon amour est comme un conte de fées.

Mais c’est aussi vrai que mon cœur.

C’est aussi vrai que mon coeur