The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 64

“So tell me how the heck you knew about the raid?” Thomas asked as they made their way down the stairs to the street where a limo waited. Duncan acting as chauffeur stood beside it ready to usher them inside.

“Custody battles aren’t my usual fare,” Tracy replied with a shrug. “I specialize in criminal cases so I have a lot of friends in the criminal justice system. I asked them to keep an ear out for any calls in or around Ava’s apartment building. They gave me a heads up…but really it was Lexi’s idea.”

Tracy dropped her voice so the content family behind them didn’t hear.

“Lexi?” Thomas glanced at the girl. “Really?”

“She’s bright and a schemer. We knew Emerson would try to prove Ava was an unfit mother which was why I made sure to have the kids’ medical files and school files on hand. Lexi is the one who brought up the possibility of her mother being framed. So that’s why I called in a few extra favors to have Emily analyze their hair. It was just a precaution but she thought it was great fun.”

Thomas chuckled shaking his head. He didn’t know if he was more impressed by Alexis or Tracy for anticipating and preparing for such things. It was clear both were clever and astute and he wasn’t certain who learned from whom.

“Amazing.”

“You got that right. ‘Bout time you noticed.” Tracy gave him a wink.

Thomas felt his face warm realizing he spoke aloud. His startled reaction caused her to snicker but she didn’t feel like letting him off the hook easily.

“You just make sure you’re security boys are up to snuff. Emerson isn’t going to give up and if anything happens to Ava or the kids I’ll come after you first.”

Thomas blinked, “You sound…very serious.”

“Oh, I am. And don’t forget it.” Tracy turned walking down the sidewalk with a wave. “I have a meeting to get to. Ava, kids call you later.”

“Bye Auntie Tracy!” the trio called after her even as they turned their attention to Thomas.

“You don’t have feelings for our aunt, do you?” Alexis asked.

“What? No. Of…course not.”

“Too bad. Because she’s awesome.” Alexis shrugged as her brothers escorted her to the waiting car.

“Home Jeeves,” Theo said as they climbed inside.

“Of course,” Duncan nodded controlling a smile. The children’s casual demeanor was growing on him.

Thomas looked after Tracy’s retreating form a moment longer before following the kids inside. Sensing someone watching her Ava looked over her shoulder to see her father glaring down at her. She shivered.

“Ava?” Silas felt her shudder then followed her gaze. Spying Emerson he scowled. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close kissing her temple. “Don’t mind him, Ava. I’m right here.”

She relaxed leaning into him. Ava was still unsure if she should allow herself to rely on him but she also couldn’t face her father alone. Surely it would be okay this time.

“Let’s go.” Silas gently directed her into the waiting car and gave Emerson one final glare before following.

The kid chatted easily as the limo pulled away from the curve. Sean dug into the mini-fridge for water while Theo played with the automatic windows and Alexis prodded Thomas hoping to get him to admit his attraction to Tracy. Normally Ava would have admonished them for being so boisterous but now she remained quiet twisting the ring on her finger as she tried to convince herself it was going to be okay.

Reaching the brownstone the kids burst out of the car immediately heading for the nearest snow pile. With ungloved hands they packed snowballs and unleashed them on the adults. The action finally brought Ava out of her stupor.

“Kids!” Her exclamation came even as Silas shielded her from the unexpected onslaught.

“Why you!” Thomas found his own snow pile and launched a counter attack while Silas herded Ava to the door.

Somehow Duncan made it there before them and held the door as they escaped within. Once Ava was safe inside Silas shook off his coat calling, “All right, inside before you get frostbite.”

“Oh come on!” Theo yelled back unimpressed. “It’s not even that cold!”

“Duncan’s made a special dinner to celebrate and you won’t get any covered in snow!”

“Oops! Come on!” Theo and Sean immediately took their sister’s hands and led her inside. Shaking off snow the trio hurriedly shed their coats practically flinging them at the waiting butler.

“Kids!” Ava gasped as their rude behavior but Duncan merely chuckled.

“They are excited to be home,” Silas said helping her out of her jacket pleased to see it was the red one he bought her. “Duncan, did you move everything as I asked?”

“Yes sir. It is all arranged as you instructed.”

“Good.”

“What is arranged?” Ava asked not sure if she would like the answer. After today she had enough surprises.

“You’ll like it, promise,” Silas assured her pulling her into his arms.

She stiffened in his embrace and was slow to relax. Though she said nothing Silas felt her reluctance and uncertainty. Did she still think he would eventually chase her away? Was his intentions not clear?

“I was going to save it for later but let me show you now,” Silas said after a moment.

“But the kids…”

“Thomas and Duncan can mind them for now. Come on.”