The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 69

“Almost done mom. Don’t move.” Alexis instructed as she carefully braided her mother’s hair in the half-up style she preferred. The braids added a bit of texture and style so it was less plain. “There, what do you think?”

Ava turned looking at her reflection. Alexis had done a braid on either side combining them into one behind her head. Despite the fact it had all been done by feel the braids were remarkably uniform and even.

“Lexi, that’s amazing. I have no idea how you learned to do that.”

Alexis shrugged. She like using her hands and fiddling with her friends’ hair was a natural diversion. It really wasn’t worthy of praise.

“Okay.” Ava stood and faced the bed where Sean and Theo played on their phones. “Boys, how do I look?”

“Wow! Mom you look hot!” Theo whistled.

“You look really pretty,” Sean seconded as their mother blushed.

“You think so?”

A knock interrupted further discussion. The door swung open as Silas entered. He had carried on his own preparations in their room while Ava used Alexis’s bath and bedroom. The kids insisted he should be surprised when he first saw her in her dress. Stepping into the room Silas froze as his gaze fell on her. His eyes went wide and his mouth dropped.

Ava stood in a sparkling silver gown that hugged her slim, curvy form. She wore matching shoes that peeked out from under the dress’s hem. It had a sweet-heart neckline and thin shoulder straps.

The triplets had debated between the five gowns before picking the one she should wear. Theo originally voiced support for a red dress but Sean was quick to point out a lot of people would choose red since it was a holiday color. A gold dress was shot down for the same reason. It had ultimately been Alexis who suggest the silver one. While a lot of people would choose white for the same reason as many would choose red, silver was more unique and their mother would stand out among the crowd.

As Silas stood staring without saying a word Ava grew nervous. She rubbed her hands and anxiously asked, “Is this okay?”

Silas blinked coming back to himself. Crossing the room he reached her taking her hands in his and said, “You look absolutely amazing.”

She blushed as he kissed her hands. Tracy and the kids often told her she was pretty but it felt different when he said it. Perhaps it was the passionate gleam of his eyes that made it so.

“I have something for you.”

Silas took a hinged case from his pocket. Opening it he revealed a rose gold necklace. The pendant featured two hearts mimicking the infinity symbol and at the point of each heart was a sparkling diamond. Though simple in design it was stunning and Ava’s heart skipped a beat. Was it really for her? Was it okay to wear it?

“Let me put it on you.” Silas smiled pleased by her reaction.

Ava remained speechless as he stepped behind her and clasped the necklace. His arms slid around her waist as she looked at their reflection.

“I knew it would look beautiful on you.”

“Thank you…You didn’t have to get me this.”

“It’s just a small token of what you mean to me, Ava. Don’t say no to that.”

“All right.”

“Good.” Silas kissed her temple holding her against him. He wanted nothing more than to shower her with such gifts but knew it would be too overwhelming for her.

“If you’re going to play kissy-face here you’re going to miss the party,” Theo commented reminding the adults they had an audience.

“Theo!” Ava exclaimed blushing.

Silas chuckled, “He’s not wrong. Shall we?”

“…Okay.”

Ava hesitated but allowed him to lead her to the front door. The kids trailed behind as far as the stairs and watched as Duncan helped their mother put on another of her new coats, this one a beige, trench coat style that would keep her warm even in her gown.

Silas pulled on his own coat looking at the kids, “If you three need anything don’t hesitated to call on Duncan. All right?”

“Yep.”

“No problem.”

“Sure.”

Ava walked up to them giving each a nervous kiss. This was the first time she ever left them at home while she went out. A few weeks ago she would never have even considered it, “Don’t stay up too late and don’t cause trouble.”

“Of course, mom.”

“Promise.”

“Got it.”

Ava stepped back still nervous even as Silas’s arm came around her and he led her into the chilly night.

“Have fun!”

“Don’t worry about us.”

“We’ll be fine!”

Outside Thomas waited beside the small limo only a little larger than a sedan. He opened the door and held it as Silas helped Ava safely inside. Then both men circled to the other side to climb in themselves. As Thomas pulled away from the curb Ava tried to relax. She told herself tonight was nothing special but she couldn’t make herself believe it. What if she didn’t perform to Silas’s expectations? Would he abandon her?

Seeing her nervousness Silas reached for her clasping her hand in his. With a smile he kissed her knuckle beside her engagement ring before saying, “You have nothing to worry about. I’ll be with you the entire time and the moment you feel uncomfortable we’ll go.”

“Won’t if reflect poorly if we leave early?”

“Not at all. We don’t have to cater to anyone Ava but rest assured they will cater to us just to keep us here because the longer we stay the more prestigious their party becomes.”

“Really?”

“Yes but my first priority is you. Now and forever.”

Ava blushed and nodded not trusting her voice. It felt good to be someone’s priority, like she was truly special. Perhaps in Silas’s eyes she was someone special. Why else would he care so much or do such nice things for her?

In the past, her days never seemed to end and her worries followed her home. Ava’s biggest fear was Silas finding her that was why she went to such great lengths to remain hidden as she struggled to care for her children.

Yet since Silas found them he acted the exact opposite of what she assumed. He doted on her and the kids, taking them shopping, sheltering them in his home. Ava knew the kids were on the fence about him but they accepted every gift. Caring for the children would have been enough but he catered to her as well. He insisted she rest, eat and relax. He bought her clothes and his lovemaking was tender and seemingly insatiable.