The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 74

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly,” Theo chanted as they wrapped garland along the base of the stair rail. Duncan suggested decorating the rail itself but the brothers vetoed the idea. For Alexis’s safety it was best to leave the rail uncovered and clean.

In addition to garlands there were also various centerpieces made from spruce boughs, ribbons, pine cones, holly and mistletoe. Some decorations were meant to be added to the existing décor while others were seasonal replacements. Duncan discussed how each was used by their grandmother but left the decision of when and how to use them up to Ava and the kids.

In addition to the decorations the butler provided they had a multitude of their own, school craft projects made from popsicle sticks, glitter and paper retrieved from their apartment after their father sent his men to clean it out and cancel the lease. The kids thought their homemade decorations looked rather shabby compared to the others but their mother happily added them without a care and in the end it actually looked rather homey. While they decorated a delivery arrived with a large tree.

They watched the delivery man set up the tree and cut the boughs loose with Duncan’s assistance. Once it was up Duncan revealed several boxes containing strings of lights, tinsel and ornaments. Many of the ornaments looked old and Duncan regaled them with stories about each. Though the kids thought the butler was rather stuffy when they first arrived he was actually quite engaging and could be funny.

Yet even more important to the triplets than his personable nature was the fact he always treated their mother with respect. He answered any question and always deferred to her opinion. Whether mandated by their father or not Duncan treated their mother as the lady of the house which earned him the triplets’ respect.

What was more they saw a definitely change in their mother just as their father said. She was sleeping well and eating proper meals. As a result she was no longer pale and she had put on weight giving her a much healthier figure. Their mother was relaxed, no longer huddling in the shadows afraid to be tossed aside. She had confidence and always seemed to be smiling. Though the triplets were still on the fence when it came to their father there was no denying his care and love for their mother.

Even now their mother sat on the couch unwrapping ornaments for them to put on the tree. She was laughing and engaged. The clothes she wore were not oversized or old and her mane of brunette hair had taken on a healthy sheen. Though the triplets were far from giving up on their revenge they had to admit their father was right. Their mother’s health came first.

“Ah yes, I had nearly forgot Master Silas called to inform you he has made reservations at Le Bernardin,” Duncan announced handing Ava a glass of water. “Its dress code is considered business casual so you any of your new outfits would be acceptable.”

“What time?” Alexis asked.

“Eight.”

“That gives us plenty of time to help you get ready, mom.”

“Right,” Ava blushed. Though the kids were treating this casually she couldn’t help but be apprehensive after all this would be her first date with anyone let alone Silas.

Before she could say more her phone rang. She jerked to attention still not used to having one. On the display she saw Tracy’s name pop-up which relieved her. Still hesitating she answered with an unpracticed swipe before putting it to her ear, “Hello?”

“Oh good, you picked up,” Tracy said. “Though I was kind of hoping you wouldn’t.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You’re mother is here wanting me to help her see you,” Tracy said a little too casually.

Ava bit her lip. While she wondered why her mother would want to see her she belatedly remembered telling her mother to go through Tracy at the party. She never thought her mother would actually do it.

“Is it…is it just her?”

“Looks like she came alone. You want me to tell her to stuff it?”

“No. I’ll see her…but not here.”

“Absolutely. Where should we go? Somewhere public that won’t draw too much attention would be good.”

“The diner,” Ava said after some thought.

“The diner? Really?”

“Yes.”

Though it seemed an odd choice it was a public place but out of the way and they shouldn’t draw attention. What was more it was after the lunch rush so it should be quiet. On top of that it was a place Ava was familiar with and would be comfortable in. She also wanted a chance to talk to Gretchen face-to-face. There was a lot the older woman deserved to know.

Ava wanted to bring the kids but thought better of it. Though they would certainly enjoy spending time with Gretchen she didn’t want them seeing her mother and she definitely didn’t want them to see her breakdown. In many ways facing her mother would be more difficult than her sister.

“Okay the diner. Say forty minutes?”

“Right.” Ava hung up wondering if she was making the right choice. What would Silas say?

“Everything all right, mom?” Alexis asked.

“Yeah. I—ah—I’m going to meet Tracy for a coffee.”

“Can we come?”

“Not this time.”

Alexis cocked her head to the side her sightless eyes boring into her mother. Sean and Theo sensed their mother’s sudden change a step behind their sister.

“Mom?”

Ava sighed, “My mother wants to talk. I don’t think it will be a good idea for you three to see her right now.”

Alexis nodded, “I don’t think she deserves our attention. But are you going to be okay?”

“I’ll be fine. Tracy will be there and we’re meeting at the diner so Gretchen will be there too.”

“Good idea,” Alexis seconded. Gretchen wouldn’t let things get out of hand.

“And you’ll have an escort as well,” Duncan reminded.

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Ava said. “I can just take a cab. It should be all right.”

“Master Silas would not allow that ma’am,” Duncan shook his head. “Your health and safety are the most important things to him.”

Ava felt her face warm with the thought. That’s right. Silas never tried to stop her from going places or seeing people. He only wanted her to take someone so she wasn’t alone. If he were here he would insist on going himself. Taking an escort wouldn’t bring her the same support and comfort but it was a reminder Silas was always looking after her.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Alexis agreed. “Mister Peppermint is intimidating. He should be good.”

“Mister Peppermint?”

“Mike, is his actual name,” Alexis said. She still preferred her nicknames but she didn’t think anyone else appreciated them.

“I agree.” Duncan nodded. “I’ll inform him at once.”

He left before Ava could protest. She sighed. It was just as well she supposed but her mind churned with what her mother wanted to discuss.

* * *

Mike glanced in the rearview mirror to study Ava as she looked at the passing scenery. She seemed like a completely different woman than the one he first had been assigned to watch. Back then she had been overworked, thin and pale. It seemed the weight of all the world’s troubles were on her shoulders. Now she was rested, with a healthy glow to her cheeks and more weight on her bones. She was relaxed and her smile was no longer forced. It was hard to believe these changes were all because of Silas Prescott.

His first impression of Silas Prescott was of a man hard to please and a boss who settled for nothing less than perfection. Rumors abounded about Prescott’s ruthlessness and Mike had plenty of opportunities to see it in action. However Silas was not an unreasonable man and never punished someone who didn’t deserve it. Those facts alone made him respectable and Mike had no qualms about working for him.

When Silas first handed down instructions to watch over and guard Ava and the kids Mike wondered why such interest was paid to people far below Silas’s usual notice. It wasn’t until Jake found out the kids were actually his children that it started to make sense. But Mike still worried how Ava would function around the overbearing Silas. She was a willowy wisp of a woman and Mike thought she would collapse under the weight of Silas’s influence.

However, much to his surprise, she blossomed under Silas’s care. It was hard to believe the ruthless businessman could be so nurturing but it seemed Ava brought out that side of him. It had been slow in the beginning but now she was gaining confidence to match her natural beauty.

“We’re here, ma’am,” Mike announced as he parked the sedan in front of the diner.

Ava stirred looking at the little restaurant. Her expression seemed pensive but also relaxed. It was like she was returning home after years of being absent but there was no putting off this meeting. She spied Tracy’s car so she knew they were already inside.

Mike stepped out opening her door. With a faint smile she followed his direction to walk a step in front of him while he monitored their surroundings. He opened the diner door for her and followed her inside.

Ava paused breathing the smell of lemon-scented disinfectant, oil and coffee that was ever present inside. It might not be a welcome smell to everyone but it was relaxing and familiar to her.

“Lynn?” Gretchen looked up at the sound of the door. “Honey is that really you?”

“Yes.” Ava smiled as the older woman came around the counter and enveloped her in a hug.

Mike made no attempt to interfere knowing the older woman was a friend and meant no harm.