The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 8

Macey set the kettle on the stove to boil. The villa was filled with Bach’s Minuet in G. She glanced into the living room to see Aria quietly coloring while her brother played. This was a common activity for both. The scene was so relaxing she was able to forget the tension of the night before.

Macey knew returning was not going to be easy and she still wasn’t certain how she was going to face Julius. She didn’t know if she should count herself lucky she didn’t see him at the party or not. On one hand it gave her more time but on the other sometimes it was better to get unpleasant tasks over with and be done.

Not surprisingly Augustus monopolized their time as soon as he saw them. His evident delight spending time with his grandchildren warmed her heart and eased her worries. Even if Julius didn’t want anything to do with them at least Aria and Caden would know the love of their grandfather.

The kettle whistled and Macey removed it from the heat. She poured water into a mug and steeped her tea before adding a dollop of honey. Despite years of living in France she still preferred tea. Macey recalled Julius could never begin his day without a cup of coffee. Coffee was also the drink of choice at every French café. A few people she met since starting school scoffed when she ordered tea instead. It was her best friend Vicki who encouraged her saying: Drink what you want, eat what you want. It isn’t anyone’s business but yours.

Macey smiled. She could really use Vicki’s confidence right now. Vicki was forever unapologetic. A fierce woman, she was not just her best friend but godmother and aunt to her children. Vicki was one of two people Macey met shortly after moving to Paris and enrolled at the Paris College of Art. But while Paul offered a shoulder to cry on, Vicki taught her how to stand on her own. If she hadn’t met Vicki when she did Macey wasn’t sure she would have been able to turn her life around.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Macey set down her tea and walked to the front door. Opening it she found herself enveloped in a bear hug. Macey stiffened then relaxed as the scent of roses enveloped her.

“Hi Rose.”

“Six years and all you can say is hi Rose?” the older woman stepped back to study her. “I’ve missed you so much! I’ve been so worried! You just disappeared without a word! I wish you would have called me!”

Rose was a petite woman. She kept her brown hair short in a bob-cut. Her frame was thin and lacked obvious curves. Her complexion was always pale. Rose always had a weak constitution which made her marriage to such a prominent figure as March difficult. Yet March doted on her and when it was obvious they would only have one child he doted on her more.

In many ways Macey was jealous of her. She couldn’t help but think how different her life might have been if Julius was more like his brother. But that wasn’t fair, after all it had been Julius she fell in love with not March. She couldn’t expect two very different people to act like the other.

“Rose…how did you…”

“March told me he saw you last night,” Rose said, “why didn’t you call me?”

“I’m sorry…I’ve only been in town for a day,” Macey explained. So March had seen her last night which meant Julius had to know she was back but she didn’t dare ask about him.

“…So is it true?” Rose was hesitant to ask but she had to know. March mentioned twins.

“Would you like to come in and meet them?” Macey held open the door instantly knowing what her sister-in-law referred to.

Hesitantly Rose followed her inside.

“Kids! We have a guest.”

The constant sound of Bach ceased as Rose stepped inside. Making her way to the living room she saw Aria kneeling at the coffee table while Caden sat on the piano bench swinging his legs. Rose blinked. She was certain she heard piano playing but there was no way a five-year-old could be responsible for it. Perhaps it was a recording.

“Come here and say hello you two,” Macey encouraged.

Aria stood and skipped forward to stand in front of the stranger. Caden was slower to comply. He studied their guest carefully one could almost see the wheels turning. In contrast to their party clothes their casual clothes were simple. Aria wore a black, long-sleeved shirt with rainbow sleeves matching her skirt. Caden wore a black t-shirt featuring the Batman symbol and jeans.

“This is your Aunt Rose,” Macey introduced. “Rose…this is Aria and Caden.”

Rose smiled not sure how to greet the niece and nephew she had never known. The kids resemblance to their parents was uncanny and no one could deny their parentage. She couldn’t believe they were really standing in front of her. Would they let her hug them?

“Auntie?” Aria repeated. “Like Auntie Vicki?”

“No. Auntie Vicki is an auntie because she’s my best friend,” Macey explained. “Rose is your auntie because she’s actually related to you.”

“Oh. Auntie Rose can we give you a hug?”

“I would love a hug!” Rose knelt down.

Aria immediately threw her arms around her. Caden hesitated a moment before following his sister’s example. Tears blurred Rose’s vision. She could hardly believe she was holding her niece and nephew. Everything would be all right now that they were here. Now that Macey was back it would all be set right.

“Why don’t you come in for a bit?” Macey offered. “I’ll make you a cup of tea.”

“Yeah, come on auntie,” Aria exclaimed clutching Rose’s hand and pulling her into the living room.