Chapter 46 - The Billionaire Triplets Take New York

Party preparations took the next several days and caterers arrived taking over the kitchen. Unlike the manor staff the caterers treated the kids with respect and happily allowed them to sneak snacks. No one wanted to anger the Prescott matriarch and it was clear at a glance she doted on the trio of ten-year-olds.

Ava stayed busy helping Opal but at night she snuggled against Silas, almost clinging to him and his comfort. Until she brought up the conversation with Jenna he didn’t know how to bring it up himself. He wanted desperately to remove her terrors but it was clear her fear of abandonment ran deep. All he could do was hold her, sooth her and love her.

Thomas returned early the day of the party and he didn’t arrive alone. Tracy accompanied him hauling her own luggage with the intent to stay and return home when Silas, Ava and the kids eventually left. Though Opal was surprised by the additional guest she happily had a room prepared for the woman her grandchildren considered their aunt. With Tracy present Silas was assured Ava would never be alone. She didn’t tell him what the analysis of the wine concluded and he never found an opportunity to ask as the party drew closer and she spent most of her time with Ava.

The kids meanwhile ensconced themselves in their rooms finalizing their plans. Silas was more than a little concerned but he left them to their own devices. It was best not to ask too many questions and he didn’t want to anticipate the reveal. His main concern was taking care of Ava no matter what happened at the party.

Knocking on Alexis’s door he walked in to see her in a powder-blue dress. Both Theo and Sean wore button up shirts, ties and trousers though neither wore a jacket. It was the first time he saw his children dressed formally and Silas couldn’t help but smile. No one could say they didn’t look the part.

“Do we have to wear this all night?” Theo complained tugging on the tie.

“It won’t be so bad,” Silas chuckled. “You can probably lose the ties later but keep them on at least until I make my announcement.”

“Okay. Fine.”

“Silas?”

He turned at Ava’s voice. She came out of the closet with Tracy wearing her blue gown. It was mermaid-style, off the shoulder with a sweet-heart neckline showing off her infinity hearts necklace. Tracy had styled her hair simply and kept her make-up to a minimum highlighting her natural, glowing beauty.

Silas stepped forward drawing her close, “You look so beautiful. Let’s skip the party. I don’t want to share you.”

Ava chuckled, “That wouldn’t be very considerate to your mother. She’s worked very hard for this night.”

“So have you, luv,” Silas reminded. “And I want you to have your moment to shine. But tonight…when it’s just you and me…”

Silas pecked her on the cheek not trusting himself to hold back if his kiss lingered too long. Ava blushed knowing full well his implications. No matter how many times he said it, it always made her feel wanted, loved and special.

“Remember what I told you,” Silas whispered. “I am yours. Now and forever. No one will ever come between us.”

Ava shivered hesitantly smiling as her blush deepened.

“Well, shall we get this party started?” Tracy asked spying Thomas waiting in the doorway.

“Yes, let’s,” Alexis said. Tonight was going to bring several revelations that could very well shake the foundation of the Prescott household.

Hooking his arm around Ava’s Silas led them down the hall to the ballroom. The triplets followed with Tracy and Thomas trailing behind. Though they assisted the trio with their plans neither knew exactly how the night was going to end.

The ballroom was already packed with guests though there was still ample space so it wasn’t claustrophobic. Many were long standing board members and business associates while others were close friends. The Prescott’s New Year’s Eve Gala was always a much anticipated exclusive event. Entering the ballroom Silas guided Ava to where his parents stood. Opal smiled greeting Ava with a hug and doting on her grandchildren, actions not lost on the attendees though they acted as if they weren’t watching. Richard barely acknowledged any of them, a response that was also not lost on the attendees.

They knew he long favored Jenna as his son’s future wife treating her like his own daughter. Every year he proclaimed his intention to take his son by the hand to marry Jenna and start a family. He was eager for grandchildren. Most attended the gala waiting to see Silas enter with Jenna on his arm and finally announce their official engagement but now Silas appeared with another woman and half-grown children.

Servers delivered champagne to the newcomers knowing their hostess intended to make her customary welcome speech. Ava hesitated before asking, “Can I have sparkling water instead?”

Though the question seemed strange there was no reason to refuse. A new flute with water was quickly brought to her and for each of the kids as well. Once everyone had a glass in hand Opal raised hers. The gesture brought immediate silence to the din of the ballroom.

“A toast,” Opal said, “to the close of one year and the beginning of the new.”

The guests smiled at the simple toast. It was the same one Opal said every year. As they sipped from their glasses they were surprised when Silas next called for attention. Though more personable than his father he seldom made announcements to a crowd.

“The New Year is a time of change, brushing off the old, starting with a clean slate…This year more than any other,” Silas said turning to Ava. “For that reason I’d like to officially announce my engagement to the most beautiful woman in the world: Avalynn Carter.”

The silent crowd stirred with audible gasps as Silas kissed her hand smiling at her rosy blush. Beside them Opal clapped calling, “Hear. Hear!”

A spattering of applause followed as the confused crowd looked from her to the happy couple to a simmering Richard Prescott. It was clear this announcement had not been given his prior approval.

“I wanted a spring wedding but my mother insists that is not enough time,” Silas said, “so I’ve settled for mid-summer and I won’t wait a moment longer.”

A few chuckled at his eagerness. He slipped an arm around Ava’s waist and pulled her. Tilting her chin he kissed her, a gesture that hinted at his passionate reverence. Silas steadfastly refused to date for years but it was clear his devotion to the woman in front of him was genuine. Many wondered how and when they met. None were familiar with a Carter family though they must exist somewhere for Silas to acknowledge them.

“In addition to my bride-to-be I’d also like to introduce our children,” Silas continued as if unaware of the stir he was causing. “My heirs: Alexis, Sean and Theo. They have bright futures and more than a few surprises to share.”

At the announcement of their names the triplets raised their glasses. Though Alexis couldn’t see the crowd the tension and awe were palpable. She was rather impressed with their father’s bold statement and flair for drama. What was more, their grandfather seemed to be stunned speechless, which suited them just fine.

Taking Ava’s arm Silas led her into the ballroom signaling the end of the speeches and the beginning of the party. Given the tepid response Ava wasn’t expecting much from the crowd but a few bolder attendees greeted the couple and offered congratulations. They were cautious as the Prescott patriarch had yet to acknowledge the match but they were eager to meet the woman who captured Silas’s heart.

The kids trailed their parents happily greeting any who were brave enough to acknowledge them but their attention was divided keeping an eye on their grandfather and waiting for Jenna to make her customary late entrance. Surprisingly they didn’t have to wait as long as they anticipated.

Jenna appeared in the doorway wearing a platinum silver gown that shimmered like water as she moved with a slit that reached her hip allowing her to show her long, toned legs. Her hair was curled in ringlets that bounced as she moved. Bright red lipstick colored her pouty lips and dark eye shadow gave her smoky eyes. With a fur stole thrown across she shoulders she was the epitome of beauty and privilege.

Smiling she paused as she stepped through the doorway allowing everyone the time necessary to admire her. Yet far fewer faces were turned toward her than usual. Snagging a drink from a passing server she strutted among the other guests but their gossip did not mention her.

“Who do you think she is?”

“She must come from a prominent family. I can’t imagine Silas settling for less.”

“She seems on really good terms with Opal.”

“But did you see Richard’s face. He didn’t look happy at all.”

“Did you see the children?”

“They seem quite sweet.”

“Do you think they are really Silas’s kids?”

“I don’t know. But they certainly seem friendly with him.”

“You have to admit the boys look like him.”

“Do you think so?”

“The girl definitely looks like their mother.”

“She’s very beautiful.”

“I think so too. She’s very classy.”

Jenna’s carefully constructed expression darkened. It seemed she missed Silas’s announcement. The guests were already aware of Avalynn and the kids. Jenna planned to be there when he introduced Ava so she could protest dramatically in front of the crowd. She missed the opportunity but she would make another.

“Hello dad,” she smiled sweetly as she sidled up to Richard.

“Hello my dear,” Richard sighed. “I’m afraid things haven’t turned out like we’ve planned.”

“It’s all right, dad. Don’t worry. Everything will be as it was meant to be. You’ll see.”

* * *

“Look mom,” Theo said, “a piano!”

Alexis smiled at her brother’s announcement. It meant their target finally made her appearance. It was time to set the trap and bring their little game to an end.

“Oh mom, let’s play,” Alexis said gripping her arm.

“What? Lexi, I can’t…”

“Please mom? We haven’t played in so long. Just one piece, please?”

Ava hesitated as she studied Lexi’s expectant face. She felt a pain of guilt. After teaching Alexis to play Ava set aside her keyboard. Music had always been her escape. No matter what happened, regardless of Marilynn’s schemes or her family’s dismissal, there was always music. But after the incident in the hotel, after the kids were born, music wasn’t enough to escape her new crushing reality. Eventually she simply couldn’t do it anymore. But now…

“Pease mom?”

“…All right. One piece.”

“Yeah!”