Having investigators look into what set Gideon off and keeping police on standby for anything that Gideon may do, I still didn’t have one clue on the whole situation. It was very frustrating, but, as long as I had Lilli to come home to every day, I didn’t let it get to me too much.
The twin’s second birthday was rapidly approaching and I couldn’t believe that our children were growing so quickly. Lilli was planning a small family party, but Phoebe and Viola had blown it up to large proportions. What was once a small family dinner with cake and presents had elevated into ball pits, clowns who made balloon art and a professional photographer.
~
Lilli
"I can’t believe I let you, and Phoebe, talk me into all of this for two year olds. I mean, come on!" I exclaimed in the back of the black car as we headed to lunch.
"Oh, come now, what’s the point in marrying a rich man if you can’t throw elaborate parties!" Viola giggled.
I looked at her with my mouth hanging wide open.
"I’m only teasing." She laughed. "Okay, they are only two, but so what? They are Aidan’s offspring. Do you think that if Phoebe had gotten a hold of him with ideas that it would be any less?" She raised an eyebrow at me.
"Oh god, you’re right! Except we would all be renting out Disney World for their party!" I rolled my eyes and laughed.
We pulled up to one of the familiar restaurants that Viola preferred. Once we were seated, I excused myself to quickly call Kimberly and check on the twins. I loved helping with the foundation but I hated not being home with them, too. It was such a bittersweet thing to love what you do, but to have the biggest loves of your life, home, waiting on you all day. Hell, if that were the worst choice I had to make, after everything, I’d take it.
It had been a few weeks since Loreley had popped into my thoughts. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was okay. If she was truly pregnant, would she just drop in out of nowhere on us? Claiming that her child was an Iverson heir?
"They are fine and have been fine all day, will you enjoy your days out of the house." Kimberly answered with a chuckle.
"I can’t help it." I whined.
"I know you can’t, but if something were to happen then I would definitely call you. You know that."
I sighed. "I know, but I feel guilty when…"
"Just stop it! You are a wonderful mother and they love you dearly, now get back to lunch with Viola!" Sometimes I felt like Kimberly was my nanny too.
I turned abruptly and smacked into a large dark figure. Stumbling, my heel broke and I waited to feel the concrete come into contact with my body. It never came. Instead, I felt myself pulled up tightly against someone, my hands landing on his chest.
My eyes widened. "Demitri?" I choked out.
"Lilli." He had a large smile on his face and then he hugged me.
I pushed back, knowing that Aidan would be furious. "Demitri, we shouldn’t…"
"Lilli, I’d like you to meet Lorna." He put his hand out and pulled a familiar red-haired woman to his side closely. "Lorna, this is Lilli."
"Lilli, I’ve heard so much about you." She smiled brightly and shook my hand.
"Lorna is my fiancé." Demitri smiled at her adoringly.
"Fiancé?" I knew that my whole face read shock.
"I know, I know…but as soon as I met her, she had me." He kissed the hand that he was holding while she smiled up at him in adoration and pride.
"Well…it’s nice to meet the woman who could tame the infamous Demitri." I smiled and hugged Lorna. "And, you." I smacked his chest, "I am so happy for you." I threw my arms around his neck and squeezed.
"Thank you."
"Well, I should get back inside."
They both nodded to me. "It was a pleasure, a huge pleasure, to meet you, Lorna. Demitri…it was…eh…" I winked at him.
They both laughed and climbed into an awaiting taxi.
I returned to Viola and told her about my little run in with Demitri and his fiancé as we ate lunch together.
The twin’s birthday had finally arrived and everyone came to the house. The decorations were pink and blue puppy dogs. Phoebe had practically covered the entire house.
Liam and Viola came with Maggie, Jason, Abby and baby Ryan in tow. Aunt Anne, who was holding baby Jimmy, arrived with Elora and James. At first I stiffened, waiting to see Henry’s face, but it never appeared. Phoebe and Oscar arrived with Celia and Dixon. Celia was sporting her large diamond engagement ring. Other family members arrived and once most guests were settled we began the mingling.
Aidan walked Walsh around while I held our shy, little Livy. She immediately jumped to Dixon, whom she adored, and Celia was Walsh’s girlfriend. Walsh gave Celia a large kiss on the cheek.
"Hey there, are you trying to steal my woman?" Dixon smiled at Walsh who gave him his crooked smile in return. All the while, Livy hugged Dixon’s neck like he was her super hero.
"Lilli, can I speak with you?" Phoebe whispered into my ear.
I nodded and excused myself from the group.
"What’s wrong?" Phoebe’s face seemed pale and she looked nervous.
"Come with me." She grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room and into the downstairs guest bathroom. Shutting the door, she leaned against it.