Chapter 26
Alexis broke out in a broad grin her green eyes sparkling as she herded her little brothers toward the table and quickly hugged Sarah.
“Mom said she saw you the other night.”
“She did. I heard you’re going to be a big sister again.”
“I sure hope it’s a girl,” Alexis sighed. “It’s so tiring running after boys. Oh these are Isaac and Benjamin. Hey you two, say hi to Aunt Sarah.”
Sarah chuckled as the five- and four-year-old shyly greeted her. While Sean and Theo looked like mini versions of Silas, Isaac and Ben had their mother’s brunette hair and green eyes. Their round faces reflected more of Ava than Silas but that would change as they grew and the features they inherited from their father became more prominent.
“Isaac, you’ve gotten so big and handsome,” Sarah smiled. “I remember holding you when you were this big!”
Isaac blushed but said, “You remember me?”
“Of course, sweetie. How can I forget such a handsome boy?”
“Mommy, who’s that?” Zoe asked as she and the boys considered each other.
“Oh sweetie,” Sarah turned to her flashing an excited smile. “Remember I told you about Auntie Ava and your
cousins? These are Alexis, Isaac and Ben. Alexis, boys, this is Zoe.”
“Hi!” Zoe happily chirped catching the boys off guard and making them blush awkwardly.
“Zoe?” Alexis smiled. “You are so cute! And you look just like Aunt Sarah!”
“I think so too!” Zoe happily giggled.
“Wait until I tell mom!” Alexis laughed. “Sean and Theo are going to be so jealous. Mom! Oh, how long are you
going to be in town?”
“A couple weeks,” Sarah said.
“Oh good! You and Zoe have to come over to our house,” Alexis said. “There are way too many boys!”
“Can I bring Daisy?” Zoe inquired.
“Who’s Daisy?” Alexis asked.
“My puppy.”
“You have a dog?” Isaac and Ben’s eyes lit up.
“Ah-huh,” Zoe nodded.
“How old are you?” Isaac asked.
“Three.”
“That’s not fair,” Isaac said. “We asked dad for a dog but he said we had to wait until we’re older.”
“My mommy said I have to wait until I’m bigger before I can have a pony,” Zoe said. “But that’s okay because we have Applejack.”
“Who’s that?”
“Mommy’s horsey.”
“Lexi? Oh, there you are. I hope you three aren’t bothering our guests. Oh! Sarah!”
“Hello Ava. They aren’t a bother at all.”
“I know we said we would meet up but I wasn’t expecting…but who are-” Ava’s voice trailed off as her gaze took in Ruth, Alan and finally settled on Lucas. He could practically hear her mind churning. Surprisingly she didn’t seem angry at him, only confused by his presence. Her gaze drifted to Zoe. “And you, must be Zoe! I’ve heard so much about you!”
“Are you my Auntie Ava?”
“That I am.” –
“Hi!” Zoe smiled. “Can I bring Daisy and play at your house?”
“Daisy?”
“My puppy!”
Ava hesitated but said, “Of course, sweetie! We’d love to have you! You and your…puppy.”
“Okay. Does Uncle Silas not like doggies?”
Ava grimaced but said, “No, he likes dogs.”
“Okay. Good.”
Ava chuckled, “Well, I should get these three out of your hair so you can enjoy your meal. Sarah, I’ll call so we
can organize a play date, yes?”
“Of course. I look forward to it,” Sarah smiled and looked again at the boys. “See you soon!”
Alexis giggled as her brothers blushed again before accompanying their mother away. Ava gave Sarah one final curious glance but she wouldn’t say anything now. Sarah knew the questions would come later.
“Uh-oh. Not in town for a day and you already have two boyfriends,” Ruth declared making Lucas sputter into
his drink.
Alexis’s appearance had surprised him. Though Lucas knew Avalynn owned the restaurant he hadn’t realized she made frequent visits or that today was one of them. Even more surprising was how willingly Alexis
addressed Sarah as aunt. He wasn’t certain Sarah’s reaction was more or less surprising.
The stony expression she wore since they came face to face melted in an instant as she gushed over the two
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young boys. Was she like that with all children? Isaac and Ben had been noticeably shy at first but they seemed to open up to her. They warmed up even faster to Zoe who was all smiles.
As infatuated as he was by Sarah and Zoe Lucas didn’t miss Ava’s probing glance. She was certainly going to tell Silas and he didn’t know what he was going to do then. He could only imagine the words Silas and Julius would have with him afterwards. Lucas breathed a sigh of relief when Ava pulled her kids away and headed out but his peace was shattered by Ruth’s statement.
“Not in town for a day and you already have two boyfriends.”
In the middle of drinking Lucas sputtered out his soda and had to grab several napkins. What the hell?
“Ruth, really?” Sarah seemed equally aghast.
“Mommy, what’s a boyfriend?” Zoe asked innocently sending Alan into a fit of chuckles.
Sarah warily eyed them both, “A boyfriend is s a boy who is your friend. That’s all.’
“Oh. Then, I have three boyfriends. Isaac, Ben and Jamie!”
Sarah glared as Ruth struggled not to laugh alongside Alan who was fit to be tied.
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