Chapter 34
“…I didn’t cheat on Sarah,” Lucas announced. “I want you to know that.”
“I know.”
“You do?” Lucas looked at him. “How?”
“Ava.” Silas sighed. “As unassuming as she is most people don’t realize how sharp she is. Maybe it came from all those years her sister isolated her growing up but she is very observant. It’s probably where Lexi learned it.”
Seeing Lucas’s confusion. Silas explained further.
“Ava saw you on one of your shopping trips. She said it wasn’t just you and your secretary. Your sister was also there and you didn’t show either of them much interest. She also said you didn’t seem the type to cheat on a signed agreement. Even if you didn’t care for Sarah the marriage was still a contract you’d honor.”
Lucas felt as if a weight lifted off his chest. It was amazingly liberating to be believed. He’d never underrate it again. Now he just had to convince Sarah. Perhaps he should ask Ava to tell her but…no. Sarah would just assume she was being coached and he didn’t want to strain her relationships with her friends. There had to be another way.
“Hey dad!” Sean and Theo suddenly burst into the room.
“Finally my boys emerge from their gamer den to join the real world,” Silas greeted. “I should take a picture to
commemorate.”
“Ah, come on dad,” Sean rolled his eyes.
“Yeah stop being weird,” Theo seconded. “Where is everyone anyway?”
“Outside playing with the dog.”
“We got a dog?” the boys asked in shock.
“No. Our guests brought it,” Silas said, “so if you want to play with it you better get down there before
supper.”
They didn’t need any further encouragement taking off for the backyard. Silas chuckled shaking his head. For
years the kids had been asking for a pet but Ava always said no and he would never contradict her
especially considering her history with animals.
“Why didn’t you ever get the kids a pet?” Lucas asked knowing Silas never denied his children their
wishes.
“Ava had a traumatic experience with dogs when she was young. She’s been terrified of them ever since.”
“Her sister?”
Silas nodded. It seemed everything always came back to Marilynn and the torments she inflicted on Ava. It
was remarkable Ava conquered as many as she had over the years. It was a true testament to her inner strength and constantly surprised him.
“That’s unfortunate.”
“Well Sarah helped her with her fear of horses so maybe she can help with her fear of dogs.”
“Sarah? Really?”
Silas nodded, “Sarah boarded her horse in the city so she would take Ava to the stable every now and again. I guess they started with standing outside the stall with treats and progressed to grooming and such until Ava finally attempted to get in the saddle.”
Silas remembered her unadulterated joy at actually riding again after years of avoiding horses. She was so excited she couldn’t wait to tell him at dinner and burst into his office. Ava practically leapt into his arms, throwing her arms around him and passionately kissing him overcome by sheer giddiness and without a thought about who might see them. Sarah had been there with video in hand to show Ava riding Applejack around the riding ring. It still brought a smile to his face.
It was too soon to say it would be the same story with dogs but just watching Ava cautiously petting the corgi was promising. When it came to dogs German Shepherd, Golden Retriever or American Bulldog were among the most mentioned breeds from the boys but there were plenty of smaller breeds Ava would be more willing to consider. Sarah said corgis were herding dogs so they had plenty of energy for five kids despite
their small size.
Perhaps they could organize a few more of these play dates while Sarah and Zoe were in town to allow Ava
time to get used to the idea of a dog. Then maybe they could consider it.
While Silas’s thoughts wandered Lucas’s were equally consuming. Sarah and Ava were closer than he
imagined if they willingly shared secrets and fears. To think she helped Ava conquer a fear she harbored
since she was a child. Would she ever cease to amaze him or remind him what an utter fool he had
been?
They left the office to join everyone outside. Silas immediately embraced Ava kissing her temple bowing.his head to kiss her neck as his hands rubbed her still small stomach while they watched the kids play. Sean and Theo now monopolized the dog’s attention but Lexi and the younger kids had retreated to the large play set and played in the sand so all seemed to be enjoying themselves, Amazingly the corgi still had energy to burn and the pup gamely kept up with the older boys.
Lucas watched with a regretful smile. The love Silas openly showered on Ava was almost awkward to watch but at the same time Lucas wished Sarah would allow him to even hold her hand. Even now she pointedly ignored him focusing on the kids.
Lucas’s gaze followed hers and he watched Zoe as she and the younger boys built a sand castle as well as roads for their toy cars. He frowned. Perhaps he should have a play set and sandbox installed in their own backyard. It was clear Zoe enjoyed playing outside. Maybe if he installed one Sarah would see he was
serious about wanting to make it work.
“How are you feeling?” Silas asked hugging Ava close.
“Good. I have to admit Daisy is a cute puppy and the kids love her.”
“We can come over again if you like,” Sarah said. “Playing with kids her own age is good for Zoe too.”
“I would love that!” Ava smiled. “When Macey is in Paris I don’t have many people around I can call friends. Besides, we still have a lot to discuss.”
Sarah gave her a strained smile. Lucas looked from one to the other wondering what it was they chatted about while he and Silas had their talk, He had a sinking feeling it was about him given Sarah’s pensive expression.
