Page 118 of Revenge

“What?” I play dumb. I can’t help myself.

“Anita and everyone else should be here soon. You need to help me with the babies.”

“You realize we have two nannies.”

“Get upstairs and dress Niko,” she demands.

“Yes, boss.”

She shakes her head and goes to the kitchen.

It doesn’t matter that we have a chef or an apartment full of staff to help her. She still wants to do things herself. I must admit it’s one of the many things I love about her. Money hasn’t gone to her head even though it could have. I go upstairs to Niko’s bedroom. Inside, Grace is already dressing him.

“Hi, Mr. Manarch. He’s almost ready.”

“Don’t tell Ava you dressed him.” She smiles. “Hi, little man. Ready to go see Mommy?” His eyes open wide. I can’t believe how big he’s getting.

“Here you go, sir.”

“Thank you.” I take him, and he’s all laughs. I walk over to Aisling’s bedroom. Right when I’m going to open her door, Brenda opens it.

“Hi, Mr. Manarch. We’re on our way down. Did you need anything?” Aisling sees me and wants me to carry her. If it were up to her, she’d have me carry her all the time. She’s as bossy as Ava.

“Aisling, Brenda will carry you downstairs since I’m carrying Niko.” She gives me a funny “I want to cry” face, but I stand my ground. I can’t let her have her way all the time. She needs to learn we can’t always have what we want.

“What’s taking so long?” Ava calls from the bottom of the stairs.

“Calm down. We’re here now,” I tease. She’s sexy when she’s flustered.

Aisling coos and reaches out to Ava.

“Hi, sweetheart,” says Ava taking her with a smile. “The castle playpen is set up in the living room if you want to set Niko down,” she says, looking at me.

“Tell Mommy you and I are going to play, Niko.”

“Suit yourself.” She leaves with Aisling still in her arms.

It’s been a few hours of good food, company, and conversation. My mother, Tina, Lisa, Oliver, and Angus are seated around the table with us. It’s nice not worrying about clan problems for a few hours.

“My turn,” Tina says, taking Niko.

“You’re going to spoil him,” Ava tells her.

“It’s my job as an auntie,” Tina says, laughing.

“I’ll take Aisling then,” my mother says.

“I guess I’ll help clear the table,” Lisa adds with a smile.

“You guys relax. I got this,” Ava says.

I look around the table. I’m content. Despite everything that is happening my family is experiencing joy.

“Hey,” Oliver says, walking over. “Care for a drink?”

“Why not.”

We leave Angus at the mercy of Lisa, who he’s quite taken by. In the living room, I go to the bar and pour drinks. I give a glass to Oliver as we sit. We’re quiet at first.

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