The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker

Book One: Chapter 15

Julius pulled up in front of his brother’s brownstone. Parking he hurried to Macey’s side holding the

door open for her. Immediately slipping an arm around her he led her up to the front door. She blushed

under his care but she didn’t try to push him away. It was nice to be taken care of for once.

A knock summoned the maid who smiled broadly at them. Edie had been March and Rose’s maid for

over twenty years and knew Macey quite well. She had high hopes for Julius’s marriage before it came

apart. Now that Macey had returned and brought their children Edie’s romantic heart was already

envisioning them to together though she was smart enough not to say so aloud.

“Good evening. Mister DaLair…Miss…Grayson…the Master and Madam are this way with the kids,”

Edie led the way to the living room where Aria’s delighted screams issued.

Stepping inside they found the living room had been torn apart to make a blanket fort. March burst out

from the center to collapse it as Aria and Caden struggled to escape.

“Hurry Caden! The boogieman is coming!” Aria yelled as they ducked and crawled their way free.

“Fee—Fi—Foe—Fum!” March called.

“My goodness, March!” Rose admonished as she entered carrying refreshments and snacks on a tray.

“You’re worse than the children!”

Though she complained Rose smiled. March had been the same way when Jude was young. Father

and son played many such games, building and destroying countless forts.

“Mommy!” Caden suddenly said noticing the new arrivals.

“Mommy!” Aria echoed as they rushed up to her throwing their arms around her as she knelt to catch

them.

“There you are,” Macey laughed. “Having fun with your uncle and aunt?”

“Yes!”

March chuckled giving Julius a curious look. Naturally he wondered what happened to their father and

how Julius took his place. Despite his confusion March stayed silent. It was enough Julius and Macey

were in the same room and even seemed on good terms. It was definite progress.

“Mister Jules!” Aria exclaimed holding out her arms in a clear gesture for him to pick her up.

“Hey, peanut,” Julius greeted with a smile and hoisted her up holding her close as Aria hugged him

tight. Aria giggled as he blew raspberries against her cheek before reciprocating.

“Your cheeks aren’t scratchy anymore,” Aria laughed.

“Well thank you,” Julius chuckled.

The others watched the pair with a mixture of emotions. March and Rose were happy Julius finally had

the opportunity to spend time with his children though confused by the name Aria called him. Macey

was conflicted. She was glad to see him accept his children but wondered if it would last. Though

neither Aria nor Caden complained about the lack of a father Macey felt it nonetheless. She also

wondered why they addressed him if they had already met. When exactly had they been introduced?

“Oh, have you met?” Macey asked.

“We met at grandpa’s work,” Aria said. “He taught us games on his computer!”

“Is that why you didn’t get any work done?” March asked with a chuckle.

Julius shot him a warning look. He felt no shame in the time he spent with his children. It still felt like a

dream and nothing would destroy its magic. Macey studied at him still looking conflicted. She couldn’t

help but wonder why he hadn’t introduced himself as their father.

“Is it time to go home, mommy?” Caden asked.

“Yes, it’s time to say goodnight to your uncle and aunt. We have to be up early tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Aria and Caden returned to their uncle and aunt giving each a hug. “Goodnight, auntie, uncle.”

“Goodnight, angels,” Rose cooed. “We’ll see you again soon.”

“And then we’ll play more!” March agreed tickling Aria to illicit giggles.

“Bye!”

Macey herded the twins out to the waiting car followed by Julius. He saw his brother’s curious gaze but

there wasn’t time to explain how he and Macey met or why he was there instead of their father.

They would talk later right now it was time to get his babies home and into their beds. He was glad he

had driven the BMW instead of one of his sports cars but he hesitated realizing he didn’t have the

proper car seats for them. Macey assured him it would be fine for one ride.

The drive was full of giggles as the twins related their night. They had dinner with their aunt and uncle

and afterwards played several games. March had experience with toddlers thanks to raising Jude and

like Rose was eager to test his dormant skills. Julius found it a rather difficult drive listening to the

happy giggles. He never wanted it to end.

“This way!” Aria exclaimed once they arrived home. Taking his hand she dragged Julius inside. “Come

and see our room!”

Julius didn’t fight as the twins dragged him along to their bedroom. Surprisingly the walls were neutral

colors but the ceiling and walls were decorated with glow-in-the-dark stars. There was a bed on each

side of the room along with a desk, dresser and bookshelves. Each side was practically a mirror image

with minor differences. Aria dragged him all the way to her bed and made him sit down before grabbing

a book.

“Will you read us a bedtime story?”

“Aria…” Macey wanted to protest but Aria pressed the book into his hands.

“One story, please!”

“I don’t mind,” Julius assured her as the kids snuggled on either side of him. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

The picture book Aria handed him was Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. He remembered

it from his own childhood and wondered if it was nostalgia that made his father include it. Aria and

Caden leaned close as he opened it and read. Macey watched from the doorway a soft yet conflicted

look on her face. This was the scene she always dreamed of but never thought she would ever see.

Only when the story was over did Aria and Caden finally consent to be changed into their pajamas.

After they brushed their teeth they were ready to be tucked in. For once they could be tucked in at the

same time with Macey helping Caden and Julius helping Aria. Kissing each good night Macey pulled

the door closed with final entreats for sweet dreams.

Now alone with Julius Macey wasn’t sure what to do. Their kiss was still fresh in her mind. She would

be lying if she said she didn’t crave more. After six years apart, six years of taking care of kids, her

body longed for what the kiss promised. She wanted him, wanted his hands on her, but she couldn’t…

could she?

“Hey.”

His arms surrounded her. Julius pulled her close as he bowed his head and nibbled at her ear. Macey

shivered with pleasure. He was the only one to make her feel this way: safe, loved, wanted. She didn’t

want him to stop but she couldn’t let him continue. They were divorced. She wasn’t supposed to feel

this way about him anymore.

“What are you thinking?” Julius asked still holding her close, not wanting to let her go.

“Why didn’t you tell them who you are?” Macey asked. It had been bothering her since they called him

Mister Jules.

“Because I didn’t know if they knew who I was and I didn’t want to say anything you didn’t want me to

say.”

Macey bit her lip. He was trying to respect her boundaries but it was clear he wanted to spend time with

their children. He wanted to be their father but he would settle for a friend or uncle if that was the line

she drew. He wanted a relationship with them and maybe, just maybe her too.

His fingers trailed up and down her back eliciting tremors of pleasure. He nuzzled her neck kissing her

and working down to her shoulder. It wasn’t just time with the children he craved. Her heart pounded in

her ears. She could feel his desire barely held in check.

“Julius…”

He cut her off with a lazy, slow kiss. Her body leaned into him betraying the desire she tried to hold

back. His hands roved her body, caressed her curves. Julius kissed the nape of her neck slowly

regaining his control.

“…I should go.”

“Hmm?” Macey blinked meeting his gaze.

Her gaze was full of questions, conflicted and confused. He wanted nothing more than to keep kissing

her until it was all clear but he knew that would be too much for her. Macey was always a thinker. She

needed time, time away from him to think without being muddled by his presence.

“I don’t want to force you to do something you’re not ready for.” Julius sighed resting his forehead

against hers, “But I want you to know walking out that door is going to be the most difficult thing I’ve

ever done.”

He kissed her forehead before forcing himself to head to the door. Macey watched him go. Her heart

was racing with his parting words. He really wanted to stay as much as she wanted him to. Could she

let him leave like this?

“Julius! Wait!” Macey hurried to the door just as he was stepping out.

He turned as she reached him but remained silent waiting for her to speak. Macey hesitated. She

wanted to see him again, wanted to talk some more and wanted the kids to know the father she had

been too scared to tell them about.

“Tomorrow….I have to work. I was going to ask Rose but…if you’re not busy…would you like to watch

the kids for me?”

A smile immediately graced his face, “I’d love to.”

“Okay. Umm…my appointment is at the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx so meet us there around

eleven?” Macey said. “You can take them to lunch, the gardens, the zoo or wherever and we’ll meet

back up after I’m done.”

“…For dinner?” he asked hopeful.

“S-sure.” Macey nodded.

He stepped forward giving her a final kiss before stepping back, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow.” Macey agreed then watched him return his car and drive away with a mixture of emotions.

She wasn’t sure if she made the right decision…or if there even was a right decision. It might be wrong

of her but she was looking forward to tomorrow.