Page 155 of Beautiful Ascension

I twist, batting his hands away when he reaches, making her squeal. She and Aidan love this game.

In the three months since Matthew and Samantha’s deaths were confirmed, we’ve been extremely busy. Between weeding out the last of the traitors working for Baker and parenthood, we’ve rarely had any time with our girl. That changes after tonight.

“With our mothers, we’re lucky this is all they did,” Sebastian chuckles.

The theme is the stork takes New York. The ballroom in my family home has been transformed into what I imagine birthdays for the twins will look like in the future. Gold stork statues stand at the entrance to a runway holding a sack filled with passports.

When Ariah discussed the idea of a travel-style announcement, I don’t think she knew what she was signing up for with Guliana Edgewood. The woman, though I love her, loves throwing elaborate parties.

“You have to give them credit. This is pretty genius,” Lev states, striding over to join us.

“I see your mother opened the extended ballroom for this,” Owen observes.

Nodding, I reply, “Any opportunity my mother gets to go all out, she will.”

We walk further inside, surveying the rest of the space. Stations, or should I say gates to different countries, are set up throughout the room. The goal is to visit each gate and get your passport stamped with a final destination of New York.

“I do love the vibrant colors,” Sebastian says.

Zoey starts bouncing in my arms, squirming like she wants out, which only means one thing.

Turning, I take in Ariah as she approaches. Fucking stunning. She’s wearing a hunter-green off-the-shoulder top with black leggings and some black knee-high combat boots. Her fuchsia-colored hair is loosely braided, hanging over her shoulder, showing off her lavender and raspberry highlights.

“Look at my babies,” Ariah coos, kissing Aidan and his sister. Then she looks up, “Oh, you guys too.”

Arching my brow, I lean down to kiss her, then whisper, “Hello to you too, beautiful.”

Ariah smiles, peering into my eyes, “Hello, back at you.” Then we each peck her on the lips. “I should go get my hair done more often if this is the welcome I get,” she teases before taking in the ballroom. “This is amazing. Way more than I expected.”

“This is our mothers being tame, which leads me to believe you gave them restrictions,” Lev remarks.

She shrugs. “They found loopholes, obviously, but I think I’m happy they did. If we had to do an event, I’m grateful they made it special.”

I see my parents out of the corner of my eye and instantly know what it means. “It’s time to go socialize and pretend we like people,” I grumble, making Ariah laugh.

We’re heading for them when a server accidentally walks into me. “Oh, sorry, Mr. Edgewood,” he blurts. Then, he adjusts the tray under his arms before brushing his hair out of his face.

Smiling, I pat him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it.”

His murky brown eyes widen in shock. I assume he’s waiting for me to yell. Then he spins, murmuring more apologies as he strides away.

“Odd duck, that one,” Wyatt says, and we both watch as he disappears into the crowd.

The room slowly fills over the next few hours, and we mingle amongst our guests. We’re over by the gate to Jamaica with our families when the twins begin to get cranky.

Reaching for Aidan, Owen declares, “I think it’s time for a nap.”

“Nonsense. You all stay here and continue enjoying the party. I’ll get them up to bed,” Lilah urges, taking Zoey from Ariah.

“Are you sure, Lilah? I don’t mind going up to put them to bed,” I offer, and she shoos me.

Gathering Aidan in her arms, Tabitha announces, “I’ll go with and help.”

Lilah pauses momentarily, then scoops up Zoey’s diaper bag while Ariah’s grandmother grabs Aidan’s before they exit the ballroom.

I’m speaking with some of my father’s business associates when the lights go out.

“The twins,” Ariah gasps. Then all I see is wild-colored hair darting in the direction of upstairs.

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