The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 72

Regina fidgeted as they rode the elevator upward. It had been a week and it still didn't feel real. Marcus had been true to his word moving them into the mansion and taking them out shopping.

He took her to the courthouse to adjust the kids' birth certificates and apply for a change of their names wanting Avery added where it belonged. A couple days ago he surprised Savannah with the adoption papers his lawyer helped prepare. Regina couldn't get the sight of Savannah's teary eyes out of her mind.

Savannah had always put up a strong facade, acting more like a grown-up than a ten-year-old most of the time. But seeing those papers had her jumping for joy and hugging Marcus like he was Santa. Her first question was if they could also change her name so it was the same as her siblings. Marcus was only too happy to agree.

The kids had settled in faster than Regina thought possible, the boys especially though perhaps she shouldn't be surprised. Every day at the Avery estate was like waking up at an amusement park. There was no limit to toys, games and distractions available. Regina was worried how she could limit their antics not wanting to annoy their hosts.

She found an unexpected ally in Abraham who kept the boys on a surprisingly firm leash. It seemed the broken vase was an effective tool to remind them to be careful and Marcus warned her that if they wasted food the butler would certainly make it painful. However food was one thing she wasn't worried about. After living so long on the bare necessities the boys would eat everything and anything in front of them. Getting them to stop when they were full was the trick.

Gabriella, on the other hand, had little interest in food or toys. What she craved was attention. She clung to Marcus and Miles every second. Regina actually felt jealous of how her daughter followed Marcus and Miles around, constantly wanting them to hold her and play games but she also understood.

For years a cold, distant grandfather was the only male role model in Gabriella's life. Now she suddenly had a father and a great-grandfather who truly treated her like a little princess. And they were wrapped around her little fingers. Just yesterday Regina walked into the girls' room to see Marcus and Miles in ballet tutus and garden hats as they sat with Gabriella having a tea party. She snapped several pictures with her phone in case she needed leverage.

The kids were settling in fine but she was a nervous wreck. Regina couldn't help but feel out of place. She just didn't belong there...or here for that matter.

"You're thinking again," Marcus admonished pulling her closer.

Her body shivered at his touch. The mere memory of the previous night was enough to make her blush. His touch was like a drug and she loved basking in his warmth. Maybe she did understand why Gabriella was so obsessive. It had only been a week but she was terrified of waking up in a cold bed alone. She might not be comfortable in the mansion but she certainly didn't want to go back to the little two-bedroom either.

Marcus's mother didn't help. She hadn't said a word yet she radiated disapproval. Marcus told her not to worry but how could Regina not worry?

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing."

"You're lying. Is it my mother? Has she said anything to you?"

"...No. She just stares."

"Let her stare. She can't defy grandpa and she can't stop me."

Regina sighed. He always said that but it didn't stop her from worrying.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress?"

Regina looked at her reflection in the elevator doors. It was a simple black dress just reaching her knees. Its square neckline was just low enough to show a hint of cleavage while the dress hugged her curves like a second skin. Before they left Marcus presented her with a diamond necklace, matching tennis bracelet and earrings.

"At least four times now," Regina said.

"Then I owe you at least five more."

Regina shook her head. Why did everything he say sound like a pick-up line? Yet he said it with such sincerity. Why did he have to look so dashing in his suit?

"So what's wrong?"

"I don't belong here."

"Yes you do. Don't let anyone tell you different," Marcus kissed her hand and tucked her arm through his just as the doors opened.

They stepped out in a wide ballroom with golden-colored walls and drapery lit with small twinkling lights. It was like a magic, fairyland. Mingling in this space was the city's elite gathered together by one of the most powerful couples in the city: Silas and Avalynn Prescott. Marcus stepped forward calm and confident. Regina wished she felt even half that secure. She struggled not to show her worry as several gazes turned their way.

"Marcus! Regina!"

She turned to the unexpectedly friendly voice to see Sarah waving them over. Marcus escorted her to the blonde who smiled warmly giving Regina an encouraging hug.

"I'm so glad you're here," Sarah said indicating the tall man with curly hair beside her, "this is my husband Lucas. This is one of my best friends Aubrey and her husband Nicolas. Everyone, this is Marcus and Regina."

She turned her attention to another couple consisting of a tall, African-American woman in a purple gown and the bear of a man beside her. Despite his intimidating size he had a friendly face and gentle smile.

"You look nervous, sweetie," Aubrey greeted.

"Do I?" Regina glanced over her shoulder at the crowd. Marcus gave her an encouraging squeeze.

"Don't worry about those stuck-up bitches," Aubrey scoffed earning a startled expression from Regina. How could she talk like that? And loud enough for everyone to hear?

"Maybe you shouldn't speak so loudly," Regina warned.

"Oh, they already know they are bitches. It's not exactly a secret."

Shocked, Regina looked at the others only to see they were fighting back laughter. Nicolas looked far from embarrassed as he pulled Aubrey close and kissed her.

"Regina," Sarah said after a moment. "Aubrey is incurably unapologetic and absolutely fearless. You don't have to be like her but you could stand on that table and smash everything on it. No one here will say a bad word against you. That's the power of a name around here. So...work it." "That's right," Aubrey agreed. "Work it. Own it."

"There you are!"

They turned as a new couple joined them. Regina didn't recognize either but Sarah quickly cleared up her confusion, "Ava! Silas! You two know how to throw a party."

"Not me," Silas shook his head hugging Ava close. "It's all thanks to this woman."

Ava blushed. It didn't matter how often he did it Silas's public displays of affection always caught her by surprise. She chuckled, "Thanks for coming. I was a little disappointed Macey and Julius couldn't make it."

"Yeah, Caden had some big recital," Sarah nodded. "But they'll be here what...next week? What about Tracy?"

"She and Thomas will be here later. She's handling a case so she's under a bit of a crunch. Oh, what about Ruth? I didn't get her RSVP!"

Sarah rolled her eyes, "She's working late."

Her comment earned a snicker from the others though Regina was at a loss about the inside joke. Aubrey cleared up some confusion with her next remark, "Office romances."

"I always kind of felt sorry for him," Sarah said. "He was always following Ruth around like a lost puppy but she never noticed. Kyle finally pointed it out."

"Oh, where is he and Alan?" Aubrey asked. She and Nicolas had only arrived late the night before and had not had the opportunity to catch up with everyone.

"Dance recital," Lucas explained. "Their daughter's whole class are finalists."

"What about you two?" Ava asked looking at Marcus and Regina. "What's next for you two?"

"Well, Savannah has a science fair coming up," Marcus replied. "Grand prize includes a special trip to D.C., right?"

Regina nodded. They had received the official entry form and instructions only yesterday for the city finalists. Savannah practically bounced off the walls waving it around like a flag. Regina had never seen her so excited before save for when Marcus presented the official adoption papers.

"And Regina's high school reunion is coming up in August," Marcus added.

"H-how did you know that?" Regina stared at him. Aside from confessing the mess with her ex-boyfriend she hadn't said a word about high school.

"Renata told me," Marcus admitted.

Regina let out a slow breath. Miles invited Renata and Ulima to the estate for one dinner and now Marcus and her sister were conspiring against her? One look was enough to convince her he planned to drag her to that reunion kicking and screaming if he had to. "But before that we need to buy a new vehicle," Marcus announced.

"New vehicle?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah, we need a family car for Regina and the kids."

Regina rolled her eyes but didn't argue. For the past few days Abraham chauffeured them around in the limo and Marcus had already gotten rid of the Geo much to her irritation. She wasn't particularly attached to it but without a car she felt like she had lost her independence.

"In that case, Mid-City Auto," Nicolas said. "As for Zachariah."

"Mid-City Auto," Marcus nodded. "Zachariah?"

"He's a good man and he's basically a walking car encyclopedia. Tell him I sent you."

"Thanks," Marcus agreed with ease.

He knew plenty about sports cars but he was at a loss when it came to something good for a family. It was important Regina and the kids had a safe vehicle with plenty of room. He could only imagine how cramped it would get with two growing boys. Marcus also secretly hoped the triplets would not be their last but it was still too soon to talk about having more kids.

He looked to Regina to replace her glaring at him. The tension was not lost on the group. With a chuckle Aubrey dispelled it, "Girl, be grateful he's taking you shopping. This one over here thought it would be good to surprise me with a brand new car without so much as even asking if I wanted it."

Nicolas shrugged while the others laughed at his expense. All of them had come to learn the difficulty in selecting gifts for such strong, independent women who didn't have any particular desire or need for jewelry and dresses.