The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 78

"Well don't look so shocked. You look like you've seen a ghost." "Maybe I have," Marcus retorted.

In front of him stood Leonard. Vaguely he remembered giving Leonard's name when Regina asked him who they should invite but he never thought for a moment Leonard would actually attend. In fact Marcus hadn't heard from him in months, not since he returned to the States. "Yeah, I've been busy," Leonard nodded. "It's not easy merging business interests."

"Well, you look good," Marcus said. Leonard looked great, well-rested and content. "Did you come alone?"

"No, Mabel is over there," Leonard nodded.

Marcus's gaze followed to see a tall and slim strawberry blonde. She had a bright smile and was far from the pale, mousy woman Leonard had described. He looked again to see his friend was staring at the woman with a look of longing and pride Marcus understood all too well.

"I seem to recall you called her a toothpick you were afraid to break," Marcus said. "Was that lie?"

Leonard cleared his throat, "Well, an exaggeration, maybe. Mabel was always a bit of a beanpole growing up but we hadn't seen each other since she went to college for her graduate studies. She's, ah, filled out quite a bit."

Leonard's cheeks turned pink making Marcus chuckle. His friend was trying to appear nonchalant but there was no mistaking the look he kept giving his wife.

"You really like her, don't you?" Marcus asked.

Leonard sucked in a breath.

"Why didn't you say so?"

"Well...I mean, you know how it is. We were always boozing and carrying on. I didn't think anyone cared about that sort of thing."

Marcus nodded. That made sense. Intelligent and genuine conversations were not their usual forte. He shook his head at all the time they wasted.

Leonard sipped his drink looking thoughtful before speaking again, "So...you and Madame Butterfly, eh?"

Marcus stiffened. His gaze darted to Regina. She looked gorgeous in her wedding gown and far removed from the club he didn't think anyone would make the connection. He knew she didn't care about her past but Marcus didn't want anyone putting her down because of it. She was a strong and capable woman and he would not allow anyone to ridicule her.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Marcus let out an uneasy breath, "How'd you know?"

"I used to be a regular, remember?" Leonard smirked, "and Connor clued me in."

"Connor?"

"Yeah, a few months ago he came to me during a party demanding an apology for embarrassing him. Apparently someone attacked him while he was out with his friends and entertaining a particular lady."

Marcus grimaced recalling the brawl he started. It wasn't his finest hour yet he also didn't regret it. He would never let that man anywhere near Regina.

"I told him I didn't know what he was talking about," Leonard shook his head. "I said I was a married man and I didn't go out to clubs anymore. But it got me thinking about how everyone used to say we could pass for twins."

Marcus chuckled. That's right. It used to be a running joke. Though to be honest he thought they only had a passing resemblance.

"And after the interest you showed her that first night I put two and two together," Leonard sighed. "And kids too? So, safe to assume you two met before?"

Marcus blushed, "You could say that. It's a long story."

"I bet, maybe later when you have time," Leonard said raising his glass. "Let's make a toast: to us and the women crazy enough to put up with us."

Marcus chuckled taking a drink after they clanked glasses. Leonard gave him a pat on the back before heading back to his wife. Marcus watched him go with a mixture of emotions. It seemed they were both saying goodbye to their youth but he didn't think either would miss it. Marcus shook his head making his way toward his grandfather.

Miles, Augustus and Tailor sat at a table together observing and reminiscing. They each had a glass in front of them and a bottle they were sharing. In addition four other glasses sat full and untouched in front of them with a quarter sitting at the bottom of each glass. Miles patted Gabriella's head while she slept in his arms.

"I can take her if you like," Marcus offered as he neared them.

"No. That is all right," Miles smiled. "She's fine where she is."

"It's been a big day," Tailor chuckled.

"She reminds me of Aria and Lyra," Augustus smiled.

"She reminds me of Zoe," Tailor countered.

"But since you're here, Marcus," Augustus looked up, "I believe your perimeter has been breached."

"Yeah, I saw him too," Marcus nodded.

"Are you going to see what he wants?" Tailor asked. "Maybe see if he wants to join us?"

Actually he was considering having the interloper removed. Marcus glanced at Regina. This was her big day and he wouldn't let anyone ruin it. But he should at least hear the man out.

"Yeah, I think I'd better."

***

"When are you going to grow up?" Ulima demanded. "You finally got your wish. You've chased Regina and the kids out of the house for good. Is that what you really want? Never to see them again? When is it going to be enough?"

Lorenzo merely grunted as he lay in bed listening to her rant. It had been hours since his birthday party ended though in truth it had ended long before everyone finally went home. After Regina stormed out the festivities became rather somber. Apparently there was some issue with Gabriella as well. He didn't replace out until weeks later when he overheard Ulima on the phone with Renata talking about Gabriella's trip to the emergency room.

"Gabriella was in the hospital?" Lorenzo asked as soon as she hung up. "Why am I only replaceing out now?"

"I didn't know it was something that mattered to you," Ulima said. "You certainly never paid her any attention when she was here."

"Is she all right?"

"Yes. The doctor did some tests. She has a bad heart and they've put her on medication."

Lorenzo nodded satisfied for the moment. He expected an update on Regina's next visit. It would also give him a chance to see the little one himself. But they didn't visit. Days dragged into weeks. Still Regina and the kids stayed away. His only information was the scant news gleamed from Ulima. Then the wedding invitation arrived.

Ulima had been giddy for weeks and he didn't know why until the announcement's arrival. Regina was getting married? Was it some sort of joke? Who would marry a woman with four kids? She had completely ruined her future for a single night of pleasure and debauchery. Naturally he thought it was a ploy for attention but he refused to entertain her childish desires no matter how much Ulima nagged him about attending.

After Ulima left the house in her Sunday best Lorenzo sat at home expecting her back within an hour. When she didn't return he finally decided enough was enough and went looking for her. Using the address on the invitation he pulled up to the Avery estate thinking he had the wrong place. However, there was no one around to ask.

Not sure what to do he got out and followed the signs directing guests to the back. He arrived in time to see Regina walk down the aisle without him. Everyone was there: Ulima, Renata, their family members. The girls were dressed in pretty little dresses and the boys in suits to match the man standing at the altar smiling at their mother.

The groom picked up Gabriella and held her the entire ceremony. Regina looked beautiful, happy and very much in love. And it was clear the man in front of him adored her.

Lorenzo watched from a distance not sure if he believed it all even as it happened in front of him. The crowd moved to the reception area for dinner catered by Renata's crew. Everyone watched in anticipation as Regina and her groom had their first dance. It seemed Gabriella couldn't sit still and rushed to her parents. The man wasn't upset as he scooped her up and continued dancing with Regina. For the father-daughter dance he danced with both Savannah and Gabriella while Regina danced with the same elderly gentleman who walked her down the aisle.

Who were these people?

"Can I help you?"