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"I love you too, brother. I am going to put something in place for your peace of mind. But I know we will never need it. Between the two of us, we won't let things get that far." I stand and walk to the bar.
"I'm counting on you to protect my family if I can't."
"With my life."
“You are a good brother. I know I don’t say it enough but I’m grateful for you.” I confess.
"What are you two talking about?" My mother asks, walking in with Aisling. Aisling speaks not giving Oliver a chance to respond and I am ok with that.
"Dada," Aisling calls, trying to leave my mother's arms. I take her.
"Hi, Princess," I kiss the top of her head.
"She is talking up a storm," my mother adds.
"Not at all. All she says is dada and momma."
"Momma," Aisling calls.
"She is a smart one," my mother says.
"Momma," she calls again.
"Mommy is coming in a few minutes." She starts crying, looking for Ava. I understand the sentiment. I want to be around Ava all the time too.
"I'll take her," Ava says, walking into the living room. "Come on, sweetheart. Are you ready for a nap?" Ava asks, taking her from my arms. "I'll be back." She leaves me with my mother standing beside me.
"How are you doing these days?" My mother asks.
"Busy. Dealing with my father's bullshit."
"I never imagined your father would do the things he has. He used to be a good man. A family man. But he isn't the same man I married."
There is sadness in her voice. I embrace her, hopefully comforting her. I wish things were different for her. She doesn’t say it but I know she is suffering. I have asked her to leave my father but she won’t. She is loyal to the man even though he doesn’t deserve it.
"People change and not always in a good way."
"Have you heard from Fiona?" She whispers hoping no one can hear her.
"No."
"Ava is great with Aisling."
"Of course she is. She is her mother."
"Just be careful. Fiona is wicked. That whole family is. You never know what their true intentions are. I would hate for her to take Aisling from us."
"Over my dead body. Aisling is a Manarch, and Ava is her mother. Fiona will never have her."
"I hope you are right."
Her words play in my head. I've been thinking about the same thing since my encounter with Cillian. I don't do threats, but I won’t disregard them either. Fiona hasn't been seen or heard from since she shot Ava. Her silence unsettles me. I had John send Fiona a waiver of parental rights for to relinquish all rights regarding Aisling. I am going to pay her handsomely for it. Fiona is all about money. I am counting on her greed. Ava is Aisling's mother. I will do everything in my power to make sure Aisling never leaves Ava’s side. I won't allow Aisling to be Fiona's pawn.
Chapter Fifty Four
Ava
It's been a couple of months of trying to find my rhythm as a working mom. I finally feel comfortable and not guilty about leaving the kids at home. I still can't believe Viktor bought House of Beauty for me. I asked Oliver if Viktor knew about my time working at the boutique, but he said it was a happy coincidence. Viktor bought the company before I called off the engagement.
