Chapter 58

Dinner was simmering when Macey arrived. He hadn’t said he was cooking, so she assumed he had ordered takeout until she found them in the kitchen. She set her bag down as the kids ran to greet her. Julius left his station to give her a peck on the cheek before escorting her to the table that was already set for four. There was a colorful bouquet in the center and even a pair of lit candles.

“Maman! We made dinner!” Aria and Caden announced.

“Made dinner?” Macey’s gaze traveled to the kitchen and the tell-tale signs they had been cooking rather than simply dressing up delivery. “You really cooked.”

“Of course,” Julius slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her again. “I’ll admit it’s been awhile, so be generous.”

He held out her chair. Once he seated them, he served the meal with a flourish. Julius had considered champagne, but with the kids present he settled for sparkling grape juice. Watching their delighted faces as they ate the meal he provided warmed him as nothing before. He