The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 59

Marcus shuffled toward the door in her wake like a wounded puppy. He was just in time to see Regina and the kids get into a limousine no doubt courtesy of Tracy and the Prescotts or maybe the Stantons. Watching them drive away he felt cold and empty. It was like suddenly waking up from a dream and realizing it hadn't been real.

The woman he wanted and the children he adored were leaving him behind and he would never see them again. Maybe it was for the best. It seemed he only made their lives harder. They certainly didn't need any more challenges. Perhaps it was best to let them go. "Marcus!"

He cringed as Elizabeth exited and saw him standing on the courthouse steps. She pranced up to him as if this was all unexpected, as if he hadn't just seen her in the courtroom.

"What are you doing here?" she smiled clutching his arm. "Since we're here should we get our marriage license? You know how excited your mother is about making it all official." Marcus jerked his arm free and glared at her demanding, "You want to explain yourself?"

"Wh-what to do mean?"

"I saw you in that courtroom. It was you, wasn't it? The anonymous complaint. Do you have any idea what might have happened to those kids?"

"Well if one can't properly take care of kids one shouldn't have any."

"Then that leaves you out, doesn't it?" Marcus sneered. "Why the hell would you do that to them?"

"She should know better than to meddle in the affairs of those better than her."

"What?"

"She was distracting you: her and those urchins. We have a future Marcus. They don't. It's just that simple. They have nothing to do with us."

"Get this through your head...There is no us. There is no we. There is no future where we are anything," Marcus said. "And if you try anything like that again to Regina and those kids I swear you won't have any future. I'll wipe you, your family and your precious reputation off the face of the earth. You aren't the only one with connections Elizabeth so if I were you I'd think twice before crossing me."

Marcus shoved past her and stalked off to where he had parked down the street.

"She's nothing! A nobody!" Elizabeth called after him. "Marcus!"

But he didn't stop or turn around and left her fuming.

***

"Tony!" Renata admonished. "Stop playing with the windows!"

Ever since they had settled in the car the boys played with every button and switch they could find. In contrast Savannah and Gabriella sat quietly with their mother, the latter cuddled in Regina's lap. She held the little one tight slowly collecting her thoughts. She didn't have the heart to interfere with the boys' antics for the moment.

"Señora, you didn't have to arrange a car like this for us," Ulima turned her attention to Tracy.

"It's fine," she smiled. "Sarah said to spare no expense. After what you've been through you all need a little pampering."

Tracy chuckled as Carlos found the control for the sunroof. In a few seconds he had it open wide and the brothers were fighting over who was going to climb out first. "Carlos! Tony!" Renata admonished before looking at Tracy. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Tracy said. "I have two boys of my own."

"You do?" Savannah suddenly asked.

"Asher and Grady," Tracy nodded. "Asher is five. Grady is two. They get into plenty of trouble on their own and let's not even talk about when they are with their cousins." The women shared a chuckle.

"So...what's going to happen now?" Savannah asked. "Will they come for us again?"

"No sweetie," Tracy shook her head. "You don't have to worry about that. That social worker, on the other hand, has plenty to worry about. If CPS doesn't do its own investigation and fire her I'd be surprised. That's not going to stop me from filing suit against her on your behalf." "Are you sure that's necessary?" Renata asked. "We'd rather not cause trouble."

"She caused the trouble," Tracy corrected. "This level of disregard for the law can't be ignored and she shouldn't have started this fight in the first place."

They nodded not understanding all the implications but thought it best to leave it in Tracy's capable hands. She had proven herself a caring ally and her knowledge of law far exceeded their own.

"So what's next for you?" Tracy asked.

"I think we'll all be happy just to get the kids settled back at home," Renata said when Regina remained silent.

Since leaving the courthouse Regina had been completely silent. Renata was worried this had been far worse for her sister than the kids. Ever since they had been taken away Regina had been withdrawn. Renata hoped getting them back would bring her sister out of her head again but it seemed she was still weighing some heavy thoughts.

There was plenty Renata wanted to ask her particularly about the nightclub she was singing in. She still couldn't believe Regina would do such a thing. What would possess her to take such a job? Renata knew money was tight but to think her sister was desperate enough to agree to such a position.

The fact Regina didn't tell them about the job was less surprising. Regina always felt she was a burden and tried to do everything on her own. She always put extra pressure on herself to solve issue on her own. Once the kids were settled Renata had every intention of confronting her sister but it could wait until then.

"I think it's time to leave," Regina finally spoke.

"What?" every head snapped to attention.

"What are you talking about?" Renata asked. "We're not even halfway home."

"I mean New York," Regina said.

"Leave New York? Where would you go?" Renata scoffed.

"Uncle Sebastian is still looking for help."

"Texas? Are you serious?" Renata gasped. "You actually want to move to Texas with four kids? And what about Gabriella's medical treatment? Savannah's school?"

Regina sighed. Yes, there were several difficulties with her idea but that didn't change her mind. She wouldn't let those people interfere with her family again. This time they came after her children, who knows what they would do next?

If she relocated to Texas her children would be out of their reach. Her uncle would give her a steady job and she would have medical insurance. It would help her take better care of Gabriella. There had to be plenty of competent doctors in Texas and Doctor Worthington would have suggestions. Regina could bring it up to Doctor Worthington at Gabriella's next appointment.

There was only another month before Savannah's school year was done. Her transcript was excellent so switching schools wouldn't be difficult at all. The triplets hadn't started yet so she wasn't worried about them. She could ask her aunt about schools before they even began their move and maybe even arrange a place to live well in advance.

"What about your stage career?" Renata asked. "What about your dream of being an actress?"

Regina grimaced, "...We all have to grow up sometime."

"Regina."

She shook her head, "It was a stupid dream anyway. I have responsibilities."

Regina squeezed Gabriella tighter. The little one had fallen asleep with all the excitement. Nothing else mattered except her children's health and safety. A dream was a small price to pay after all.