Suspicious Twins
“Remarrying?” I sputtered, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “Where on earth did that come from?”
Laura shrugged, still giggling. “We were just thinking about it, that’s all.”
“Yeah,” Larry added, trying to hide his smile. “You know... like... you being with someone again.”
I narrowed my eyes at both of them, sensing there was more going on here. But they weren’t bringing up him. That much was clear. So, what was this about?
“Okay, hold on,” I said, setting the glass down on the counter and folding my arms. “What’s going on with you two? Why the sudden interest in me getting remarried?”
Laura gave me an innocent look, but I wasn’t fooled. “We just thought... maybe it’d be nice. You know, you wouldn’t be alone, and... you could have someone to help.”
Larry nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling. “Yeah, like someone to make you smile more, Mummy. You’re always working.”
I stared at them, my heart softening despite the absurdity of the conversation. Where was this coming from? They couldn’t really understand everything I’d been through, the mess that was my marriage to Rowan, the betrayal, the lies. But their little minds were clearly working overtime, trying to figure out how to make my life better.
“Alright,” I said, leaning against the counter, “you two are sweet. But I’m perfectly fine on my own, okay? No need for me to get remarried. You two keep me busy enough.”
Laura pouted a little, sticking out her bottom lip in that way that always made me want to laugh. “But Mummy... wouldn’t you want someone to make you happy?”
I smiled, shaking my head as I crouched down to their level. “You two already make me the happiest person in the world. I don’t need anyone else to do that.”
They both grinned at that, but I could still see the wheels turning in their little heads. This wasn’t over. They were testing the waters, trying to see how I’d react to the idea of having someone else in my life. I was almost certain this was the start of something bigger.
“Well, we were just wondering,” Larry said with a shrug, though his expression was a little too casual for my liking.
“Yeah,” Laura added, hopping back up and grabbing her Legos again. “Just curious. That’s all.”
As I wiped the last drops of water from the kitchen counter, I watched the twins go back to their Lego fortress, their laughter echoing around the room. I couldn’t help but smile. They always had this energy that brightened everything, no matter how rough my day had been.
"By the way," I started, leaning against the counter and folding my arms, "I’ve got some exciting news. We’re going to Paris next month."
Both Larry and Laura froze mid-play. They turned to look at me, identical expressions of shock plastered on their faces. It was like I had just told them the sky was falling. I blinked, surprised by their reaction. Usually, the mention of any kind of trip—especially to a place as magical as Paris—would have them bouncing off the walls. But this? This was strange.
“What?” Larry asked, his voice almost a whisper.
I nodded, frowning slightly at their odd reaction. “Yeah. Paris. Remember my friend Claire from university? She’s getting married, and she invited us. I thought it’d be fun. You guys would get to see the Eiffel Tower, eat all the pastries you want...”
But they weren’t grinning or shouting excitedly like I expected. Instead, they both exchanged a quick glance, and then—without another word—bolted out of the room. I stood there, stunned, as their footsteps pounded down the hallway.
“Wait, what—?” I called after them, but they were already gone, the sound of their doors slamming echoing through the house.
I stood there, completely baffled. Paris had been in the works for a while, and I’d been holding off on telling them until everything was confirmed. I’d imagined their faces lighting up with joy, maybe even a small victory dance. But this... this was the complete opposite.
I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to figure out what had just happened. I replayed the scene in my head, wondering if I’d said something wrong. But what could possibly be wrong with a trip to Paris?
I pushed away from the counter and headed down the hallway toward their rooms. First, I knocked on Laura’s door gently.
“Laura? Sweetie, what’s going on? Why don’t you want to go to Paris?” I asked, but there was no response. I knocked again, but the room remained silent.
“Larry?” I called as I moved to his door. “Are you two okay?”
Still nothing.
This wasn’t like them at all. Something was up. But what?
I pushed open the door and saw both of them were underneath their blankie where they had their so called secret conversations and didn't want me to hear.
I rolled my eyes. Locking the door behind them.
Even if they consult themselves. They were still going to Paris. With Rowan being around and interested in my well being, I couldn't risk them getting in the eyes of the Vaughn's.
***
Underneath the soft blanket that covered both of them, Larry and Laura huddled together, their faces serious.
The faint light of the tablet they’d smuggled into their room illuminated their small face.
“This is bad,” Larry whispered, glancing toward the door, making sure their mum wasn’t coming. “If we go to Paris, how are we going to make Mummy marry the rich uncle?”
Laura nodded, licking her lips in concentration. “Yeah, Paris is way too far. And if we’re gone, he won’t even see her.”
They both sat in silence for a moment, contemplating their options. The plan had been simple at first—get Uncle Rowan to marry their mum so they could all live happily ever after in a huge mansion with fancy toys and never worry about anything again. But now, Paris was getting in the way.
“What if... what if we get the rich uncle to come to Paris too?” Laura suggested, her eyes lighting up with a new idea.
Larry’s face broke into a grin. “Yeah! Then he’ll have no choice but to be with Mummy. We can set it up so they have to spend time together.”
Laura giggled, bouncing a little in excitement. “And he’ll fall in love with her. For sure.”
They exchanged a high-five under the blanket, their plan solidifying in their minds. Laura quickly grabbed the tablet, her fingers tapping away with purpose.
“We’ll send him a message,” she whispered, her tongue poking out slightly as she typed. “Tell him to come to Paris. We can say there’s something important... like, um, a big family meeting. Or maybe something about business!”
Larry nodded, impressed. “Yeah, something that’ll make him have to come. That way, he’ll see Mummy, and everything will go perfectly.”
After a few seconds of typing, Laura looked at her brother for approval. "How’s this?"
Dear Uncle Rich Man,
We have something super important to tell you. You need to come to Paris. I would send the date soon.
It’s a matter of the heart and also business. Mummy will be there, and she needs you.
Don’t let her go alone.
See you soon! If you want your money back.
Love, L and L.
Larry read over her shoulder, nodding seriously. “That’s perfect. He’ll totally come. And then... it’s only a matter of time.”
Laura giggled again, hitting ‘Send’ before they both flopped back onto their pillows, satisfied with their plan.
“Mummy’s gonna be so surprised when rich uncle shows up,” Laura said, grinning widely.
“Yeah,” Larry agreed, folding his arms behind his head. “And then we won’t have to worry about Paris getting in the way anymore. They’ll be together... just like we want.”
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