Chapter 20
Chloe
“What’s happening?” I turned to ask Mia.
“I’ll tell you later.” Mia hurried Sophie over to the table for biscuits. Things were not going to stay this quiet, so best to get out of the line of fire.
“Mom, you know I’m too shy, and in case you forgot, I’m married,” August said. “It would be a total catastrophe.”
“I got it. Why don’t you auction the twins together as a pair?” Trey said. “Oh my God, think of the excitement- a double-date for some lucky women.”
“Oh Lord, Trey,” Victoria said between spurts of laughter. “It would be entertaining, but what if one woman alone actually got the double date for just herself?”
“I do like the sound of that,” Trey said with a wink and a brow wiggle.
“Behave yourself, Trey,” Victoria said with a mock air slap.
“I’m enjoying for once not being involved in something like this,” Parker said, sitting down to watch.
Mom always had us doing crazy stuff for charity. “What’s it gonna be, boys? Individually or together?”
“Together,” Asher said loudly, “or not at all.”
“But we’ve been tricked, and we know it,” August said. “Mom, I have a wife. Don’t you think she wouldn’t like it?”
“What wouldn’t I like?” Imogen asked from the open doorway.
“I asked the twins to agree to be auctioned off for a one night double-date,” Mom went on. “It’s all in the name of charity.”
“Interesting. I don’t mind if it raises a lot of money to auction off the Hawthorne twins.” Imogen joined at the table to help. “August, you should do it.”
“I’m not doing it. Get Sawyer to do it with Asher,” August demanded. “Just call it the Hawthorne Playboys.”
Victoria stood from the table. “Absolutely perfect, boys, I appreciate the help.”
“She got you guys real good. This will be amazing.” Murphy’s laughter could be heard throughout the first floor.
I’d been watching the exchange in amazement. Sophie clung to my neck, still waking up fully from her nap.
“Chloe, dear, you are going to join us tonight, aren’t you,” Victoria asked, “and miss Sophie too?”
“Yes, thank you. I’m looking forward to it, especially to see this auction of the twins happen,” I said. “I just have to make sure Sophie is feeling well enough. Today was a lot of activity for her.”
“Not the Hawthorne twins, the Hawthorne Playboys,” August reminded me. “I’ll be with my wife.”
“August, we heard you the first time. Don’t make her feel bad,” Victoria scolded.
“Sorry, Chloe. I wasn’t really saying it to you, just making sure the rest of this group knows I’m not changing my mind,” August growled.
“Chloe dear, I’ll make sure there is a limo available to you in case Sophie isn’t feeling well,” Victoria said. “Will that help you feel better about joining?”
“That would be amazing.” I looked to Mia. “Is there a specific dress code? I didn’t bring a lot with me.”
“Most of the women wear dresses. Let Diana know your dress and shoe size, and she’ll make sure you have a dress to wear.” Victoria typed something into her cell. “I just messaged her to check with you.”
“Victoria, it’s okay, I already have dresses for both of them,” Mia smiled. “I was about to surprise them with the outfits.”
“I should have known you would be prepared, Mia.” Victoria typed in her cell again. “Miss Sophie, there’ll be lots of other children there, fun games, and another Easter egg hunt.”