Thank you to all the wonderful people who write and let me know there is someone out there. They don't belong to me. Well Beau and Dev do but not the Guys. I make no money. Plenty of warm fuzzies due to those reviews.
This occurs during the 3 rd week after the Twins arrival. Vin is still on leave and their living at the ranch until Vin's new place is ready.
Guess Who's coming to Dinner
Mr. Tanner would it met with your approval if Masters' Beau and Devin were to dine with me tomorrow at 1," Ezra called Vin on Monday morning.
"I got no problem with ya taking tha boys out ta eat," Vin answered. "Ez ya ain't running a con now are ya?" Vin asked slightly concerned.
"Maude has requested my presence at lunch tomorrow," Ezra admitted.
Vin grinned, "Yer siccin' the boys on yer ma? Damn Ez you have a mean streak sometimes".
"Yes she's introducing me to her newest potential husband," Ezra sighed.
"I'll have'm polished and waitin' fer ya. Even get shoes on Dev," Vin chuckled as he hung up.
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Two excited small boys in matching suits greeted Ezra the next day. "Mr. Tanner that's silk" Ezra indicated the suits.
"They's gonna look good fer court and such," Vin growled.
"Dumont is still causing you problems," Ezra frowned.
"Not now," Vin nodded at the boys. Ezra agreed that now was not the time for this conversation.
"I will return them around four," Ezra said.
"That'll be fine I got some runnin' I need ta git done," Vin said as he hugged and kissed the boys.
"Unca Ez ith gonna bring uth home?" Beau asked in a small voice.
"Yeah," Vin straightened Beau's tie.
"Ya be here when we getted back?" he whispered.
"I'll be here waitin' on ya," Vin promised. Dev started out and ran back for a last hug. Ezra exchanged looks with Vin.
"Time will help, Vin" Ezra promised.
The two car seats were buckled in place and the boys clamored in. Ezra checked that they were properly secured twice. Ezra smiled and put down the convertible roof as the boys grinned.
"Where ya takin' uth Unca Ez?" Beau asked.
"Maurice's," Ezra named an exclusive French restaurant.
"Thicken Cordon Blu?" Beau asked.
"Is that what you would like?" Ezra asked amused.
"Doeth they have Endive thalad?" Beau asked.
"I'm not certain," Ezra admitted.
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"Tad thaid yer Mama'th gonna be there?" Beau asked uncertainly.
"Yes, Maude will be there with her newest fiancee," Ezra explained. Ezra was startled by the very adult measuring look bestowed on him by Dev. Beau touched Dev's hand.
"Ya don't like 'er much doeth ya?" Beau's voice was certain.
"No, I don't like her much," Ezra admitted honestly.
A small nod "Ya kin love thomebody without likin' 'em," Beau replied.
Ezra stared at the two boys for a flash in his rearview mirror. How young does such wisdom come? The tests might not be back yet but I have absolutely no doubts that these a Vin's children. How many times has Vin straightened me out with just such a statement.
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Ezra turned his Jag over to the valet and escorted the boys to the door. Ezra became irritated by the Maitre d's attitude towards the twins. Children were obviously not diners here often.
The Man's French accent was strong as he spoke. As Ezra prepared to deliver a cutting remark.
Beau turned to Dev and said, "Hith accent ith atrothiouth. One cannot expect better from thome one raithed in the Bronxth". Ezra smirked at the expression on the man's face.
"From the mouths of babes," Ezra drawled. "Monsieur Dupret's table," Ezra directed with a glare.
Dev moved to Ezra's left and Beau took his accustomed place at Dev's left shoulder. They were shown to the table and seated. "The boys will require booster seats," Ezra noted. Their waiter smiled at the boys still tickled at Pierre's take down.
"At once gentlemen," he promised.
"Thank ya," Beau offered a beautiful smile.
"It appears Mother is going to be late," Ezra sighed. Dev offered a mischievous grin and reached into a pocket showing Ezra a deck of cards.
"It would be rude," Ezra said. "If she isn't here in ten minutes we'll play," He grinned at the frowning Maitra d' on the other side of the room.
"Ezra Darling," Maude's honeyed voice called.
"Mother," Ezra stood and gently brushed his lips against her cheek.
"Darling this is my fiancee Edmund Dupret," she introduced. Maude's face showed shock quickly hidden at the two boys standing to her son's left. "Ezra?" she asked.
"Mother, Monsieur Dupret may I introduce Devin and Beau. Some young friends who have decided to join me for lunch," Ezra introduced the two perfectly behaved children.
Maude hid her fury carefully and greeted the boys. She flinched slightly as the wise blue eyes locked on her's. "Couldn't they have joined us at some other time?" Maude suggested.
"I made the boys a promise, Mother," Ezra frowned at her rudeness. Ezra seated Maude then helped Beau into the booster seat. "No" Ezra spoke sharply as Dupret reached for Dev. "Devin does not like to be touched by strangers," Ezra explained.
"Dev thaid it'th all right Monthieur Dupret ith green," Beau spoke up. Edmund gently lifted Dev into his seat and made certain he was close enough to the table.
"Children can sometimes be hard to understand. They are always worth the effort," Dupret smiled at the two boys. "Why am I green?" he asked.
"Ya feel green like Unca Nathan. Ith ya a healer too?" Beau talked easily.
"Yes I am and I am going to enjoy my lunch very much since you have decided to join us," Edmund spoke in a soft French accent. The waiter appeared and the adults ordered drinks and h'ordervers.
"Beau?" Ezra asked. "Dev and I'd like thrimp cocktail and thome apple juice," Beau responded.
"Certainly Monsieur," the waiter winked at the smiling boy.
"Ezra when are you going to quit that silly job," Maude began. Dev raised his head a glare drew his brows as he stared at Maude. "Good God! he glares like Mr. Larabee," Maude exclaimed.
"Ya thouldn't take the Lord'th name in vain. Iffen ya ain't careful yer gonna go ta hell," Beau suggested. Maude glared at the boy. Dupret stifled a laugh and exchanged an amused look with Ezra. When the 'h'orderves were presented. Edmund bowed his head with a smile when Beau asked a blessing.
Maude was somewhat mollified. The boys table manners were excellent. Edmund told them about his five grandchildren and his children. The pride was evident as the man spoke.
"Dev would like ta be 'xcuthed fer a minute," Beau asked.
"Certainly," Ezra pulled the chair back so the boy could hop down.
"Do you need help?" Ezra asked softly. Dev nodded.
"We'll be back momentarily," Ezra explained as he led Dev off.
"Devin hasn't spoken are we perhaps disturbing him?" Dupret asked in concern.
"Dev don't talk since momma died," Beau answered. Dupret's face tightened.
"It was not my intention to cause you distress Beau," he sighed.
"It's alrigh', Ya wanted ta make Dev feel better." Beau smiled sadly.
Ezra and Dev returned and lunch resumed. Maude became more irritated as the meal progressed. Ezra was avoiding her snares with style. The twins were well mannered and kept aiding Ezra. Edmund's amusement grew as Maude fumed.
Finally she began speaking French to Ezra in an attempt to control the situation. Dev snarled tossing his napkin on to the table. Beau's soft voice cut through Maude's tirade. Edmund covered his mouth quickly to cover a sudden cough. Then Beau lectured Maude in perfect French. Ezra spoke softly to Beau in French thanking him for his defense but explaining that it was unnecessary.
"Unca Ezra how'd ya become a gentleman with Maude fer yer momma?" Beau asked. Ezra blinked in shock. Edmund was struggling to control his laughter.
"You rude little boy," Maude snarled.
"Unca Ezra'th ourth now ya leave him be," Beau growled. Ezra grimaced as Maude stood and began one of her famous tantrums. "Tad would whoop mah butt iffen I acted like that," Beau gasped.
"Yes he certainly would," Ezra sighed. I wonder if I can get Vin to whoop Mother's butt?
"Maude!" Edmund thundered. "If you cannot act like an adult leave now," he ordered. Ezra's face was expressionless as Maude gasped and dropped back into her seat staring at Edmund. "Desert?" Edmund asked calmly, then smiled at Ezra and winked.
Mother you have made a grave mistake. This man has character. You dear lady are going to loose. Maude calmed down and smiled at Dumont. Mother this man is no fool. Ezra was pleased with the boys as they made a through study of Maude. I must remember to ask them what they learned about her.