By Design (BWWM) [Complete]

Chapter 14: Left of Center

Through it all, Taiwo and Connor weathered storms life blew their way. Not for a second had they forgotten about the child that was taken from them, but it got easier to live each day. In order to find their groove, Taiwo quit her job and Shaw and Fletcher for reasons unknown to the company. Connor and she kept quiet about their second pregnancy as she chose to go into isolation. They also kept secret the fact they'd gotten married. They were one year in and she'd already given birth to twins. A son and a daughter. When they felt it right, they agreed to tell his family first and then hers. They wanted to enjoy the tiny lives they created, not wanting outside influences to tarnish their first year. Changes kept coming, Connor decided to end the mysterious face behind Brontë Clothing. The buzz created not only more of a demand for his clothing, but business increased exponentially for their architecture company. Shaw and Fletcher expanded and hired fresh, young architects ready to take on their first big venture, supervised, of course.

She finally felt she could relax, she had her babies, a comfortable secure home and a husband who loved her immensely. Taiwo realized she traded one responsibility for another, but now it was her choice, not something someone saddled on her back. No longer did she feel the need to protect her siblings or try to keep the family together. It didn't matter what her mother thought of her choices, it was her life to do with it what she wanted. Knowing how her mother felt about mixed grandchildren, she originally planned to ban her mother from having even one picture of them. Connor on the other hand, wanted Taiwo to give Anikka one last chance, that hopefully she would see the error of her ways. It wasn't his wish for his mother-in-law to miss out on her grandchildren, nor did he want to tackle the subject if they were to ever ask why their grandmother never came to spend time with them.

Still, even with this looming over him, being married to Taiwo and becoming a father were hands down the best decision he ever made. He wouldn't trade them for the world. Connor also wanted to be the best example he could be for his children, no matter what disagreements he and Taiwo had, they'd always be sure to work them out, keeping their children in mind. But today was going to be a good day, he and Tai invited his family down to get reacquainted. He knew his father would be excited to have new life in the Fletcher line and his mother, no doubt, will be at a loss for words. Connor remembered what an excellent mother she was to him and his siblings and he hoped to take what he learned and use wisdom and knowledge to rear his seed. They were to arrive any minute now and he made sure there were light snacks arranged on a platter, just like his mother served when he was a kid. No sooner than everything was made ready, the doorbell rang.

"Connor!"

"Hello, father." she answered with a broad smile.

"Oh, look at my son." his mother blushed.

"Hey, mum."

"Look who couldn't come see us, Mr. Important." his brother, Aidan teased.

"Mr. International." Neal jabbed.

"We had to come all the way across the pond for some mysterious reason you kept all to yourself. Better be good Con." Fiona and Mona, his twin sisters said in unison.

"Yeah, yeah, it's good to see you too. Come in."

"Big brother is living fancy, is he..." Mona clucked.

"Ye should be sending us a small stipend Mr. Billionaire."

"I'm not even close to a billion."

"You should hear the noise back home, you're all the rage. Small town Irish boy with a clothing line and an architect. You're a double agent." Fiona teased.

"I'm just doing what I can to take care of my family. That's why I called you from Ireland."

"Mum and Da told us about Taiwo, is her name?"