Chapter 7

4/12/2041

When Luca awoke that morning, Tyson and Elena were still sound asleep in their cribs. While taking a shower, Luca left the bathroom door open. The twins were just waking up when he emerged from the bathroom. Luca dressed the twins and loaded them into their carriers.

"You two behave for grandpa and uncles Thomas and Adrian," Luca said, kissing their foreheads.

"Good luck," Ken said, "and happy birthday."

"Thank you," Luca said. He waved goodbye and walked to his car.

Luca sat in the passenger seat, buckled his seatbelt, and started the car. He returned his gaze to the main house and sighed deeply before exiting the driveway. Luca felt both excited and terrified. His career was about to take a big step forward, and he was about to plunge into a whole new world. People would flock to see his artwork.

"Get your act together," he told himself. "This is what you've been working for,"

Luca parked his car, grabbed his portfolio, and entered the art studio. The walls and floor were strewn with various works of art.

"I could stare at these for hours," Luca thought to himself as he walked around the massive room.

He came to a halt in front of a photograph of a young girl dressed in a flowery gown. She had short, brown hair and green eyes. He thought she looked familiar. Luca took a step closer to get a better look.

"Haven't I seen this child before?" he wondered. Luca searched his memory, trying to figure out why this little girl seemed so familiar. Then he remembered the online profile he had seen.

"This can't be her," he reasoned. "This child is younger," said the raven-haired man. Luca took note of the date. 3/29/2039. "This child is a year old," he reminded himself.

When Luca heard a little girl say, "Daddy, can we go to the park?", he turned around. Luca looked at the photo, then at the child. The man and child appeared familiar, even from behind.

"Not right now, pumpkin," he said, "I have to see someone right now." A few steps away from the child, Luca noticed a ragdoll.

"I believe you dropped this," Luca said as he picked it up and walked over to the little girl.

"Dolly," the child exclaimed as she took the doll from him.

"What do you say to the nice man?" asked the father.

"Thank you," she said with a smile to Luca.

The man returned, but without his daughter. Luca was looking at more photos that piqued his interest.

"May I assist you in any way?" he asked as he approached Luca.

"I have a meeting with Tyree Richards," Luca explained.

"That's me," the tall man explained. "I'm guessing you're Mr. Hodges," he said, extending his hand.

"Call me Luca," he said, shaking his hand.

"Let's sit and talk about what I'm interested in," he said as they made their way to the back of the studio.

Luca sat in a velvet chair as they entered the office, while Tyree sat at his mahogany desk.

"I came across your blog and was impressed by your work," he explained. "I also noticed you have children," he added.

"Yes, a boy and a girl," Luca confirmed with a nod.

"Can you balance work and family time?" he inquired.

"I have family and friends who help me," Luca explained.

"I'd like to feature your work as the main attraction here," he said. Luca gave him a wide smile as he looked over at him.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Richards."

"Please call me Tyree," he smiled as they shook hands.

When Luca heard his phone ring, he glanced at it. When Luca saw the name on the caller ID, he frowned. It was Patrick's father.

"Dad?" he asked, answering the phone.

"We have a problem," Ken admitted. Luca's face flushed when he learned what had happened.

"I'm sorry for cutting this short, but I'm needed back at home," he said, breathing heavily.

"Let me drive you," Tyree said, sensing something was wrong.

"I don't want you to get caught up in my problems," Luca said. Luca clumsily walked to the door, but as he reached it, his legs gave out.

"Please let me help," Tyree said, helping Luca to his feet.

Luca relented and handed Ty the keys to his car. Luca knew he had to get home, but he also knew he wasn't in good enough shape to drive. He sat in the passenger seat, trying to remain calm as Ty drove.

"If he hurts my babies, I'm going to kill him," Luca muttered under his breath.

"Who is this person who is causing you such distress?" Tyree inquired.

"My ex-boyfriend," Luca explained.

Once they arrived at Luca's home, Luca stepped inside, followed closely by Tyree, who had a concerned look on his face.

"Okay, where the hell are my children?" Luca inquired vehemently.

"Patrick took them without anyone knowing it," Ken said, walking into the room. With renewed strength, Luca brought out his phone and dialed his ex's number.

"Patrick Brown, you bring my children home, or I'll revoke your rights right now!" he said, angrily. Luca promptly called his lawyer and told her what happened. When the front door opened ten minutes later and Patrick walked in carrying the twins, Luca lost it right there.

"You bastard," "How dare you think that you can just up and leave with my children?" Luca said.

"They are my kids too," he said. Luca glared at Patrick, who flinched.

"The deal was that you could see them, but with supervision," he said. "Did you forget that detail?" Luca asked.

Luca turned to face Tyree, who stood there watching everything unfold before him.

"Thank you for bringing me home," Luca said. "I'm sorry for getting you mixed up in this mess," he said.

"At least your children are safe and sound," he said.

"Message me with details of the showing," Luca said.

"I will," he said. "And take care," Tyree said before leaving. Luca turned and faced Patrick.

"Your visitation for today has ended," he said. "Now go home because I don't want to see your face," Luca said as he picked up the carriers and headed to his room.