Mr. Masters (Mr. 1)

Sammy takes my hand and smiles up at me.

He is the light of my life.

We come to the cemetery often with the children, and I know Julian still comes alone sometimes, too. He has never forgotten Alina. I know he says he never loved her, but on some level he did. She gave him his two greatest gifts and he will be forever grateful that she went through with those pregnancies.

Henry struggles to get out of my arms, so I put him down and watch as he takes off across the cemetery.

“Henry,” Julian calls. “Come back here, please.”

“No!” Henry yells as he runs as fast as he can in the other direction.

Julian’s eyes meet mine and I giggle. This child will be the death of him.

Henry is as wild as they come.

“Don’t make me come and get you,” Julian calls.

Henry keeps running,

squealing with laughter.

Willow and I laugh as Julian shakes his head and takes off after him. We watch on as Julian scoops Henry up on the run, scolding him as he struggles to break free.

"I never thought I'd see the day when I was the good child," Willow smirks.

I kiss her temple and wrap my arm around her. “Pumpkin, that child would make The Devil look well behaved.”

TWO YEARS LATER

Julian is sprawled on the sofa watching television with a four-month-old baby sleeping on his chest. We have five children now. Willow is twenty-one and blossoming. She is working for the Masters Group, as well as doing business and commerce at university. She's dated a few girls, but of course, none of them are good enough for Julian. She's hinted a few times that she may move out… but I won't let her yet. I want her close for a few more years. Julian has finally given in to my nagging, and we are building her an apartment above the garage. I can keep her close forever.

Sammy is thirteen and still the light of my life, even though he has gone completely girl crazy. Julian goes Hulk every now and then, throwing his PlayStation in the bin because he's been on it too much, but Sammy and I sneak it out when he goes to work the next day. Henry is five, and oh my God this child was put on Earth to test us. He's silly, like me, but strong like Julian. He's the spitting image of his father, and even putting his shoes on can end up in World War Three like arguments. Things have to be done his way and only his way. Julian and he lock horns at least twice a day. Aaron, our angel baby, is two. He's upstairs asleep and he is the absolute image of Sammy. Both in nature and looks. He has dark hair, a big smile, and he always wants to keep everyone happy.

And then we have baby Alexander. Another boy. High maintenance and wants to be held all the time. It’s rare if Julian doesn’t have him in his arms.

The outside world knows Julian as the serious cranky judge.

But the children and I know better. He’s a beautiful father and husband who adores and dotes on us all.

He’s the glue that holds our family together.

And we love him.

Julian Masters

Requests the company of

Bree Johnston

Occasion: Conversation.

Date: 22 August

Time: 7 PM

Place: Room 612: Rosewood London

Dress code: Bondage