The Best Mistake

Chapter Twenty-Three

Most Saturdays, I'm home relaxing and spending time with the girls. We go to the park, paint, watch movies, bake and all kinds of different activities. These are the reasons that Saturday is my favorite day of the week. This Saturday however, I'm anything but relaxed. The girl's birthday is tomorrow making them officially two years old and I still have a lot of shopping to do for their party. There is also the fact that Mason insisted he comes along to help me out. Although I was excited to be shopping for the party, I'm worried about being alone with Mason for a few hours. It's not that I don't trust him, I'm worried about the effects he tends to have over me. My body betrays me every time he's around, whether it's a blush, clammy hands, a racing heart or a slight stroke when it's time to form the right words. Mason is gorgeous, there is no denying that, but why can't I move pass the whole Masquermania fiasco?
I got the girls packed and ready to spend the morning with my mom while Mason and I shopped. We agreed that he should come to my house and we'd go together, another reason my nerves were getting to me.
 
"Mommy, look! Spot!" Lily giggled.
 
I turned to see Lily and Peppa struggling to stuff their shoes onto Spot's paws. Spot sat up totally comfortable as the girls dressed him up. I laughed shaking my head and went back to picking out an outfit for today. After nearly twenty minutes, I finally settled on my black spaghetti strapped bodysuit with a sweetheart neckline. I threw on a pair of dark washed jeans and pulled my hair in a semi messy bun. I stared at my reflection in the mirror for a few moments to take in my image. It's rare for me to stare at myself in the mirror, my mind is constantly ticking. My cheeks were rosy, my blue eyes were sparkling, and my light pink lips looked full. I heard the doorbell rang and with one more look at my image I left the mirror feeling satisfied.
 
"Come on girls." I said.
 
I grabbed their shoes off Spot and took their hands to help lead them down the stairs.
 
"Come on, you want to see Mason?" I asked.
 
"Okay." Lily said, while Peppa focused on her feet descending the stairs.
 
We went to the door quickly and I pulled it open, revealing a giddy Mason. My heart spiked as I took in his appearance, he was dressed in a black fitted t-shirt with black jogger pants and white sneakers. He wasn't wearing a hat today showing off his reddish-brown hair, and the shades on his head kept his hair out of his face. I sighed internally. Not only are we wearing the same color but he's standing here looking like model while I resemble the awkward person that gets picked last in gym.
 
"Morning." He beamed.
 
I cleared my throat, "Morning."
 
He glanced down at my attire, "Cute." He smirked. I rolled my eyes and opened the door wider.
 
Mason's eyes immediately zeroed in on the girls standing by my side. I watched his eyes softened instantly as he crouched down to the girls.
 
"Hi girls."
 
"Hi Maston." Lily smiled.
 
"Hi Mathon." Peppa waved politely.
 
"You both look so beautiful today. How are you Lily?" He asked.
 
"Good." Lily beamed.
 
"Good? That's great sweetie and how are you Peppa?"
 
"I'm fine." Peppa blushed.
 
"Awesome. I brought you girls a little treat from Caleb, he said it's your favorite."
 
Mason revealed two little Jolley Ranchers in the palm of his hand. The girls face lit up quickly and they took he candy out of his hands.
 
"What do you say?" I asked.
 
"Thank ou." They said in unison.
 
"You're very welcome." He grinned.
 
Mason stood up smoothly, "Are you ready?" He asked.
 
"I have to feed the dog. Can you help them put their shoes on?" I asked.
 
Mason almost jumped at the offer and nodded his head eagerly, "Yea sure." He said.
 
I allowed him to come in and placed their shoes in his hands while I went to put out food for Spot. Once his bowls were filled, I grabbed the girls bags off the kitchen table and headed back to the living room. I was about to walk out but stopped next to the staircase to take in the unexpected scene in front of me. The girls were sitting on the couch with their feet out and Mason was putting their shoes on gently.
 
"Ooo, Lily look at your pretty shoes." He said.
 
"I like my shoes." She beamed.
 
"I like your shoes too." He said.
 
"Mathon ou like my shoes?" Peppa whispered.
 
"Of course. Peppa they're so pretty too." Mason chuckled.
 
"Mommy buyed our shoes." Lily said.
 
"It's bought sweetie" Mason smiled, "and your mommy bought you very pretty shoes and clothes.
 
Peppa pointed at Mason's sneakers, "Your mommy buyed..."
 
"Bought." He corrected.
 
"Bought, your shoes?" Peppa continued.
 
"No, I bought my shoes, you like them?" He asked.
 
"They're big!" Lily giggled.
 
"Well of course they're big, I have big feet."
 
"Our shoes small." Peppa said.
 
"That's because you have little bitty cute feet." Mason tickled their feet lightly causing them to giggle, before securing their shoes.
 
I was pretty sure that my heart was no longer in my chest but stood next to me and held my hand in comfort. The girls rarely talked around people, the only people they talk to with ease is Royce and I. Even my mother is rendered speechless when they do talk, and she realizes how bright they are. It touched me more than I thought it would and it was hard to shake the feeling.
 
I cleared my throat, "Are you ready?" I asked.
 
"Oh yea, definitely." He stood up and helped the girls off the couch.
 
"Great, we have to drop the girls to my mom." I said.
 
"That's not a problem, I'd like to meet her." He said, taking me off guard.
 
"You do?"
 
"Of course, why wouldn't I want to meet your mom?"
 
"Most guys run from family and small talk." I said.
It took me nearly two years to convince Royce to come home to meet my mom.
 
"Well I'm not like most guys. You said that your mom keeps them a lot, so I'd like to meet her." He shrugged.
 
"Well, ok then." I said.
 
Mason stood close to me on the porch while I locked up.
 
"My car?" He asked.
 
"You want to drive?"
 
"Please?" He smiled widely.
 
How could I say no to that? "Sure."
 
We quickly left the front porch and I headed to my car to get the girls car seat. Mason was driving a blue Tesla and I must admit it was impressive. Once the car seats were secured, Mason and I grabbed the girls to strap them in.  I moved to the passenger side of the car silently admiring the sleek car. I slid in the car with ease and Mason followed. There was something about how close he was that had me on edge. He looked confident and comfortable as he reversed out of the yard. There was a small smile on his lips, but his eyes never left the road.
 
"You're staring." Mason laughed.
 
I blushed embarrassed at being caught. I hadn't realized I was staring for so long and quickly thought of a reason to avoid further embarrassment.
 
"Yea, um, I keep forgetting that the girls got their hair color from you." I lied smoothly.
 
"Oh that." He ran his fingers through his hair. "Yea, I've got to admit I was pleasantly surprised to see that." He said.
 
"I was definitely surprised."
 
"Why, thought your genes would overpower mine?"
 
I laughed nervously, "No, your hair color is rare and I didn't notice the color that night." I admitted. His costume concealed most of his hair.
 
"Ahh, right." He said thoughtfully.
 
"Momma." Peppa called out.
 
"Yes, baby?" I turned my head towards her.
 
"I want cocomelon." She whispered.
 
"Okay, baby." I said.
 
"She wants to watch it?" Mason asked.
 
"They like to sing along to the songs. Luckily for you, I have most of the songs already on my cell."
 
"Alright connect your phone then, let's pump up the ride." He grinned.
 
The rest of the drive was filled with cocomelon songs as I directed him to my mother’s house. I found myself nervous at the thought of Mason meeting my mother. He seemed so cool and relaxed at the thought of meeting her, I wondered if he was nervous at all. I guess I wouldn't be nervous either if I looked the way he did.
My nerves spiked once we pulled up to my mother's house. Mason and I got out and worked together to get the girls out of their car seats, along with their bags. We held their hands as we made our way to the front door.
Surprisingly I only had to ring the doorbell once before I heard my mom unlocking it. Normally, it too nearly three to four rings before she answered, which can only mean she was already watching us through her window. Mom opened the door with a bright smile.
 
"Nana!" The girls squealed.
 
"Hi lovelies!" She crouched to hug the girls gently before kissing their heads. She straightened up quickly and eyed Mason with a curious smile.
 
"And who do we have here?" She asked.
 
"Mom, this is Mason Reynolds, Mason, this is my mother Amy Shawn." I said sweeping my hands between them.
 
"Oh wow, Mason it's a pleasure to finally meet you." My mom extended her hand eagerly.
 
Mason grabbed her hand with a bright smile, "Ms. Shawn, the pleasure is all mine."
 
"Oh please, call me Amy. Come in, come in."
 
"Ugh, mom we have a lot to get done." I said.
 
"Nonsense, you can spare ten minutes for a cup of coffee." She said leaving no room to argue as she opened the door.
 
I sighed as we entered in the house. The girls ran to their toys that mom kept in the corner of the living room. Mom and Mason sat next to each other on the couch and I sat in the chair across from them.
 
"So how are you Mason?" Mom asked.
 
"I'm fine, thank you for asking. Your home is lovely by the way." He said politely.
 
"Pshh," mom said waving her hand, "I'm sure you've seen plenty nicer homes." She said.
 
"I've seen plenty but not all was nice."
 
Mom giggled smitten and I rolled my eyes at her schoolgirl actions. A part of me was happy that I wasn't the only one affected by his charms.
 
"I'm so glad that you decided to be a part of the girls’ lives." She said jumping straight to the point.
 
Mason glanced at the girls as they played, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
 
"Good. Ava went through quite a lot to find you while she was pregnant, I surprised she even agreed to st...."
 
"Okay mom!" I said cutting her off before she can say too much.
 
She pinned her lips together looking chastised and Mason looked between us with confusion written over his face.
 
"Any who, I'm glad you're here now, are you going back to Seattle soon?" Mom asked.
 
"I plan to head back on Tuesday, I have a few things to deal with at home."
 
"Mom, Mason and Caleb turn thirty on Monday." I said, before she has another word vomit moment.
 
"Oh wow, Ava if you held the girls a few hours longer they'd be sharing their birthdays with their daddy." Mom grinned.
 
A funny sensation went through my body by her use of the word daddy. I glanced over at Mason and he was staring at the girls looking beyond captivated. I excused myself quickly claiming that I was going to get coffee. I left them to talk while I prepared the coffee at a slow pace. I didn't want to go back and risk any awkward small talk. Although my mother is chattier than I am, she does have a habit of making even the smallest conversations awkward because of her annoying need to over share. I knew she was beyond eager to dive into the inner workings of Mason's mind and his life. I poured out two cups of coffee and slowly made my way to the living room.
 
"I need you to protect them." My mom's voice reached me in the hallway, and I couldn't help but slow my steps.
 
"Amy, I won't ever let any harm come to those girls or Ava, I give you my word." Mason said. The quivering in my stomach came back and I swallowed it down quickly.
 
"Even if it means protecting them from your own family?" She asked.
 
"Especially them."
 
I quickened my steps and entered the living room noisily so they wouldn't suspect me ease dropping. I handed each of them a cup of coffee and Mason took a sip slowly. He looked shocked as he tasted the coffee and glanced over to me.
 
"How do you know how I like my coffee?" He asked curious.
 
"Caleb likes it the same way, I took a chance." I shrugged.
 
"Of course." He chuckled.
 
"Mom, we really have to get going, I have lots of shopping to do." I said.
 
"Alright fine, bring me a carton of eggs if you can."
 
"Okay. Girls, mommy will see you later okay?" I called out.
 
"Bye momma."
 
"Bye Mathon."
 
The girls called out, although they didn't bother looking in our direction.
Mason smiled endearingly, "Bye Bye." He waved.
 
Mason and I quickly left the house and headed to our first destination, Party City. The drive there was pretty quiet and while I sat in the passenger seat in a ball of nerves, Mason drove completely at ease with a gentle smile on his face. Once we got out of the car, Mason secured a black cap over his hair, which he insisted was necessary to conceal his identity.
 
"You know that doesn't work as well as you think." I said as I grabbed a shopping kart.
 
"It's not like I can walk around with a mask on my face."
 
"That would probably be less obvious." I laughed.
 
I eagerly cruised through the aisles with Mason close by my side. Most of the decorations are already being delivered for the girls cocomelon themed party. I only needed a few things but the more I looked, the more I picked up.
 
"You enjoy shopping." Mason said.
 
"On the contrary, I enjoy shopping for my kids, anything else I don't have much patience for."
 
"Why?"
 
I shrugged, "shopping is time consuming."
 
"Well that is why I rarely do it." He said.
 
"A personal shopper?"
 
"Hmmm, you can say that. I can order whatever groceries I want and have it delivered to me."
 
"What about clothes?" I asked.
 
"That is where Regina comes in. She is responsible for all of my clothes."
 
"Lucky you, I get stuck with people like Catherine who insists that I shop for at least five new outfits every other week." I laughed.
 
"Catherine, is that the lady who Caleb took out?"
 
"The very one." I nodded. "She is my best friend and the girls’ godmother."
 
"How did you two meet?" He asked.
 
"She transferred to my high school in the beginning of our senior year. She was new, loud and not afraid to speak her mind." I smiled.
 
"Friendships doesn't last very long these days, hold on to that."
 
"I plan to." I replied.
 
We casually walked through the aisles and I made a mental note to pick up more cups. I have a lot of setting up to do tonight and tomorrow morning before the party. Royce was coming home later tonight, so I know he will give me hand. I missed him, I missed how we use to be, those years were the best and it’s because of those years I hold on to him so tight. I know how good we are together, how we can work. I only could hope that he's cordial tomorrow when he meets Mason. Am I wrong for wanting all of us to get along for sake of the girls?
 
"What was your mother going to say before you interrupted her back at her house?" Mason asked suddenly.
 
Once again his question took me completely off guard and I was struggling to put together the right words. "Huh?" I mumbled.
 
Mason glanced down at me with his face solemn. "What did she mean?" He asked.
 
"Nothing important."
 
"Ava." He chided quietly.
 
"Um, she was going to say that I gave up looking for you." I admitted softly.
 
"Was that because you couldn't find me or....?"
 
"Royce made me promise to stop looking for you."
 
I was afraid to look up from the shopping kart to meet his eyes. I don't want him to dislike Royce before he got the chance to meet him. I understood Royce's demands and I never fought him on it until Mason showed up in my office.
 
"He said that he would give us another shot if I agreed to stop looking for you and I did. The chances of me finding you was slim and at the time I wanted my relationship to work out so badly. I already hurt him, so I was trying to rectify that." I rambled on.
 
"Was he a good father figure to the girls?" He asked.
 
I chanced a glance at him, his face was expressionless, completely smooth with emotion as he stared at me.
 
"Yes, he was. Royce was there the moment they were born, he helped me through many sleepless nights and spoiled them when he could. As time went on though, I could see that he was still hurting."
 
"How did you two meet?"
 
"Royce worked in a coffee shop on campus back in college. He was constantly offering me free cappuccinos and muffins. He was the sweetest. After several attempts on asking me out, I relented." I sighed thinking of a simpler time.
 
As we moved through the store, Mason was quieter, and I could tell that his usually polite and happy personality went sour. "Are you upset with me?" I asked worried.