The Best Mistake

Chapter Twenty-Five

The next morning, I was already settled into work and preparing for the arrival of Beverly and her lawyer. The girls were home with Royce, since he was off today thankfully. The girls woke up bright and early only to play with their kitchenette. I could tell that Royce was still in a sour mood from the night before but gave in and played along with them, putting my first ball of nerves to rest. My second ball of nerves will come from the meeting with Beverly Hollis. How will Beverly react when Caleb inform her that I will be the leading editor of her new book? Will she be upset and demand for someone else? Will she decide to withdraw her agreement to publish with us? Caleb was a lot more confident that he made the right decision, and he was even more confident that she would be thrilled to work with me rather than him or anyone else.
 
"You're going to do great Ava. You were the one who convinced her to join us, don't you think she will be more comfortable working along with you?" He said. I shrugged in response but offered no comment knowing that it'll probably contradict his words.
 
By 11am, Beverly Hollis along with her lawyer James Kelly and the company's lawyer David Rollins were all here. We all sat around the desk in Caleb's office going over the details of the contract. I played with my fingers nervously under the table as I listened to the exchange attentively.
 
"There is one more thing I'd like to add before you sign the agreement." Caleb said. I gulped. "Ms. Hollis, I want to assign Ava Shawn to be the leading editor on your book."
 
"Hold on, you want your assistant to be the leading editor? Does she even have the experience or knows what she is doing?" James said rudely.
 
"Although Ava doesn't have the experience yet, I feel that this is a good opportunity for her to develop that. She has a bachelor's degree in literature, she has a great eye when it comes to details and she is the one who discovered Ms. Hollis' work online." Caleb said.
 
"That doesn't mean my client must be a test dummy for your assistant's use. We are not settling for anything but the very best..."
 
"No, it's okay." Beverly interjected.
 
"What?" James said, baffled.
 
"I want her to do it." This time Beverly stared directly at me across the table and my eyes widened in shock.
 
"Are you sure? This is a great risk relying on someone with no experience and who knows what she will do with your work." He said.
 
My palms grew sweaty at his words. I understand his concern but maybe this was something he should've discussed with her privately.
 
"Mr. Kelly, I ask that you mind the words you say and the manner in which you decide to say them. I don't take disrespect and I will defend my workers at all costs. I do not hire anyone in my company if I am not assured of their abilities and work ethics. Ms. Shawn will not be alone, I am right here to guide her, but I do believe she has the skills to truly bring this book to life and I trust her." Caleb said.
 
It took everything in me not to get teary eyed from Caleb's words. I could always count on him to defend me even before our little discovery.
 
"It's okay Mr. Reynolds. I agree with you and I think it's the best decision. To be honest, I'm more comfortable with Ms. Shawn and I believe I can relate to her well. So yes, I'd love for her to be the main editor." Beverly said.
 
I smiled, "Thank you so much Ms. Hollis. I promise I will do my best." I said.
 
"I know you will." She winked.
 
James looked between us silently before sighing. "Fine," He muttered.
 
Signatures were made and the contract was sealed. I was beyond elated that it all worked out and I couldn't wait to finally get started. The thought of becoming an editor had my knees shaking. Caleb guided the guests out of the office and like requested, I set up a meeting with Beverly later in the week. We wanted to get started on this book as soon as possible. Once they all left, I reached over to hug Caleb.
 
"This is probably inappropriate for the workplace but thank you so much for sticking up for me and trusting me to do this." I said.
 
Caleb chuckled and returned the hug with one arm, "It's not a problem Ava, you'll do great."
 
Just then the elevator pinged, and we slowly pulled apart to see Mason entering the office lobby.
 
"Hope I'm not interrupting anything." He smiled.
 
"Of course not." Caleb said.
 
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
 
"Just thought I should pop in to check on my little brother."
 
Caleb lifted his brows, "By three minutes."
 
"Yea, still older." Mason shrugged.
 
I chuckled, "Happy birthday."
 
"Thank you." He grinned.
 
"Seriously, why are you here? You're not the type to pop in." Caleb asked.
 
"Well you told me you were settling a contract this morning, I wanted to see how it went." I'm pretty sure Caleb and my facial expression matched, definitely not buying his words. "Alright fine, I wanted to know if I could take the girls to the zoo?"
 
Mason's question took me off guard, "You want to take them to the..."
 
"I mean it's my birthday, I'm leaving tomorrow, and I don't know when exactly I'll be back. I want as much time with them as I can get." He shrugged.
 
"You want to take them alone?" I asked a bit worried.
 
"No, I mean, I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet, I wanted you to come along."
 
"How can I come along? I'm at work."
 
Mason glanced over to Caleb for a second. Whatever private exchange done, was done quickly.
 
"That reminds me, Ava call a brief meeting downstairs, will you? Get everyone gathered for this announcement. I'll be right behind you." Caleb said.
 
"Okay," I said doubtfully. "What announcement?"
 
"You'll see." He smiled.
 
Slightly confused, I did as I was told and headed downstairs to gather my co-workers. Caleb is a planner and normally I'm aware of every meeting before it is called, this was sudden. Like he said, Caleb and Mason both came downstairs shortly after I got everyone gathered. Caleb stood with his back against the elevator and I stood by his side as expected, while everyone in the room faced us. Mason moved to stand next to me and I felt oddly safe and small standing between two powerful businessmen.
 
"Alright guys, I'm sure you're wondering why I sprung this meeting on you all. Well something occurred today, and I wanted to inform you of what will be happening." He said. My nerves spiked instantly as I wondered if he was going to say what I thought he was. "Ava Shawn will be appointed as the leading editor on Beverly Hollis's up and coming novel. Ms. Hollis came in today to sign the contract and she was elated to be able to work alongside Ava."
 
I blushed as the room was filled with applause and although I saw a few shocked faces, I got mostly good feedback from the announcement.
 
"It doesn't end there. In hindsight to this new development and my brother and I birthday, I'm declaring today a half day." Caleb grinned.
 
Everyone gasped and the applause got louder as everyone got excited about going home early. My eyes widened at the sudden news. It was barely 1 o'clock in the afternoon.
 
"Thank you for all of your great work and make sure to congratulate Ava because she will need all of our support, her success is our success also. Enjoy the rest of your day." He smiled.
 
Mason smiled and clapped along with the staff as he stared down at me. "Congratulations, I guess that means you're free." he mumbled.
 
I rolled my eyes and scoffed, but I had to admit I was pleased by the idea. I got several congratulatory remarks as everyone packed up for today. Mason, Caleb and I all headed outside after Caleb and I got our things.
 
"I hope this whole surprise half day wasn't premeditated." I said as we walked to the parking lot.
 
"What do you mean?" Caleb asked innocently.
 
"Caleb." I laughed.
 
"Relax, it was definitely planned but not only for you and Mason's benefit. I want to take Catherine out on a lunch date. You know Friday was her last day of school, so I don't want her to feel idle." Caleb said.
 
"That's very sweet of you, she needs it." I said.
 
"That way my nieces can enjoy the day at the zoo." He grinned. "I'll see you tonight."
 
Mason and I watched as he walked to his car and I can't help but feel thankful for the great boss that I have.
 
"So, do you want me to follow you to your house or..."
 
I thought about it for a moment, Royce would not be thrilled to know I got off from work early only to take the girls out with Mason. Mason showing up to the house would make it even more complicated, I think it would be best to set him down gently.
 
"Um, no. how about we meet you there." I suggested.
 
Mason hesitated, "Oh okay, I'll text you the details." He said.
 
We went our separate ways and I quickly headed home to Royce and the girls. When I got home, Royce was on the floor playing with Spot while the girls were still playing with their kitchenette. At the sound of the door closing, Royce's head snapped up before he glanced at his watch.
 
"You're home." He said happily.
 
"Yea, Caleb declared it a half day in regard to his birthday and Beverly Hollis signing her contract agreeing to take me on as her leading editor." I smiled.
 
"That's great babe." Royce said getting off the floor to approach me. "I'm so proud of you."
 
"Thanks." I grinned. I glanced at the girls behind him who have yet to notice my entrance.
 
"Hi girls." I called out.
 
They turned their heads briefly to grin at me, "Hi mommy." they said before turning back to their task.
 
"Wow, I feel the love." I chuckled.
 
"They have been hooked on it all day. I managed to give them lunch and they just got up from a nap a while ago." Royce said.
 
"Great. Can I talk to you?" I asked. I tugged his arm into the kitchen quietly.
 
"What's wrong?" He asked.
 
"Um, nothing is wrong. I just wanted to let you know that the girls and I will be out most of the day." I said.
 
"What, why?" he asked.
 
"Well you know today is Mason and Caleb's birthday. They invited us over to Caleb's house for a small gathering." I said. "And, um Mason wanted to take the girls and I to the zoo."
 
Royce shook his head, "I just knew that was coming."
 
"You're free to come Royce." I said.
 
"And how do you think that will look Ava?" He asked.
 
"Well, maybe you can just come to the party at Caleb's later." I suggested.
 
"I don't think the invite was stretched to me."
 
"Of course, it is. You, the girls and I are a package deal. You don't have to stay home, you can come."
 
"I don't want your pity invite Ava."
 
"It's not a pity invite. I don't want you to think something else is going on other than a man spending time with his kids."
 
"And you." He mumbled.
 
"Do you honestly don't want me to go?" I asked.
 
Royce was silent for a moment, "I won't rob them of this moment okay? I just don't like it."
 
"Roy." I whispered.
 
"It's fine Ava."
 
"Royce you know I love you and you know I'm not going anywhere. You have to trust me." I said. I know our situation isn't ideal but I'm trying to make the best out of it. I don't want to hurt Royce again and I'd never consciously do that.
 
"I know. You guys have fun, I'll just hang around here. I need it anyways." He said before walking off.
 
I sighed listening to his footsteps drag up the stairs. I wondered for a moment if I should just leave. Would it be easier if I took the girls and ended our relationship? That idea was easier said than done and I knew it. There were times I wondered what it would be like, would he be happier, would I be or the girls? I don't know the answer to everything, but I do know that I can't imagine my life without Royce in it. We have been through so much together and giving up now doesn't feel like the right thing.
 
I was able to pry the girls away from their little playtime and quickly got them dressed. I redid their braid crowns from yesterday and dressed them to pick out what they wanted to wear. Lily chose a pair of leggings with a beautiful pink blouse and Peppa chose the same expect her blouse was yellow. Like I expected, they wanted to wear their cocomelon shoes. I got rid of my work attire settling for my dark wash jeans with a long-sleeved grey shirt and my grey flats. Once we were ready, I packed their bags with the usual: a change of clothes, pullups, wipes, toys and snacks. Royce made himself scarce while we got ready, so I quickly left with the girls. I used Mason's directions to guide me to the zoo and we got there in under forty minutes. Just as I arrived, my phone chimed with a text from my mother. I opened the image that she sent, and my heart softened immediately. It was a picture from yesterday, Mason was holding the girls in his arms smiling brightly as they clung unto him happily. I developed a lump in my throat looking at the photo and sent a kissing face emoji, thanking her for the picture. I noticed Mason was already making his way slowly to the car.
 
"Girls, I need you to be on your best behavior okay? Today is Mason's birthday and he wants to take us to the zoo." I said.
 
The girls grinned happily but remained silent. I never took them to the zoo so today will no doubt be interesting. I got out of the car quickly as Mason approached me with a grin.
 
"Ready for today?" He asked.
 
"Let's do it." I smiled.
 
Our trip at the zoo was good. I half expected the girls to be afraid of the different animals but all I saw was fascination and excitement in their faces. I was even proud that they were able to identify a lot of the animals with ease. Mason looked more excited than the girls, mostly because he had the pleasure of witnessing their reactions to experiencing something new. I knew he was saddened over the fact that he missed out on so much with them, it wasn't anyone's fault but it's never too late to make up for the lost time. The girls were even adjusting to Mason quite nicely. Although Lily held Mason hand at times and talked excessively, Peppa was more clinging towards him. She wanted to be held as we walked through the zoo. I noticed that she kept checking to make sure I was close, but she still clung happily unto Mason who didn't complain in the slightest. I wondered for a moment if Peppa unconsciously made the connection between her and Mason. When we were about to leave, Mason walked between the girls holding their hands as I lagged. The girls pointed excitedly as they walked and seeing an opportunity, I snapped a picture quickly, smiling as another idea struck.
 
"Did you guys have fun?" Mason asked the girls as we headed for the parking lot.
 
"Yes." Lily grinned.
 
"Uh huh." Peppa nodded.
 
"Which animals did you like?" He asked.
 
"I liked....the elphant." Lily said.
 
I smiled at her pronunciation. "It's ‘elephant’ baby."
 
"I liked the monkey. He was tiny." Peppa replied.
 
"Wow that's really good girls, maybe we can come back again sometime."
 
The girls hopped in excitement at the idea as we held their hands and quickly got to my car. "Thanks a lot, they really enjoyed it." I said.
 
"It's okay to admit you enjoyed it too." Mason laughed.
 
I smirked, "Yes I did."
 
"Good and I'm glad I was actually a part of showing them something new. I missed out on so much." He said.
 
"I'm sorry." I mumbled.
 
"No one is to blame, you know that."
 
"I know but I can't help but think maybe if I tried harder...."
 
"I don't want to dwell on maybes and what ifs. I want to focus on now and make up for lost time." Mason said.
 
I nodded in agreement. Focusing on what ifs has become my habit for over two years now. It was hard for me to remind myself that now should be my only focus because I can't change what I did. Mason and I secured the girls in their car seats with their bags.
 
"You're not going home aren't you? It's almost time for the party." Mason said.
 
I looked at my watch shocked that it was almost 6pm. I need to get to a photo studio before it gets too late. "No, I wasn't going to head home but I do have a stop to make." I said.
 
"Do you want me to join?"
 
"No, I will be fine. We'll just come right over after I'm done." I said.
 
Mason nodded and we quickly parted ways. I headed to a private photo studio quickly with the girls by my side. I'm reminded of the hassle of having two year old twins every time I go out, luckily I was assisted immediately in getting the picture my mom sent me and the picture I took at the zoo printed out. I stuck the pictures in the album, and they were even nice enough to wrap it for me. I juggled the girls back into the car and we made our way to Caleb's house.
 
"Momma snack pwease?" Peppa asked.
 
"Sure baby." I said.
 
I waited until I got to a stop light before handing them both a bag of Cheetos, making them more comfortable for the ride. Finding Caleb's house wasn't easy but luckily, I managed. While I've never been in his house, I do know how it looks. Unlike his parents, Caleb's house was medium size and not an eyesore. It was modernized with tall glass windows to compliment the height of the building. The shape of the house vaguely reminded me of when the girls stack their blocks, different sizes and shapes fitting into one piece. It was elegant and surprisingly fit in with the other homes in the private community.
 
"Oooo." Lily whispered from the back seat.
 
"Beautiful isn't it girls? This is Caleb's house." I said.
 
"It's pretty."
 
"Yes, it is. Now girls, be on your best behavior tonight. Please don't let me tell you to behave more than once and don't forget to tell Caleb Happy birthday too." I said.
 
After I was confident that they grasped most of what I was saying, we got out of the car quickly and headed to the porch. We barely made it to the door when it was suddenly pulled open.
 
"Hey, great you guys made it." Caleb said. He looked casual in simple jeans and a long sleeve white shirt.
 
"Hey." I said.
 
"Hi girls." He grinned.
 
"Hi Cabub." Lily grinned while Peppa wiggled her fingers in a small wave.
 
"Happy birthday." Peppa grinned.
 
"Birthday boy." Lily replied, bouncing slightly.
 
"Wow thanks girls, how are you, you look so cute. Did you have fun at the zoo?" Caleb asked.
 
"Yes, we saw anmemals." Lily said.
 
"Animals." I corrected laughing.
 
"And monkies." Peppa added.
 
 "That's awesome, come on in. Now the only rule I have in my home is no shoes." He said pointing at his bare feet.
 
The girls giggled as we entered the house and I helped them remove their shoes. Caleb's interior matched his exterior, tan and white. On the right-hand side of the entrance was what only can be described as a mini lobby. A small couch and table along with a coat hanger and an antique statue placed casually in the corner. The tan carpet was soft under our feet as Caleb led us to the living room. I had to control my expression when I took in the size of the flat screen tv that was mounted on the wall above the fireplace. The couch formed a giant ‘u’ shape in the center of the room and was filled with different size pillows. I took in the girls’ expression and was pleased to see their delight in the room.
 
"Make yourselves comfortable." Caleb winked.
 
"You don't have to tell us twice." I chuckled.
 
I guided the girls to the couch and got them settled on the floor with their new blocks and cocomelon playing on their tablet. I observed the room casually taking in the beautiful chandelier, the plants in pots and vases placed in different areas of the room. Remembering the color of the exterior and interior of the house along with Caleb's attire, I couldn't help but chuckle. I guess now I know his favorite colors.
 
"I thought I heard cocomelon." Mason said as he entered the living room.
 
"Hi Mathon." Lily said.
 
"Hi Lily." He smiled.
 
I watched curiously as Peppa abandoned her blocks and approached Mason silently with her arms raised. Mason's green eyes melted as he lifted her in his arms. He moved to sit next to me on the conch and adjusted Peppa on his lap.
 
"She warmed up to me nicely." He smiled.
 
"I've noticed." I wondered again if Peppa somehow made the connection and knew that Mason is her father. It can't be an urge for a father figure, because Royce has been a lot like an endearing stepfather since birth.
 
"Were you able to do what you needed?" He asked.
 
"Yea, thankfully."
 
Mason nodded minutely while his eyes focused back and forth watching the girls. "I know I'm only a few hours away, but I hate the idea of leaving already."
 
"I understand, but you know you're free to talk to them whenever you want."
 
"I know. These few days were the longest I've been away from work and I had to reschedule many important meetings to my father's disdain. I have to settle a few deals before I can come back." He said.
 
"They are a phone call away." I reminded him. "Is your father really upset about you coming here?"
 
Mason nodded, "Very much so. He's beyond irritated and not afraid to show it but ask me if I care." I hesitated for a moment trying to decide if he was serious. "Go on, ask me." He urged.
 
"Do you car..."
 
"No, I don't." He said seriously, causing me to smile.
 
The more I thought about it though the more my mood went sour. "He's their grandfather, I'm afraid that he won't ever accept them." I admitted softly.
 
"I believe that he will, he can be stubborn and rough, but I do believe there will be a time that he does accept them and if he doesn't who cares? Lillian and Penelope Shawn will be loved regardless." He said and I couldn't agree more.
 
Soon several guests started to arrive. Like Caleb said it was indeed a small gathering consisting of only six adults including me. Cat came along with Caleb’s close colleagues: Larry Willmore, Tiffany Richards with her four-year-old daughter Minnie, and Clarence Mackey. While Larry and Tiffany looked very business-like and dainty, Clarence's appearance was shocking to say in the least. His hair was shaved low, he's slightly built with tattoos covering his skin from the neck down and his black t-shirt brought out the ink on his pale skin. Although at first glance he looked intimidating, he was shockingly soft spoken and very polite. I noticed the girls watching his movements every now and again. I was glad that Tiffany brought her daughter along explaining that Caleb informed her of his nieces that were attending. The girls took to Minnie instantly. Minnie had bright curly red hair with dark blue eyes, traits from her mother. She was the cutest. The last guest took me off guard and made me slightly apprehensive. Jason Weber, Regina's husband and the guys brother in law. I didn't know what to expect from Jason, he was the closest to their family that was here and the only reason I knew how he looked was because he was almost always with his wife and their son. How would he react seeing the girls? How would he react seeing me? Would he say something to me? My fears were washed away the minute his eyes zeroed in on Mason. Peppa was sitting cuddled to Mason's side on her tablet while he chatted with Larry. Jason's eyes softened instantly taking in the scene with a smile before his eyes landed on me.
 
"You must be Ava?" He asked politely, extending his hand.
 
"Yes." I said taking his hand.
 
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Jason, their brother in law."
 
"Nice to meet you Jason."
 
"Mason, you should have some more kids. It looks good on you." Jason said.
 
Mason laughed rolling his eyes and Jason sat across from us on the other end of the couch.
 
"What's everyone up to?" Mason asked.
 
"Regina and Jarvis are coming home from New York tomorrow and I went to visit the in-laws yesterday." Jason shook his head in disbelief.
 
"That bad huh?" Mason chuckled.
 
"Don't get me wrong I got loads of respect for your father, but the man should really consider removing the rod up his ass."
 
"That would require him to first admit to having one there." Caleb said joining us on the couch.
 
Cat sat close to Caleb's side clinging onto his every word. This was a newer side to the Cat that I'm not used to. She is not the clingy type.
 
"Is he really that bad?" Cat asked.
 
Everyone in the room groaned deeply including me at the question.
 
"The man eats a pizza with a knife and fork." Caleb said.
 
"And he never wears the same thing twice." Mason added.
 
"He got me arrested and kept me in a holding cell until my background check cleared." Jason said.
 
"What?!" We all said in unison. Mason was the only one who threw his head back in laughter no doubt remembering it.
 
"Why did he do that?" Cat asked.
 
"Charles Reynolds despises scandal. Charles Senior hated it so much he beat it into his own child making him the cranky old man he is now." Tiffany said.
 
'"So, all of you experienced the ugly side of him?"
 
"Honey, all of his sides are ugly." Tiffany said, causing everyone to laugh.
 
"If Mr. Reynolds was so bad, why did you stay?" I asked Jason.
 
"Do you even have to ask?" Jason smiled. "Regina brought so much joy in my life that I'd gladly go through the Mac truck that is Charles Reynolds."
 
I smiled at his heartfelt words. I can see that he was in love with his little family even with the flaws.
 
"What's going on with Chasity? Your situation is proven to be a new development." Clarence said gesturing between Mason and I.
 
I admit I was even curious about this question. Mason barely talks about Chasity and always seems to brush the topic aside.
 
"The fact that she's not here should answer your question."
 
"She has always been stubborn." Clarence agreed.
 
"Precisely. She understands why I made my decisions, but she's not thrilled by it either."
 
"Can you blame her? Most women want their first child to be their lover's first child also." Tiffany interjected.
 
Now that, I can totally agree with. That was my biggest regret when I found out I was pregnant. I wanted my babies but a part of me was desperate for them to be Royce's just to hold onto what we have.
 
"I agree, but I can't control what happened before we were dating." Mason replied. "I made a decision to do the right thing and something that I want. If she couldn't accept that then she couldn't accept me."
 
Mason's words, like always, comforted me. It touched me to see just how serious he was about being a part of the girls’ lives.
"Do you think she will come around?" I asked.
 
"If she loves me, she will." He said.
 
"Alright enough of that, I want cake." Caleb said suddenly.
 
Tiffany brought out a simple cake as we all sang happy birthday to the guys. This was the girls favorite part as they clapped their hands and sang along.
 
"Momma, Cabeb and Maston have birthday." Lily said.
 
"Yes sweetie. Remember you and Peppa have the same birthday?  So does Caleb and Mason." I said.
 
"Happy birthday!" Lily giggled.
 
"Thank youuu." Caleb grinned pinching her cheek.
 
"Thank you honey." Mason smiled.
 
The guys quickly cut the cake and to the girls’ delight, they each got the first pieces. They sat on the floor and basically devoured their cakes. Mason came to sit beside me and handed me the next piece of cake.
 
"Wow, the second piece." I laughed.
 
"You've earned it."
 
"Really? What did I do?"
 
Mason turned to glance at the girls, "You gave me them." He smiled.
 
My heart warmed, "That earned me the 2nd piece of cake?"
 
"No, that earned you so much more. A lot of women get rid of unwanted pregnancies, so imagine being pregnant by a stranger and in a committed relationship? What you did took a lot of guts and with that being said, you have my respect." He said.
 
"Thank you."
 
"Where's all our gifts?" Caleb asked suddenly.
 
"Momma, momma have gifts." Lily said, who no doubt paid attention as I got Mason's gift wrapped.
 
I smiled, "Your right baby."
 
I got off the couch and grabbed the two gifts from the girls’ bag and handed it to the guys. Caleb ripped through his gift first and I laughed at his eagerness. The man is rich and still gets excited over gifts.
 
"Yesss!" He yelled out. "I knew it, it's another Rolex." He grinned.
 
"For your collection." I laughed.
 
Everyone else handed out little gifts while Mason tore through his gift. A wide grin spread across his face as he gazed at the album.
 
"So, you know what you've missed." I smiled.
 
"Thank you." He said in awe.
 
Mason opened the album to the first page which was a picture of the girls when they were first born, along with their footprints and hospital bands. I smiled looking at my little pink peanuts. They were so beautiful, even from then.
 
"They were so tiny." Mason whispered.
 
"They were born a few weeks early, remember?"
 
"That's right. They were so small and so beautiful." He whispered.
 
"They were my little peanuts. I barely wanted to let them out of my sight." I said.
 
Mason turned to the next page which was a picture of me holding them as I nursed them for the first time in the hospital. My hair was a sweaty mess and I was beyond tired, but I still managed to smile as Cat took the picture. I watched his facial expression as he flipped through every photo, watching them grow with every page.
 
"Goodness, I have a hard time telling them apart now, how you managed back then?"
 
The photo he was looking at was the first time they started sitting up on their own. They were wearing a simple singlet with diapers and socks as they chewed on their fists. I pointed at their little socks with a smile.
 
"I stitched their names into their socks and other clothing. It wasn't as hard as you think, how they are now is how they were then. Lily was always the louder baby, the loudest cries, the fussiest and could babble for hours. Peppa was a lot more reserved and at her most happy when her mouth is filled with titties, she still is actually." I laughed.
 
"They still breastfeed?" Mason asked shocked.
 
"Oh, um yea. Is that a problem?" I asked.
 
"Not at all, I'm just shocked because a lot of women don't do it for very long."
 
"Well that's because sometimes it's the babies. Some babies stop on their own or never really took to it. I was one of the blessed ones, the girls took my milk instantly and I never bought a can of milk."
 
"They never had baby formula? How is that even possible?" He asked.
 
I shrugged, "I tried it with them, but they didn't like it. Luckily my milk was pretty much flowing constantly, so I was able to store up milk on days I had to work. As they got older, I started adding baby cereal to the milk so it would be more filling. They gave up drinking bottles around their first birthday, but they are still very attached to being nursed before bed."
 
"Does it bother you?"
 
"No, it doesn't. I'm still glad that they do, it makes me feel closer to them somehow. I know most women don't talk about nursing toddlers but there's a lot of us that still do and there's nothing wrong with that." I said.
 
"Well at least I didn't miss everything." Mason smiled.
 
The girls came to our side noticing the album in Mason's hands. Lily sat between us while Peppa placed herself into Mason's lap to his delight.
 
"Baby book momma." Lily said.
 
"Yes honey, you guys can show Mason your baby pictures." I said.
 
The room was buzzing with small conversations as I glanced over to Cat who was sitting next to Caleb. Caleb held his gift from Cat in his hands and although I couldn't see what it was, I can tell that he was very grateful. There is so much newness and innocence behind their budding relationship and I loved it. Mason made a small gasp next to me and I turned to see what caused it. He was looking at the last pictures in the incomplete book which was the photo my mother took and the one I took at the zoo today.
 
"How did you even..."
 
"I have my ways." I grinned.
 
He traced his fingers around the first two pictures he has ever taken with our girls.
"Now you can fill the rest of the book with your memories." I said.
 
Mason blinked his eyes quickly trying to control the unshed tears, "Thank you so much, this means everything to me." He whispered. His eyes and nose were slightly red, and I smiled in understanding, glad that my gift meant so much to him.
 
The rest of the evening was filled with laughs, interesting conversations and little games. It was nice being able to fit in with a different group of people than I'm used to. Cat was pretty much under Caleb's spell, not that I blamed her, so most of the time I talked with Mason and Tiffany. It was 8:30 when I started packing up the girls’ things, it was around their bedtimes so I had no doubt that they'd probably crash on the way home. Tiffany and Larry had already left, but Clarence and Jason decided to stick around longer. Cat came to help me get the girls things together when I noticed a sour look on her face.
 
"What's wrong?" I asked.
 
Cat sighed, "I guess I'm being a little melodramatic."
 
"Why, what is it?"
 
"I like Caleb." Cat said.
 
"Um, I know this."
 
"No, I really like him Ava."
 
"Okay...?" I said still missing her point.
 
"We have been out every day since our coffee date, and he hasn't tried to kiss me yet."
 
"Really? He seemed so comfortable."
 
"Yea well he's only given me kisses on the cheek and my hands. At first, I thought it was so sweet, you know, he wanted to move slow, but now I am wondering if it's something else." She trailed off looking chagrin.
 
"Cat, you're right. Caleb is taking things slow which is for the best considering everything. He is naturally a guarded person and so are you. Let things move naturally and if you're still worried about it, make the first move." I shrugged.
 
"What if he doesn't like me as much as I thought?" She asked worriedly.
 
I looked over to Caleb who was talking amongst the guys, his eyes were glued to the back of Cat's head and I grinned when he caught me watching him. He shook his head and went back to the conversation with the guys.
 
"Trust me, he likes you."
 
Mason carried the girls as we walked to my car. We buckled the girls in who were already dozing off and he leaned over to place a kiss on their foreheads.
 
"I will see you later lovelies." He whispered before closing the car door.
 
"I leave first thing in the morning with Jason. I'll call them when I think they're awake." He said.
 
"That's fine, thank you for inviting us."
 
"No, thank you for coming." He smiled.
 
I heard a soft shuffle and glance over Mason's shoulder to see Caleb and Cat in a full on makeout session by Cat's car. I raised my brows in shock and Mason quickly turned to see what got my attention. Cat was on her toes as her arms clasped around Caleb's neck and his hands were knotted in her short hair.
 
Mason whistled, "It's about time." He called out. I swatted his arm and Caleb simply flipped him the bird causing us to laugh.
 
"Well that's one way to end the night." Mason grinned.
 
"They deserve it."
 
"I couldn't agree more." Mason nodded.
 
I opened my car door slowly, "Let me know whenever you're back in town." I said.
 
"Of course."
 
We stood in an awkward silence for a moment, lost on what to do and what to say next. I felt there is something more to be said but I don't know what it is. Before the silence could get too out of hand, Mason reached out for me. I took his hand hesitantly, curiously and he pulled me close before wrapping his arms around my shoulders. A thrill went through me as I was pulled into his hug, my face pressed against his lower chest and I hesitantly returned the hug wrapping my arms around his waist.
 
"I can't thank you enough for everything, especially your gift." He whispered.
 
"You're welcome."
 
After a few seconds we pulled apart. "Shoot me a text when you get home."
 
I nodded, "I will."
 
I said a swift goodbye to Cat and quickly made my way home with the girls.