The Best Mistake

Chapter Twenty-Nine

To say the last few weeks were crazy would be putting it lightly, it was horrible. Mason wasn't exaggerating when he said the paparazzi and the media are vultures. In a matter of days, these people were able to find out where Royce and I lived as well as my mother and Catherine. Mason was anxious and quickly released a statement stating that we were close family friends that he reconnected with. The statement worked for a while, but as time went on, people were adamant that there was more to the story and started creating their own theories which weren't too far from the truth. This made the media more eager to get a closer look at the girls and even went as far as shoving their cameras in their faces while we were at the park. Royce and I were beyond furious, and Mason was livid. He came down to Vancouver to help install a high-class security system in our house and to make matters worse, demanded that I accept his offer to have a driver and bodyguards. The whole ordeal was beyond embarrassing but deep down a part of me understood that it was needed. Royce's patience was quickly diminishing as weeks passed with Mason’s overprotective and obsessive demeanour. Along with Mason’s demands, I got two bodyguards, a new jeep, a driver, and a card for the girls and I expenses. Maxo, one of the bodyguards, stays at my side almost always, including when I'm at work. Ralph is more of the girl's bodyguard when they are with my mother. It was all overwhelming and drastic, and I felt like I was losing control over my life. Royce treated me differently along with my friends, family and co-workers and it was too much. The only upside to it all is the girl's unshakeable happiness. Although they didn't completely understand everything that was going on around them, they never allowed it to deter them. Marie and Regina called them religiously, almost as much as Mason does and many times, they even came here to see them. Nearly every day there was a new package with toys, clothes and other gifts for the girls. Mason and his family were a force of nature and there was no stopping it. The girls adored the attention, but I was beginning to feel like it was making them spoiled, something I'm trying so hard to avoid. Outside the chaos in my personal life, the only private time I had was at work. Beverly and I are almost through with her book and working on it was one of the things that kept me sane. To my dismay, Caleb fired Loren. The whole day my stomach was in knots at the thought of being the cause of someone losing their job. Loren was horrified and embarrassed and like I anticipated many of the workers kept their distance from me. I was grateful for the loyal few who didn't treat me any different which was something I craved for. It's hard to find a middle ground in my life right now. Royce and I are on the rocks more than ever and I was so frustrated in trying to hold us together. I love him so much and I don't like the thought of losing him. I sighed gently as I stirred the hot soup in the pot. The small bubbles, steam and rich aroma reminded me of when I was a child, and it helped to calm my nerves. It was a Wednesday afternoon and I called in from work because Lily and Peppa were sick with a cold. I told Mason who panicked of course, but I expressed to him that it was normal, and they will be fine. Maxo took the day off, leaving us with only Ralph to 'stand guard' outside the house. I emptied the soup into a large bowl, poured orange juice into the girls sippy cups and made my way up the stairs. A sick Peppa isn't much different from a healthy one. She's quiet, settled and only wants to sleep. However, a sick Lily can be a complete handful. She's whiny, cries a lot and craves attention 24/7, so it only made sense to keep them in my bedroom. Royce wouldn't be home from work until tonight thankfully, I could use a nice distraction right about now. I spoon fed the girls their soup gently and hummed softly to keep them soothed. Lily took several spoons full before giving up on the soup and focusing on her juice but Peppa ate more. Once they were done, they cuddled at my sides as they nursed until they finally went to sleep. I got up slowly and arranged the girls on the bed, so they'd be comfortable before collecting the dishes and heading to the kitchen. I groaned internally at the dishes that I'd have to do. Just as I was rearranging the dishes the doorbell rang, I sighed as the phrase 'saved by the bell' finally made sense to me. I pulled the door open to see Mason with his arms filled with bags. I should probably be surprised but honestly, I'm not. I raised a brow at the bags in his arms.
 
"How may I help you?" I asked.
 
"I've come bearing gifts." Mason grinned.
 
"Sorry sir you've got the wrong door." I said closing it and turning away. A second later he opened the door and walked in.
 
"Haha very funny." He said dryly, causing me to smile. "Where are the girls?"
 
"Upstairs asleep and I'd appreciate it if you didn't wake them." I said walking to the kitchen with Mason close behind.
 
"That won't be a problem. What are you doing?" He asked.
 
"Dishes."
 
"You hate doing the dishes. I gave you a card, utilize the damn thing and buy you and Royce a proper dishwasher."
 
"What's all of that?" I asked, gesturing at the bags he placed on the counter.
 
"Oh, these are their favorite snacks and juices, children's Tylenol, a cocomelon nightlight, and a few toys."
 
"Do they really need all of that?"
 
"They can have whatever they want. I only want them to feel better." He shrugged. I sighed and started doing the dishes. "Are you okay?"
 
"Yea."
 
"Are you sure?"
 
"Yes Mason." I said.
 
"Okay good, I wanted to know if you guys can come down for the weekend. The girl's room is almost done, and my mom's birthday is on Friday and she's celebrating it with a dinner on Sunday. She even invited Royce and your mom."
 
"That's great." I mumbled.
 
"My thoughts exactly. I wanted to take the girls down to the stables on Saturday also. They can pick out a horse of their liking and ride it whenever they want by my parents’ house. Maybe they can take lessons if they like."
 
"Whoa whoa whoa. A horse? You want to buy them a horse?" I asked, shocked.
 
Mason shrugged, "Of course."
 
"Mason, they do not need a damn horse."
 
"Why not? It's not like I can't afford it."
 
"So, because you can afford it you want to get it?"
 
"Yes, what's wrong with that?" He asked, confused. I groaned and left the kitchen. Mason was close on my heels. "What's wrong, you don't want me to get them a horse?"
 
"No, I don't."
 
"Fine, forget the horse I just thought they would enjoy riding one. I don't see what the fuss is about. It's not like the horse will be in your yard, it'll be at my parent's house."
 
"That's not the point Mason!"
 
"Then what is the point? It's a horse." He asked, holding his hand up in confusion.
 
"You don't understand. This is not about some damn horse!"
 
"Fine then! Forget the horse. I'm trying to understand what the problem is here." He said. I walked out the living room and made my way back to the kitchen. Like I expected, Mason followed. "Would you stop walking around like a caged animal and talk to me?"
 
"I am not a caged animal." I said.
 
"Then quit acting like one and talk. What has you so upset?"
 
"It's just too much."
 
"What is?"
 
"All of this!" I yelled, throwing my hands up.
 
"All of what? The groceries?"
 
"No, all of this! The body guards, the new car, the driver, the gifts, the money! It's too much." I said.
 
"What do you mean too much? Why is it too much?"
 
"Mason don't you think you've gone overboard these last couple weeks. Not even a little bit?"
 
"How is wanting you and our daughters to be happy and safe too much? I'm trying to protect you guys." He said.
 
"I knew you wouldn't get it." I said storming out of the kitchen again. I was almost to the living room when Mason grabbed my elbow.
 
"Ava stop that! Stop leaving and just talk to me. Help me to understand for God's sake and quit walking away."
 
I kept my eyes trained to the floor stubbornly but didn't respond. Putting my feelings into words was always somewhat difficult for me to do. Mason sighed gently and tugged me back into the kitchen. He pulled out two chairs from the table so we could sit down, facing each other.
 
"Do you feel like I am crowding you?" He asked, holding my hands firmly into his almost as if he wanted to keep me in place.
 
"Not exactly."
 
"Tell me."
 
"I feel like it's all too much so fast. One minute, I was a regular mom working at my dream job, taking care of my kids, hanging out with my friends, taking the girls to the park or going for a nice jog. It's all different now Mason. We have freaking bodyguards, a driver, and this crazy rich family that tosses money and gifts like it's nothing. This is your life and you're accustomed to all this, but I wasn't raised this way and I didn't want the girls to be either." I said.
 
"I understand." Mason said softly.
 
"I don't want to offend you, but I know what it is to work hard from the bottom. Life wasn't easy for me, but I never went to bed hungry. My mother worked hard to provide for me, and it made me appreciate her more and made me work hard too. I don't want the girls to turn out to be some snobby rich kids who won't take no for an answer, especially disrespectful."
 
"That won't happen, especially with you as their mother."
 
"You don't know that Mason. You and your family give them anything, even if they don't ask. These last four months have been a crazy rollercoaster and I just want some order to this madness."
 
Mason was quiet for a moment. "If you had the choice, would you prefer that I wasn't their father?'
 
"What do you mean?" I replied.
 
"I mean, if you'd prefer Royce to be their father." He said.
 
I thought about his question for a moment. I can understand why he asked, and I can't say that I blame him. I basically ranted about wanting my life back to the way it was. Mason and I have our differences, but I do believe that everything happens for a reason even if you don't know it.
 
"When I first found out I was pregnant I wished for that so much. I wished that when I told him the news that it would be a moment filled with joy and happiness, but instead it was filled with shame, self-loathing and pain. I hated myself for what I put Royce through, and I wanted the girls to be his just to have my old relationship back." I said.
 
Mason nodded.
 
"But no. You have done nothing but loved them and protected them from the moment you walked into their lives. You put them first in everything and that is all I ever wanted, and although I wanted them to be Royce's in the past, they wouldn't be Lily and Peppa if they were. I love them no matter what." I said.
 
Mason sighed with a smile and I knew he was happy with my response. "Well okay then. I understand where you're coming from and I agree with you. It's hard to find order in my life and I know that, but you have to communicate these things with me Ava. I am not a mind reader and I can't fix things I don't know that need to be fixed."
 
"I know that, but it's hard for me to be open about how I feel, especially if I don't realize it myself."
 
Mason stared at me quietly, his green eyes hypnotic somehow. He leaned closer to me never breaking eye contact, my body betrayed, and my heart began racing. "You do know that I love you, right?" I stopped breathing instantly at his words before he continued. "You came into my life and gave me the best gifts in the world. You girls were able to wake me from a lifelong slumber and I didn't even realize that I was asleep. I will always love you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime Ava, to be a father." My eyes watered at his words and I blinked the tears away quickly trying to break the connection. "Please understand that I will do anything to make sure you girls are safe and happy, so I'm willing to compromise."
 
"You are?"
 
"Of course, anything to make this easier."
 
"Can we have one bodyguard instead of two?"
 
"Done."
 
"I don't want a driver either."
 
Mason shook his head, "I don't like the idea of you driving with so much going on."
 
"Well, can't our bodyguard be our driver then? He can take us wherever we need to go and protect us too."
 
Mason was thoughtful for a moment. "What about when the girls are with your mother?"
 
"The girls are only with my mom if I'm to work. I'm perfectly safe at work with Caleb. He can carry me to work and go to my mom's house with them."
 
"Alright deal." Mason nodded.
 
"About all of these gifts."
 
"I'll tell Mom and Gina to back off a little with the gifts, but I know I can't make Gina back off with the clothes. The girls are becoming her inspiration."
 
I shrugged, "Fine, I can deal with the clothes, but the credit card."
 
"Nope. I won't take that back. I've spent the first two years not providing for them so I can do it now. You have to keep the card." He said.
 
"Fine, but I'll only use it when I absolutely need it."
 
"Deal." He grinned. "Well would you look at that, we compromised." He winked. I laughed rolling my eyes. Mason's face went serious, "Promise me that you won't hesitate to talk to me when something is bothering you. I'm not afraid of being open and honest with you so please try to do the same." He held out his pinkie and I smiled, hooking my finger with his. I understand his request and can agree to do better next time.
 
"I promise."
 
"You and I make a pretty good team, don't you think?" He winked.
 
I chuckled,"We sure do." I said. "Now about your mother's dinner."