The Best Mistake

Chapter Thirty-Two

The next day, Mason went to work while I decided to stay at his house with girls. He said he had a lot of things to do before we left for L.A tomorrow and I didn't want us to be a distraction. The girls were eager to stay indoors today. Mason and Marie changed one of his guest rooms into a room for the girls. At first, I felt a little envious of what they created and how much the girls loved it but honestly, it was perfect. They had their big girl beds that were small, cute and shaped like a castle. The room was decorated with every Disney princess known and they loved it. Mason even got another little kitchenette like the one back home set up in the corner of their room. So, with new toys, a tv and their princess tent they were more than entertained throughout the day. I explored the house for most of the morning and was pleasantly surprised to see that he had a man cave in his basement. If I could call it that. The basement contained a pool table, games, a mini bar and a built-in movie theatre with a snack counter, it was beyond impressive. By noon, I made a snack for the girls and decided to get started on dinner.
 
"Cookies momma." Peppa said. They were eating their sandwiches and fruit casually as I worked on dinner.
 
"What about cookies Peppa?"
 
"Make cookies."
 
"You want to bake cookies today?" I asked.
 
"Yes!" She grinned.
 
Lily's eyes lit up at the idea and I laughed gently. I leaned on the counter to get closer to them.
 
"Okay, but you have to ask the right way first." I said. "Can we...." I hinted.
 
"Can we bake cookies pwease?" They asked sweetly.
 
"Yes, we can." I said.
 
"Yay!"
 
"After I'm done with dinner, we can get started on the cookies okay? Go play in your room." I said grabbing their empty plates from them.
 
"Okay mommy."
 
The girls dashed upstairs once again to head to their room. Just then my phone rang, and I grinned as I realized Cat was face timing me.
 
"Hey." I said.
 
"Heyy, wow look at you."
 
"Don't start." I warned.
 
"I won't." Cat grinned. "What are you doing?"
 
"I'm cooking dinner."
 
"Really? It's a little early."
 
"Well I wanted to get a head start." I shrugged.
 
"Oh, what are you cooking?"
 
"Stuffed salmon, pasta with alfredo sauce, garlic bread and salad."
 
I watched as Cat brows raised instantly. "Wow, special occasion? Got some lingerie to go along with that?" She smirked.
 
"Shut up, you know it's not like that with us. I just wanted to do something nice."
 
"Okay okay, I get it." She smiled. "Where are the girls?" I looked toward the little monitor on the wall and noticed them playing with their little chalkboard.
 
"They're in their room."
 
"You're neurotic about them playing alone at your house. How can you be so calm there?"
 
I picked up the phone and aimed it at the small monitor on the wall next to the pantry. "Mason has cameras all over the house, security purposes."
 
"Fancy and smart."
 
"I know right." I said going back to my task noting that it was nearly 3 pm. "How are things with you and Caleb?"
 
I got the pleasure of seeing Cat's eyes lit up in excitement. "God, he's so perfect Ava. Almost too perfect."
 
"I know what you mean." I smiled. The Reynolds twins can rock any woman's world.
 
"He's sweet and gentle yet firm and assertive. These last few months have been amazing Ava."
 
"I'm so happy for you."
 
"Thank you, if it wasn't for you, we probably wouldn't have met and started dating. I have a rich man for a boyfriend, his sister is a clothing designer and his mother is an interior designer. Pinch me I must be dreaming." She giggled.
 
I laughed, "I never thought of it that way."
 
"You should, you're in my shoes. No, scratch that, you're in even better shoes because you got the millionaire's kids."
 
"I'm glad you think so."
 
"Caleb said he has a meeting tomorrow afternoon, so we made dinner plans. We'll fly out to you guys on Thursday."
 
"So, he said."
 
"I'm so excited Ava, I haven't been to L.A in years and now I get to be there with my best friend, my boyfriend and celebrities wearing pretty dresses." She beamed.
 
I couldn't help to smile as I listened to her gush over the trip. Suddenly, she gasped, and I looked at her questioningly. "What?"
 
"How selfish can I be? Here I am gushing over how great my life is going and I didn't once ask you how you were holding up."
 
I sighed then, "Are you referring to my crumbling relationship?"
 
"Ava." She pouted sadly.
 
"Cat, I'm okay. I'm just trying really hard not to think about it." I've done a really good job so far. The hardest part is always at night when I'm alone with my thoughts. Royce hasn't called and I can't say that I'm surprised, this is so normal for him that I can't bring myself to care.
 
"Are you sure? I mean from what I heard you aren't really okay, and I know how much he means to you."
 
"Well I don't want to talk about him."
 
"Ava you can't keep things bottled up. You will explode like a coke with mentos."
 
"Cat, please." I begged.
.
"Alright fine, new topic." She said and I sighed thankfully.
 
Cat managed to distract me as I finished most of my cooking. We finally said our goodbyes and I was only waiting on the salmon and garlic bread to be done. It was time to call the girls and I was so glad I didn't have to climb the stairs. I went over to the monitor to push the intercom.
 
"Come one girls, let's get started on the cookies."
 
The girls came dashing down the stairs as I pulled out the ingredients for the cookies. I turned on some music and for the next hour, the girls and I baked and danced around the kitchen. It was a welcome and beautiful distraction. Dinner was ready and our cookies were fresh out of the oven. I had to work extra hard to keep the girls from eating the treats and ruining their dinners. The girls and I were so distracted with our dancing and decorating our cookies that we hadn't even noticed Mason standing at the kitchen entrance.
 
"Ahem." He said.
 
I nearly jumped out of my skin, but the girls ran to his side instantly. "Hi Masonnn." They said. I turned off the music quickly.
 
"Hiii. Look at my little princesses, you girls are covered in flour." He grinned.
 
"We made cookies." Peppa said.
 
"Wow you did? I love cookies."
 
"Me too!" Lily said jumping lightly.
 
"That's great!" He chuckled.
 
Mason straightened and looked at me from head to toe before chuckling and shaking his head. "You are truly a sight to behold."
 
"Why thank you and welcome home."
 
"Thanks. In here smells great."
 
"I made dinner."
 
"Really? That's great, I'm starving." He groaned.
 
"You and the girls can get cleaned up while I set the table."
 
Mason nodded and led the girls upstairs to get cleaned up for dinner. I set up the table in the kitchen for us to eat at. The dining room felt too five-star for a simple dinner. The table was ready, and I was about to wash up myself when I heard the doorbell. I hesitated for a moment before deciding to answer it. I brushed the flour off of my cheeks quickly before pulling the door open. Chasity stood on the other side with a stunned expression. She wore a fitted yellow dress with her hair pinned up, and I was beginning to think she owned dresses in her closet.
 
"Oh, hello." I said.
 
Chasity didn't respond for a moment. She stared at me intently before controlling her shocked expression. "Oh, my apologies. I just didn't expect to see you here."
 
,"Oh, um yea." I mumbled not knowing what to say. Why didn't Mason tell her the girls and I were over here? "Why don't you come in? I'll get Mason."
 
Chasity stepped inside quickly just as I heard Mason approaching us from the hallway. I sighed in relief that he was saving me from an awkward situation. There was a slight stump in his steps when she saw Chasity and I wondered if I had gotten him into trouble.
 
"Chas, hey. I didn't realize you were coming." Mason said as he pulled her against him and kissed her cheek lightly.
 
"It's a good thing I didn't mention it." She said, glancing over to me.
 
I cleared my throat awkwardly, "I'll go check on the girls."
 
Mason nodded and gave me an apologetic look. I quickly ducked out of the room to give them a moment to themselves. I went into the kitchen to the girls and dished out their food. They were eating nuggets with their pasta while the salmon was for Mason and I, that's if he'll be up for it. Mason walked into the kitchen a moment later looking tired. I guess I'm not the only one who needs a vacation.
 
"Is everything okay?" I asked cautiously.
 
"Uh, yea." He smiled sadly.
 
I got up, quickly took up his meal and served it to him as he sat down. Dinner was silent besides the girls talking amongst themselves and Mason's occasional groan every time he took a bite.
 
"My compliments to the chef." He said.
 
"Thank you." I smiled.
 
"This is really good Ava, honestly."
 
"The perks of having a chef for a mother."
 
After dinner Mason and I worked hand in hand to get the girls cleaned up and into bed. Mason read a story to them out loud with Lily in the bed, while I held Peppa in the corner of the room as she nursed quietly. Rocking the chair back forth, running my fingers through her curls and listening to Mason lulled her to sleep with ease. By the time Mason was done they were both in a deep slumber. I pulled Peppa from my breast and gently placed her on her bed.
 
"Lily isn't much of boob girl, is she?" Mason whispered.
 
I smiled, "Mostly when she's upset. Sometimes she wants it in the mornings and other times before bed but Peppa is more consistent."
 
Placing kisses on the girls heads we left their room quietly.
 
'"We have a long day tomorrow. We should get some rest." He said.
 
"Yea, luckily we are basically packed."
 
"Lucky for you." Mason groaned.
 
I chuckled as we went our separate ways and into our rooms. I sorted through the girls and my things to make sure we were set for tomorrow. I placed our luggage near the door and pulled out the girls’ black leggings with their pretty unicorn shirts to wear in the morning. I also pulled out my own pair of leggings to wear with a long sleeve burgundy fitted sweater. Once I was done, I quickly jumped into the shower and took a much-needed hot bath. I dressed in my long pajamas pants and tank top before heading downstairs to make some hot chocolate. I passed Mason's room quietly and realized the door was ajar. I couldn't help myself as I quietly peaked through the opened door. Mason was dressed in only his pajama bottoms and sat on his bed with his head in his hands. There were clothes thrown across his bed and an opened suitcase lied at his feet. He looked so tired, so stressed and my heart went out to him. Although this is a good opportunity for us, I was reminded that his relationship suffers through our arrangement also. With a quiet sigh I moved from the door and decided to make hot chocolate for the both of us.
I tipped back upstairs quietly with the mugs with the hot chocolate in my hands. Mason's door was still cracked but I could no longer see him.
 "Knock knock." I called out. "Mason?" I said after a moment of silence. I hesitated, wondering if he was asleep and slowly touched the door with my foot to open it further. The room was empty, but I instantly noticed that he was sitting outside on his balcony. I entered the room cautiously, trying not to startle him as I went to the glass door. "Mason?"
 
He jumped slightly and his head snapped in my direction. So much for not scaring him.
 
"Hey, um I did knock. I was only checking on you." I said.
 
"It's okay, you can come."
 
I nodded and stepped outside slowly. The air was kind of chilly and I sat next to him on the chair softly. "I brought you some hot chocolate." I said handing it to him.
 
"You didn't have to. Thanks." He smiled gratefully before taking a sip.
 
"Are you okay?"
 
"Define 'okay'."
 
"Is it Chasity?" I asked cautiously. Mason took another sip from his mug before nodding gently. "I'm sorry."
 
"Don't be."
 
"This isn't exactly an easy arrangement." I shrugged.
 
"It is for me." He said turning to look at me.
 
I smiled gently at his words. "I'm glad you think so."
 
Mason sighed, "You're right that it isn't easy, and I admit I assumed it would be easy for her because it was easy for me. I assumed that she would understand and overtime come to grips with it."
 
"I did the same with Royce."
 
"I can't do my job and be a good boss if I am not flexible. My whole life there have been random changes that I was forced to grow accustomed to and over time, I learned to adapt. Becoming a father was the biggest change of my life and it was so easy for me to fall into it."
 
I nodded, "I know what you mean. Caleb was so sure."
 
"How do you mean?"
 
"When I first told Caleb about the girls, he was so sure that you would be there, he damn near put his life on it. He knew immediately that you wouldn't abandon them and now, I believe him."
 
Mason nodded. "He's right, I won't ever abandon them or you for that matter and now Chasity knows that too."
 
"Can I ask you something?"
 
"Anything."
 
"Was staying here with you really our only option? Be honest."
 
Mason stared off into the distance looking towards the city for a moment. He brought the mug to his lips gently before sighing. "Of course, it wasn't."
 
"How?"
 
"Ava, do you really think I don't have other options? Think about it. Not only did my mother open their doors to you girls, but I own many homes, many vacant homes that you guys could've stayed in. Hell, I could've bought you a house out here if that's what you wanted."
 
"Then why did you let us stay here if you knew Chasity wouldn't approve?"
 
Mason sighed and stared at me intently. "Because I want you to." He whispered. "I want you and the girls right here, to bond with them and to get to know you. I want to wake up to see them and tuck them in at night. I couldn't exactly do that if you guys were staying somewhere else."
 
My heart sped up at the sincerity of his words. I found myself even more aware that he was shirtless sitting right next to me. "Why didn't you just tell me?" I asked, trying to distract myself.
 
"I couldn't admit it to myself at first. I tried every other reason to justify it, but I couldn't. The only reason is because I want you girls here, with me. I can admit to my selfishness."
 
"Wanting to be close to your daughters isn't selfish."
 
"That's not how Chasity sees it. She thinks I only want to get close to you because of our history." He shrugged.
 
"That's crazy, it was only one night. It was noth...."
 
Mason frowned, "Don't do that."
 
"Do what?"
 
His green eyes locked with mines and I couldn't bring myself to look away. "I don't know if you enjoy living your life in denial, but I don't. Do not sit here and degrade that night like it was nothing. I remember every single detail of that night and I know that you do too. It was magical and I don't regret it nor am I afraid to say that out loud because it gave us the opportunity to be parents."
 
My breath shuddered slightly at his words and I forced myself to look away because I knew he was right. I have been pushing that night at the back of my mind like it never happened, like I don't remember much of it, but I do. How could I forget? He's right, it was magical, and that magic gave us two beautiful girls that I could never bring myself to regret. Mason and I shared something special and we can both agree that although it was special, it is still the past that we can't control. "Do you love her?"
 
Mason nodded slowly, "It didn't start off that way. My father was so eager at the opportunity to have a partnership with her father that he basically dangled her in my face. Over time though, I was able to develop feelings for her. I do love her."
 
"Then we have to hope that divine forces will come to our aid."
 
Mason smiled before opening his free hand and I grabbed it gently. "You bet."
 
We sat outside with our hot chocolates using each other for support as we gazed into the night sky. It was simple, it was wonderful, and it was us.
 
The next morning came a lot faster than I expected. I found myself struggling to get the girls and myself ready to go. Mason wasn't that much better if not worse. His hair was a tangled mess most of the morning as he dragged his feet up and down the house getting ready. Mason's bodyguards secured all of our things in the jeep and I was in the kitchen packing a few snacks for the girls. It was their first plane ride, so I hope they won't be too nervous.
 
"Are you ready?" Mason asked. He held the girls’ hands in each of his. He wore grey joggers with a baseball cap, and I couldn't help but to feel envious over how comfortable and warm he looked.
 
"Yea, I was packing some snacks. Can you put their hats and sweaters on them? It's chilly out."
 
"No problem." He said, pulling a groggy Lily and Peppa. Even they were having a hard time staying awake. It was barely 7am after all.
We quickly left the house and made our way to the airport. The sleep I've been fighting momentarily left my eyes as we pulled up near the runway by a private plane.
 
I gasped, "This is yours?"
 
Mason laughed, "It belongs to the family. It comes in handy when we have to travel in groups."
 
"I had no idea." I trailed off.
 
"Ava, we own an airline. Why are you so shocked? You couldn't possibly think we were going to travel the normal way." He chuckled.
 
"Well no, I thought we'd be in first class or something." I shrugged. "I guess I'm still wrapping my head around everything. I don't see what the fuss is about with you guys, you're not that interesting."
 
Mason tossed his head back and laughed. "I want a refund. Caleb had to be talking about a different Ava because you're not very nice at all." He smirked.
 
We got out of the jeep and it was then I noticed the other vehicles that were parked near us. First, I saw Marie standing by her limo talking on her cell phone as her luggage was removed. Regina, Jason and Jarvis were also by their limo. Regina was fixing Jarvis' sweater while Jason was giving instructions to their guards. As Mason helped me with the girls, I couldn't help but feel important. This was nothing to them but to me a first timer, I was impressed. I started to feel excited instantly.
 
"Oh, look at my granddaughters. Are they tired?" Marie smiled.
 
I held Peppa and Mason held Lily as we approached her. "They had a long morning. They're still pretty tired."
 
"Oh, that's alright, they'll have a lot of time for that. How are you dear?"
 
I smiled. "I'm good."
 
"Nana Ann." Peppa smiled lazily and reached out for her. Marie happily grabbed a hold of her and Peppa cuddled into her shoulder. It was hard not the feel the sheer joy coming from Marie in that moment.
 
"Alright let's get this show on the road." Regina called out as she approached us. She came to my side, wrapped her arm around my waist and gave me a wink causing me to grin.
 
"Grandma." Jarvis said hugging Marie's legs snugly and she caressed his hair with her free hand.
 
"Are we all ready?" Regina asked as she pulled away from me and placed shades over her eyes.
 
"Not quite, Chasity isn't here yet." Mason said. As the words left his mouth a black car pulled up and Chasity hopped out of the back seat wearing a black and white poka dot dress, of course.
 
Jason sighed gently, "There goes our fun."
 
I grinned at his words while Mason glared at him before shaking his head.
 
"Good morning." She said.
 
"Morning." Jason, Regina and I mumbled. I was glad that I wasn't the only one not feeling Chasity's attitude. Mason hugged her with his free arm since he still held a now sleeping Lily. She returned the gesture before looking at me and giving a nod with an uncomfortable smile. I did the same.
 
"Now we're ready." Marie grinned.
 
We all headed into the private plane and I felt like a movie star. The inside of the plane was big, cozy and very welcoming with a cream color. Some of the seats were facing different directions. We found our seats quickly and buckled up. Peppa sat next to Marie who was two seats from my left, while Lily was next to Mason who was in front of me. Lily was miserable about waking up from her little nap to be buckled in. Jason, Jarvis and Regina sat in the seats on my right and I couldn't help but feel a little caged in. A petite flight attendant entered from the front by the pilot and handed out pillows and blankets and gave brief instructions. Soon it was time for the flight to take off and I watched the girls carefully for their reaction. The movements startled them but the minute we took off Lily panicked instantly and Peppa buried her head into Marie's lap. Mason was startled at Lily's outburst and tried desperately to calm her, explaining to her that she has to stay in her seat.
 
"Mommy!" Lily cried out.
 
"It's okay baby, it's okay mommy's right here."
 
I hated to see them upset and it was worse because I can't touch them. Mason held Lily close trying his best to calm her with a worried look. Marie was doing the same to Peppa although she was slightly calmer than her sister. It was then I decided to sing. I sang a gentle song that I made up for them when I was still pregnant. Like I hoped, the familiar tune started to calm them slightly.
 
"First time flying?" Regina asked concerned. I nodded but continued to sing. Finally, we were giving the okay to move again and the girls jumped out of their seats after being released. Teary eyed and soft cries, they came over to me.
 
"Oh, my big girls." I said pulling them in my arms. "Babies, mommy told you about the plane last night, remember? I told you it was going to be a little scary.”
 
Lily shook her head as she sniffled. "I no like planes mommy."
 
"I know it's okay now. Mommy's got you" I said rocking them gently. I felt their little hands tugging at my sweater and I was glad that my sweater had a low cut in front for easier access. I grabbed the blanket from the seat next to me and draped it across them for a little privacy. They settled even more as they nursed, and I sighed. Mason wore a tender smile on his lips and Marie was the same way.
 
"Aren't they a little too old to be breastfeeding?" Chasity asked rudely.
 
"No." I said annoyed.
 
"Mason didn't stop until he was three years old. It's still very beneficial to them at this age." Marie said gently.
 
"Gee thanks mom." He said.
 
"Well if Chasity had kids of her own, she would know that." Regina said.
 
"Cut it out." Mason said pointedly. Regina smirked and shrugged lightly.
 
I grabbed the pillow and placed it behind my neck to get comfortable. The girls were already drifting off to sleep and I decided to join them. I woke a moment later because Lily wiggled a bit to get more comfortable. When I opened my eyes, the first person I looked at was Mason. Chasity laid her head on his shoulder and he was on his laptop. Marie was drinking orange juice and Regina was on her phone while Jason chatted softly with Jarvis. I groaned slightly trying to stretch without disturbing the girls. Mason's eyes immediately found mines and he grinned. I returned his smile and rolled my eyes before reaching into the girls’ bag to pull out the bags with the cookies. I munched lightly on the cookie and hummed gently to my sleeping girls. Mason eyes zeroed in on my treats and placed his laptop in the seat next to him. Mason jostled Chasity slightly off his shoulder and she glared at him as he got up. He sat at my side and snatched the bag out of my hand.
 
"Hey." I said slightly annoyed.
 
"You can't keep the treats to yourself."
 
"Are those cookies?" Marie asked.
 
"Yep. Ava and girls baked them yesterday and they're great."
 
"May I have one Ava?" Jarvis asked.
 
"You sure can." I winked.
 
Mason shared the cookies with Marie, Jarvis and Jason. "These are good." Jason moaned.
 
"Thanks." I smiled. The girls began to stir in my lap at the little commotion. I fixed my sweater just as Lily peaked out from under the blanket. I leaned down to kiss her little nose and she grinned.
 
"Want a cookie?" I asked, happy to see that she was in a better mood. At my words she sat up excitedly and woke Peppa in the process. Lily crawled into Mason's lap and he handed her a cookie. Peppa rubbed her eyes and I couldn't help peppering her little face with kisses. She giggled happily and Mason offered a cookie to her as well.
 
"See girls, come and see the clouds." He said pointing out of the window. The rest of the flight was spent eating snacks and gazing out of the window. I tried to ignore Chasity's sour looks from the corner but despite that we had a good flight and soon, we were in L.A.