The Best Mistake

Chapter Thirty-Three

Our trip to L.A has been thrilling so far. While this is a revisit for all of them, seeing L.A is new for me and the girls. I was so happy to experience this with them and it was a much-needed distraction. The family has their own mansion in L.A and it was beyond beautiful. The yard was smaller than their mansion back at home, but the house had much more room. It was suitable for the charity event. While they were equipped with their own planners, the Reynolds were very much involved with the details of the event. The girls and I spent a lot of our time with Marie and Regina, simply because Mason had his own business to attend to and Marie was adamant that we learn exactly what happens at their charity events. The event was a masquerade ball and I noticed on several occasions Jason's slight smirk in my direction every time it was mentioned. The ballroom in the mansion was always bustling with different people all hired to set up. Cat and I were basically glued to Regina's side through the entire planning. Cat loved it of course but I was growing tired quickly and every time I expressed it, Regina reminded me that this was the life of a Reynolds and that I am now a part of it. Thursday evening, the girls and I went to bed nearly midnight because Regina was obsessing over our gowns. From hours of taking measurements, comparing designs, deciding on colors, masks and to wearing multiple dresses, the girls and I were dead on our feet. You would think that afterwards we would be able to sleep in, but no, 6am Friday morning we were once again thrown into setting up. The kids were able to sleep in and it was the first time I was jealous of my own kids. The ballroom came together finally by the afternoon and the finishing touches were to be made tomorrow morning. The room was slightly dark yet elegant, shining with red, gold, purple and black. It was the perfect colors to make the room spooky but also inviting. The tables and chairs were all arranged in the back of the room, leaving space for the dance floor and stage in the front. Beautiful twinkling lights hung low from the ceiling while medieval lamps were placed in different corners of the room, giving it an extra twist for the masquerade theme. With the ballroom ready and gowns chosen, we were finally able to unwind by the pool that evening. I must admit although I was drained, the trip so far has been amazing. Mr. Reynolds won't be coming until tomorrow morning and Chasity was either up Mason's ass or obsessing over her dress, so I was able to truly let my guard down. The girls were at the edge of the pool playing with Regina, Jason and Jarvis. Cat stood at Caleb's side while he was cooking burgers on the grill. Marie was going over the menus with the caterers and I laid comfortably in the lounge chair watching the girls play. I wore a simple black full body swimsuit with a pair of white shorts as I relaxed. The hairs on the back of my neck stood tall and I didn't have to look as to why.
 
"Finally relaxing huh?" Mason called out suddenly.
 
I turned my head and noticed him and Chasity coming onto the patio. Chasity's hair was pulled up in a ponytail and she wore a bright pink bikini as she clutched to Mason's forearm. It was the most underdressed I've ever seen her.
 
"Mason, look a pool!" Lily yelled.
 
Mason grinned, "I see beautiful, just be careful okay?"
 
"Okay." She giggled.
 
"Well don't you look comfortable." He smiled at me.
 
"That's cause I am."
 
"Baby come on, let's go for a swim." Chasity wined tugging at his arm. I couldn't help my reaction as I rolled my eyes, thankful for the dark shades I wore.
 
"Just a minute darling, I'll meet you in." Chasity pouted before moving away from him with a grunt. She shimmied over to the pool, no doubt trying to grasp his attention. Mason eyes were focused on me as he moved to sit in the lounge chair on my right. "I wanted to talk to you about something." I pulled my shades at the top of my head and gave him my undivided attention. "Lillian and Penelope Shawnnn."
 
My brows knitted together in confusion before realization hit. "You want to change their names."
 
"Only their last names. I really want them to carry the family name." When I didn't respond he continued. "You don't have to drop Shawn completely, just add on the Reynolds?"
 
"No, it's okay."
 
"Really?"
 
"Of course. That is your right as their father, and you didn't have a hand in naming them so it's only fair."
 
Mason released the breath he was holding and relaxed. "Thanks a lot."
 
"You thought I'd say no?"
 
"Not exactly, I thought you would think it was too soon, but I was prepared for anything."
 
"You know if I knew who you were I would've..."
 
"I know." he nodded. One of my biggest regrets was raising the girls these last two years without Mason involved. Maybe if I'd tried harder, I would've found him, and he wouldn't feel the need to ask that our daughters to carry his name.
 
"Well the DNA test is done so it shouldn't be long to get your name on the birth certificate."
 
"Sounds good."
 
"Masonn." Chasity whined. Mason sighed before standing from the chair and removing his t-shirt in one fluid movement, leaving him only in his swimming trunks.
 
"Duty calls." He said. I diverted my eyes from his toned body and placed my shades over my eyes once again.
 
"That bitch is really getting on my nerves." Cat moved to sit on my left quietly and I chuckled.
 
"She's his girlfriend." I reminded her.
 
"She's a nuisance."
 
I shrugged, "That's true. I don't understand why she has to be so territorial."
 
"The fact that you said that proves that you don't see yourself clearly."
 
"Why do you say that?"
 
"She sees you as a threat Ava." Cat said in a duh tone.
 
"She has no reason to, Mason only has eyes for her. She's so...polished."
 
"You're a beautiful confident woman and the mother of his children. It's hard to compete with that." She shrugged. "And as for Mason, it's safe to say that his eyes weren't always keen towards her."
 
"What do you mean?"
 
"Caleb told me how much of a mess Mason was after your night together." She said casually.
 
"He was?"
 
"Duh, the mysterious sexy woman with the best kitty to offer." She winked and I shoved her playfully.
 
"Shut up."
 
"I'm just saying, I'd view you as a competition too." She giggled. I looked towards the pool to see Mason playing with the girls and Chasity lingering close by as she watched him.
 
"Mommy, mommy come!" Lily yelled.
 
"Come on momma." Peppa grinned.
 
I smiled before standing from the chair. "You coming in?" I asked Cat.
 
"And risk chlorine getting in my hair? Ha, pass."
 
I rolled my eyes and quickly removed my shorts and shades. The swimsuit was cut low in the back and before I could walk away Cat tugged on one of the straps and released it quickly. I yelped as the strap stung my back and swatted a giggling Catherine.
I headed towards the pool casually and noticed how Mason's eyes followed me almost like a predator followed his prey. Ignoring his look, I swiftly lowered myself into the pool. Lily reached out to me quickly while Peppa remained in his arms. He was still staring at me and it was becoming awkward as I looked towards Chasity. Noticing the look on her face I quickly splashed Mason in the face playfully to break the awkwardness.
 
"Ha! Surprise attack!" Jarvis yelled out. Mason grinned at me quickly and we started a splashing fight. The girls giggled as we splashed each other back and forth and soon Jason and Regina joined in as well. Although Chasity remained bitter, the rest of the evening by the pool was great. As the day came to an end, we all cleaned up and got ready for bed going our separate ways. Regina, Jason, Jarvis and Marie were all on one side of the big house while Cat, Caleb, Mason, Chasity and I were on the other. Caleb and Mason sat on the floor of my room playing uno with the girls while Cat and I relaxed in the bed.
 
"I'm so freaking excited for tomorrow night."
 
"We get it." I rolled my eyes.
 
"I'm surprised you're not excited. I thought you'd enjoy this kind of thing." Mason said.
 
Cat snorted, "You obviously don't know her very well yet."
 
"I'm excited, just not at Cat's irritating level." I rolled my eyes. "And didn't you have an announcement to work on?"
 
"Yes, and it's done." He said.
 
"Ooo, do we get to hear it?" Caleb asked, taking the words out of my mouth.
 
Mason shook his head instantly. "Not a chance. You'll hear it with everyone else tomorrow night. Uno." He smirked.
 
"Well that sucks." Cat said. We watched as Mason and Caleb squared off as he tried to force Mason to go into the deck again. After a long minute, Caleb placed a blue six in the center before Mason grinned and tossed down his blue four.
 
"We won!" He yelled out. Mason and Peppa started dancing while Caleb whined playfully.
 
"No!" Lily whined.
 
"Yes!" Peppa yelled.
 
"We want a rematch." Caleb called out.
 
"Yea a mematch! We wan a mematch! Youbublereasb!" We all stopped as Lily continued to babble quickly.
 
"What?" We all asked in unison before the room erupted with uncontrollable laughter. It was so adorable when the girls couldn't get out their words quite right. Our laughs were cut short as Chasity stood by the door clearing her throat.
 
"Are you coming to bed?" She asked Mason.
 
"Uh, yea, just a minute." She nodded before walking away stiffly.
 
"Well that was like a bucket of ice water." Caleb mumbled, gathering the cards. "Let's go babe." Caleb placed Lily in the bed with me and Mason did the same with Peppa. Caleb and Cat said their good nights before exiting the room. I pulled the blanket back so the girls could go under the covers and Mason leaned in to kiss them both.
 
"Night night girls." He whispered.
 
"Night night Mason." They said.
 
He gave us one more look before smiling and closing the door gently. I pulled the blanket around us comfortably as a thought occurred to me. I've been thinking about it for quite some time and I really didn't want to put it off any longer. "Girls, can momma talk to you?" I asked. The girls stared at me curiously and gave me the attention that only two year olds can manage.
 
"You know mommy loves you right?" They nodded. "And you know mommy wants you to be good and happy girls too."
 
"We good girls mommy." Lily said.
 
"Yes, you are very good girls, but mommy has something she needs to tell you. How do you feel about Mason?" A confused look came across their faces and I decided to change up my words. "Do you like Mason or do you not like Mason?" Their faces lit up.
 
"I like Mason." Peppa said.
 
"I like Mason too."
 
"Want to tell me why you like Mason?"
 
"He's fun and big and wery wery strong." Lily said, lifting her arms. "He buys toys for us."
 
"He..he plays games with us and makes us laugh." Peppa added. "He dont let no one hurt us."
 
My eyes filled with tears and I nodded. "You're right girls. Mason loves you so much and he won't ever let anyone hurt you girls just like me." I was elated to know that they were able to notice so many positive things about him, it was a start. "Do you know what a daddy is?"
 
Once again, they look confused. "Daddy?" Lily asked.
 
"Yes baby. Do you know who a daddy is?"
 
"Jarvis says daddy to Jaston." Peppa said.
 
"You're right baby. Jason is Jarvis' daddy. And you know what else?" I grabbed my cell phone and searched up the cocomelon little family.
 
"Cocomelon!" They yelled out.
 
"Who is that?" I asked, pointing to the father.
 
"Yoyo and jj daddy." Lily said.
 
"Very good." I pulled up a picture of Moana and pointed at Chief Tui. "Who's that?"
 
"Moana daddy." Peppa pointed out.
 
"Good job girls. Daddies are there to help mommies take care of the babies. They play with you and help you and keep you safe and happy." They nodded. "You have to listen to daddy the way you listen to mommy."
 
"Who our daddy mommy?" Lily asked.
 
My eyes watered, "Mason baby. Mason is your daddy."
 
Peppa smiled instantly. "Daddy."
 
I nodded, "Yes Mason is daddy."
 
"Ohhh." Lily said. I chuckled lightly.
 
"No Mason, only daddy?" I nodded, "Yes girls. Only daddy." I said.
 
"Your daddy momma?" Peppa asked.
 
My breath hitched, are all two years olds this initiative? "Mommy's daddy is far far away baby. Now come on, time to sleep." 
I used the remote to shut the lights off. I was more than happy that our little talk turned out so good and I couldn't wait to see the look on Mason's face when they finally call him daddy.
 
The next morning, the entire house was bustling with activity. Finishing touches were being made on the ballroom but luckily Regina wasn't involved in it, so I didn't have to. Charles made his presence known by breakfast to both me and Caleb's dismay but to Chasity's delight. She clung to Charles like her life depended on it knowing he'd take her side with anything. To everyone's surprise, I cooked breakfast. Obviously, they were used to having their own cooks because the only people who didn't look at me like I had five heads as I cooked were Mason, Cat and the girls. I cooked pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages, toasts, hash browns and muffins with fresh fruit. Like my mother, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to cook in a new kitchen, I loved it.
 
"This is absolutely fabulous Ava." Marie complimented as we ate. I smiled pleased at the compliment. "Charles isn't she a great cook?" It felt like we all held our breath waiting for his response.
 
"Given how she was raised, I'm not surprised." He grunted shoving eggs into his mouth. I never wanted someone to choke so much in my life.
 
"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked. I felt Mason grab my hand gently whether to offer comfort or caution me, I couldn't tell.
 
"Exactly what I said." His eyes found mines across the table. "Not being accustomed to the luxuries of a rich upbringing, of course you have developed the qualities of a maid."
 
"Dad!" Mason hissed. Caleb glared at him across the table and I could clearly see the disgust on Regina and Cat's faces.
 
"It's fine Mason. I am more than proud of my upbringing and my qualities, and I'm even more proud of having a full-time parent." Charles's mouth twitched but he remained silent.
 
"Well we have a few things to get done." Regina chipped in.
 
"Lovely." I said standing. Marie gave me an apologetic smile and I quickly realized why Caleb hated the person his mother becomes in the presence of their father.
 
Mason grabbed my wrist before I could leave the table and tugged me down slightly. "I have a few things to do before tonight, so I won't see you guys until later. Just stay clear from this asshole and call me if you need anything." He whispered.
 
As he talked, I noticed the looks his father and Chasity gave him, although they couldn't hear him. I nodded at him and Regina, Cat, Caleb and I left the room. I was relieved that I decided to let the girls eat with Jarvis in the playroom away from all the tension around the adults.
 
“What an ass." Cat said.
 
"You don't know half of it." Caleb mumbled.
 
"Today is a good day and I'm not going to waste it worrying about daddy. We have a few things to help with and we have our last fittings to make sure our dresses are perfect." Regina said. "You sir need to make sure things are running smoothly outside because you know we are doing valet parking and check with the band when you're done." She pointed at Caleb.
 
He rolled his eyes, "Yes ma'am." He pulled Cat to his side and wrapped his arms around her waist. "And I'll see you later." Regina made a gagging sound when they kissed but my heart swelled for them.
 
For the rest of the morning, I was barely able to catch my breath. I avoided Charles and Chasity at all cost not wanting to stir trouble and with Mason and Caleb busy, I felt more exposed. I was beyond thankful that I didn't have to worry about the girls during these shenanigans. We all did our final fittings to make sure we were set, and we were finally done with all of the tedious work. I sighed as I sat down on the front porch watching the workers moving around the house.
 
"What are you doing?" Regina asked suddenly.
 
I looked up to see her standing by the door with Cat. "Um, taking a break?"
 
"There is no such thing as a break on this exhilarating day. Now come on, we have to get ready." She beamed.
 
I stared at my watch for a second. "It's only 2 o'clock, we have time."
 
"Time? We have anything but time. The event starts at seven so we have to start getting ready from now."
 
"Isn't it a little early?"
 
"Early? What time would you have started to get ready?" She asked baffled.
 
I shrugged, "Maybe 5:30 or 6."
 
Regina's eyes widened to saucers as she stared at me before she started laughing hysterically. "You're joking right? Tell me you're kidding."
 
"Afraid she's not." Cat grinned. Regina jaw went slack for a moment. "No, nope, come on, we have to start getting ready. Let's go right now." She clapped. I groaned before moving to drag myself behind the exuberant pair.
 
Getting ready with Cat was child's play compared to what Regina had in store for us. We sat in their steam room, got manicures and pedicures, facials and finally our hair and makeup.
 
"It's freaking 6:30." I said shockingly. I was trying to sit still as the last finishing touches on my makeup was being completed.
 
"Told ya." Regina smirked. Her hair and makeup were already done so she was helping the girls in their stockings and bedazzling shoes. They haven't shut up about those shoes since they saw them.
 
"Done." Calvin said as he stepped away to take in his work. "Just beautiful darling."
 
"Wow." Cat clapped from her seat in the corner and Regina grinned.
 
He turned me towards the vanity, and I gasped taking in my face. My eyebrows, smoky eyes and glossy lips were breathtaking. My hair was pinned back away from my face and swayed like billows against my back.
 
"Pretty momma." Peppa grinned.
 
I smiled, "Thank you baby, so are you." The girls’ hair was both washed, you wouldn't believe what we had to go through with Lily, before being neatly curled. Their hair was touching their shoulders now, so the almost red curls looked beautiful against their alabaster skin and emerald eyes. They wore a little mascara and a bit of lip gloss to complete their looks.
 
"Alright hair and makeup are done, time for the dresses." Regina said.
 
"I want to help the girls get ready first."
 
"No problem." She nodded.
 
Together Regina and I dressed the girls in their beautiful gowns. The dresses had a round lace neckline that exposed a little of their chest before breaking into a dark pink flowery pattern in the top half of the dress. The dresses flared out into a dark pink before the pink flowery pattern traced the bottom also. The girls kept twirling in the full-length mirror completely captivated by their looks. I was in total awe of my little ladies.
 
"Mommy we're princesses." Lily gasped.
 
"Yes, you are baby."
 
"I told you." Regina beamed. "Alright missy, let's get our dresses on."
 
We were once again bombarded with ladies trying to help us into our gowns. I'd say that Regina's dress was surprisingly less extravagant. Her off the shoulder high and low lace dress was demure and yet so sexy. It was red and lacy, exposing her long-toned legs the right way. Cat's dress showed the most skin. She grinned as she turned in her beautiful black dress. The dress was cut so low in the front it almost reached her belly button before the large sheer material flared out widely. It exposed a lot while keeping secrets and was a perfect match for her personality. Finally, I was able to look at my dress. The top of my sapphire dress was like an illusion. Although the lacey part was off the shoulder, it still had a sweetheart neckline exposed on the inside. Little gems sparkled along the top half of the dress before flaring out much like Cat's dress. It was perfect.
 
"You look fabulous." Cat said.
 
"Me? Look at you!" I laughed. Cat puckered her lips cutely and winked, loving the compliment.
 
"Well we are all ready and it's only 7:30. I have to check on my boys so get your masks on ladies and I'll see you downstairs." Regina said.
 
"Thank you so much Regina." I said. She winked before exiting the room along with the ladies that helped us get dressed.
 
"Are you ready?" Cat asked eagerly. I gulped. We quickly pulled on our beautiful lace masks and helped the girls with their flowery ones.
 
"Feels...funny." Lily said.
 
"I know baby, but everyone will be wearing masks. If you want me to take them off later then ask okay?" They nodded.
 
"Where's daddy momma?" Peppa asked. It was the first time she said it since our talk last night. Cat's eyes widened and she looked at me instantly, but I simply smiled.
 
"Daddy will be downstairs sweetie. I'm sure he can't wait to see you girls."
 
"Oh, you're good." Cat winked.
 
"I don't know what you mean."
 
We all took selfies before finally leaving the room. We were able to hear the band as soon as we were in the hallway. I held the girls’ hands firmly as we walked. They were bouncing with excitement while, as usual, I was a ball of nerves. As we walked down the long hallway, we finally reached the curve that led to the grand staircase. Cat gave me a wink before walking down first like I expected. It was one of the reasons she's my best friend. She doesn't hesitate when it’s time to try something first. She will always volunteer to show me that it was okay while still giving me my own spotlight. The girls were bouncing eagerly but I held them firm as I peaked around the corner to watch Cat descend the windy staircase. Caleb's eyes were nearly out of his head as he watched her. Regina, Marie, Jason and Mason all clapped softly at her entrance. Chasity stood next to Mason in a dark purple dress with a sweetheart neckline. Her dress hugged her curves nicely and I swallowed the lump in my throat.
 
"Come on mommy." Lily said excitedly and just like that I locked away my nerves.
 
"You girls are princesses tonight so be on your best behavior please." I waited until they nodded before finally making our presence known.
 
I had the pleasure of watching everyone's jaw dropped as the girls and I descended. Regina and Cat were beaming as they clapped and cameras started flashing, but at that moment, I had eyes on one person. His hair was styled away from his eyes exposing those vibrant green eyes. The black tuxedo he wore looked sharp and crisped, his vest underneath his coat was black and gold, it was nearly impossible to look away. Mason's eyes bounced from my face to my dress to the girl’s multiple times. It was almost as if he was having a hard time focusing. He moved unconsciously closer to the steps never breaking eye contact with me.
 
"Daddy!" The girls called out and just like that our spell was broken. Mason's eyes widened even more as the girls broke free from my grasp and hugged his legs as we reached the bottom. Marie gasped covering her mouth as her eyes watered and I noticed a few gasps coming from a few people who were close enough to hear them. Chasity crossed her arms unimpressed.
 
"Oh, my girls, my beautiful girls." He nearly cried out. Mason circled them with his arms before picking them up gently. "You look so beautiful."
 
"Thank you daddy." They said in unison. Mason looked like he was about to explode. I stood in front of him with a small smile and he stared at me once again. "Thank you." He mouthed and I smiled in return.
 
The night was finally in full swing and it was hard to focus on one thing. There were talented acrobats that worked around the party as well as a few musicians and other amazing performers. The girls were always at my side or Mason's and I can tell that they go from frightened to excited quickly. I forgot the names of everyone I was introduced to and it was hard to keep my bearings with so much happening. Cat stayed by my side thankfully, but she was enjoying the attention that came with being so close to the Reynolds. Charles and Chasity avoided me and I was so happy. It was finally time to serve dinner and start the bidding and I was just happy to be off my feet. They were auctioning off several things tonight and the money was going to charities. The girls sat between Mason and I in their own special little highchairs that looked a lot like thrones, and they loved it. Mason leaned over to hand me a number card that was used for bidding and I hesitated.
 
"I don't have that kind of money to be bidding." I whispered.
 
Mason smiled and placed the stick in my hand. "Trust me, you do."
 
It took me a moment to realize what he was referring to. "How much is in that account?" I whispered. Mason shrugged, feigning cluelessness. "Mason?!" I hissed shocked and he chuckled lightly facing the front.
 
The auction began and it was so much being sold. From vacation houses to intense paintings and beautiful artifacts. There was a beautiful gold twin bracelet that was being auctioned off and I thought it would be perfect for the girls. After some incessant bidding I was able to win the bracelets for $8,000. Yes, it's expensive I know. Mason beamed at the purchase and Marie clapped happily for my involvement. It was more than easy to ignore Charles and Chasity's bitter faces. Finally, the time has come for Mason to make his announcement. I was a bit eager to see what he would say as he walked confidently onto the stage. Everyone gathered in the middle of the dance floor and the paparazzi was more than eager to get the first inside scoop.
 
"Ahem, good evening ladies and gentlemen. First, I'd like to thank everyone for attending this event and participating in our auction today, your involvement is very much appreciated. It's so important that we always remember people who are less fortunate because most of the time it wasn't by choice. So, if we can do even the smallest thing to make life easier for them, then we should." His eyes found me in the crowd and I smiled. "There are a few things I wanted to address tonight. There have been many rumors and speculation surrounding my life and some of the people in it and I'd like to set the record clear today. On June 5th, I received the most astounding news. It was mind blowing and it was then that my life was changed for ever. June 5th was the day I found out that I was a father." Mason lifted his hand quickly to regain the audience's attention from several gasps and murmurs around the room. "The details concerning how and when aren't important, but I want it to be known that this occurred before Chasity and I were an item. My daughters have become my whole life these last few months and all I wanted was private time to be with them without all of this." He waved his hand over the crowd. "So, I'd like to introduce you to my daughters Lillian and Penelope the right way." Mason motioned with his head for me to bring them forward and I quickly maneuvered through the crowd and helped them climb the steps to the stage.
 
Mason bent down, opened his arms for the girls and lifted them up quickly. I removed their masks throughout the night, so the uncanny resemblance was even more obvious. People cheered, clapped and snapped pictures as he held them proudly. The girls looked a little disoriented, but Mason whispered something to them, and they beamed instantly gaining more coos from the crowd. I couldn't help but clap happily with the sight of our girls. "I'd also like to introduce you to their wonderful mother, Ava Shawn." I was taken off guard by my little introduction but smiled politely and waved where I stood, not wanting to move in the center of the stage. "I'd like to request even more privacy to be with my daughters moving forward. Thank you so much." He concluded.
 
The rest of the night was filled with music, dancing and socializing amongst the guests. Chasity almost kept Mason immobilized on the dance floor, refusing to let him go for a moment. After a while though, Mason's interest was more on our girls. He started with giving them his hands and twirled them like little ballerinas on the dance floor while many stared hypnotized. He then picked them up in his arms and swayed to the music as they cuddled into the crock of his neck. I smiled.
 
"I'm onto you." I turned to see Chasity standing by my side. She was facing forward but her body language spoke volumes.
 
"I don't know what you're talking about."
 
"Sure, you don't. I've seen the way you look at him, how you're trying to dangle those girls in face to gain his affections."
 
The anger that rolled over me was thunderous and I forced myself to calm down before facing her fully fearless. "First of all, those girls are his daughters and I have never forced him to be there or dangled them in anyway, it was choice alone. Secondly, I don't need to use my children to gain his affections nor do I want to. Need I remind you, I've already received those said affections on the night our daughters were conceived." I smiled.
 
Her head snapped in my direction incredulously as if I was a child speaking out of turn. "He is mine and you won't ever have what belongs to me."
 
"In that case it's a good thing I don't want it, otherwise I'd give you a run for your money."
 
"Mommy." I turned to see Mason approaching us apprehensively with the girls in his hands.
 
"Hi girls, did you enjoy the dance with daddy?" They nodded eagerly causing me to smile.
 
"Why don't you girls dance with Uncle Caleb and Aunty Cat, I want to talk to mommy." Mason said, placing them on their feet. I watched them approach Caleb and Cat who were already on the dance floor. They lifted them in their arms happily and once again I found myself smiling at all the love surrounding them. Mason was still standing in front of me and raised his hand towards me. I stared at it questioningly. "You didn't think I'd let the night end and not have one dance with you, did you?" He smirked. I rolled my eyes and placed my hand into his gently, giving a glance at Chasity's bitter face. I allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. He placed one hand on my back and grabbed my hand firmly with the other and we swayed lightly.
 
"You shouldn't goad her, you know." He teased. "What's the saying? Pot calling the kettle black?"
 
"I didn't goad her. However, asking for my hand in dance knowing she's not fond of me."
 
"I'm being polite." He smirked.
 
"Polite?"
 
"Yes, and I'm being smart, the press has to know that you and I are okay. You're their mother so you're important too."
 
"I'm glad you think so." I mumbled.
 
"My dad is too concerned with business to care about anything else. He'll get over it."
 
"And if he doesn't?"
 
"It's his loss, it won't change anything." The music slowed down, and I felt his grasp tighten considerably. I was even more aware of my hand against his shoulder as we moved and tried to control my breathing. "I don't know if it's these masks or the music but I'm feeling a sense of deja vu." He winked.
 
"Your girlfriend is under the impression that I want you." I said trying to deflect the conversation.
 
"Hmmm, do you?" I looked in his eyes and realized he was teasing for the most part and rolled my eyes.
 
"As if." I scoffed.
 
"Well there was something that attracted you to me that night."
 
"Yea your persistence and the constant flow of alcohol." Mason's shoulder shook lightly as he chuckled.
 
"Oh yea, was that like 2% of alcohol or..."
 
"Shut up." I laughed out mortified.
 
"That's what I thought." He smirked. "By the way, thank you for telling them." He motioned towards the girls. I glanced at them and saw that they now danced with Jason and Regina.
 
"I figured it was time that they know."
 
"When?"
 
"Last night before bed." I shrugged. "It was a little lesson, but they understood it a lot better than I anticipated."
 
"They truly are extraordinary, especially for two year olds." Mason nodded.
 
"I couldn't agree more."