The Best Mistake

Chapter Thirty-Five

These last ten days were somewhat life changing for me. Firstly, we were able to publish Beverly Hollis first official book, "Whom the Bells Tolls". It was hitting the shelves right away and gained the attention of many critiques that were eager to see the new book published under Reynolds Publishing as well as the author. Beverly was an absolute gem to work with these last few months and her success was our own also. Work kept me busier as I operated as an editor and Caleb's assistant. It was all worth it when the book finally hit the shelves. Outside of work, my life has been somewhat normal. The story surrounding our lives was becoming old news and I couldn't be happier. Although Maxo stayed close on busy days, his presence wasn't as crucial as it once was. Royce and I have been getting along good since our talk and I finally feel as if we were on the same page moving forward. Mason was still trapped in New York on business but never missed a day calling the girls. Every single day they video chatted with him and although they enjoyed it, I can tell that they missed him. I noticed the tightening around Royce's eyes every time they asked when they would see their daddy and I knew it bothered him more than he let on. Mason promised them that he would be home to see them very soon and it only worked for a little while. They missed him and already was so used to having him by their side. It was a bittersweet development that gave me an idea that I have yet to voice. It was Friday evening after work and I was making my way to Julia's house with her favorite treats secured. She was out sick for the last two days and still she refused to say a word to me. I even reached out to Steven occasionally to make sure that she was okay, since she wouldn't tell me herself. I screwed up and I knew it, so now it was time to fix it.
 
I hopped out of the jeep once we pulled up front and grabbed the box of sweets. "I'll be back Max." I called out.
 
"Yes ma'am."
 
I stepped to the door and rang the doorbell twice before moving to sit carefully on the wooden death trap she called a porch swing. I figured that if she saw me, she's not likely to open the door but ringing the doorbell will make her curious enough to step out. Like I predicted, she looked through the curtain first, but the swing wasn't near the window, so she hadn't noticed my presence. She cautiously opened the door and stepped out on the porch slowly. "Hello?"
 
"Hey." I said sheepishly. Her eyes landed on me sitting on the swing and she frowned crossing her arms. "How are you?"
 
"What do you want?" At least she didn't go back inside the house. Progress.
 
"I've come bearing gifts." I said holding up the donut box. "A peace offering maybe?" Her facial expression was unchanging, and I sighed. "I'm sorry okay? You were right, I was wrapped up in my own little world and I shouldn't have neglected you that way. You have to understand, it's so hard for me to just let go and after finding out about Royce and Isabell I kind of cracked. I just wanted to escape, and it was selfish of me not to consider you."
 
Julia stared at me for a long moment before finally sighing. Her shoulders dropped and she approached me slowly before sitting on the bench. On instinct, I stiffened afraid the poor swing would give out. She noticed my reaction and rolled her eyes.
 
"Ava, you have every right to do what you feel is right for you and your kids. I'm not denying you of that. I only wanted an explanation, a word, anything to let me know what was going on and if you were okay. It wasn't until I saw the event online that I realized where you were. I'm sorry for exploding on you but I was so scared, and I felt hurt that you were over there ignoring me. You're like my only friend." Her voice cracked and I grabbed her hand firmly.
 
"I know and I'm so so sorry. You know if I had known I would've been by your side through it all."
 
She sniffed and nodded, "I know, that's why it hurt more."
 
"Are you and the baby okay?"
 
"Yes, we're fine now and I will give you all the details."
 
"Well, I didn't mean to make it harder for you. I won't let it happen again." I promised.
 
"Knowing you it probably will." She teased and I smiled.
 
"Maybe, but next time I will let you know. I don't want you to ever feel that way again, like I don't appreciate you for all you've done."
 
"It was wrong for me to throw that in your face." She mumbled looking chagrined. "I did those things because I love you not because I wanted leverage."
 
"It's okay, I actually needed to be reminded of that." I smiled. "So, are we good?"
 
"Only if you share those donuts."
 
I chuckled and opened the box for her to choose one. She grabbed the jelly filled donut and took a big bite before moaning softly. I couldn't hold back my snort at her reaction before grabbing one for myself.
 
"When I was pregnant with the girls, I had a serious addiction to nuggets. I made Cat drive around at 3am just to find me some." Julia giggled. "She was so pissed." I laughed.
 
"It's crazy that you and I always fight but with her you're so at ease all the time." She mumbled.
 
"The first three years of our friendship was damn near hell. It took a lot of communication and compromising before we could get along and understand each other without a fight." I chuckled. Our friendship was NOT easy and took years to manage.
 
"Sounds like a relationship." Julia teased almost as if she heard my thoughts.
 
"I'm pretty sure it is."
 
Julia and I chatted and ate our donuts for a few minutes before we said our goodbyes. The girls spent the day with my mom since she was off, and on our way over there Mason called me.
 
"The girls are not with me in case you were calling to talk to them." I said.
 
Mason chuckled, "Well yes but I wanted to check on you anyways."
 
"I'm alright. Why?"
 
"Why do you sound suspicious, I can't check up on you?"
 
"Well yes but you weren’t doing much of that lately."
 
"That's because I was trying to be respectful."
 
"Really?" I said incredulously.
 
"Yes, I'm trying to keep your problems to a minimum, so I only talk to the girls."
 
"You know you don't have to do that."
 
"Well better safe than sorry." He mumbled. "So how are you really?"
 
"This week alone has been hectic but I'm really good."
 
"Caleb told me all about what you accomplished. I'm so proud of you." He gushed.
 
"Thank you." I beamed. "I had my doubts."
 
"I knew you could do it. You shouldn't limit yourself, you're probably ready to write your very own story."
 
"I wouldn't say that."
 
"You don't see yourself clearly Ava. When you underestimate yourself and carry doubts, you're only doing more harm than good."
 
I sighed gently, "How's New York?"
 
"Trying to deflect me I see." He teased. "New York is fine, but I can't wait to get back home and see the girls. I miss them so much."
 
"They miss you too. I was being bombarded by the when is daddy coming home question all week."
 
"Aww, that makes me feel great knowing that they miss me."
 
"Of course, they do."
 
"Where are they?"
 
"At my mother's house. I'm actually on my way over there now."
 
"Alright I'll leave you to it. I'll call back before they go to bed."
 
"Okay."
 
When we got to my mother's house, I heard the girls’ laughter and realized that they were probably in the backyard. The front door was unlocked, and I quickly headed inside.
 
"Knock, knock." I called out.
 
My mom came out of the kitchen and grinned. "Oh, hey sweetie. I thought you would've been here already."
 
"I stopped to make amends with Julia."
 
"Oh wow, how did that go?"
 
"Surprisingly, good."
 
She smiled, "That's great. I knew she'd come around." We walked together down the hallway to the back door. "They were out here playing with Joey for a while now." Joey danced around the yard with the girls playing tag and they were in a fit of giggles enjoying the game.
 
"He's in pretty good shape." I commented as he stayed at the girl's pace running around the yard.
 
"Hmm you don't know the half of it." She sighed dreamily and I worked to control the bile that sprung in my mouth.
 
I frowned, "Gross." I mumbled causing her to laugh.
 
"Hi mommy!" Lily yelled.
 
"Hi girls." I beamed.
 
"Come play momma." Peppa said.
 
"Later baby, mommy is tired."
 
"Yea give Joey a rest now. Come inside for some juice and start gathering your toys." Mom said.
 
"Not yet Nana." Lily whined.
 
"Yes, now come on."
 
Lily pouted instantly and crossed her arms. "Nana not yet pwease??"
 
"Now Lily." I said firmly.
 
The girls reluctantly followed my mom inside the house. Joey was picking up some of their toys that they left in the yard and I went to his side to help him. "Thanks." He smiled.
 
"Well it's my kid’s toys, I should be thanking you." Joey shrugged as he grabbed the last toy off of the ground. I found myself feeling slightly guilty over our unspoken arrangement to keep our talking to a minimum. At first, I assumed that he was only temporary and even if he is, it wasn't fair for me to treat him as such. "Listen, I'm really sorry about these last few months, how I acted..."
 
Joey shook his head with a half smile, "You don't have to apologize."
 
''Actually, I do. It wasn't necessary and if I'm completely honest, I was a little uncomfortable." I admitted.
 
He frowned in confusion. "Why?"
 
"My whole life it has always been me and my mom. Even with the very faded memories of my dad, it has always been the two of us. I guess I never considered another person you know. She always seemed so content within herself I never noticed that she wanted more."
 
He nodded his head slowly in understanding. "I was never trying to take her away from you."
 
"I know I know, but sometimes my brain is telling me one thing and my heart is saying another."
 
"That's most of us." He chuckled. "I do love her."
 
"I know that now and as long as you continue to love her and not hurt her, we're cool."
 
"Well it's a good thing I'm going to ask her to marry me then."
 
I froze instantly and my mouth popped open. "What?"
 
"I love your mom more than anything in this world and I don’t want to go through another moment without her by my side."
 
"Really?" I was still in complete shock.
 
Joey grabbed the box that was shoved in his pocket and revealed it to me momentarily before securing it once again. "I mean it and I'd really love it if you could give me your blessing."
 
"Is it important?"
 
"Being her only child and her pride and joy, yes. It's important that you know that I won't ever hurt her. She has been without a partner for so long I just want to make her happy."
 
I blinked the tears away from my eyes quickly and smiled. "Then you have my blessing."
 
"You mean it?"
 
I nodded happily, "Welcome to the family."
 
"Well she hasn't said yes yet." He chuckled.
 
"Trust me she will." I was confident. Joey extended a hand to me hesitantly and I smirked before pulling him into a hug. "Take care of her or I'll remove your balls." Joey choked out a laugh as I pulled away and we headed to the house.
 
My mom was practically vibrating when we entered the house and I knew she witnessed our short exchange. Hopefully she didn't read too much into what was said, I didn't want to ruin the surprise. The girls’ things were packed, and we were exiting the house when a white jeep with really dark windows pulled up. I frowned in confusion but before I had time to react, Mason hopped out of the jeep wearing a light grey suit. His shades concealed his eyes and he grinned instantly.
 
"Daddy!!!" The girls screamed. They dropped their little backpacks instantly and took off across the lawn and into his arms.
 
"How many vehicles does he own exactly?" Joey asked and I sighed.
 
"Don't even ask."
 
I grabbed their bags and approached them slowly not wanting to interrupt their little reunion. The girls giggled with glee as Mason peppered them with kisses and gentle words. It warmed my heart to realize just how much they truly missed each other.
 
"You sneaky sneaky man." I wagged my finger playfully at him.
 
"Missed me?" He smirked.
 
"I thought you were stuck in New York."
 
"I got in early this morning. I was only waiting for the perfect opportunity to announce my arrival." He winked.
 
"We missed you daddy." Lily said.
 
"Aww I missed you too. How is your hand Peppa?"
 
"Gooood."
 
"Gooood? Let me see it." She raised her wrist quickly and he kissed it gently.
 
"She has an appointment on Monday." I explained.
 
"Hey Mason." Mom called out.
 
"Hey mini Ava. How are you?"
 
"I'm great, how was New York?" She waved.
 
"Bustling as always." He shook his head incredulously.
 
"How's it going Joe?" He asked. Joey smiled and waved. "All is well."
 
The girls were still hugging Mason closely and I smiled. "We were about to head home."
 
"Well, change of plans, I'm taking you girls for dinner."
 
"Dinner? I'm still in my work clothes."
 
"Okay and so am I. Now come on, shoot Royce a text, I missed my girls." He stated leaving no room for an argument. I rolled my eyes and nodded before pulling open the jeep door so he can put the girls inside. Mason dismissed Maxo for the evening while I said my goodbyes to my mother, throwing a wink at Joey.
 
I texted Royce to inform him that Mason was back in town and was taking us to get food. I cautiously waited for a response and it never came. I was too much of a coward to call him, so I left it alone. The girls’ mood was on one hundred and I knew it was because of Mason. I began to feel a sense of familiarity when he was around. The air is always lighter with his smiles, corny jokes and light teasing, it's no wonder the girls are so attuned to him. Mason took us to a cute little restaurant and got us a private booth for ourselves. Mason ordered steak with a loaded baked potato and sautéed shrimp. We ordered the girls mac n cheese and fish sticks with chocolate milk, while I had a seafood fettuccine.
 
"Girls slow down." Mason chuckled. The girls were eating their fish sticks eagerly and I made a mental note to make them some in the future. "Taste good?"
 
"Yummy yummy daddy." Peppa beamed.
 
"Hmm yummy." He laughed.
 
"Were you here the whole time or you came down from Seattle?"
 
"I flew straight here early this morning. My mom doesn't even know I'm back as yet."
 
"So, you left your dad there?" I asked, taking another bite of my pasta.
 
"Yea, he still has a few things to get done, but I didn't want to wait another day to see them." He smiled.
 
"I'm glad you did, they were relentless."
 
"I can see that. I never thought I'd see the day they were so ecstatic to see me."
 
"I told you it would take some time. Do you have anything to do this weekend?"
 
"No thankfully, I was planning to spend the weekend at Caleb's so that way I can spend more time with them."
 
"About that, I have an idea." I started.
 
"What is it?"
 
"You know I'm going to be hella busy, especially tomorrow since Beverly is preparing to do her first book signing. My mom has to work and so does Royce."
 
Mason's smile widened instantly, "You want me to take them for the day again?" he beamed.
 
"Well.."
 
"I promise to stay in the house Ava I won't let anything happen again I promise. I know better now."
 
"Well that wasn't my suggestion." Mason's brows knitted together in confusion and I turned to the girls. "Hey girls, would you like to sleep by daddy's house?"
 
They gasped, "Really?!"
 
"Yes!" I smiled before turning back to Mason.
 
"Really?" He looked like he was about to cry, and I nodded.
 
"I'm going to be busy this weekend and honestly, I wouldn't have to worry about them so much if they're with you. I think they're ready for a little weekend with you and so are you."
 
"Hell, yes." He exclaimed. "God, I wanted them to spend a weekend with me for so long I was just worried about broaching the subject, especially after Peppa's little accident."
 
"Well I was thinking about it these past few days. They really missed you and I think a weekend with their dad is very needed."
 
Mason dragged his hand over his face still in disbelief. "Wow, okay so now what?"
 
"You can get them first thing in the morning, I'll pack their bags. You just have to be back early on Monday so Peppa doesn't miss her appointment."
 
"Alright that's fair. What else?" He asks eagerly.
 
I laughed, "Well nothing really. You know everything about them and honestly, they'll mostly be out of your way playing in their room. Just be careful and spend time with them. I want them to be okay with it."
 
"Have they ever been away from you in that way?" He asked.
 
"Only with my mother."
 
"How can they, I mean is it possible since you breastfeed them?"
 
"I understand your concern but trust me, they will be fine. It's more of a comfort to them but reading to them and holding them works also. Besides, I'm trying to slowly take them off of it. Peppa may be more of a challenge."
 
Mason nodded slowly for a moment. "Alright I'm down. We'll mostly just be at home and I'll call Gina and my mom if I need help." That calmed me a lot more and I nodded agreeing. "So guys, you're coming to spend time with me tomorrow." Mason grinned.
 
"Oh yay!" They clapped with their mouths full of mac n cheese.
 
"Swallow your food babies." I chided.
 
"We go to our princess room?" Peppa asked.
 
"Yes sweetheart, you girls will be in your princess room and you'll be with me, Nana Ann, Aunty Gina and Jarvis." The girls were vibrating with their excitement as Mason told them all the ideas he had in mind and I loved it.
 
Mason carried us home after we were done with dinner with promises that he'll be here in the morning. I brought Royce some dinner from the restaurant and placed it in the refrigerator before following the girls upstairs. Royce was sitting on the bed on his laptop when the girls pounced on the bed next to him.
 
"Hi Royyy." Lily said.
 
"Momma got food." Peppa added.
 
Royce smiled gently, "She did? That's great."
 
"Hey." I said leaning against the door. He looked at me for a moment before smiling although it didn't reach his eyes. At least he didn't look angry. "Bedtime girls."
 
I got them dressed for bed and they played with each other while I packed their bag. Mason had clothes for them at his house also, so I didn't have to pack much.
 
"Ready for bed girls?" I said after zipping up their bag.
 
"I want milk momma." I chuckled. "Please?" Peppa smiled politely, "Pwease."
 
I placed their bag on the floor and it was then I noticed Royce standing by the door casually. "Where are they going?"
 
"They're spending a much needed weekend away."
 
"Cool, why?"
 
"Because work will have me swamped for the next two days."
 
He didn't say anything as I finally put the girls to bed. Peppa only nursed for a moment before crashing and I was glad. I headed to bed where Royce and I snuggled together, sleep found me instantly.
 
The next morning, I was up bright and early making sure that the girls were up and dressed before Mason came. Royce was downstairs eating breakfast. He too had a busy day today. I was halfway dressed when I carried the girls bag downstairs and placed it near the door. They were still in their room playing.
 
"Hmm babe this food is really good." Royce called out.
 
I grinned as I entered the kitchen to see he was eating the food I bought last night. "You like it?" He hummed softly and nodded. I placed a soft kiss on his neck.
 
"Will you have to be with Beverly through everything?"
 
"Actually no, I am only helping arrange her book signing dates and locations as well as helping with promotions, but otherwise she has a whole team behind her."
 
"That's great babe, at least with the girls with your mother this weekend we have one less worry." He said.
 
At that I straightened quickly. Royce didn't ask who the girls were staying with and I hadn't offered the information so I'm not surprised that he assumed they would be with my mom.
 
"They're not spending the weekend with my mom." I mumbled.
 
"What?"
 
"Mason, they're spending the weekend with Mason." I admitted.
 
"What? Why?"
 
"You and I have work and so does my mom. So, I told him it'd be okay for them to have some bonding time."
 
"What about Catherine or Julia for heaven’s sake?"
 
"I won't burden them that way. Cat and Caleb are still in their honeymoon phase and they're like rabbits and Julia has too much on her plate already." I walked out the kitchen and headed to the living room. I cringed internally as the chair scraped against the floor at Royce's sudden movements and soon, he was right behind me.
 
"The guy kept them once and we ended up in a hospital Ava! How can you be so careless?"
 
"Careless? That's their father Royce, he has every right to keep them when he wants to. I can't shelter them in fear because of one mistake. He's going to be alone with them eventually."
 
"I get that but why does it have to be so soon? Peppa is probably still traumatized."
 
"I can hardly call her accident traumatizing and they were both thrilled with the idea to be with him."
 
"He's already with you all the time. What more does he want?"
 
"A relationship with his kids Royce. He was gone for nearly two weeks."
 
"Yea and he didn't have a problem swooping you girls away the minute he was back."
 
"Well you didn't help the situation saying what you did to him at the hospital. You insinuated that he was an absentee father and you're here to take his place. Of course, he'd be more eager to bond with them."
 
"He is an absentee father! He doesn't know those girls like I do Ava!"
 
"That wasn't his choice! You told me to stop looking for him in order to save our relationship and I did!"
 
"Clearly that didn't stop you."
 
"What do you want? You want me to strap them to my back, is that what you want?"
 
"No! I want some consideration. I've had a hand in raising those girls too don't I get some sort of say to what happens with them."
 
"No. You. Don't." The words nearly rattled the front door and I instantly froze. I hesitated for a moment debating if I should open the door. I didn't want a fight to break out, but I can't pretend that I didn't hear him. Royce's face darkened as I slowly opened the door with shaky hands.
 
I was hoping that he didn't hear our full conversation, but one look on his face and I knew that he had. Mason stood tall in dark wash jeans and a long-sleeved red shirt. His jaw flexed as he stepped inside. "Mason.." I started.
 
"What was that?" Royce glared, his back stiff.
 
"I said. No, you don't." Mason was expressionless as he stepped closer to Royce and I moved to put myself between them. "I am not discrediting all you did for those girls for the last few years, actually, I'm impressed with it, but I am here now and I'm not going anywhere Royce."
 
Royce scoffed, "A few months with your little daddy title and you think you deserved it? You have no clue what I've been through with them. They are my family."
 
"And now, they are mines too." Mason answered curtly.
 
"Like hell they are!"
 
"They are my children Royce! I helped create them, it's my DNA that runs through their veins not yours!"
 
"Please, please stop." I pleaded frantically.
 
"That doesn't mean shit, anyone can be a sperm donor. You think that because of your money and power that you can bend anyone to your will, but I will not bend, and I will be DAMNED before I allow Ava or those girls to do it."
 
Mason snorted. "Bend, really? You talk as if you're some sort of hero for them. I am not trying to take them away from you or harm them. Why are you so against me wanting to be with my children?"
 
"Cause you're not good for them!" Royce yelled out.
 
"You are no better than me. In fact, I am better for them than you are!"
 
"Really? The guy that took advantage of a drunk girl at a party?! How are you better?!"
 
"Royce!" I gasped.
 
Mason was stunned for a moment and once that dark look reappeared my heart spiked. "What the hell did you just say?"
 
"I didn't stutter." Royce never broke eye contact.
 
"Ohhh! I get it!" Mason said. "This has nothing to do with the girls, this is about your vendetta against me because of Ava."
 
"Mason please stop!"
 
"No why should I Ava? He obviously is under the wrong impression so should you tell him or should I?" Mason's nose flared and he stepped even closer and I struggled to keep them apart.
 
"Tell me what?"
 
"Mason don't."
 
"First of all, I am so sorry for breaking your little heart when I slept with your girlfriend but need I remind you I did not know you existed and I didn't owe you a damn thing!"
 
"Stop."
 
"And let's be clear on some things. Ava didn't even have that much to drink. She was slightly intoxicated, but she was not drunk, and I did not take advantage of her. So as much as you'd like to demonize me, your woman was quite aware of everything that happened between us that night, and your kitty surely enjoyed my kibble."
 
"Stop it! Stop it now!" I screamed out horrified.
 
Royce's eyes were wide, and he vibrated with anger. "You piece of shit."
 
"I said quit it!" I shoved them apart.
 
"Mommy?" Lily called from the stairs. Lily was like throwing ice water on a fire and the two men distanced themselves further although they still glared at each other.
 
"Lily baby hey. Come on daddy's here." My voice cracked but I cleared my throat quickly.
 
"Daddy! Peppa daddy's hereee." Lily came down the stairs and hugged Mason's legs firmly. It took him a few seconds to break out of his trance before he scooped her up and plastered a half smile on his face.
 
"Hi baby girl. Are you girls ready?" Lily nodded.
 
Peppa dashed down the stairs next and Mason lifted her also. I tried to calm my breathing as I grabbed their bag and handed it to him. I kissed their hands softly. "Be good for daddy." I whispered.
 
"Tell Royce bye girls." Mason said calmly.
 
"Bye Roy!" They said. Mason stared at him for a moment before turning and walking out of the door. I turned to face Royce.
 
"So, you weren't even drunk?" He mumbled.
 
"Royce please, a clean slate remember?"
 
"Were you drunk or not?" He said firmly, nose flaring.
 
My voice quivered. "I...I did have a lot to drink."
 
"That's not what I asked."
 
"I remembered everything that happened." I sobbed out. "I wasn't drunk." I admitted. I tried so hard to pretend like that night never happened, but it did. The truth is I was more attracted to Mason that night than I was willing to admit.
 
"Damn it!" Royce turned away and I grabbed his arm.
 
"Wait, Royce please..."
 
"Damn it every time, every time I try to move past this something else happens! When will it end?!" He yanked his arm out of my grasp and stormed upstairs. For a moment I really thought my heart cracked. I looked outside to see that Mason was leaning against his jeep with the girls safely on the inside.
 
I forced my feet to step outside and slowly approached him. He moved away from the jeep and met me halfway.
 
"I'm so sorry Ava, I was way out of line there I shouldn't have done that."
 
"Peppa's medication is in her bag in case she has any pain." I mumbled.
 
"Ava.."
 
"Just be sure that they go to bed at 8pm no matter what or they'll be cranky in the morning." I continued.
 
"Ava please." Mason moved closer to me and extended his arms.
 
"No sweets before bed and be firm with them when you have to be." Mason touched me and I nearly crumpled as I pressed my head against his chest.
 
"I'm so sorry." He whispered as his arm circled me.
 
"Just take care of them." I mumbled.
 
"I will, you know I will. I'm so sorry I was childish." Mason's scent engulfed me as a sob slipped out of my lips. It was harder than I thought to pull myself together because it was then that I realized that no matter how tight I try to hold on to what Royce and I had together, we might have to let it go.