The Best Mistake

Chapter Forty-Three

For the next few days, I stayed with my mom and Joey. They were more than welcoming to me and the girls, telling us that their door will always be open to us. The girls and I stayed in the guest room temporarily which was comfortable. Mason and I haven't talked since our big argument. Like I expected though, that never stopped him from calling the girls daily. We had a silent mutual agreement to not speak to each other, so whenever he called, I simply handed the girls my phone. I was okay with it for now because I had not yet closed a chapter of my life. I knew that once I talked to Royce things would be different. He and I were over and there was no coming back to it. As the girls and my clothes ran out, I finally made the decision to go home. Royce has texted me every day, sometimes multiple times in a day wondering when I'd come back home. It was now Friday as I headed down the familiar road to our house. I left the girls with my mom and Joey because Mason is coming for them for the weekend and I'd rather not be there when he came. I told Royce that I'd be coming today, but when I pulled up his truck was nowhere in sight. I used the empty house to my advantage and headed upstairs to start packing. Although the decision to leave was mine and a good one, my heart was still heavy as I gathered the girls and my things. This house has been their only home since they were born, it's going to be so hard to explain why we had to move, but they're young and resilient. Soon this house would be nothing more than a distant memory, if they even remember. It didn't take me very long to pack up all of our things and with one last look at Royce's and my room, I closed the door. I placed all four suitcases at the front door before heading to the kitchen. I made myself a cup of tea and sat at the kitchen table quietly. Spot moved from his spot on the couch and walked over to me to place his head in my lap. I smiled gently as I ran my hands over his soft fur, probably for the last time for a while.
 
"I'm going to miss you bud and so will the girls." I whispered.
 
I sat in silence for nearly fifteen minutes before I heard keys opening the front door. From my angle I was able to see the look on Royce's face when he opened the door and noticed the bags. He paused, stunned before his eyes lifted to mines.
 
"Wha...what's going on?" He asked worriedly.
 
I waved my hand casually to the seat in front of me. "We should talk." He closed the front door gently and stepped around the luggage before coming into the kitchen.
 
"You're leaving?" He asked as he sat down. I sat straighter in my chair causing Spot to move from his place on my lap and go to his corner. I wonder if he understood on some level that something was wrong. I didn't respond as Royce stared at me, allowing my silence to be the answer. "But why?" He asked, hurt.
 
"You know why Royce."
 
"Is it because of HIM?"
 
"He is part of the reason." I nodded. It's no use denying it now.
 
He shook his head in disgust. "I knew it, I always knew it."
 
"Royce, I don't want an argument. I'm done with fighting and I'm done with running. All I want now is the truth."
 
"The truth?"
 
I nodded. "No bullshit, no evasiveness and no walking away. I am leaving and nothing you say will change that. So, the least you can do now is tell me the truth."
 
His eyes fell into his lap sadly and he sighed. "I never wanted to lose you. I would've done anything to make it up to you."
 
"You shouldn't have to." I placed my back against the chair as I crossed my arms. "Did you sleep with her?"
 
"Did you sleep with him?" He spat out.
 
"I asked you a question." I said, not backing down.
 
"Yes, I slept with her." He whispered.
 
"When?" My voice sounded strange in my ears. I felt the gut wrenching feeling again but this time it wasn't nearly as strong.
 
"A few times, I don't remember..."
 
"When?" I asked again.
 
He sighed and started fidgeting. "The first time you and the girls went to Mason's house. A few days before she showed up here, before your mother's wedding. And....and before I came home from flight school for Christmas break."
 
Tears left my eyes as the truth of just how foolish I had been came to light. Fool for trusting him, for loving him and trying to work things out. "So, the only reason you 'forgave' me back then was to cover your own guilty conscience?" Understanding finally set it. Mason always said that most men wouldn't waste their time to be with someone who got pregnant for someone else. Royce only stayed because he wanted to have leverage. So technically, instead of him cheating to get back at me, it was the other way around.
 
He wiped a tear away quickly as he stared in his lap in shame. "Well to answer your earlier question, Mason and I slept together last weekend." His eyes snapped to mines, shocked. "Last weekend was the only time we slept together since he got me pregnant three years ago. I was angry and hurt and it was stupid, but I don't regret it." I continued.
 
"So, where does that leave us?" He whispered.
 
"Definitely not together."
 
"But I love you Ava."
 
"No, you don't."
 
"How can you say that?"
 
"Royce, you don't cheat on someone that you love, you don't manipulate someone that you love."
 
"Ava you're no saint here."
 
"You're right, I'm not and I won't pretend to be."
 
"I know I made a mess of things. We both did, but can't we work this out? We can move, I can block Isabell, I'll do anything, just please don't go." He pleaded.
 
I shook my head instantly, cutting him off. "I don't want to work us out Royce. I love you but I'm not in love with you. I'm tired of fighting and trying with you."
 
He frowned. "It's him, right?"
 
I nodded. "He makes me want to be a better woman, a better mother. He is everything good and pure and I'd be lying to you if I didn't tell you that I love him." I whispered. Royce looked away again with a pained look and I want him to know that I'm not trying to hurt him. I stood from my chair and grabbed his hand tugging him to his feet also. "Royce." I said waiting for him to meet his eyes. "You have to admit that we bring out the worst in each other. Cheating, lying, manipulation...these are things that should never be in the midst of a loving relationship. You should be with somebody who makes you a better person, who only brings out the good in you. You should love who loves you." I whispered.
 
He nodded slowly in acceptance and I wiped his tears gently. "So, I won't see you and the girls again?"
 
I smiled, "Of course you will silly. The girls love you and I do too. You can call or visit us whenever you want to."
 
"I really am sorry for everything and the pain I caused you. I guess I was so accustomed to us, I couldn't imagine being with anyone else."
 
"I felt the same way." I agreed. "And I'm sorry too, but I think this is the best decision for everyone involved."
 
We pulled each other into a firm hug and allowed forgiveness, love and acceptance to flow through us as we permanently closed this chapter of our lives. Although we had a lot of bad days, we had a lot of good ones too and it's those days that made me appreciate the years we spent together. Royce helped me load up my jeep with my luggage. With a kiss on a cheek I said my goodbyes to him feeling a lot lighter than I ever anticipated.
 
The next few days leading up to Christmas were uneventful. I was almost always between work and home and soon Caleb closed R.P for the holidays. That didn't stop me from working with my author and editing from home though. I've been spending a lot of my free time at home with my mom, Joey and the girls. The girls were starting to ask for Royce which I expected. I allowed them to call him and together we were able to explain in the simplest way what had happened. As time went on, I knew I made the right choice by letting Royce go. I felt free, unburdened and happy. No longer do I wonder about us as a couple, about if he will truly forgive me and move on. It was exhilarating. Even Joey and I were able to bond so much better since I was staying under their roof. He truly is a great guy and although I loved being closer with him and my mom, I decided to start looking into a new place for the girls and I to live. It's not like I couldn't afford it, the problem is wondering if it would be better to move the girls closer to Mason. Of course, I couldn't ask for his input since we still weren't talking. I have truly begun to realize how much I had hurt him with my actions. He was vulnerable with me and I hurt him anyways with my tangled-up emotions. I tried reaching out to him, but he'd only brush it off saying he was okay and only wanted to talk to the girls. I didn't allow that to discourage me though because as our first Christmas together approaches, I knew I had to make things right. We were all going to Seattle to spend Christmas and New Years in the Reynolds home. It would be the first time I went there in months, especially since Mason and his father weren't on speaking terms. Even Marie was cold with the mention of her husband. Although she went back home, to my understanding she was staying on one end of the house. Even though there is still much for the family to work through, I was still excited about spending the holidays in the massive house and so were the girls. My mom and Joey will be joining us and so will Cat since her and Caleb are practically living together. I'm so happy for them, but a part of me is sad that the friend that was once glued to my side, is now glued to the side of her lover. The invite was extended to Julia also but as her due date approaches, she was a lot more irritable and preferred to spend the holidays with Steven and his family. We were slowly but surely preparing to leave the house on Christmas eve. My mom was in the kitchen wrapping her baked goods, Joey was cleaning the yard and securing the house for the mini vacation and the girls were watching tv in the living room. They were dressed comfortably in long sleeved white onesies with long fluffy red pants and white sneakers. They were both attached to their little Santa Claus hats and refused to take them off. My outfit was pretty much identical with the girls and as I gathered our things and gifts that we were carrying, I couldn't help but feel giddy. Joey was done with his tasks and decided to help me load up the jeep with our things.
 
"I'm surprised you didn't go overboard with the girls Christmas gifts." Joey chuckled before closing the trunk.
 
"You obviously haven't seen under the Reynolds family tree yet." I shook my head incredulous, causing him to laugh harder.
 
"Joe, help me with these pans, will you?" Mom called out from the front door.
 
"I'll be right there." He answered. "Is that everything?" He asked to be sure.
 
"Yea, I'm pretty sure that's all. I'll double check though." I said.
 
He nodded before heading inside to help my mom. I made a quick mental checklist to make sure that I indeed packed everything that we needed. I was adjusting my hat on my head when I heard tires pulling up the driveway. The vehicle sounded big, dominant and I instantly turned to see what it was. My mouth fell open at the sight of a sleek black hummer limousine. I didn't have to wonder if it was someone from the Reynolds family, that family gave a new meaning to ostentatious. I was even more shocked when the person that stepped out was none other than Charles Reynolds himself. They said that he had to be in New York for the holidays so why was he here? He was dressed in a black suit and tie with a long black coat that swayed at his feet as he walked. Shades covered his eyes as he approached me, and I instantly stiffened out of habit. He was standing only a few feet away from me when he pulled off his shades.
 
"Mr. Reynolds." I said.
 
"Ms. Shawn." He nodded his head. His eyes were curious as he stared at me from head to toe. I crossed my arms uncomfortably and looked towards the front door hoping my mom or Joey would come back.
 
"How did you know where to find me?"
 
His mouth twitched slightly almost as if he was holding back a smile. "I have a few connections."
 
"I bet you do. What can I do for you?"
 
"I wanted to talk to you."
 
"Talk to me about what?"
 
Mr. Reynolds looked at the house and shuffled his feet awkwardly. "Are Lillian and Penelope around?"
 
My eyes narrowed. What was his sudden interest in the girls about? "Why are you here Mr. Reynolds?"
 
"Um.. I guess to make amends?" He formed his answer like a question, and I was once again taken completely off guard.
 
"Amends?"
 
"Yes, but you should know that I'm not used to having these kinds of conversations nor do I like to, this however is necessary."
 
Before I could respond, I was distracted by my mother and Joey exiting the house with the neatly wrapped goods in their hands. I noticed my mother's step flattered at the sight of Mr. Reynolds. Joey too looked confused by his presence. "Mr. Reynolds, you remember my mother Amy, and this is her husband Joey." I said gesturing towards them.
 
Mr Reynolds smiled politely and nodded. "Pleasure to meet you."
 
Mom cocked her head to the side curiously. "I hope this unexpected visit is a peaceful one.”
 
"That's the intended plan I assure you." He replied.
 
My mother nodded satisfied. "Well we were just about to leave and go to your house."
 
"Yes, I noticed. There has been a change of plans for me so I'm heading there also. I wanted to talk to Ms. Shawn privately if it is possible."
 
I hesitated for a moment looking towards my mother. Mr. Reynolds noticed my conflicted emotions and spoke up quickly. "I'd really like it if you'd ride with me. We'll drive behind your parents if it makes you feel better."
 
I nodded slowly, "I guess that's okay."
 
"I'll lock up the house and get the girls." Joey said after placing the desserts in the jeep.
 
"Do you want the girls to ride with us or you two?" Mom asked. I looked towards Mr. Reynolds in question and his answer was instant.
 
"I'd like it if they can ride with us. I want to be introduced to them officially, the right way."
 
"It's about time." Mom said taking the answer out of my mouth. Mr. Reynolds looked away, chagrined and nodded in agreement. Mom gave me an encouraging look before reaching into the jeep to release the girl's car seats. I quickly moved to help her also. Mr. Reynolds took the car seat from us and together he and I fixed them into his vehicle. The inside of the hummer limo was black and royal blue, it looked beautiful. I watched as he attached their car seats with ease and nodded impressed.
 
"Wow, most people have a hard time doing that." I commented.
 
"Well I do have three children." He said with a smile. I found myself letting my guard down slightly. Who was this gentle man? I've never even seen Charles Reynolds smile in photos. I heard light giggles and small feet coming out of the house as the girls ran ahead of Joey who was locking the door.
 
"Over here girls." I said casually. Their eyes widened at the vehicle before landing on me and Mr. Reynolds. They walked over to us hand in hand slightly apprehensive. "Girls I want you to meet someone." I said taking their hands and crouching to their height. "You know how Mason is your daddy?" I asked and they smiled and nodded. "Well this is Mason's daddy and your...grandpa." I said, looking towards Mr. Reynolds.
 
"Like Granpa Joe?" Lily asked.
 
Mr. Reynolds nodded and crouched also before sticking out his hand. "I'm your Grandpa Charles or you can just all me Grandpa." He said gently.
 
"Are you a nice man?" Peppa murmured.
 
"Yea and fun like Granpa Joe?" Lily added.
 
Mr. Reynolds smiled lightly. "Not always but I'll try to be just for you two."
 
"Okay." Lily shrugged, shaking his hand and Peppa followed suit causing us to smile.
 
"Alright come on girls, we're riding with Grandpa Charles." I helped them into the limo and buckled them in.
 
"Nana and Granpa Joe leaving?" Peppa asked.
 
"Yes baby, they're driving behind us in mommy's jeep."
 
"Don't forget presents!" Lily shouted and I laughed.
 
"We won't!" Mom called out as she and Joe jumped into the jeep.
 
Mr. Reynolds and I got inside the limo and we were off.
 "George, don't lose the jeep behind us please." Mr. Reynolds said.
 
"Yes sir." The driver said before the little window in front went up, blocking him from our vision. The first half of the ride was silent. Luckily I brought the girls’ tablets in my purse, so they were able to watch their shows silently and totally oblivious of the awkward atmosphere. Although I know he meant well I still felt slightly guarded about his intentions.
 
"I'm sorry." He said suddenly, grabbing my attention immediately. "I know nothing I say can take back these last six months and the way I treated you. I want you to know that my anger wasn't necessarily directed at you."
 
I scoffed. "Could've fooled me."
 
His mouth twitched once again, and it was more noticeable that he was fighting a smile. "I know it's hard to believe but I'm a straightforward man. I've always wanted a successful life and thriving family much like everyone else, only I got obsessed and power driven after a certain point. You see Ms. Shawn, when people have thrown money and fame to you your whole life, it tends to get to your head. You feel entitled, unstoppable and it makes you lose touch of what is important. I was disgusted with my father growing up, couldn't stand to look at him and his pompous actions and yet, I became just like him. I was lost in the life of money, power and became greedy. It caused me two of the most important things in life, my family and myself."
 
"You know it's not too late to get them back."
 
Mr. Reynolds sighed, "Please, my children can't be in the same room as me and my wife hasn't looked at me in weeks. It was a rude yet needed awakening."
 
"I'm sorry that it took something so drastic to wake you up."
 
"I am too. Maybe if I had done it with my father we would've reconciled."
 
"You never did?"
 
"No. The man was a mule when he thought he was right."
 
"Three generations of Reynolds." I mumbled thinking about Mason now.
 
Mr. Reynolds smiled. "It truly is hard to control such greed. But I have decided to retire."
 
"Really?" I asked, shocked.
 
"All of our businesses are a complete success and can maintain the lifestyle of many generations to come. It's time to allow my children to shine within their branches so I can focus on my wife."
 
"I think that's a great idea." I smiled gently.
 
"Oh, and by the way, I was wrong about you. You truly are a remarkable woman and made the best choices after being dealt a complicated hand. I'm sorry I didn't realize it before, but Mason is lucky to have you."
 
My eyes watered and I quickly blinked the tears away. I've shed enough tears this month to last a lifetime. "Thank you and that's if he'll still have me." I mumbled.
 
"Oh please, I know my son. He was a wreck from the moment you walked into the door. He's only hurt and waiting for you to make the first move."
 
"You know what happened?"
 
"I heard a few things and can guess the rest." He shrugged shyly and I smiled. "So, can you ever forgive?"
 
"Well, Mr. Reynolds it'll be a long journey with trust but I think I can forgive you." I already did.
 
"Please, call me Charles."
 
I smiled, "Charles." I nodded.
 
"Now, can you give me a little feedback on my grandchildren?" He asked as he stared at them. I smiled instantly as I felt another burden that I hadn't realized was present lift.
 
 
Charles and I talked the rest of the ride. We talked about the girls, our childhood and so much more. Mason truly was his father's son because I was able to get a glimpse of the man that Marie spoke so highly about. We pulled up in front of their house and my nerves set in once again. The house was decorated beautifully with Christmas lights and I couldn't wait until it was completely dark to see them. I mentally rehearsed what I will say to Mason when I see him. I missed him so much it hurts. My mother and Joey got out of the jeep first and Charles and I did the same after unbuckling the girls.
 
"Nervous?" Charles asked. I nodded shyly. "Just do me favor will you?"
 
"What?"
 
"Don't let him turn out the way I did, ever." He says serious.
 
"I'll try." I promised. I reached down to take the tablets from the girls slowly to get their attention. "Why don't you girls go inside with Grandpa? Daddy's waiting inside and I'll be right there."
 
They nodded and took Charles' hands firmly as they headed up the long walkway and tall stairs to the front doors. I moved to my mother's side to help her and Joey with some of the things.
 
"You got this." She winked.
 
Encouraged, we all headed up the stairs quickly. Charles was hesitating by the door causing me to smile. "Nervous?" I asked him, causing him to laugh. He opened the door and together we entered the foyer. It was empty but we could hear laughing and talking in the distance.
 
"Hello?" I called out.
 
"In the living room dear!" Marie called out. A few maids who worked around the house appeared quickly to remove the items out of our hands and Charles instructed them to retrieve our luggage out of the jeep.
 
We all walked close by as Charles led the way with the girls’ hands in his. I heard a soft gasp as we entered the living room and I was so glad I was able to see the look on their faces for myself. Marie was arranging presents under the massive Christmas tree and quickly stood up in shock. Regina was sitting on the floor along with Caleb, Cat and Jason playing uno. Everyone looked at Charles in shock except Jarvis who was still distracted by all the gifts under the tree.
 
Regina broke the spell first and stood. "Daddy, you came." She smiled.
 
"Uh, yea um, I decided that I'd rather be here." He said awkwardly.
 
"He even paid us a visit." I grinned and elbowed him so he could loosen up. Everyone looked at my gesture and was even more shocked.
 
"Okay, I think I've seen it all." Jason said breaking the ice further.
 
"What's going on?"
 
I spun quickly at the sound of Mason's voice behind us. His eyes landed on his father before looking towards his hands that held the girls’ hands, confused. Finally, his eyes landed on me and my heart stuttered. It was my first time physically seeing him since our argument.
 
"Daddy!" The girls sang in glee and ran to Mason's side. He broke out of his trance and bend to pick up the girls, hugging them close.
 
"We came in granpa's big car!" Lily said.
 
"You did?" Mason asked not hiding his shock before looking at Charles once again.