Always - Sequel to Stay Together For The Kids

Kids.

Ashton was nowhere to be seen all day. I had woken up, determined to make up for my attitude last night. (And the fact Michael had disappeared had made this decision a whole lot easier.

I was just starting to worry when he finally came through the door at lunchtime.

"Hey." I say softly, smiling at him as he walks over to Ruby and I as I attempt to feed her.

"Hey little one." He says, swooping down to Ruby to give her a kiss, then giving me a fleeting hug.

Ashton sits down next to me. I want to say something about last night, but I don't know where to start.

"About last night." Ashton says quickly.

I look to him, startled. "Yeah?" I say slowly.

"If living together isn't what you need right now, I understand." Ashton says, very fast. He's avoiding eye contact with me. "I just remember how you seemed better when Calum was here. And I know we have a different relationship then Calum and you did, but, I don't know." Ashton finally looks at me and he looks surprised to see me biting down a smile. "What?" He frowns.

"Ash," I say softly, placing my hand on his. "You're rambling."

Ashton smiles sheepishly, but moves his hand so he can hold mine. "I know. I just want to make sure you're ok with this."

"I think letting you move in is the only smart decision I've made in a long time." I tell him, and honestly.

Ashton blushes slightly, and looks away. "Thanks." He murmurs.

I release his hand gently, and go back to feeding Ruby. Ashton finally seems to be over his awkwardness and turns to Ruby. He starts to distract her much to my dismay.

"You're not very helpful at feeding time, are you?" I say sternly to him.

Ashton just laughs and pulls another face at Ruby, causing her to giggle and splutter out all her food.

I glare at him, which ceases his laughing pretty quickly.

"Here." He says softly, gently taking the bowl and spoon out of my hands. "Go get dressed, I'll feed her." He offers.

I pause, but agree. I had been in pyjamas all day and it would be nice to actually get dressed without a toddle watching me intently.

I rush through getting dressed, worried about how Ashton will handle looking after Ruby. I know he has children of his own, but I'm still going to worry.

When I finally walk back down the hall, I turn to see Ruby facing away from me, and Ashton laughing heartily.

"What's going on?" I ask, coming around the table to sit next to Ashton. When I see my child's face I see why.

Instead of feeding her the yoghurt, he has taken it upon himself to dot her face with it, so it is now speckled on her nose, forehead, chin and each cheek. What seems to be amusing Ashton, however, is how hard Ruby is attempting to lick this yoghurt off her face. I struggle not to chuckle too, and punch Ashton lightly.

"You're such a bully." I say to him, as I wipe the yoghurt off Ruby's face. She looks disheartened, but I quickly give her the last few spoonfuls.

Finally calming down from his laughter, Ashton finally breathes. "It feels good to be around kids again." He tells me.

"Yeah?" I say, smiling at him. I'm glad he was getting to be around children. I wish he got to see his own though.

"I signed the papers today." Ashton says suddenly.