Chapter 26

The next few weeks flew by faster than I expected. Work demanded my attention even after I clocked out. Beverly and I have been working nonstop on editing her book and I love every minute of it. Caleb was always there to be a listening ear and to offer any advice, but so far, Beverly and I have a good working relationship. Mason hasn't been back to Vancouver in nearly three weeks but that hasn't stopped him in the slightest. Mason calls twice a day, early in the mornings and late in the evenings before bed. There are times that Mason even reads to the girls before bed, and his video calls come in handy on days I need him to watch the girls while I get ready for work. I was worried how the girls would take him, but my worries were futile, they adore Mason and are always thrilled whenever he calls even if it's only for a moment. Sometimes the girls would ask me to call him throughout the day and he always answered even if it meant stepping out of a meeting, after I insisted that it wasn't necessary. The dedication that he has shown to be a part of the girls’ lives is baffling, he is determined to not miss another moment of their lives. There were still moments when Royce would show signs of annoyance, but I have caught him on many occasions looking impressed over Mason's actions. Royce may not be fond with the idea of Mason being close to me, but I know he is happy for the girls to have this opportunity. Royce and I have also been on several dates these last few weeks. It's hard to still work on our relationship with so many new obstacles to battle and date nights are simply steps to get past those obstacles. There were moments when he held me under the stars and whispered sweet words in my ear that I am reminded why I love him so much. Royce and I have a long road to travel but as long as he is willing to travel with me then we should be good. It was Friday morning before work when Mason called to talk to the girls. I got dressed in my closet carefully as I listened to them talk back and forth. It's the smallest things that they are eager to tell him about and as always, he is hyped to listen. In my closet, I was wearing my matching black panty and bra set along with my pantyhose as I browsed through my clothes. Deciding on my black v neck and long-sleeved dress with a red belt around the waist, I pulled it from the hanger. I was about to slip into my dress when Lily burst into the closet with my cell phone in her hands.

"There's mommy Maston." She grinned.

My eyes widened in shock as she pointed the camera in my direction. I covered my body using the dress and snatched the phone out of her hands. "Lily!" I chastised. "Don't do that, what if I was naked."

Lily looked away sadly. "Swooy," She mumbled.

"It's okay, here" I handed her the phone and directed her out of the closet. "I'm coming now, sit with Peppa."

I quickly threw on my dress, secured the red belt around my waist and exited the closet. The girls were still talking to Mason as they sat on my bed already dressed to go to my mom. I sat next to them, coming into the view of the camera and Mason immediately smirked. My face turned beet red in embarrassment, and I rolled my eyes. "Shut up." I mumbled.

"Don't worry I didn't see anything." Mason laughed. I shrugged pretending I was aloof.

"The girls said they'll be with your mother today. Where's Royce?" Mason asked curiously.

"He had a late flight last night. He should be home this afternoon." I said.

"Alright." Mason nodded.

"Mathon, momma painted our nails." Peppa grinned.

"She did?" Mason gasped. "Let me see."

The girls eagerly showed off the purple and yellow polish on their fingers, wiggling them into the camera. "Oh, wow they're so pretty. Mommy did a great job."

The girls grinned proudly at their fingers and I couldn't help but laugh. "Girls go get your shoes, we soon have to leave." They handed me the phone and jumped out of bed quickly. Mason had a sad look on his face when they left. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"I really miss them. I didn't anticipate that." He admitted.

I smiled, "You weren't prepared to miss them?"

"No, I was, just not this much. Every time we talk, I miss them more." He sighed.

Mason has been constantly busy with work. He was more anal about working than Caleb was, and I didn't think that was possible. "What do you have to do today?" I asked.

"I have a Skype meeting with a few people in New York, I have to do a few things for my mom and I promised Chasity I'd take her out later." He said.

I nodded, "So you don't have any idea when you can come down?"

Mason sighed, "Not yet."

Suddenly his back stiffened. "Wait, can't you guys come here?"

"You want us to come there?"

"Please it'll only be for the weekend, two nights that's all." Mason pleaded.

"You seem kind of busy already, I don't want us to impose..."

"What? You three will never get in the way of anything. I really miss the girls and honestly this may be a good time for them to meet my family."

At that my breath stuttered. "Meet your family?"

"Yea, is that a problem? Do you think they're not ready to?" He asked.

"I'm not worried about the girls’ readiness, I'm worried about your family's. I didn't leave the best impression."

"That's not true."

"Mason your family saw me as a delusional whore."

"Now I know that is not true." He said. I rolled my eyes. "It's not. My mother and sister have been asking when you're going to come by, they want to meet them and all I could give them were pictures."

"I'm just worried." I admitted.

"I understand and you have every right to be, you know I won't let them cross any lines. It would be different this time."

I do want things to be different this time around. No arguments, no accusations or mean words, just love, acceptance and purity. I really believe that having more family in the girls’ lives could be a good thing. I don't have any siblings, but the girls have the opportunity to have an aunt, uncle, cousin, grandfather and another grandmother, if they'll accept them. I sighed, "Okay." I didn't think Mason's grin could've gotten any wider just then.

"Really?"

"Yea, I think it could be a good thing for them, as long as your family agrees to be civil." I warned.

"That won't be a problem, the only person I'll have to give a pep talk to is my dad. If he can't be civil then he won’t meet them." He said calmly.

"I agree."

"So, this weekend right?"

"This weekend? Don't you have things to do this weekend?" I asked.

"I don't care. Whatever I need to do can be put on hold and what I have to do you guys can make yourself comfortable at home until I get back. The renovations are finally done, I have multiple guest rooms...."

"Wait, hold on. You want us to stay by your house?" I asked.

"Of course! Where else would you go?"

"I thought we'd stay at the hotel, that's where we were the last time." I said.

"Yea but that was because Caleb doesn't have a house over here. I have a perfectly good home with more than enough space."

"Wow, I mean..."

"If you want you can bring Royce too." He suggested.

"I don't think Royce can join us this weekend, but I guess I can talk to him."

"Ava you know I will be a total gentleman. It's not like that with us. The Reynolds hotel is a bit too far from my house and doesn't have much protection." He explained.

"Protection?" I asked.

"Of course, our family needs protection here and there."

"Do you need it very often?"

"Most times we can live comfortably until there's some juicy story or charity event, during those times it can get crazy. Either way I want you all safe." I sighed internally preparing myself for the argument that no doubt will come from Royce.

"Okay I understand, we'll come."

"Yes! Thank you, Ava." I laughed,

"So when do you want us to come?" Mason looked at his watch quickly.

"I can come there now."

"Now? I have work and don't you have a meeting?" I asked.

"It's a Skype meeting Ava. I can do that anywhere. Besides it's not until noon so I have time to get there."

"I have work Mason and have a date tonight." I reminded him.

"Stop worrying, Chasity and I can still have our date after I settle you guys in." He said.

"What about..."

"I'm coming." The phone hung up instantly and I was left feeling baffled.

What the hell? Shaking off his actions, I got the girls and carried them to my mother's house. I was able to make it to work a little early and for that I was proud, lately I've been arriving to work earlier than I usually did. The office was buzzing with work as usual, phones ringing off the hooks, typing sounds from keyboards, printers going off and talking. I noticed Julia at her desk and moved behind her slowly to wrap my arms around her neck snuggly.

"Morning." I grinned, my action causing her to jump slightly.

She chuckled lightly, "Hey you almost scared me shitless."

"Oh no we don't want that now do we?" I giggled.

"I went to the doctor yesterday." She said.

I pulled away, "Really? How did it go? You could've told me."

"I know but Steven accompanied me."

"Really?" I raised my brows.

"Yea I know right, he even surprised me with his involvement. Anyways, so we got a sonogram picture." She smiled reaching into her bag.

I eagerly took the photo out of her hands to look at it. A smile stretched across my face as I stared at the little blimp. It surprises me how something so tiny can cause so much hell in the first trimester. "Awww, so small and beautiful."

"Really? You can see it?" Julia's question took me off guard.

"Of course, I can. Can't you?" I asked.

"Nooo." Her eyes filled with tears instantly.

"What do you mean, you can't see it?"

"When the doctor showed us on the little monitor it looked so different, but now on that little photo I don't know what the hell I'm looking at. My baby isn't even here yet and I'm already losing it, how am I supposed to be a mother?" Julia sniffled.

Just then Jerry passed Julia's cubicle with a frown, "Can you please stop angering it? Geez."

I rolled my eyes. "Julia, sweetie see? It's right there." I said, pointing at the baby in the picture.

She wiped the tears away from her cheeks and focused on where my finger was pointing. "Oh." She hiccuped.

"See there's no reason to cry. This is your first pregnancy. It's normal to have worries and be emotional." I said.

"Well how come you found the baby faster than I did."

"Julia, I have two kids, I have all of their sonogram photos and I studied them nonstop. I know what to look for."

"Well what if I lose it again." She sniffled.

"Here." I circled the baby lightly on the photo before handing it to her.

"Thanks." She sniffled.

I chuckled lightly before kissing the top of her head and leaving her to her emotions. Emotional Julia is a sight to see. I went to the break room to place my lunch into the refrigerator. Loren and Jerry were there drinking coffee along with my other co-workers Gen and Lloyd.

"Morning guys." I greeted.

"Hey." They all greeted politely.

"Ava, are the girls enjoying the new story books I got them?" Loren asked.

"Yea definitely, thanks again." I smiled. "Did Julia calm down yet?" Jerry asked.

"Yea she did."

"Good cause I need her help." He said absentmindedly.

I shrugged, "Alright, talk to you guys later." As soon as I walked out of the door, my folder slipped from my hand causing a few papers to scatter. I sighed and quickly bent to gather them. "I'm surprised you're so calm about Ava being editor for Beverly Hollis." Gen said quietly.

I stiffened at the sound of my name and listened closely while gathering my papers slowly. "Oh please, I'm civil." Loren said.

"Why wouldn't you be calm?" Jerry asked.

"Come on Jer, Caleb is allowing his assistant to be an editor? Loren has been here for nearly seven years and still can't get that kind of opportunity." Gen scoffed.

"Tah, Libby was here longer than Ava and didn't get that opportunity either." Loren said.

"And she was actually sleeping with him." Gen cackled, her nasally voice sounding more annoying than usual.

"Perks of screwing the boss's brother." Loren giggled.

"What??" Everyone was shocked.

"Tell me you don't see the resemblance between Mason Reynolds and Ava's kids? I wouldn't be surprised if that's the only reason Caleb 'appointed' her in this book. I've been working my ass off to get that kind of position." Loren said bitterly.

"Boy, Caleb surely has a problem with keeping his business and personal life separate." Gen said.

"Come on now, Ava is a really good worker." Lloyd intervened.

"Hmm, I gotta agree with him, she worked hard too." Jerry agreed.

"Oh please, pushing out the boss's nieces doesn't count as work." Gen said.

I felt the familiar pinch in my eyes and nose, collecting the last of my things I quickly headed upstairs to Caleb's office. Caleb was making a cup of coffee when I exited the elevator.

"Hey, look at the early bird." He smiled.

I nodded, "Morning."

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yea I am." I said clearing my throat.

Thankfully, Caleb didn't press the issue. He headed into his office as I made my way to my desk to get started on my work. If my work was stressful before it has doubled these last few weeks, because while I'm editing Beverly's book and working closely with her, I am still Caleb's assistant. I have to continue to be on my P's and Q's if I wanted my editing position to be a permanent one. In between editing, I am scheduling meetings, responding to emails, organizing Caleb's schedules and making necessary phone calls. Today I found myself working harder than usual and I knew it was because I was trying desperately to distract myself from the words I overheard. The pressure in the back of my neck was increasing by the hour and I can't shake it no matter what I did. I was so engrossed in my work that I didn't realize the elevator door opening until Mason stepped in wearing a pair of thick black joggers suit. A white T can be seen underneath his hoodie as he scrolled in casually.

"What are you doing here?" I asked suddenly.

Mason cocked his head curiously, "Am I mistaken, or did I not tell you that I was coming?"

"Mason, I told you I had work you can't just pop in like this." I said.

"Why can't I?" He asked.

Mason moved to Caleb's office door and opened it with ease. I jumped up from my desk quickly but was too slow to stop him. "Sorry Caleb he just showed up." I said.

Caleb chuckled, shaking his head, "It's fine Ava." He said.

"I didn't know you were coming."

"Well I told Ava that I was." Mason said looking towards me.

I rolled my eyes, "I didn't realize you would pop in like this."

"We are introducing the girls to the family." Mason said.

Caleb's eyes widened, "That's great. I thought you would've waited longer."

"I thought so too but it's no use putting it off I guess." I shrugged.

"Awesome, when are you guys leaving?" Caleb asked.

"Now." Mason said.

"Now?!" I asked.

"Yea why not?"

"Mason, I have work." I said.

"You can work from anywhere."

"That's true." Caleb interjected.

"It doesn't matter, you can't just spring this on me I have to be prepared for these things."

Mason looked confused, "You said okay so I thought today would be fine and we can meet them tomorrow for brunch."

"It doesn't matter Mason. We have to communicate to make this work, I don't want to just get up and leave work." I said frustrated.

"Okay, take it easy I apologize." He said hurt.

"Ava come on, you work so hard already, I can let you go a few hours early." Caleb said worried.

"I just left a few hours early a few weeks ago."

"And so did the entire staff, what is your problem?" Caleb raised a brow.

"I just want to do my work and deserve it okay? I don't want special treatment." I walked towards the door quickly and Mason moved to block my exit.

"Can you move?" I asked annoyed.

"Not until you tell me what's going on." Mason said casually folding his arms.

I tried to move past him several times without any luck and groaned. "What is the big deal, so I want to work so what?"

"Ava that's not the problem and you know it." Caleb said.

I attempted to move past Mason once again and I was almost through when he gripped my wrist firmly. I would've yanked my hand away if I didn't feel the sparks in my fingers. "Ava stop." he said firmly.

My eyes found his hesitantly and he quickly tugged my arm leading me back into Caleb's office and sitting me on the couch. Caleb stood and moved to lean on the front of his desk casually and I knew I was cornered. "What's wrong?" Mason asked.

"Nothing." I mumbled.

Mason sighed and brought his next hand up to enclose the hand he held. My hand felt so small and fragile in his large ones. "You told me that we have to communicate Ava, so talk to me." He said seriously.

I sighed and looked towards Caleb before speaking, "Did you make me the editor for Beverly Hollis because of our circumstances?"

"What?" Caleb scoffed.

"I'm not kidding Caleb." I said.

"No, you have to be kidding Ava."

"If I was an ordinary assistant, would you still give me this opportunity?" I asked desperately.

"Of course, I would."

"Are you sure?" I replied.

"Ava where is this coming from?" Caleb asked.

I sighed, "I overheard..."

"Overheard what?" he asked.

"Some of the workers are talking." I whispered.

"And what did these workers say." Caleb said crossing his arms, his look was firm and serious, and I knew it all too well. He wasn't Caleb right now, he was Mr. Reynolds.

"That they have been here longer and worked harder only for you to give the opportunity to your new assistant." I mumbled looking at my hand between Mason's.

"Was that all?" I didn't respond and Caleb sighed gently, "Ava you know better than to listen to gossip around here."

"Can you blame me?"

"Ava, Caleb was talking about giving you a chance before our situation was brought to light." Mason said.

"Exactly. You can't sit around minding the words spewing from envious mouths Ava. You are an excellent worker, one of my best, I gave you this opportunity because I see the drive in you. That has nothing to do with Mason or my nieces."

"I just don't want other workers to accuse you of showing favoritism." I shrugged.

"And so, what? This is Reynolds Publishing, I don't answer to anyone, this is my business Ava and how I run it is no one's concern. You're worried about favoritism? The hell with them, everyone here is offered the same windows of opportunities, insurance, transportation, awards and pay raises. I treat all of my staff equally and with high regards and if some of them can't see that I shall see to picking out the ungrateful ones."

"No, no please, I was only expressing my worries." I pleaded.

I definitely don't want to be the reason people lost their jobs. They would really turn against me. "And I respect that Ava but do not take everything you hear to heart. People can be jealous and spiteful no matter what you do. You've worked hard enough to earn this." Caleb said.

Mason tugged my wrist to get my attention. "Ava, you can't please everyone, but I've seen what you can do, and you deserve this. Most people would let our circumstances get to their heads, but you haven't and I respect that."

I sighed, "I understand but I just don't want to be treated any differently."

"Have I ever treated you differently?" Caleb asked.

"Not at work no." I said.

"Good, then it's settled, I need you to arrange one more meeting for me on Monday and you're free to go for today."

Although they squashed many of my fears, I still had a few that wouldn't go away as easy. All of this is new grounds for me, and I can't just ignore how I feel. We have a long journey to make if we were to achieve some sort of normalcy. "Okay." I nodded.

Mason stood at my desk silently while I made the necessary calls and added the editors meeting into Caleb's schedule. Mason eyes were practically burning a hole into my forehead and I felt my cheeks heat up against my own will. "What?" I asked.

"You're good at what you do." He said quietly.

"I can understand why he has so much confidence in you."

"Um, thanks." I said shyly.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped your boundaries earlier."

I shrugged, "It's okay."

"No, it isn't. I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to do. I just got so eager about seeing the girls again, finally bringing them to meet my family and for you guys to see my place."

"I know and I understand. It's new grounds for all of us."

"Precisely and I want it to work."

"I do too."

"So, don't be afraid to be honest with me. If you don't want to go, I won't force you, if you want to stay at the hotel then I won't force you to change your mind."

"Mason it's okay. I want this for you guys, I won't deprive them of that and if you feel your place is safer then I'm okay with that too. Next time, just give me some heads up okay? I'm a planner and it settles my nerves when I can plan a little ahead and I don't want to make this harder for Royce." I explained.

"Done." Mason said instantly. His grin was wide and full of excitement and I knew I made the right choice. Mason decided to stay with Caleb, so he was able to join in on his Skype meeting. We agreed that he would pick the girls and I up from my place after he was done. It was nearly two o'clock when I got to my mother's house to pick up the girls.

"Early day?" My mom asked.

"You could say that." I laughed.

"The girls and I are going to Seattle this weekend."

Mom raised her brow, "Since when?"

"Since today, now."

"When did you decide this?"

"A few hours ago." I said hesitantly.

Mom continued to stare at me, and I knew she wanted a further explanation. "Mason just sprung it on us. He wanted the girls to meet his family, so I agreed."

"Ava last minute decisions aren't like you, are you okay?"

"Mom I don't need any judgement right now. Girls let's go!" I said.

"I'm not judging you, but I wonder if it's a good idea for the girls to meet them when they are still getting used to Mason."

"Mom, the girls adore Mason. They talk about him 24/7 and they are always asking when then can see him. His family are even more eager to officially meet them, and I don't see a reason to put it off." I said.

"Okay fine, it's your decision, just be careful."

"Do you really think it's too soon?" I asked.

"Well kind of, but you're right I don't think putting it off will make it any different."

"Thank you, mom, I will call when we get there."

"Okay and tell me how Royce takes it." She smirked.

I laughed off my mother's request but the more I thought about it, the more I dreaded the conversation. Royce and I are finally at a point where we don't fight every day and I suspect it was because Mason was in Seattle. I worry that this weekend will be adding salt to a wound. I was upstairs packing the girls’ suitcase when I heard Royce's footsteps coming up the stairs. "Roy!" The girls yelled as they ran into his arms.

"Hey girls, nice to see you missed me." Royce chuckled hugging them.

"Hi." I said smiling as he entered the room.

"Hey beautiful." Royce said leaning down to kiss my cheek.

"What's going on here? Where are they going?" I hesitated for a moment thinking of the best way to break it to him.

"Roy, we are gonna see Mason." Lily yelled out.

So much for breaking it to him easily. "Really?" Royce asked innocently.

"Funny how your mom didn't mention that." He said before turning to head into our bedroom.

I shoved the last things into the girls’ bags before zipping it closed and following him. "I was waiting until you got home." I said.

"Ava, I know you, you had to have known this before I left. Am I going to always be the last to know these things?"

"No of course not. We just decided this today." I said.

"Today? You just decided to go to Seattle today?" I nodded.

"For how long?" He asked.

"The weekend." I mumbled.

Royce sighed before yanking the knot on his tie loose to remove it. The room was silent as I watched him remove his work clothes. "Can you say something?"

"I don't know what to say Ava. You're going to Seattle with the girls for the weekend, a last minute decision so I have nothing to say. God, I don't even know who you are, when do you ever do anything spontaneous, this guy shows up and you're an entirely different person."

"That is not true."

"Right."

"Okay it was last minute and completely unlike me, but he was saying how much he missed the girls and I know they missed him too. He wanted them to meet his family and I agreed. The man is constantly working, and he is making an effort every day to connect with them."

"Oh, all of sudden he can never do no wrong in your eyes." Royce said.

"I already told him that next time we need to have it planned so I don't spring it on you like this." I said.

Royce sighed, "Fine."

"Fine?" I said confused.

Royce slowly approached me until we were a few inches apart. "Yes, fine. I'm tired allowing this to drive a wedge between us. You say there's nothing for me to worry about then fine, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt." I was taken aback by his diplomacy.

"Really?"

"Look, just don't get carried away okay? I want boundaries."

"Of course." I said.

Just then the doorbell rang putting an end to the conversation. I nearly tripped on the girls as they raced down the stairs ahead of me. I watched as they bounced eagerly as I pulled the door open revealing Mason. "Mason!" They yelled.

It was the clearest I ever heard them pronounced his name. The girls leaped into Mason arms happily and I watched the little reunion quietly with a small smile. I heard Royce's footsteps descending on the stairs with our suitcases. He placed the luggage near the door, and I thanked him softly. The girls finally allowed Mason to have some air and he grinned excitedly.

"Oh, hey man." Mason said.

"Sup." Royce nodded.

"Thanks for being okay with all this."

"No problem, just make sure they're safe." He said serious.

"Of course." Placing kisses on the girls’ foreheads, Mason set them on their feet. "You girls ready?"

"Yes!" They yelled.

"Great, I'll put the bags in the car." Mason grabbed our suitcases quickly.

"Thanks, my car is open so you can get their car seats."

Mason nodded and left the porch with Peppa close behind him. Royce sighed, "She's already attached to him." he said quietly.

I nodded, "I know, reason why I decided to go. I think in some way, she already knows who he is."

"Great." Royce scoffed.

"Afraid of being replaced?" I asked worried.

"I already did. I can never replace their father." I was about to disagree, but I knew on some level he was right.

"They love you." I reminded him.

"I know."

"And I love you too." I said wrapping my arms around his waist.

Royce smiled, "I know that too," before leaning down to kiss me gently. "Be safe."

"We will." I said.

After the girls said their little goodbyes, we were off to Seattle. As always, I was nervous to be in Mason's presence, there was just something dominant about him. When he walks into a room you can't help but stare and memorize his every move, his mannerisms screamed authority. Although I was nervous at first, he had a way of keeping me distracted, we talked and sang songs all the way to Seattle. Surprisingly, we were able to make it to Seattle before six pm, however my nerves began to increase as we went deeper and deeper into the city. I understood why he thought it would be better for us to stay with him, he wasn't kidding when he said he lived far from the hotel. It was fascinating to see the neighborhoods ascend from lower class men to upper class men. We pulled up in front of a massive white gate with a medium sized security booth.

"Hey Arnold." Mason said casually.

"Welcome back Mr. Reynolds." The middle-aged man responded.

Mason grinned pulling out a small card from his wallet and swiping it onto the card slot attached to the booth, opening the gate. "Fancy." I mumbled.

Mason chuckled lightly as we entered the gate revealing even more large homes. They were all elegant and wide, an architect's dream no doubt. I couldn't control my reaction as my mouth fell open as the homes flew by. "Welcome to Oakland." Mason grinned.

"It's beautiful." I said.

"I know, that was my aim."

"You own this?!" I asked, shocked.

Mason chuckled, "No, but I've helped build more than 50% of the houses."

"I thought your focus is in IT and airlines."

"You're aware of that aren't you." He smirked, causing me to blush.

"I do focus on IT but I also have a degree in architecture."

"That's impressive."

"Well, I bought the lands, built the homes and sold them. Many of them are also rented vacation houses. " He added.

I always knew that the Reynolds were pretty business oriented, but understanding the extent was another thing entirely. Mason is talented and intelligent with wisdom beyond his age, no wonder his father clung so tightly to him. Mason was his prodigy. Just then we pulled in front of a large home that was sectioned off from the rest of the homes. The house was gated and covered in a black and grey color scheme. Like Caleb, Mason's home was modernized but it was a lot bigger. Mason ignored the driveway and pulled up in front of the house. Once again, I found my mouth hanging open in shock. "Oh my God." I whispered.

"You like it?" He asked excitedly.

I nodded unable to form coherent words. We got out of the car quickly and took the girls out of their car seats. I held the girls’ hands as we walked up the dark stony pathway. There was something majestic about the sleek black walls and dark grey pillars that surrounded the house. "Wow." Lily whispered.

"You like it girls? This is Mason's house."

"So big momma." Peppa said.

"Yes, it is." I smiled.

We stood in front of the black and grey double doors as Mason walked up the porch steps with our suitcases in his hands. He quickly unlocked the doors and pushed it open. The foyer was black and white with sleek checkerboard floors and a beautiful chandelier hung near the door. On the right was a tall white staircase which I assumed led to the rooms. We walked further inside revealing a white half bathroom under the staircase. Mason waved his arm towards the living room entry which was on the left. The living room nearly knocked me out breathless. The lush white carpet, the massive black couch that took almost half of the floor, curving to face the flat screen that was positioned inside of a tall black bookshelf. The black and rose gold chandelier hung gracefully making the room pop somehow. "It's beautiful." I whispered.

"Thanks, come on let me show you the kitchen."

I held the girls close as we headed to the kitchen, holding them tighter than usual in fear of them breaking anything. Mason pointed out a study room, guest bedroom and another bathroom before we even got to the kitchen. The first thought that came to mind was 'my mother would love this kitchen'. It was every chef's dream. The kitchen had black hardwood floors, a black island in the center of the room was long with a granite surface. Everything from the floor to ceiling windows, silver double door fridge, a tall oven and sleek stove was elegant and brought out the beauty in the home even more.

"Please tell me I'll be able to cook in here." I said.

"Be my guest, the pantry is through that door whenever you are ready." Mason smiled and pointed towards the doors at the back of the kitchen.

I made a mental note to look through it later. "Let me show you where you'll be staying." He said.

It was then that I noticed another white staircase on the outskirts of the kitchen, and we ascended them quickly. We walked down the wide hallway, the carpeting was grey and pictures hung along the walls. I gazed at the many different pictures of Mason at different events by himself and with his family, there were even a few with celebrities. Mason pointed out his room and like I expected, it was black from what I can see. He pointed out another bathroom and guest room until he stopped at a door at the end of the hallway and pushed it open.

"This is for you ladies." He smiled.

The room white and grey and less dominant like the rest of the house while still being elegant. The king-sized bed was filled with white pillows and stuffed animals making the bed look that much cozy. A flat screen tv sat on the wall across from the bed. A walk-in closet was on the left side of the tv and the door that led to the bathroom was on the right.

"Animals!" The girls pointed towards the bed.

I released their hands and allowed them to climb onto the bed, of course I had to help them since the bed was unusually high. "You like it?" Mason asked.

"It's perfect, thank you." I said.

I watched as the girls went through the pile of stuffed animals, no doubt looking for their favorite. "How did you get all the stuffed animals so fast?" Mason chuckled shyly and scratched the back of his head.

"I ordered them my first day back when I got in from Vancouver. " He admitted.

"Ahh, so you were planning on this."

"I was hoping for it." He said with a smile.

Later that evening the girls and I dressed in our pajamas and headed downstairs into the kitchen for a quick meal. I was beyond eager to look in the pantry and I wasn't disappointed. Everything was organized into clear containers with labels, a Pinterest dream. I decided on something simple, mac n cheese with fried chicken. The girls wandered along the kitchen as I cooked. Peppa was occupied with her stuffed monkey and Lily was curiously going through the kitchen cabinets, multiple times I shooed her away.

"Hmm, something smells good."

Mason walked into the kitchen dressed in a long-sleeved button grey shirt and black slacks. He was cuffing the sleeves to his shirt and I mentally kicked myself for staring longer than necessary.

"I'm making a simple dinner. Do you want any?" I asked.

"No, I still have dinner plans with Chasity." I forgot about that.

"Oh okay, I'll put some away in the fridge anyways."

"Thanks." Peppa raised her arms towards Mason.

He grinned and picked her up quickly, burying his face into her hair. "You smell so good." He commented. Peppa giggled pleased by his words.

"Lily, close it." I said as I noticed that she was reaching for a pot in the cupboard.

I quickly dished out their food and set the bowls on the island. Luckily, Mason's stools were high so the girls would be able to sit and eat comfortably. We sat the girls down so they could start to eat and quickly got my food and our drinks. The doorbell chimed and Mason rushed out of the kitchen. The girls and I ate our food quietly. "Yummy yummy mommy." Lily said.

"It's yummy?" I grinned.

They dug into their food greedily smacking their fingers. One thing that I know for fact is that they love fried chicken. "Can I have my juice mommy?" Lily asked.

"Eat more of your food first and then you can have juice." I said.

"Momma I want mac n cheese." Peppa said.

I leaned over to look inside her bowl and sure enough she ate all her mac n cheese. I got up to put more in her plate and placed it in front of her again. I was about to sit down again when a small movement caught my eye. I looked up and noticed that Chasity was standing at the entrance of the kitchen. She looked immobilized somehow in a blue dress, not moving our speaking as she stared at the girls and I.

"Um, hello." I said hesitantly.

The girls immediately turned to see who I was meaning. "Hi." Lily said but Peppa remained quiet and so did Chasity. What is her problem?

"Hey, are you read..." Mason trailed off once he noticed Chasity staring at us in the kitchen.

Mason looked chagrin for a moment before walking past her. "I'll see you later girls." He said moving to kiss them on their foreheads. "I'll be back." He said to me.

I nodded at him and he gave an apologetic look before leading a still shocked Chasity out the room. Unable to help myself I got off the stool and quietly tipped out behind them. I ducked into the guest room as they were putting on their coats. "They're staying here? Why the hell are they here?" Chastity asked.

"What are you talking about? I told you that they were coming." Mason answered.

"Yea but you didn't tell me they were coming today or that they'd be staying here. Why are they staying here, don't you have other options?" She asked. What other options?

"Chasity, are you seriously asking me why I want my children and their mother to stay with me?" Mason asked annoyed.

"Mason don't you think this is too close for comfort?"

"Not at all. I missed some much with them already, I want them here by my side."

"It's not your fault you missed out so much, maybe she should've known who she was sleeping with." I cringed.

"Mind your mouth Chasity." Mason warned.

"I've been in your life for two years and you've never asked me to sleep over. You know this woman for a few weeks and already she has a room?"

"How can you possibly compare yourself to her? Our situations are completely different. She is their mother, they are my children and there is nothing going on between us. Now stop with this jealousy, it's not a good color on you." Mason said.

I stopped listening then. Like I expected, Chasity is not thrilled by all of this just like Royce. I don't know why I assumed that she was more understanding than Royce was, but then again there weren't any guidelines for our situation.