But why did it feel like something else was going on?
Chapter 24
—Ashton—
“Ashton, can I get cotton candy?”
“Your mom said not to give you too many sweets, and, baby girl, you already had an ice cream and a brownie.”
“I know.” She innocently smiled, posing all cute and adorable. “But Mama doesn’t have to know. It’ll be our little secret.”
I nervously chuckled, wanting Haven and Haiden to like me. I didn’t know what the right or wrong answer was.
Reluctantly, I gave in, “Alright. But this is the last sweet, okay?”
She beamed, nodding vigorously.
For the last few hours, we rode most of the rides at the carnival, and the twins seemed like they were having the best time. Considering this was our first official outing together on our own, it wasn’t so bad. Haiden and I were getting along, and he seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me. Asking me all sorts of questions about my life which he’d never done before. I eagerly replied, hoping that after today we’d be on solid ground and could move forward in the right direction.
“Let’s go on the Ferris wheel!” Haiden started running, and Haven wasn’t far behind him, so naturally now I was hauling ass behind two little humans.
There were beer tents, casino tents, game tents—any kind of attraction you could think of, it was there. All of them surrounding the carnival-style rides and booths. Music blasted through the speakers, bells rang out announcing winners, and screams echoed off the rides. The kids were loving every minute of today, smiling, laughing, and without a care in the world.
Despite wanting to stay in the moment with them, I couldn’t stop thinking about what her son had told me yesterday.
Was I too clingy?
Needy?
One of her Kindergarten students?
I shook away the thoughts, focusing on the carnival and kids instead. The boys and I looked forward to it every year, hitting on all the girls with short skirts and crop tops.
Oh, how the times have changed…
If someone would have told me a year ago that I would show up with two seven-year-olds that were my girlfriend’s twins, I would have laughed in their face.
Yet, there I was, truly enjoying myself with these minions. I thought I was having more fun with them than when I was with the guys. Watching how excited Haiden and Haven were over just about anything was as contagious as if I was experiencing it myself. I was living vicariously through them, wishing I could get as excited as they were about the candy, rides, and games.
I always understood why people had children. I saw it with my nephews and nieces. They brought so much joy and laughter into your life. Don’t get me started on their energy which was definitely wasted on the youth. How they could run a fucking amok from one place to another without breaking a sweat was an art they’d perfected.
My legs were on fire chasing after them, never letting them out of my sight for a second. Sage gave me the rundown before we'd left.
What I needed to do.
What they couldn’t do.
What they loved to eat.
What they hated.
The list was endless, and I tried to make a mental note with all the new information that left her mouth, but it was a bit overwhelming.
Who was I kidding?
I was anxious as fuck.
If there was one thing I was fully aware of, I had one shot at this, and I didn’t want to mess it up, purchasing them whatever they wanted. Sure, some would consider it bribery or maybe buying their affection. However, at this point, I would do anything to have Haiden accept me.
“Winner, winner, chicken dinner!” the carnival worker’s voice boomed over the crowd at one of the pitching games. “To the little girl in the unicorn dress! What can I get for you, babe?”
“Oh my God! Ashton!” Haven exclaimed, doing a little dance that made me smile.
This kid.
She reminded me of her mother. I’d seen Sage do that same number anytime she was excited over the last seven months.
“Take that, Haiden! I can win at the games too!”
He shrugged. “I let you win, baby sister.”
“You’re only older than me by three minutes, and I won fair and square, butt face.”
“Hey, hey, hey, let’s quit that while we’re ahead, okay?”
“Fine, but I still beat him,” she grumbled under her breath.
Bumping Haiden’s shoulder with the side of my body, I winked at him and mouthed, “I know you let her win.”
The expression on Haiden’s face was one I hadn’t seen before. At least not toward me.
Appreciation.
Haven picked out a purple pony that was the size of her, and I ended up carrying it around most of the day. Prior to today, I didn’t realize the bond they had. At times it felt like the twins had their own language. Although they fought and bickered, it was obvious they still loved each other very much.