Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain 4)

“You carry crayons?” Ashton’s voice is low and tickles my skin.

“Yes, I have a child. I even have toys, a change of clothes, and a first-aid kit.”

“So, that’s why women carry big purses.” His knee nudges mine, and I react by pushing back.

We watch the kids color. Ashton plays tic-tac toe with both kids, and loses. It’s interesting to see this side of him. To see him as a dad, and not a hockey player.

It’s almost like there are two of him. Our food arrives, I clean up all the crayons and situate the kids. Surprisingly, they eat most of the food.

“Mommy, you think Pops could make this?”

“I’m sure he could.” I smile.

“Who’s Pops?” Ashton asks.

“My dad.”

“Oh.” He nods, understanding.

“Excuse me.” We all turn to see a blonde in her mid-twenties staring at Ashton. “Oh my God, you’re Ashton Campbell. I’m your biggest fan.”

Ashton looks almost embarrassed, and I glance over at Reed. He leans back from the table and hangs his head.

“Thank you,” he says politely to her.

“Is there anyway I could grab a quick picture with you? Please.”

Ashton glances at me and looks like he’s a little upset. “Sure.” He stands, and the girl snaps a selfie with Ashton and hugs him. When she walks away, Ashton sits down. “Reed, you can sit back up,” and he does.

“Why does he do that?”

“Because Mom doesn’t like when they take pictures of me,” Reed explains.

“Oh, they take photos of your kid?” I’m shocked that a fan would do that.

“They do. Brooke and I try to keep him out of them as much as possible.”

“Why did she take your picture?” Sadie looks confused.

“Because Ashton has a lot of fans, and they want a photo of him,” I explain to her.

“But Dad isn’t as popular as Uncle Jax. People are always taking photos with him. Right, Dad?” Reed asks.

“Uncle Jax?” My mouth drops. “As in Jax Godwin?”

Ashton shrugs. “Tiffany is your best friend. He’s mine.”

“Wait, you’re best friends with Jax Godwin?” I remember that Reed mentioned Uncle Jax before, but I hadn’t pieced it together until now.

Reed smiles brightly at me. “He’s my uncle.”

“Yes, Lexie,” Ashton confirms. “Don’t go full-out fan on us. Although, I knew you didn’t know as much hockey as you thought, because if you did, then you’d know that Jax and I went to the same college.”

It hits me. “Oh, that’s right. I do remember reading that somewhere, but I didn’t know you were friends.”

“That’s one reason why our rivalry is so good, because we know each other so well.”

“I always see you two chirping each other, but I never put it together.” I bump his shoulder.