Katherine and the twins arrived at the fair around 3:00 in the afternoon. The place was beautifully decorated and had different rides and attractions. Vendors and patrons crowded the venue, and sounds of laughter and excitement filled the air. "I can't wait to go on the rollercoaster," Nola clapped with glee. She and Nate had never been on one before, and they were eager to try it out today. Nola's eyes lit up, and her smile broadened as she saw the ride dipped and rolled in the air. She couldn't wait to experience the happiness that the ride must bring. “I'm excited to try that slingshot ride over there,” Nathan stated as he pointed in the direction of the ride, where people were screaming with their hands either in the air or over their faces. Katherine couldn't tell if they were screams of joy or screams of pain. She gulped when she saw the ride shoot out like a slingshot and the people were thrown about like rag dolls. “That ride looks pretty scary, don't you think, Nate?” Kath
Aiden's smile was smacked off his face by Katherine's threats. “Wait a minute, I'm not here for that, I'm simply here to enjoy the fair,” he confessed as he gestured around his surrounding. “Oh, I thought you were here to antagonize me,” Katherine gulped while she ran her sweaty palms down the side of her pants. “And how would I know you would even be at the fair? It's not like I'm stalking you or have intel about your every move,” Aiden added. Katherine felt like an idiot now. “You're right, Mr. Windsor. I feel so silly now," she giggled awkwardly. “Look, Mrs. O'Hare, I am over our last encounter. I was having a bad day, and I'm normally a gentleman. You just caught me on an off day, that's all,” Aiden admitted. “Really?” Katherine asked. She found that difficult to believe. “Yes really, and I also want to apologize for the way I overreacted. I am sorry, Mrs. O'Hare, for my outburst; for insulting you; threatening you and I apologize if I made you uncomfortable that
Things were going swimmingly for Aiden that evening. He and Katherine were sitting on a bench under some palm trees enjoying popcorn and snow cones. He felt like he was on top of the world with every word he and Katherine exchanged. "Can I ask you something?" Aiden inquired after taking a drink from his snow cone. "Sure," Katherine replied, as she indulged in the salty, buttery snack. "Why did you choose baking as a career choice?" Katherine paused at the unexpected question. She took a breath before answering. "Well, it wasn't my first choice," she began. "You see, my parents wanted me to become a lawyer, but after a summer road trip in my final year in high school, I realized that wasn't what I wanted." She looked at Aiden, who now seemed more intrigued. "I met someone who taught me that doing what I loved, rather than doing what was expected, is the key to happiness." She smiled as she remembered all the things she learned from Nile. "That person sounds very smar
TWO MONTHS LATER It was the end of the Christmas term, and the twins were doing extremely well in school. There was a Christmas concert being held, and the students were being rewarded for their exceptional academic excellencies. A small ceremony was expected after the Christmas performances, plus there would also be a guest speaker who would also be responsible for handing over the awards to the children who were being awarded. Katherine didn't know that the guest speaker was none other than the city's own Aiden Windsor. Katherine was extremely proud of her kids. Nathan was being awarded the first place awards in Science and Geography, while Nola was getting first place prizes for Mathematics, English and Social Studies. Nathan was second in Mathematics, English and Social Studies and Nola was second in Science and Geography. Their mother couldn't be more proud, her children were outstanding and everyday she prayed God would continue to bless them and keep them safe. Kat was s
Katherine’s hands trembled as she painted her lips with the red lipstick Taryn loaned her. All the makeup that was applied to her face was actually courtesy of her best friend. The only thing Kat owned that could be considered makeup was her cherry blossom lip balm. “More,” Taryn commanded. “Don’t you want him to cower at your luscious lips?”“No, I’m not a harlot.” “Gimme that,” Taryn grabbed the lipstick. “Here, just pucker up,” Taryn held Kat’s jaw and applied more red. A knock sounded at the door. “Thank God,” Kat sighed, feeling thankful for the interruption. "Katherine, are you decent?” It was Katherine's mother. “Come on in, mom,” Kat said. Her mom entered with a smile on her face. “Wow! Honey, you look amazing.” “Thanks mom,” Kat smiled. “I haven’t seen you dolled up like this since —” her mom trailed off. “Anyway, the kids are ready to go.”“Thanks for getting them ready mom, I just need a few more minutes to get my hair styled,” Kat replied. “They are very impati
“Hey there little man, you look sharp in your little bow tie.” Aiden stooped down to speak to Nathan. “You don't look too bad yourself. But I'm not a little man, I'm a grownup,” Nate scoffed as he flexed his bow tie. “Yeah right. Grown-ups don't sleep with night lights,” Nola giggled, outing her brother. “Says the girl you think the boogeyman lives under her bed,” Nathan snarled. “Well you're stupid,” Nola grunted. “And you're an idiot,” Nate retorted. “Hey, hey kids. Let's all just calm down,” Aiden took a deep breath. This showed him a glimpse of how hard parenting was. A part of him felt proud to be dating a woman like Katherine. A grin lit up his face. Dating. What a magnificent word. “Well, she started it,” Nate grumbled. He always had to have the last words. “So where's your mom?” Aiden asked the twins.“We had to leave her and aunty Taryn behind,” Nate explained. “Something about getting her hair styled.”“Beauty and perfection takes time,” Nola giggled. “Right Aiden?”
Taryn continued pestering Katherine and Kat kept denying that anything was wrong. “I know something went down. So come on, what is it? It sounded like you were having a stroke, and it sure looked like you were getting stroked, if you know what I mean,” Taryn chuckled. “Drop it, Tee. I said Nothing happened. I told you I'm just thirsty. End of story.” “You're thirsty alright. You were looking at Aiden as if you wanted to drink him all up,” Taryn giggled. “Stop it,” Kat slapped her playfully. “Look at your face. You're as red as a tomato,” Taryn taunted. “And I sure as hell didn't remember applying any blush on you.” “Nate and Nola O'Hare,” The MC called, and the place erupted in applauses and cat calls. The twins walked onto the stage and collected their prizes. Kat, Taryn, and the grandparents all stood up and cheered. Aiden gave them hugs and whispered something to both of them. They smiled and hugged him again. Katherine's dad snapped photos of both of them, while
Katherine hurriedly gathered her bag and laptop as she made her way to the door. She only had an hour and a half to get to the airport. “Nola, Nate I'm leaving,” she gave out as she grabbed the door knob. When she got that letter from her late husband's family lawyer a couple of days ago, she was shocked and a bit worried about the urgency. Her late husband's father, Timothy O'Hare, was terminally ill and on his dying bed, so he wanted to ask for forgiveness and make amends for what he did to Katherine and her kids. The letter also stated that there were matters about a will and inheritance that needed to be discussed in person. Footsteps sounded as the two children ran down the stairs. Almost winded, Nola gave out. “We're here, we're here.” “Good. Remember I have to pick up Taryn and Liam. Now let's go,” Katherine said as she gently shoved her two kids through the exit. She closed the gate behind her and then got into her car. While driving, she began to ponder about this suppos