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
Aiden and Katherine watched as Taryn and Dustin flirted with each other shamelessly. “Would I be too forward if I ask for your company for the rest of the evening?” Dustin asked ten minutes later as they were exiting the building. “I thought you would never ask,” Taryn grinned. Kat was now looking at her friend with wide eyes. She really hoped Taryn wasn't planning on spending the night with Dustin. They just met for crying out loud. Kat knew Tee was a person who didn't give a damn. Taryn would always say having sex now and having sex later is the same sex. Katherine never judged her best friend, and she loved her for who she was, but this could have serious repercussions for her and Aiden if this little fling goes south for Dustin and Taryn. “Would you two give me a minute with my best friend?” Kat asked the two men. “Sure,” Dustin said, while Aiden nodded and smiled. Kat pulled Taryn to the side and asked, “Are you thinking about spending the night with Dustin?” “
The sexual static was in great abundance as it circulated through the car as Aiden drove to his destination. The two chit-chatted, admiring the scenery as the moon glowed bright and the stars cast a brilliant twinkle in the dark sky. “We're here," Aiden said as he turned off the main road and onto a smooth track that later led down a stone driveway. At the end of the path stood a beautiful building that looked like an inn or bed-and-breakfast. There was a small water fountain with flowers all around that made a roundabout in the middle of the courtyard. Aiden kept driving until they were at the side of the building. Katherine could see a large gazebo that led out to a lake. The car stopped and Aiden took Katherine's hand and kissed it. It was obvious that physical touch was Aiden's love language. He then exited the vehicle and went to open Katherine's door. He helped her out of the car and watched as her face lit up with awe as she admired the place. “Wow! This place is amazing.”