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.”
The next day, Aiden scheduled an appointment for the family to see the therapist. Surprising, the doctor squeezed them in that very same day. He also scheduled another appointment for Katherine to meet with her doctor, since she had been going through a stressful situation. "Nate and Nola are ready," Katherine told Aiden. She had left him on the phone with some clients while she got the kids ready for the day. "Give me a sec, my love," he said to her with his hands covering the mouthpiece of his cell. He then turned his attention back to the call.Katherine went and got herself ready in the meantime. After finishing up the call, Aiden got himself ready, then he and his family headed to the doctor's appointment. The therapist's office was quiet and quaint. Katherine was surprised to know that a renowned therapist would see them on such short notice, but she was getting used to the idea of things being less complicated and hassle-free since she's married to a very wealthy man. "He
The next day, it was time for everyone to go home. Violet, however, had to wait a few days before the process of being extradited was completed. "We're all set and ready to go," Aiden told the pilot after boarding the jet. Liam and Dustin fell asleep instantly as the aircraft took flight. Even though Aiden was tired as hell, he couldn't fall asleep. He watched as Nate looked through the window, admiring the scenery as they ascended high into the sky. "What's on your mind?" Aiden asked Nate as his gaze fell from a comic book that he was reading. "Oh, nothing," Nate answered. "Are you sure, sweetie?" Katherine asked when she noticed how sad his face looked. "Well, I was just wondering what my sister is doing," he said calmly. "Maybe sleeping," Kat said after checking the time. "It's still pretty early in the morning." "Oh, you’re probably right," Nate said quietly. "Yes, but I'm sure she will be thrilled to see you," Kat reassured. "I think so too," Aiden added. "In fact, ever
Violet's entire body was in pain when she came to. She found herself disoriented and upsided down, still in the vehicle and still clutching the case with the money. Her ears rang like someone had set off an alarm system inside her head. She looked around and saw the feet of two men coming towards her. They reached inside and carefully pulled her from the wrecked car. One of the men was a paramedic. He checked her out and said that she was lucky she wasn't hurt. She only had minor bruises on her face and arms.Soon Dustin and another officer walked onto the scene. As they were about to arrest and escort her to the police car, she made one last attempt to escape, but Dustin held his foot out, which caused her to trip and fall to the ground. The case flung open, causing the money to spill onto the ground. "Bastard!" she yelled from the ground as she tried to scoop up the dollar bills that were twirling around in the wind. Her heart almost gave out when she noticed something about the
The sound of the speeding car echoed through the atmosphere as Violet's goon made off with the money. Katherine and Liam ran over to the side of the beach where Nate and Aiden were. Dustin and Aiden's officer friend, officer Smith were already there. Dustin ran to help Aiden, while officer Smith watched Nate."Nathan!" Katherine shouted as she ran to her son. Nate outstretched his arms and ran to meet his mother. "Mom," he cried as they hugged each other. "Oh my sweet boy, I've missed you so much," Kat cried and squeezed him tightly. "I missed you too, mom," Nate sobbed. "Let me look at you," Kat expressed as she pulled from the embrace and began inspecting him. "Are you hurt? Are you cold? Are you hungry?" She fired off. "I'm a bit cold," Nate said, trembling. "I'll grab one of the blankets from the car," Officer Smith said. "Grab two," Katherine ordered when she saw Aiden and Dustin walking towards them. Aiden was sopping wet and trembling. Katherine hugged him tightly and
The flight from West Virginia to Jamaica was almost six hours. When they landed in St. Mary, Aiden had already arranged for them to be picked up and taken to the nearest resort, which was fifteen minutes away from the airport. Aiden informed everybody that Violet was staying in a nearby town called Port Maria. They got to the resort and settled in, collecting their bearing and going over their plan a few more times. Even though Aiden encouraged her to get some rest, Katherine stayed up and made some spaghetti and meatballs for everyone to eat. "Katherine sweetheart, I really wish you would get some rest," Aiden pleaded as he stirred a pot of sauce, which he was ordered to do. "I'm almost done here, and besides, this is what's keeping me sane. This is my therapy," she told him. "I understand how you're feeling, my love," Aiden began as he placed a kiss on her cheek. “This will all be over soon. I already have everything set in motion." "I am so grateful to have you by my side," Ka
Aiden was already working on accumulating the ransom for Nathan. He made various phone calls, while Dustin and the officers packed up their equipments. "Aiden, what are you up to?" Dustin asked as he joined him in the kitchen. Aiden was still busy with his phone in his hand typing away."I'm working on getting my son back," he simply answered with his attention still set on his phone."Aiden, I know you and I saw that look in your eyes. Please let us do our jobs."He took his attention from his phone, and was now looking at Dustin in disbelief. "Out of all the persons, you're gonna say this to me?" He questioned Dustin. “Dustin, I know how the system works, and I'll be damned if I sit on my ass and wait for them to get shit done," he made clear."I hear you, but there's a protocol that we have to follow.""Screw protocol. I'm not wasting another minute," he stated. "So what do you want me to do?" "I want you to be my friend," he simply said. "You know how much Katherine and the k
Aiden tried his best to hold his composure and not overreact. He wanted to tell Violet a piece of his mind, but he thought staying calm would be better in this situation. "Violet, do you have any idea what you've done?""I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm spending quality time with my lovely nephew," she stated."Listen to me, Violet, you have to bring Nathan home. I'm sure he misses his family," Aiden said, as he felt a headache coming on. "But he's with family. Have you forgotten I'm Aunt Vi?” she snickered over the phone."Let me talk to him," Aiden demanded. "He's taking a nap at the moment, but we could talk, you know I have a lot to say to you.""Well at least let me see him. Let's video call," Aiden requested. "Now why would I do that?" "So that I can see that Nate is doing well." "He is. He's just taking a nap. The plane ride was tiring for him." "Where are you Violet?" Aiden questioned. "You'll find out soon enough. First, let's get down to business.""What business?"
Dustin and Liam got lucky while following some leads. They called Katherine and Aiden and told them that the SUV was spotted about five miles from the highway, so they were to meet him there. Aiden knew how stressful the situation was, and he did not want to make matters worse for Kat, so he tried to convince her not to come with him."Sweetheart I can't imagine what you're going through, but I think it's best you stay put until I find out what is going on.""Aiden, you know I can't do that. I have to make sure that my baby is safe," she said as she took up a water bottle. "I know you might be feeling helpless not knowing where Nate is. Trust me I feel the same way, but you stressing out is not good for your condition.""My condition?""You know, being that you're pregnant and all. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you or to the babies.""Nothing is gonna happen Aiden, I'll be fine," she reassured him."I just want to make sure," he said softly. "I understand, but we are wastin
An hour later, Katherine was at the school. She had called Aiden to tell him what was going on. He was on his way home. She also called Dustin and he and two other officers met her at the school. She tried her best to remain calm as she spoke to Nate's coach, along with the principal, and two security guards. "How could you guys let this happen?" Katherine fumed."Let what happen Mrs. Windsor? Ms. O'Hare comes to visit them all the time. Isn't she their aunt?" the principal questioned."Yes, she's their aunt, but she has no right to visit them, let alone pick them up from school. She's mentally unstable." Katherine gave out. "Oh my," the coach exclaimed in shock."Mrs. Windsor, we did not know. We are truly sorry," the principal apologized. "You will be sorry, she wasn't even listed on their emergency contact. Why would you let her take him?” Katherine sobbed the last part."Do you have any security cameras around here?" Dustin asked, trying to defuse the situation. "Yes, we have