CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Paisley Redmond P.O.V

Today is Noah and Ryder's birthday!

My life's have grown a year older, each year getting ready to fit into the world or better a social drama club.

The last four years have passed by in a jiffy! From me knowing I was pregnant till today, many things have changed. Time slipped away like sand!

My children from being mere newborns have became toddlers and will soon be teenagers then adults. Start earning, have a family of their own and what not. Jeez! Now I'm sounding like those typical emotional ranting mothers! But this is the truth, isn't it?

I just wish that both my children get a life full of success, happiness and love.

Anyways, the previous days have been very unpredictable and eventful. After mom had talked with Kyle, she came to me and explained how gulity he felt for what he did to me in the past and how he wanted to me give him another chance. I was furious at her for this, I mean she is my mother, but still she was speaking in his favour! I cried a river because of this, yet mom calmly made me understand everything. She even said she would give a chance to Kyle if she was in my place, leaving me in utter confusion.

Later that evening, Kyle returned with the twins glowing and beaming with excitement as they had planned things for their birthday. It was around 9:30 at night when I told Kyle he could leave if he wanted cause it was late, but he refused saying he already shifted here at Summerfield Drive this morning. I just shrugged and went to do my pending work.

The next days were quite peaceful. At work Mr.Brown told us that he would accompany us to London and won't leave until he is sure all of us are settled there in suitable and comfortable living conditions.

I was even talking to my friends in London regularly, especially Luke. He was stressed but said it would be fine soon he felt. Melissa and Nick were excited about the arrival of their baby girl while Ace and Erica were enjoying their married life and had no plans of kids until next year. Ace often asked me about the problem I was facing, but I always assured him things were under control and I would tell him when the time was right.

Kyle on the other hand, was acting like a completely changed man. Instead of being a self conceited jerk, he was being a true gentleman. It was becoming difficult for me to comprehent whether he was being genuine or sweetly fake. He always gave preference to my choices and decisions, actually being patient and caring. Seeing that side of him I wanted to give him a chance to prove himself, but was in a great delimma. What if he again had a hidden motive behind all this? I had decided to throw this issue at the back of my mind till the twin's birthday.

After finishing making breakfast for the boys. I went to their room and dressed them up as they had already showered.

"Birthday boys?" I called out for them.

They immediately came running to me with big goofy grins plastered on their faces.

"Here we are!" Ryder said jumping like an over excited bunny.

"Mommy wish us happy birthday!" Noah said clapping his hands.

"She already did, Nowah." Ryder said before I could reply.

"So what? I want to hear it again." He with an innocent grin.

"Happy Birthday, my lovelies!" I wished them again crouching down and picking them up. Believe me they were quite heavy, yet I don't mind lifting them at all even if it is tough.

"Thank you mommy!" They both said kissing my cheeks.

I just smiled at them tenderly and realised how fortunate I was to have them in my life.

"When is daddy coming?" Noah asked.

"He would be here any minute. Now, you both should start with breakfast till then." I told him and walked towards the kitchen making them sit in their high chairs.

I went to the kitchen counter and put all the mini cupcakes, crepès, pancakes, waffles, brownies for them in their respective plates and gave it to them.

Sure, making all these things was time consuming, but I would definitely do it for my kids any day.

I made my way upstairs and quickly changed into the clothes I would wear for going out, as I was wearing tracks and a simple t-shirt after shower because I had to cook all these and do the icing on the cupcakes.

I opened my closet and took out a simple white sundress which was little below my mid thigh, I straightened my hair curling the ends. Putting on my favourite Gucci perfume, I put simple diamond studs in my ears, and I chose to put very light make-up which was only lipgloss, mascara and eye liner. After being satisfied with my look I put my gloss, liner, mascara, phone and driving licence in a sling and went down to have breakfast.

Half way through my breakfast a bell rang and I was sure it would be Kyle.

I don't know what is with this man, interrupting my meal every single morning!?

Sighing I got from the table instructing the boys to finish their milk while I went and opened the door.

On opening the door I saw Kyle standing there looking like a model. Wearing tight white shirt which emphasised his arms and toned chest the rolled up sleeves showed off his prominent veins, with dark washed blue jeans and neatly combed hair he was standing at my door with some gifts in his hands.

"You look breathtakingly beautiful, baby!" He said showing me his pearly whites.

"You are late!" I said calmly not in a mood to hear his meaningless words.

"I just complimented you, darling, say thank you." He said smirking.

"I don't want compliments from you. Keep them to yourself!" I snapped suddenly angered by his attitude.

"Why do suddenly get angry at me always?" He asked confused.

"The boys are waiting, go to them. Breakfast is on the counter, help yourself if you haven't had any, I have to make some calls I'll be back shortly." I told him with a neutral expression my face.

He just kept quiet and moved inside, purposely brushing his shoulder with mine gently.

I went to the living room and called mom to pick up the cakes from the bakery while coming here for dinner. For the evening I had planned a dinner with mom, Mr and Mrs.Johnson our neighbours, my friend Jess that's all, but since Kyle is here he would be present for the dinner as well. My cousins and aunts couldn't make it this time which was fine by me.

"Thank you daddy!" I heard the boys say and wrap their little arms around his neck as he picked them up, when I entered the kitchen.

I saw the gifts on the table. There were many cars, air planes, new shoes and what not. He is turning them into little spoilt men, but it's their birthday, so I won't object.

"All set boys?" I asked them.

"Oh mommy look daddy got us sooooo many gifwts!" Noah exclamined.

"Air plane also!" Ryder butted in.

"I can see that babies. It's great!" I told them walking close to them.

"I also have a gift for the birthday boy's mother!" Kyle told them looking in my direction.

"Well, their mom doesn't want it." I said smirking at him.

He just smirked back setting the boys on the ground he walked towards me.

"Well then I'll have to give it you later." He whispered in my ear breathing a kiss there making me close my eyes.

"Don't do something you will regret, Kyle, please." I said pushing him away.

He just moved the strand of my hair behind my ear giving me a small smile.

"Let's get going now!" I told him and went to the kids.

...................................

"Excuse me ma'am?" Kyle politely asked a woman passing by. The kids came back from the ride, as we had taken them to the amusement park.

"Yes handsome?" She answered him batting her fake eyelashes and bending down a bit showing her cleavage. I rolled my eyes at her behaviour, no shame at all.

"Would you kindly take a picture of me and my family?" He asked her a little irritated while looking at the three of us.

"Family!? OMG! You look too young to have kids." She said shocked.

"My kids are four years old ma'am, I have been married for five years. Now can you please click a picture for us?" He said annoyed.

"Sure honey!" She said still batting her eyelashes at him.

Kyle came to us and stood next to me holding my waist, Noah and Ryder standing infornt of us. I was uncomfortable with him holding me so close but managed to smile cause I didn't want to spoil my children's birthday picture.

"See if that's fine." She said handing Kyle him his phone.

"Thank you ma'am! It's prefect!" He said without even looking at the picture.

"Pleasure handsome!" She flirtiously at him and walked away swaying her hips side to side and Kyle rolled his eyes.

"You didn't even look at the picture." I remarked.

"I know!" He replied walking with the twins, they were holding his hands.

"Why?" I asked.

"She was annoying and flirtatious! I just couldn't tolerate her anymore!" He said, while I just shrugged.

The rest of the day went by smoothly if I ignore the fact that Kyle every now and then kept saying his sweet words.

......................................

After leaving the amusment park we stopped by the gaming center and went back home after that at around 6:30 pm.

The kids were very happy the whole day. Continiously singing that they were spending the entire day with me and Kyle, and they would tell the kids at school about it.

"They are extremely tired." Kyle said looking back at excited little piglets, who were asleep in their car seats.

"Of course! They were running around the whole day." I said laughing looking at them too.

"I am glad they had a nice day." Kyle said.

"Me too. Let's get them inside everybody will arrive in sometime." I said.

Kyle got out of the car and went back to carry them inside.

I went ahead and opened the door for them.

Heading straight to the kitchen I started preparing for dinner.

"Where should I put them?" Kyle asked entering the kitchen.

"Take them to their room and let them sleep for a while, I don't want them cranky when everybody comes. I will go up later and change them, till then you can leave and comeback later." I told Kyle.

"I will do that, but I am not leaving, I'll help you with the dinner. It's sure going to be tough cooking for so many." Kyle said.

I just kept quiet and chose to work instead of arguing with him.

After tucking the boys in bed, Kyle came down and started helping me despite my refusal. But I have to agree with his help, I was done pretty quick.

"Can you please just go and change your clothes, now?" I asked him after we were done making dinner.

"Sure! I'll be back." He said and went away.

In the meantime, I went to my room taking a quick shower got dressed in a light blue dress. It was very fancy not too casual, just appropriate for the dinner.

After getting dressed I went to Noah and Ryder and got them ready.

They were both wearing identical clothes. Black jeans and red polo t-shirts with converse shoes.

"Mommy will we have cwake?" Ryder asked me and I laughed. Ryder's major concern is always having a birthday cake.

"Of course, love! You both will have a cake of your own." I replied brushing hair away from his eyes. They both require a hair cut soon.

Switching the T.V on for them in my room, I made them sit there while I went and did the last minute preparations.

I was done when I saw mom's car stop and her getting out with cakes in her hand. I quickly rushed out and helped her with it.

"These cakes are heavy, Paisley! What is it you have chosen?" Mom whined making me chuckle. Sometimes she just turns into a little girl.

"Even I don't know, mom. Kyle, had asked me if he could order the cake for them. I told him the name of the bakery and rest is done by him." I answered her question taking a box from her.

"The boy is a very responsible and caring father, Paisley. If you give him a chance, he'll prove to be a loving and responsible husband too." She said as we walked into into the house.

"Can we please not do this now mom!? I honestly have better things to do." I said extremely annoyed.

...............................

"Mommy, isn't Uncle Luke coming this time?" Noah asked while everybody was eating dinner. All the people had arrived after mom had come.

From the corner of my eye I saw Kyle momentarily stiffen on hearing Noah's question.

"He is busy, darling. He did call in the evening, though when you both were sleeping. We'll call him back after dinner." I told him. I saw Kyle giving me a hard glare when I mentioned the fact we would call Luke. He does not have any right to do that or feel like that towards Luke. Luke had been with me always and nothing Kyle Redmond says or does will affect me.

After dinner we all cut the twins cake singing them the birthday song. They were more excited for the gifts everybody had got them rather than the cake suddenly.

They were checking out the gifts when the doorbell rang. Weird, it was already 10pm and I wasn't expecting anybody.

"You wait here I'll go and see." Kyle said before I could get up.

A moment later I heard the sound of yelling.

"You a*shole what the f*ck are you doing here?" The voice sounded like Ace's.

Getting up quickly I rushed to the door.

I reached and saw Ace and Erica were standing on my doorstep.

"OMG Tiger!" Erica squealed and ran up to me crushing me in a hug.

"Hey Eri!" I grinned pulling away.

"Don't hey us right now, Paisley! Explain why this pathetic bastard is here!" Ace's angry voice commanded.

"Ask me! Do not f*cking command her!" Kyle almost shouted at him.

"I can answer for myself, Kyle! Come in guys I'll tell you people everything." Though I did not want to but I had no choice now apart from telling them.

After getting in and exchanging pleasantries with the kids and everybody else I served them both dinner.

"I don't want to eat, tiger. I want to the reason, why he is here and why didn't you inform us." Erica said.

"Eat first and I'll tell you both the whole thing when the kids sleep and everybody leaves." I said calmly, but I was everything apart from being calm.

After another hour or so the kids were in bed and only me, Ace, Erica and Kyle were left.

"Start now!" Said Ace.

"Umm... don't you people want to relax first? I'll tell you in the morning when you both are well rested." I tried to convince them.

"Nice try but it didn't work." Erica said sarcastically.

"Ohk fine! Listen then." I huffed giving up.

Excatly after two hours I was done telling them everything. With Kyle and Ace giving each other death glares and Erica looking at me with sympathy. Of course, they had many questions which they asked but most of them were answered by Kyle before I could.

"What do you honestly want, Kyle? Don't play with Paisley this time, please!" Erica asked looking at Kyle after I was finished.

"I already told you, Erica. I am not playing this time. All I want is Paisley and the kids!" He replied.

"But she dosen't want you a*shole! Leave her alone for heaven's sake!" Ace spoke.

"That's for her to decide! Don't put thoughts in her head." Kyle growled.

"I am not a child, Kyle Redmond! I can decide what to do myself and I will. Nobody can control my thoughts and decisions." I spat glaring at him.

"I think that's enough for the day. Leave Kyle, let Paisley have sometime to herself." Said Erica.

"But I...." Kyle tried to protest but I cut him off.

"Please, Kyle leave. It's been a very busy day and I am exhausted." I said.

He just sighed and left.

After Kyle left, all three of us were talking about the problem I was going through. It was late after we were done talking and I suggested we all went to bed calling it a night.

When I was about to enter my room Erica said the same thing that mom said.

"I would want to give Kyle a chance, tiger, if it was me. You need to do it for a peaceful and stress free life for the twins and yourself. Give it a thought and remember, I'll be supportive of your decision, whatever it might be." She said giving me a side hug.

I nodded returning back the hug and wished her a goodnight.

Getting in bed I let sleep consume me not thinking of anything related to Kyle or this problem.

....................................

Hey Babies!

I am sorry! I was suppose to update this chapter last night but something very urgent came up.

Ace already knew about Kyle being here but pretended to be surprised infornt of Paisley and yeah he knew it because of the phone call he and Luke had in one of the previous chapters. Erica though was unaware. Both Ace and Erica were genuine in their reactions.

Please share your opinions about the story.

I hope you liked the chapter.

Kindly vote, comment and share.

Until next time:)

People please suggest some ship names for "Paisley and Kyle" and "Paisley and Luke". Kindly do this in the comment box or P.M me:)