Chapter 4

When Calvin turned around with breakfast in his hands, he finally saw Avery standing there. "You're up?" he asked casually. "We're heading out soon. I didn't have time to make you anything, so you'll have to figure out breakfast yourself." Avery didn't say a word. She knew Calvin wasn't in a rush. He just wanted to put all his attention into cooking breakfast for Britney and no one else. The smell of their breakfast filled the kitchen, making Avery's stomach twist in knots, but she kept quiet and simply made herself a bowl of plain oatmeal. After breakfast, Calvin and Britney got ready to take Noah and Simon to the amusement park. Suddenly, Noah tugged at them. "Wait! We have something for you!" He and Simon ran upstairs. A moment later, they came back down, their arms loaded with four matching T-shirts—obviously a family set. Britney looked awkward. "I... I'm not sure this is a good idea." Noah looked up at her and said firmly, "But to us, you're our mom." Calvin ruffled Noah's hair, glancing at Britney. "Let the kids have their way just this once." Britney's cheeks flushed as she nodded. The four of them put on the family shirts together. Calvin and Britney wore navy blue T-shirts, while Noah and Simon had smaller versions of the same design. Each shirt had a cartoon image and the words "Mom and Dad Love Us" printed on the front. Then, Britney suddenly turned to Avery. "Avery, why don't you come with us?" Avery shook her head. "No, it's alright." "But you're their mom. It wouldn't feel right if you stayed home," Britney said, walking over and taking her hand. "Come on, families stick together." Britney pulled Avery along and got her into the car. At the amusement park, the four of them, all in their matching shirts, turned heads everywhere they went. Young women blushed and shyly asked for photos, and for once, Calvin didn't refuse. "Your wife is so beautiful!" a woman said, eyeing Britney with envy. "And your boys are just the cutest!" Calvin didn't correct her. Britney lowered her head shyly, and Noah and Simon puffed out their chests with pride. Avery followed behind, invisible to everyone else, watching as they were surrounded by attention and compliments. She saw Calvin's hand rest naturally on Britney's waist and heard the boys call Britney "Mom" over and over. Her heart hurt so much it felt numb, like the pain had sunk too deep to even feel anymore. As the sun set, they walked over to the Ferris wheel. The operator smiled at Calvin and Britney. "You two make such a perfect couple! You know, they say if you kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, you'll stay together forever." Hearing this, Noah and Simon exchanged mischievous glances. As their gondola slowly rose, city lights spilling beneath them, the Ferris wheel finally reached the very top. Suddenly, both boys darted behind Calvin and Britney and gave them a hard shove. "Ah!" Britney yelped, stumbling right into Calvin's arms. Their lips met for a split second, leaving both of them stunned. Britney tried to pull away, but Calvin almost instinctively pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Noah and Simon covered their mouths, grinning as they flashed each other a secret victory sign.