Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 74143 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74143 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
We finished a couple more games and rode a few more rides when Haven pointed to the ladies’ room. “I need to go to the bathroom.”
“And I’m thirsty,” Haiden added, grabbing my arm.
“I’m thirsty too!” Baby girl acknowledged.
“Alright, let’s take your sister to the bathroom, and then we’ll get you a drink.”
“How about I take Haven to the bathroom, and you can get us a drink?”
“No, let’s go together. It’s already dark out.”
“It’s not a big deal, Ashton. I take her to the bathroom while my mom gets groceries all the time.”
“Mama—”
“Haven, I can take you to the bathroom. It’s not a big deal.”
“Bud, I don’t think—”
“The bathroom is right there,” he insisted. “And the drinks are over there. You can still see us.”
“Haiden—”
“I have to go to the potty! I’m going to pee my pants!”
“Look, there’s no line for either. Just go. We will be done at the same time.”
“Guys, I don’t—”
“If I pee my pants, I’m going to die!”
“Fine,” I breathed out, letting him have his way. “Take your sister to the bathroom. I’ll go get the drinks. We will meet right here, alright?”
“Okay, let’s go!” She grabbed her brother’s hand, and off they went.
Rushing over to the concession stand, I could still see them from where I was standing. I watched as they walked into the ladies’ room before I turned my back to order three drinks and a large popcorn.
Gesturing to the attendant, I paid him and grabbed our stuff. In less than five minutes, I was back to the spot we were just standing and agreed to meet back up in.
I didn’t know how long I had been standing there waiting for them when my phone rang, and Sage’s beautiful face appeared on my screen.
“Hey, sexy mama.”
“Hey, dimples. How’s it going?”
“We’re having a great time.”
“Good. What time are you guys headed back, so I can have dinner ready for us? I’m making your favorite.”
I looked down at my watch. “Wow, time must have gotten away from me. I didn’t realize it was almost eight.”
“Time flies when you’re having fun, handsome.”
“They wanted to ride one more ride, and then we’ll take off.”
“Awesome. Can I talk to one of them? I miss them so much.”
I didn’t want her to know I wasn’t with them. “Do you miss me?”
“Hmmm…” she playfully teased. “Maybe.”
“Maybe you could show me how much you missed me later tonight.”
“I think I could arrange that. The twins will be exhausted and will wipe out fast.”
“Yeah, me too.”
She laughed. “Welcome to parenthood.”
“So I’m a responsible adult now?”
“I never said you weren’t, Ashton.”
Not according to Haiden.
Hearing the honesty in Sage’s voice had an uncertainty wash over me. All of a sudden, my face paled, and suspicion assaulted my mind.
Was he lying?
Playing me again?
Why weren’t they back from the bathroom yet?
“Sweetness, the twins are finishing this fishing game. I’ll have them call you back.”
“Do not bring a goldfish home. I brought one home last year, and it died in two days in. Haven found him, fins up in the morning, and I had to tell her that he was sleeping and fell into a coma.”
“Got it. No goldfish. We’ll call you back in a few.” With that, I hung up and booked it toward the ladies’ room.
Waiting another couple of minutes, I paced back and forth in front of the door on the edge of my seat. Woman after woman exited the restroom, and I couldn’t take it anymore.
“Ma’am,” I greeted one of them. “Are there two twins in there? A little boy and girl, they have blond hair and about this tall.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
Fuck me.
He wouldn’t…
I thought Haven liked me?
Not wavering, I pushed open the door. “Haven, Haiden!”
No answer.
“Haven, Haiden!” I shouted louder, panic quickly overriding every single one of my senses. “Guys! Are you in here?!”
Still, not one word.
“Come on. This isn’t funny! I’m not laughing! Where are you?!”
Since the bathroom was empty, I ran in and checked each stall, and they were nowhere to be found.
“Fuck!”
I didn’t know what to do, so I called my mom.
“Hey, hon—”
“I can’t find the twins!”
“What do you mean you can’t find them?”
“I brought them to the carnival alone, remember? They went to the bathroom, and they’re not in here!”
“Okay, calm down.”
“Mom, I can’t calm down! I don’t know if they’re playing me for a fool, or they were kidnapped!”
“Find security or a worker, and tell them you can’t find them. They’ll lock the gates. Go! I’m leaving now.”
I didn’t have to be told twice. I hung up and sprinted toward the first employee I saw. “My twins! I can’t find my twins!”
Her eyes widened.
“Did you hear me? I can’t find my twins! They were in the bathroom. I saw them go into the bathroom! I took my eyes off of them for two seconds to pay… Oh my God! I really am an irresponsible adult. How could I turn my back on them?!”