Chapter 23

Most Saturdays, I'm home relaxing and spending time with the girls. We go to the park, paint, watch movies, bake and all kinds of different activities. These are the reasons that Saturday is my favorite day of the week. This Saturday however, I'm anything but relaxed. The girl's birthday is tomorrow making them officially two years old and I still have a lot of shopping to do for their party. There is also the fact that Mason insisted he comes along to help me out. Although I was excited to be shopping for the party, I'm worried about being alone with Mason for a few hours. It's not that I don't trust him, I'm worried about the effects he tends to have over me. My body betrays me every time he's around, whether it's a blush, clammy hands, a racing heart or a slight stroke when it's time to form the right words. Mason is gorgeous, there is no denying that, but why can't I move pass the whole Masquermania fiasco? I got the girls packed and ready to spend the morning with my mom while Mason and I shopped. We agreed that he should come to my house and we'd go together, another reason my nerves were getting to me.

"Mommy, look! Spot!" Lily giggled.

I turned to see Lily and Peppa struggling to stuff their shoes onto Spot's paws. Spot sat up totally comfortable as the girls dressed him up. I laughed shaking my head and went back to picking out an outfit for today. After nearly twenty minutes, I finally settled on my black spaghetti strapped bodysuit with a sweetheart neckline. I threw on a pair of dark washed jeans and pulled my hair in a semi messy bun. I stared at my reflection in the mirror for a few moments to take in my image. It's rare for me to stare at myself in the mirror, my mind is constantly ticking. My cheeks were rosy, my blue eyes were sparkling, and my light pink lips looked full. I heard the doorbell rang and with one more look at my image I left the mirror feeling satisfied.

"Come on girls." I said.

I grabbed their shoes off Spot and took their hands to help lead them down the stairs. "Come on, you want to see Mason?" I asked.

"Okay." Lily said, while Peppa focused on her feet descending the stairs. We went to the door quickly and I pulled it open, revealing a giddy Mason. My heart spiked as I took in his appearance, he was dressed in a black fitted t-shirt with black jogger pants and white sneakers. He wasn't wearing a hat today showing off his reddish-brown hair, and the shades on his head kept his hair out of his face. I sighed internally. Not only are we wearing the same color but he's standing here looking like model while I resemble the awkward person that gets picked last in gym.

"Morning." He beamed.

I cleared my throat, "Morning." He glanced down at my attire, "Cute." He smirked.

I rolled my eyes and opened the door wider. Mason's eyes immediately zeroed in on the girls standing by my side. I watched his eyes softened instantly as he crouched down to the girls.

"Hi girls."

"Hi Maston." Lily smiled.

"Hi Mathon." Peppa waved politely.

"You both look so beautiful today. How are you Lily?" He asked.

"Good." Lily beamed.

"Good? That's great sweetie and how are you Peppa?"

"I'm fine." Peppa blushed.

"Awesome. I brought you girls a little treat from Caleb, he said it's your favorite." Mason revealed two little Jolley Ranchers in the palm of his hand.

The girls face lit up quickly and they took he candy out of his hands. "What do you say?" I asked.

"Thank ou." They said in unison.

"You're very welcome." He grinned.

Mason stood up smoothly, "Are you ready?" He asked.

"I have to feed the dog. Can you help them put their shoes on?" I asked.

Mason almost jumped at the offer and nodded his head eagerly, "Yea sure." He said.

I allowed him to come in and placed their shoes in his hands while I went to put out food for Spot. Once his bowls were filled, I grabbed the girls bags off the kitchen table and headed back to the living room. I was about to walk out but stopped next to the staircase to take in the unexpected scene in front of me. The girls were sitting on the couch with their feet out and Mason was putting their shoes on gently. "Ooo, Lily look at your pretty shoes." He said.

"I like my shoes." She beamed.

"I like your shoes too." He said.

"Mathon ou like my shoes?" Peppa whispered.

"Of course. Peppa they're so pretty too." Mason chuckled.

"Mommy buyed our shoes." Lily said.

"It's bought sweetie" Mason smiled, "And your mommy bought you very pretty shoes and clothes."

Peppa pointed at Mason's sneakers, "Your mommy buyed..."

"Bought." He corrected.

"Bought, your shoes?" Peppa continued.

"No, I bought my shoes, you like them?" He asked.

"They're big!" Lily giggled.

"Well of course they're big, I have big feet."

"Our shoes small." Peppa said.

"That's because you have little bitty cute feet." Mason tickled their feet lightly causing them to giggle, before securing their shoes. I was pretty sure that my heart was no longer in my chest but stood next to me and held my hand in comfort. The girls rarely talked around people, the only people they talk to with ease is Royce and I. Even my mother is rendered speechless when they do talk, and she realizes how bright they are. It touched me more than I thought it would and it was hard to shake the feeling.

I cleared my throat, "Are you ready?" I asked.

"Oh yea, definitely." He stood up and helped the girls off the couch.

"Great, we have to drop the girls to my mom." I said.

"That's not a problem, I'd like to meet her." He said, taking me off guard.

"You do?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I want to meet your mom?"

"Most guys run from family and small talk." I said. It took me nearly two years to convince Royce to come home to meet my mom.

"Well I'm not like most guys. You said that your mom keeps them a lot, so I'd like to meet her." He shrugged.

"Well, ok then." I said.

Mason stood close to me on the porch while I locked up. "My car?" He asked.

"You want to drive?"

"Please?" He smiled widely.

How could I say no to that? "Sure." We quickly left the front porch and I headed to my car to get the girls car seat. Mason was driving a blue Tesla and I must admit it was impressive. Once the car seats were secured, Mason and I grabbed the girls to strap them in. I moved to the passenger side of the car silently admiring the sleek car. I slid in the car with ease and Mason followed. There was something about how close he was that had me on edge. He looked confident and comfortable as he reversed out of the yard. There was a small smile on his lips, but his eyes never left the road.

"You're staring." Mason laughed.

I blushed embarrassed at being caught. I hadn't realized I was staring for so long and quickly thought of a reason to avoid further embarrassment.

"Yea, um, I keep forgetting that the girls got their hair color from you." I lied smoothly.

"Oh that." He ran his fingers through his hair.

"Yea, I've got to admit I was pleasantly surprised to see that." He said.

"I was definitely surprised."

"Why, thought your genes would overpower mine?"

I laughed nervously, "No, your hair color is rare and I didn't notice the color that night." I admitted.

His costume concealed most of his hair. "Ahh, right." He said thoughtfully.

"Momma." Peppa called out.

"Yes, baby?" I turned my head towards her.

"I want cocomelon." She whispered.

"Okay, baby." I said.

"She wants to watch it?" Mason asked.

"They like to sing along to the songs. Luckily for you, I have most of the songs already on my cell."

"Alright connect your phone then, let's pump up the ride." He grinned.

The rest of the drive was filled with cocomelon songs as I directed him to my mother’s house. I found myself nervous at the thought of Mason meeting my mother. He seemed so cool and relaxed at the thought of meeting her, I wondered if he was nervous at all. I guess I wouldn't be nervous either if I looked the way he did. My nerves spiked once we pulled up to my mother's house. Mason and I got out and worked together to get the girls out of their car seats, along with their bags. We held their hands as we made our way to the front door. Surprisingly I only had to ring the doorbell once before I heard my mom unlocking it. Normally, it too nearly three to four rings before she answered, which can only mean she was already watching us through her window. Mom opened the door with a bright smile.

"Nana!" The girls squealed.

"Hi lovelies!" She crouched to hug the girls gently before kissing their heads.

She straightened up quickly and eyed Mason with a curious smile. "And who do we have here?" She asked.

"Mom, this is Mason Reynolds, Mason, this is my mother Amy Shawn." I said sweeping my hands between them.

"Oh wow, Mason it's a pleasure to finally meet you." My mom extended her hand eagerly.

Mason grabbed her hand with a bright smile, "Ms. Shawn, the pleasure is all mine."

"Oh please, call me Amy. Come in, come in."

"Ugh, mom we have a lot to get done." I said.

"Nonsense, you can spare ten minutes for a cup of coffee."

She said leaving no room to argue as she opened the door. I sighed as we entered in the house. The girls ran to their toys that mom kept in the corner of the living room. Mom and Mason sat next to each other on the couch and I sat in the chair across from them. "So how are you Mason?" Mom asked.

"I'm fine, thank you for asking. Your home is lovely by the way." He said politely.

"Pshh," mom said waving her hand, "I'm sure you've seen plenty nicer homes." She said.

"I've seen plenty but not all was nice." Mom giggled smitten and

I rolled my eyes at her schoolgirl actions. A part of me was happy that I wasn't the only one affected by his charms. "I'm so glad that you decided to be a part of the girls’ lives." She said jumping straight to the point.

Mason glanced at the girls as they played, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Good. Ava went through quite a lot to find you while she was pregnant, I surprised she even agreed to st...."

"Okay mom!" I said cutting her off before she can say too much.

She pinned her lips together looking chastised and Mason looked between us with confusion written over his face. "Any who, I'm glad you're here now, are you going back to Seattle soon?" Mom asked.

"I plan to head back on Tuesday, I have a few things to deal with at home."

"Mom, Mason and Caleb turn thirty on Monday." I said, before she has another word vomit moment.

"Oh wow, Ava if you held the girls a few hours longer they'd be sharing their birthdays with their daddy." Mom grinned.

A funny sensation went through my body by her use of the word daddy. I glanced over at Mason and he was staring at the girls looking beyond captivated. I excused myself quickly claiming that I was going to get coffee. I left them to talk while I prepared the coffee at a slow pace. I didn't want to go back and risk any awkward small talk. Although my mother is chattier than I am, she does have a habit of making even the smallest conversations awkward because of her annoying need to over share. I knew she was beyond eager to dive into the inner workings of Mason's mind and his life. I poured out two cups of coffee and slowly made my way to the living room.

"I need you to protect them."

My mom's voice reached me in the hallway, and I couldn't help but slow my steps. "Amy, I won't ever let any harm come to those girls or Ava, I give you my word." Mason said.

The quivering in my stomach came back and I swallowed it down quickly. "Even if it means protecting them from your own family?" She asked.

"Especially them."

I quickened my steps and entered the living room noisily so they wouldn't suspect me ease dropping. I handed each of them a cup of coffee and Mason took a sip slowly. He looked shocked as he tasted the coffee and glanced over to me. "How do you know how I like my coffee?" He asked curious.

"Caleb likes it the same way, I took a chance." I shrugged.

"Of course." He chuckled.

"Mom, we really have to get going, I have lots of shopping to do." I said.

"Alright fine, bring me a carton of eggs if you can."

"Okay. Girls, mommy will see you later okay?" I called out.

"Bye momma."

"Bye Mathon."

The girls called out, although they didn't bother looking in our direction. Mason smiled endearingly, "Bye Bye." He waved.

Mason and I quickly left the house and headed to our first destination, Party City. The drive there was pretty quiet and while I sat in the passenger seat in a ball of nerves, Mason drove completely at ease with a gentle smile on his face. Once we got out of the car, Mason secured a black cap over his hair, which he insisted was necessary to conceal his identity. "You know that doesn't work as well as you think." I said as I grabbed a shopping kart.

"It's not like I can walk around with a mask on my face."

"That would probably be less obvious." I laughed.

I eagerly cruised through the aisles with Mason close by my side. Most of the decorations are already being delivered for the girls cocomelon themed party. I only needed a few things but the more I looked, the more I picked up. "You enjoy shopping." Mason said.

"On the contrary, I enjoy shopping for my kids, anything else I don't have much patience for."

"Why?" I shrugged, "shopping is time consuming."

"Well that is why I rarely do it." He said.

"A personal shopper?"

"Hmmm, you can say that. I can order whatever groceries I want and have it delivered to me."

"What about clothes?" I asked.

"That is where Regina comes in. She is responsible for all of my clothes."

"Lucky you, I get stuck with people like Catherine who insists that I shop for at least five new outfits every other week." I laughed.

"Catherine, is that the lady who Caleb took out?"

"The very one." I nodded.

"She is my best friend and the girls’ godmother."

"How did you two meet?" He asked.

"She transferred to my high school in the beginning of our senior year. She was new, loud and not afraid to speak her mind." I smiled.

"Friendships doesn't last very long these days, hold on to that."

"I plan to." I replied.

We casually walked through the aisles and I made a mental note to pick up more cups. I have a lot of setting up to do tonight and tomorrow morning before the party. Royce was coming home later tonight, so I know he will give me hand. I missed him, I missed how we use to be, those years were the best and it’s because of those years I hold on to him so tight. I know how good we are together, how we can work. I only could hope that he's cordial tomorrow when he meets Mason. Am I wrong for wanting all of us to get along for sake of the girls?

"What was your mother going to say before you interrupted her back at her house?" Mason asked suddenly.

Once again his question took me completely off guard and I was struggling to put together the right words. "Huh?" I mumbled.

Mason glanced down at me with his face solemn. "What did she mean?" He asked.

"Nothing important."

"Ava." He chided quietly.

"Um, she was going to say that I gave up looking for you." I admitted softly.

"Was that because you couldn't find me or....?"

"Royce made me promise to stop looking for you." I was afraid to look up from the shopping kart to meet his eyes.

I don't want him to dislike Royce before he got the chance to meet him. I understood Royce's demands and I never fought him on it until Mason showed up in my office. "He said that he would give us another shot if I agreed to stop looking for you and I did. The chances of me finding you was slim and at the time I wanted my relationship to work out so badly. I already hurt him, so I was trying to rectify that." I rambled on.

"Was he a good father figure to the girls?" He asked.

I chanced a glance at him, his face was expressionless, completely smooth with emotion as he stared at me. "Yes, he was. Royce was there the moment they were born, he helped me through many sleepless nights and spoiled them when he could. As time went on though, I could see that he was still hurting."

"How did you two meet?"

"Royce worked in a coffee shop on campus back in college. He was constantly offering me free cappuccinos and muffins. He was the sweetest. After several attempts on asking me out, I relented." I sighed thinking of a simpler time.

As we moved through the store, Mason was quieter, and I could tell that his usually polite and happy personality went sour. "Are you upset with me?" I asked worried.

"No, I don't have any reason to be. I am saddened though that I wasn't there for those moments. No woman should have to go through that without the child's father present. I can't help but think what it would be like if you hadn't found me."

"Well my theory is that it was meant to be. It is far too much of a coincidence for it to not be destined." I said.

"I agree. I can understand how he would be upset."

"Well, I didn't break my promise, I did stop looking for you."

"My question is, what would've happened if you didn't pursue this? Would he have adopted them?"

"I don't know, maybe. He proposed to me last week."

Mason's brows shot up unexpectedly, "Really?"

"Yep. That got shot to hell the moment I told him I was going to Seattle to talk to you on Monday. To say he was upset would've been putting it lightly."

"Wow."

"Yep." I replied.

"I can't say that I'm not glad. I'm ecstatic actually."

"Really?" I asked hopeful.

"Really. I'm almost thirty years old, it was hard for me imagine marriage let alone kids, but the moment I saw them, I wanted them more than anything. I hadn't met them, but I already loved them. I couldn't get over the fact that I helped create them." Mason was staring off into the distance as he spoke.

"I'm glad then, that's all I wanted for them especially when I didn't have it."

"Your father is not in your life." Mason assumed.

I nodded, "I haven't seen the man since I was seven and last time we spoke, I was eleven."

"That's horrible." he frowned.

"It is. I remember him and my mom fighting constantly. He wanted to spread his wings and fly but we held him back. My mother held onto him so tight, begging him to stay."

"If he wanted to leave so badly, I would've let him. I believe that forcing someone to stay in your life would've done more harm than watching him leave."

"I guess I can agree to that now, but back then it wasn't so easy. My mom was eighteen when she had me and my grandparents were very harsh on her. I think she held onto my dad for so long because she was afraid of parenting alone and proving her parents right." Mason nodded in understanding as I talked, completely entrapped in my little story. "She said the first time he left I was eight months old, he returned when I was two, I don't recall that though. By my third birthday he was gone again and returned when I was five, by then I was a total daddy's girl and wanted to be with him every time, afraid he'd leave again. That didn't work though, because although that was longest he stayed, by the time I turned seven he was gone again. My mother probably saw the toll it took on me and finally put her foot down and told him not to come back. I was angry with her of course, I wanted to see my dad, but soon daily phone calls turned into once a week, then once a month, to a text message and finally birthday cards with $10 bills. It's been years since I saw him or even heard his voice, the birthday cards stopped by the time I was twelve, no more birthday wishes and phone calls, he wasn't there for any graduations or major events, just a ghost of the man I once knew." I blinked my eyes rapidly trying to avoid any tears from falling. The last thing I wanted to do was cry in front of Mason, while we shopped.

"That's horrible." He whispered sadly.

"Now you can understand why I don't want the same experience for my girls. They don't deserve an indecisive or absent father, they deserve a father who is there to hold their hands through every step in their lives, to know that he loves and adore them and only wants what's best for them." I said.

"And I will be honored to be that for them."

"Have you really thought about it though? The sacrifices that you will be making, the hard work of helping to raise them, your family, the media?"

"I have considered all of that from the moment I saw their picture Ava. Aside from my stubborn father, my family will support my decision and even encourage me to do the right thing. I want to be a good father, I know I can. I was afraid when I found out but after the initial fear and shock left, all that was left behind was love."

"So, I have your word that we are in this together?" I asked.

"You have my word." He vowed holding up his pinkie finger.

I laughed and latched my pinkie around his sealing the deal. The conversation put me more at ease than I anticipated. I didn't realize that I needed to hear words of reassurance from Mason, but I'm glad that I did. The only thing I wanted from the very beginning was for my girls to be happy, healthy and love beyond measures and I will always want that for them.

"Since we are on the topic...." I trailed off.

"What is it?"

"Your father..." Mason groaned and rolled his eyes instantly.

"Oh, him."

"Come on I told you about my father so it's your turn now." I insisted.

"What do you want to know?" He asked.

"Anything and everything. Why is he like that?" I replied hoping my words didn't offend him.

Mason shrugged, "My grandfather was a very strict and noble man. He thrived on money, loyalty and family, so anything that jeopardized that had to be cut off immediately. Failure and scandal were never an option with him, so my father grew up with same beliefs."

"Growing up sounded tough." I said.

Mason nodded, "It was. Believe it or not, we barely had toys and the toys we had, we were only allowed to play with them for a few moments at a time."

"So, what did you do all day?"

"Learn. We were on a strict learning schedule every day, half day on Sundays. We had to be fluent in nothing less than three languages, well educated in history, mathematics, literature, academic science, business, music and pretty much any subject you can think of." As Mason spoke, he sounded like a robot, straight forward, emotionless and rehearsed. He must have recited this quiet a lot.

"What languages are you fluent in?"

"French, spanish, mandarin, Portuguese, Italian and some creole."

"Wow." I said.

"It's overwhelming."

"It is." I agreed.

"What do you do for fun?"

"Well I play my piano or my saxophone." He smiled.

"Is that it?" I asked. He nodded.

"And I thought I was dull." I mumbled.

"I don't normally get out much. I'm working all of the time and when I'm not working, my dad forces me to play golf or tennis with family friends." He shrugged.

"Well don't you ever do anything for yourself?"

"Very rarely." He said.

"That's boring."

"And you're the one to talk?" He chuckled.

"Hey, what does that supposed to mean?"

"Caleb told me a lot about you Ava. A reader, homebody, doesn't want to go out unless she has to, sticks to a plan. Far as I'm concerned you and I are not so different."

"Touché." I blushed.

I made a mental note to chastise Caleb for discussing me with his brother. "At least I try to have fun, I go to the park, the beach, paint with the girls and go out with my friends. You talk as if you don't have friends outside of your family."

"I don't. I have business associates or family friends. My father has worked very hard to make us a well knitted family. The man hates changes and welcoming new people into our family."

"If you guys are so close, why did Caleb leave?" I asked.

Mason hesitated, "Caleb was fed up with bending to our father's every demand. Understandably so, I still couldn't bring myself to do the same."

"Why?"

"My father can be a very cold and callous man. He hates disobedience and once we disobey him, he makes it his goal to bring us down."

"That's horrible coming from a man who is so strict about loyalty and family." I said.

"It is, though he would never admit it. Reynolds Publishing has published many fine books, magazines and movies. It brought in millions to the family. Father was so sure Caleb would fail and once he didn't, well it angered him more."

"Are you afraid of doing what Caleb did?" I asked.

We were standing on the line at the checkout counter. I vaguely realized that I was shopping without paying much attention. "Not exactly. I love my father Ava and I know behind that hard exterior he is the great man my mother married thirty two years ago. Although a part of me always wondered what would happen if I did defy him, I never had the guts to do that."

Mason turned to look at me, "until now." He added with a smile. We quickly cashed up the items which Mason was insistent that he paid for and we left store. I was beyond satisfied with my purchases and couldn't wait to begin setting up for the party tomorrow.

"Why did your mother didn't stop such strict lessons from your father? She seemed pretty down to earth." I asked.

"She is most of the time, she's the reason we at least had a few moments of playtime as children. However, the only thing my mother love almost as much as her children, is her ability to be a submissive wife. She always follows my father's lead and very rarely speak out against him. She is a good mother, but I worry sometimes what would happen if my father decided that he wanted to divorce her."

"You think that will ever happen?"

"What's with the twenty questions? Aren't I supposed to be asking questions?" He grinned.

"Yes, and you will." I promised.

"There was talk over the years, but my father stuck by his word, he never had an affair. I have no doubt that he adores my mother, she holds more power than she thinks, she's just never tried to use it." He shrugged.

"Do they want to meet the girls?" I asked worried.

"It doesn't matter because they won't have a choice. My father can argue as much as he wants but one fact will always ring true, they're family now." He said.

Mason and I got the girls from my mother's and we quickly made our way back home. Shopping with him went smoother than I thought it was. Although I was nervous, I realized that talking to him was almost like talking to Caleb, easy.

"Thanks a lot for today." I said as I leaned on the opened front door. We were already back home, and Mason carried all the bags in the house while I took the girls out and removed their car seats. Mason was careful to hide the bags, that way the girls would not be able to see what I bought.

"No problem, hope you got everything you need?"

"Yes, I did. Everything else will be delivered first thing in the morning." I said excitedly.

"Are you sure this party is for the girls?" He teased.

"Hush." I laughed.

"What time do you want me to come over?"

"Inviting yourself I see." I smiled.

"Of course."

"Party starts at three." I said.

"Awesome. I'll be there." He winked.

"Girls come and say goodbye." I called out.

They came running from the living room and stood at my side. "Bye Matson." Lily grinned.

"Bye Mathon." Peppa smiled.

"See you later girls, I will see you tomorrow okay? I know you'll be good girls for mommy right?" He asked.

They nodded their heads before ducking back inside. I noticed a type of longing on his face as they ran away, and I knew he wanted to be closer with them. "Give it time, they will love you." I said reassuringly.

"How do you know?" "Because you're their father." I smiled.

Later that evening, I cooked a pretty simple dinner and got them ready for bed. Every time I think getting them ready would get easier, I am proven wrong. Getting the girls cleaned up and into their pajamas was a whole sport. I read them a story as they nurse, and they finally started to get drowsy. I kissed them gently and placed them in their cribs.

"Mommy loves you girls." I whispered.

"Love you momma."

"Love youu." I smiled gently and closed their door softly.

I wanted to start prepping for the girls’ party while I still had the energy. Tomorrow will no doubt be a very full day and although I'm excited, I know that I will be drained once it's done. I made my way downstairs quietly and instantly stopped when I reached the last step. Royce was home. He placed his bags down softly before locking the front door and turning to face me. He looked surprised to see me standing at the bottom of the steps. There was an awkward silence as we stared at each other across the open space. I hated that our relationship has turned into a guessing game, where we have to test each other's moods before proceeding. Finally, Royce's gaze softened, and a small smile touched his lips as he opened his arms for me. I sighed softly with a smile and quickly close the distance between us. My arms circled his waist as he pulled me close.

"Welcome home." I mumbled against his chest.

I pulled my cheek away from his body and pressed my chin against his chest to stare up at him. The smile didn't leave his lips and ran his fingers through my hair.

"I missed you." He said meeting my gaze.

"I missed you too." I smiled. He kissed me softly before we slowly pulled away.

"How were your flights?" I asked.

"Long and tiring." He sighed.

"I'm glad to be home. Are the girls asleep?"

"Yes thankfully. I wanted to start prepping a few things for the party tomorrow."

"Yea, a long day tomorrow."

"Exactly."

"Well I can help with whatever you need." Royce suggested.

"Aren't you tired?"

"It can wait another hour or two, I don't want you stress about all of this alone."

"Thanks babe."

True to his words, Royce helped me prep the food and other things for the party. The menu for the party was simple, cheesy mash potatoes, meats balls, chicken wings, hotdogs, hamburgers and various snacks such as chips, cookies and candies. Royce is our designated griller so he's going to have the hardest job. Although it took us nearly two hours, we were able to complete the more tedious things before calling it a night. We agreed to get up early in order to set up on the outside and just the thought alone had me vibrating. I can't believe that tomorrow will make two years since my life changed forever.