I awoke to the sound of cartoons playing on the television.

Stretching in the sheets I rolled over and put my glasses on before sitting up, my eyes widening when they landed on a pouting Gracie who was sitting in the corner with her arms crossed while Ashton stood beside her giving her a displeased look.

Furrowing my eyebrows I got out of the bed and walked towards them.

"What's going on?" I yawned.

"Someone woke up in the middle of the night and ate the leftover cake you brought home." Ashton said and I gasped.

"Gracie!"

I walked over to the cake and noticed that it was all but gone.

"Gracie, that was not nice. I brought that home to share with Daddy and Ender too, and you ate it all."

"No!" She shook her head and poked out her lip once she realised I was mad at her.

"You cannot have any more sweets for the rest of the week." I said and her eyes misted up with tears.

"Stop that right now. You were bad and you know it and there's no reason to cry. You're in trouble and that's it." Ashton warned her and she quickly dropped the crying act.

I sighed as I went to toss out the container the cake used to be in and then shook my head as I walked back to Ashton.

"Watch these." He handed me his phone and I saw he had posted two videos this morning.

I hit play on the first one and it showed the cake crumbs and then he walked over to the kids bed and moved to show the frosting on Gracie's mouth. He then moved the camera up to the mirror where he had a pouty/grumpy face.

I snorted and then moved to the next which was of Gracie sitting on the bed.

"Gracie did you eat the cake Mommy brought home?" He asked her and she shook her head no. "You know you're not supposed to lie to Daddy. Now did you eat the cake?"

"I no eat cake." She shrugged.

"Then why do you have frosting on your mouth?"

"I no have frosting." She replied.

"Yes you do."

"No."

"Gracie, I can see you. You have frosting all over your face."

"No." She whined.

"So if you go look in the mirror you won't have frosting on your face?" He asked and she got out of the bed and walked over to the full length mirror and she looked at herself for a moment before her face got red and she started to cry.

She turned around and walked back to Ashton crying and that's when he stopped the video.

"Ugh. I remember when Ender was her age." I shook my head. "He always got into everything and acted up all the time. And then it only got worse when our parents died because he wasn't used to me disciplining him so he didn't listen to me."

"And we get to go through this stage again when we have kids." He pointed out.

"Welcome to the wonderful world of parenting." I sighed.

"So what all did you do at Harry's?" He asked me.

"We watched a movie, had Chinese take out, baked a cake and then Harry convinced me to do modelling..." I trailed off and Ashton widened his eyes.

"Really?"

"Well he said he'd get me a meeting with an agency and if they like me then I guess I will be a model."

He nodded but didn't say anything.

"What?"

"Nothing." He shrugged. "I'm just a little surprised. But if this is your dream then I want you to do it."

"This isn't a dream Ashton. I had honestly never even thought about it before, but maybe this could be good for me. You know i'm not the most confident person in the world and i'm awkward beyond belief, maybe this could help me be more confident in who I am."

"Car, I want you to do whatever you want to do, and if modelling is what you want to do then I will support you whole heartedly." He smiled at me and I returned it.

"Thank you. That really means a lot to me." I leaned into hug him and he wrapped me in his arms.

"By the way, I think your awkwardness is sexy." He whispered in my ear and I laughed nervously. "It adds to your cuteness."

"I love you." I moved up to kiss him, not being able to fight the smile on my lips.

"I love you too pretty girl."

Ashton and I finally went to deal with Gracie and then Ender finally tore himself away from the television so we could get ready, Ash and I then taking the kids to the park.

"Daddy chase me!" Gracie squeaked and Ashton ran after her, the two playing around while Ender and I sat on the swings.

He and I were talking about Gracie eating half a cake when my phone rang and I pulled it from my pocket to see it was Ari calling me.

"Hey Ari." I answered.

"Hey, how's everything going?"

"Good. What's up?"

"Well I just wanted to see when the best time next week would be for you to go get all of the bridesmaids together for the final fitting?"

"Next week?" I asked, confused.

"Yeah. It's spring holiday." She said slowly. "You'll be here, right?"

"Oh my God I completely forgot!" I gasped.

Spring holiday was a busy time since everyone was on break from school. I had bookings for the week of spring holiday for months, and in the mess of leaving to go with Ashton I had forgotten.

"I'll have to come back. I can't miss out on that."

"Okay. Well look at your schedule and let me know."

"Yeah, I will."

I hung up the phone and whined.

"What?" Ender asked.

"Next week is spring holiday." I said and he gasped. "I know."

"Do we have to go back?"

"Yeah. Unless we want the business to go under."

I waved Ashton over and he jogged up to me.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Ari just called me and next week is spring holiday back home, I have to go back."

"Oh." He said, his shoulders dropping. "Okay. Um, when do you have to leave?"

"Saturday I guess."

"What are we going to do about the kids?"

"Well I can take Ender with me and Gracie can stay with you. I won't be able to watch her when I'm working and I can't work that many tours alone."

"Yeah. I guess we need to get you and Ender plane tickets then."

I nodded.

We went back to the hotel where we bought the plane tickets.

I could tell Ashton was sad about us having to leave him but I really didn't have a choice.

After lunch we were sitting around the room, Ashton reading a book while I used his laptop to look at the shops schedule when my phone rang.

It was Harry.

"Who's the bestest friend ever?" He asked when I answered.

"Am I supposed to say you?" I smirked.

"Yes you are, because I got you a meeting with the agency tomorrow."

"Really?"

"Yup. Our appointment is at 10."

"You're going with me?"

"Yes I'm going with you, weirdo."

"Ok. What do I need to wear?"

"Something nice."

"Got it."

"Okay, i'll be at your hotel at nine to pick you up."

"See you then. Bye."

I hung up the phone and then squealed as I dove onto Ashton's lap, straddling his waist as his book went flying.

"Guess who has a meeting with an agency tomorrow."

"Hmm...I'm going to guess you." He chuckled as he placed his hands on my waist.

"Mhmm." I smiled widely and he laughed before leaning up to kiss me.

"Are you excited?"

"Extremely." I kissed him several more times, really happy for what might happen tomorrow.

I called Becca who excitedly said she would help me get ready tomorrow.

The next morning Becca arrived at seven to curl my hair and do my makeup before we chose a black dress with a black coat on top with silver buttons.

I put on black heels and when I walked out into the bedroom, Ashton whistling at me.

"How do I look?" I asked him and he grinned.

"You look gorgeous," He stepped forward and placed his hands on the sides of my arms, "but that's nothing new. You always look beautiful."

"Thank you." I smiled.

"Really, Carter." He moved his hands up to my cheeks. "It never fails that every single time I look at you you take my breath away."

I blushed heavily, the proud look on Ashton's face showing that he was pleased his words had brought this reaction from me.

"So am I allowed to kiss you, or will I mess up your makeup?" He smirked as he stroked his thumbs across my cheeks.

"Screw makeup." I said and he laughed before connecting his lips to mine.

He moved his hands to my waist where he squeezed me and then wound his arms around me, securing me to him.

Being in Ashton's arms was my favourite place and kissing him was my favourite thing to do.

"Daddy's kissing Mommy!" Gracie exclaimed and Ashton and I started to laugh, us breaking the kiss as she giggled.

"Daddy you kiss Mommy?" She came up to us and tugged on Ashton's arm.

"I did." He smiled at her.

"Why?"

"Because I love her very very much."

"I love Mommy too!" She grinned and jumped so Ashton could lift her up into his arms.

"You're sweet." I kissed her cheek.

There was a knock at the door and Becca answered, Harry on the other side.

"Hey." I smiled and Ashton let me go.

"You ready?" Harry asked and I nodded.

"Yeah. Let me just say goodbye." I smiled. "End!" I called over my brother and gave him a hug before I moved to Gracie, brushing my nose against hers a few times before I gave her a kiss.

"I love you Darcy, be good for Daddy and Ender while I'm gone."

"Okay, Mommy." She kissed my nose and I stood back up to go hug Ashton.

"You are going to do amazing, I know it." He brought his face closer as he bumped his nose against mine.

"Thank you."

"Call me right after and tell me everything that happened, okay?"

"Mhmm." I nodded and then pressed my lips to his.

He kissed me tenderly yet passionately and I felt my head spin at how amazing it felt to be with him.

When we broke the kiss he winked at me and I let out a little laugh.

"I love you." I smiled up at him, looking into his beautiful hazel eyes.

"I love you too baby." He kissed me once more before we let each other go.

"Good luck Car!" Ender called as I began to walk out the door with Harry.

"Thank you!" I waved and then closed the door behind me.

"So how are you feeling?" Harry asked once we got to the elevator.

"Good. A little nervous but also excited." I said as the doors to the elevator opened, Harry letting me walk in first before he pressed the button for the lobby.

"You'll do great. I know for a fact that the agency is exited to meet you as well."

Once we reached the lobby we got into a black SUV that drove us to a high rise building and I followed Harry inside, him taking me up to a high floor.

Society Management was in large letters on a wall and Harry walked up to a receptionist desk, me trailing behind him awkwardly.

The receptionist was a cute blonde girl who got wide eyes when she saw Harry and I stopped as he said something to her that was so quiet I couldn't hear and then he looked back at me and nodded for me to follow.

He walked through a door into a floor full of small offices and then to the back where there was a door to another office where he just walked in.

An older woman with black hair in a pixie cut sat behind a fancy desk in an even more lavish office.

"Ah, Harry." She smiled and stood up to hug him.

"Mrs. Monroe." He hugged her back. "This is Carter, the girl I told you about."

"Yes." Her eyes landed on me. "Simply gorgeous you are, let me look at you. Spin."

"What?" I asked in a small voice.

Harry twirled his finger in a circle and I got the hint, spinning slowly in a circle while Mrs. Monroe looked me over.

"Very nice." She commented and I blushed as she awkwardly looked me over.

"Do you have any photos?" She asked me and I looked to Harry who nodded at me. He took the bag on his shoulder and pulled out a manila file folder.

"I took the liberty of gathering these." He handed her the folder and she opened it to see printed out glossy photos of me. Some were paparazzi shots and others were photos Ashton had posted of me or that Harry had taken.

"Lovely, lovely." She tutted as she looked through them and Harry shot me a wink.

"Well Harry, are you up to manage her?" Mrs. Monroe asked him and I looked at Harry with wide eyes.

"Yes ma'am. I have a couple things lined up already I just need a confirmation from you. Are you going to represent, Carter?"

"I believe we have a spot for you at Social Management." She smiled at me.

"Excellent." Harry grinned.

"Thank you very much." I extended a hand which she shook.

"I'm leaving you in Harry's capable hands, I'm positive he will do amazing things to build your career." Mrs. Monroe said and Harry smiled at me.

After signing a contract with Social Management Harry and I left the office.

"Why are you going to be managing me?" I asked him as we stepped into the elevator.

"Because, there are people in this industry who will try and take advantage of you, and I want you to be safe and be successful. I have the time and I want to do it."

"Thank you Hare." I hugged him and he squeezed my shoulders.

"Gotta look out for my best friend, right?" He smiled and I laughed.

After we left the building we went to Harry's house where he made phone calls and I went into the private room upstairs to call Ashton.

"Hey babe!" He answered. "How did it go?"

"Well you are now engaged to Social Managements newest model." I said with a smile and heard him yell in victory, causing me to laugh.

"Congratulations baby! I'm so proud of you!"

"Thank you."

"Are you on your way back?"

"No, I'm at Harry's right now but i'll be back soon."

"Good I want to hug you." He laughed.

"I'll let you know when i'm headed that way."

"Okay. I love you."

"Love you too." I smiled and then hung up.

Harry walked into the room then, looking down at his phone.

"Okay, I need your clothing sizes." He said and had me write them down for him before he began to make more phone calls.

"I'll be a while so I'll call you tonight to go over some things with you."

"Okay. Bye Hare. Thanks."

"No problem. Talk to you later." He hugged me and kissed my cheek before going back to his phone.

I kissed his cheek back before leaving his house, texting Ashton that I was on my way to the hotel.

When I got to the hotel and reached the room I walked inside where Ashton ran towards me and gathered me in a hug.

"There's my girl." He grinned as he spun me in a circle causing me to laugh.

"Hi." I smiled as he set me down but kept his arms around me and leaned down for a kiss.

"I knew you could do it." He smiled down at me and I beamed back up at him. "You're amazing."

"Thank you." I kissed him once more.

I then went to hug Gracie and Ender who congratulated me as well.

"Dinner to celebrate?" Ashton asked and I nodded happily, him taking my hand as we walked to the car.

We had dinner at a nice restaurant down town before taking the kids back to the hotel where we got the kids together, watching a movie.

I was getting ready to go change into my pyjamas when the door opened to the room when Calum walked in.

"Hey man you ready to go?" He asked Ashton.

"Go where?" I raised my eyebrows.

"We're getting tattoos." Calum grinned and I whipped around to see a guilty looking Ashton.

"You're getting a tattoo and you weren't going to tell me?!" I raised my voice.

"I wanted to surprise you!" He defended.

"You surprise me with flowers or a nice dinner not a permanent tattoo!"

"I'm sorry!" He sincerely apologised.

"If you're getting a tattoo then i'm going with you." I folded my arms across my chest and he sighed.

"Fine."

Luke came over to watch the kids while I changed into jeans and a Chase Marina Tours tee and followed Calum, Michael and Ashton out the door.

It was dark out and we got in the car that drove us to a tattoo parlour. Ashton held my hand as we walked inside.

"What are you getting?" I asked him.

"I was thinking about getting a seashell on my chest over my heart." He said and I smiled.

"Make it small though." I said.

"Okay." He chuckled and began to look at the other stuff on the walls.

I held on to his arm as he looked at the different tattoo designs.

"Oh that's pretty." I pointed to one of an ocean wave.

"Yeah? You want a tattoo?"

"Im good." I laughed.

"Do you not like tattoos?" He asked nervously, and I could tell he thought I didn't want him to get one.

"They're fine. I just don't think I could pull it off." I shrugged.

"I think you could." He pulled me closer. "I think it would be kinda sexy."

I smirked up at him and he bent down to kiss me.

Ashton went over to watch Calum get his tattoo while I walked down the wall of tattoo designs to see what there was.

I came across a frame that had tattoo sketches of instruments and saw a cute one of a drum.

"Hey babe!" I heard Ashton call out to me and I turned to see him waving me over as he was about to get his tattoo done.

"Are you okay with me getting this?" He asked me to make sure and I nodded.

"Yes." I gave him a little smile and he took off his shirt before sitting down in the chair.

The tattoo artist did an outline in pen of a sea shell before getting the needle ready and going to tattoo it.

When the needle hit his skin Ashton reached for my hand which I held.

"Does it hurt?" I asked him.

"Little bit." He said through his teeth and I moved my free hand up to his hair to run my fingers through the strands to soothe him.

Michael was taking pictures of everything and I watched as the outline of a scallop shell appeared on Ashton's chest, right on top of his heart.

Once the outline was complete the artist then took the pen and drew something else on Ashton's skin but I couldn't see because his hand was in the way as he began to tattoo that on there as well in the black ink.

Finally when he moved his hand away I could see the letter C in the centre of the shell outline and Ashton looked up at me expectantly.

"I like it." I smiled and leaned down to kiss him.

"Are you going to get one, Car?" Calum asked me as Ashton was being bandaged up.

"Oh. Um...."

"Do you want one?" Ashton asked me.

"I...I'm scared to."

"It doesn't hurt that bad." Ashton shook his head but kept a little smile on his face. "What would you want?"

"The letter A." I said bashfully and he smiled.

"Where would you want it?"

"Like here?" I raised my arm and pointed to my side along my rib cage.

"Colour?" Michael asked.

"Maybe red?"

"Do you want to do it?" Ashton asked and I bit my lip before slowly nodding my head yes.

Ashton had me explain to the tattoo artist what I wanted and the guy then had me take my shirt off and lay on the table.

I had to unhook my bra and covered my breasts with my arm, Ashton sitting next to me to put his arm on top of mine for more concealment.

I felt the guy draw the letter a with the pen and I took a deep breath.

"You don't have to do this." Ashton said to me in a hushed voice.

"I want to." I looked him in the eyes and he nodded.

"Okay then."

Michael and Calum were watching me and I heard the needle start to buzz and I let out a whimper.

"Okay, here we go." The guy said and I then felt the needle touch my skin.

"Owwwwwwwwwwww." I let out an elongated whine at the painful feeling of a needle grazing my skin.

"You good?" Ashton asked me, moving his head down close to mine so that he could be near me.

"It hurts." I whimpered.

"You're almost done." He looked over at the the guys hand where he was doing the tattoo and Ashton placed his free hand on my leg, rubbing up and down to comfort me.

I took a deep breath and Ashton chuckled above me.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Because you're cute." He smiled and I rolled my eyes, wincing at the pain.

"Just a couple more minutes." Ashton said and I nodded. "It looks good."

Calum came over and was videoing me getting the tattoo.

"If my mother were alive she would kill me." I said and Ashton laughed.

"Let's just hope my mom doesn't kill the both of us." He kissed my cheek and rubbed my leg for a little longer until the guy removed the needle pen from my skin and then bandaged me up.

We paid and then went back to the hotel where Luke was pulling Gracie from the bath and Ender walked up to us.

"Did you get tattoos?!" He asked us with wide eyes.

"Yes, we did." I answered him.

"Can I see them?" He asked.

Ashton showed Ender his first before I showed him mine.

He looked at us with wide eyes and I couldn't tell if he was mad or happy until suddenly he exploded into a ball of energy.

"That's so cool!"

Ashton and I laughed (out of relief) and Ender asked to look at them again.

"What does the C stand for?" Ender asked Ashton.

"It stands for Carter." He said and I smiled at him, finding it flattering that he got a tattoo to remind him of me.

"And does the A stand for Ashton?" Ender asked me and I nodded.

Ender kept asking to look at the tattoos over and over again until finally we had to force him to get ready for bed.

Gracie had been put in her pyjamas by Luke and was waiting for us to put her to bed, and Ashton went over to read her a story and sing her lullaby while I changed into my pyjamas.

I then went over and kissed both Gracie and Ender goodnight.

I went to lay down when I saw my phone lighting up from where it had been laying on the nightstand.

I had ten missed calls from Harry and a million more texts.

Immediately I called him back.

"Thank God I was about to go over to your hotel." He sighed in relief when he answered.

"Sorry! I was out with Ashton. What do you need?" I apologised.

"I have your first shoot set up for tomorrow."

"Oh. That fast?" I raised my eyebrows.

"You're already behind in the game, we need to hit the ground running."

"Okay then. What time do I need to be there?"

"8 am. Becca will be your stylist since I know you love her and so that you will be comfortable."

"Okay. Awesome. Thanks Hare."

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, bye." I hung up just as Ashton was coming to lay down next to me.

"I have my first shoot tomorrow." I smiled.

"Oh fun." He grinned.

"I'll take Gracie with me because I know she'll love all of that."

"She will be so excited." He chuckled. "Can
I come too?"

"I thought you were recording tomorrow?"

"I am, but I can sneak away for a bit to see you. I've gotta support my fiancé on her first day."

"I'd like that." I laughed and leaned over to kiss him. "I had fun tonight."

"Me too. And I was right, that tattoo is pretty sexy." He smirked as he began to kiss on my neck and I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment.

"I don't want you to leave for a week." He mumbled between kisses.

"Me either, but I have to."

"I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." I hugged him gently as to not press on his newly inked skin and we then got comfortable in the sheets, falling asleep together.

I felt like Ashton and I had made our relationship even stronger just by getting a tiny tattoo of each others initial on our bodies.

It wasn't anything tacky or trashy, they were hidden and secret and meant something to us.

And I knew, no matter how far away we were from each other distance wise, we would always be with the other person.

Forever.

--

Sorry this chapter took so long!

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Much love xx -M