Ashton's POV

As the evening went on, a bouquet was thrown to the bachelorettes and a garter to the bachelors. None of us were able to catch them, but Colleen and Nathan's friend, Cyrus, did. Let's just say Luke couldn't have been happier to be free from Collen's grasp when she left him for Cyrus. She had taken his arm hostage for most of the night, so to finally have full range of motion was like a blessing to Luke.

I watched over Reina during most of the reception. She and I danced together. We drew in Emmie's notebook at the table together. And my friends made fun of me for turning into a complete dad when I'm with her. However, they gave me plenty to mock them with when they try to win over my daughter's love with empty promises and praise. After all, it doesn't take more than a promise for a 'castle full of all the toys and candy you could ever want' to convince a toddler you're the best person ever, according to Michael.

In the morning, I invite Dad to come with me and Emmie to Mum's house. It's the last day we'll be able to visit with them and there's a lot that needs to be revealed—mainly that I unknowingly brought an adorable human being into this world. Surely Mum will be thrilled. The thought alone makes me laugh.

A palpable sense of awkwardness surrounds us as we sit around the table as a complete family. Harry and Lauren stare at Dad like he's a stranger sitting across from them. He practically is. They haven't seen him since they were babies, and even then, I don't think they remember his face. However, they welcome him because they still acknowledge him as their father—something that I'm slowly starting to do as well. I'd be lying if I said Dad never reached out to us after he left, but I always noticed the birthday presents that would pop up in the mail for us every year. Dad may have left us, but I respect him for never forgetting us.

"I found out that Natalie has a kid," I say, adding more tension to our gathering. "Her name is Reina and she's two years old."

Lauren scoffs and mumbles, "Karma's a bitch." Her irritation builds at the mention of Natalie.

"I guess I should have added that I'm the father sooner."

The creases on her forehead deepen and her irritation morphs into a mix of emotions that are too complex to decipher.

"That's not possible," Mum says with a nervous laugh. "You weren't here."

I relay the same story I've given so many times during this trip. Having Emmie here makes it easier to do this. I would have been able to do it either way but just knowing that I have someone who isn't turned off by the amount of baggage I carry and is willing to stick by my side is pretty encouraging. There are two ways Mum could respond to this news: 1) she will erupt and lecture me about the consequences of unsafe sex (which I'm obviously quite aware of) or 2) she will be over the moon and force me to take her to meet Reina right now. Unfortunately, I don't receive either response.

"How can you be so sure she's yours? Did Natalie have a DNA test done?" she asks, her tone bordering condescending.

I pull up a picture of me and Reina on my phone. I had Emmie take one of us when I was with her last night. Reina is standing on my thigh, clinging to my neck for support. Bits of cake and icing is smudged around her mouth (the result of me spoiling her and giving her a second piece of wedding cake), but she's oblivious to the mess on her face and smiles happily at me.

"Dad, do you still have that picture of me in your wallet?" I ask and he quickly pulls it out onto the table. I slide my phone across next to the photo and say, "I don't think the truth is hard to see."

Dad keeps a watchful eye on Mum, expecting nothing less than the reaction we receive and he is quick to console is his ex-wife. She covers her mouth with her hand as her eyes flicker between me and the two photos, recognizing the uncanny resemblance. He rubs her back and she falls into his shoulder, tears prickling her eyes.

Harry takes the phone. "She looks like a mini-you," he says with a smile. "I'm going to have to figure out another name for her to call me other than Uncle Harry; it makes me sound like a balding old man." This makes Mum laugh, which overall lightens the mood. Aside from her initial reaction she seems to be taking this well. It could be worse, I suppose. She could have thrown a Bible at my head and told me that I'm living my life in sin.

Lauren taps her finger against the table as if she's trying to distract herself from whatever is bubbling inside her. I try to reach out to her but she storms away to her room, slamming the door behind her.

Emmie begins to stand. "Maybe I should try talk—"

I'm already walking to Lauren's bedroom before she can finish. I knock on her door and promptly let her know it's me. I hear a quiet 'come in' from the other side of the door and I step inside. Her room is small and littered with clothes, notebook paper and everything that seems to be on her mind. She is sitting on her bed with a journal in her lap and a pen in her hand, words flowing like a fountain onto the page.

"You've nearly filled the entire thing up," I say, pointing to the journal. "Is that all of your poetry?"

She responds with the scribbling of her pen against the paper, never lifting her gaze.

I sigh and sit next to her. "I take it you're angry?"

"She had your kid and didn't tell you," she seethes. The pressure of her pen against the paper nearly rips the page. "Hasn't she done enough to you and Emilia already?"

"Lauren, you have every right to feel how you want to feel, but this has to stop. It was upsetting to find out about Reina, but I've had time to process it and let go of my anger. I've gotten to know and love her. Natalie is a great mother to Reina and I trust her. I know you're hurt by this, but one of these days my daughter—your niece is going to look up to you. All I wish is that you'd bury the hate and find it in you to love her as much as I do."

She's quiet and stops writing long enough to deliberate. "That's asking a lot from me."

"I know. And I know that finding out you're an aunt this way is pretty unconventional—just think how I felt."

She closes the journal and sets it to the side. "Emilia is okay with this?"

"She loves Reina."

She's quiet again. "I guess I'm going to have to get used to being called 'Aunt Lauren' now."

There's no way to contain my joyous smile. "Thank you."

We return to the kitchen where I overhear Mum discussing the option of shared custody over Reina. It's not a topic that I've reflected on much. It's not relevant until Natalie tells Reina and her family the truth. Even then, that day will be an adjustment for everyone, especially Reina. Who knows if she'll accept me as her biological father? I'm honestly quite happy where our father-daughter relationship is. Just knowing that Reina can count of me to love her unconditionally—I can live with that.

"I'm not going to worry about it until the truth is out," I say and sit back down at the table. "I don't know how long it will be until then, but for now, I want Reina to stay happy."

The disappointment is evident on Mum's face, and she looks to Dad for back up to knock some sense into me, but he—on some level—understands the reasoning for my decision and chooses to remain quiet.

"Will I get to meet her?" Mum asks.

"Tomorrow at the airport," I say. "Natalie and Nathan leave for their honeymoon around the same time as our flight so we'll see them off." The last thing I'm looking forward to is saying goodbye to Reina.

She lets out a deep breath. "When I said that I wanted grand babies, I didn't think I'd get them like this. And I especially didn't think Natalie would be the mother." Mum eyes Emmie and then saunters out of the kitchen and to the bathroom. When she returns, she slaps her hand onto the table and reveals a condom underneath. "You better start stocking up on these. One grandchild is enough for now."

I groan and facepalm, while Emmie's face reddens. She follows with a swift 'Oh my God' and uses her hair to shield her growing embarrassment. Harry and Lauren look like they've been scarred for life.

"Anne," Dad says hesitantly, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "I don't think one condom is going to do them any good." He whips out his wallet and tosses another foiled package from inside onto the table.

I'd expect my friends to pull a stunt like this but never did I think my parents would. Mum and Dad hi-five. They think they're so funny. Jokes on them, because I was prepared and bought a box of condoms a few days ago. There's no way in hell I'd take any from them. Who knows how long they've had them or who they were going to use them with. I cringe at the thought.

The legs of the chair screech as I back out and stand, pulling Emmie up with me. "I think that's enough visiting for today."

"Or maybe a lifetime," Emmie mumbles and she chuckles along with me.

Mum pleads that we stay and I only agree so long as no more condoms are thrown at us. I show them more pictures of Reina and tell them everything I know about her and everything that I want to know about her. We stay long enough to have lunch, and before we leave, I remember to ask Mum for a favor.

"Do you still have my old sketchbooks?" I ask her.

"I stored them up in the attic not long after you left," she says.

"Do you think you can pack and mail them to me? I'll help pay the shipping cost."

"It'll take some digging, but I'll send them out as soon as I can."

Emmie asks, "Why do you want your sketchbooks?" Her question doesn't surprise me considering that I've told her before that I left them here so not as to have the constant reminder of my past. But that's not an issue anymore. There's nothing left to look back at, only forward.

"I'd rather put them to use and make a profit off of what's inside rather than let them collect dust and never see the light of day again," I say. There are so many drawings inside those sketchbooks that have the potential to sell; they just need a little revamping.

"Can I look through them with you?" she asks.

"I'd be sad if you didn't."

___

We meet back up with our friends and spend the rest of the day at the beach. This is the first and only time we've been able to hangout as a group during this entire trip. I loved coming here with Emmie on our date, but today the sun seems brighter, the waves are calm, our hearts aren't heavy. It's as if the storm we'd been stuck in the middle of has finally calmed and the clearing is nothing less than beautiful.

It's late by the time we return to the hotel. Emmie and I are still on a high from all that we had accomplished during this trip, and we spent most of the night tossing ideas back and forth of our impending living situation. Would we find a cheap apartment near campus? Would we kick Julia out of their current apartment? Would Julia kick Emmie out instead? There's no way in hell she's moving into my house. Will the guys be able to afford the rent without me contributing? Dozens of questions float in the air and not one is answered by the time we fall asleep. It doesn't matter to us, though. Because we are sure of one thing—we want to be with each other.

__

The airport is much quieter this time as we wait for our flight. The clamor of voices unsure of their destination or confused of their whereabouts are silenced by a good old friend of mine—exhaustion. The sun has yet to rise and I would gladly miss this flight for a few extra hours of sleep if it weren't for school tomorrow. There's always the option of skipping class but I have a feeling Emmie won't have it since we've already missed half a week to travel down here. Not to mention, Ms. Waters will hunt me down and drag me to the studio if I attempt to miss her class. She's definitely a motivating professor, that's for sure.

"Natalie's outside their gate," Emmie says, reading the text on her phone. We've been wandering the airport with my family to kill time while Natalie and Nathan get their bags checked. They were running late and now they only have less than half an hour before they have to board the plane.

I stop and repeat what I told Mum in the car when she drove us here. "Don't overreact when you see Reina. Act natural. We don't need anyone to think you're a crazy lady for crying over a little girl you just met. It'll only bring about suspicion."

Mum huffs. "Do you see the way your son is talking to me?" she jokes with Dad, feigning offense.

Dad scoffs. "That's nothing. You should see how he talks to me back in Denver." There's a hint of playfulness in his tone but not enough to stop the tinge of guilt I feel.

We find the gate and both Natalie's and Nathan's families circle them and exchange farewells and safe wishes. Their goodbyes are short and rushed as their departure time nears. Nathan is first to notice us and he breaks away from the series of embraces from his family with Natalie and Reina close behind him.

"Sorry we're late," he says. "I know you probably wanted a little more time to say goodbye to everyone."

I shrug. "I'll take what time I can get." I just want to see my daughter one last time.

"One of these days we need to play another game of pool." He pulls me into a short hug. "I want a rematch."

"There's no need to be a sore loser," I joke.

"You wish." He walks backwards and gives me a dismissive wave. "It was really nice meeting you, Emilia. I have no doubt we'll see you again. If you're ever up for babysitting again, hit us up."

Emmie chuckles and says, "I'll keep it in mind if I'm ever back in town."

Nathan returns to his family and Natalie steps towards me with Reina attached at her hip. She looks as though she just rolled out of bed, while Reina has more energy than me in the morning. And here I thought I was a morning person.

"You're just radiating enthusiasm for your honeymoon right now," I tease.

"A little someone wasn't too happy when she saw us packing last night," Natalie says, and Reina presses her face against her mother's shoulder, hiding. "We got her to stop crying by letting her sleep in our bed with us. Nathan and I thought Reina would be upset this morning but she's excited that she's staying with her grandparents for a week. I'm pretty sure I'm more upset to leave her more than she is me."

"I think that's natural if it's the first time you're leaving her for a long period," Emmie says.

"A week will go by faster than you know it," I add.

"I shouldn't complain considering...you know," Natalie says, and I try not to think about the extended period of time I'll be away from her. Reina pulls away from her shoulder. "She's going to miss you."

I hold my hands out and Reina stretches into them. I'll never get tired of holding her. She's always so calm and comfortable in my arms to the point that I wonder if she shares the same natural connection I have with her.

Reina studies my face with a carefree grin spread across hers. "Ash-ton," she says, unable to fully pronounce the H, and we all fall into a fit of laughter. "We play?"

"We'll play again, one day. I promise."

I introduce my family to her, and Mum tries her hardest not to burst into tears at the sight of her. This isn't her ideal way of meeting her granddaughter, especially when she can't fully express her affection, but she's elated, regardless. Dad maintains his usual composure, but there's an added curve to his lips. Harry and Lauren kneel down to Reina's level and fawn over her like she's a puppy or kitten. What I love most is that Reina enjoys the attention and love from her secret family. She doesn't even know the extent of how much these people care for her.

Emmie briefly takes Reina from my arms and asks her for a hug, which Reina eagerly falls into. When Emmie hands her back, I surprise Reina with peppered kisses on every inch of her face, and I'm rewarded with her rambunctious laugh and a kiss to my cheek in return.

"I'm going to miss you, baby girl." I nearly choke on my words, but I manage to keep myself calm.

Reina grabs my face and her hands are a little sticky from God knows what. "Miss you," she says, and it takes all my willpower to hand her back over to Natalie.

Elijah and Trish remind us of the time and pry Reina away from Natalie's arms. Unlike when we babysat her, Reina isn't as upset to be separated from her parents, but I have a feeling she's going to break down once she realizes that they're not coming back for several days.

"I'm expecting weekly calls when you get back," I tell Natalie.

She chuckles. "If I know our daughter as well as I do it'll be daily."

When I reach out to embrace her, her arms are already around me. I know it won't be a while until I'll see her again, and even for someone who caused me so much pain, I'll miss her.

There's a small damp patch on my shirt and Natalie's eyes are red when I pull away. "Have a safe flight."

She rejoins Nathan, slipping her hand in his, and they slowly back away towards their gate. "You too."

They only look back once before they disappear through the gate and board their flight. Nathan's family doesn't stick around long before they leave the terminal, but Elijah and Trish do.

"Don't be a stranger, Ashton," Elijah says, but I'm only paying attention to the toddler in his arms, who's resting her cheek against his shoulder. "You're still like family, so visit us again someday."

"I will. I have a reason to come back anyway."

"I hope to see you with him, Emilia," he adds.

Emmie takes my hand. Softly, she says, "So do I."

Once Elijah and Trish have given Mum and Dad their final goodbyes, they begin walking towards the terminal exit to go home.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Emmie asks, staring forward as Reina is carried away.

Reina glances over Elijah's shoulder and waves her small hand at us. It's not a final wave goodbye but an I'll see you again wave. I highly doubt she knows the difference but she leaves me feeling hopeful and excited for the day when I'll see her in-person again.

I turn us away when they're no longer in sight and I drape my arm around Emmie's shoulders. "I'm sure," I say. "Let's go home."

______________

A/N: I think part of me doesn't want this story to end which is why it's taking me so long to update. I've had part of this chapter written for a week but I had so much trouble putting everything into words. I hope you guys liked it, though! If I plan everything right, there will only be 2 chapters left plus an epilogue. I can't believe it's almost over :(

In other news, 5sos is on the NA leg of the tour and I hope all of you who are going to see them have a wonderful time! I still have to wait until September, so that gives them plenty of time to put If You Don't Know back on the set list lol (Hit me up if you're going to the Dallas show) For all my fellow American readers, have a safe 4th of July weekend!

Also, Ashton's tattoo!!!! Bird. Wings. I'm screaming. I love him so much.

Thank you all so much for making it this far into the story and will follow through to the end with me. You make me so happy and your kind words always make my day.

I love you!!! –Rebecca xoxoxoxoxo 

P.S. I have entered Paint You Wings and Painting Flowers into the 2016 Watty Awards. It would mean so much if you guys could share this story with your friends, on social media, or even read it again (shout-out to my re-readers). Thank you!!