Chapter 95 Celeste
Celeste's POV
“Wow, there are so many fish.” Levi was amazed to see the colorful fish swimming in the pool.
“We haven't swum in this pool yet,” Liam said, pointing to the water. “Someday, when I swim there, I'll definitely remember those fish.”
“I don't know of any fishing spots around here, and even if there were, we couldn't go there.” Alpha Eiden handed the fishing rods to Liam and Levi. “Or you guys go without me.”
“We’re not going there,” Liam said as he studied the worms in the bucket before picking one up and threading it onto his hook.
“I like your idea of fishing in the pool.” Liam lifted his head to meet Alpha Eiden’s gaze, a wide grin on his face.
“I’m relieved to hear that.” Alpha Eiden nodded with a shy smile.
I sat down on a lounge chair near the pool. Not interested in fishing.
I prefer watching people's reactions when their patience runs out waiting for the fish to take the bait, and the celebration when they catch one.
Liam and Levi were already sitting on folding chairs by the pool. Meanwhile, Alpha Eiden hadn't yet picked up the worms in the bucket.
“Have you never fished before?” I asked him.
Alpha Eiden turned to me with a shake of his head. “No.”
“So this will be your first time fishing?”
“Yes,” Alpha Eiden nodded. “I’m not sure which worm I should use to catch fish.”
“Choose any one. The fish in the pool will eat any of the worms in that bucket,” I said.
“Oh, I see.” Alpha Eiden looked back at the bucket. “I’ll choose one.”
I suppressed a smile while watching Alpha Eiden hesitate before picking up the worm and threading it onto his hook. His face lit up as he’d just won the lottery.
“Aren't you going to get burned?” Alpha Eiden suddenly asked me. “I should have bought an umbrella.”
“I won't get burned.” I shook my head. “I've already applied sunscreen to my face, hands, and feet.”
“Ah, I forgot we have sunscreen.”
“You should use sunscreen,” I said, then glanced at the sun. “But it’s not too hot since winter is coming soon. It probably won't burn the skin as much.”
“Yeah, I think so.” Alpha Eiden’s brow furrowed as he examined his hands. “I don’t feel burned.”
“Hopefully your skin won't burn later.”
“Thank you for your concern.” Alpha Eiden smiled handsomely.
My heart skipped a beat. By the Moon Goddess, I wasn't going to find out why that happened.
“Hey, kids. Have you applied sunscreen?” Alpha Eiden sat between Liam and Levi.
“Yes, I have.” Both boys nodded in unison.
“Good, good.” Alpha Eiden nodded twice. “Are you guys ready?”
“I’m ready!” Liam nodded enthusiastically.
“I’m going to catch a lot of fish!” Levi shouted.
"You have good spirits, kids." Alpha Eiden chuckled, and then I gasped slightly in surprise when he turned around. "Please pray for me to win this race."
I stared, blinking in surprise. A second later, my heart pounded and my cheeks burned. I cursed myself for reacting so strangely.
"Mommy should pray for me to win," Liam spoke before I could respond to Alpha Eiden.
"Mommy, just pray for me." Levi didn't want me to choose anyone else but him.
“Hey, why are you guys asking Celeste for prayers, too? I asked her first.” Alpha Eiden shamelessly displayed his childishness.
“Mommy loves us more,” Levi said.
“That’s right. Mommy won’t pray for you,” Liam said, shooting Alpha Eiden an annoyed look.
I smiled widely. They were so cute. Why were they arguing over such a trivial matter?
“Hey, stop it.” I clapped my hands twice. “Go ahead and start fishing,” I said, and they immediately cast their lines into the pool.
I lay on the lounger, watching them, letting the sun warm me.
I wasn’t in a bikini—just a short-sleeved shirt and long pants, with sunglasses perched on my nose.
I don't really like wearing bikinis, especially in front of men, even if I know them well.
Alpha Eiden chatted with my sons. They laughed occasionally. Day by day, their closeness grew more apparent.
Was it true that Alpha Eiden is willing to be Levi's stepfather?
Oh, Moon Goddess, I shouldn't be thinking about that.
Alpha Eiden just wanted Liam to acknowledge him as his father.
Our relationship is good now. We just needed to keep it that way.
“Yay, I caught a fish!” Levi held his catch high.
“Wow, congratulations!” I shouted. “You did great.” I gave him a thumbs up.
“I won’t let you win.” Liam shook his head. He focused even more on the pool.
“Wow, I want to experience the thrill of catching a fish.” Alpha Eiden envied Levi.
Levi put the fish in the bucket.
Benedict often took Liam and Levi fishing, so they were used to waiting for hours for the fish to bite.
I no longer feel sad when I think of Benedict. Now, a smile fills my face whenever I think of him.
Liam and Levi were sad when Alpha Eiden invited them fishing, but only briefly, and they didn't even mention Benedict.
I don't know if they've moved on, are trying not to be sad, or are simply happy to have Alpha Eiden.
Without Alpha Eiden realizing it, he's become a part of our lives.
In the afternoon, we grilled the fish.
During the hour and a half of fishing, Liam caught three fish, Levi two, and Alpha Eiden one.
“Is fishing fun or frustrating?” I asked Alpha Eiden.
“Fishing is fun, but also frustrating. I’m tired and can’t wait for the fish to take my bait.” Alpha Eiden sighed.
“But eating fish you caught yourself is tastier, right?” Liam raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, that’s true, even though I don’t really like fish,” Alpha Eiden replied.
“Fish don’t fill you up,” Levi complained. “But they’re delicious.”
“Eat ten fish to feel full,” Liam suggested to Levi.
“I don't really like fish.” Levi pushed his empty plate away from him. “Sometimes they smell fishy and have a lot of bones. It makes my throat hurt.” He touched his neck with a frown.
“You have to be more careful when eating fish so you don’t swallow the bones,” I said gently. Levi grinned and nodded.
"Then what are you going to do with the fish in the pool? What if they die?" Liam worried about the fish that didn't take their bait.
"My warriors are catching all the fish." Alpha Eiden glanced toward the backyard, checking to see if his warriors were still carrying out his orders.
"Do you want to take the fish home?" Alpha Eiden looked at us. "I don't know who will eat them."
“Okay.” I nodded twice. “I’ll take the fish and make fish sandwiches tomorrow.” Both my sons agreed.
“It’s going to be winter soon.” Levi brought up a topic he was currently interested in. “Will the pool freeze over?”
“I don’t think so.” Alpha Eiden shook his head. “The temperatures aren’t as extreme in winter here, but don’t worry, you’ll still find some snow piled up.”
“Whoa.” Liam and Levi’s eyes lit up.
“But experts say there will be many snowstorms and rising temperatures. This area might experience them too,” Alpha Eiden said.
"There's a good chance the swimming pool will freeze over." Liam and Levi cheered at that.
They happily discussed winter and planned various things they would do.
I smiled at them, who had forgotten about me. Yeah, I chose not to join their conversation. It was one way to keep Liam from feeling constantly awkward around Alpha Eiden.