Chapter 338: Irresistibly Charming (Part 2)
“Forget it. You go ahead on the motorcycle. I’ve got to meet my mother’s doctor today.” Aidan made up an excuse—his pride wouldn’t let him stay.
“Aidan, let’s just go together. You can see the doctor afterward,” Alison pleaded.
“No need. I only planned to drive you to the pool, not swim,” he said firmly.
“Aidan, I’m sorry,” she murmured, already regretting last night’s impulsive invitation.
“It’s fine, Alison. I’ll head off,” he said, starting the car without even saying goodbye to the kids.
“Mommy, why did Godfather leave?” Ethan asked, confused.
Alison turned, her face full of apology. “He had something to take care of at home, so he had to go early.”
“Mommy, hurry! I wanna go to the pool!” Ethan urged.
Watching the two little ones squeezed together in front of Gabriel on the motorcycle, she found herself wishing they were his children.
She shook her head hard, trying to banish the thought.
“Alison, hurry. We’ll stop by to get helmets first,” Gabriel said.
“Mommy, I want a blue one!” Sophia shouted.
“Then I want red!” Ethan added quickly.
Alison walked over, grabbed the car frame for balance, and climbed onto the seat behind Gabriel.
“Alison, hold my waist—and keep the kids steady. That way they’ll be safe,” Gabriel instructed.
“Okay.” She wrapped her arms around Gabriel and the children, pulling everyone close together.
The motorcycle roared to life and rolled forward.
“Godfather, can we ride every week from now on?” Ethan asked eagerly.
“Sure—but promise you’ll behave and not make Mommy angry,” Gabriel replied.
“We never make Mommy angry! She just hasn’t been paying attention to us lately,” Ethan blurted out.
Alison’s cheeks burned.
“Alison, you’re slacking as a mom,” Gabriel teased, his tone half-gentle, half-mocking.
“Stop, Ethan. It’s windy—we’ll talk later,” Alison said quickly.
“Mommy! I didn’t say anything wrong—you haven’t paid attention to me or Sophia in forever!” Ethan complained.
“Shh. No talking on the motorcycle, or Godfather won’t take you next time,” Gabriel cut in smoothly, noticing Alison’s discomfort.
Ethan stuck out his tongue but fell quiet.
Alison leaned her head against Gabriel’s back and closed her eyes.
The motorcycle slowed to a gentle stop.
“Where are we?” she asked, blinking.
“Helmet shop. Hop off,” Gabriel said.
“Sir, how can I help you?” a clerk called out, stepping forward.
“Three helmets—two child sizes and one adult,” Gabriel replied.
“I want blue!” Sophia said brightly.
“And me! Red!” Ethan chimed in.
The clerk led them to a row of helmets and let them browse.
Alison and Gabriel trailed after the kids.
“What about that yellow one, Alison?” Gabriel asked.
“Not bad,” she agreed.
Gabriel turned to the clerk. “We’ll take this one.”
Soon, the kids had picked out helmets that fit perfectly.
The clerk smiled warmly at Sophia and Ethan.
“Mr. Laroche, your children are adorable! Are they twins?” he asked.
“Yes, we’re twins!” Ethan answered proudly.
“Good boy—you look just like your dad, especially those eyes,” the clerk remarked offhandedly.
The words hit Alison like a spark.
“And your wife’s beautiful too, Mr. Laroche! Out early for some family fun?” the clerk added cheerfully.
Alison’s face flamed red.
“He—he’s not—” she began, but Gabriel cut in smoothly, stepping closer. “Yeah, we’re going swimming together.”
“Then don’t forget swimsuits! There’s a shop just around the corner—sells adult and kid sizes, even swim rings,” the clerk reminded them.
“Thanks, we’ll check it out,” Gabriel said evenly.
After paying, he led Alison and the children back outside.