Begin Again

Chapter 16

Mack POV - July 2024

"Mommy! Look it's the-the- what's it called again?"

I chuckle, "Eiffel tower, baby."

She grins, "Eiffel tower!"

I smile and set Riley down, "Say cheese, baby."

"CHEESE!" She smiles and I snap a photo of her then quickly send it to Alex.

I scoop her up, "Have fun, baby?"

She smiles and nods.

My phone buzzes and I quickly answer it.

"Hello?"

"Hello beautiful girlfriend of mine!"

I chuckle, "You're too sweet."

"I just love you. Anyways, what're you up to?" She asks.

I shake my head, "Just exploring Paris."

She clicks her tongue, "Ah, yeah, it's beautiful, huh?"

I nod and let Riley down and watch her run around the park.

"Yeah, it is, the architecture, the city, I love it."

"Hm I'm looking at something beautiful too." She says.

"Oh? Where are you?" I ask.

I watch as Riley pauses and smiles, then takes off past me, "Mama!"

I turn around and see Alex, who scoops up Riley and hugs her.

I smile and shake my head.

I put my phone in my pocket and walk over.

"Watching my family. That's my answer to your question. Well, but we're missing Charlie, but you-"

I lean in and press a kiss to her lips.

I pull away, "You were rambling."

She smiles, "Ugh. I missed you two."

"We missed you, mama! Look at the tower!" Riley says and points.

"It's big, right?" Alex asks.

She nods and turns back, "Where's Charlie?"

She sighs, "She's with her daddy. We will see her later."

I watch her think about it, "Oh. Okay."

She looks down and I sigh.

Alex kneels down, "Hey, Ry? Are you missing Charlie?"

She looks up and has tears in her eyes.

"Yeah."

Alex opens her arms and Riley wraps her arms around her.

"I miss her too when she's not with me, but we will see her for dinner tonight."

Riley nods and Alex stands up, holding her.

Alex presses a kiss to her head and looks at me, "What?"

I shake my head and smile, "Nothing. How was media?"

We start walking, "Annoying, but done. Just so many expectations."

I nod, "I've been reading, listening to podcasts."

"It's a lot of pressure. I just want everyone to chill out."

I nod and grab her hand, "They will once you guys start proving them wrong."

She smiles, "You always know how to make me feel better."

I pull her hand to my lips, "It's my job."

"How long do we have you this morning?" I ask.