17. Sean

17

Sean

Monday's rolled around faster than a breakaway during overtime, and here we are, the three of us—Aubrey, Luke in his dapper little tux that's probably cuter than anything in my entire wardrobe, and me—headed to the courthouse.

The reality of what we're about to do is buzzing through me like pre-game jitters. I'm about to get married. A marriage of convenience isn't exactly how I pictured settling down, but it will ensure that Luke is recognized as legitimate within the community, removing any stigma associated with being born out of wedlock—most importantly, it’s God’s plan for families. And, quite frankly, with Aubrey and Luke, it feels right somehow.

Luke's in the backseat, making those toy cars work overtime on his lap, blissfully unaware that his parents are about to make their makeshift family official in the eyes of the law. Aubrey uses the car ride to lay down the groundwork for our future.

"Sean, you know this isn't just about us, right? You've got to pull your weight, especially with your image rehab," she says, her voice firm but not unkind. She's serious, her eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror, a silent promise of partnership if I'm willing to meet her halfway.

"I know, Aube. And I'm all in," I assure her, my voice steady. "Getting my act together is top of the list. I mean, come on, I'm getting a beautiful wife and the best little guy a man could ask for out of the deal." I glance back at Luke, who's now trying to get his toy car to fly. "Plus, a shot at the NHL comeback? It's a no-brainer. I'd be an idiot not to take this seriously."

She smiles at that, a softening around her eyes that tells me she's heard the sincerity in my words. "Just making sure. We're in this together, but I need to know you're not going to backslide the moment things get tough."

"Backslide?" I feign offense, placing a hand over my heart. "Aubrey, you wound me. I'm turning over a new leaf, remember? You and Luke are my motivation to make everything work. Besides, having you by my side? I'm pretty sure I can take on the world."

Aubrey laughs, the sound bright and free, easing the tension that's been building up. "Alright, Mr. Confident. Let's just get through today, okay? One step at a time."

As we pull up to the courthouse, my heart's racing with a cocktail of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and an overwhelming sense of rightness. This might not be the conventional path to family and redemption, but with Aubrey and Luke, it feels exactly where I'm meant to be.

Stepping out of the car, I reach back to help Luke out, his little hand gripping mine with trust. Aubrey joins us, her hand finding its way into my other one, and together, we walk towards the courthouse, a united front ready to face whatever comes our way.

As we near the courthouse, ready to take the leap that'll officially start our new life together, a truck pulls up, disrupting the calm of the morning. In the back, Pokey, the world's most charming three-legged dog, barks a greeting, his tail wagging in what seems like approval of our big day.

"Looks like we've got our witness," I quip, nodding towards Pokey, whose enthusiastic barks fill the air with a sense of joy and anticipation.

The door swings open, and out jumps Emma, her excitement palpable. "Papa Jack and everyone are getting a big BBQ ready for tonight to celebrate!" she announces, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the surprise.

My gaze drifts back to Aubrey, and for a moment, everything else fades into the background. She's wearing this dress she picked out over the weekend, a piece that accentuates every curve and line of her in a way that has my heart racing and my mind reeling.

The way it hugs her, the softness of the fabric against her skin, it's like she's stepped out of a dream and into this very real moment with me. She's breathtaking, a vision of beauty and grace, and the thought that she's choosing to stand by my side, to intertwine her life with mine, fills me with a sense of awe and gratitude I can barely contain.

Thinking about Luke, our little man, I'm reminded of the conversation we had over the weekend, explaining to him in the simplest terms what was happening. His reaction, pure and uncomplicated joy at the idea of having me around more, was a balm to any lingering doubts I might have had.

"More Uncle Sean!" he had cheered, and in that moment, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we were building something beautiful here.

Aubrey and I haven't told Luke yet that I'm his dad. "A little bit at a time," she had said, her wisdom shining through in her patience and care. And she's right.

As we prepare to step into the courthouse, with Emma and Pokey in tow, I'm struck by the beauty of this moment, of this life we're choosing to build together.

"Ready to make it official?" I ask, my voice steady but filled with emotion as I squeeze Aubrey's hand.

She smiles, her eyes meeting mine with a love and resolve that mirrors my own. "Let's do this."

***

The ranch is alive with a kind of electric energy you usually only find in the final minutes of a tied game. Our big dinner to celebrate the wedding is in full swing, the table set with enough food to feed a minor league team and then some. I'm still riding the high from the courthouse, the weight of the wedding band on my finger a constant reminder of the day's events.

Blaze and Blake, my twin brothers and the Ice family's contributions to the NHL's superstar roster, are back in town, adding to the day's excitement. Their presence always turns heads, even here at home, where they learned to skate on our frozen pond.

Blaze, ever the "bad" twin with a reputation that precedes him like a heat-seeking missile, is holding court at the end of the table.

"Remember that time in Vegas when—" Blaze's hand swoops dangerously close to his water glass, his animated gestures threatening to send it toppling across the white tablecloth. His eyes sparkle with mischief, the way they always do before he launches into one of his infamous tales.

"Keep it PG-13, brother. There are little ears at this table," I warn, shooting a pointed look at the kids gathered around us.

"Please, like they haven't heard worse at school." His trademark smirk widens as he leans forward, elbows planted firmly on the table. "So anyway, there we were at the Bellagio—"

"Blaze." I inject enough steel into my voice to make him pause.

"Fine, fine. Did I ever tell you kids about scoring the game-winning goal against Toronto instead?" He pivots smoothly, never missing a beat.

The cousins lean in, eyes wide with excitement, their half-eaten plates forgotten as they hang on his every word. I shake my head, fighting back a grin. Some things never change—like Blaze holding court with his carefully curated road stories, each one polished to perfection through countless retellings.

Blake, the more even-keeled of the twins, is chatting with Emma and Rand, discussing the ranch's latest improvements. His broad shoulders are relaxed against the chair as he leans in, gesturing with one hand to emphasize his points while his other hand cradles his half-empty drink. He's got that focused look he gets when he's truly invested in a conversation, brows slightly furrowed and blue eyes intent, the same expression he wears on the ice right before making a game-winning play.

It's the subtle tells that give away how seriously he takes the ranch's success, even though he spends most of the year away playing professional hockey. Unlike Blaze's dramatic flair, Blake's dedication shows in these quiet moments, in the way he studies the property maps Emma's spread across the table and asks intelligent questions about her future plans.

"Have you considered expanding the riding trails toward the north property line?" Blake traces a path on the map with his finger. "That ridge would give tourists a hell of a view of the valley."

"Already in progress." Emma beams, tapping another section of the map. "But wait until you hear the best part—we're adding rest stations with therapy animals. Picture mini petting zoos along the trail."

"Therapy goats on a ridge?" Blake's eyebrows shoot up, but his eyes crinkle with amusement. "Ambitious, little sister."

"Hey, those goats are more sure-footed than your hockey players," Emma shoots back. "And twice as graceful on ice."

Rand chuckles. "She's got you there, Blake."

"The goats also smell better than hockey players," Emma adds with a grin.

"Now that's just slander." Blake clutches his chest in mock offense, but his eyes remain fixed on the property plans. "What about winter operations? These stations will need proper shelter, heating..."

"Already mapped out." Emma slides another document his way. "I may be the baby of the family, but I do occasionally know what I'm doing."

"Occasionally?" Blake's expression softens as he studies the detailed plans. "Em, this is impressive as hell. Dad's going to love this."

Emma straightens, pride evident in her posture. "Really? Because I was thinking we could add a hockey-themed petting zoo section just for you and Blaze. You know, teach the goats to headbutt on command?"

"Very funny." Blake takes a slow sip, fighting back a smile. "But seriously, this could be a game-changer for the resort. You've thought of everything."

"Almost everything," Emma corrects, pointing to a blank space on the map. "I still need my favorite brother's input on this section."

"Don't let Blaze hear you calling me your favorite."

"Please, we all know Blaze is too busy being his own favorite to notice."

The familiar rhythm of family banter fills the room, each of us falling into place as effortlessly as ever.

"Can't believe you roped her into this, man," Blaze says, tossing me a look that's half-admiring, half-disbelieving, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "She's got the patience of a saint. Lord knows the rest of us wouldn't put up with your stubborn ass for more than a weekend."

Blake chimes in with a laugh, clinking his glass against mine, the warmth in his expression a stark contrast to his twin's teasing. "Or the craziness to match yours, Sean. Maybe that's what you needed all along - someone who can give as good as she gets. Congratulations, brother. We're happy for you."

Emma smiles warmly at Aubrey and me. "This is really wonderful. We're all so happy you're officially part of the family now, Aubrey."

Rand, looking significantly more sober than the last time Aubrey saw him, adds, "Yeah, welcome to the circus. Don't let Blaze scare you off."

Blaze smirks, unrepentant. "Hey, every family needs a black sheep. Keeps things interesting."

The kids, oblivious to the adult banter, are creating their own world of chaos. Luke and Annie's granddaughter, Kenya, are embroiled in some serious business involving a toy farm set, their little hands moving plastic animals with intense concentration while they debate the proper placement of each animal in urgent whispers.

"No, the cowsie goes in the red barn!" Luke moves the plastic animal with determination.

"Nooo, that's where the horsie lives." The little girl clutches the brown stallion to her chest.

"But look, there's hay! Cowsies need hay more."

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

Pokey's mismatched eyes follow their urgent negotiations, his tail thumping steadily against the hardwood as he maintains his position as referee.

"Fine. Cowsie can share with horsie." Luke places both animals in the barn together.

"Okay, but horsie gets the comfy corner."

Ah, the art of negotiation—and the instinctual need to have the last word. It’s almost like it’s woven into the fabric of being female—and I must admit, I’m glad they’ve got it down.

Jake, balancing Violet on his lap, looks over at me with a knowing grin. "So, Uncle Sean, feeling any different now that you're a married man?"

"Different? Maybe a little. Excited? Absolutely." I lean back, the satisfaction of the day settling in deep. "I think I just realized there are a lot more people to put up with,” I joke, drawing laughter from around the table, including a rare chuckle from Alton, Aubrey's big brother, who’s been watching with an appreciative smile.

“I'll drink to that,” Alton replies, raising his glass and tipping it toward me. “But seriously, Sean, it’s great to see you so happy. Welcome to the family.”

From her corner, Savannah, polished and poised, chimes in, “You and my girl mesh perfectly; family is an energy you can’t fake. Just wait until the kids start spilling the family secrets at the holidays.”

At that moment, Sadie strides in, pretending to be the nice cousin, a playful glare on her face. “What secrets? I hope it’s not about that time Sean thought his dance moves would impress us all at Uncle Jack’s party!”

“The only moves I need to impress anyone are on the rink, thank you very much,” I counter, laughter erupting around the table again as the warmth of family envelops us.

Time goes by without our notice, conversation flowing as easily as the drinks, until the warmth of the evening envelops us in the comfort of family togetherness.

The ranch feels more like home than ever before. Aubrey, radiant and somehow already part of the fabric of our chaotic family, is engaging with everyone, her laughter mixing seamlessly with the rest. I can't help but watch her, admiration and something a lot like awe filling me. She's incredible, fitting into the Ice family puzzle like she was always meant to be here.

Meanwhile, Luke, in his role as the protector of his newfound cousin, Violet, showcases a level of care that melts my heart. Every time Violet's laughter turns to tears, Luke is there, a tiny guardian ensuring her world is right again. It's moments like these that reinforce just how much Luke is my son, his actions echoing the protective instincts I feel deep inside.

The table is a spread fit for hockey royalty, laden with all the fixings of a massive BBQ. We're talking ribs that fall off the bone, grilled to perfection; chicken slathered in a homemade BBQ sauce that Dad swears by; heaps of coleslaw and potato salad, creamy and tangy in all the right ways; and, of course, corn on the cob, buttered and lightly salted, steaming in their husks.

As plates are passed and the feast begins in earnest, Pops, the patriarch of our wild bunch, stands, glass in hand, commanding the room with that natural authority of his. The chatter quiets down, all eyes on him.

"Family," he begins, his voice carrying the warmth and strength that's guided us through thick and thin, "today, we've got a lot to celebrate. Not just Sean and Aubrey joining their lives together, but the spirit of family that brings us all here tonight. This," he gestures around the table, "is what life's all about. Love, laughter, and the occasional chaos," he adds with a wink, earning a round of chuckles.

Annie leans in slightly, her eyes sparkling as she hangs on every word he says, a shy smile creeping across her face—a family secret we all know about her crush on Pops.

"To Sean and Aubrey," Pops continues, his gaze settling on us with a twinkle of pride, "may your journey together be filled with the same joy, resilience, and unconditional support that this family has always stood for. You're embarking on a wonderful adventure, and we're all here to cheer you on, every step of the way."

Raising his glass higher, Pop’s voice rings out, "To new beginnings, to love that binds, and to family—both given and chosen. Cheers!"

The echo of "Cheers!" fills the space, glasses raised in a unified salute, the sense of belonging and shared happiness palpable in the air.

As I look around at the faces of those I love, I'm struck by a profound sense of gratitude. Each smile, each pair of eyes meeting mine holds a story - a shared memory, a moment of connection that's woven into the fabric of who we are as a family. The warmth in my chest grows with each passing second, reminding me just how fortunate I am to be here, surrounded by such unwavering love and support.