29. Aubrey

29

Aubrey

As I hover over Luke for the millionth time since his little escapade, adjusting his shirt and smoothing back his hair, he's blissfully handing out crumbs to Pokey.

My kid’s resilience is something else; here he is, having just turned a regular day into a heart-stopping episode of 'toddler on tour', and all he cares about is snack time with his three-legged buddy.

Emma, bless her, catches my eye with a knowing look and sidles up next to me. "I get you're shaken up," she says softly, but her eyes are all encouragement as she glances toward the door. "Why not take a walk? Clear your head a bit? I’ll keep an eye on the dude for you.”

She might as well have offered me a lifeline. "You know what? That sounds like exactly what I need," I agree, feeling the tension in my shoulders start to unwind just from the suggestion. “But are you sure you’re OK watching him? I feel like I’m already putting you off too much with babysitting duties.”

"Not at all. Been pretty boring around here, really. Happy for some toddler excitement." Emma nods, her smile reassuring. "We’ll be fine. Won’t we, Luke?" She winks at him, and Luke’s giggle is the only goodbye I need.

Stepping outside, the crisp air slaps me awake, and the peacefulness of the ranch spreads out invitingly before me. But peace is the last thing on my mind. As I walk, the quiet only amplifies the loud, nagging questions bouncing around in my head. Sean’s recent behavior, our whirlwind marriage, the truth about his fatherhood still hanging in the balance—it all swirls together into a potent cocktail of doubt.

With every step, I chew on the idea of what to do next. We haven’t told Luke yet that Sean is his dad, which now feels like a dodged bullet rather than a delayed joy. Maybe it's not too late to pull back, to reevaluate this whole 'happy family' scenario we jumped into so fast.

The path crunches under my feet, a rhythmic sound that keeps time with my turbulent thoughts. Can I really trust Sean with Luke's heart, or mine? And just when I start to think maybe I can, he goes and does something that makes me question everything all over again.

The walk doesn’t solve anything, but it gives me room to breathe, to think beyond Sean’s charming apologies and my own fears of being alone. As the ranch comes back into view, the knot in my stomach tightens.

It’s decision time, but one thing’s crystal clear—I’m not going to let anyone mess with our peace, not even Sean. If he’s in, he’s got to be all in, because Luke and I? We’re a package deal, and this package doesn’t tolerate any handling errors.

Strolling along the edge of the property, I’m about to turn back when I spot their neighbor, Annie White on her hill, looking every bit the vintage queen in her effortlessly chic ensemble. She spots me too and, with a wave that's as graceful as everything else about her, calls me over.

I trot up the hill, curious about what gourmet adventure might await. "Hey, Annie!" I call out as I get closer.

She greets me with her usual warm smile. "Aubrey, just the person I wanted to see!" she exclaims, her eyes twinkling. "I was just about to bring over some homemade treats to your family. How about doing me a huge favor and being my quality control first?"

Her offer is music to my taste buds, and I can’t help but laugh. "Quality control? That sounds like a responsibility I can handle," I reply, grinning.

"Excellent!" Annie claps her hands lightly, pleased. "Come on in, then. Let’s see if these treats pass the test."

Stepping into Annie White’s home feels like walking into a magazine spread titled “Eclectic Elegance.” The interior is a fascinating mix of the old and the new, where vintage charm meets modern chic. A plush, teal velvet sofa under a cluster of abstract paintings creates a bold statement in the living room, while a sleek, ultra-modern coffee table sits comfortably next to an antique floor lamp that looks like it could tell stories from a bygone era.

Annie leads me through her vibrant home to the kitchen, the heart of her culinary universe. It’s spacious and welcoming, with sunlight streaming through large windows onto polished concrete floors.

The countertops are a pristine white, hosting an array of baking tools that look both well-used and lovingly cared for. There’s a large island in the center where she has laid out an assortment of treats—decadent chocolate ganache tarts, airy lemon meringue cupcakes, and rich, buttery scones dotted with fresh blueberries.

As I sample a tart, the rich chocolate practically melting on my tongue, Annie watches me with a thoughtful expression. After a moment, she speaks up, her voice gentle but probing. "You seemed deep in thought out there on the walk. Everything alright?"

I hesitate, not wanting to unload on her, but she continues, "It’s none of my business, of course, but I’ve always found that a bit of tea and a good chat can do wonders for the soul."

I chuckle, the warmth in her tone making it impossible to resist confiding in her. "I don’t want to be a burden, Annie."

"Nonsense," she waves me off, already setting about preparing the tea. "Consider me your unofficial therapist for the afternoon."

Grateful for her kindness, I smile and agree, "Okay, you’re on."

As we sip our tea, the warmth of the kitchen and the calmness of Annie's presence encourage me to open up about the whirlwind that is my life with Sean. "I love him, I really do," I start, the words feeling both freeing and heavy to say out loud. "But it feels like there's always some kind of chaos swirling around him."

Annie listens, her expression thoughtful, encouraging me to continue.

"It's just... I grew up in a family where chaos was the norm—alcohol, drugs, infidelity. It was like constantly walking on eggshells." I shake my head, the memories bitter. "I promised myself that wouldn’t be the life for my son. I don’t want Luke growing up in that kind of environment."

The room is quiet for a moment, save for the gentle clink of our tea cups. Annie sets her cup down, her gaze sympathetic yet sharp.

"It's a tough spot you’re in," she acknowledges. "Loving someone means sometimes seeing the best and worst of them. But you’re right to consider Luke in all this. The question is, can Sean be the partner and father you both need him to be without repeating those patterns?"

I nod, the dilemma clear but the solution murky. "Exactly. I mean, does he get a grace period to prove he can change, or do I take my son and go before things possibly go south? It’s like, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Annie’s hand is warm on mine, grounding me as she delivers a nugget of wisdom I can't ignore. "It’s really up to you, Aubrey. But remember, grace is its own kind of power—if you see real effort and change. Trust your instincts. You’ve built something stable and joyful for yourself and Luke. Don't let anyone shake that up without good reason."

I'm nodding before I know it, grateful for her insight. "You’re right. I’ve seen apologies before, but it’s the follow-through that matters. Actions need to match up with those pretty words," I reply, thinking about Sean and his recent confessions.

Annie’s gaze is understanding, almost like she’s been here herself. "Exactly. And you know the sports world—how injuries can mess with someone’s head, especially when it’s their whole world."

"Yeah, his injury hit him hard. And I get that, I really do," I say, sighing softly. "I want to support him, but not at the expense of our little bubble of calm. Luke and I, we can’t afford to get caught up in endless storms."

She nods, squeezing my hand gently. "Support him, sure, but keep your eyes open. It’s great he’s opening up now, but keep watching. Promises are just air if they aren’t backed up by real steps."

I chuckle, feeling a bit lighter. "Thanks, Annie. It’s nice to get a fresh perspective, especially one as level-headed as yours. I guess now it’s about waiting and watching, huh? See if his deeds start singing the same tune as his words."

"That’s how you’ll know," Annie confirms with a wise nod. "And don’t forget, you’ve got a whole squad here in Cedar Creek rooting for you. You’re not in this solo."

After pouring my heart out, I feel a bit lighter. Annie checks her watch and sighs, ready to hustle. "I’d better scoot. Jack will work straight through lunch and dinner if no one stops him. Man’s a workhorse."

I can't help but notice the softness in her voice when she talks about Jack, and it gives me a little chuckle inside. But I keep my teasing to myself. "Sounds like he could use a personal timer or something," I joke as we stand.

Annie chuckles, shaking her head. "You don't know the half of it. He's as stubborn as they come. Come on, I’ll drive you back to the ranch. It's on my way, and I could use the company."

Grinning, I accept her offer with a nod. "You’re a gem, Annie. Thanks a bunch."

As we walk to her car, the sun feels warmer, and Annie's easy company lifts my mood. Maybe, just maybe, with folks like Annie around, I can navigate whatever comes my way—Sean's drama included.