30. Sean

30

Sean

"Aubrey cooled down a bit when I explained those damn herbal pills, but man, I looked like a real jerk. I'm scared she might think I'm not cut out for this... family thing."

The sun is a blaze overhead, relentless, as Jake and I toss hay bales onto the truck, the sweat beading on my forehead not just from the heat. I’m feeling lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut, stewing in yesterday’s disaster. I shoot Jake a sideways glance, needing to offload some of this guilt.

Jake pauses, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. He gives me a look, the kind that says he’s about to lay it out straight.

"Sean, you know you’re a good guy, and I know it, 'cause I've seen you in action all our lives – your shenanigans these last few years not withstanding. But Aubrey? She's new to our world, man, and she’s got Luke to think about. She might just decide you're more trouble than you're worth if you don't clean up your act."

His words hit hard, a punch to the gut. I stab the pitchfork into the hay, leaning on it. "I know, I know. It’s just... it’s not like I’m trying to mess up. It just happens, y'know?"

Jake tosses another bale, his expression serious. "Yeah, but now you’ve got more at stake. Luke and Aubrey—they need to trust you, Sean. You can’t afford slip-ups like yesterday. It's time to show her the Sean that can be a husband and a dad, not just a party guy."

I nod, absorbing his words. It's a sobering thought. "You're right. I’ve got to be better. For them. No more herbal experiments or dodging the truth."

Jake claps me on the shoulder, his grip firm. "That’s the spirit. You've got this, man. Just keep it straight, show her the real Sean—the one who wants to make things right."

***

The practice rink is my sanctuary and my torture chamber today. Every stride, every shot has my shoulder screaming, but I grind through the pain. The old Sean would've popped a pill—herbal, pharmaceutical, whatever—to numb it all. But that Sean's on ice. Now, I’m playing a longer game, one where Luke and Aubrey are the prize. No temporary fixes. I’m doing this clean.

Driving back from practice, there's a devil on my shoulder whispering about a cold beer to take the edge off. I grimace, grip the steering wheel tighter, and drive past the turnoff to the bar. It’s not worth the risk. Instead, I fish out my phone, hitting Aubrey’s number on speed dial. She picks up after a couple of rings, her voice a balm to my aching body.

"Hey, got plans tonight?" I ask, trying to keep my voice light.

She hesitates, a bit cautious. "I don’t know, Sean. What are you thinking?"

I can almost hear her raising an eyebrow. "Trust me, it’s worth it. How about a surprise at sunset? But we need to move soon."

There's a pause on the line, and I hold my breath. "Okay," she finally says, curiosity piqued. "I’m intrigued."

"Perfect!" I say, a grin spreading across my face. "I’ll text Emma to watch Luke. Just wear something comfortable."

As I hang up, a thrill runs through me. This has to be perfect. Aubrey’s given me a second shot here, and I’m not about to blow it.

I pull up to the house just as the sun starts to tip toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the yard. The excitement of the evening bubbles inside me like a well-shaken soda. Aubrey's waiting on the porch, her silhouette framed perfectly by the fading light.

"Hey there," I greet as I hop out of the truck, my steps quick as I meet her halfway.

"Hi," Aubrey replies, a curious twinkle in her eye. She's dressed casually but somehow manages to look stunning in simple jeans and a blouse. It knocks the breath from me every time. "You look amazing," I can't help but blurt out, and her cheeks tint with a soft blush.

"Thank you," she laughs, shaking her head slightly as if my compliment is both appreciated and a little embarrassing.

We head inside to say goodbye to Luke, who's in the middle of a superhero puzzle with Emma. "Hey, buddy, your mommy and I are going out for a little while," I explain, squatting down to his level.

"Okay, Uncle Sean!" Luke chirps without looking up, completely engrossed in his task. His casual acceptance of my presence in their lives still warms me more than I can say.

"Be good, okay? Emma’s in charge," I add, ruffling his hair.

"Will do!" He gives me a quick nod, then turns back to his puzzle, determined to place every piece.

I straighten up and catch Emma's eye, offering her a grateful smile. "Thanks for watching him tonight, Emma. Really appreciate it."

"Of course, Sean. We’re going to have a great time," she assures me, her tone light and easy.

I'm already out of the truck and rounding to her side before Aubrey has the chance to click her seatbelt loose. The thrill of the evening's surprise has my heart beating a tattoo against my ribs.

"Ready for our adventure?" I ask, unable to keep the grin from my face.

Her brows knit together, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "You're killing me here, Sean. Where are we going?"

"Just trust me," I say, guiding her with a hand at the small of her back. We wind down a country road until the balloon ride center comes into view, its bright colors stark against the evening sky.

Aubrey’s reaction is instant, her mouth parting in a mix of surprise and apprehension. "A hot air balloon? Sean, I’m... I’m not great with heights."

I lean in close, my voice a low promise. "Just wait until you see the views from up there. You’ll forget you ever had a fear of heights."

She laughs, a bit nervously, but there’s trust there too. "Okay, I’ll hold you to that."

Her hand finds mine, squeezing it tight as we approach the balloon, the woven basket looking all the more inviting against the sprawling backdrop of the sunset. "This is definitely a surprise," she admits, her voice a mix of excitement and nerves.

"Life’s too short for boring dates," I quip, helping her into the basket with an ease that speaks of many more evenings like this to come, if I'm lucky.

The ground crew gives us the all-clear, and soon we're lifting off, the world falling away beneath us. Aubrey's grip tightens on mine, but her eyes are wide, taking in the sprawling vistas as the balloon climbs higher.

"See? Not so scary when you're up here with me," I tease gently, pulling her closer against my side.

She relaxes incrementally, her head eventually finding a resting place against my shoulder. "This is incredible, Sean," she breathes out, wonder lacing her tone.

As the balloon lifts off, the view unfolds like a masterpiece painting, each patch of the landscape a brushstroke of nature's art. Below us, our ranch sprawls majestically, its boundaries blending into the quilted farmlands and neighboring estates.

"Check this out," I say, sweeping my hand towards the horizon where the sunset paints the sky in a riot of colors—bold oranges, fiery pinks, and soothing purples.

Cedar Creek twinkles into view, its lights flickering like stars come down to rest. "Feels like we're on top of the world, doesn't it?" I tease, watching Aubrey as she leans in, her earlier fears forgotten amidst the breathtaking spectacle.

We touch down as the day gives way to dusk, the thrill of our ascent still buzzing through our veins. From there, I whisk her off to dinner at a local gem known for its rustic vibe and killer cuisine.

As we dig into our meal, I lean in, intrigued. "So, tell me, Aubrey, what's the story behind you diving into the world of PR?"

She smiles, a glint in her eye. "Well, I've always had a knack for spinning stories. Grew up in a house full of drama and secrets, figured I might as well make a career out of managing chaos."

"That’s pretty clever," I chuckle. "You’re like a professional storyteller then, shaping narratives, selling dreams."

"Something like that," she laughs, her enthusiasm lighting up her face. "Every client’s a new adventure, every project a chance to set the record straight or build something memorable."

We're in the car, the night air rich with the scent of freedom and possibility, when I flash her a mischievous grin. "The night's still young, and I've got one more high-flying trick up my sleeve."

Aubrey's puzzled, her eyes flickering with curiosity as we pull up to the airport. "What are you up to, Sean?"

"Just trust me," I say, helping her out of the car. We walk towards a waiting helicopter, its blades whirring softly in the cool evening breeze. Aubrey's excitement is palpable, mixed with a hint of nervous anticipation.

As we lift off, Chicago begins to unfold below us. The city at night is a spectacle of lights and shadows, skyscrapers like sentinels watching over the urban expanse. The view from above is breathtaking—streets and landmarks interweaving in a luminous dance.

"We're not just soaring over the city, we're soaring straight into a night to remember," I tell her as we touch down near a swanky hotel. The penthouse suite awaits, its doors opening to a world of luxury.

Inside, the city lights cast a romantic glow through the panoramic windows. Aubrey's eyes sparkle, taking it all in, and I know I've hit the mark.

Leaning closer, my voice lowers to a husky whisper. "I promised you a night of high-flying adventures, didn't I?"

Her response is a laugh, light and carefree, and it sets my heart racing. I draw her close, our silhouettes framed against the cityscape. The world shrinks to the space between us as our lips meet, the kiss a slow, melting clash of warmth and passion.

"Best night ever?" I murmur against her lips.

"Absolutely," she whispers back, her smile telling me everything I need to know.