32. Sean

32

Sean

I'm perched awkwardly on the edge of a chilly exam table, getting another jab for my stubborn shoulder. The sting is nothing new, but the doc's advice cuts deeper. "Sean, think about easing off hockey. Maybe keep it as a hobby?" he suggests, his tone too casual for the weight of his words.

I snort, the idea ludicrous enough to make me almost laugh. "Not happening," I assert, flashing a grin that feels out of place in the sterile room. "I'm gunning for the NHL again. It’s more than a hobby; it's my life."

The doc gives me that look—part worry, part you're-a-hopeless-case—and shakes his head. "You’re playing a risky game. These shots can’t hold you together forever."

"Appreciate the concern," I reply as I hop off the table, feeling that familiar kick of defiance. "But I’ve still got games to win."

The crisp air greets me as I stride out of the clinic and slide into my car, the leather seats a welcome if cold embrace. That’s when my phone buzzes, cutting through the post-doctor gloom.

A text from Aubrey lights up the screen: "Luke’s been asking about his Uncle Sean today."

A grin splits my face. The kid’s got timing. Uncle Sean, eh? Maybe it’s time to upgrade that title to 'Dad.' I start the car, the engine's hum a backdrop to my plotting.

How to break the news? Got to be something epic, not just a casual chat. Luke deserves the fireworks.

But first, a team huddle with Aubrey is crucial. We’ve got to be on the same page—solid, like the dream team we are. The road home feels shorter as I think about our little guy. Yeah, it’s time he knew who’s really throwing the passes in his family game.

I hit send on my zoo proposal, already envisioning Aubrey's smile. Sure enough, her reply pings back almost instantly, all exclamation marks and heart emojis. She's on board. Perfect.

Pulling into the driveway, I can barely keep the car still before jumping out to round up my new little family. Aubrey's got Luke prepped and ready, looking like a miniature explorer with his little backpack and wide-brimmed hat. I toss him up in the air, catching him as he giggles. "Ready to see some lions, champ?" I ask.

The drive to Milwaukee is a breeze with Luke babbling in the back and Aubrey's hand warm in mine. We talk about everything and nothing—just the way I like it.

At the zoo, it's all wide eyes and wider smiles. We start with the monkeys, which have Luke pressing his face against the glass, fascinated by their antics. "Think they can teach you a few tricks?" I tease, and Aubrey laughs, shaking her head at me.

We meander through the exhibits, from the majestic elephants to the lazy river otters that Aubrey adores. I pull her close as we watch them swim, whispering, "Bet I could give them a run for their money in the water." She snorts, her eyes rolling in that adorable way she has when I'm being extra.

Lunch is a picnic by the peacock enclosure, the birds strutting around like they own the place. I lay out our spread, throwing a mock bow at Aubrey's feet. "Madam, your banquet awaits."

Luke’s thrilled, munching on sandwiches and pointing at every bird that flounces by. "Daddy, look!" he exclaims, and my heart does a funny skip. He hasn't called me that out loud before.

Aubrey catches my eye, her smile soft and knowing. We haven't told him yet, but maybe, just maybe, he's putting the puzzle together on his own.

As the day winds down, we make one last stop at the giraffes. I lift Luke up high, letting him get close to the feeding platform. "You’re almost tall enough to ride one, bud," I joke, and his laughter fills the air, easy and carefree.

We head back as the sun sets, the car filled with the glow of a day well spent and the quiet hum of the city around us.

Rolling into the driveway, the smell of something hearty and mouthwatering hits us as soon as we step inside. It's Emma, master of the kitchen, working her magic on what looks like a stew that could win awards.

"Hey, save some for the chef," I quip, making a playful grab for a spoonful. Emma's quicker, though, swatting my hand with a dishtowel. "Behave, or you'll be eating cereal for dinner," she warns with a grin.

Outside, Luke's already scampering off to the sandbox, his laughter floating back to us. Aubrey and I grab a couple of iced teas and follow him out, settling on the porch steps. It’s moments like these—simple, peaceful—that really make you appreciate family time.

As I watch Luke shovel sand like he’s hunting for treasure, I ponder over the whole "Daddy" slip earlier. Part of me wants to dive right in, tell him I'm his dad, but then, isn't it better to ease into these big reveals? Maybe I should score some more points as a dependable guy around here first.

My phone buzzes, slicing through my thoughts like a cold draft. It's Yasmine again. This time, she’s cranked it up a notch with a photo that’s definitely not safe for work. Man, this woman doesn’t know when to quit. I glance at Aubrey, who’s blissfully unaware, sipping her tea and watching Luke.

That tight feeling in my gut tells me Yasmine’s not going away quietly. Somehow, I need to deal with this mess without it blowing up in my face. Right now, though, with the sun setting and my family close by, I force a smile, locking my phone. That’s a problem for future Sean. For now, I'm right where I need to be.