37. Aubrey

37

Aubrey

Sunlight hasn't even kissed the horizon yet, and here I am, wide awake and wandering through the quiet house. It's one of those mornings where the world seems to hold its breath, waiting for the day to burst into life.

I peek into Luke’s room, finding him bundled up in his superhero sheets, lost in dreams of caped adventures.

With Luke checked on, I drift downstairs, drawn by the comforting aroma of breakfast cooking. I find Sean in the kitchen, flipping pancakes with a concentration that's both adorable and slightly amusing. He's fully engrossed, yet he notices me the second I step in.

“Morning,” he says, a little sheepishly, as if he's been caught in the act of something mischievous. “I wanted to make up for... well, you know. Everything.”

He turns back to the stove, and I lean against the doorway, arms folded, not quite ready to let him off the hook yet but appreciating the effort.

“Sean, it’s not just about making pancakes,” I start, watching him wince slightly, knowing I'm about to lay it all out.

He plates the pancakes and sets them on the counter, then faces me fully, wiping his hands on a dish towel. His eyes are earnest, the morning light catching hints of regret and resolve.

“I know, Aubrey. I’m sorry for the mistrust. All this—being a husband, a father—it’s new to me. I’m learning a lot about my own insecurities.”

He steps closer, his expression open and vulnerable—a look that's both heartwrenching and heartwarming.

“Can you give me some grace? Be patient with me while I figure this out?” His voice is soft, hopeful.

I let out a slow breath. How can I say no when he’s standing there, looking all remorseful and too handsome for his own good?

“Sean, I need you to understand how important trust is, especially with everything we’ve been through.”

“I do, I really do,” he assures me, his hand reaching out to gently touch mine.

I let my arms unfold, stepping into his space, my resolve softening. “Okay. We’ll work through this together. But no more jumping to conclusions, okay?”

“Okay,” he agrees, pulling me into a hug that feels like a promise.

The morning rush calms as Luke and Emma make their way downstairs, Luke’s little feet padding excitedly on the wooden floor. He beams up at Sean, his face lighting up like it’s Christmas morning.

Sean, playing the role of chef extraordinaire, slides a plate of pancakes—just slightly too big—across the table to Luke. The smell of syrup fills the air, mingling with the scent of fresh coffee, and I can’t help but feel a surge of warmth watching them together.

Luke chatters away, telling Sean about his dreams from last night—something about a superhero with a horse—and Sean listens with that grin that’s only for Luke.

Luke's face lights up as he tries to share his excitement, his words tumbling out in that endearing toddler way. "Superhero fly, Uncle Sean! Horse go up!" He gestures wildly with his little hands, mimicking a flying motion.

Sean leans forward, his face a picture of attentive delight. "Really? A flying horse? That's awesome, buddy!" He matches Luke's enthusiasm, encouraging him further.

Luke nods vigorously, his eyes wide with the magic of his dream. "Yeah! Fast horse! Save the day!"

Watching their interaction, I feel a warmth spread through me. They're so perfect together, and it nudges me closer to a decision that’s been simmering in my heart. Maybe it's time to let Luke in on the secret that Sean isn't just 'Uncle Sean.' He's his dad. The thought of sharing that truth with Luke makes my heart skip a beat. How wonderful it would be to see his reaction.

Caught up in the moment, I’m barely listening when Sean turns to me, his voice pulling me back. “Got a lot on your plate today?” he asks, his eyes curious.

I'm about to nod, automatically gearing up to list my tasks, but his follow-up stops me. “Was thinking we could use a day by the lake up north, get in some swim time. What do you say?”

The prospect is tempting—more than tempting, it's needed. I glance at my schedule mentally, all the tasks lined up, but then at Luke’s eager face and Sean’s hopeful smile. “You know, a break does sound pretty nice,” I admit, a smile creeping into my voice. “Let’s do it. A day at the lake sounds perfect.”

Sean’s smile widens, and he nods at Luke, who’s already bubbling over with excitement about the adventure. “Great! It’ll be like a mini-vacation,” he enthuses.

I sip my coffee, watching them, the ease between them so natural and right. It’s clear what I need to do about the dad situation—soon.

As Sean expertly steers us through the sprawling Ice Ranch, the scenery whips by like something out of an old western film, minus the tumbleweeds. The vastness of the land, with its grazing cattle and rolling hills, feels like our own private kingdom. It takes us a solid ten minutes just to reach our destination—a testament to just how massive this place is.

When we finally pull up to the lake, it's like stumbling onto a hidden gem. There's this adorable little cabin right by the water, rustic and cozy-looking, straight out of a holiday card. The lake itself is like a slice of paradise, big enough for a lazy boat ride or two, its surface glittering under the sun like it's showing off just for us.

No sooner has Sean put the car in park than Luke is practically vaulting out, his little legs carrying him straight towards the water with all the subtlety of a cannonball. Sean's hot on his tiny heels, part lifeguard, part doting dad, making sure our pint-sized explorer doesn't dive in headfirst.

Unloading our picnic and swim gear, I can't help grinning at the sight. It’s one of those perfect days you wish you could snap a picture of and live in forever. Between the splash of the water as Luke tests his splashing skills and the gentle rustling of the trees, it’s all ridiculously picturesque. Setting up our spot, I soak in the laughter and the light breezes, thinking how lucky we are to have this little slice of heaven to ourselves.

As I set up my makeshift office on a sunny patch of grass, laptop balanced precariously on my knees, I try to focus on the spreadsheet in front of me. But let’s be real, work doesn't stand a chance against the view of Sean and Luke splashing around in the lake, with Emma cheering them on.

Sean, with his chiseled swimmer’s build, makes it particularly difficult to concentrate on anything work-related. Every move he makes seems calculated to showcase those athlete’s muscles, and my mind can't help but wander to less... professional thoughts.

Just as I'm about to give up pretending to work altogether, Sean jogs over, droplets of lake water glistening on his abs like diamonds in the sun. He flops down next to me, his grin as wide as the lake is long.

"Hey, Pops is planning a big BBQ tonight," he says, brushing a hand through his damp hair. "He wants us to run into town to pick up some steaks since we just sold off the last of the ranch's meat."

I glance at my still-open laptop, then back at his expectant face. The promise of continuing this perfect day with a family BBQ is too good to pass up. "Work can wait," I declare, snapping the laptop shut with a satisfied click. "Let’s go get those steaks."

***

The ranch buzzes with life, the sprawling lawn transformed into a festive tableau under the clear blue sky. Tables groan under an array of potluck dishes, while the grills sizzle with steaks Sean and I had picked up—his grilling skills are as hot as the July sun.

The whole Ice clan is here, mixing it up with a bunch of Airbnb guests and the ever-cheerful ranch hands. The air vibrates with country tunes and the laughter of kids playing tag between the legs of gossiping adults.

I'm nursing a chilled lemonade, enjoying the sight of Sean manning the grill, when Sadie floats over with her trademark, syrupy smile.

"Aubrey, you just fit in so perfectly here," she purrs, though there's a hint of something sharp under that sugary tone.

I offer her a smile, the kind you give when you're sizing up an opponent. "Thanks, Sadie. It's a beautiful day for a cookout, isn't it?"

She edges closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, I think you bring a certain something that was missing before. Definitely an upgrade from some... efforts around here." She tilts her head subtly towards Emma, who's laughing with some guests.

Raising an eyebrow, I keep my reply light but firm. "Emma’s been fantastic and welcoming. She’s a big part of why today feels so special."

Sadie's smile falters just a tick before she recovers. "Oh, absolutely! I just think you and I could be great friends, don’t you think? We should hang out more."

Before I can craft a polite decline, Emma breezes over with Pokey in tow, saving me from further awkwardness. She points to Luke, who’s now got Pokey on a playful short leash. "Looks like my number one guy has traded up to your little charmer."

I laugh, grateful for the interruption. "Seems like it. Those two are so freaking cute together.”

Emma flashes a warm smile, her genuine vibe a soothing balm against Sadie’s cloying charm. "Can’t blame him, Luke’s got that Ice family magnetism already."

As the party rolls on with its genuine joy and easy camaraderie, I keep an eye on Sadie, her slick maneuvers stark against the backdrop of the Ices’ hearty sincerity.

We tackle the aftermath of the cookout, and the kitchen is quiet except for the clinking of dishes and the running tap. I hand a plate to Sean, and our fingers brush—a little spark amidst the chores.

"So," I start, leaning against the counter and tossing a dish towel over my shoulder. "You've been quiet tonight. What’s up?"

Sean exhales, bracing himself against the kitchen island. "There’s something I haven’t told you... about my shoulder, and more." His voice carries a weight that sets my nerves on edge.

"Okay, talk to me," I say, my tone soft but firm.

He looks me straight in the eyes, a mix of vulnerability and determination shining back. "I had a pretty bad stint with pain pills after my injury. It got out of control for a while."

My heart tightens at his admission, but I keep my expression supportive. "That sounds incredibly tough. How are you handling things now?"

Shifting uncomfortably, he continues, "It’s hard, especially with the pain. But I’m clean—no more pills. I’m trying to be better, especially for Luke... and for you."

I reach out and squeeze his hand, reassuring him. "Thank you for trusting me with this. We should look into other ways to manage your pain, healthier ways. What do you think?"

His face brightens a little, relief washing over him. "I’d like that. Maybe we can check out some alternative therapies together?"

"Definitely," I agree, though a nagging worry lingers about his past struggles resurfacing. "And Sean, we need to be completely open with each other, no matter what. No secrets, okay? If something's wrong, I want to know."

He nods earnestly. "No secrets. I promise."

As we resume our cleaning, a playful splash of water comes my way, and I can't help but retaliate with a smirk. It’s moments like these that remind me why I fell for him—his charm and playfulness. Yet, as I laugh, part of me remains on alert, the shadows of his confession lingering in the back of my mind.