Epilogue 2

Aubrey

SEVEN MONTHS LATER

Our little family steps into the warmly lit ranch house, excitement bubbling inside me at the sight of Luke proudly jingling in his elf costume. His cheeks are flushed with joy as he hops in Sean's arms, tiny bells adorning his outfit making merry sounds with each joyful movement. He wore it to Mass this morning, and Father Michael declared him the most festive helper he'd ever seen, making Luke beam with pride through the entire service.

The ranch is decked out in its holiday finest, nearly every surface twinkling or glowing in cheerful decorations. Fresh pine garlands line the walls, filling the air with an earthy scent that mingles with the sweet spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, not to mention Annie’s famous apple cinnamon cobbler wafting from the kitchen.

"Annie's trying to fatten us all up again," Sean whispers against my ear. "Not that I'm complaining."

He slips his hand into mine, pulling me into the warm, bustling heart of the house, where laughter and voices blend in a joyful hum.

Luke squirms out of Sean's grasp, eyes bright as he races toward the living room, where holiday cheer overflows in every corner. His laughter rings out, a joyful melody of its own. "Look, Mom! Look!" he calls, pointing excitedly toward the enormous Christmas tree. Its branches are heavy with shimmering ornaments and lights that twinkle like stars.

"Careful, speed racer!" Sean calls after him. "Those ornaments are older than your mom."

I elbow him playfully. "Watch it, Ice."

"Bet you didn't expect the Ice family Christmas to be quite this... intense," Sean murmurs, nodding toward the explosion of decorations, which could rival a Hallmark movie set.

"It's impressive!" I reply, grinning as I take in the scene. Paper snowflakes dangle from the ceiling, catching the light in a way that makes them almost seem to sparkle, while every surface overflows with holiday treats and snapshots of family memories.

“Jingle all the way!” Luke sings out, shaking his costume enthusiastically.

“Easy there, buddy,” Sean teases, tickling his belly. “You’re going to wake up Santa’s reindeer.”

Luke giggles, wriggling out of Sean’s grasp. Sean slips his hand into mine, squeezing gently as we take in the cozy scene.

Ahead of us, Jack and Annie erupt in laughter, grinning from ear to ear in matching ugly Christmas sweaters featuring a jolly, slightly lopsided Santa face. Sean raises an eyebrow, chuckling as he nudges my side.

“Dad, really?”

“Blame Annie,” Jack chuckles, rolling his eyes, yet the fond smile he gives her reveals the truth—he loves it more than he’ll let on.

As we step deeper into the house, Jack beams, “Glad Blake made it this year. His NHL schedule allowed for it, but too bad Blaze couldn’t join us.”

My gaze drifts across the room and lands on Savannah, engrossed in a conversation with Blake. Their closeness raises my curiosity as her hand rests lightly on his arm; laughter spills easily between them. Then, her dark eyes catch mine, and she rushes over, enveloping me in a warm hug.

“How’s the married life, mom-to-be?” Savannah asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement as they travel to my round belly.

“Wonderful,” I reply, my smile brightening. “But what’s happening with you and Blake?”

Despite running our PR firm together, it feels like forever since I've seen my best friend properly, not just rushed video calls between meetings.

"God, it feels like years since we last talked," Savannah says, pulling back to look at me with those expressive dark eyes of hers.

Is she a mind reader now?

"And don't you dare tell me we talked yesterday. Texts about crisis management don't count as real conversation."

"It's only been two weeks, Sav." I can't help but laugh at her dramatics. "Though I have to admit, the office feels empty without you bursting in every five minutes with your 'brilliant' ideas."

"Two weeks? Really?" she says, pressing one manicured hand to her chest in mock offense. "First of all, my ideas are always brilliant, thank you very much. And second, well, you know how crazy busy I've been with the new restaurant's account. Makes everything feel like years. That chef is more high-maintenance than a bridezilla the day before her wedding."

I laugh. "Pretty sure we haven't spoken since our meeting about the Ashcroft campaign." I smirk, remembering how she'd nearly thrown her laptop when the client rejected her third proposal. "You know, the one where you threatened to quit PR and become a trapeze artist instead?"

"Hey, that circus school certificate from when I was eight isn't just gathering dust, you know. I could totally make it as an acrobat."

"No doubt about it."

"Oh! Speaking of success stories," Savannah's eyes light up. "I saw Sean's hockey podcast made it to Spotify's Top Podcasts!"

"He's over the moon about it," I smile.

"Did Sean tell you how he got tackled by a horde of six-year-olds at practice yesterday?" Annie joins us, her Christmas sweater twinkling with enough lights to guide Santa's sleigh. Addressing Savannah, she continues, "I'll admit, I worried he wouldn't be happy without playing. But look at him now - therapy's done wonders, the doctors finally got his shoulder pain under control, and he's thriving at the Youth Hockey Development Center."

"I love that he coaches there," I say, unable to hold back my smile as I watch Sean and Luke across the room, where they're currently engaged in what appears to be an intense debate about superhero powers. "Plus, he gets to spend extra time with Luke. Those two are inseparable, and Luke definitely inherited the Ice family hockey genes. Yesterday he told me he's going to be better than daddy because he's going to score 'infinity goals.' Sean just stood there grinning like a fool."

"He's not the only one grinning like a fool," Annie teases, nudging my shoulder. "You've got that look again."

"What look?" I protest, though I know exactly what she means. "I'm simply appreciating our son's ambitious career planning."

"That boy is something special," Annie beams, her eyes twinkling with that grandmotherly pride she's perfected despite not actually being Luke's grandmother. "And soon you'll have two little ones for me to spoil during your date nights!"

"Kenya is your granddaughter, right?" Savannah asks Annie. "Aubrey's told me Luke and her are practically joined at the hip these days."

"They are. I swear, the last time I saw them together, they were plotting world domination via finger painting."

"They're the best of friends," I agree, remembering how Luke had thrown an epic tantrum last week when we had to leave before Kenya woke up from her nap. "Though I'm pretty sure Luke thinks she's his personal sidekick in his superhero adventures."

I study Savannah's face, noting the dark circles she's trying to hide under her designer concealer. "How are you doing? You seem tired. And don't try to deflect – I know your 'I'm fine' face."

"Happy but exhausted," she admits, stifling a yawn. "The workload is intense right now. It seems I've become everyone's emotional GPS—constantly recalculating routes around their disasters."

"You need more fun in your life, dear," Annie says with that motherly tone that makes it impossible to argue. "All work and no play makes Savannah a dull PR genius."

I lean forward, unable to resist the opening. "Speaking of fun, what's going on with you and Blake?" A knowing smile spreads across my face as I catch a blush creeping up her neck.

She grins mischievously. “He’s… special. And let’s just say, incredibly easy on the eyes.” She leans in close, hand cupped around her mouth like we're sharing playground secrets, and whispers near my ear, “Hot AF.”

“I heard that,” Annie says, giggling. “And you’re right.”

“Wouldn’t argue with you there,” I tease, sharing a knowing smile as our amusement fills the air.

Just then, Emma appears, Pokey trotting faithfully at her side, and she’s with none other than Carter Davidson. My heart lurches—Carter’s presence is complicated, considering his father has been trying to pressure the Ice Ranch into a financially-challenging deal.

“Hey!” Emma says excitedly, waving to Luke, who bounds over joyfully. “Kenya’s here too! You can tell her about your hockey lessons!”

Luke’s face lights up, and he races off, yelling, “Kenya! Wait till you hear about my slapshot!”

As I watch Sean’s pride bloom, easily embracing the title of “Dad,” a nagging unease pulls at me as I observe a look exchanged between Emma and Carter. There’s a glint of something in her eyes that suggests more than just holiday greetings.

“Emma, really?” Sean mutters, his brow furrowing as he watches her walk away.

I nod but can’t help feeling the tension. “Christmas seems to bring people together... even the unexpected ones,” I reply, matching his concern.

Before we can dwell further on Carter’s presence, Sean clears his throat, glancing toward our gathered family. “Everyone, raise your glasses! We’re celebrating a new addition to the Ice family!”

The room erupts in cheers, the warmth of excitement enveloping us all. I glance down at my belly, blushing as attention focuses on me, and as Emma rushes back, I barely prepare myself for her jubilant leap into my arms.

“I’m going to be an aunt again!” she squeals, her excitement almost tangible. “Luke needs a sister this time! No more boys!”

“Wow, someone’s getting ahead of herself,” Blake interjects, a teasing grin plastered across his face.

“Everything's more fun with girls around!” Emma laughs, squeezing me tight.

Jack beams, the delight radiating from him. “Another grandchild? That’s fantastic news! You both have beautiful hearts, and this child will be blessed in our family!”

Annie nods, her eyes shining. “We’ll welcome this little one with open arms!”

My heart swells at our family's love, but just as I feel utterly enveloped in joy, a loud rumble breaks the festive atmosphere, sending us all outside.

We gather on the porch, squinting against the glare of a helicopter descending awkwardly on the lawn. The absurdity catches me off guard, a laugh bubbling up in anticipation.

Out steps Buck Winston, swaying slightly, with Yasmine clumsily following. Both appear much too pleased with themselves.

“Merry whatever!” Buck booms, gesturing wildly. “We brought you a special gift!”

He drags forward a large, gaudy statue of himself, plopping it into the snow with exaggerated pride. The family's expression shifts; Jack’s eyes narrow, and Blake mutters under his breath, “What a gift. Just what we needed, another reminder of his ego.”

As the family stands momentarily in stunned silence, I can’t help but crack a smile.

“Take good care of that; it’s priceless!” Buck hollers before stumbling back toward the helicopter, Yasmine in tow.

Once they’re gone, Sean turns to me, shaking his head in disbelief. “That was definitely... something.”

Feeling a spark of playful affection, I whisper, “Remember that coat closet where we first met?” A heat flares at the memory of the thrill we shared.

“Mrs. Ice,” he replies, his voice dropping to a low murmur, “are you suggesting we relive that moment?”

With a wink, I nod, excitement bubbling between us as we walk down the hall toward the coat closet. The thrill of reliving that first, electrifying moment between us has my pulse quickening.

I pause for a moment to look around, taking in the warm glow, the laughter echoing from each corner, and the sweet sound of Luke’s giggles in the distance. The chaos and love in this room are all I’ve ever wanted. Right here, with my family, I feel whole.

Sean reaches for the door and pulls it open, but just as we’re about to slip inside, he freezes.

“What the heck, brother!” Sean exclaims, his voice a mix of surprise and amusement.

The End