8. Aubrey

8

Aubrey

Finally, after what feels like an Olympic event in patience and lullabies, Luke drifts off to sleep. There he is, my little champ, out like a light, proving once again that sleep can conquer even the most energetic of toddlers. Watching him, my heart does that familiar swell of love, a reminder of what's truly important amid the chaos of life.

But as I sit there, my mind starts doing somersaults around a subject I've been trying to avoid: Sean. Mr. Ice himself. Can he cut it? Is he father material, or just another complication in an already complicated life? I mean, the guy has had his share of headlines, none of which scream 'Dad of the Year.'

Yet, when push came to shove, he took my critiques like a champ. Well, after a bit of a sulk, but who's counting? It's a sliver of hope, but I'm not ready to crown him king of personal growth just yet.

Ensuring Luke's in the deep end of dreamland, I decide it's time for a little Aubrey time—some fresh air to clear the cobwebs and maybe, just maybe, sort out my thoughts on Sean. Stepping outside, the ranch offers up its usual dose of tranquility, a vast expanse of peace that seems worlds away from the whirlwind inside.

Stepping outside for a breather, I expected a quiet moment to myself, not a scene straight out of a drama series. But there's Emma, on the porch, looking like her world's just crumbled, tears and all. Next to her, Pokey seems to be playing the role of emotional support dog quite well, though he looks as puzzled as I feel.

"Em, hey, what's happened?" I approach with caution, my innate curiosity mixed with a genuine concern for her well-being. The ranch has been nothing but welcoming, and seeing one of its pillars in distress tugs at something in me.

Through her tears, Emma spills the beans, and it's a story that sounds like it's been lifted from a soap opera script. "My boyfriend... well, ex now, he's with my cousin Sadie," she manages to get out between sobs. "And it's not the first time Sadie's... well, she has a history with this sort of thing."

I'm taken aback. Here I was, thinking the ranch life was all sunsets and horseback rides, not love triangles and family drama. "Your cousin?" I echo back, trying to piece together the family tree and where the branches might have crossed a little too closely.

"Yeah," Emma sniffles, attempting a brave face. "I even talked to my dad about it, hoping for some... I don't know, wisdom? Support? But he just told me I need to show Sadie grace, considering all she's dealing with."

That bit catches me off guard. Grace is all well and good, but what about Emma? Where's her champion in all this?

Sitting beside her, I'm not quite sure what to say. My own family dramas seem pedestrian in comparison. "Grace is important," I venture, "but so is standing up for yourself. You shouldn't have to always be the bigger person, especially when it hurts."

Emma gives me a look, a mix of gratitude and surprise. Maybe she didn't expect the new girl to dive into the deep end with her, but here I am, swimming in uncharted waters. "Thanks, Aubrey. It's just... hard, you know? Family and all."

As the conversation winds down and Emma's tears dry up, there's this undeniable sense that we've jumped from mere acquaintances to comrades-in-arms.

The setting sun casts a golden glow over us, and I feel like we're characters at the end of a '90s sitcom episode where everything's going to be alright because we've learned a valuable lesson.

"Hey, any time, Em. I might be new to the ranch, but I'm an old pro at navigating the wacky world of family dynamics. Plus, I make an excellent venting buddy," I say, winking.

We share a laugh, a moment of lightness amid the emotional storm, and head back inside. It's funny, in a way—how a day that started with me seeking solace outside ended with me finding a new friend. Emma and I, we might just be the dynamic duo the ranch didn't know it needed.

As Emma and I start to dust ourselves off from our heart-to-heart, she lets out a sigh, half amused, half relieved. “You know, I’d almost forgotten what it’s like to have a real chat with another woman about… well, everything. It’s been all cows and crops and grungy boys for too long."

Grinning, I throw back, "Hey, I'm always here for a good gossip session. Consider me your go-to for anything from love life to livestock."

Just as we're wrapping up, a sound catches our attention—a car rolling up the driveway, but not just any car. It's a classic, the kind that turns heads—a beautifully restored Ford Mustang, its engine purring like a contented cat. It's the kind of car that says 'I've got stories,' and as it comes to a stop, out steps a woman who looks like she could fill a book with hers.

She's in her 50s but carries it like she's discovered the secret to eternal youth. With her stylishly cut hair and a smile that lights up the porch, she moves with the confidence of someone who's navigated life's ups and downs with grace and a bit of mischief.

Emma's face lights up at the sight of her, practically bouncing on her toes. "Aubrey, you've got to meet Annie. Annie, this is Aubrey, our latest addition at the ranch."

Annie extends a hand, her grip firm and warm. "Annie White. Pleasure to meet you. Brought over a peach cobbler for Jack. It's his favorite, you know."

I can't help but notice the way Emma teases her, a sparkle in her eye. "Bringing Jack his favorite dessert, huh? Should I be expecting wedding bells soon?"

Annie laughs, a sound that's equal parts hearty and elegant. "Oh, honey, if I had a nickel for every time someone suggested that, I'd be giving Warren Buffet a run for his money. Jack and I are old friends, that's all."

The air around us fills with laughter, the moment light and easy. And as she heads inside, presumably to deliver her culinary masterpiece, I'm struck by the thought that life here is never dull.

Emma and I share a look. “Well, Aubrey, looks like you're getting the full Ice Ranch experience. Cowboys, drama, and now, peach cobbler diplomacy."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Em. This place, it's got a charm that's hard to resist. Plus, I'm a sucker for a good peach cobbler."