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I smile. Fuck that flour.
With a low chuckle, I push the bowl and whisk aside, pulling her back into my ready arms.
Chapter Thirty
Four weeks later
AIDAN
The crowd's roar still lingers in my ears as I zip down the highway, the Seattle Storms' recent victory over Houston lighting up the Seattle skyline, making it buzz with an even more vibrant energy tonight.
It's been like this every night lately. Ever since Lacey and I patched things up, we haven't dropped a single game. Coincidence? Maybe. But I'm all for soaking up the good vibes.
Thinking about my dad and our coffee meet-ups since then brings a smile to my face. It was tough at first, reconnecting with him.
Just two days after Lacey and I boarded The Favor, Dad and I hashed things out at Lacey's go-to cafe. It was a breakthrough, really—having him own up to past mistakes.
Like how he wasn't around much during my childhood, and how he moved on too swiftly after splitting with my mom. Didn’t help that he and Mom pulled a Vanessa move, getting together for prestige. Learning he hadn't cheated on her, contrary to what I believed, and hearing his regret over he and Mom marrying for the wrong reasons was tough to digest.
But him recognizing his failures and understanding my feelings—admitting he sees Lacey as the one truly meant for me—meant everything.
I found closure and forgiveness for him in my heart.
And now, with each Storm win, it feels like we're mending our relationship, making it stronger than it's ever been. It's an incredible feeling.
I just hope it lasts, especially since I'm on my way home to tell Grace that Lacey's quitting her nanny job. Again.
"Yo, Aidan! You hitting the town with us tonight?" Marcus' booming voice interrupts my thoughts through the car speakers.
"Yeah, Aidan. Don't bail on us," Ryan adds in the background.
I can almost see them, grinning ear-to-ear, planning their night at the local Seattle bar. I consider it, but then think of Lacey and Grace waiting at home.
"Nah, I'm heading home to my girls tonight," I respond.
"Man, ten years ago, that would've meant something totally different," Marcus jokes, earning a loud laugh from Ryan.
"Very funny. But seriously, I'm headed home. Take a shot for me, though."
"Whoa, who said anything about shots? We're hitting up Burger Barn for milkshakes with the kids! You should bring Grace and Lacey," Marcus tries to convince me.
Laughing, I think about what great guys my best friends are—always up for a good time, even if it means swapping beers for milkshakes with their kids.
"Sounds great, but we'll pass tonight," I say finally.
"Alright, catch you later. Say hi to the girls for us," Marcus says. Just before the call ends, I hear Ryan shout, "We're all gonna get chocolate chip-faced! Woo!" followed by a chorus of kids screaming.
I chuckle, tossing my phone on the passenger seat, feeling content. Life's good, even with its rollercoaster moments. And tonight's win is just another highlight in a series of recent changes.
Tonight, my home is not about parties but the warmth of family. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Pulling into my driveway, the contrast between my earlier adrenaline-packed environment and the storybook scene waiting inside strikes me.
The night air carries a soft echo of laughter through the open windows. "Ah, the castle's buzzing tonight," I muse as I approach the front door.
Stepping inside, the comforting scent of home mixes with a lively debate over Gaston versus the Beast.
Laughter and discussion flow from the living room. Alongside Lacey and Grace, I hear two familiar voices—Talia and Ayo.
