Page 53 of Cold as (N)ice

This place is the coolest – and I love my jersey!

You look great in it,Barrett replied and then chuckled, looking at Irene. “I didn’t even think about the chopsticks and the signing.”

“It’s no different than using a fork.”

“Did I tell you the electrician is coming out on Monday? They are finally installing the flashing smoke detectors throughout the house. I was trying to have it done before we moved in, butthey had a job they needed to finish,” he explained apologetically and saw her surprised smile.

“No, you didn’t mention that.”

“Sorry. It’s been a hectic few weeks, and I wanted the house to be safe if there was a problem.”

“I think it’s wonderful.”

“Good,” he replied awkwardly, smiling at her. “I’m glad. I didn’t want to overstep. I was surprised to see you come by, though. What brought that on?”

“I just wanted to get out of the house.”

“Was there a problem? Is something wrong?”

“Just some dumb stuff to work out in my own head,” she said evasively and he paused, putting down the sushi bite he’d just dipped in soy sauce, looking at her carefully.

“Want some help?” he offered gently as it hit him that she was not being completely honest with him. Something was bothering her, and she didn’t feel like she could tell him. That hurt, but then again, they were still working on communication and building their relationship. Maybe this was personal, and she didn’t feel she could say something. If that was the case, then he needed to reassure her differently.

“You know you can tell me anything, right? I mean, nothing is off-limits. Poop jokes, clogged drain, you wrecked the van… just unload and share it with me.”

And she didn’t answer; she just took another bite of her grilled steak and fried rice, chewing silently.

“Irene?”

To his surprise, she took another bite, chewing, and tossed him a look that immediately put him on alert. Yep. Something was wrong, and she didn’t want to talk about it. Fine, he would take a wild shot in the dark to see if he could guess, immediately turning to the most important thing in the world to his wife – her son.

Stephen, he motioned.How was school today? Did anything happen?

It was great! I love my new class, and when they found out my dad is on the Wolverines, they asked if I could bring a few signed pictures. Do you mind signing a picture for me?

I’ll do one better,he replied, watching Irene carefully.Why don’t I bring some goodies to class and say ‘hello’ like I did at your other school? Maybe I can get the captain or one of the other players to come with me.

Really?

Buddy, you’re my son and I would do anything to keep you and your mother happy with me. I’m not the easiest guy to be around, but you guys are my world.

“Barrett,” Irene said thickly, and he continued, unphased.

And if you need something, just tell me or your mom, and we’ll figure it out as a family… because that is what family does. We talk about everything together.

Thanks, Daddy.

Daddy?- And Barrett melted, looking at the boy gazing at him like he was some superhero. He stood up, moved slightly and hugged the child who had just unmanned him with a single word. He couldn’t speak because he was afraid that he would cry right now.

Irene’s kid was amazing, and the fact that he’d accepted him so easily didn’t go unnoticed. Boucher, today, told him about some of his problems at home with his new family. Not everything was going smoothly for some of his friends – but Barrett?

He was blessed.

“I love you, kiddo,”he said and signed, looking at the child before hugging him again.“I think you are amazing.”They hugged for a few moments before he wiped his eyes, chuckling.

I love you too, Daddy.

Now, eat your vegetables, boy – you need them to grow big and strong,Barrett teased and ruffled Stephen’s hair, pointing at a piece of broccoli. If it wasn’t Stephen, then it was something wrong with Irene.

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