by K E Osborn
Mom and Mike sit on the deck chairs as we watch Charlie and Brody playing together. It’s relaxing, and even though I still feel annoyed, that feeling is gradually easing. I know I’ll eventually forgive them for not telling me, but it’s something I have to work on at my own pace and in my own time.
“Aiden, wanna go out on the boat?” Mike asks.
I look at Jeni. I’m not sure why.
For support.
Got guidance.
For comfort.
I have no idea, but the thought of being alone with Mike is unnerving.
It’s all a bit strange—I’ve been alone with Mike thousands of times.
So, why should this be any different?
Jeni widens her eyes, imploring me to answer.
“Sure, why not,” I reply.
We both stand, taking our beers, and we head to the edge of the lake where our boat is bobbing slowly in the crystal blue water against the dock.
Silence.
I step into the boat, and Mike unties it from the dock while I start the engine.
Mike starts to set up the fishing rods.
Still silence.
Driving the boat out to the middle of the lake, I turn off the motor.
More silence.
The silence is deafening. The boat bobs in the water, light reflecting in the crystal blue shards of luminous light, but the silence stands out.
“So…” Mike drones, tapping his fingers to his cheek.
I laugh at the awkward break in silence and sit next to him. It shouldn’t be this hard. “Yeah, so how’s the guest house coming along?” I ask, trying to make small talk.
“Really? We’ve been living there for nearly six years.” He laughs. “It’s the same as it was before you found out I’m your father, Aiden. Let’s talk properly… how are you doing?” Mike asks while he casts out his line.
Instantly, I feel awkward.
I’ve known this man for my entire life. He’s been here for everything, and I mean absolutely everything now that I think about it, and yet, right now, I’m finding it hard to talk to him.
“I’m okay, I guess. Still getting used to everything, I suppose. How are you feeling about it all?” I ask and cast my line.
“That’s all to be expected. Your mother and I don’t want you to be ‘okay with it’ if you’re not. However you feel, it’s okay with us. We both want you happy. I know this was a shock, but for me, it was a relief to finally tell you. I’ve wanted to say something so many times throughout your life, and believe me it came close a few times—”
“What stopped you?” I interrupt.
Mike looks at me, and I can tell he’s trying to think of what to say next. “Aiden, you looked up to Niall. Maybe not toward the end, but growing up you did, and I didn’t want to take that from you. You were such a contented boy. I didn’t want to spin your world on its axis like I have now and ruin everything for you. I knew it would be difficult telling you, but telling you also meant outing Callie, and I wasn’t prepared to put her through that torment. Niall would have made her life a complete misery if he knew she cheated on him. He was a spiteful man…”
He exhales, then continues, “You were happy… to a point. Callie seemed content, and that was enough for me.” He rubs the back of his neck. “All I ever wanted was what was best for you and your mother, Aiden. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but to be brutally honest, I’m delighted it’s come out now. Maybe we can move forward and get on with our relationship in whatever capacity you want that to be,” he confesses.
I look at Mike, he’s happy to have me in his life in any way he can have me, and that makes a small part of me ecstatically happy.
“Thanks, Mike, I’m working on it. I’m still trying to process, so give me some time, and I’m sure I’ll be okay. I guess I feel like my life, and the torment I went through with Niall, was all for nothing, especially when I could’ve been spending quality time with you instead of being dominated by Niall. Yes, I looked up to him, but so did Bree and Killian, as any kid does to their father. I would’ve looked up to you like that, too, Mike, if I’d have known.”
Mike sniffs. I look across at him and see his eyes are brimming with unshed tears. “Do you really think so?”
“I know so,” I say honestly as my line starts to pull.
“I think you got something there, Aiden.”
We both stand, and I try to reel in what feels like the heaviest fish I’ve ever caught on the lake.
The line is taut, and Mike laughs as I struggle to pull it in. The sound of Mike laughing makes me laugh, and he steps across to help me reel in the massive fish.
“I think you got the Loch Ness Monster on the end of that thing, son,” Mike chimes.
I freeze at the mention of the word ‘son.’
I look at him, he smiles, and I snap myself out of it just in time for the fish to slide out of the water. It’s a decent size, and Mike slaps me on the back.
“Great job, Aiden.”
We unhook the fish and then throw it back in the water.
A sense of nostalgia washes over me of every single moment I’ve spent with Mike up until now. He’s been my rock, my guiding light through every shitty moment I’ve ever had in my life.
Mike’s just been there.
He’s been my greatest support.
He stood by me.
My heart warms with love for the man I’ve held nothing but unwavering adoration for my entire life.
Mike means everything to me.
Every-fucking-thing.
“Thanks, Mike, for everything.”
He smiles, and his eyes well up again as do mine.
I place the rod down.
Mike steps closer as his tears flow over and down his cheeks. “I love you, Aiden. I know it’s not very manly to say, but it’s true. You’re my son and nothing will change that fact. I don’t want anything to change between us. I know there’s tension, and I don’t blame you, but all I ask is for you to take some time and see that this isn’t all bad. Like I said, I love you, son, and I always have.”
Mike steps closer and throws his arms around me in a tight hug.
I feel awkward for a second or two, but then suddenly, the awkwardness dissipates, and I hug him back—man to man, father to son.
He sniffles and pulls back, wiping his cheeks with his forearm. I do the same, and then we both start laughing, obviously remembering the fish at the same time.
Mike slaps me on the back.
We set our lines for an afternoon of more fishing and bonding.
Spending time with Mike at the lake house was a great idea. I’m still a little uptight about it all. I think that’s only natural, but as far as getting to know Mike well, that’s been a successful mission.
I could tell Mom was happy I was putting in the effort to really get to know Mike, and even though I thought I knew everything, I really didn’t. I asked about my grandparents, and he told me about the tragic fire that took them. He also told me all about how he built a crib for me when I was a baby, and that he learned his woodworking skills from his father, who was a carpenter. Mike even offered to show me some of his carpentry when we got back home.
While the trip to the lake was successful and definitely eased the tension, it wasn’t until we got home that we truly bonded.
Mike shared his passion of woodworking. All I’ve ever known is finance and business. Using my hands has never been a skill I thought I could master. With his help, I made a miniature baseball bat for Brody who seemed just as interested as I was. Mike’s a good teacher, and you can definitely see his love for all things wood and sharing it with us. I got to see a new side of him. Spending some quality time with Mike is exactly what I needed to see him as not just my longtime friend, but as a part of my family. Jeni’s happy to see me relaxing and spending time with Mike and Brody—three generations forging a strong bond. I never thought I would see the day.
It’s a couple of days before Mom and Mike’s weddi
ng, and this place is a madhouse. Things are being delivered pretty much all day, every day.
Sarah and Chris are staying with us until the wedding, so everything can be organized from here. Mom and Mike are getting married here, and Mike is surprising Callie with the reception, holding it in the barn, which I know Mom will love.
Chris and I had a long chat, and I apologized as I should. It’s something I’ve felt bad about ever since. He, of course, being the great guy he is, forgave me instantly. He knew I was stressed and lashing out at the people I care the most about, but that was no excuse. He understood, and things are now even better between us.
The house is full, and even though I have no time to relax, it’s great having everyone here together as a family.
Logan, Killian, Daniel, Chris, and I are out back cooking our dinner on the barbecue when Logan looks at me strangely. He’s been quiet all night. Well, Logan is always quiet, but tonight he’s notably silent.
“What’s been going on with you, Logan?” I ask while turning the steaks on the grill.
He looks at me and exhales quite dramatically. “Okay, well, here goes… Aiden, can I ask you something?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
Logan takes a long drink of his beer and then looks around to see who’s listening. He takes my arm and leads me around the side where no one can hear. Got to admit, I’m a little concerned at this point, and I’m starting to think it has something to do with Brielle. He’s nervous as fuck, and I’m not liking the vibe emanating from him at all. If he tells me he’s breaking up with her, I’m going to snap his neck.
“Bree and I have been together a long time now, and seeing as Niall isn’t here anymore, I figure you’re the right person to ask.” Logan looks over his shoulder to make sure no one overhears.
Pushing my eyebrows together, I look at him confused. “Logan, what do you need to ask?”
He inhales sharply and pulls something out of his pocket. It’s a ring box, and I instantly break out into a massive smile. “I know you love me, dude, but I’m a married man.”
Logan laughs and opens the box to show me a stunning ring encrusted with diamonds and one huge oval-shaped diamond on top. The damn thing must have cost him a fortune.
“Shut up! Do you think Bree will like it?” he asks, and a drop of sweat runs down his forehead.
Poor bastard!
“She’ll love it,” I tell him honestly, patting him on the shoulder.
“Okay, so… what I wanted to ask was, seeing as you are like the head of the family now, I was w-wondering if I could h-have your permission to ask Bree to m-marry me?” he asks, stuttering his words in his nervousness.
I have no idea why he’s nervous, he knows I’m going to say yes. We all love him, and he treats Brielle exceptionally well. I’m sure I couldn’t have picked a better match for her myself. I’m totally honored that he asked me, though.
“Logan, of course, you can. You didn’t need to ask me. You know as well as I do that you’re already a part of this family. Now you can make it official, and I know Bree will be over the moon. When are you planning on asking her?”
“I was thinking at the reception in the barn. It’s such a significant place for Callie and Mike, and I thought I might make it an important place for us, too. What do you think? Not too tacky?” he asks, listening intently and waiting for my advice.
I wrap my arm around his shoulder and laugh. “Logan, she’d love it if you proposed to her in the bathroom. Anywhere you do it, she’ll love it because I know she absolutely cherishes you. But the sentiment behind the barn will make it all the more special. Good idea. Now put that ring away before someone sees it.”
Logan snaps the box shut, then shoves it back in his pocket. “Thanks, Aiden, your approval means everything to me.”
We head back to the barbecue after our little secret men’s business meeting.
“Hey, did you two go off to make out or something?” Killian jokes, and we both roll our eyes.
“The steaks are ready. Aiden, do you wanna let everyone know?” Jeni gently suggests to me.
I kiss her cheek. “Dinner’s ready,” I call out to everyone.
“So, I saw you and Logan walk off. Was that what I think it was?” Jeni asks.
My wife doesn’t miss a trick. “He’s going to propose at the reception,” I whisper, and she squeals, pressing up on her toes in her excitement, then just as quickly regains her composure.
“It’s about freaking time,” she whispers back and kisses me quickly.
The next two days fly by so fast, I don’t even realize it’s the night before the wedding until Jeni’s kicking us men out to the guest house because they don’t want Mike to see Callie before the wedding.
What a stupid tradition!
It doesn’t matter, though.
It means a guys’ night in the guest house for us.
We kiss our women goodbye and walk to the guest house.
Mike’s quieter than usual, so I pat him on the back. “How’s those pre-wedding jitters?” I ask.
“Well, they’re definitely there, I can’t deny it, but I’m more excited than anything. I’ve been waiting my entire life to marry your mother. And I can’t believe this time tomorrow, she will officially be mine. I need someone to pinch me, so I know I’m not dreaming.”
“Yeah, it’s an amazing feeling, isn’t it? I remember the night before I married Jeni I was petrified and excited all at the same time. I knew I wanted to be her husband more than anything, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
“I hope I can make your mother happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Aiden… was for you and your mom to be happy and well cared for. I hope I can do that for her now,” Mike says as we reach the guest house.
“Mike, I was going to wait until after the wedding to tell you, but if you’re worried about money, I have a solution that will fix it…” I pause, then continue hoping I have done the right thing. “I’ve bought a carpentry business for you and equipped it with the most up-to-date electrical and crafting tools. I will help with the finances if you like, but as far as the rest of it goes, you know all about that stuff, so the business is yours. It’s my wedding present to you. I know you want to look after Mom the best you can, so let me help you get what you want. I won’t take no for an answer. It’s done.”
He chuckles. “I know you won’t. I know there’s nothing I can say to change your mind. So instead, I’m just going to thank you. So… thank you, Aiden, I really appreciate it. I’ve always wanted my own workshop, and you have given that to me, so let me repay you by teaching you if you want to learn?”
My chest fills with warmth. “That sounds great. In fact, I’d like to come and work for you one day a week, so you can teach me everything you know about carpentry. I would love to finally be able to get my hands dirty and work like a real man.” I laugh, and Mike grins at me.
“What about me driving you and Jeni to work?”
“Never mind that. I’ll find someone. You concentrate on your business and making the workshop run exactly how you want it,” I reply and slap him on the back.
Mike shakes his head, then grins, and in this moment, I know I’ve done the right thing.
We spend the night playing poker and casually drinking, but not too much. The last thing we want is for the groom and groomsmen to be hungover or worse, still drunk when we arrive at the altar. I know Sarah and Chris are more than organized. I’m very grateful to them for helping us with the wedding. The ceremony is taking place at sunset on the edge of the cliff overlooking Mornington Vale, right where Jeni and I had our first night together under the stars all those years ago. I know it’s going to be beautiful.
Mike purchased old-man Harris’ farm, including the barn, which is being decked out as the reception venue. There’s going to be a dance floor and tables set up around it. There’s only a small number of guests attending, but I’m sure Sarah will make it work. I have every faith in her ability.
&
nbsp; After we finish playing poker, everyone but Mike heads to bed. I take this opportunity to make sure he’s okay.
“How you holding up?” I ask quietly as we pack up the poker table.
“Surprisingly, I’m okay. Nervous, but I kind of feel calm at the same time. Does that even make sense?”
“It makes perfect sense,” I reply.
I head off to bed wondering what my wife is doing and how my kids are. I’ve only been away from them for a few hours, and I miss them already. I know I’m a sappy shit, but I love my family.
Today is the day my father and mother will finally say ‘I do,’ and to be honest, I couldn’t be happier.
Mike’s calm. He’s laughing and chatting along with the other guys like it’s any other typical day. It seems like I’m the nervous one here, so I decide to call Jeni. I miss her, and I want to check in with Mom just to make sure everything’s going to plan.
I dial her number, and she picks up on the first ring. “Hey, babe, I was just about to call you. I literally had the phone in my hand ready to dial,” Jeni tells me, and the sound of her voice soothes me instantly.
“I miss you, too. I don’t want to have to spend another night away from you again. Okay?”
“Fine by me. You seem nervous?” she asks, reading me like a book.
“I am… I don’t know why. I’m not getting married, so I have no idea why I feel like I want to puke,” I reply honestly.
“This is a big day for your family. Your dad’s marrying your mom after years of them being apart. It’s a big deal. And as the best man, I can understand why you want everything to be perfect.”
“You’re right. I think I’ve been checking for the rings every five minutes. How’s Mom?”
“She’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her, Aiden. She’s positively glowing. I didn’t know so much positivity and delight existed until this morning. How’s Mike?”
“Pretty much the same. Completely calm and as happy as I’ve ever seen him. It’s awesome to watch,” I admit and look over at Mike, who’s got a smile I don’t think will ever be wiped off his face.
