Shattered Ice

Cookies and cuddles

*Virginia*

The salty breeze whips through my hair as I step onto the porch of Caleb’s beach house.. I am about to knock, when I notice the note on the door, telling me to just come inside.

As I open the door, the smell of the ocean mingling with the enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen. I’m greeted by a whirlwind of golden fur as Butterscotch barrels toward me, tail wagging like a propeller.

“Hey, buddy!” I laugh, sinking to my knees to embrace him. He’s the most enthusiastic welcome committee I could ask for, showering me with slobbery kisses. “You know, if you keep this up, I might just decide to take you to Caylee’s wedding instead of your dad,” I tease, scratching behind his ears.

Butterscotch lets out a happy yip, as if he understands every word. I can’t help but smile as I play with him, my worries about the wedding momentarily forgotten. The thought of introducing Caleb to my family still makes my stomach twist, but it is not really his fault, it is more about my family..

Caleb walks in from the back balcony, his hair slightly tousled from the wind, and I can’t help but admire the way he fills the room with warmth and charm. “What’s this? My two favorite friends bonding?” he quips, leaning against the doorframe with a playful smirk.

I roll my eyes, standing up. “Butterscotch is the only one who deserves all the hugs here,” I say, giving him one last scratch before turning my attention to Caleb. “But I was hoping to chat about Caylee’s wedding.”

“Ah, the wedding,” he says, feigning a dramatic sigh. “The event that’s been causing you endless anxiety. Hit me with the details.”

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my mom’s expectations hovering in the air. “So, it’s almost a week-long affair at this swanky resort. They’ve got everything… wedding events, golf, spa treatments, and fancy dinners. But you only have to come for the actual wedding if you want. You know, just to ease you into the family chaos.”

Caleb raises an eyebrow, leaning closer. “What’s the fun in that? I’ll be there through the whole shindig. I’ll need to be fully prepared to impress your family.”

I can’t help but smile at his enthusiasm, even if it sends a little thrill of panic down my spine. “You really don’t have to, Caleb. It could be a lot, and I wouldn’t want you to feel overwhelmed.”

“Please,” he says, waving a hand dismissively. “I’ve faced down rowdy fans, grumpy referees, and the occasional overly enthusiastic media, not to mention puck bunnies in heat. How hard can your family be?” He winks, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Let’s just say they have their moments,” I say, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “They can be a bit… snobbish.”

Caleb’s expression turns serious for a moment. “If anyone’s rude, I can handle it. I’ll just put on my best Canadian charm and hope it works. Or I can always just charm them with my hockey stories. I hear they can be a hit at family gatherings.”

I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms playfully. “Hockey stories? Really? I mean, I guess that’s a solid strategy. But just so you know, my mom’s definition of charm might be slightly different than yours. She’s more into clutching pearls and polite conversation than slap shots and body checks.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll have the pearls covered,” he replies, pretending to straighten a non-existent bowtie. “I’ll look so dapper, your mom won’t know what hit her.”

“Good luck with that,” I say, shaking my head and laughing. “But seriously, if they get too much, just roll with it. You know how my family can be.”

Caleb steps closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I promise not to take it too seriously. I’ll even throw in some jokes about Canadian geese to lighten the mood. Everyone loves a good goose joke, right?”

I snort, trying to stifle my laughter. “You’re ridiculous. But I appreciate your willingness to dive into the madness. It’s gonna be a lot more fun with you there.”

“Of course,” he says, his tone shifting slightly as he leans in closer. “I’m not just here for the cookies and the dog cuddles, Virginia. I’m here for you.”

My heart flutters at his words, the lightness between us shifting into something a tad more serious. “You know, if we pull this off, I might just owe you a lifetime supply of cookies and snuggles…. For Butterscotch I mean, dog snuggles… like… and cookies for you.”

“Deal,” he says, his eyes locking onto mine, the mischief replaced by something a little deeper. “But only if you promise to actually enjoy the wedding instead of worrying about impressing your family.”

I nod slowly, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Okay, I promise. As long as you promise to be my shield against any potential judgment.”

“Consider it done,” he says with a grin, leaning down to ruffle Butterscotch’s fur, making him wag his tail even more enthusiastically. Then he puts on a convicing southern drawl. “Together, we’ll take on your scary family. And I make sure to remember, if anyone asks, I’m your charming Canadian boyfriend, and you’re my beautiful Southern belle.”

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. “You’re going to fit in just perfectly… just, please do not use that accent.”

As we share a moment of laughter, I realize that maybe, just maybe, this wedding won’t be the disaster I had envisioned.