Prelude: An Honest Man

Eddie Hargreaves prided himself on being an honest man. Generally speaking. There were those little white lies he told now and then to navigate through life, but overall, he tried to be straightforward. Sometimes, brutally so.

Like everyone, Eddie had his secrets. Hidden things he kept to himself. He didn’t consider them lies, just private matters. Life had taught him that keeping certain things to himself was safer. If you gave someone the power to hurt you, they usually would. 

Eddie knew this better than most. Beneath his unbothered, nonchalant exterior, there was a heart that cared deeply, a heart that had been shattered beyond repair and never truly healed. Now, standing at the door of his backyard, smoking his fifth cigarette of the morning, Eddie watched his fiancée Rose and their event manager, Toyah, busily setting up for a party he didn't want.

Rose’s laughter rang out as she directed the placement of tables and decorations, her energy palpable even from a distance. Eddie lingered at the threshold, his foot tapping lightly against the wooden floor. He raised his hand slightly, as if to wave or call out, but seeing Rose and Toyah engrossed in their tasks, he let it drop. The hum of their conversation felt like an invisible barrier, pushing him further into the shadows. They were so in sync, so absorbed, that he felt like an intruder in his own home. The vibrant chatter about flower arrangements only deepened his sense of disconnection, making the distance between them seem like an insurmountable chasm. 

As he flicked ash from his cigarette, memories of simpler times surfaced—days when parties were intimate gatherings filled with genuine laughter, not elaborate spectacles. He sighed, taking a long drag. The acrid taste of smoke filled his mouth, curling around him like the chains binding him to this unwanted celebration. The party was supposed to be a celebration, a milestone in his life. Yet, Eddie felt nothing but dread, a sense of foreboding that something was about to go terribly wrong. He had suggested a small gathering, just them and the kids, but Rose had insisted that her first wedding should be special, elaborate. Watching her now, bustling around with excitement, Eddie's stomach twisted as he watched Rose bustle around with excitement. She looked so happy, radiant even, and he felt like an outsider, unable to share in her joy. His eyes lingered on her smile, and he clenched his jaw, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on him.

Eddie knocked off some ash from his cigarette and glanced at the clipboard on the table. The list of dishes—shrimp ceviche, lobster bisque, truffle risotto—each felt like a shackle, chaining him to a life he no longer recognised.

Lost in his thoughts, Eddie didn’t notice the back door opening until the rush of cool air hit his face. Kellie stormed out, narrowly missing him with the door. Her fierce green eyes, which might have been pretty under different circumstances, were terrifying now, especially when they locked onto him.

“Have you seen this bullshit?” Kellie hissed, brandishing her clipboard as if it were a weapon.

Eddie took a long, deliberate drag from his cigarette, the acrid smoke a familiar comfort. He exhaled slowly, letting the tension ease from his shoulders. “Yeah, I’ve seen it. Got my own copy,” he replied, his voice gaining steadiness with each word, a thin veneer of calm masking the storm within.

“Listen, big brother. I’m done with this crap. Do you hear me? If I’m going down because of her, I’m making sure it counts. Got it?”

Eddie rubbed his brow with his thumb, a streak of ash smudging his cheek unnoticed. The weight of the day bore down on him. “Can we go one day without you threatening to kill her? Just one day?”

“You want peace? Don’t marry that silly shoehorn then. I don’t even know why you chose to pull this dumbass move in the first place.” 

Eddie sighed deeply. “Please, Kels. Just... what in particular is your problem?”

“What the hell is this twenty-course menu bullshit? Are y’all royalty now?”

“It ain’t twenty courses, it’s just the way she wrote them down. It’s like a buffet style thing or something. Rose explains it better.”

Kellie scoffed, “There ain’t a damn thing Rogaine can do better than anybody else. Ever.”

Eddie couldn’t help but smile, a hint of amusement breaking through. “Nice to see you’re trying to be more mature about all this.”

Kellie stuck her tongue out at him, just like she did when they were kids. Her gaze shifted to the backyard, landing on Rose, and her scowl reappeared.

“I’ll never know what you see in her,” Kellie muttered.

“Yeah, well, I guess it ain’t for you to know, is it?” 

Kellie’s gaze bore into Eddie, her eyes narrowing as if trying to peel back his defences. “Do you know?” she asked, her voice low and probing, each word a challenge. 

Eddie controlled the urge to jerk back. “What kinda thing is that to ask?”

Kellie shrugged, storing his lack of answer away for later use. “It’s just a question.”

Before Eddie could respond, they both heard a familiar voice from inside the house.

“Where the hell is he?” the voice called, not quite shouting but close.

“He’s out here, Ree! Come get him!” Kellie shouted towards the house, her face crinkling like a Disney villain.

Eddie’s lips curled in disgust as the back door swung open again, narrowly missing him. He almost wished it had hit him, if only to offer a momentary escape from the inevitable confrontation.

Within an instant, the back door swung open again, and a rush of sweetly scented air followed. Eddie didn't need to look up to know who it was; he could feel her presence, the disorientation that came with her, the chilling, familiar aura that always preceded her.

There she stood, as immaculate and stunning as ever, from her perfectly pinned coils to her meticulously manicured nails.

His ex-wife, Rhian.

Eddie’s heart hammered in his chest. His palms were slick with sweat, breath quickening as if the air around him had grown thinner. Each step Rhian took felt like a tightening noose around his neck, squeezing the breath from him. The scent of her perfume—a mix of vanilla and something sharper—transported Eddie back to nights filled with shouted accusations and the sting of harsh words. He remembered the echo of their arguments reverberating through the house, the hollow silence that followed, and the endless nights he spent trying to piece himself back together.

Rhian stepped out onto the porch, her presence commanding attention. She was dressed impeccably, as always, in a tailored black dress that accentuated her curves and a pair of heels that added to her already impressive height. Her dark, curly hair framed her face, highlighting her soft features and piercing brown eyes.

Eddie's mind flashed back to their first meeting that first day of summer school—the way her laugh had captivated him, a beacon of light that had lit some of his darkest days as a kid. Back then, he had believed that they were going to be together forever, that she would always be able to save him from his demons, offer him the solace he so desperately craved. But now, as he stood before her, all he could see were his failures, the ending of his world, the cracks that had splintered his life apart.

“Eddie,” she said, her voice as steady as it ever was. “We need to talk.”

Eddie’s heart hammered in his chest. His palms were slick with sweat, breaths quickening as if the air around him had grown thinner. Each step Rhian took felt like a tightening noose. Memories of their first date, the arguments, the nights spent trying to mend what was irreparably broken, all collided in his mind. He struggled to maintain his composure. His throat constricted, hands trembling slightly as he forced himself to meet her gaze.

“Rhian. What can I do for you?” he asked, his voice barely steady, trying to brace himself for whatever new bombshell she was about to drop on him.

Chapter One: A Clue

Eddie took a pointless, extra-hard last drag of the forgotten roll-up, its bitter taste a stark contrast to the sweet scent of freshly cut grass. The midday sun beat down relentlessly, making the porch around them shimmer. He squinted against the harsh glare, which caused Rhian's approaching figure to resemble a golden, heated mirage. The quiet hum of cicadas filled the air, emphasising the tense silence between them.

The old wooden porch creaked under Eddie’s weight as he shifted uncomfortably. This house, his childhood home, held memories in every crack and splinter of the wood. He remembered playing on this porch with Kellie and Rhian, their laughter echoing through the yard. Now, it seemed those carefree days were long gone, replaced by the complicated web of adult responsibilities and broken promises.

With a chuckle that held zero humour, Rhian glanced at Rose and Toyah playing near the flowerbeds before turning back to Eddie with a hard stare. The lines of frustration etched on her face were stark in the harsh sunlight. “What did I tell you about playing around with me regarding these kids?”

Eddie frowned, a familiar knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. What was it this time? His mind raced through the myriad of promises and agreements they’d made over the years. Was it the school recital? No, that was next month. The dentist appointments? Already sorted. Then it hit him—the camping trip. Damn. He'd completely forgotten. The knot tightened as he remembered the kids’ excited faces when he’d made the promise. He could almost hear their squeals of joy again, the way their eyes lit up with anticipation. “Can I get a clue as to what you’re talking about?”

“You promised them you’d take them camping for two weeks?”

Until that very moment, Eddie had completely forgotten that promise. Since he’d made it, wedding planning with Rose had consumed his thoughts. The details of the venue, the guest list, the never-ending decisions had taken over his life. “Oh that! Yeah… they told you about that, huh?” Eddie chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, but Rhian shook her head, clearly tired of these repetitive conversations.

“They did. As you knew good and damn well they would.”

“I just thought—”

“No. Stop it! Just stop. You know that isn’t reasonable. You know that!” Rhian fumed, her frustration palpable. She crossed her arms, her fingers digging into her biceps as if holding herself together.

Eddie’s slow smile crept onto his face, aware of how it always irked her. He knew he was being difficult—maybe even cruel—but something about their interactions always brought out the worst in him. It was a toxic dance, familiar and exhausting. He watched her eyes flare, the fire in them both infuriating and intoxicating. “Why ain’t it?”

Rhian’s eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms tightly over her chest. “Because… that cuts into my week with them. It’s their last bit of summer break, Eddie. And you think I can just drop everything to cover your shifts at the restaurant while you play hero dad on holiday?”

Eddie remembered the early days after their divorce, the countless arguments about custody and responsibilities. He’d always thought they’d eventually find a rhythm, a way to co-parent peacefully, but it seemed like they were stuck in a perpetual state of conflict. “Our kids—”

“You don’t get the whole two weeks to yourself! You know this… because we talked about it the last time you tried this bullshit.” Rhian spoke slowly, and Eddie could hear the slow-burning anger in her voice. Her voice cracked slightly, betraying the exhaustion beneath her anger.

Eddie shrugged, smiling as he knew the effect the action had on her. He knew he was being difficult, but something about their interactions always brought out the worst in him. “I mean, what are we gonna do about it now? They’re already pretty excited about it—”

“Because—” Rhian interrupted, then took another steadying breath. She looked away towards the kitchen window, her gaze softening as she watched the kids sneaking biscuits from the hidden jar they weren’t supposed to know about. “Because you’ve already told them about it, knowing exactly the position you’d be putting me in…”

Eddie could see the toll it was taking on her, the lines of stress etched deeper into her face than he remembered. He began to realise the line he was dangerously close to crossing with her. He knew he was in the wrong, but admitting it was a different story. He could feel the weight of his failures pressing down on him, the countless times he’d let his kids down, let Rhian down.

Eddie decided to change tactics. “Alright, how about this? You come along… Kellie and Jonah can cover our shifts between them. You get your time with the kids, and I get mine. That’s not a completely terrible idea, right?”

Rhian shook her head to herself, turning her disappointed gaze to the yard again. “I hate you,” she whispered to herself, but Eddie heard it as loud as a bell. Those words cut deeper than he expected, a stark reminder of how far they had drifted from the people they used to be.

Rhian turned from the porch door, ready to collect her children and leave, but Eddie reached out his arm to grab hold of the back of her sundress, pulling her back into the conversation. “Hey hey hey—” Eddie pulled her lightly back toward him, but the previously quiet Kellie chose that moment to finally step back into the conversation.

“You better let her go if you wanna keep that hand,” Kellie said firmly.

Eddie looked around Rhian to find her peering back at his hand before turning back to stare in front of her, effectively disengaging from the conversation. The tension in the air was palpable, and Eddie could feel his sister’s protective anger radiating off her.

“Ain’t you my sister?” Eddie frowned at Kellie.

Kellie snorted, “So? She’s my best friend, and I’m not gonna ask again.” Kellie’s eyes fell to his pinched grip on Rhian’s dress. Eddie dropped his hold, not wanting the two of them to tag team him like back in their school days.

It was only then he noticed that Rhian hadn’t turned back around. He knew what that meant. He had truly upset her. Rhian wasn’t usually one to need someone to step in for her, so the fact that Kellie had should have told him something. He wanted to kick himself for taking things too far with her again. He always went too far.

Kellie walked over to her and was in front of her in what seemed like only a second, wiping something quickly from Rhian’s soft brown cheek before Eddie could see what she was doing. A matter of seconds later, Rhian reared around, ready to eviscerate him with her words.

But Eddie made sure to get in first, holding his hand up in surrender as he spoke. “Hold on, alright? Just… hold on.” 

Eddie stepped forward, closer yet still a good distance away. Rhian’s gaze was settled over his right shoulder, refusing to look at him. He took a step closer, relieved when she didn’t step back. Kellie stood closely behind, issuing her own silent warning with her eyes.

“Alright. Okay? I shouldn’t have—I should have spoken to you first. I shouldn’t have mentioned anything to the kids before—Look…” Eddie took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, alright?”

Rhian remained silent, her eye contact firmly off him.

Eddie sighed. “Look, I’ve already put down the deposit and paid the first instalment. So, I’m not gonna get that back now… and I know I have no right to ask this of you, but will you come with us? I’ve already booked you a suite at the lodge near the campsite,” Eddie white-lied. “One of those fancy ones with the hot tubs you like… I almost passed out when I found out how much it cost. It’s gonna mean one of the kids might not get to go to university now; my vote would be Kacie… I don’t know if I see her making it in the educational world as it is…”

Despite herself, a smile threatened to make itself known on Rhian’s face, and Eddie took that as an encouraging sign to continue, as he simultaneously tried to figure out how to find a place that was like what he’d just promised. He hadn’t even remembered the suggestion he’d lightly volleyed to his kids. It hadn’t actually been a concrete plan, just an open-ended ‘wouldn’t that be cool’ hypothetical. He should have known better than to believe that that would have been where it ended.

“You know I would never not include you in any decision I make,” Eddie said seriously. Rhian quirked a disbelieving eyebrow as her eyes flitted over to meet his, while he heard Kellie snort in the background.

“Stop that. Both of you,” Eddie eyed them both, before focusing on Rhian. “You know I wouldn’t. I just… I like making you a little mad sometimes, is all, but I always consider you. Even when you think I don’t…”

Eddie could see that despite herself, Rhian was softening slightly at his words, though she clearly didn’t seem entirely like she believed him. She eyed him closely as he took two steps closer, stooping to directly look her in the eyes.

“D’you really hate me?”

“Do I really have my own suite?” Rhian inquired, and Eddie didn’t want to lie again, so he just decided to go with an indecipherable sound.

“Okay, fine. But you’re gonna sort out the cover. I’m not getting involved in fixing any more of your messes.” Rhian stepped back and turned to the yard where she saw Rose making her way over to them. “That’s not my job anymore.”

Rhian turned and reached for Kellie’s hand as they made their way back toward his house, while Eddie frowned.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Eddie called after her.

“I know,” was the only thing she threw over her shoulder as she and Kellie walked inside, causing the shutter door to swing behind them.

Despite himself, Eddie chuckled.

As Eddie stood on the porch watching the door finally close, his mind drifted back to a time when things were simpler. He remembered the first time he and Rhian had taken the kids camping. The air was filled with the smell of pine and the sound of the children’s laughter at their mother’s hatred of the wild. They had spent barely a day hiking and swimming in the lake before Rhian had declared herself a ‘glamper, not a camper’ and found them a nearby lodge for the remaining nights of their trip. Eddie had spent the time teasing her mercilessly and she had grinned, shrugging her shoulders as she’d stared at the campfire they had made only yards from their accommodation.

Despite their poor imitation of a camping trip, they had roasted marshmallows and told mild ghost stories. He remembered the way Rhian’s eyes sparkled in the firelight, the way she had smiled at him, a smile that seemed to hold all the warmth and love in the world. He remembered how he had felt looking back at her, his whole world in one place. 

But those days felt like a lifetime ago. The divorce had changed everything. The constant battles over custody, the endless arguments about the restaurant, the strain of trying to be a good father while juggling his obligations to Rose had worn him down. He often felt like he was failing everyone, especially his kids.

As Eddie stood there, lost in thought, Rose walked over, her eyes filled with concern. “Is everything okay here?” she asked, glancing between Eddie and the closed door where Rhian had just disappeared.

Eddie sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Just a bit of a misunderstanding about the camping trip,” he said, trying to keep his tone light. 

Rose nodded, but Eddie could see the worry in her eyes. Planning the wedding had been stressful enough without adding more complications. They had argued the night before about the guest list, and Eddie knew she was feeling the pressure. “We need to talk about the wedding plans. The caterer called, and there’s an issue with the menu.” 

Eddie groaned inwardly. Another problem to solve. “Can it wait a bit? I need to sort this out with Rhian first,” he said, gesturing towards the house.

Rose nodded reluctantly. “Okay. But we need to figure it out soon. The wedding is only a few weeks away.”

Eddie watched Rose walk back towards Toyah feeling the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. He turned back to the house, looking in through the window where the kids were packing up their things and Rhian and Kellie were talking amongst themselves. He knew he had to make things right, not just for the sake of the camping trip, but for everything. He had to find a way to balance it all—his obligations to Rose, his responsibilities as a father, and the complicated relationship with Rhian.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversations that lay ahead. There was no easy fix, no simple solution. But for the sake of his kids, he had to try. He owed them that much. 

Chapter Two: Painfully Aware

“Daddy!” Nico cried as she came barrelling out of the back door. Within seconds, Eddie’s arms were open and ready to catch his daughter just before she could crash into him, which he was sure would have harmed both him and her.

“Hey there, darlin’!” Eddie grinned, sweeping her wild curls out of her face. He noticed his two other daughters not far behind their sister. He beckoned them over, though they appeared to be less inclined to run to him as enthusiastically as his youngest. That was the difference between twelve-year-olds, seven-year-olds, and toddlers. The toddlers were a lot more open and forgiving. 

“You guys headin’ out now?” Eddie asked no one in particular. 

“Uh-huh, Aunty Kel said—” Nico began to say before Eddie cut her off by showering her with kisses, causing her to laugh. Stopping her before she could finish whatever she was going to say. Eddie was painfully aware that his three-year-old was still at an age where she hadn’t learned that not everything needed to be repeated. Her talkative, happy-go-lucky nature had led to a couple of awkward incidents regarding Rose. Especially when Nico was repeating things his demon-spawn sister had said to someone somewhere.

Once Ivy and Kacie had slowly inched their way over to their father, Eddie moved to wrap his free arm around both other girls, crushing them to him. He chuckled at their groans. He was just happy that it was something he could still do, if only barely.

"Thanks for having us, Dad," Kacie muffled out against him.

“Yeah… thanks,” Ivy said quietly after her younger sister.

Eddie pulled back to look down at them. "Why are y’all thanking me? Like I don’t see y’all all the time," Eddie quizzed.

"Yeah, but you’re having a party tomorrow, and you’re real busy, and I want you to know we appreciate it," Kacie finished sweetly. Eddie stood dumbfounded, looking at his seven-year-old. Touched and unbelievably proud of how grown-up and thoughtful his daughter could be at times.

“Wow, Kace, that’s so—“ Eddie began only to be cut off by his eldest daughter.

“Calm down, Dad. She’s literally just re-quoting what Mum told her before we came out here.” Ivy rolled her eyes, as Kacie stuck her tongue out at her sister in much the same vein as her aunty had done, not too long before.

Eddie tried his best to stifle the chuckle, “Ah. I see. Well… still, thank you anyway…”

Eddie’s attention was pulled away from his daughters by a small cough that came from Rose. He saw her watching him with tender eyes that made his skin itch, an inexplicable discomfort that he couldn’t quite shake off.

Eddie cleared his throat. "Why don’t y’all go inside and say bye to your aunty? I'll be inside in a minute," Eddie instructed as he put Nico down and kissed his eldest on her forehead.

He waited for the three of them to make their way inside before turning back to look at Rose, who he saw watching him with those same tender eyes.

"They’re all such daddy’s girls," Rose said with a half-smile. She watched him closely, looking as if she wanted to say something more than she had. Eddie felt a strange sense of obligation in her words, a reminder of the wedding they were planning but not the excitement he should feel.

While rubbing the back of his neck, Eddie huffed and said, "I don’t know about all that, but I’m happy to be in the running for class favourite."

Rose smiled as she walked back up to the porch. "Well… you’re definitely my favourite.” Rose said as she raised her arms to wrap around Eddie's neck.

Eddie opened his mouth to respond, when a loud banging on the overlooking kitchen window caused them to jump. Eddie frowned when his eyes locked onto his sister’s. “We’re leaving now,” was all Kellie said, while staring her brother down. 

“You’re goin’ with them?” Eddie squinted at her.

“Ain’t that what I just said?” Kellie squinted back at him.

Rose raised her hand and waved, “Bye, Kellie, can’t wait to see you tomorr—”

“—Bye!” Kellie cut in before spinning away from the window and out of view.

Eddie shook his head, knowing he was going to have to have yet another conversation with his sister about her attitude towards Rose, for all the good it would do.

Rose gave him a doleful half-smile and he felt bad for her, “When do you think she’ll start to like me? I mean, I do think that she’s maybe starting to warm up to me a little though, what do you think?”

Eddie patted her shoulder, "Any day now and sure… a little,” Eddie white-lied. “But don’t pay her no mind, she doesn’t like anybody.” He knew they were both very aware that that wasn’t the case but he wasn’t going to say anything and he hoped she wouldn’t either.

Rose took the hint and nodded. “I’m going to go talk to Toyah more about the centrepieces. I think you’re gonna love them!”

“I bet I will.” Eddie smiled, but as soon he turned to go into the house his smile dropped from his face and readied himself to face the other women in his life.

As he made his way through his kitchen and then into the hallway, he could hear the sounds of his kids’ things getting packed up and sorted out. His front door was open as he exited his house. He found Ivy leaning against her mother’s car, scrolling through her phone. Kellie and Rhian were finishing off with packing up the boot. Nico and Kacie were running around the car playing tag.

"You too busy on that thing to give your ol’ daddy a hug?" Ivy quirked her eyebrow at him, before giving him her trademark heartbreaker smile. Sometimes it pleased him to no end, just how much like her mother his eldest daughter was, sometimes it pained him, but he always loved her.

Ivy pocketed her phone as she walked over to him, pleasantly surprising him as she gave him the biggest hug. For reasons Eddie was still trying to figure out, she was still shy around Rose. He’d noticed that she didn’t interact with him as much when his fiancée was around. It was on his list of things to talk to her about when they were alone, and she was more comfortable to talk.

“Jesus. You’re so strong now, soon you’re gonna be able to carry me to my own damn car.” Eddie sighed as he showered her with kisses, as he had done with Nico.

“Daddy, stop!” Ivy giggled and it warmed his heart to hear the sound.

“Never. I love you too much.” Eddie smiled down at her. Ivy grinned back before allowing him to walk her to the car.

As she got into the back of the car, Eddie walked over to where Kellie and Rhian were putting the last of the kids’ things into the car. Eddie went to lift the last bag into the car but Kellie grabbed it before he could.

“Don’t strain yourself last-minute hero. We got it.” Kellie huffed as she threw it on top of the pile.

Eddie let out a deep breath, refusing to let his sister antagonise him. “When will you get all of this out of your system? Rose knows you hate her and it’s… uncomfortable. Can you not try with her?” 

“Try what with her?” Kellie turned, her elbow resting against the load of things. She looked genuinely intrigued, as if she truly had no idea what Eddie meant.

“I don’t know… be nice? That could be a good start, don’t you think?”

“I think you’re asking for too many things from too many people, in too short a period of time. I think you’re making a huge mis—”

“Let me stop you right there! I’m not going into all of that with you now. Just behave. Rose ain’t going anywhere and if you don’t like that well then, I guess you know what you can do don’t you?”

“You’re a goddamn fool, Eddie; and you are gonna realise real soon, that you’ve put yourself into a real pickle here. All of this…” Kellie gestured widely around her, to emphasise her point “is something you could’ve avoided, had you been smart enough to—”

Eddie was becoming agitated with where the conversation was heading. “I said. I don’t wanna get into all of that! My point stands. Be better with her or else.”

“Or else, what?” Kellie stood up straight. “You be better. You be better and get the hell out of my face!” Kellie fumed.

Eddie and Kellie were locked in a fierce stare-down and despite Eddie having nearly a foot in height on her, Kellie never backed down and she wasn’t afraid to fight him if need be. It was something that he respected, but it was also something that irked him deeply. 

“You two might wanna step back from your horn-locking now. You have little eyes on you and this isn’t what I want them to keep observing from you two, every time they see you two together.” Rhian had seemed to appear between them out of nowhere. Eddie could tell Rhian wasn’t interested in them repeating the great brawl of ’05.

Almost immediately it was like a switch being turned off. Both Eddie and Kellie turned with big false smiles on their faces, as they looked up to see the kids in the car peering at them simultaneously curious and worried as they watched through the rear-view window.

"Okay. Well, we’re all done here anyway. I ain’t got anything else to say.” Kellie smiled, the smile that told him she was sick of him. Kellie made her way to the front passenger side. As she got in, she began talking to her nieces as if nothing had happened, she didn’t grace him with another single look in his direction. 

“Great. I think I am too.” Eddie’s smile said the same, even though Kellie showed no indication that she had in fact heard him or even cared to.

Rhian shut the boot, readying to walk away when she felt a tug on the back of her dress. She turned with a frown and then shook her head, faintly amused.

“I swear, you’re worse than the kids. What is it now?”

“You still mad at me?”

“I’m always mad at you, Edward.” Rhian chuckled as she watched his pitiful frown appear. The sound of her laugh, familiar and comforting, made Eddie’s heart ache with a sense of loss. “Look, just make sure you get my hot tub suite.”

"I will. I will, I told you I’ve already booked it."

“I know what you said, but we both know how well you know how to lie…”

“Now hold on a min—”

“I have to go. I have to pass by the restaurant and the girls are hungry.”

“I wanna talk about—”

“No.” was all Rhian said before she made her way to her side of the car. Before she got in, he called over to her. 

“Call me when you get home.”

Rhian rolled her eyes but nodded. She sat in the car, but Rhian didn’t start it as she knew he’d want to say another round of ‘byes’ to the kids. 

Eddie made sure to kiss all three girls, before stepping back and shutting the car door. Without another word, Rhian started the car, pulling out and driving off after a single beep. Eddie raised his hand to wave when he saw Ivy looking back at him from the back window. She raised the hand in return, not quite waving, but it was something.

Eddie found himself feeling the familiar sting of sorrow as he watched his family drive away from him. Despite the two years that had passed since his divorce, he found he still couldn’t get used to the feeling of his family living a life without him.

Eddie watched the car until it disappeared from view, a familiar emptiness settling in his chest. The sounds of the neighbourhood continued around him – children playing, a distant lawnmower, birds chirping – but all he could focus on was the silence left behind.

As Eddie stood there, lost in thought, he noticed his neighbour, Mrs. Holloway, tending to her garden. She was an elderly woman, always ready with a smile or a kind word. Seeing her reminded Eddie of the simpler times when everyone knew each other, and life seemed less complicated.

Eddie’s mind drifted back to a summer afternoon when he and Rhian were about ten years old. They were at Mrs. Holloway’s house, helping her with the garden. The sun was shining brightly, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air.

“Eddie, pass me the watering can!” Rhian’s voice was full of excitement.

Eddie, his face smudged with dirt, handed over the can with a grin. “Here you go. Don’t drown the poor flowers.”

Rhian laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I know what I’m doing, Mr. Bossy.”

Mrs. Holloway watched them with a fond smile. “You two make quite the team.”

Eddie and Rhian exchanged a look, their camaraderie evident. They had been inseparable since they had met in Christian summer school when they were six, understanding each other in a way that didn’t need words.

After finishing their gardening duties, they sat under the big oak tree in Mrs. Holloway’s yard, munching on the cookies she had baked for them.

“Hey, Eddie,” Rhian said, her voice suddenly serious.

“Yeah?” Eddie looked up, crumbs on his lips.

“Do you think we’ll always be friends?”

Eddie paused, then smiled. “Of course. You’re my best friend, Rhian. Always.”

Rhian grinned, a bit of relief in her eyes. “Good. Because I don’t want anything to change.”

Eddie reached out and took her hand, a gesture that felt completely natural. “Nothing will. We’ll always have each other’s backs.”

Eddie blinked, the memory fading as he looked at Mrs. Holloway’s garden, which still flourished with the same vibrant blooms. The same oak tree stood tall, a silent witness to their shared past.

“Good afternoon, Eddie!” Mrs. Holloway called out, waving a gloved hand. 

“Afternoon, Mrs. Holloway,” Eddie replied, managing a small smile. “How’s the garden coming along?”

“Oh, you know, always something to do. Keeps me busy,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “And how are you? You looked deep in thought there.”

“Just seeing the kids off. They’re heading back to their mama’s,” Eddie explained.

Mrs. Holloway nodded knowingly. “How is the lovely Miss Rhian?”

“You know…still perfect, while I’m still a jackass.”

Mrs. Holloway chuckled, “Well, you always were a handful, but you’re a good boy, Eddie. Losing things important to us…well, it’s never easy, is it? But, those girls adore you.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Holloway,” Eddie said, appreciating her words. “I appreciate that, I really do.” 

“You’re doing your best, and that’s all anyone can ask. Come visit me sometime. I’ll bake you those cookies you liked when you were little,” she said with a wink before returning to her flowers.

Eddie smiled, “I will. I promise.”

He stood out for a little longer before heading back inside. The house felt eerily quiet without the girls’ laughter and footsteps. He walked into the kitchen, noticing the remnants of their presence – a forgotten toy on the floor, drawings on the fridge, a stray hairband on the table.

He picked up the hairband, twirling it between his fingers as he moved to the living room. Rose was there, discussing centrepieces with Toyah. The two of them were engrossed in conversation, colourful papers and flower samples spread out on the coffee table.

Eddie was hoping to make his way to his room, for a bit of quiet as Rose called after him, stopping him in his tracks.

“Hey, can we talk?” Rose asked, her voice even softer than usual.

Eddie looked back to her, concern etched on his face. “Yeah, of course.”

Rose took his hand and led him to the porch. They sat on the steps, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ground.

“I’ve been thinking… maybe we need to find a way to get Kellie and Rhian more involved in the wedding. Maybe if they felt included, things would get better,” Rose suggested, her voice a mix of hopeful and uncertain.

Eddie wasn’t sure how he succeeded in keeping his full incredulity regarding the question off his face, but somehow he did, managing to level it off to just slightly sceptical. “You really think that would work?”

“I don’t know,” Rose admitted. “But it’s worth a try. I don’t want this tension affecting us or your kids. I mean…they’ll be the siblings of ours, right?”

Rose squeezed his hand, and Eddie felt frozen by the idea of more children, children who wouldn’t look like he and Rhian.

Clearing his throat, Eddie nodded. “Alright. Sure. Let’s give it a shot.”

Eddie leaned back, looking up at the sky understanding just how dumb he was to be going along with this, knowing what he’d be asking. Kellie’s words from earlier began playing in his mind…‘I think you’re asking for too many things from too many people, in too short a period of time. I think you’re making a huge mis—.’

“You know, sometimes I feel like I’m failing everyone. The kids, you, Rhian…” Eddie began.

“You’re not failing, Eddie,” Rose said firmly. “You’re trying to balance a lot, and it’s not easy. But you’re here, and you’re trying, and that’s what matters.”

Eddie sighed, feeling the weight of her words. “I just…I need to make all this work. For everyone.”

“And we will,” Rose assured him. “Together.”

Eddie sighed.

As they sat there, watching the sunset, Eddie struggled to feel the glimmer of hope, Rose seemed to be feeling. He had known for a while that things wouldn’t be easy, but he hadn’t known it would be this hard. He was going to have to find a way to make it all work, to broach Kellie and Rhian with Rose’s proposition before she could. He was also going to have to brace himself for what the reaction and fallout from that would be. He told himself the pit in his stomach was just the lack of food he had eaten.

End of Extract: