Ice face

Daniel Crusher had been a widower for five years. His wife had passed away from a heart condition shortly after giving birth to their youngest child. She left him alone with three kids and a profound sadness in a house that suddenly felt too big.

He had no intentions of remarrying, even though he was one of the most eligible bachelors and known for a few fleeting relationships. He believed he could raise his children alone, or at least he thought so.

Then his younger brother showed up, putting him between a rock and a hard place with a completely unthinkable proposal. When he found out why, he exploded in anger.

"How can you be so irresponsible?!"

But Daniel couldn't abandon his brother and Laura to their fate, much less leave the little one on the way. Beneath the ice armor he had built around himself, there was still a man with a warm heart.

"Who is she?" he had asked.

And once again, he raised his voice when Harry spoke of Deanna.

"But if she goes to college with you, that means... she's your age?"

"Yes, she's 25, like Laura and me."

"Harry, are you out of your mind? I'm 15 years older than her."

"She's the only one who might agree to this, Daniel. I don't know anyone else who would."

Not only would he have to marry a woman he didn't know, but she was 15 years younger than him. A college student he had never seen before. This would be a disaster.

"Mom is going to have a heart attack, you know that."

"You can handle her. You've always gotten your way when you wanted something, even if our parents opposed."

"This is different, Harry. Do you think they would accept me suddenly marrying a much younger woman that no one knows and who studies with you?"

"At least you can say I introduced you."

Daniel wouldn't have too much trouble imposing his will, but the story had to be believable. She was too young for him, and that wasn't his style. His brother was really putting him in a tough spot; there were too many things to justify.

He had officially dated only two women in all these years, and only because of his mother's insistence, who wanted her grandchildren to have a mother figure. One of them didn't mind that he had three kids, but Daniel didn't like her. The other one didn't like him either, but she made it easy because she had no intentions of becoming anyone's mother. The rest of the few women were occasional or fleeting affairs without significance.

"I have to meet her at least. Have you talked to her yet?"

"Not yet, I'll do it this afternoon. I'm sure she'll help us. Thanks, brother, thank you."

"You better become an exemplary father and start settling down."

"Of course, I will. Laura and our baby deserve nothing but the best."

"I'm glad to hear that."

For him and his late wife, things had been very different. Although they married young, like Harry and Laura, Daniel had already finished his studies and started working in the family business.

Since he was a child, he had been very responsible and diligent. While other kids his age practiced sports or played, he was learning languages. While his classmates traveled around the world, he was taking math and statistics classes. He had a very strong discipline for someone so young.

He always behaved like a gentleman, was austere and conservative, and followed family mandates to the letter. Thanks to that, his parents rarely forbade him anything, and he was able to marry his high school girlfriend at a young age.

They were a happy family. His wife balanced Daniel's somewhat cold and strict nature. They harmonized perfectly; they were an adorable couple. Then came the children, bringing even more happiness. So, when Emily died, his whole world fell apart.

Daniel had no choice but to devote himself to his three children and his work. He couldn't break down. Now, he was the only pillar left standing.

His sister helped him with the kids during the first year, but as with everything in his life, Daniel proved capable of being a good single father. Maybe a bit strict and inflexible in some aspects, but very loving.

"As soon as I talk to Deanna, I'll let you know."

"Why are you so sure she'll agree?"

"Because it's Deanna."

"And what does that mean?"

"That's just how she is. She doesn't hesitate to support you or be there when you need her. She's a great friend."

"I see..."

"Just... do you think you could be less you?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You know, less... cold and serious. She's a great woman, Daniel, but you're going to scare her off with your expressions."

"That's ridiculous, Harry."

In reality, he was quite the gentleman, but he had a tendency to be a bit... rude sometimes, without realizing it. It was simply his way. He had a nickname that no one dared to say in his presence: "Ice Face Crusher." He had a reputation in the business for being relentless and upright. He was always serious, rarely smiled, and tended to say what he thought without caring if it came off badly or not.

This had to work somehow. They were running out of time. Harry arranged a meeting for the four of them at his apartment to finalize the details and come up with a plausible story. Now that his friend was on board, if he crossed his fingers and had a lot of faith, they still had a chance.

"Does she know about the kids?"

"Yes, I mentioned them more than once... I think. Anyway, she won't have a problem with that."

"We'll have to set rules regarding the kids too."

None of them had any idea of all that their little "theatrical performance" would entail or how it would affect the lives of the "Mighty Dean" and "Ice Face." But the wheels were already in motion; the most complicated part would be getting both parents to accept the new daughter-in-law without too many questions.

Deanna prepared herself as best as she could that night. She put on a black dress and low, but somewhat elegant, shoes. She didn't have much clothing that would make a good impression, but at least she had to try to make Daniel like her. She was a bit nervous; however, she gathered all her optimism and headed to Harry's apartment.

For his part, Daniel also chose to wear something not too fancy, a bit conservative, but that wouldn't reveal his age too much. Unconsciously, he was trying to adjust to his new "partner." He felt a bit... pressured by the fact that she was so young; maybe she would see him as an old man and not want to continue.

What had Harry meant by being less himself? He didn't see anything wrong with his way of being. He was a successful man with well-behaved children and very respected in his social circle. His image was clean, serious, and admired by many. He had a good position and was an excellent match for any woman. Harry was very wrong... right?

Before leaving, he stopped by little Jonathan's room, who was already asleep. He picked up some toys from the floor and watched him for a few minutes. He thought about how Harry's child would have both parents together. Jonathan had already forgotten his mother's face and could barely communicate with him. He didn't know what else to do for his son.