When the Singleton parents returned, the younger children had nearly destroyed the living room. Cushions lay overturned, a bag of rice had been spilled, and the dog had Play-Doh stuck in its fur.

"What on earth happened?!" Jennica exclaimed, aghast.

"I'm so sorry!" the babysitter cried. "They refused to go to bed! I tried, but as soon as I dealt with one, another started something else."

Cameron rubbed his forehead in agitation. "Clean this up if you want your full pay. I'll put them to bed."

The babysitter nodded tearfully and began sweeping up the rice as Logan threw himself at his father's legs with a cheeky grin.

"You're in trouble, young man. Don't smile at me like that," Cameron said sternly. "Oliver, Nathan, you need to get ready for bed, too."

Nathan, wearing only a pajama shirt and diaper—he'd apparently found it amusing to tease the babysitter while she tried to dress him—quietly retrieved his pants and put them on when he saw Cameron meant business.

"Where are the older kids?" Jennica asked the babysitter, her frustration evident. She was trying hard not to reprimand the girl, who had likely done her best. She knew the children reacted poorly to unfamiliar adults.

"Upstairs in Noah's room."

Jennica wondered if the babysitter had even checked on them. She doubted the babysitter deserved full pay; it was a miracle the apartment hadn't burned down.

Jennica wearily climbed the stairs—the party had exhausted her, and she hadn't even spoken to many friends. She was grateful such events didn't require her frequent attendance; work cast parties were far less chaotic.

Noah's room was silent. What were the three older children up to?

Jennica stifled a laugh at the sight of them passed out on the floor around a partially completed Lego castle. Violet's head rested against her twin's arm, and Noah's hand lay on her wrist, despite the castle separating them. None of them looked comfortable.

The children were too heavy for her to lift, so she and Cameron switched duties. He carried them to bed, tucking his son in before using the trundle bed for Kaleb. Since Violet was a girl, he took her downstairs and settled her on the couch. These kids were getting heavy! It seemed like only yesterday he could carry two at once.

Downstairs, he found the babysitter had finished cleaning. He paid her and dismissed her. He wouldn't be using that babysitting service again; the girl clearly lacked child-management skills.

Upstairs, he flopped onto his bed, ripping off his tie. Jennica joined him a few minutes later, eager to shed her constricting dress.

"Are they all asleep?"

"Yep. What a night," she sighed. "Did you see Keeley tell off her in-laws? It was subtle, but I noticed."

How could he have missed it? After nearly two decades working with Aaron, Cameron would recognize that icy anger across the room instantly. Only one thing could provoke such a reaction: his parents' unexpected appearance.

He wasn't surprised by the anger; he was surprised by his friend's subsequent elation. What had Keeley said to change his mood so dramatically in minutes?

"Oh, I noticed. Aaron was ecstatic afterward. She must have said something amazing. I wish I'd been closer," Jennica said.

"I feel sorry for her. No one should have to deal with in-laws who hate them. I got lucky; your family is the best," Jennica replied, cuddling up to her husband.

Cameron felt sorry for Keeley, but also for Aaron. Aaron's parents were terrible, not just regarding his wife. Cameron had dealt with Alistair Hale long enough in shareholder meetings to know the man cared little for his son.

In 2012, when he first learned of Aaron's love for Keeley, he'd been shocked. Why would such a reserved man be in love with someone so…normal?

It became clear in the years following their marriage. Keeley brought warmth, love, and fun into Aaron's life—things he'd lacked growing up. Cameron wouldn't have believed his boss capable of such sentimentality if he hadn't spent so much time with him outside of work.

Aaron was always happy doing simple or even silly things with his wife and children. The emotionless "ice statue" simply wanted a family. People were surprisingly simple.

Even at work, he was less icy after marrying Keeley. His long-term employees noticed his mellowing.

He still commanded respect and could intimidate anyone, but ice wasn't his default anymore. He was more…neutral. Keeley had worked a miracle.

"At least they have each other," Cameron said thoughtfully.

"Yeah, you're right," Jennica yawned. "Let's get changed. I'm exhausted and want cuddles."

That was a request he couldn't refuse. He always cherished holding his wife; it reminded him of how they met—she'd literally fallen for him.

Aaron wasn't the only one lucky in love. Cameron felt just as fortunate.

(The final promotional sentence has been removed as it is irrelevant to the story itself.)