Chapter 2: Ice Face

Daniel Crusher had been a widower for 5 years. His wife had died from a heart condition shortly after giving birth to their youngest son. She left him alone with 3 kids and a deep 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 was known to have had a few brief relationships. He could raise his children alone, or at least that's what he thought.

And then his younger brother comes along, backs him into a corner with a completely unthinkable proposal. When he found out why, he exploded in fury.

"How can you be so irresponsible?!"

But Daniel couldn't leave his brother and Laura to their fate. Much less abandon the little one on the way. Behind the ice shield he'd built around himself, there was still a warm-hearted man.

"Who is she?" he had asked.

And again, he hit the roof when Harry told him about Deanna.

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

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

"Harry, are you insane? 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 do it."

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

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

"You can handle her, you've always gotten your way when you want something, even when our parents oppose it."

"This is different, Harry. You think they'll accept me suddenly marrying a younger woman, who nobody knows and who studies with you?"

"At least you can tell them I introduced you."

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

He'd only officially dated two women in all these years, and only because of his mother's insistence that his children needed a mother figure. One of them hadn't had a problem with his three kids, but Daniel didn't like her. The other he didn't like either, but she made it easy because she had no intention of becoming anyone's mother. The rest of the few women were just casual or fleeting things of no importance.

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

"Not yet, I will this afternoon. I'm sure she'll help us. Thank you, brother, thank you."

"You better become an exemplary father and start getting your act together."

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

"I'm glad to hear that."

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

He'd been very responsible and dedicated since childhood. While other kids his age played sports or games, he learned languages. While his classmates traveled around the world, he took math and statistics classes. He had incredible discipline for someone so young.

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

They were a happy family; his wife balanced Daniel's somewhat cold and strict character. They harmonized perfectly, were an adorable couple. Then came the children and with them more happiness. That's why when Emily died, his whole world collapsed.

Daniel had no choice but to focus on his three children and his work; he couldn't fall apart. Now he was the only pillar left standing.

His sister helped with the kids 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 ways, but very loving.

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

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

"Because it's Deanna."

"And what's that supposed to 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... could you try to be less... you?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You know, less... cold and serious. She's a great woman, Daniel, but you'll 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 of being. They'd given him a nickname that no one dared say in his presence: "Ice Face Crusher." And he had a reputation in business for being ruthless and rigid. He was always serious, rarely smiled, and tended to say what he thought regardless of how it might be received.

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

"Does she know about the kids?"

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

"We'll need to set rules regarding the children too."

None of them had any idea of all that their little "theatrical production" would bring about, or how it would affect the lives of "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.

That night, Deanna got ready as best she could. She put on a black dress and flat but somewhat elegant shoes. She didn't have many clothes that would make a good impression, but at least she had to try to get Daniel to like her. She was a bit nervous, but she drew out all her optimism from within and left for Harry's apartment.

For his part, Daniel also chose to wear something not too elegant, a bit conservative, but that wouldn't give away 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'd see him as an old man and wouldn't want to continue.

What had Harry meant about being less himself? He didn't see anything wrong with how he was. He was a successful man with well-educated children and was highly respected in his social circle. His image was impeccable, serious, and admired by many. He was in a good position and was an excellent catch 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 stood watching him for a few minutes. He thought about how Harry's child would have both parents together, while 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.