Page 64 of Icebreaker
“I’ve got kinks, but that’s not one of them,” Daddy B injected. My face flushed tomato red, but he just laughed and pulled me close for a temple kiss. “By the way, we are going to the cabin for a few days over spring break.”
“Getting ready for move-in?”
“I hope so, and I just want to get away and relax before all the graduation stuff starts happening.”
Professor and Mrs. Tate glanced at each other, engaging in that unspoken communication that couples who have been together forever have mastered. After the mind meld, Mrs. Tate said, “How about we come up for a day? We can figure out what you want to change and get rid of before you move in.”
“Sweet. Let us know which day, and we’ll get some steaks and grill out.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
BRENNEN
“Hey, you’ve got mail,”Ellie called from the front door.
He waved the envelope in his hand wildly, like a bird in flight. A large manila envelope. I hadn’t graduated, so there was only one option.
“Kiddo, is that from the sheriff’s office?”
“Yep.”
“Oh shit.”
“Daddy B, you need to open it right now. It’s ’portant.” Ellie rushed across the room and laid the prize down in front of me like I’d been gifted a puppy. I stopped folding clothes and snagged him around the waist to pull him onto my lap.
“Before I open this, I need a kiss for good luck,” I said with mock seriousness. Ellie dutifully pressed a soft kiss to my mouth like the good boy he was, but it wasn’t enough for me. I slid my hand around the back of his neck and pulled him back toward me. My mouth fit over his, and I plunged my tongue into his mouth. He tasted like apple juice and mints. Our tongues explored each other’s mouths until my jeans became uncomfortably tight from his little moans.
We didn’t have time for a quickie. We had to get on the road before the traffic got terrible, or we would add hours to ourtrip. I reluctantly pulled away, and Ellie chased me with a small whimper.
“Kiddo, you’re a temptation.”
Ellie beamed at my words, but he wasn’t going to be deterred from his mission. He grabbed the envelope off the stack of clothes and presented it to me.
“Daddy, open it,” he ordered.
“Yes, sir.”
His giggles made me smile. I tore the edge and ripped open the flap.
“Wait!” Ellie hollered at the top of his lungs. I stopped immediately and waited. “You’re a good Daddy.”
With a wry smile, I pulled him forward for a gentle kiss. Ellie was a gift.
I couldn’t delay reading the damn thing. My hands shook as I forced my eyes to focus on the letter in my hands.
Dear Mr. Tate,
On behalf of the Coho County Sheriff’s Office, I am pleased to formally offer you a position within our department. You are being hired in an administrative capacity, with an official start date of June 1, 2025.
This role will enable you to become familiar with departmental operations and procedures, preparing you for your next step. You have also been accepted to attend the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Burian, Washington, beginning August 15, 2025. The academy runs for six months and, upon successful completion and certification, you will be eligible for assignment as a sworn deputy with the Coho County Sheriff’s Office.
Please report to our administrative division at eight a.m. on June first for onboarding and initial training.
To accept this offer, please respond via email within fourteen days of the date of this letter. Enclosed, you will find a packet from the County Human Resources Office as well as our department’s Personnel Manual. These documents contain important information regarding your benefits, expectations, and department policies.
We are excited to welcome you to the team and look forward to supporting your growth as you begin your law enforcement career with us.
“Daddy! You’re in! You gotted it!” Ellie threw his arms around my neck and shouted in my ear while he clutched me close. He rained kisses all over my face between shouted congratulations. “You gotta say yes and call your parents right now.”
