.9.

I hope this makes up for the lack of updates... Enjoy guys :O)

~~

The game was quick, and loud, our boys pulling a head to win it 4-2 in the third. The four of us headed downstairs, which was probably a mistake, as we were interrupted every ten steps so someone could congratulate Vero and Marc-Andre. Vero would nod and thank them politely and then we would continue on our way.

We hit the locker rooms and Brooks and Tyler were standing there waiting for their respective women. Erin and Lilly ran over and attacked their men with a fever. Vero and I stood back, knowing like always, our men would probably be the last out.

I sat on the couch as the guys came up and congratulated Vero on their way out. She gushed at them and thanked them with a genuine smile as they left the locker room promising to see us both at Diesel soon.

Finally, about ten minutes after Geno, Staalsy and Max left, the doors opened and a flood of reporters headed right for us.

“STACI, STACI! How does it feel, now that you're friend is engaged?” A reporter yelled at me as they separated me from Vero.

“I'm very happy for Vero and Marc-Andre. They've been very good friends to both myself and Sidney, and I look forward to doing all the things that Vero has been kind enough to do for me during my engagement.” I smiled widely, waiting, praying for Sidney to save me.

“What would you say, Staci, was the best part of your own engagement?” A familiar voice asked. I looked up to see Sid in the midst of all the reporters, grinning mischievously, as the hounds grew tighter.

“Well, you see, I met this guy... And he was very persistent, on the verge of annoying.” I grinned as he took on a look of indignation. “But, he ended up winning me over, by his persistence. My favourite thing about the proposal? The fact that it was in Cole Harbour, just me and him, and our dogs at the house. It was very romantic. He proposed on the dock, over looking the lake.” The crowd around me aww'd as Sid finally fought his way forward, I looked over to see Vero briefly, and saw Marc-Andre's head where she used to be, blocking her from sight. I turned back towards Sidney and he surprised me by meeting my lips right away.

“Sorry everyone... I'm stealing my fiancée and our friends away to enjoy their engagement. Thank you.” Sid called out to the reporters. He wrapped his arm around me and began to pull me away from the crowd as more and more reporters yelled out to us. I looked over and saw Marc pulling Vero away in a similar fashion. Both of us girls just put our heads down to avoid pictures as our men guided us out the door. “Diesel, Flower. The guys are already there.” Sid waved to the others as he opened my door for me giving me a quick kiss before running over to his side of the vehicle.


We pulled up to the club and the doorman came up and opened the door for me as Sidney ran over and offered me his hand. My smile ballooned as I took the offered hand and headed into the club together.

Our group of people glanced up and cheered as they spotted us walking into the club, Vero and Marc right behind us. As we got up to the VIP area I noticed Jordan sitting in the corner with a very pretty, very familiar blond. I gave Sid a pat on the arm, leaving him to talk with Geno, Max, and Marc while I made my way over to the couple.

I gently sat across from them and watch for a few moments as they had their faces close together, whispering back and forth, grinning like small school children. After about three minutes of just watching them interact I cleared my throat to announce my presence. The girl’s head flew up, running straight into Jordan’s chin. Jordan groaned holding his jaw tenderly. The girl looked between me and Jordan before finally turning to him and pushing his hands away so she could see the damage.

“Oh my gosh, Jordan… I’m so sorry… Je suis tres stupide!” she cried stroking his jaw. He smiled softly before trapping his hands in his.

“You’re not stupid. Trust me.” He smiled leaning in and kissing her gently.

“I'm sorry,” I cut in, causing them to pull away from each other. “But, although you two are together and that's great. I need to clarify somethings first. Laura, does your mother know you're at Diesel?” Her eyes fell as she slowly shook her head. “But she knows you're with Jordan?” She nodded raising her eyes to look at me pleadingly.

“Please, Aunt Staci, don't tell her! I just wanted to have a good date with him, nothing more.” She pleaded, holding onto Jordan's hands.

“I understand that, and I won't on one condition...” My gaze turned to the young blond’s now slightly terrified boyfriend. “Jordan, don't you dare bring her back here until she's at least eight-teen ok?” The tall man-boy nodded slowly. “And take her out for dinner or something. If Claire's ok with you taking her out, she should be ok with where you take her. Deal?”

“Deal, Stace,” He mumbled as they both stood. Laura came over and hugged me gently before running out of the club, Jordan close behind her. I watched them run out of the club chuckling to myself about the trouble Sidney and I used to get into when we first started dating.

“Hey, babe, was that Laura and Jordan I saw running out of here?” Sidney asked kissing the top of my head gently. I nodded and leaned against him.

“Yup, I got me thinking about us as teenagers.” I laughed as he shuddered.

“I'm surprised your father never killed me. We were pretty bad.” He kissed my shoulder gently as I laughed at the memories.

“We weren't that bad. Troublemakers for sure. But we always knew when enough was enough.”

“Yah, the vein in your dad's forehead would start pounding.” We laughed and I slowly stood, pulling away from him slowly.

“I'm going to grab a drink ok, babe?” I leaned in and kissed his plush lips after he nodded. I headed towards the bar, pausing at the steps to send a kiss air delivery to Sid and laughed as he caught it, placing it in his pocket.

I hurried to the bar, not really liking how crowded it got in a matter of twenty minutes. The bartender was quick to take my order, and I stood there waiting for my drink, observing the people around me.

“Oh my GOD! Cassie, they're here!!! Oh my god! How do we get in there??” A girl directly to my left squealed.

“Umm.. Doubtful, Alecia... They're all marrying off. Which means, while they're in town, they're off limits. It'll be better when we see them in New York next week.” The girl next to her, Cassie, purred. “But I might be able to walk out of here with Max tonight, he looks like he's on the prowl.” The girls cackled and my gaze went to the dance floor where I found Max getting very cozy with a very plastic blond. I sighed gently and shook my head, as the bartender finally dropped off my made drink. I turned slowly, having grabbed Sidney a beer as well, and began to head back to the lounge.

“You know, Cas, the other thing we can do to get in the with the guys...” The girl, Alecia, pondered. “Get rid of the girlfriends...” I glanced over with my peripheral vision to see the two girls glaring at Vero standing with Marc and chatting with Erin and Brooks. I shuddered involuntarily and sped up my pace to get back into the lounge.

“Staci, what's wrong?” Vero asked, catching me as I almost ran up the stairs. I shook my head violently.

“We... W-we need to go... Now...” I managed to speak as Sid came up and grabbed his beer from me.

“Thanks, babe.” He grinned kissing my cheek, not noticing my fear.

“What do you mean?” Vero asked, now concerned, pulling me to the couch to sit.

“I just... It's not.... I mean... I just think we should go.”

“What's going on, Staci?” Marc sat next to Vero wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

“We need to get Max and get out of here. We can go to our place. Order Chinese and hang out.” I smiled innocently, taking a large sip of my drink.

“I could for Chinese.” Lilly piped up from next to Tyler.

“Yah... Sounds good.” Sid grinned, gulping his beer. He leaned down and kissed my forehead gently. “I'll go get Max. The blond might have to come to though. Is that ok?” I nodded finishing my drink as I watched Sid cross the dance floor to get Max so we could leave.

"Mon Dieu," Vero swore softly causing me to whip my head around to see trouble heading in Sidney and Max's direction, head on.

.8.

I'm sorry I'm sorry! It's CRAZY short! But it's a post. Ideas brewing... Too tired to write. Tomorrow... Maybe... This weekend definitely.

~

The area was silent. Not a single person made a single sound, even the mice were waiting in anticipation. Sid squeezed my hand gently, causing me to lean down to hear what he wanted to say.

“She’s gonna say yes… isn’t she?” He whispered looking back at the ice, and Marc-Andre kneeling there patiently, as Vero cried silently into her one hand.

“I hope so,” I whispered back. “I wasn’t aloud to say anything, remember?” He sighed and nodded. “I know she loves him, so she’s probably just in shock.” I gave his hand a light squeeze before looking up at our friends. I met Vero’s eyes and nodded ever so slightly. Her eyes crinkled in a small smile as she lowered her right hand onto Marc-Andre’s and said the one word, that the whole arena was waiting to hear.

“Yes…” She breathed as the whole arena erupted. “Yes, Marc-Andre, I will marry you.” Marc instantly jumped up and hugged her tightly. The crowd didn't quiet down as she leaned down to kiss him fiercely.

“I guess we're going out tonight.” I grinned and shooed him towards the ice.

“More than likely..” He grinned, walking backwards, not noticing Marc-Andre and Vero heading right into him. “Oh, hey guys, congrats.” He grinned and waved at them. “Flower, you gonna take long?”

“Nah,” Marc-Andre smiled stupidly. “I just have to say good bye to my fiancée.. Maybe ten minutes?” Sidney nodded and stepped onto the ice to start warming up.
Fifteen minutes later the Mellon went dark as the announced the Penguins stepping on the ice. Marc-Andre came out first, and the crowd went nuts when they saw that the back of his jersey said “Just Engaged”. Vero slowly made her way to our seats wearing a similar jersey.

“Félicitations, Vero!” I called enveloping her in a tight hug.

“Merci, Staci. I'm so excited! We're thinking, not this off season but next.” She smiled widely, as Erin and Lilly demanded to see the ring. It was gorgeous! 2 carats center diamond with descending smaller ones heading down the sides of the ring.

“Oh my GAWD! Vero!” Lilly squealed. I turned back to the ice to see the boys lined up on the blue lines.

“Shh, ladies.. It's starting... Lets gush after the game.” I smiled as the others turned to watch our men work.

.7.

Sorry... Kind of short, but I'm suffering a bit of writers block. Any ideas will definitely help.
I'll try and post soon, but no promises... I haven't been motivated to write. :-/

~

The end of the week flew and soon I found myself at Marc-Andre and Vero's house raiding her closet. Claire, Guy and the kids were house hunting again, so I was free to sit with the girls.

“How about this one, Vero?” I held up a emerald green off the shoulder shirt towards her.

“Really? That dressy? Staci, you're the one who'd rather go to the games in her sweat pants, and you're encouraging me to dress up?” She stopped and put her hands on her hips staring at me. “What's going on, Staci?”

“Nothing, I just thought we could get a little dressed up for today's game... It's not big deal. Wear sweats if you want.” I shrugged, moving to re-fold the shirt.

“Okay, okay!! I'll wear the shirt!” She laughed snatching the shirt out of my hands. We changed quickly and ran down to my car; Sid caught a ride to Mellon with Marc-Andre earlier that day.

Mellon was buzzing when we got there, people already cramming the hallways. I stood on my tiptoes keeping my eyes open for Erin and Lilly. Vero laughed and pulled me back onto the flats of my shoes.

“What is your issue tonight? You’re so jumpy.” She shook her head and started to pull me towards the locker rooms.

“Why don’t we head to our seats?” I suggested, pulling her the other way. “They’re going to start honouring the season ticket holders right away.”

“I want to see Marc before the game. He was so nervous when he left this afternoon. He didn’t even nap.” Her eyebrows knitted together in concern.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine… I just don’t think that-“ I couldn’t finish my thought as Vero was bombarded by Erin and Lilly.

“Geez, V, what did you do to Marc?” Lilly demanded her cheeks slightly pink from running to us. “He’s a nervous wreck down there!”

“It’s true,” Erin nodded in agreement. “He was pacing and fidgety. Sid just kept laughing and saying ‘it’s okay man… just do it’. But no one else seemed to know what was going on…” Vero eyes quickly went from concern for Marc to scorn for me.

“What is going on, Staci?” She demanded stepping closer to me.

“I don’t know, Vero… Sidney might, but he never told me…” I shrugged and turned my gaze away from her. She opened her mouth to say something more, but thankfully an usher came up to us and interrupted.

“Ms. Larosse, can you come with me please?” He gestured to her to follow, I nodded enthusiastically at her, turning her to follow him, Erin and Lilly standing there mouths agape.

“What is going on, Staci?” Lilly asked once Vero was safely out of ear shot.

“Marc’s proposing, in…” I glanced down at my watch, “ten minutes. She’s the last season ticket holder being honoured.” I smiled as the girls went crazy for our friend. “Come on guys, I don’t want to miss this.”

We wove our way through the seats with little concern; it’s amazing how excitement can make the fans less perceptive. Once in our seats we watched as the season ticket holders were escorted onto the ice by the goal line. There were seven in total.

Sid was the first to skate out from the tunnel. The crowd went insane. His gaze went up into the stands until our eyes connected. I blew him a kiss of acknowledgement and blushed as the crowd cooed and I realised we where on the JumboTron. He laughed fully before blowing a kiss back. Before going to his ticket holder he skated by Vero, who looked very confused and slightly angry, and rubbed her arm, before whispering something in her ear. She nodded and smiled slightly, but it was a genuine smile. He skated over to the sixty year old woman waiting for him.
He took off the jersey that he had draped over his arm and presented it to her, showing the crowd as well. It was his jersey of course, and she was ecstatic. She pulled him into a tight hug and we all laughed as she almost caused him to tumble over.

One by one the rest of the fans got to meet their respective Penguin. Jordan, Max, Kris, Bill, and Geno came out to present people with jerseys. If they caught a woman, like Jordan and Geno, they were accosted with hugs and even Geno received an innocent, but unexpected kiss on the cheek. The others got hardy handshakes and lots of thank yous. The players escorted their fans off the ice leaving Vero standing on the goal line very much alone. She stood there by herself for a good two or three minutes before Marc skated out, not in his gear, but the suit he was wearing earlier. Her eyes grew at his attire, and we couldn’t tell if she had figured it out or if she was going to slap him as soon as he got close enough.

The crowd went deadly silent as a microphone clicked on.

“Hello,” Marc started towards the crowd, which screamed loudly in response. “As all of you probably know, I have been very happily attached to Vero Larosse for ten years or so. But I don’t think a lot of you understand the sacrifices she makes every day.” He smiled over at her and took her hand in his. “She never fights with me about hockey, other things like, taking the garbage out, sure, but never hockey. She loves this city more than I do.” The crowd erupted as Vero blushed deeply. I jumped slightly as something brushing my leg. I looked next to me to see Sidney standing in the hallway next to our seats. I took his hand in mine and turned my eyes back to the ice.

“She's supported me for ten years. And through all of that, she really hasn't complained. She's left jobs, and started new ones, just so I could be where I needed to be.” He turned to Vero and gently took hold of her left hand. “Vero, I've made you sad like anyone in a relationship. I've made you happy like anyone in a relationship. But I love you like no other, you complete who I am. I realize we have immeasurable things to learn, infinite things to accomplish, but I'd love to do it together.” He slowly knelt down on one knee, causing her right hand to shakily come up to her mouth. “Cherie, I'm out of this world in love with you. Will you give me the honour, the privilege of being my wife? Will you marry me?”