.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?”

pause

I've decided to right some short stories and post them up here in blogger land.

The music for them is not up and running, but the first story is.

http://shortwindsprints.blogspot.com/

Hope you enjoy reading them as much as I've enjoyed writting them. :D

.6.

Thank you to everyone who's reading and leaving comments. They're greatly appreciated! Sorry this update took a bit to get up, but I'm off for a whole week, so hopefully I'll be able to sit down and do some serious writing. Lots of exciting things coming up, and possiblities for some spin offs, we'll see. Enjoy :)

~~~

In my blind rage I moved to slap the next girl but had two strong arms wrap around me before I could do anything.

“Bitch!” The first one screamed. “This is assault! I could sue you!”

“Please, do me the favour. Press charges! I would love to be able to explain to the courts how you maliciously instigated the confrontation verbally!” I screamed fighting against the still unknown arms.

“C’mon, Staci, let’s go.” Marc-Andre’s voice flooded into my ear, I stopped fighting against him and sighed deeply before nodding.

“You’re right, Marc. They’re not worth it.” I shot a glare at the girls as he let me go. I pulled gently on the hem of my coat to smooth it out and didn’t even notice the second girl storming up and punching me square in the face. I heard the crack on impact before the pain sunk in. Marc-Andre caught me as I fell backwards. I could see Max and Kris running over to restrain the girls as I steadied myself on my feet. “Max, Kris... Just leave them. I'm not hurt that badly.”

I held my hand up to my face to feel the damage. My cheek was killing me, but it wasn't too bad. And my lip was definitely bleeding. I smiled slightly as Sidney can running up and put his hand on my cheek. I winced at the shot of pain that ripped through it.

“Stace, are you ok?” He stared into my eyes so intensely, almost like if he turned away I'd disappear.

“I'm fine, Sidney,” I whispered hugging him tightly. He gently pushed me back to examine the damage.

“Hey, you didn't do so bad, Slugger.” He grinned kissing my split lip.

“You should see the other guy.” I laughed before turning towards the two girls. I took a step away from Sidney as I began to address them. “You know, I can deal with what you say to me, because I really don't care what you think of me. And neither does Sidney. But leave my family out of it. You don't know anything about any of us, including Sidney. I'm not going to press charges on you, so long as your friend doesn't.” The girls nodded weakly, feeling the steely glares from three professional hockey players. “And girls? I suggest you stay far away from me, my family and my fiancé.”

I turned back towards Sidney and held out my hand for him take. His smile grew as he took my hand and we headed towards the toboggan hill. Laura, Jordan, and Bryan came running up to us with crazy carpets and inner tubes in their hands.

“Are you ok, Aunt Staci?” Laura asked, one hand holding two crazy carpets and the other lost in Jordan's gloved one. I grinned a the sight of them.

“Oh yah, I'm fine.” I brushed it off, really not wanting to get into why the fight started with anyone. I'd tell Sidney when we got home, and were alone.

“Bryan, want to go on the tube with me?” Sidney asked as I chose my own inner tube; Laura and Jordan took the carpets. Bryan nodded enthusiastically before climbing on Sid's lap. Jordan and Laura gave the three of us a push down the hill before taking a running leap with the crazy carpets. The five of us laughed and screamed the whole way down. At the bottom we all got off our “toboggans” and ran back to the top of the hill, where we switched to Sid and I on one tube, Jordan and Laura on the other and Bryan on a crazy carpet. I screamed as Max came running up and pushed Sid and I down the hill.

As we were sailing down the hill we came up to a small jump, and,because of our combined weight, we flew about ten feet before hitting the snow again. As we hit the tube tumbled slightly knocking both of us off. I jarred my cheek on a piece of ice as I came crashing down, I could feel blood trickle slowly out of a small cut. Sidney saw the blood and came running over to me.

“Staci! Staci!” He shouted as he rolled me over, I couldn't answer him, I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe. “Staci, I need you to tell me you're ok. Did you hit your head?” He started to take off my touque and check for any bumps or bruises.

“I'm fine!” I laughed pushing him away from my head, and wiped the blood from my cheek with my glove. “I haven't had this much fun in months!” My laughter diminished to giggles as Sidney helped me up and brushed me off.

“Maybe we should go home, Stace. You can just rest.” He looked down at me, his beautiful hazel eyes full of worry.

“Sidney, I got punched in the face. It's not that serious. Calm down, I'm fine.” I smiled kissing him gently. “But if you want to go home, we can.” I looked up at him, pressing my body as close to his own as I could with all of our winter gear on. “I don't think we'll get much rest though.” I grinned wickedly, staring up into his eyes.

“I think I like that idea Ms. Lacoix.” He matched my grin and kissed my nose gently, before turning to Laura and Jordan who just made it down the hill. “Laura, Staci and I are going to head home.”

“My head's kind of bugging me.” I shrugged.

“No problem, Uncle Sid.” Laura's eyebrows knitted together with worry as I pulled her in for a hug.

“Yah, we'll make sure everyone gets home. I'm sure Flower and V can take a couple of people.” Jordan smiled doing their little hand shake thingy with him.

“Just tell your mom not to worry, I'm ok. I just want some rest and time with Sidney, ok?” I whispered to Laura. In our embrace, I felt her nod. “I'll see you soon, Laura, ok?” I kissed her cheek quickly before separating from her and taking Sid's hand and walking back towards the car.

Once in and pulled out of the parking lot, I laid my head against the cool glass. I was tired, I realized. This day took a lot out of me. Between the fight and tobogganing and Bryan, I was exhausted!

“You ok, baby?” Sid asked stealing glances at me as he watched the road.

“Just tired...” I looked over at him and smiled.

“What?” He asked self-consciously. “Do I have something on my face?” He wiped at his face with one hand causing me to laugh softly.

“No, just thinking about our wedding, and how I can't wait to be one hundred percent with you. Legally.”

“You're excited for that?” He peeked over at me again, his smile growing.

“Oh yah. I'm so excited I wish it was happening tomorrow. Getting to have you waiting for me at the end of the aisle, in your tux. Being able to promise to be with you for forever. Having you carry me over the threshold as soon as we walk up to the door. Knowing we'll be together for the rest of our lives.” I took his right hand in mine. “I'm pretty excited.”

“You'll be even more excited after Wednesday.” He laughed kissing my knuckles. “Colby said all Mel's been talking about is getting to go dress shopping with you, and now she wants him to propose so that you two can plan your weddings together.” We laughed together and I leaned my head back against the window.

“Oh Mel would too.”

“Well, she's going to feel left out if he doesn't soon.” I sat up again and looked at Sidney, raising my eyebrow. “Flower's proposing on Saturday. Don't tell V though. It's planned, right after our game. You know, we're honouring season ticket holders, well one of the tickets is hers.” He looked over at me, remembering our own engagement. “Just make sure she dresses up.”

“Oh, I will.” I smiled, resting my head against the head rest and letting my eyes close for the rest of the drive.

.5.

Sorry, short chapter... But think of it more as a teaser. 6 is in the works, up by Saturday at the lastest.

~~~

We turned down the drive to the campground parking lot of Laurel Ridge about an hour and a half later. With Bryan and Sidney having gone through 87 bottles on the wall and Claire arguing with Guy about their house situation, I was more then ready to get out of the car, until we actually pulled in and I could see the amount of vehicles already there. Not to mention the swarm of women surrounding the other boys. I could even pick Laura out, standing about ten feet from them, arms crossed over her ample chest, bored to tears.

“Shit,” I swore under my breath, “I can't believe I didn't think of this!” I jumped at Sidney's hand resting on my own.

“It's ok, Stace, we'll deal with it.” He looked down at me smiling widely. “It's just a few fans.”

“Just a few fans? Sidney, that's a mob!” I exclaimed gesturing at the crowd. Becoming agitated I flipped into French. (sorry I don't know French. I'll be using a translator, and will post the translations in a different colour.) “Je ne peux pas croire que ce n'est pas un problème pour toi! Sidney, ces gens ne m'aiment pas.” (I cannot think that it is not a problem for you! Sidney, these people do not love me.)

“They don't hate you, Stace. They're happy that I'm happy.” Sidney tried to sooth me after pulling into a stall and turning off the car. He turned to me and rubbed my arms to get me to calm down. I turned away from him, still fuming at how little he actually knew about his fans. Even Claire scoffed from the backseat.

“Croyez que tu vouex.” (think what you want.) I sighed getting out of the car and heading towards Laura. If Sidney was going to be ignorant about the girls there, then he could be ignorant about them while I wasn’t there.

“Stace… Stace… Come on, Staci!” Sidney cried after me, spilling out of the car and chasing after me. Finally catching up to me he grabbed my arm and spun me to face him. “Staci, will you just talk to me?” I stopped and placed my hand, not in his grasp, on my hip. “Look, ten minutes, and then I’ll ask them to leave us alone for the day. I know that they’ll understand. Please, Staci? Help me out with this.”

“Non, ils sont vos mordus. Ils sont votre problème.” (No, they are your fans. They are your problem.) I sighed and hugged him tightly. “I won’t help, Sidney, but I won’t stand in your way either. Just be careful.” I looked up deeply into his eyes before raising on to my tip toes and kissed his pouty lips. “I love you, Sidney Crosby.”

“I love you more, Staci Lacoix. Much, much more.” He held me in place and kissed me again and again, I could feel a small smile playing on his lips before he pulled away. “I'll be back soon.” He stepped back after I let him go and he winked quickly before heading towards the mob of Sid hungry women.

I took my time and walked over to Laura, Claire, and the boys. Hearing someone call my name, I turned to the parking lot and saw Vero and Marc-Andre heading our way.

“What a slut...” I stopped dead in my tracks and turned my head slightly to my left, there stood two girls staring at me with hatred. “I just can't believe he'd pick her. I mean, she's all over Max and Jordan. And have to seen her niece? Puck bunny...” The girls cackled together and I had to bite my tongue from going over there and giving them a piece of my mind. I couldn't let them speak about Laura that way so I turned towards them, taking two or three steps in their direction.

“I'm sorry, ladies, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I have a bit of a problem with what you were saying.” I smiled sweetly towards the girls, one who just glared at me vehemently, the other's eyes were three times their natural size.

“Yah? Should we be adding eavesdropping on top of slut?” The glaring girl spat.

“You know what, insult me all you want, leave my niece out of it.” I sighed gesturing towards Laura and Jordan, who were now chasing each other around some trees. Bryan and Max were using them as moving targets in a snowball fight.

“Why? She's worse than you are. Jordan Staal? She honestly thinks she had a chance?” The second girl piped up smirking, her friend finding this hilarious and began to laugh. Well that was the last straw. My vision turned red as I reached out and slapped the last girl to speak with all my force, my hand stinging as soon as it made contact.

.4.

Okay, so I've changed Laura's age, it just makes more sence. Sorry... I know confusing. I have changed them in earlier chapters as well. And I hate to feel like a nag, but even though I am writing this for me, I need feedback. Constructive critism is welcome. Please, pretty pretty please comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Auntie! Wake up!” I heard Bryan screech into my ear as he landed on top of me, jolting me from a very deep and comfortable sleep. I groaned softly and closed my eyes tighter against the onslaught. “Uncle Sid it's not working,” I heard him whisper, “throw me on her again.”

“Throw him on her again, Uncle Sid, and the couch will become your new resting place.” I mumbled against the pillow. I knew he heard me as he chuckled softly.

“Sorry, Bryan, I like my bed. And the couch is lumpy, not good for sleeping.” I could feel Bryan being lifted off of my and a gentle kiss placed on my head. “Coffee is ready and breakfast is cooking when you're ready. But we do need to leave relatively soon, Stace.” He whispered into my hair, before kissing my head again and moving away from the bed. “C'mon, Bry, Auntie will be up soon. If not we'll give her until just before we leave.”

“But what if she takes forever like mommy?” Bryan cried their voices getting quieter as they left the room for the kitchen.

“Auntie Staci doesn't take long to get ready, Bryan. It'll be okay.”

I rolled over and stared at the ceiling with a small smile on my face. Only Claire would be up and have coffee ready at eight in the morning on a Sunday. I'm sure I wasn't the first person Bryan woke up this morning either. I kicked off the blankets and headed for the shower thinking about poor Sidney's face as Bryan probably dragged him out of bed at six. I dressed quickly in a pair of dark washed skinny jeans, and a warm cashmere sweater Sidney bought me for our own anniversary two weeks ago. I brushed and braided my hair into pigtail braids, threw on my knit touque and ran down the stairs for some coffee.

“Morning, sleepy head,” Claire greeted me over her coffee cup as Bryan and Laura dug into their pancakes. Sidney handed me a steaming mug of coffee before kissing me softly on the lips.

“Morning,” he whispered stealing another kiss.

“Morning, yourself,” I grinned leaning up for my third kiss of the day, as Claire cleared her throat loudly at us. “Hey, we live together. We're allowed morning kisses. Plus he deserves them this morning, he saved me from this really pesky brat.” I laughed as I crossed the room and ruffled Bryan's hair, as he laughed into his milk.

“He woke me up this morning to, Aunt Staci, at six! Six, can you imagine?” Laura cried disguised.

“Oh I can,” Sidney muttered rubbing the back of his neck.

“My hero,” I swooned giving him another kiss.

“Auntie is Max and Staalzy gonna be there?” Bryan asked innocently, I looked at the table and saw Laura trying to hide the blush on her cheeks with her hair.

“I think so, Bryan, They're supposed to be. And Marc-Andre and Vero as well.”

“Sweet! Do you think Max would have a snow ball fight with me?”

“I'm sure if you ask him, Bry, he'll team up with you against Staalzy.” Sidney laughed as the doorbell rang. I smiled and crossed through the living room to open the door. Leaning against my door frame was Max with Jordan, Geno, and Kris right behind him.

“Good morning, gorgeous!” Max greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.

“Good morning, Max. Geno, I missed you last night. Where did you go?” I questioned pulling the big man-boy into a tight hug.

“I was having to talk to Karina.” He smiled shyly hugging me back just as tightly.

“And how is Karina?”

“Good. She is good. Coming two weeks today.” Geno smiled widely.

“Good. You two will have to come for dinner when she gets here.” I returned the smile and pulled them all into the house, hugging them as the entered. The four of them followed me into the kitchen to find the breakfast dishes cleaned and put away. “Are we ready to go then?”

“I think so,” Sidney looked around at everyone before pulling on one of my pig tails. “I love your hair in braids, baby.” He whispered into my ear, causing me to blush fiercely.

“Alright, boys you're going in Jordan's truck?” I asked the group of guys who all nodded easily.
“Sid, we're taking the car today. Your SUV was clunking last night and I think we should fix it before it goes anywhere else.” Sid opened his mouth to protest, and I lifted myself onto my toes to kiss him gently before whispering. “As much as I don't want a relationship to form between Jordan and Laura, I think it's inevitable. So why not have it start in the open and we can make sure it doesn't go too far.” He nodded before looking up at Jordan and glaring at him protectively. “Sidney, play nice. He's just a kid.” I felt him sigh then wrap an arm around my shoulders.

“Laura, can you ride with the guys? There's not enough room in the car for everyone.” Sidney and I turned to look at our young niece as she turned three different shades of red.

“Sure, Uncle Sidney, I'll ride with the guys.” She gave Jordan a sideways glance as the other three headed towards the door. Max claiming shot-gun, earning a punch in the side from Kris who quietly sat back and could see exactly what was going on.

“Why don't you head out to the truck with them, Laura. I just need to talk to Jordan quickly.” Sidney smiled softly at her as she nodded as ran out after the boys. “Ok, Jord, I know you like her. We can all see that. Ok, Staci told me,” he corrected as I glared at him. “And I know you're 19 and old enough to date whoever you want. But she's my niece and she's only sixteen. So unless Claire has any major objections, Stace and I are going to clear you to date her. Just don't screw around, Jordan. Because I will kill you. And I'm sure I can find help with that.” Jordan gulped loudly and turned to Claire.

“I'm okay with it. But, Jordan, she's my baby girl, just remember that ok?” Claire smiled sadly.

“I will, Claire, thanks!” He grinned widely and ran out of the house, his feet barely touching the ground.

“You're a very good friend, Sidney Crosby.” I smiled up at him, earning a kiss. “Ok, gang, lets get out of here.” I wrapped one arm around Sidney's waist and the other around Bryan's shoulders as we all headed towards the garage.