Chapter 29: Two Life-Changing Moments

Wow, so sorry that this has taken me so long! I don't know what was up! But something finally kicked my butt into gear and I wrote most of this last night, well... very early this morning! LOL


Juggling three bags and a smoothie, Mel unlocked the front door of the lake house and hurried inside, punching the alarm code before it could start blaring. Ever since the first morning they’d arrived… she had never forgotten the code. It was the loudest and scariest alarm ever!

A little over a month had passed since she and Sid had arrived from Mexico. It was hard to believe that so much time had gone by, and aside from a couple little fights that came about from nothing more than the fact that it had been just the two of them for a few days here and there, she had been having a great time.

Tonight was going to be different though. Tonight, she was cooking for six. Two were hockey players, well three if you counted Taylor, and then there was Troy and he was a former player, so that made four. She’d had plans for a nice family dinner and then, right in the middle of the freezer section of the grocery store, she’d gotten the call. And how was I supposed to know that Max was coming for a visit? Not that she minded having Max around, but she was getting the feeling that he was a bit restless, wanting to party like a player but not really having the stamina anymore.

Two hands appeared and grabbed the bags from her arm before they could slip to the floor. He is good for that though! She smiled and murmured ‘merci’ as Max took the food into the kitchen. Normally that would be Sid’s job but he was currently upstairs doing a phone interview right now, something about his upcoming day with the Cup or how short the offseason was.

She wanted to tell him about the other phone call she’d gotten while at the store. It would change their lives, well, at least hers! And it wasn’t something she could take lightly. Now that she’d received a definitive answer though, and a positive one at that… she was worried about what he was going to think.

“Max, can I talk to you about something?”

“But of course. What is on your mind ma petit?”

“If… If I needed a place to stay for a couple weeks when we got back to Pittsburgh, could I hide myself in the spare room at your house?”

“Mais oui, you know I would do anything for you, but why would you need to hide at my house?”

Mel bit her lower lip and ran her hand across her stomach a couple times. She had mentioned the possibility of something good happening while Sid had been away for a couple days, shooting a new commercial for Reebok. Max said if it made her happy then it was definitely a good thing, and she had thought so to… in the beginning. Now that it was really going to happen though, she was scared shitless.

“They called back today Max. After looking at all my tests… it’s a yes!”

She gasped and let out a squeal as Max lifted her off of her feet, spun her around and then wrapped her in a giant bear hug.

“Ahhh, that is great news! Are you excited? I don’t even know what the news is and I’m excited!”

“Well, of course I’m excited! But this is a big step Max… what if we aren’t ready for this? I mean, now that I know it’s happening… there’s no going back… I mean, there’s one way to nip this in the bud. But I don’t… I can’t.”

“Then you need to talk to him now, before any more time goes by.”

“Talk to me about what??”

Mel looked up and saw Sid in the doorway, staring at her intently. With a gulp she opened her mouth to tell him her big news, nodding as Max silently motioned that he would give them some space.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

What had Max meant, ‘before any more time?’ Sid had been coming down the stairs when he had heard Mel say something about tests and phone calls and there being only one way to nip it in the… Oh. My. God.

“YOU’RE PREGNANT!!”

“Sid… wait…”

“You’re what?!” Sid turned and saw his dad standing at the back door. His mom had a hand against her chest and tears in her eyes, along with a smile.

“Wait, I can explain,” Mel started.

“I’m going to be a grandma?? Oh honey!” His mom ran past his dad and hugged Melany. Mel just had a blank look on her face. Taylor came up the steps and looked at everyone.

“What’d I miss?”

His dad was the one to answer, and he didn’t look as angry as Sid had expected.

“You’re going to be an aunt young lady.”

“An aunt, OhMyGod! Sid, you knocked her up?! That’s so gross and awesome at the same time!”

“WAIT!” Everyone turned as his girlfriend held her hands up in the air. “I’m not pregnant!” There was a chorus of ‘you aren’t?’ and Sid couldn’t help the pang of regret that settled in the pit of his stomach. He glanced at Mel.

“I did that thing where I jump to conclusions and say shit out loud before thinking again… didn’t I?”

“Yeah,” she smiled. “But at least this time I didn’t smack you. Now, the news I wanted to tell you and everyone else I suppose… is that I got a job at one of the high schools on the Southside. So, I’ll be getting a place in the ‘Burgh. While you were away the past couple days, Max and I were talking about the possibilities.”

“So… Max knew…”

“No, Max did not know. He knew there was something, he knew some generalities, but I wanted you to be the first to know. Well, after my mother.” She leaned in close to him. “Now, don’t get all green on me Kid. We don’t need a repeat of Mexico,” she whispered before she placed a kiss on his cheek. Sid blushed, remembering the incident.

He had made it up to her the rest of the trip though. Sailing, swimming with dolphins, a picnic on the beach at night, surrounded by a bonfire and tiki torches. That part had been his favorite. They’d danced around the fire to music on her iPod. And then they’d made love back in their room. Erin and Amanda had placed candles all around and they had dragged the guys out for the night, giving them some extra privacy.

“What is this Mexico incident that you guys keep referring to each other when you think no one is listening? You didn’t get matching tattoos or something did you?” Sid looked at his mom. He still couldn’t believe that no one had come forward and offered up a video of his singing. It was truly amazing to him. But as far as they’d seen, only Brooks had that footage.

“Actually, I was thinking we could watch that tonight, after dinner.” Sid whipped his head toward Melany and stared at her, his jaw slack.

“You… you have a copy of it?!”

“Of course. Brooks made me a DVD and gave it to me the next morning. Now what did he call it? Oh yeah, leverage,” Mel said with a smile. Sid just groaned as he helped her start to get everything ready for dinner.

Thirty minutes later everything was cooking away either in the dual ovens or on the stove and he poured some of Mel’s Italian wine into a glass, finding her out on the deck with her head almost touching Max’s.

“What are you two planning now? And should I be worried? Have 9-1-1 on standby? Bail money?”

“Oooo, what’s this? For me?” She smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips before taking a sip of the concoction in her glass. Then she smiled. “Apples,” she sighed as she leaned against him, the sun warming her face.

“So, honestly… are you two planning something?” he asked, slightly concerned. If she was planning a birthday party or something he might have to kill her.

“No, Max is going to make a call tomorrow and see if there are any houses for rent, or for sale, in the area. Or at least in an area that I wouldn’t have to deal with too much traffic.”

“So you’re definitely taking the job?”

“Mon ami, I’m going to let you two discuss this privately. Mel, what needs to be stirred or turned or switched off?”

Mel mumbled something and Max turned, giving him a hard stare as he walked in the house.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mel waited until Max had pulled the sliding door shut before turning to Sid.

“Don’t you want me to be closer?”

“Of course! But you don’t have to take the job to do that. You could just move to Pittsburgh anyway.”

“And how do you expect me to be able to pay for my place of residence and food and utilities if I’m not working?” He didn’t say anything for a moment. And then it dawned on her what he might be thinking. She shook her head before stopping anything he was going to say.

“Don’t even think about it. You aren’t moving out of Mario’s yet, and there’s no way I’m going to move into some house that you pay for, living there like it’s my place, but you pay everything, especially if you aren’t going to be living there with me.”

“So, you’d move in with me if I was there?”

Mel paused, wondering that herself. She smiled and stepped into his arms.

“If you were ready to make that move, I’d share a place with you if you were serious. We’ve been living together for a month now, and it’s worked out so far. I like it, being with you. But I still think you should think about what I said last week.”

“About moving into my own place when we move out of Mellon Arena?”

“Yeah. It just makes sense. New arena, new residence.”

“You don’t think that’s a bit superstitious?”

“Ha! Coming from the guy who is going to have a mental breakdown when there’s no ‘M’ for him to tie his laces on in the new arena!”

“Oh god, don’t remind me!!” She looked up at him, smiling at the amused expression on his face. He ran his hand up her arm, goose bumps prickling her skin as she shivered. She closed her eyes as that same hand delved into her hair, tilting her face where he wanted it. “Cold?”

“No, I ju—“ he cut off her answer as his lips came down on hers, his tongue sliding along her lips, seeking entrance. They stood there, her arms around his neck, for what seemed like hours before she finally heard Max yelling that dinner would be ruined if she didn’t come check on everything NOW!

They both laughed at his high-pitched hollering, and she shrieked as Max swatted her butt with a spatula when she walked into the kitchen. Wandering from station to station she finished up certain courses, stirred others and turned on the light to check the main part. She turned and saw Sid staring at her from the doorway.

“What?”

“This must be what it’s like for you to watch me on the ice during a game.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because you’re like fluid in motion. And you look so comfortable in the kitchen. Why didn’t you go to cooking school?”

Mel thought back on why she hadn’t chosen a culinary career as she mixed up a batter for the dessert. Sid had told her that his dad had a bit of a sweet tooth so she was making something special and homemade for the finale. She hoped Troy would like it.

“I don’t like to cook certain things, and at a culinary school I wouldn’t have a choice. I definitely would’ve flunked the seafood section!” She heard him chuckle and then she shooed him away as she poured the batter into two cake pans and then set about whipping together not only an icing but also a chocolate ganache for the middle.

Maybe I should’ve done that. Subbing is good, I like the kids… but cooking, I love cooking. Mel shook her head, laughing to herself at the thought of going back to school. She’d been in there for almost five years when she received her degree. And thanks to some extremely helpful people, she’d been able to just test out and get her license. And the school had offered her a job. End of story. Right?

She thought about it some more while they ate dinner, so lost in thought at one point that Max hit her in the head with a biscuit to get her attention. She’d glared at him for half a second before smiling and promising retribution after he was completely healed. They were just sitting down to watch the Mexico video when her pocket had buzzed.

Pulling her phone out, Mel stepped into the dining room to take the call.

“Mel?? Mel, it’s Vero. I have a really big favor to ask of you!”

“V? What’s going on chica?! I can’t believe the summer is almost over! How have you been??”

“Good, good. Everything is good! Now, about that favor…”

“Where are you? I can barely hear you!”

“Ugh… hold on!” Mel made a ‘v’ with her fingers to Sid and then a couple hand gestures that had him laughing in the doorway. “Mel-uh-nee?”

“Much better my dear! Now, what did you want to ask me?”

“What are you doing this Thursday?”

“Planning mostly. I’m helping get things ready for Sid’s day with the Cup. Why?”

“Well, Marc’s day is Thursday, right before Sid’s…”

“Okay. I knew that… Spill it Vero.”

“Well, we’re having a special… luncheon… And we would really like you and Sid to come. Really!!”

“Can you hold on for a sec?”

“Oui, I know he’s probably standing there anyway,” Vero said with a smile in her voice.

“Shut up,” Mel laughed as she put her hand over the speaker. She turned to Sid and asked him if he thought that they could wing it. He nodded, telling her that they could grab a private flight back that night or something. She started to tell Vero yes when she heard more loud noise in the background and someone mumbling something in French, along with Vero’s light laughter.

“V?? VERO!!”

“Sorry, so… can you make it?!”

“Yeah, we’ll be there. You said luncheon… do I have to dress up?”

“Oui. Absolument! You remember that dress from your birthday? Did you bring that up with you?”

“I did actually. You want me to wear that? It’s surprisingly dressy and casual at the same time.”

“It will be perfect. Tell Sid to wear black, with a shirt and tie that compliment you. Vest too,” she added as an afterthought.

“Ummm… okay crazy girl! Max is here, you want me to tell him as well?”

“Non. He knows already. But I wanted to ask you, instead of relying on him to remember to do it. That’s why I called you!”

“Well, we’ll come up Wednesday night if that’s okay.”

“Wonderful. See you in a few days! Bye!”

“Bye V!”

She was staring at her phone when Sid told her to hurry up and get in the living room before they started the video. This is going to be a busy couple of days. First Flower’s day, then Sid’s.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sid looked down at the woman in his arms. They had arrived at Flower’s house after 9p.m. and after a three hour conversation with Vero, in her and Marc’s room, Mel had appeared and told him that she was exhausted. She looked it too.

He’d talked to Marc for a few minutes, but had decided just to come up to the room and relax. There was a balcony off their room and he’d propped up a lounger, letting the breeze from the lake sooth him. Mel had wandered onto the balcony and he’d pulled her down on top of him, rubbing her back gently as she curled in his arms.

He kissed her forehead and heard her practically purr against him. She mumbled something about Vero wanting to get up early to get things ready and he wondered if she’d said why the luncheon was so serious. Marc had just said that they wanted to celebrate in style. Maybe… maybe Flower was finally going to propose!

“Hey, Mel… hun, don’t fall asleep on me just yet. We should get in bed before you crash on me.”

“M’kay,” she responded sleepily as she literally dragged herself up, her eyes partially shut already. He picked her up once he’d stood, carrying her to the bed and placing her at the foot of it. Unbuttoning the damn plaid shirt that Max had talked her into buying, Sid threw it in the corner, her capris and bra following suit. He snatched a tee from their bag and hauled it over her head before pushing her onto the mattress.

“Baby, you need anything?”

Sid didn’t hear any response, just felt her pull him by the hem of his own shirt until he was covering her. Mel smiled and dragged his face to hers, her lips and tongue roaming slowly over his. She mumbled something unintelligible and he chuckled.

“I don’t think we can do this Melany. I’d feel wrong having my way with you if you’re unconscious. I’m pretty sure that’s against the law.” He felt her smile against his lips and she leaned back against the pillows, her eyes opening wide and staring at him.

“I think you’re right. Damn,” she laughed. “Then get your friggin’ pants off and snuggle with me!”

He smiled and obliged her, his arms wrapping around her securely before he pulled the covers over them, burrowing his face in her hair, inhaling her citrusy scent.

Now he was staring at her sleeping form, part of him wishing he had his own place in Pittsburgh. It was going to be so weird to go back to Mario’s and not sleep with her every night. Not share a bathroom with her. Not shower with her, have breakfast with her, just lounge around whenever he wanted to.

Things were going to change. She’d be working Monday through Friday at the school. He’d have practices and games, wouldn’t always be in town. And when he was in town, they wouldn’t be able to spend the night together all the time.

Move out. Ask her to live with you. That would solve most of the problems.

But where would they live? She shouldn’t have to drive like a half hour to and from work every day if he chose a place in Sewickley. But he did love it there. He’d put a lot of thought into the idea of moving out on his own after this season. It made sense. And they would be celebrating a year together before the season ended. It was a perfect anniversary present. He’d talk to her about it this weekend, after the insanity of the two Cup days.

Sid stirred awake to the sound of someone knocking on the door to their bedroom. He groaned and tightened his grip on Mel’s waist. She was attempting to get up and see who was knocking but he refused to allow her to move from the comfortable position they were in. Once again she’d wound up tangled up on top of him, her legs entwined with his and her cheek on his chest.

“Let me up, dork. It’s probably Vero.”

“She can go away until a decent hour.”

“It’s 8:30 Sid, it is decent since we have a luncheon at 12:30,” Mel laughed against his chest.

“Fine,” he grumbled as he pretended to be angry. She smiled and kissed his nipple closest to her mouth, eliciting a surprised gasp from him before moving lightening fast and running over to the door. She opened it and spoke to whoever it was for a moment before shutting it once more and heading into the connecting bathroom.

Twenty minutes later she emerged, hair and body wrapped in fluffy white towels, telling him to grab a shower before Marc came up here searching for him. He threw the covers back and started toward the shower, catching Mel’s wrist and pulling her against him. She giggled a protest that he quickly quieted with a kiss. They were wrapped up in each other when there was another knock at the door.

“Dammit,” he mumbled against her lips. Mel just laughed and told him to go shower and she’d see him in a bit. He agreed, placing one more kiss to her lips before turning and jumping in the shower. When he came back out she was gone, her dress still hanging on the door.

It wasn’t until three hours later that Sid finally saw her. Her hair was piled on top of her head, a mass of perfect curls falling slightly from an up-do, a few fly-aways framing her face beautifully. Someone had done her make-up for her as well and he wanted to devour her before lunch, which he couldn’t wait to start. The sooner they ate, the sooner he could drag her up to their room and ravish her.

“Sid?” He turned and saw Flower and Max walking toward him.

“Hey guys. I never thought to ask, are we eating here?”

“Non,” Marc said. “We’re leaving at noon and heading over to the place that we’re celebrating at. So if you guys wanna go get dressed, I believe the girls are going to wait until we get to the hotel to get dressed.”

“We’re eating at a hotel?”

“Yes… it seemed like a good place. You know what… why don’t we just get our clothes and stuff and head over now? Then we can make sure everything is set up completely.” Sid quirked an eyebrow at the normally calm goaltender.

“Marc, are you going to… are you finally gonna ask her to marry you?” Sid asked in hushed tones. Marc just broke out into a big smile.

“Is that what you think this is about?”

“I do.”

“Well, you’re going to enjoy this then!”

“So, that’s a yes?”

“I’m not agreeing one way or the other. C’mon, let’s go get our stuff. We’ll drive separate from the ladies.”

Sid glanced at Flower, then Max, before shrugging his shoulders and climbing the stairs to grab his suit. He saw Mel in the hall and stole a kiss, making sure she knew the plan. They all met at the front door and he watched her blow him a kiss as she hopped in the passenger seat of the car, driving off with Vero, the two of them laughing about who knows what.

The drive didn’t take long and Sid found himself in a back room, getting dressed with Max and Flower. A few minutes after twelve Marc stepped out for a minute, saying he needed to make sure everyone was seated and that the Cup had made it safely.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“You’re sure that this dress is going to be formal enough?”

“Oh yes. It’s wonderful. And the black belt accents it perfectly. I’m glad I talked you into buying it this morning.”

“Me too V, me too… Now, let’s see your dress. I can’t wait! I bet it’s bright and glamorous!” Vero snorted and unzipped the dress bag. When she took the hanger out Mel burst into a fit of laughter.

“What is so funny Miss Melany?”

“I thought… I thought he was going to propose to you Vero. You’re sneaky. Who else knows?”

“Max. He’s the best man. He’s the only other one. Oh, and Marc’s little sister. Even our parents don’t know.”

“You had me completely fooled! You little witch! Wait, Max is the best man?! Who’s the maid-of-hon… Veronique?!”

“Oui,” her friend asked, her face a mask of innocence.

“Vero, who’s the maid-of-honor?”

“Well, you see… None of the girls could make it. Kelsey isn’t up for traveling all this way. Heather is on the farm with Jordan and spending the rest of her time with Kelsey. I’m not really close with any of the others. And I wanted someone who I knew would be good in a quick situation...”

Mel blinked as tears formed quickly in her eyes. She sniffled once before remembering her make-up and fanned her face, blinking rapidly to keep those tears from falling.

“Are you asking me to…?”

“I want you there beside me, yes. I’m hoping you’ll say yes. Marc’s sister is going to be a bridesmaid, but I wanted someone closer to my age to be there beside me. So… what do you say?”

Vero was standing there, hands clasped in front of her, looking very hopeful. Mel didn’t say anything. She couldn’t find the words right now. So instead, she walked up to the woman who had welcomed her into the group with open arms, never judging her when she appeared, and wrapped her in a giant hug. They both started laughing and crying at the same time.

They only stopped hugging when Marylene, Flower’s sister, came in and told them to hurry it up and get ready. Mel was introduced to the smiling girl and felt an instant bond with the younger Fleury sibling. She laughed and told Mel that she loved how she had finally met Sid. The three were laughing about hockey players when a knock came at the door.

“Alright ladies, are you ready?”

Mel ran over and cracked open the door to talk to Max for a moment.

“Does Sid know yet that this isn’t just a lunch?”

“He thinks that Flower’s going to propose!”

“And neither of you corrected him??”

“No way, it’s too much fun! And you know you want to see his face! Trust me, we’re going to have golden footage! There are three videographers, so believe me when I say that this will be even better than Mexico!”

“Oh god… you have a death wish don’t you!” Mel laughed.

“Perhaps,” Max replied with his own chuckle.

“Well, we’re ready in here. So, if you go get the other two, I’ll give you a couple minutes and then we’ll get into place.”

Mel squeezed Vero’s hands once more as Marylene took her first step into the room, Canon in D playing softly on the strings of a quartet that was seated off to the side of the room. Mel winked at V before stepping out and walking down the aisle toward three of the Penguins.

She smiled at Marc first, laughed as Max let out an exaggerated wink at her and then focused on Sid. He was staring at her intensely, his eyes never leaving hers. She smiled and he smiled back, her mind taking in his suit. She wanted to stand by him, not across from him. Taking her place in the proper spot, she glanced Sid’s way once more. He looked like he wanted to gobble her up. Then the desire was replaced by a smile and he mouthed ‘I love you’ before the Bridal March started to play.

The ceremony was short and sweet, the vows rang loud and clear from both participant’s lips, and the crowd chuckled quietly when Max pretended like he didn’t have the rings. Mel had to wipe a tear from her eye again when the minister presented them as Marc-Andre and Veronique Fleury.

They bounced down the aisle together as husband and wife and she couldn’t help but feel a quick pang of jealousy. It was squashed quickly when Max took her arm and led her down after them. They were waiting for Sid and Mar when he turned to her.

“It is about time, non?”

“You’re so right Max! It’s been how long since they’ve been together?! It’s definitely about time!”

“No, no… you misunderstand. I mean about you and our captain behind us.” Mel looked at him and saw the twinkle in his eye. She heard the seriousness in his tone as well though. He was partially teasing her, while the other part wanted a true answer.

“It’s too early for that Max, at least for us. We aren’t ready for that, not just yet.”

“Okay, okay… perhaps you have a point… he is un petit peux immature!”

“This coming from the guy who ‘lost’ the rings… sheesh!” They both laughed and then Mel felt Sid’s gaze on her. She whirled around, her heel catching, and landed straight in his arms. He smiled down at her as he held her, dipped like they were dancing.

*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*

“Falling for me all over again?”

“Guess I just can’t help myself,” he heard her let out in a breathy tone. As he brought her back up slowly, Mel wrapped one arm around his neck, keeping herself close to him. Once again, like the moment he saw her coming down that aisle, everything else disappeared. They were the only two in the room and he didn’t hear the people congratulating his teammate. They didn’t even hear the whispers of some of the guests who hadn’t paid attention to the news that he had a girlfriend.

All he saw were the two of them in a room, surrounded by bright colors, his hand pressed against her swollen belly and her hand against his chest, a solid band on her left ring finger. Someday, someday I’m going to make that a reality. Then, grabbing her hand, Sid led her into the big ballroom, to the main table that sat up, lifted slightly so that everyone could see the newlyweds and the four other members of the bridal party.

They were separated momentarily, Melany taking her place by Vero’s side and Sid standing next to Max. There was a DJ that appeared out of nowhere and asked for the speeches from the best man and maid-of-honor. He saw the fear cross over Mel’s face before she faked a smile and graciously let Max go first. Max of course pulled a paper out of his breast pocket. He started speaking in French and Sid saw the fear rear its ugly head once more across Mel’s features.

“Bonjour à tous… This day has been a long time coming I think. These two have been together for what seems like forever, and I know I’m not the only one who has been waiting to see these two lovebirds finally tie the knot. I have many stories that I could tell you, some of them embarrassing, but most of them just little things that have happened over the years that I’ve known both the bride and groom. But I promised Marc that I would keep this short. Besides, I’m really curious to see what the maid-of-honor is going to say, since she doesn’t speak French and has no idea what all I’ve just said. I’m betting she doesn’t repeat anything I’ve said so far!”

The crowd chuckled a little at that and Sid took a peek at Melany. She was whispering to Flower’s sister. Whatever Mar had said must’ve calmed her down though, and must not have been a translation because she wasn’t staring daggers at Max.

“To the bride and groom, may they always be true to one another, and stay the way they are now… Jeunes de cœur et profondément amoureux.” Max raised his glass and saluted the couple. Sid raised his glass as well and murmured congratulations before he took a sip. The mic was passed to Mel and he held his breath. Sid heard Max and Flower betting ten bucks that she’d repeat his speech, only in English.

“Je suis désolé… but I don’t speak very much French… umm… Oh screw it,” she said and Sid choked.

“I haven’t known Flo--, Marc, and Vero as long as most of you have. I haven’t watched them grow up, haven’t watched them go from neighbors and childhood friends to boyfriend and girlfriend. I wasn’t around to see the look on her face when Marc was drafted… but in the short time I’ve known these two, I haven’t seen a more perfect couple.” She turned now to Flower and V.

“Now, we all know that no one, and no couple can be truly be perfect… but in this world I like to believe that there is that one person who completes you. And you two are each other’s missing piece. My hope is that you keep that in mind when, down the road, you hit any type of speed bump or pothole that ever makes you think it might not be worth it.”

“Because love is worth it. It keeps you grounded and helps you soar. Be there for each other, tell each other you love one another every day. Fight if you need to, but never go to bed angry. Take care of one another and know that you have a ton of people who would drop what they were doing if you called and needed them. To the bride and groom. Pour vous,” she turned to Mar once more before bringing the mic back to her lips. “Je vous souhaite le bonheur.”

Sid raised his glass with her, giving her a wink and chuckling as she winked back. Yeah, someday she will be all mine. He smiled as Vero enveloped her in a hug, the two laughing about something that he didn’t even want to think about. Flower was applauding her speech and telling her what Max said and their bet.

She punched Max in his good arm before pulling them both in for a hug, laughing about her Frenchie friends. They were laughing too and then she was released, no one left to hug but him. Stepping around everyone, he watched her as she came closer to him, step by step. When she was in front of him, Sid couldn’t keep from pulling her into his embrace.

“I love you Melany, and I hope this doesn’t freak you out… but I hope that the speeches at our wedding are that heartfelt.” He watched her face bloom into a warm smile.

“I hope so too Sidney. I hope so too.”

Chapter 28: Alejandro

The much anticipated Mexico chapter! Woot!
And thank you guys for your concerns, it meant a lot!

“Okay, tomorrow is going to be our fourth day in Mexico! We cannot, I repeat, C-A-N-N-O-T just sit by the pool all day, go to the bar and have dinner and possibly dance. We need to get out and do something!”

Mel looked at Erin. She knew her friend was right, but the fact of the matter, she was enjoying just lying there and doing nothing. The guys were planning on going golfing tomorrow though, so she knew that they would be able to find something ten times more fun than that to do and by the time they all met up for dinner they could brag about how much more fun the girls had had.

She mentioned her idea and Erin’s eyes lit up, and she smiled. But it was that creepy smile that Geno did in the FSN commercial a couple years ago. She’s obviously been spending way too much time with that guy, she’s emulating his mannerisms!

“That’s gooood,” Erin began, raising her eyebrows, “I think we can do better.”

“What are you thinking?” Mel asked, knowing she probably wasn’t going to like the answer.

“Well, what’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do when you go to the beach?”

“Ooooh! That bungee jumping thing, but you’re in the circular cage!”

“You’re a dork,” Amanda laughed.

“What? Those things look like so much fun!”

“Let’s pretend for a minute that you’re a normal person Mel,” Erin said with one of those looks that said she was so far from the mark it was crazy. “Try again.”

“Fine… parasailing??”Mel asked, thinking that there was no way in hell the rest of the girls would ever agree so it was probably a pretty safe bet.

“Parasailing!”

“We’re going to do what?!” Amanda looked a little concerned. Erin just laughed and pulled a brochure out of her beach bag. Mel looked it over and passed it to Amanda who was now smiling.

“This is going to be awesome! But I bet spots go quickly. We should call right away!”

“Taken care of,” Erin replied nonchalantly, humming as she spread the brochure out across her lap. “I called yesterday and set it up for tomorrow with their top guide. And, for those of you with a fear of heights, we get to go snorkeling too! How awesome will that be?!”

The three were talking animatedly when the guys walked into the restaurant and Mel licked her lips. Sid was wearing a cotton button-up shirt. He’d rolled up the sleeves to show his muscular forearms and had the top button open, mostly because it was damn near impossible to get a shirt that would fit around his thick, tree trunk of a neck, but it also meant that she could see his chest and her mouth watered at the thought of how they’d christened every square foot of their room in the condo the six of them were sharing, along with a couple of other places, Mel thought with a secretive grin.

“Whew… excuse me ladies, but I’m gonna go grab my hub-hunky defenseman!” Mel glanced up at Amanda. She was blushing and not looking at them. What’s her deal?

“You’re leaving us? Why?”

“Are you kidding? The way you were looking at your man…I got the like…contact hornies and I suddenly have the need to get up close and personal with my own hockey player!”

The three laughed and when the guys got to their table Amanda wasted no time in grabbing Brooks’ arm and dragging him away before he could even say hello.

“I guess it’s just the four of us?” Mel nodded at Sid as he sat down beside her, taking the spot that Amanda had just vacated. She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him close for a kiss. He tasted like fruit, and alcohol and he looked so rested and tanned and… and she wanted to tackle him!

“If you don’t stop playing tonsil hockey it’s going to be just the two of you,” Erin snorted as she sipped her drink. Mel laughed against Sid’s lips and nipped them before dragging herself away.

“Fine. I’ll be good. For now.”

“Damn,” she heard Sid whisper. She laughed again and they ordered dinner while they told the guys what they planned to do the next day. Geno mumbled he’d rather do that but Erin told him it was a girl’s only thing since the boys already had plans to go golfing. He pouted for a moment until Erin shared a bite of her pasta. He seemed just fine after that.

They called it a night early so that everyone had a chance to get some rest before their fun-filled excursions. They yelled through the door that Amanda better be up early enough tomorrow or they’d leave without her.

Brooks opened the door, ran to the kitchen to grab something and as he ran back to their room, he gave a thumbs up before slamming it shut once again. Everyone laughed before retiring to their respective rooms for their ‘rest’.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Morning came too early and Sid blinked repeatedly as the sun came through the open curtain. He was lying on top of Melany, just the loose sheet covering them. He loved that she always untucked the sheet from under the mattress. She was the only other person he knew who did that.

She had apologized the first time they’d spent the night in a hotel, but she couldn’t stand to be cocooned in the blankets. He completely agreed. They had found themselves wrapped up as if in a straightjacket a couple times, but that suited him just fine. Being wrapped up in her was delightful.

Nuzzling her neck, Sid growled her name. He could hear the smile in her voice as she told him good morning. He repeated it back and they both threw on the pjs that were strewn about the room from the night before.

He went out to the front porch and grabbed the basket that arrived each morning with breakfast goodies from the resort while Mel set the table. They had their food delivered. Most of the time they didn’t wake up in time to get breakfast in the main dining room. Not like it mattered. A five here, a twenty there and they could get just about whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted it delivered right to the room. It was good to have money sometimes!

Erin had wandered into the kitchen by the time he got back and he smelled the coffee that was currently on drip. Brooks appeared too, a fresh set of ‘love marks’ crisscrossing his back. Sid raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Hello pot? This is the kettle, he thought to himself as he arched his back just to feel the fresh welts in his own skin.

“I swear,” Brooks started when he sat down. “It’s just like rooming with Geno again. Damn woman sleeps like the dead, hates to get up in the mornings.”

“We know,” the two girls laughed. Mel took a sip of orange juice before looking at Brooks. She was eyeing him curiously which made Sid offer a penny for what she was thinking.

“Amanda was talking last night and just from the way she spoke… it was kind of weird.” She returned to staring at Brooks. He was staring back. “Did something happen in Vegas?”

“No, not that I know of,” his friend replied. Sid wondered what she was getting at. Brooks hadn’t said anything since they’d arrived at the resort. And he didn’t seem different.

“What do you mean babe?”

“Nothing. I must’ve been confused. She just started to say a word but then corrected herself. You aren’t hiding anything from us, right?” Sid looked at Brooks. The man was boring holes into his plate. He had that wild look right now, the one usually reserved for those poor souls that he met on the ice. Like someone was gonna pay.

“What would I have to hide?”

“Well, she said ‘hunky’ but that was after she’d started to say another word.” Mel replied suggestively, arching her brows as she waited for an answer.

“What could she possibly have started to say that sounds like hunky?” Sid asked, looking from his girlfriend to his friend, and Mel looked away.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she replied as she looked out the window at the beach, the waves that were crashing. “Maybe something like…hubby?” Sid noticed Brooks’ hand tightening on his fork and the only thing he could think was, no way, no fucking way. Mel had turned back toward his silent friend. “You and Amanda got married in Vegas.” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement and one Brooks didn’t have time to refute as Amanda showed up right at that moment.

“You told them?! I told you that I wanted to tell them today, while we were out there together. You’re a punk!”Sid almost laughed. He’d seen Brooks take on bigger, meaner opponents than Amanda and come out better than he was doing now.

“I didn’t tell them anything babe! You’re the one who almost let the word hubby slip last night, Mel called me on it. But I hadn’t said yes or no. You’re the one giving it away! You practically just told them by yelling at me.” Amanda stared down at her prey as if she was trying to decide if she was going to dole out further punishment. Luckily for Brooks, all it took was a smile as he patted his lap. Amanda sunk down on his legs, her arm going around his shoulders to keep herself upright.

Sid couldn’t believe what he was hearing right now. Brooks was married. To Amanda. A woman he’d known for like two months! Yeah, again with the pot, like you haven’t thought of asking Mel to marry you! He corrected himself as he shook his head slowly.

He schooled his features, portraying a calm face even though he was going crazy in his own mind. Did Mel expect a ring now? She hadn’t hinted at things. They both knew that this was something big, but that big? Was she thinking like that? What about Erin? Geno didn’t seem to be in a hurry.

“I want to hear all about it,” Sid heard Erin say as the three girls got up and practically ran to the living room.

“What made you do it?” Sid hissed at his friend and teammate, who, for his part, merely smiled and shrugged.

“What? Marry her? I asked, she said yes, there was a chapel. End of story. I know it’s crazy. But I also know it was the right thing to do.”

“How? I’m not judging man, I just… how did you know it was the right time?”

“I just did. I don’t exactly know how to explain it but…the minute it came into my head I was like…sure, let’s do this,” Brooks answered slowly with the sort of smile on his face that said he was actually enjoying being married. “Haven’t you ever done something on the spur of the moment?” his friend asked, turning the tables on him.

Sid thought back through his life. Everything had always been planned, mapped out and set in stone for the most part, until Mel came along and threw him for a fuckin’ loop. She was definitely not planned. He smiled as he thought about how he had blurted out that that he loved her.

“Yeah, I have.”

“And…”

“And it worked out.”

“Then go with it. Just let it happen as it will. Now, let’s go rouse Geno or we’ll never make tee time!” They were both laughing as they popped into Geno’s room and literally dumped him onto the floor. They were still laughing twenty minutes later as they stepped out of the condo and headed off toward the resort’s golf course.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**********

“Now, you just hold on tight and enjoy the ride senorita!”

Mel looked over at her friends knowing that her eyes were probably as big as saucers. They’d been about to do rock, paper, scissors for who would go first when suddenly Amanda had yelled ‘NOT IT,’ and Erin had quickly followed with her own denial, so here she was, strapped in an uncomfortable harness, waiting to be tugged up into the air by a balloon/parachute thingy.

Erin was counting out the money they’d agreed to give their sexy guide to keep him all to themselves for the entire day. It was well worth it already. Instead of the normal spot, Alejandro had taken them to a more secluded spot for parasailing, and he’d had champagne and fruit delivered to the boat.

Not that it had been all that difficult to convince him to ditch the other appointments he had for the day. They had already paid him far more than if he’d taken the other people, and besides, he’d openly admitted that he found the three of them utterly charming, which, Mel hoped, meant that at least they’d all have smooth rides. She also knew why her friends had made sure she was the first up, they were all having way too much fun flirting with the Latin Romeo, Erin especially.

“So… Al, can I call you Al?”

“You can call me anything you want, señorita” he said with a wink.

“Wonderful. Well Al, I’m just curious. How many other groups of people do you have lined up today, after us?”

“Just two. Kind of a slow day I suppose.”

“Well, what if we wanted you all day? Could you reschedule? Or pass them along to someone else?”

“I could, but I think my boss would want some…extra compensation.”

“Of course, we understand, because you’d be losing out two commissions like ours, right?”

“Si. And then of course we’d need some…refreshments and the extra gas…are you sure I’m worth it?”

“You give me a price, and we’ll decide that.”

“Okay. Two other groups and giving you ladies the grand tour until you meet up with whoever it is you’re with… let’s ballpark it at $1500.” Then he smirked, like he’d given them a huge amount. It was the one time Mel had laughed to herself about the money Sid made.

“I’ll make you a deal,” Erin told him. “Throw in a place for lunch that doesn’t just have seafood and we’ll make it an even two grand.”

Al had almost choked on his bottled water. Amanda slapped his back gently.

“We’ll take that as a yes. Now, you call your supervisors, we’ll decide who’s going first, and then you suit up the ‘winner’.” He’s just nodded and made the call.

The sudden jerk of the chute caused Mel to let out a squeak and then she was being pulled into the air. One of her friends was yelling for her to smile to the camera and as she ascended she let out a scream of excitement.

It.

Was.

Amazing.

The view that she got as she reached the peak height of her journey gave her a panorama of the beach near the resort, the resort itself, and the clear, turquoise water surrounding them. Breathtaking was the word that came to mind. Mel stayed there for a while, feeling the sun caress her skin as the breeze ran through her hair but all too soon Erin was screaming for her turn. So, reluctantly, Mel allowed herself to be dragged down and after returning back to the boat, she grabbed her cell to see if Sid had sent her any texts. She snapped a picture of Erin getting strapped in and sent it quickly to Geno as Erin tried to stop her. The reply however was not from the Russian.

Why is no one here to greet me? I’m hurt chère!

“Max is here?! Did either of you know he was coming down?” Amanda failed to keep the smile off her face. “Amanda??”

“He’s going stir crazy already! It’s not like we don’t have room, and I think he’s lonely. He can’t really do a lot. And he promised the doctors that he would only stay for a couple days.” Mel smiled because, of all Sid’s teammates, she loved Max the most. “And… he knew about the wedding and I had to offer him something to keep his mouth shut!”

“Okay Erin, ready?”

“NO!”

“Then you better hold on,” Al yelled as he started up and Erin slowly began her climb. Mel gave Amanda a thumbs-up as she started videotaping again and then she sent a quick text back to Max.

We’re having a gender day. The girls and I are parasailing and sightseeing with Alejandro while your lame ass teammates are golfing! They aren’t far away!

I shall text that runaway man of yours then. Merci!

Mel sat back and baked in the sun while Erin and then Amanda took their turns up in the air. Then, after a delicious lunch at the beach side taco stand, Al led them around, showing off those wonderful little sights that the big tours never want to show you.

By the time the sun started to set, Al had figured out who they were here with. The reason he guessed was a complete surprise though.

“You are with those Penguin men I heard about, aren’t you?”

“We are. How do you know about them?” Mel asked as she stepped off the boat and onto the dock, her sea legs a bit wobbly for the first few seconds.

“Mi… Mike mentioned that some famous hockey players were staying.”

“Who’s Mike? Another guide?”

“No… he’s… he is my boyfriend. He came down a while back for a much needed vacation and has been here ever since.”

Whether he was expecting disdain or anger, Mel knew that they shocked him when instead of letting the topic drop the three of them instantly invited the two of them to dinner.

“You, you want us to come sit and eat with you all tonight?”

“Unless you’ve got other plans. We wanna hear about this romance of yours! For being the best tour guide ever the lease we can do is buy you dinner, and of course you have to bring a date, I mean, you’ve been so great today and we’ve all had so much fun, it’s the least we can do.”

“Well, I will give him a call and have him meet us in the lobby then? Or just at the restaurant?” Mel glanced at her cell. They had thirty minutes until they were supposed to meet the guys.

“Tell him to meet us in the bar in about a half an hour, okay?”

Al nodded and excused himself to make that call. Mel sent Sid a text, telling him to meet them in 30 minutes as well. After a quick stop to freshen up at the condo, the three were enjoying a pre-dinner drink when Al got this big smile on his face.

An equally tan and sexy man came to a stop beside their high table. His hair was a little lighter than Al’s, his features less rugged, but they were positively adorable together. After the introductions were made, Mike disappeared toward the bar for a second round of beverages.

They were almost through those when some live music started player. Mike dragged Erin away and Al pulled Mel onto the dance floor after Amanda promised to watch their clutches. She mentioned something about not having fun now that she was an old married lady as she shooed them away.

The beat was electric. Al was spinning her around with the music and Mel found herself smiling as the alcohol mixed with her fabulous day tossed her inhibitions out the window. She twisted to the beat and as she was spun once again she stayed facing away from her partner.

The music slowed slightly and she rocked her body along with it, one arm up around Al’s neck. They were laughing about something when she opened her eyes and noticed a very angry pair of hazel eyes staring at her from the edge of the dance floor.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sid stared as his girlfriend held tightly to her little boy toy in the middle of the floor. His gaze took in Erin behind her, wrapped in the arms of some other tan ‘hunk’ and knew that he wasn’t the only who had noticed. He heard a string of muttered Russian curse words and turned to look at his friend.

“What she doing?” Geno asked angrily. Sid wished he had an answer, but he was wondering the same thing and wasn’t feeling much like hiding his feelings as he turned back to glare at his girlfriend, who stopped moving when she finally noticed him but her satisfied smile remained. As he watched, she tapped Erin’s shoulder and then pointed at them, waving.

As they came over, he noticed they were still holding onto the hands of their dance partners and Sid started seeing red. He’d spent all day fending off advances from one woman after another, had looked forward to having a little alone time with his girlfriend only to find her in the arms of some tanned, smooth faced cabana boy who looked like he’d walked off some run way in Milan in his barely creased expensive looking linen suit.

“What the hell Erin?! Who this??” Geno had beaten him to the punch and the big Russian was looking like he was ready to put a beating on someone, but both he and Sid waited as the girls exchanged an amused look. Erin placed a hand on Geno’s arm as she started to explain and Mel attempted the same thing but Sid backed up slightly, staying just out of her reach.

“Who the fuck is that?” he snarled, glancing down at their entwined hands and then up at her relaxed, happy smile.

“What? This is Alejandro. He was our guide today… didn’t Max tell you?” Mel looked at him as if he was the one causing a scene and he was left to stand there, getting more irritated by the moment as she leaned into the neck of the young man, whispering something in his ear before letting his hand go and watching him walk away with an indulgent grin.

Max had told him about their parasailing and he didn’t mind if their guide had brought them back to the hotel, but that didn’t explain why she was all wound around him out on the dance floor, looking just a little too damn intimate and cozy for his liking. Sid took Mel’s arm in his hand and steered her away from the group where Geno and Erin seemed to be hashing things out somewhat, with the help of Max and Brooks while Amanda was talking with the two young men with an animated smile on her face.

“He said you were parasailing and sightseeing. I’m pretty sure that didn’t include a private tour of the place and a little bump and grind afterwards,” Sid hissed, pulling Mel close.

“Okay, first,” Mel peeled his fingers away from her arm and looked up at him, tilting her head to one side and looking at him like she didn’t recognize him, “why are you so pissed right now?”

“I have had a stressful day, and I’ve been looking forward to having some time with you and then we get here and I find my girlfriend grinding against some stranger! Wouldn’t you be pissed?”

“Well, yes of course… but if you’d just… can we at least go somewhere a little less obvious to have this conversation?”

“Fine.” Sid was fuming. His anger almost at the boiling point. He took her hand and led her over to a more secluded area. “Now, it’s quieter here. So, what’s your explanation, if you even have one?”

“Seriously Sid, what the hell is your problem?! I mean, he’s ga--”

“My problem is that I’ve spent all day fending off the advances of cougars and their daughters and then I come here and find the one woman I thought that I’d never turn away… practically wrapped around some guy while her gold-digging friend is beside her som--”

“What the fuck did you just say?? If you would shut up for a minute I could tell you that him being that close to me doesn’t mean anything because he’s got a b--”

“Hey, I’ve seen you move like that before, but I thought that was something that you only did in my bed, on your back! So you tel--” Mel cut him off again, but this time it was with a slap across his face. He stared down as a shocked look crossed her face before her eyes, normally bright with laughter, filled with tears. She let out a sob and then turned and took off.

“Mon ami?” Sid turned and found Max staring at him expectantly. “C’mon, you need to meet Al and Mike! They’re hilarious! Where did Mel run off to in such a hurry and why is… Fuck,” Max’s usual shit eating grin disappeared as his gaze searched Sid’s face. “Mon Dieu, what happened?”Sid just sort of stared at him, not quite sure how to answer that question. “Sid? Sidney! Focus mon copain. Why is there a palm print on your face??”

“I… I said something… I can’t believe what I just said…. Wait, who the fuck are Al and Mike?!”

“The guys Erin and Mel were dancing with. You and Mel left to have a little private moment when Erin introduced us to them by way of explaining to Geno what was going on.”

“And what exactly is going on?” Sid asked, starting to feel like he may have just made a huge mistake.

“They’re a freakin’ couple dude! And they’re a riot! Mike’s a huge Pens fan! So now, I’ll ask again… what happened?”

Sid took in what Max had just said as he realized what a fucking prick he’d just been. Then he turned and ran out the way Mel had just gone. He needed to apologize and quick. He had to make this right, and fast! He couldn’t believe how quickly the green eyed monster had taken over. He’d never wigged out like that before but then he couldn’t remember ever being that jealous, ever.

Halfway to the condo he paused to take a few breaths and to figure out what he was going to say. How do you apologize for practically accusing the woman you love of cheating, not to mention accusing her friend of being a gold-digger. Fuck, he thought, he’d really dug himself a hole.

Starting back up he made it to the door and opened it. He called out as he took the stairs to the bedrooms. Their door was shut and he twisted the knob but it wouldn’t budge.

“Mel? Open the door… please!”he called out, realizing this was going to be even harder than he’d anticipated.

“Fuck you!” The muffled reply was all he heard. She didn’t say anything else. She didn’t call him names or go on a tirade about his being a tool, or an asshole, or worse. All that followed was silence, he couldn’t hear a sound but her shuffling around the room though when he pressed his ear to the wood.

“Please open up! I… I need to apologize… Mel?”

“Go the fuck away Crosby! I’m pretty sure I hate you right now and I’ve never truly hated anything or anyone in my life!”

“Listen, babe, I lost it for a second. I love you and…,“ The door flew open and he jumped back when he saw the anger in her gaze as the tears rolled down her face.

“Don’t. You. Dare. Don’t think that you can just come up here, say ‘I love you’ and expect me to forgive you like that! It doesn’t work that way!” Sid heard the door open downstairs and then the sound of tentative voices drifted up the stairs. He figured everyone was waiting to see if things were alright.

“C’mon, let me explain.”

“Stuff it! You could jump off a bridge right now for all I care! You just don’t want anyone to hear us fighting. Perfect ‘Sid the Kid’ could never be involved in an actual disagreement with someone. Heaven forbid that happen. Well let me tell you buster, the world doesn’t fucking revolve around you! Now, I told you once and I’ll tell you again… FUCK YOU!” And with that, Mel slammed the door in his face.

Sid heard the click of the lock and leaned back against the hallway wall before he sunk down to the floor. He’d been sitting there a few moments when he heard Erin yell from the floor below.

“He called me a what?!” Fuck, he thought as he dropped his head into his hands. Just when I thought it couldn’t, shit just got worse.

There were a few choice words said about him and then he heard someone stomping up the stairs. He glanced up and saw Erin staring daggers at him. He could tell that he was about to get reamed out big time, and he held his hands up in a symbol of defeat.

“I didn’t mean it. I was pissed and jealous and let it get out of control. I’m sorry.”

“But you still said it, so there has to be a reason behind it. Somewhere, deep down, you must really believe that, or you never would’ve said it.”

“Ugh… no, I mean…” he got up and pounded on the door for a second. “Please Mel, you can’t think that… I just meant that… It’s just that everything’s been so sudden. You only see love like that in the movies an--” The door opened again.

“Leave. Me. Alone. I don’t know how I could spend all this time loving someone who just thinks I’m after his money. You know what? I wish Franzen would’ve taken out your knee you bastard!”

SLAM! The door shut in his face for the second time and Sid reeled back as if she’d slapped him again. Even Erin looked shocked.

“Come downstairs Sid. You won’t get in that room tonight.” He turned at the sound of Max’s voice. He was right, but it didn’t make it any easier to swallow. They’d had a fight before, but this was more than that.

“Will you, will you see if she’ll talk to you Max?”

“Oui, but don’t expect me to try and pump you up in her eyes, I won’t do that.”

“No, just… she needs someone right now and if it can’t be me…,” his voice fell away as he looked hopefully toward his friend.

That said, he hung his head and shuffled down the stairs after Erin. Brooks and Amanda were sitting at the table and Amanda was glaring daggers at him. Geno came in from the kitchen and put a hand on his shoulder before rattling off something in Russian.

“Fuck Geno, I know I messed up.”

“You understand what he said,” Erin asked.

“No, I can see the pity in his eyes and the tone he used… I’m not a complete idiot.” Amanda snorted. “Okay, yeah, and I’m a fucking idiot.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mel listened to the exchange outside the bedroom door. She couldn’t believe what she’d just said. She didn’t mean it. But neither would she apologize. Not after what he’d said.

“Mon chère, will you please let me in? He is gone. I know you’re right there against the door.”

She unlocked the door and opened it slowly. Max stood there, a plate with some food in his hands. He held it out to her in a peace offer of and she opened the door wider so that he could come in. He didn’t say anything, just set it on the dresser and turned toward her.

Mel took one look at the sadness on his face and burst into tears. She was just about ready to collapse when she felt his arms tuck her into his chest. They both slid down to the floor as her crying turned into gut-wrenching sobs. She clung to the collar of his shirt, her face soaking the material as she tried to cry out all the anger.

“Ahhh, Melany… do not cry. I have two weakness, beautiful women and crying women. And right now both of them have combined and are in my arms. This is a dangerous situation.” She hiccupped as the sobs started to dissipate. It was hard to be serious around him.

Max was rocking her gently as he whispered calmly against the top of her head. She couldn’t understand him, but it was soothing none-the-less.

“You *hiccup* you wouldn’t try anything Max, and we both know it.”

“Shhhh, no one can ever know that! You will ruin my reputation!” His dramatic whisper made her smile. “Now, let us get a little more comfortable, and then you will tell me what happened.” He was so comfortable, Mel didn’t want to leave the safeness of his arms.

Max reached over and pulled at the comforter of the bed. Dragging it off and bunching it up to place between him and the dresser, he sat back against it and pulled her against him. It wasn’t the same as when Sid did it, but then again, it wouldn’t feel that way since she wasn’t in love with Max.

“Damn him!”

“Who, Sid?”

“No, Santa Claus… yes, Sid,” she grumbled.

“D’accord, but why are we damning him?”

“I was just thinking that this isn’t the same as when he holds me in a similar way. And it’s because--”

“Because you are in love with him. You and I would not last. It would be explosive and fantastic, but short-lived. You and him… that’s more of a long-term thing.”

“But he said--”

“And you said something back that was equally as harsh. I heard the Franzen bit. Whatever he said must’ve been bad for you to use that comeback.”

“He called me… he called me a whore and a gold-digger Max.”

“I think the gold digger part was more aimed at Erin, but explain the other.”

“Did you see Al and I dancing?” Max shook his head no so she explained the dance. He let out a low whistle. “And then Sid said ‘I’ve seen you move like that before, but it was in my bed, on your back!’ and that’s when I slapped him and ran.”

“I will say one thing in Sid’s defense, and one thing only. If I saw the woman I loved dancing like that, I would be jealous as well.”

“But he never let me explain Max. He just got all ‘caveman’ on me, kept interrupting me and then insulted me.”

“I know that. But you love him, non?”

“I do, but I also want to hit him and yell at him right now, but, yeah, damn it, I do love him.”

“And I know that he loves you and I know that he is downstairs right now, kicking himself for the things he said.”

“Good, he should be!” Mel sniffed, rubbing at her eyes.

“You said a couple things too though, things that weren’t so nice.”

“Well… yes, but… fuck… I thought you were on my side Max!”

“There are not sides Mel-uh-nee. Call me Switzerland if you want, but I couldn’t choose between you two. He is wrong, oui, but I think, perhaps you are a little wrong too, non?”

Mel sighed and settled back against him. She felt Max shift and he started to rock gently, as if she was a giant child that he could rock to sleep. He rubbed in between her shoulder blades as they swayed and she could feel herself slowly giving way to exhaustion.

“Thank you for being here Max.”

“I could do nothing else. Now, were I completely healthy I would carry you over to that bed. But if I even attempted that…”

“Maxime Talbot, are you calling me fat?” she asked with a smile.

“Of course,” he laughed back. “Now, get that huge ass off of me and into bed!”

“Yes dad…” She heard Max chuckle as she walked over and fell onto the mattress, crawling up until she was curled on her side of the bed. It was lonely without Sid there though. “Max… could you just lie with me, until I fall asleep?”

“Oui.”

She signed as he stretched out beside her and fluffed the pillow beneath his head. He took her hand and brought it up to his lips, pressing a quick kiss against her knuckles.

“Good night Maximus.”

“Sleep tight mon petit ami.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Alright… how do I apologize? Can I apologize? I haven’t lost her right? She still loves me… right?”

Sid knew he was pressing Max for information, but he was beyond caring. He’s been sitting and talking with Erin and Amanda for the past forty minutes and he knew now what was going on. No, he didn’t think any of them were gold diggers.

It was just that they were all so passionate about their men, and it happened so fast, that in the back of his mind he was worried that Mel didn’t care as much as she made him think she did. It just seemed like she was too good to be true.

And what was the kicker was that this was something that he knew she was dealing with. And he’d gone and pretty much thrown it in her face, made it seem like she wasn’t good enough for him.

“Max, c’mon man… tell me something. Anything!”

“Whatever you end up doing, you better not spend a big amount of money on her. While it would show her that you don’t mind throwing down cash for her, it wouldn’t make her feel loved.”

“Okay, but how do I get her back if I can’t use money?!”

“You are no fool mon capitaine. You have a wonderful woman up there who would love nothing more than to be in your arms right now. Trust me, I know this. And you want nothing more than to be up there with her, non? But you embarrassed her I think and I think, perhaps she is not feeling so different. Perhaps you should lean towards that.”

“Toward what?”

“Showing a little humility would not go amiss, mon ami.”

“Okay… but… like what?” He had no idea what he could do. It wasn’t in his nature to set out to embarrass himself. Hell, Pat or his dad would’ve had his head on a fucking silver platter the minute he did anything out of line. Anything.

He wished he could just tell the world that he loved her and be done with it. She was always on his mind, he was constantly watching her. When they were in a room together, even when they weren’t beside one another, he couldn’t look at anyone else.

Sid laughed to himself, remembering their little movie night before they left for Mexico. They each picked a flick and when she popped her choice in he’d groaned. 10 Things I Hate About You was not on his top favorites. But she’d crawled on his lap and hummed along with Heath Ledger as he sang Can’t keep My Eyes Off of You and he found a brand new appreciation for the song.

“Holy fuck! I’ve got it!”

Max jumped at his exclamation. Sid told him the idea he had and watched as Max’s eyes lit up as well.

“Are you sure you can go through with it mon ami?”

“For her, I’d do anything as long as she understands that I love her.”

“Alright, then I’ll go talk to everyone and get everything ready.”

“You have an hour Max, I won’t wait any longer to show her that I’m sorry.”

“One hour. It will be ready.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Mel? Melany?? MELANY!!!”

Mel shot up in bed, the sheets wrapped around her body. She swore she heard Sid yelling, but to her recollection he’d stopped banging on the door and everything a couple hours ago. She’d crashed like the moment Max hopped on the bed. He’d sat against the headboard and she’d fallen asleep almost instantly.

“MELANY! I know you’re awake and can hear me. I love you, and I don’t ever want you to doubt that! I’m sorry that I was such an idiot. I let things get out of hand so quick… I’m sorry. I’m beyond sorry! I don’t even know what that means, but I am.”

She listened as Sid continued to talk. He professed his love and apologized repeatedly and…and she wanted to forgive him. This was so out of character for him. He had to be serious about her in order to talk through a microphone and… wait, microphone?!

Jumping out of bed and running to the balcony she looked down and saw Sid in the lawn beneath her. He was surrounded by a couple giant speakers, tiki torches and a friggin’ mariachi band!

“What the hell are you doing Sid?!”

“I need to apologize, because I’ve been an ass. I want you to know that I’m all in Melany. I can’t… I can’t promise you anything like some of our friends have,” he nodded slightly to the left and Mel turned, noting Amanda and Brooks on their balcony. Amanda stuck her tongue out at Sid and Brooks had his video camera in his hand. Oh lord, this doesn’t look good.

“I don’t expect anything like that you fool! I just… I just don’t want you to think that I’m with you because of your money.”

“And I don’t think that!”

“But you said--”

“I was jealous woman!! You were wrapped around some tall, tanned, good looking guy. And you looked pretty pleased with yourself, you tell me how you’d feel.”

“And had you just let me explain you would’ve heard that he’s --”

“I know now, okay? Just…hey, I’m trying to prove that I love you right now and you’re kind of ruining it. So, shut up and let me tell you how much I love you before I lose my nerve or my dad’s embarrassment sensors go off and he shows up with duct tape!” Mel put her hand to her mouth to keep from laughing.

“You don’t have to do this. I forgive you, you idiot!”

“No, I made a big mistake. And I couldn’t just buy you something to say I’m sorry. That would’ve just made you think that I thought that my money could fix things.”

“Sid, you’re drawing a crowd. Please, come upstairs!”

“No, I told you, I don’t care who sees or hears me! Melany, I’m completely head over heels for you. And I know we’re young. I know that no one knows how this is going to turn out. I know that some people will always have their opinions about us, but… I just want you to know…”

She watched him lower the mic and heard him whispering harshly to someone beneath her. He was muttering that he couldn’t do this and she heard Max telling him to do it anyway. When that didn’t work she heard Erin’s voice say to ‘pull up his big boy pants’ and once again had to keep from laughing when Sid’s face got that intense look, like the one he gets just before a faceoff. He cleared his throat and looked up at her.

“I-I need you to know that,” the one guitar player plucked a string for what must’ve been his note. Sid took a deep breath and tilted his head up to her, a smile playing over his face.

“You’re just too good to me true,
Can't take my eyes off you.
You'd be like Heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.”

He continued singing acapela and Mel bit her lip. He really shouldn’t try to sing. But it was by far the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for her. She turned real quick to see Amanda and Brooks smiling at her, and one the other side Erin had come up to their balcony and Geno was smiling that goofy smile and booing him as he kept on singing.

Then the band came in and her attention was focused on Sid again. He wouldn’t really… oh god, he’d going to!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Okay Sid, here comes the big part. You can do this, you can do this.

He heard Geno booing him again and glanced up long enough to flip him off before listening for his entrance. He took a deep breath and pointed his free hand up at Melany. She was standing on the balcony with wide eyes and shaking her head. If I’m going to embarrass myself, I’m goin’ all out! Fuck my life, just hit the right note!

“I love you, baby,
And if it's quite alright,
I need you, baby,
To warm a lonely night.
I love you, baby.
Trust in me wh – Dammit Geno stop throwing shit at me!! – pretty baby,
Don't bring me down, I pray.
Oh, pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, baby.
Let me love you.”

The band continued to play but he was done. He clicked the mic off and set it on the ground. Then he grabbed one of the rolled up towels that Geno had thrown at him and threw it back, nailing the big lug in the forehead as he stood there laughing at the spectacle Sid had just made.

There was a decent-sized crowd all around, people were clapping and Sid knew it was time for the piece-de-resistance. Mel was yelling at him to come upstairs and he jogged over to the area beneath the balcony.

“Please, come up and we’ll talk!”

“I’ll be right up babe!”

Then he grabbed a ladder that he’d laid down earlier and propped it up against the building. It was tall enough that he’d be able to get all the way up and over the balcony with it.

“Sidney, what the hell are you doing?!”

“I’m doing this the right way Melany, or I’m not doing it at all!”

“You’re going to kill yourself and then your dad is going to kill me slowly and painfully!”

“Shhhh, I’m trying to be romantic,” he yelled as he started climbing the rungs of the ladder. He looked up at her as he made step by step. She was grinning like a fool and he knew his expression had to be similar. He stopped when he got to the ledge of the balcony.

“You’re insane Sidney Crosby!”

“I love you, and I don’t ever want you to doubt that, understood?”

Mel nodded her head as tears filled her eyes. He climbed the final few rungs and pulled himself over so that he was standing in front of her.

“I love you, you crazy ass hockey player! And promise me one thing…”

“Anything!”

“Don’t ever sing in public again,” she laughed.

“Deal, now come here and give me a kiss,” he laughed as he pulled her against him and lowered his mouth to hers. He knew the crowd cheering, their friends were clapping and hollering, and the band had started to play a slower love song. But all he could hear was Melany telling him that she loved him. That was all that mattered.

“We should take this inside, don’t you agree,” Mel asked as she rubbed against him. He liked the way she thought and as they ran inside their room and shut the double doors he was already whipping his shirt over his head. He’d tell her about the plans for the rest of the trip later.

Chapter 27: Baseball, Parades and Shopping, OH MY!

I hope you guys like it*
It was harder to get out than I thought it should be!

Breakfast was a hit, and Sid didn’t do anything vengeful after Mel had left him alone with his mom to have ‘The Talk.’ But that was what worried her the most. He wasn’t getting her back right away, which meant he was planning something, and she would now have to be on her guard until he enacted whatever scheme was going around in his curly head. Which reminds me, he needs to trim that shit a little. It’s going to ‘fro out soon if he’s not careful. Then again, that would be amusing to see.

They had made it to the ballpark, did the show for the cameras and were now relaxing as the game progressed. It was the middle of the sixth inning and she was still so lost in thought that when Jordan plopped down in the seat to her right Mel nearly jumped out of her skin. Sid just chuckled on her left and she turned to glare at him.

“What’s a matter babe? Little jumpy right now?”

“Of course not,” she replied smoothly. “Just thinking.”

“Well, you should know that I don’t plan on doing anything to get back at you.” This did make her jumpy.

“You aren’t? Why don’t I believe that?”

“I decided to take the upper road this time. Be the bigger man,’ he said with a smile. She glanced warily at him but he honestly did look innocent. And not that fake innocent that he does when he’s trying to get away with something.

Jordan had reached around her to hand Sid the bag of peanuts he’d grabbed when they put up a kiss cam on the jumbo screen like they do at the Igloo. Mel was about to look up at the screen when Jordan mumbled something.

“What,” she said as she turned his way.

“I said don’t kill the messenger,” he laughed. Then the arm that was behind her hauled her close and he ducked his head and planted his lips on hers. Shocked beyond belief, Mel pushed at him as his words ran through her head. Then it hit her. Sidney. Two can play at this game.

She grabbed Staalsy, her fingers knocking off his ball cap and tunneling through his hair as she kept her lips on his. She didn’t press for anything, never opened her mouth, but she felt him tense up. Then, smacking him on the back of the head like Gibbs from NCIS, she tore her mouth away and sat back in her chair.

There was laughter and cheering all around them. Max and Geno had their phones out and were pressing buttons in what she assumed was a video message of what had just happened. Billy and Eats were just shaking their heads and laughing, and Jordan had a huge ass smile on his face. Mel peeked at Sid.

He was trying awfully hard to hide a grin. He thought that he was so sneaky, then she’d tried to throw him a curveball, and he didn’t even seem angry. Well, she had one more trick up her sleeve. Putting on her game face, Mel turned to him, but not before winking at Jordy and Max. In a quiet voice she started her acting.

“I can’t believe you’d do that Sid. Of all the low down… you could’ve chosen anything else. But no, you embarrass me in front of everyone like that. And look at Jordan, he’s so ashamed.” Please look ashamed.

They both glanced over at the blonde giant and he put his face in his hands like he was truly upset over what he’d done. Mel knew he was really just trying to hide his smile, but it would work for her ruse. She faced Sid once more.

“That was low Crosby, really low.” With that said she shoved past Jordan and started up the steps to the main level where all the vendors were. She couldn’t keep the smile from her own face as Billy suggested that he chase after her and beg for forgiveness for playing such a dirty trick. The others chimed in and she heard the telltale sigh and then scuffs as he jogged up the steps to catch up with her.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Fuck, I didn’t mean to piss her off. I thought she’d take it as a joke, as a payback. Sid followed her up the steps, watching her ass sway in her shorts. He wasn’t sure how she did it, but even dressed in his shirzee with a pair of white Bermuda shorts and flops, she looked beautiful.

At the top of the stairs she stopped and looked around as if deciding where to go, then he followed her as she stalked over to a secluded corner, more like an alcove of sorts. He caught up to her and spun her around to face him as he trapped her between the wall and his body.

Sid peered down at her, preparing to apologize but he stopped. She was smiling. She was…

“Oh sonofabitch… you aren’t mad at all.”

“I’m not mad at all.” She was still smiling. “How about we call a truce? I left you with your mom, you had Staalsy kiss me. We’re even. Deal?”

She was holding out two fingers in a unanimous sign of ‘truce’ but he just shook his head and stepped closer to her, pushing her hand out of the way so he could press against her.

“I’ll only seal the deal with a kiss.”

“I just kissed your teammate, you dork. Do you really want to kiss Jordan?!”

Sid just laughed and stuck his hand in her pocket, fishing around for the Chap Stick that he knew she always carried. When he heard Mel gasp he smiled. Then he grasped the little tube and pulled his hand out, bringing it between their faces.

“Here, one quick cover and I’ll be satisfied. Unless you were slippin’ him some tongue… in which case, I think you should be punished.” As he said the last part he watched her eyes widen slightly. A blush crept up her cheeks and he knew she was remembering the night in the hotel.

Mel grabbed the tube and tugged the cap off, sliding the Chap Stick over her lips before placing it back in her pocket. Sid pushed her against the wall and held her head gently.

“Now, I’ll make that truce,” he said as he bent down and touched his lips to hers. He heard her sigh right before contact and then, as his tongue swept into her mouth he collected the moan that came from her throat.

He growled as she sucked on his tongue, her arms winding around his neck. They stayed like that for what felt like hours, their tongues dueling, they’re lips moving over one another’s. He could’ve kissed her for eternity. But a tap on his shoulder brought the real world back into perspective. Sid looked over his shoulder to find a Jordan standing there.

“No, you cannot kiss her again.” Staalsy laughed and put his hands out in a gesture of ‘no, no’ and the three of them laughed.

“Coach says that if we want to avoid the crowd we should leave now. And unless you want to be mobbed by a huge group of people, I suggest we take him up on the offer. The rest of the group already started out, but I figured someone should come try and find you two.”

“Thanks Jordan. You’re such a sweetheart,” Mel told him. Sid looked at her and caught the conspiratorial wink she threw at the giant. He just made a tsk, tsk noise and wrapped an arm around her.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m a big ol’ softy. Let’s not tell everyone though… ok? Max already tried to get me in trouble with Heather. I’m going to kill him.”

They all wandered out of the ballpark, meeting up with the rest of the group at the big bus that they had brought. Once they were back at Mellon Arena, Sid held the door open as Mel climbed into his car and they drove back to Mario’s to get ready for the parade the next day.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mel met up with Vero and Kelsey in the player’s lot. The sun was already out and it was going to get hot as the day wore on. With Kel being almost five months along now, she was so not amused at the thought of sitting in the bed of a truck while the sun beat down on her. Tyler had brought along the umbrella from his patio though, and the guys rigged it up so that she could relax beneath it while the parade made its way through the streets.

Erin was talking with Geno’s parents and trying to explain how everyone was excited to see them as well, and not just their son. It was an amusing conversation to watch, filled with hand gestures and frustrated expressions on all the faces. Finally she grabbed Gonch and dragged him over to help. In no time at all everyone was smiling again and Geno’s mom was patting Erin’s cheek after she’d smacked Geno in the back of the head for not helping with the confusion.

Mel watched the exchange and smiled, happy that for once everything was going right. Amanda and Brooks showed up with about five minutes to spare, looking like they just woke up. Thank god someone had thought to bring extra jerseys since Brooks had actually forgotten his. Manda just smiled sheepishly, adding a ‘my bad, but it was totally his fault’ comment that had their little group laughing.

They were all getting ready finally when Sid came up behind her, his arms around her waist, his head on her shoulder. She could smell his cologne, feel his chin gently digging into her flesh. She’d opted for a halter top like V and just the feel of his skin against hers was enough to make her sigh. There was a Stanley Cup Champions shirt waiting to be tossed over top what she had on, but Mel refused to put it on and get hot until it was absolutely necessary.

“Tonight we don’t have any obligations. No parties, games, interviews… nothing. How about we just watch a movie and pass out together in bed?”

“It’s a date babe! Now, let’s get this show on the road so that we can’t get home and work on that relaxing. Oooo, and we can hang out by the pool for awhile!” She heard him groan.

“No pool, I can’t take it!”

“Why are you being a little whiner?”

“Because if we go to the pool…”

“Yes…”

“You’ll have on nothing but that silver bikini. And I won’t be able to think straight. And I’ll probably drown!” He’s so dramatic. She smiled and glanced around for Max. When she finally saw him talking with Duper and Tanger, she called out his name.

“MAX! Come here!”

Max came jogging over in his man capris and shades, asking in a rather scratchy voice what he could help her with. When she questioned him about the voice he just coughed out a laugh.

“It’s nothing. Just too much partying and alcohol! Now, what can I do for you?”

“Don’t you think that Sid and I should do a little lounging at the pool before we veg out in front of the TV?” Sid was still behind her, his arms still linked around her middle and she could feel him shaking his head no.

“Are you going to wear the silver thing?”

“Yes. It’s my bathing suit, what else would I wear??”

“In that case… no, you’ll probably kill him…”

Mel wrenched herself free of Sid’s arms and threw her arms in the air with a disgusted sigh as she walked off in search of Vero again. She found her friend standing beside the truck they would be riding in, along with Flower and Sid’s parents. The two talked about random things until it was time to go and Sid was standing beside her once again.

“So, small pool party after the parade?”

“Oh, you don’t want to see me in my suit on your own… But a group of people seeing me in it is fine?”

“I’ll have to behave myself if there are other people around.”

“Pfft, didn’t stop you the other night,” she scoffed. She heard V snicker as she eavesdropped on the conversation. Then she made an ‘I’ll keep quiet’ gesture and hopped in the bed of the truck.

“Get in the truck and be good and I’ll do that thing you like with my tongue later tonight,” he whispered in her ear. Mel practically dove into the bed, sitting down next to Vero and smiling hugely as she pulled the t-shirt over her head.

“What did he… never mind. Forget I asked!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sid was the last to climb up into the truck. He heard Vero asking Mel what he’d said to get her up there so quickly. Then they both laughed and he smiled as the parade got underway. He and Marc were in the final vehicle in the long line of people.

Geno was in the car in front of them, the Conn Smythe trophy nestled on the roof of the vehicle. The guys were sprinkled throughout the caravan and as they moved along he chuckled when Billy jumped out of the car he was in and started running down the street high-fiving people.

It started a chain reaction and it seemed like half the team was running around. They were slapping hands with fans, taking pictures, just being goofballs. And they deserved it. They’d earned it. All of them. Marc turned to him, breaking through the thoughts in his head.

“Don’ you wish we could go join them?”

“I do, but you know if we do that… we’re going to get mugged! There’s no way. I can’t believe Max hasn’t been pulled aside by some crazy fan yet!”

“Well, once we get round the bend… if it’s not too bad… “

“I like the way you think Flower. We’ll hop out too.” They smiled at one another and then Sid caught Mel’s eye, giving her a wink while standing up as they prepared to turn and head down the main street. He felt light-headed the moment he noticed the fans. They. Were. Everywhere.

Thousands of people were lining the street. He sat back down beside his friend as Marc practically choked on the water he was taking a drink of. He heard the whispered ‘sacrebleu’ and dropped his own ‘fuck me’ as his eyes took in the immensity of the crowd surrounding them. Inside the parking decks they were three-deep at least, the sidewalks were crammed and the rows in the side streets had him completely amazed.

“I can’t… can you believe… look at all those… Jesus.”

“Mon ami, we cannot get out of this vehicle,” came Flower’s hushed and frantic whisper. Sid just nodded as he smiled blankly. He was glad he had his sunglasses on, because he was sure he had that ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ look right now. Mel moved over and grabbed his hand.

“Breathe babe. Can’t have you fainting on us all today.” He glanced down at her and was so choked up. All these people had backed them during the season. Okay, sure, there was a chunk who just wanted to come here now that they’d brought home the trophy… but for the most part, these were their fans.

“It’s just crazy.”

“This is what it means to be a champion. You guys have brought the Cup back to Pittsburgh. Everyone just wants to show their appreciation.”

Sid smiled at her, leaning down to place a kiss to her forehead, smiling when he heard her happy sigh. They were going to go shopping after this, get some new clothes for Mexico. She insisted that she had everything she’d ever need, but he was so happy right now. He wanted to spoil her. And seeing her in bright, colorful things that he helped pick out would definitely appeal to him.

“Shopping after speeches?”

“I told you, I don’t ne--”

“Love me?”

“Duh!”

“Then shut up and let me spoil you for once.”

“I’m just not comfort--” Sid pulled her chin up and placed a kiss to her lips. He licked the cherry lipgloss off her mouth for a moment and then released her, his forehead against hers.

“Shut up. You will try on outfits, you will let me buy a few of them and you will like it. And we’ll probably grab a smoothie, which I will pay for. Okay?” He stared at her, his eyes practically glaring at hers. He didn’t move until he felt her nodding her head.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

That man is too pushy. Good thing I kind of like him. Mel smiled to herself. She didn’t just kind of like him, she wanted to marry him and have his babies and… WHOA! Stop that right now! You’ll freak out yourself and him. She was caught up in her thoughts when she felt a hand on her knee. Turning, she smiled at Trina who’d scooted over beside her.

“Just let him do this.”

“I just… I’m not used to people taking care of me.”

“It’s not like he’s buying you a car dear. Besides, he’s paying for Mexico.”

“No he’s not! I refuse to let him. If that’s what he thinks…”

“None of us expect anything different. Melany, you’re his girlfriend.”

“Exactly. I’m my own person, I’m not his. I mean, I’m his, but I don’t want him to spend all this money on me. That’s not why I’m dating him!”

“Oh please, I know that! Everyone knows that! You’re the most refreshing thing that’s happened to him recently. Now, let him spend a little of that money he’s got, it’s not like he’s doing anything with it.”

Mel looked up at Sid. He had moved back beside Flower and they were giggling like a couple of girls. Marc was holding onto Vero’s hand and Troy and Taylor were propped against the side of the truck. Everyone was having fun and enjoying the party. They were about to go up on the stage and as they hopped out of the bed, she took her spot on the side of Trina.

“He’s going to fight me about it if I tell him I’m paying my portion isn’t he,” she whispered to his mom as Paul Stiegerwald started talking. Trina just glanced her way with that patented ‘what-do-you-think’ look that all moms had. Mel sighed and dropped her head.

“Listen dear. Enjoy the parade. Talk to him about it if you feel it’s necessary. But honestly, it’s not a big deal. I bet you even Troy would agree with me.” She brought a hand up and rubbed Mel’s shoulder for a second.

“Troy… TROY…” Sid’s dad turned at her stage whisper and laughed.

“Yes Miss Melany?”

“Do you… what do you think of Sid trying to spend money on me?”

“Is this a trick question,” he asked, laughing again. Looking at her, he sobered up at the serious look on her face.

“Of course not.”

“Melany, is this about the conversation in the truck?” She nodded meekly. “For the love of… yes I agree with him. I’ve come to the dark side and I kind of like having you around. I’m sure that we’ll have disagreements. But this, pay him back later if it bothers you, but men like to spoil their women from time to time you know.”

Mel let out a laugh as Trina elbowed him, mumbling about how they like flowers and things sometimes too. Taylor made a gagging noise before giggling as her dad pulled her into a hug. They were all right, which was something she didn’t think she’d say about Troy.

“Fine. Sid’s paying. I still don’t like it,” she grumbled. Troy leaned in close and pulled his sunglasses down some so he could look her in the eye.

“Buy him something in return then,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “If you can think of something that he couldn’t buy himself.”

“Oh, you’re going to give me grief for as long as we’re together, aren’t you?”

“Someone’s gotta keep you in line and on your toes.” They both smiled at one another and Trina clicked her tongue as she shook her head at both of them. Then she smiled ruefully.

“You two be good.”

“Us?”

They both laughed as the innocent question came out together. Trina shook her head again and pulled her husband up on the stage as Stieggy asked for them to come up and drink from the Cup like Geno’s parents had just done.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After some of the guys talked into the mic and ‘We Are The Champions’ had been played a few times, Sid grabbed Mel and pulled her onto the buses that would take them back to the arena. He wanted to get to the mall before it got any later. Not that they didn’t have a couple days to shop… he just wanted her all to himself for awhile.

They were riding in his car, silent for the first time since the Cup had made it to Pittsburgh from Detroit. He reached over and took hold of her hand.

“Okay… so, now that you’ve agreed to this shopping spree… what are you planning on buying me?”

He bit his cheek to keep from smiling when he heard her gasp. He hadn’t been sure at first, but that response… he knew now that she was going to try and get him something in return for all of this.

“I-I’m not… ugh. You’re the suck. I can’t get anything past you, can I?”

“No, but you’re welcome to try. Besides, what did you think you’d get me that I don’t already have?”

“I’ll think of something mister, you just wait and see.”

Sid threw his head back and laughed at the look on her face. She was so adorable. Of course, now she was glaring at him… Crap.

“Babe… I’m not laughing at you. Come on, we’re here now.” He turned off the car and slid out of it, running around to open Mel’s door. She was still sort of glaring at him, both arms crossed over her chest. A chest that was now on display thanks to only the halter top she was once again wearing. Sid licked his lips, practically drooling at the flesh that she was putting on display.

“Sid?! Are you listening to m—Sidney! Stop staring at my boobs!”

“I wasn’t!”

“Why, you little… Come here!” He let out a little shriek as she grabbed his shirt and pulled him close. He gulped as she ran one finger down his cheek. “Want a better look baby?”

“You’re evil. And I love it. Now, come find something sexy to torture me with in Me-hee-co. And I’ll get reacquainted with that lovely chest of yours later.”

She growled and leaned forward, biting gently on his lower lip. Then she was walking beside him as they perused the hangers in several stores. He talked her into several outfits, a couple more bathing suits and had to restrain himself as she modeled some new lingerie.

He figured the tightening in his groin was fair and sat there gripping the chair when she came over in a black satin teddy that shimmered in the dressing room lighting. Thank god for private dressing rooms. He had pulled the chair into her room when she’d moved onto the sexier stuff.

“Do you like this one?”

“M’hmm.” It was the only thing he could muster out of his mouth.

“Do you like it more than the blue one?” Oh god, the blue one.

“It’s… Ahhh… more clingy than the blue one.”

“True, at least I could fit panties on under that one. This one’s a little too snug don’t you think?” She turned and bent over a little. Sid could see there were no lines and hardened at the thought of her not wearing any underwear right now.

“So, you… ummm… you couldn’t wear the matching panties?”

“Nope. Do you think it’s alright without them? I mean, it’s a lot smoother this way I think. Right?” She grabbed his hand and ran it over her butt. He clutched her cheek and heard her let out a soft moan. He groaned as well. I’ll show her.

“Let me see. I think I like it better. Hold on.”

Sid shot out of the chair and pulled her ass against him. One hand stayed on her hip, but the other went up to one of her breasts, encased in a tiny amount of satin. Hearing her gasp, he palmed the fleshy mound while grinding against her.

“Yeah,” he whispered in her ear. “This one is better, I can feel your nipple harden through the fabric. Oh, but the fabric wrinkles easier.” He tweaked her nipple as he looked in the mirror. “See, it’s all crinkled up from that little touch.”

The saleslady took that moment to knock on the door.

“Do you need any other sizes or colors? Anything I can get you?” He whispered for her to answer nicely, then chuckled as Mel had to clear her throat a couple times before she found her voice.

“No thank you. I’m almost done in he-here.” His teeth sunk into her shoulder as his palm pushed gently against her pussy through the material of the teddy.

“Okay, well you just let me know if I can find you anything else. Did Mr. Crosby leave you to fend for yourself?”

Sid slipped his hand under her skirt and pushed one finger between her soaking lips. He pushed inside her, feeling how wet she was. He could feel her knees quake as he began thrusting slowly in and out.

“H-he,” she cleared her throat again. “He did actually. Something about leaving me to fend for myself while he went to look at video games. Something for him to toy wi-with.” And he did toy with her. First he added another finger, smiling as she clutched the arm he’d thrown around her waist. Then he used his thumb, pressing against her little button and hearing her throat catch.

“Men,” the lady laughed through the door. “Well, like I said, if you need anything, just hit the buzzer by your door.”

“Th-thank you.” Sid heard the footsteps as the clerk walked away. He pulled his fingers out, flipped the material up and undid the zipper of his shorts. He grunted as he pulled his aching cock out and thrust into her depths with a groan.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Bend over babe.”

Mel felt the breath leave her slowly as Sid thrust into her a few times. As she bent over and put her hands against the mirror, Sid grabbed her hips. His thrusts were brutal, the tempo fast. He was like an animal and Mel bent her knees a little more, relishing in the pleasure as she squeezed her eyes shut.

“Ah, ah, ah. Open those eyes for me,” he murmured.

She did as he requested and bit her lip at the pure desire that was written across his face. His eyes were intense and there was a muscle in his neck that was bulging as he pushed inside her again. His fingers dug into her skin and Mel arched her back, placing a hand on his hip to steady him.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight in Mexico. I don’t even know if I’ll let you out of the room. I just want to stay buried inside you the entire trip.”

“Gah! Sid, fuck! You feel so big!”

“Shhhh! I’m supposed to be checking out video games,” he whispered harshly.

There was no way she could remember to be quiet. Public place or no, he was hitting all the right spots, the lights were flashing behind her eyes and she wanted nothing more than to scream out his name. Knowing how bad that would be was the only thing stopping her though, so instead, she bit her lower lip until she felt blood.

Sid was pistoning in and out harder and her legs were getting sore from the ninety degree position she was currently in. He didn’t seem to be letting up though and Mel almost fell as his hand slid down to play with her clit. The breath whooshed out of her lungs and she turned, staring at him as she whispered to him.

“Motherfuck… I’m going to… harder Sid… oh god!”

She felt her muscles convulsing around him and bit on her lip again in order to try and keep from calling attention to them. But he was perfect. Her fingers clawed at the glass but she couldn’t grasp anything. As her upper body slid down farther it changed the angle he entered her with and a brand new flow of sensations hit her.

Her body trembled as she stayed caught up in the feelings. Mel heard Sid groan as his fingers clenched into fists in the skin at her hips. He thrust a few more times before she felt his release deep inside. The little jerks that passed through him as he came inside her in the climax of their quickie aroused her even more, drawing a strangled breath from her throat.

“You are going to be the death of me Melany.” He sounded completely exhausted and she bent her arm against the mirror, leaning her head against it.

“Right back at ya babe,” she told him with a shaky breath. Sid just blew out a laugh as he pulled himself away from her spent body and she shivered as she felt each ridge and vein slide out of her. Mel heard him zip up his shorts again and cursed him for being able to just zip up and be done.

He didn’t have to worry about the cum running down his thighs, the mixture of their juices that would do nothing but pool in her panties and feel incredibly uncomfortable until she could change. If she could throw on her clothes quickly and get to a bathroom maybe it wouldn’t be that bad.

Sid took her arm and pulled her up, the material falling back over her ass, and held her against him as his lips sought out hers. The kiss was heavenly. He poured his heart into it and she forgot about wanting to find a bathroom. In fact, she forgot about everything as Sid pushed her back against the wall, his hands running through her hair, bunching it up as his tongue slid over hers.

He mimicked the movements he’d just performed on her pussy, and one hand roamed, groping her breast and moving down to play with her sensitive areas once more. Mel jerked against him and she ran kisses from his lips down his jaw, nipping at his chin and sucking for a second on his neck, feeling his pulse throb as he massaged her tortured flesh.

“You’re a mess you know.”

“You seem to forget sometimes to wear a goddamn condom.”

“You’re on the pill,” he said matter-of-factly.

“This is true, but it would keep me from being ‘such a mess’ after you’ve had your way with me.” Sid just smiled and pulled a napkin out of his pocket from the smoothie joint. He gently ran it over her folds a couple times before folding it and placing it back in his pocket.

“Give me some credit. I helped clean up the mess I made,” he smirked. Mel felt like poking him in the eye. He helped her get dressed and then let her walk out of the dressing room first with her pile of purchases. She didn’t watch for him, just headed straight to the checkout. The girl had just started ringing up her things when she felt Sid wrap his arms around her and press a kiss to the spot behind her ear.

“I’ve decided I will let you spoil me for the day babe.”

“Great,” he purred in her ear. “Please tell me you’re getting the black one.”

“Of course, you said you liked that one… when I pulled it off the rack…”

Mel watched the cashier smile to herself as she rung up the items. She was just about finished when she let out a sigh.

“Oh no! It looks like there’s something on this one.” The woman held up the black teddy. “Somehow it got wet here and there’s a rip in the seam. Let me go find you a new one.” She started to walk away but Mel heard Sid chuckle in her ear.

“It’s okay ma’am. It’s not going to last on her long anyway.”

“Are you sure? I’m betting we have one that doesn’t look like it’s been used already. In a dressing room. By two very passionate, young people.” Mel buried her face in her hands with a groan and heard Sid laugh out loud this time.

“I’m positive. This one’s special. And I’m sure you were mistaken,” he said as he put his credit card on the counter. Mel looked down and saw two hundred dollar bills under it. Does he really think that a bribe will stop her from blabbing to everyone that she heard Sidney Crosby get it on in a dressing room?!

“Oh, I’m betting I was mistaken as well sir, and I don’t need that to keep me from thinking anything else. Huge Pens fan, but not a big gossip gal. Besides, I’ve watched the two of you together, and you didn’t do anything different from any other couple in love. Besides, who would believe me?”

She smiled at the two of them and handed Mel her bag of clothes. She managed to squeak out a ‘thank you’ before turning and walking toward the door. The woman called out to them one last time before they reached the doorway.

“Could I ask one favor though?”

“Anything,” Mel heard Sid reply.

“Would you autograph a piece of paper for my son? He’s eleven and would possibly love me forever. I’m not asking as a bribe or anything. Just as a fan!”

“Sure! I have a better idea. Hold on.” Mel watched him disappear around the corner and just shrugged her shoulders at the clerk. He was back two minutes later with a couple shirzees with his name and number on them. “What size?”

“Oh… ummm, medium would be fine. I doubt he’ll actually wear it, but that would fit him fine. You don’t have to do that though! Really, a paper wou--”

“Trust me,” Mel laughed, “You won’t win an argument against him. I’ve been trying that all day. He’s very stubborn. What’s your son’s name?”

“Marcus. He’s a fan of the sport. Actually a really big Staal fan. Not that he doesn’t like you Sid!” They all got a good laugh out of that and Sid promised to tell Jordan that he’d found someone who actually thought he was a good player. Mel watched him scribble a personal note onto the 8 of the shirt and then sign beneath it.

That was something she never got tired of. Every time he did something like this, or stopped to sign for a fan, she fell in love with him a little bit more. He was such a great guy to those who looked up to him. After handing Bonny the shirt, she’d learned the name while the woman gushed about her son and his love for hockey and baseball, Mel put her hand in Sid’s and they walked out to the car.

“Have I ever told you how proud I am of you?”

“You have. And have I ever told you how much I’m in love with you?”

“Hmmmm, I don’t think so.”

“Smartass.”

“Jerkface.”

“I swear to god, when we get home... I’m tossing you in the pool.”

She just laughed and turned on the radio, finding some country music to listen to. Martina McBride was singing ‘I Just Call You Mine’ and Mel felt her heart practically burst at the perfection of that song. It was exactly how she felt about Sid. Leaning over, she placed her head on his shoulder as her arm leaned on the center console of his car.

“I love you Sid.”

“I love you.”

“Can I call you mine?”

“As long as I can call you mine.”

“I like the sound of that,” she said and then relaxed against him as they drove back to Mario’s.

Two days later they were sitting in their seats after boarding their flight to Mexico to meet up with their group. Sid had put his arm around her and Mel had curled into his arm and closed her eyes as she breathed in his scent.

“Mine,” she whispered as she drifted to sleep. She didn’t see the smile bloom on Sid’s face.