Chapter 27

"Do you like where I brought you for breakfast?"

"What...when...how long has this been here?" Sidney finally stumbled out when he saw she led him to a Tim Horton's.

"It's been here for almost a year. I've heard stories where you guys have made the trip northern PA to go to one but I guess within the last year, no one told you there was one a little closer." Karen saw the smile on Sidney's face like he was a kid on Christmas and took his hand to go inside. They got up to the counter and Karen got a coffee and a doughnut since she really wasn't that hungry but laughed at all Sidney ordered. She got her coffee and sat at the only open table that seated two. Karen looked up and laughed to herself but stopped when Sidney walked over to her and sat down.

"Um, I swear this was not the reason I picked this table" Karen said as she pointed to the picture hanging above their table.

Sidney looked up and smiled at the picture. It was where he was standing behind a Timbits team. He looked like he was remembering that day or when he used to be that young. Sidney looked back at Karen and smiled as they continued to eat and talk. After a half hour, they were leavng when a little boy was walking in. Karen saw his eyes and let go of Sidney's hand walking back in. Sidney walked to the door and saw her kneeling down to the little boy talking to him. By the time they were leaving, the place had cleared out and Sidney knew what Karen was doing. He walked back inside and knelt down to the boy's level.

"What do we have here? What's your name buddy?"

The little boy shyly clung to his father's leg before his dad knelt down to him "Devin. Are you Sidney Crosby?"

"I sure am. How old are you Devin?"

"I'm six. Did you like the doughnuts?"

Karen smiled at how cute he was being. She had done day care with 3-10 year olds and forgot how they were. She also just watched Sidney interact with him and knew one day he would be a terrific dad.

"Yes I did. Get the chocolate covered one with sprinkles, it's really good."

"Ok. Can I have your autograph Sidney?"

"Sure thing buddy." Sidney saw Karen get a sharpie out of her purse and hand it to him. She was going to get a napkin, but she stopped when he signed the little boy's shirt.

"Thanks Sidney. I can't wait to see you play tomorrow."

"Let's hope we can win."

"You will. My dad says the Flyers don't stand a chance against you." Sidney just smiled and looked up at his dad that looked kind of embarassed.

"Well I'll try and prove your dad right."

"Ok Devin, why don't we let Sidney and his friend get going. It was really nice of you to take time to talk to him Sid."

"It was my pleasure. Enjoy your breakfast Devin."

"I will. Bye Sidney."

"Bye." Sidney waved and was about to leave when two girls from behind the counter came out for and autograph. He looked at Karen who mouthed 'sorry' before signing his name to a couple of napkins. They happily thanked him and then went back to work. Sidney grabbed Karen's hand and they walked out to the car without being stopped again.

"I hope you didn't mind. I saw the look Devin had when you passed him and I couldn't resist."

"I'm not mad. I will always have a soft spot for little kids."

"Well I'd say you made not only his day but his lifetime."

"Well you made my day by bringing me here. Thank you baby."

"Anytime stud." Karen leaned over and kissed his cheek before telling him how to get back to the interstate to head back.

"Baby, could you tell me how to get back to the Riverfront place you took me to?"

"Yeah but it's getting late, don't you need to be getting back?"

Sidney looked at his watch and saw it was 10:45am "we've got time."

"Ok" she told him how to get there and 10 minutes later Sidney parked the car and they got out heading to the ampitheater.

Sidney found a place to sit and Karen sat beside him only to have him move so he was facing her and straddling the bench. He didn't have to wait long until Karen was leaning against him. She loved being with him like this to where the world stopped and it was just them. Karen felt her hair being moved away from her neck and soon Sidney's lips were there. She closed her eyes and let the feelings take over. Sidney moved from her neck to her jawline, turning her head and capturing her lips in a kiss. The kiss was slow like someone had a remote and was playing the scene at slow motion. There was no rush or urgency to the kiss, it was to express what they felt for each other since they met. The kiss ended and they sat there with their foreheads pressed together.

"Is something else bothering you?"

"No, I mean I'm unsure how the rest of the playoffs will go, but that's true for any of us getting this deep into it."

"Baby, you need to stop doing this to yourself. Yes you more than anyone on the team has more responsibilities and you are in demand by the media more, but don't let that second guess yourself about this." Karen lifts his chin up and looks into his eyes "you put your heart and soul into everything you do and from that is where your determination comes from. If this is your year, it will works itself out. If not, you are going to come back better then ever. How many young guys in this league have the same aspirations as you?"

"A lot."

"And how many can win the Stanley Cup in a year?"

"A select few."

"You will be in that select few I know you will. When, is up to you."

"How can you be like this?"

"Like what?"

"So posititive about this."

"Because I believe in you Sidney. You know what ever happens I will be here for you, right?"

"I know you will be."

Karen leaned in to kiss him and was interrupted by his phone going off. "I think we need to turn that off when we're trying to have a moment."

"We just might but apparently someone's looking for me." Sidney looks at his phone but doesn't recognize the number. He showed Karen and she knew exactly who it was.

"That's Sheril's number."

"How'd she get my number?"

"Probably took it out of my phone. Are you going to answer it?"

Sidney answered it putting in on speaker phone "hello."

"Are you planning to bring our friend back anytime soon?"

"No I think I am going to keep her with me all day. I need her more than you guys."

"Yeah we've heard." Karen turned her head and blushed that they must've heard them one night. "Well we're hungry and would like our friend to join us."

"If you want her back then you have to come get her."

"Where are you?"

"We are going to be heading to the arena so either she stays with me or you come and get her."

"What's in it for us?"

"What do you guys want?" Sidney asked and Karen looked at him and whispered "wrong question."

"Hmm, this could take a while."

"Sheril if any of that thought includes Sidney I will hunt you down."

"Chill woman, I wasn't going there. Besides Steve would kill me. How about you just buy us lunch?"

"Then I guess you need to meet me at the arena."

"Fine. See you in a little bit."

They hung up and Karen just laughed. She got up so Sidney could get up and they headed to the car and started the drive to Mellon Arena.

"So let me ask you, what would Sheril have wanted?"

"Three things...you naked, a container of whipped cream and a camera."

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah pretty much."

"Would that be something that you'd want?"

"Are you offering?" Karen looked over at Sidney and he just smiled at her "but I only need two of the three...you and the whipped cream."

"No camera? Can't say I'm not disappointed baby."

"Well, maybe if you're good."

They looked at each other and laughed. The rest of the drive to the arena was quiet except for the radio playing. When Sidney pulled up to the parking lot, Karen saw her friends standing there waiting for her. She got out and waited for Sidney to get his bag. He pulled her close and kissed her to the hoot and hollers of her friends. Karen said goodbye to Sidney and they went their separate ways.

Chapter 26

The next four days flew by and it was Friday, but it was also a hockey night. Karen hadn't talked to Sidney yet and she knew by the time she got up to Pittsburgh, he would already be at the arena. Natalie had to work a little bit later so they wouldn't get to the arena until an hour later than they were used to. Karen did text him to tell him good luck but got no reply back. She knew he was getting ready and it didn't bother her by his lack of response. As long as he got it that was all she cared about.

They made it to the arena and only had to wait about 10 minutes before the doors opened. The girls got to their seats and warm ups were already going on. Karen looked and saw Sidney talking to Jordan and Max. She waved when Max looked up and nudged Sidney to look as well. He gave a guick nod and took a puck to shoot on Marc-Andre then skated over to the boards closer to her. He gave her a wink and then smiled at her before putting all his attention back into warm ups. Karen loved how focused he could get and the determination look he had for every game. Sidney looked up at her one more time before heading off the ice.

"Are you guys maybe up for a little road trip in the middle of the week?"

"It depends what you have in mind?" Natalie asked.

"My friend at the Hamburg store has some extra tickets for the games in Philly and offered them up to me first. I told him I would check with you guys first to see who wanted or could go to tell him how many tickets I would be using. I already put in for the vacation days so I am going. Any other takers?"

"How long is he going to hold them for you?"

"I told him I would give him a head count on Sunday. We can stay with him and his wife so no need to try and find a hotel. Its basically a free trip."

"When I go into work tomorrow I will put in for the days" Diane said. "My husband can get the kids ready and all that. I am definitely going. Besides, we haven't done this in a long time."

"I do have some personal days to take if they don't accept it but I will put in the days off tomorrow too." Natalie said agreeing to go.

"It's up to you Sheril. You know it won't be any fun unless you come along. I'm sure your mom could watch after the kids and get them off to school. You don't work, that is all you have to make arrangements for."

"You know you deserve more than a night out with the girls...you need a few of them." Karen said to finally convince her friend.

"Let me talk my mom into it and I will tell you tomorrow."

"Yes! But we can't let on about this trip. I want to surprise Sidney on Tuesday in Philly."

They all agreed and settled in to watch the Pens beat the Flyers. Sidney had a goal and an assist in their win. Karen was happy and texted Sidney to tell him they were going to Pops and if he wasn't too tired to join them. She knew he'd be a while with all the interviews he would have to stay to give.

About an hour after Karen and her friends got to Pops, Sidney and a few guys showed up. He spoted Karen over by the pool tables and headed over there. Karen looked up and saw Sidney walk over and gave her stick to Sheril.

"Hey stud. Great game tonight" she said as she hugged him.

"Thanks baby. Do you mind leaving the game to sit with me?"

"Of course not. I was losing anyway." Karen told Sheril they were going to go sit for a while and left the game. Jordan automatically jumped in and took over Karen's spot. They reached the table and Sidney let Karen in then slid in beside her. Pops brought over a couple drinks and left them alone. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, sorry didn't mean to give you that impression. I just wanted to be with you alone for a little bit before everyone joins us."

"There's nothing wrong with that."

Sidney looked into her eyes and smiled before kissing her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and brought her closer to him as the kiss got deeper. They continued their kiss for a few minutes before everyone made their way to the booth and sat down interrupting them.

"Damn you two, it's like you either need a room everywhere you go or at least need a blanket to drape over you guys so we don't have to see it."

"Jealous much Jordan?" Karen said with a smirk.

"Not really but come on, give us a break here."

They all laughed and had fun for a few hours. Karen watched the guys for a few minutes and how they acted when they were out in a casual setting. She loved how Marc-Andre and Max would banter back and forth in french only to have Evgeni shoot back in Russian. Sidney shot him a look when Geno reached over him and took Karen's hand kissing it and muttering something in Russian.

"What did he tell you?" Sheril asked

"I have no clue. He keeps doing that to me. I think it's only to get at Sid."

"Damn girl, how is that not getting your juices flowing?"

"Trust me it is, I just take it out on Sidney." They shared a giggle which got the attention of the group which made them laugh harder. The group stayed an hour later and then left.

Sidney took Karen aside "let them drive your car to your house and come stay with me tonight?"

"I would have been with you tonight whether it was at my house or not. Besides, they already have my keys and had left if you hadn't noticed so I am in need of a ride."

"You'll get a ride, don't worry." He kissed her and then they headed to his car and left.

They pulled up to the Lemieux house and went inside. They were quiet so they wouldn't wake up anyone since it was nearing 2am. When they got to Sidney room, his lips were already on hers in a heated kiss. He fumbled as he shut the door and locked it but held onto Karen the whole time. He walked her backwards towards the bed and lifted her to put her in the middle of the bed. Sidney climbed on top of her and pressed his body into her. He managed to get her shorts and underwear off then his own. It was like there was this urgency that he needed her and needed her now. Sidney parted her legs and plunged into her. Karen couldn't help the moan that left her lips as he pumped hard and fast inside her. Before long Karen couldn't hold out anymore and came hard as every muscle in her body tensed up. She dug her fingernails into Sidney's back as he came, shooting everything he had into her. He nestled his head in Karen's neck and started kissing it.

"Oh my god, where did that just come from?" Karen said still breathing heavily.

Sidney smiled in to her neck then brought his head up to look at her "don't know, I just couldn't wait. Are you complaining?"

"Not about that but something had to fuel it."

"Something did just not sure what. It might be how damn sexy you look in my jersey."

Karen smiled at him but her smile faded and she brought her hand up to caress his cheek "talk to me...tell me something in French."

Sidney smiled at her and knew exactly what he wanted to tell her "Je t'aime et journalier que je dépense avec toi est spécial et moi ne peut pas imaginer ma vie sans toi. C'est au sujet de toi et de moi, personne d'autre."

Karen's heart melted a little when the words and accent came out of his mouth. She kept her eyes on his as he spoke directly to her soul. The only thing she understood was when Sidney said 'I love you'. She brought his lips to hers and kissed him as she rolled them over onto his back. He sat them up and found the bottom of his jersey and peeled it away from her body. She did the same to his shirt then he took off her t-shirt and bra. Karen began to rock her hips in little movements as they started kissing. Sidney's hand ran down Karen's arm until he got to her hand, placing his inline with hers. They broke the kiss and watched their hands lace together and become one. Karen closed her eyes as Sidney put his forehead against hers as the feelings became more intense inside them. Sidney let go of her hand and put his on her hips helping her move on him. This time it was slow and mind blowing with the heat between them. They stayed locked together after they both climaxed and fell to the bed. Karen got off Sidney and cuddled up against his warm, sweaty body as sleep overcame them.

The next morning, Sidney woke up to Karen still beside him and their bodies entangled together. He smiled at the sight of them and knew he wanted it to be like this for a long time. Karen began to stir and opened her eyes to see Sidney staring directly at her.

"Morning baby."

"Mm, morning my hockey stud. What time is it?"

"Its about 8:48am."

"Do you have practice today?"

"Of course but not until 1p. So we have some time to play."

"Baby, I love you, but could we maybe hold off until later. There is only so much a girl can take from her big strappin stud."

Sidney laughed and pulled her closer to him "alright baby, I think I can manage to hold off for a while."

Karen kissed him and then got up, getting dressed "then I will remove temptation from you."

"Um, clothes will not remove the tempation since just you being around me is enough temptation for me to pounce on you."

"You're insane Crosby" Karen said kissing him then heading to the bathroom. She closed the door and locked it, falling against the door with a smile on her face. It amazed her how he was like this with her. She took a deep breath and left the door to freshen up.

Sidney laid in bed for a few minutes smiling to himself. He couldn't believe he found someone as great as Karen. He was interrupted when his cell phone went off.

"Hello."

"Hey Sid. It's not too early to call is it?"

"No dad you're fine. I was awake and about to get up anyway. What's up?"

"I just wanted to tell you that you played a great game last night."

"Thanks dad but it's only game 1 in the series."

"I know but you guys are starting it off right. Listen, I hope you're not to disappointed but I won't be down for this round. I've got some things to do here but I will be back down for the final round."

"That's ok dad. Let's just hope there is a final round for you to come down to."

"There will be son. I have no doubt you guys won't make it the finals. Well I will let you go and I will talk to you later."

"Alright dad, love you."

"Love you too Sid."

Sidney hung up and saw Karen standing in the doorway of the bathroom. "Making plans with your dad for today?"

"A little impossible to do when he still at home. He's not coming down for this round but will be back for the finals if we make."

Karen walked over and put her arms around Sidney's still naked body "You guys are going to the finals. Every fan in the world watching has the Penguins in the final round with probably Detroit. You get to play for what you've worked so hard for growing up. "

"What happens if we do make it to the finals and then fall flat on our faces?"

"Then you guys get up, regroup, and try again next year and the year after that. You will have so many chances at the Cup that you'll probably claim 5 of them before its all said and done."

"Only 5? Give me some credit there baby."

"You will get as many as you want, ok?"

"That's better. I just don't want to let anyone down."

"You're not going to let anyone down baby."

"Not even you?"

"Not even me because I happen to love you and being in love with you means I take the good with the bad. It all goes with the territory."

"I can't believe I have you in my life."

"And I can't believe I am the envy of a lot of girls."

"Thanks baby, nice way to spoil the mood" Sidney started to walk away but Karen grabbed him back and pulled him down to the bed. She straddled him and pinned him down. "You know I can overpower you and get up with no problem."

"I know you can but I think you like having me on top of you like this that you really don't want to move me." Karen grabbed his hands and raised them above his head "I can't believe that out of any guy out there, I found the greatest one to love me and I am so glad that guy is you."

Karen let go of his hands and gave him a kiss. She left his lips and made a trail down his chest to his stomach. She moved down his body and blew air over him. She began to caress him in her hand to get him hard. When he was nice and hard, Karen brought her mouth down and enveloped him. She heard Sidney take a sharp breath as she started sucking on him. As Karen moved her head up and down on him, she would swirl her tongue around his cock causing him to squirm. She could tell he was getting into it as he would bring his hips upward to match her. Karen smiled to herself before sneaking out her tongue and licking Sidney like a lollipop. She would go as slow as possible and take long licks. This drove him crazy and couldn’t stand it. Karen heard Sidney beg her to stop torturing him and finish him off. She looked at him and blew him a kiss before diving back in. Karen lifted up his cock and started to suck underneath the bottom of his shaft as her hand massaged him. Sidney was almost at his peak and Karen felt him get thicker in her hand. She took him back into her mouth and with one last hard suck Sidney came hard in her mouth with Karen letting the hot salty liquid glide down her throat. When he was finished, Karen cleaned him up and got off him, laying beside him on the bed again. "So did you understand what I meant?"

"Um, yeah, but I think I missed a couple points in that argument. Could you maybe tell me again?"

"Sorry" Karen got up off the bed "I can't remember everything I said."

"You're not right baby."

"And you are just realizing that now? Come on, get dressed and I will treat you to breakfast."

"We can just eat downstairs."

"Alright, but you would have loved where I would have taken you" Karen said with a pout. "I'll wait for you downstairs."

"Ok, ok. Give me 5 minutes and we will go out for breakfast."

Karen smiled before going to sit back down on the bed. She knew the perfect place to take him. After a few minutes Sidney was ready and they left. They got into his car and Karen told him where to go. He gave her a weird look when she told him to head to Wheeling. After they got off the exit and drove down the street a little ways, Karen's smile grew bigger when she told him to make a right into the parking lot.

"You've got to be kidding me?"

Chapter 25

They went into the house and Karen stopped by the steps "could you unzip me please?" She turned around and moved her hair out of the way. She felt Sidney's hands on the shoulders and then made their way to the dress. He unzipped it then moved his hands inside her dress.

"I can help with more than the zipper baby" Sidney whispered seductively in her ear.

"You know people are going to think that this is all we do when we're together."

"Let them think whatever they want but can you imagine how it would be between us if we had waited like you originally wanted to."

"I can imagine that's why I literally attacked you that night." Karen kissed him quickly on the lips and then walked upstairs. She got out of her dress and hung it back up on the door and when she turned around Sidney was standing in the doorway just watching her.

"As much as I loved seeing you in that dress, I think this sight is a lot better."

"That's because you're a guy and all guys love to stare at women in their underwear."

Sidney walked over to her, shedding his jacket and tie "that may be true for most guys" he said wrapping his arms around her "but I am not like most guys."

"I've realized that. So what should we do for the next 2 hours?"

Sidney didn't answer her but he led her to the edge of the bed. Karen unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall to the floor. She ran her hands over his upper body and Sidney closed his eyes letting the feeling of her touching him sink in. She let her hand go to his waist and undid his pants. Sidney took them and his boxers the rest of the way off. As he came back up, Karen was unhooking her bra to which Sidney brought his hands up and pulled it away from her body. He ran his hands up her thighs until he came to the band of her underwear, hooking his thumbs inside the band and pulling them down her toned legs. Karen stepped out of them and Sidney told her to get on the bed but on her hands and knees. She wondered to herself if he was the type to try different positions and her silent question was answered.

Sidney climbed on the bed behind her and brought her up on her knees. He began to kiss her neck as his hands felt every inch of skin from her stomach to her shoulders. He ran one of his hand down to her mound and lightly played with her clit before inserting a finger. A soft moan escaped Karen's lips and Sidney found her wet and ready for him. He bent her back onto her hands and he slipped inside her slowly. He stayed still inside of her for a moment loving the feeling of how she enveloped him perfectly. Sidney brought her back up to him and Karen leaned her back up against his chest putting her hands on his thighs. Sidney started to slowly thrust into her in an upward motion. He kept at a slow sensual pace not wanting to rush their time together. Sidney put his hands on her hips and Karen felt his fingers dig into her with every thrust.

Sidney began to get faster as his hand went back to play with her clit. He rubbed the hard nub between his thumb and finger causing Karen to moan. She couldn't hold herself up anymore and fell back onto her hands as the pleasure was taking over. Sidney grabbed her hips and began to literally pound into her bringing her orgasm out with force. Karen had a handful of sheets in her hands as her body shook from the excitment. She felt Sidney explode inside her when his grip got tighter on her hips and her muscles clamped down on him drawing everything out of him. He brought her back up to him and held on to her as their breathing returned to normal. Karen felt Sidney kiss her neck and she turned her head to capture his lips. He laid them down on the bed and stayed spooned behind her.

"I think we need to stop doing this before I leave."

"Why would we want to do that?" Sidney asked curiously

"Because I'd rather stay like this with you all night then to get dress and leave an hour later."

"Me too baby. " Sidney rolled her over so she could face him "you know it can happen all you have to do is let it" he said caressing her cheek.

"I know but I don't want to lose myself either."

"You're not going to lose yourself."

"Maybe I won't but I have been on my own for so long now, I can't just jump into having someone take care of me. I can't sit around and do nothing while you're living your dream. That's not me Sid."

"I know its not you. "

"I know you would love nothing more than for me to find a job here but do you really want me to sacrifice everything to be nothing but your girlfriend?"

"Is it really a bad thing to want that?"

"Maybe not, but what happens if this doesn't work out and we break up? I would have to scramble to find another job that I would love as much as where I'm at now. I'm sorry that I can't and don't want to be the hockey player's girlfriend that sits around and shops all day with your credit card. I want to have a life so for the 40 or so games that you are on the road I can feel like I am doing something with my time." After saying that, Karen got up and went into the bathroom and shut the door.

Sidney laid there and sighed. He heard the shower start up and waited a few minutes before getting up and walking to the bathroom to join her. When he pulled the curtain back, he saw her under the water and just letting it fall over her. He climbed in and wrapped his arms around her. Karen stood up rested her back against him.

"I'm sorry for going off like that. I know you want me here with you all the time but I can't."

"I know and that is one big reason why I love you. You are your own person and I know I am being selfish for wanting you here with me everyday but I see some of the other guys and how their girlfriends are always with them and I want that with you. But I don't want you to give up something that you love to possibly regret it later."

"Its not like I enjoy being away from you every week but when the week's over and we finally do get to see each other it makes me love you even more if that's possible."

"Yeah, I'd say all the energy I save up to see you makes it all worthwhile."

Karen felt Sidney grow harder as he pressed it into her "do you have that energy now?"

"If not I'm sure I can find some."

Sidney leaned in and kissed her as he turned them and pressed Karen's back up against the wall. He lifted her leg and Karen wrapped it around him, squeezing her muscles to keep it there. She moaned when she felt him enter her and push her more into the wall. "I love how you fit so perfectly inside me" she whispered into his ear "fuck me as hard as you can." Sidney's lips came crashing down on hers as he did what she wanted. He kept the kiss going as he pounded into her as hard as he could. Karen felt her body shiver and pulled her lips away to scream out her release. Sidney pumped a few more hard thrusts and came as well letting a low moan escape. Karen let her leg fall but still held on the Sidney for fear she would collapse. They looked into each others eyes and smiled before finishing their escapade off with a passionate kiss. They finished up in the shower and got out. Karen grabbed a towel and started to dry off but with Sidney grabbing for her it was making it somewhat difficult. She threw him his own towel and managed to get away from him to go into the bedroom to get dressed. Sidney soon followed and got dressed as well.

"Maybe I could have some clothes here to keep for purposes like this."

"You could but that also means that I could wear any of your shirts that you leave here."

"I guess that means I have to leave extra shirts then" he said getting up and walking over to her.

"Could they not all say Reebok on them?" Karen said and then smirked at him.

"That's funny considering every t-shirt you own has some relation to Cabela's."

"Ok I will make you a deal, if you can incorporate a couple Cabela's t-shirts into your closet, I will quit ragging you about all the Reebok stuff?"

"Deal, but I think it's also fair that you wear some Reebok stuff as well."

"I'll see what I can do."

Sidney kissed her "that's all I ask baby."

They headed downstairs and Sidney went to the living room as Karen went to put her bag in the car before going back inside. She joined Sidney on the couch and cuddled up to him for the last 45 minutes.

As the time flew by, Karen needed to go but Sidney was making that impossible for her. He waited for her to lock the door and kept her on the porch. He had he pressed up to the railing on the steps kissing her with a strong passionate kiss that last several minutes. Karen broke away only to have Sidney retreat to her neck.

"You know I am going to see you in 4 days."

Sidney lifted his head up from her neck "I know but I want you to remember what you'll be missing for the next 4 days."

Before he could reclaim his spot, Karen used all her strength to hold Sidney back "I know what I'm missing and believe me I will replay this whole weekend in my head every night before I see you again."

"Good girl."

"I really need to go Sid."

"I know." He lets go of her under protest and walks her to the car. "I'm going to walk down to the house instead of letting you drive me. I don't want to get in that car with you knowing I don't want to get back out. Just be safe driving down and call me when you get there so I don't worry."

"I will. I love you" she said and kissed him for the last time that night.

Sidney pulled back and looked deep into her eyes "I love you too." They smiled at each other and Sidney let go of her and walked away. Karen stayed up against her car and sighed before getting in. As she drove off, she passed Sidney and honked at him. He waved then ran the rest of the way to the house to settle in for the night.

Chapter 24

Karen got upstairs and walked into the room to be greeted by Sidney singing in the shower. She laughed to herself and went to change into her pants from last night. She thought about changing back into her tank top, but wanted to keep Sidney's shirt on all day. After she was done, she sat on the bed and waited for Sidney to get out of the shower. When he was done, he dried off and walked into the room naked.

Karen watched him get clothes to put on "can't you just stay like that all day?"

"I could but you would have to be this way too. But then of course, we'd have to stay inside all day."

"Oh I don't know about that. It would be a great way to get more fans to watch the next round of the playoffs."

"Maybe during the finals."

Karen could see Sidney blushing and got up to go over to him, moving her hands over his chest and abs "but then again, I think I'll keep this all to myself." She kissed his cheek and then went into the bathroom as he got dressed.

When they were both ready, they stopped at Karen's house so she could change into a pair of jeans and freshened her make up. While she was occupied, Sidney grabbed a couple of things and put them in the car so Karen wouldn't know what he had planned. Karen came down a few minutes later and they headed out.

"So what are we doing today?"

"Just being together."

"But what are we doing together?"

"You'll see."

"Stop torturing me and tell me" Karen said like a whining child only to get a laugh out of Sidney.

Sidney didn't say anything else, he just drove to their first adventure. Karen was watching where they were going and when she saw a sign, she smiled. Sidney looked at her and smiled, turning into the parking lot.

"Do you like your first surprise?"

Karen stood there and looked at the sign "you brought me to the zoo?"

"I figured we could walk around, talk, and see some animals in the process."

"You are the cutest thing ever. I love the zoo."

"Well lets go then."

They went in and Sidney paid even as Karen tried to protest. They started walking around and he loved seeing her smile at all the animals and how they were acting. Sidney spotted a bench off the walkway and led Karen there.

"Can we talk about something baby?"

"Yeah. What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, I just need to know something" Sidney took her hand in his, but didn't look at her "the last few times we've been together, especially last night, we didn't use anything. Not that I wouldn't mind if something did happen, but we need to be more careful so it doesn't happen."

"Sid, when I told you a week ago that I was sure we were fine, I meant it." Karen let go of his hand and stood up, taking a deep breath "we're fine because I can't get pregnant." She didn't look at him when she said this but soon felt him wrap his arms around her urging her to go on. "After the miscarriage, there was some complications during the night and they had to do emergency surgery to stop all the bleeding." Karen wiped off the tear that fell down her cheek "having a baby isn't in my future."

"Baby, I'm so sorry."

"It's ok, really. I knew after the first time we didn't use anything and the concerned look in your eyes that it was going to worry you. I knew I was going to have to tell you to convince you that you had nothing to worry about."

Sidney turned her around so he could look into her eyes "I just want us to becareful and not ruin what great thing we have going. I love you, but you know I am not ready to be a father."

"I know you're not. I probably would have freaked out more after that night if I knew something would have come from it. Like you said, everything is going great for us. I for one wouldn't want to be the one to spoil that."

"Me either. Come on, let's go look at the rest of the animals so we can head your second surprise."


They walked hand in hand and found themselves heading to the Penguin exhibit. When they walked in, there was only a couple other people there, but then left. Karen saw a couple of the penguins come over to them, only to have a few more come too. They were all standing in front of Sidney and Karen couldn't stop the laugh from coming out.

"It's like they know" she said laughing and looking at Sidney. "The Emperor Penguin has made an appearance."

"This is surreal that they are all coming towards me." Sidney walked away and a few followed before they all did. "Will you stop laughing, this is so cool."

"I know it's cool, but it's funny that they are drawn to you like they know who you are."

Sidney walked back to Karen and kissed her to the dismay of a few penguins that they began to squabble. "Apparently they don't like the Emperor praying on another female" she said with a giggle.

Sidney turned to the glass "sorry ladies, but she's mine." They watched them waddle away, almost as if they were sulking.

"Aw, you made them sad. I think you need to come visit them often."

"Yeah, ok. When I'm not at the arena or travelling, I'll be here at the true igloo." He kissed her on the forehead "you ready to go?"

"Yeah. Can we stop and get something to eat? I am starving."

"That is actually stop #2 on the way to stop #3."

Karen just smiled at him as he took his hand into hers and they left. On the way to his second surprise, Sidney stopped at this cafe and told Karen to stay in the car since the order was already done. A few minutes later, he came walking out with a couple of bags and put them in the back seat so Karen couldn't snoop. Sidney drove around and found a parking space. They got out and Sidney grabbed the food. He led her over to the grass and sat under a big tree to eat lunch.

"First the zoo and now lunch at Point State Park. Is there something going on you'd like to tell me?"

Sidney pulled her back up against his chest and put his arms around her "I tried to think of something that we could do and just be normal."

"I am normal" she said as she looked at Sidney who gave her an 'are you sure' look "ok, most days I'm normal."

"What ever you say baby. I meant, my life gets hectic and even a day off is never a true day off, that I wanted a day to just slow down life with you. You can't get any more perfect than this. A walk through the zoo and now a quiet lunch, how could you not love this."

"I did love today, but then I love every day I get to spend with you. Are you just savoring time with me knowing you'll be heading home soon?"

"Yeah, I think I am."

"I'm going to have to find something to do with my weekends once the playoffs are over. It'll be hard not seeing you when I'm so used to it."

"I know. We might have to have some very long conversations by phone."

"Yeah, I can imagine what type of conversation you'll want to have." Karen looked into his eyes "thank you for today, I had fun" she said and then leaned in and kissed him with a soft kiss.

"Well you've got one more surprise coming so we can either head there now or in a few minutes."

Karen cuddled back up to him "in a few more minutes."

Sidney kissed her head and they stayed in an embrace looking out at their surroundings. An hour later, they got up to head to the last place. Sidney soon pulled into the parking lot of the arena.

"Ok, you get today off yet we end up here. Is this my third surprise?"

"Yep." That was all Sidney said as he got a bag from the back and they walked inside. They headed to the locker room and Sidney gave Karen her skates to put on as he put his on. Just then, a worker stopped in and told Sidney that everything was ready and they could head to the ice. Karen gave him a quizzical look and he just took her hand and led her to the ice. When they got closer, Karen could tell the arena was dark but there was some illumination of lights. Sidney let Karen go out onto the ice first and she stopped and saw where there were candles on the boards that went along the whole ice. She also heard music playing as she turned around to look at Sidney standing behind her. "You like your surprise?"

"I love it."

Sidney took her hand as they skated around, almost dancing to the music playing. After a while, they stopped at center ice and held onto each other. Sidney leaned down and kissed her, letting it get more passionate the longer they kissed. A few minutes later they were interrupted and told they needed to leave soon. Sidney had the worker turn on the lights so they could clean up before heading out.

Sidney took Karen home and he walked her to the door. "Go change into something dressy and I will be back for you in exactly one hour."

"Where are we going?"

Sidney kissed her and walked back to his car "just go get ready" he yelled back to her and then left to get ready himself.

Karen just shook her head and went inside to get ready. She knew how long it would take to shower and get dressed, but finding what to wear would be the challenge. She looked through her closet and found a dress that would be perfect. She pulled it out and hung it on the door, finding the shoes to match it. Karen undressed and got into the shower, replaying the days events as the water fell over her. She got washed up and then stepped out, drying off herself and her hair. She went to put on her underwear and a strapless bra before going to put on her makeup and fix her hair. Karen blowed her hair dry and then curled it, smiling at herself in the mirror knowing Sidney had never seen her dressed up and hoped he liked it. She went to put her dress on, then a few pieces of jewelry. She looked at the clock and knew her hour was up in about 2 minutes and laughed when she heard Sidney pull up to the house. She put her shoes on and did one last check in the mirror, stopping at the dresser and putting on some perfume before walking out the door. As soon as she was at the top of the steps, she saw Sidney walk in the house, yelling for her.

"Your hour's up baby, let's go."


Karen walked down the steps "I'm right here, you don't have to yell."

Sidney was taken back by how beautiful Karen looked. She had on a deep purple dress that stop above the knees but flared a little at the waist. He saw her hair was down and curled and she had on the right amount of makeup. Karen walked up to Sidney who stood in a midnight blue suit and light blue tie.

"Wow. I mean, your beautiful."

"Thanks, you look sexy as always." He went to kiss her but she pulled back "it took me an hour to look like this, you aren't messing it up already."

"Just one little kiss" Sidney all but pleaded. Karen smiled and grabbed his hands, holding them to his side and kissed him.

"So where are we going?"

"I was thinking this nice Italian restaurant."

"Sounds perfect."

Sidney led her to his car and they went to the restaurant. There weren't many people there and they were seated in a corner away from almost everybody. They ordered their drinks and looked over the menu. When the waiter came back, Sidney ordered their food and they were left alone.

"I'm glad you took today off" he said taking her hand into his.

"I'm glad you wanted to spend it with me."

"There's no one else I'd rather spend it with and I hope this shows it." Sidney reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a long velvet box. "When I saw this, I instantly thought of you so I bought it for you."

Karen took the box and opened it. Her eyes lit up when she saw a gold bracelet. It was made up of small hearts and the clasp looked like a heart shaped lock. "This is beautiful Sidney. It's so stunning yet simple to wear everyday."

"Well, that's one reason why I liked it. It's a way to wear it everyday and think of me." He took it out of the box and put it on her. "The hearts represent our love for each other and when you connect it, the lock binds the hearts together."

"Sid" was all she managed to say with tears filling in her eyes.

"I hope by the look in your eyes, you like it."

"No" she said carefully wiping around her eyes, "I love it. Thank you." She leaned in and kissed him only to be interrupted when their food came. They talked throughout dinner about the rest of the playoffs and other topics. When they were done, Sidney paid the check and he took her back to her house.

They were standing on the porch, kissing "I can't believe you have to leave in a couple of hours."

"I know, but since we spent today together, Friday night will be here and we can see each other again. Do you want to stay with me until I have to go?"

"Well that was a stupid question with an obvious answer."