Chapter 162

The next couple of days had gone by and Trina had taken Karen to look for a wedding dress. They went to a lot of stores but nothing really jumped out at her that seemed fitting to marry Sidney in. After Trina dropped her off at the house, she told her there was one other shop to take her to but the store was closed for a couple of days and would be opened with time to still get her a dress. Karen thanked her and closed the door before heading inside.

When Karen walked inside, she didn't see Sidney until she went into the kitchen and saw him at the side of the house shooting pucks into the net. She smiled to herself and ran upstairs. She came down a few minutes later in a very revealing bikini. She grabbed a towel and lotion and headed out back.

Sidney let a shot go when he heard the door shut. He looked up and saw Karen walking to one of the lounge chairs and lay down her towel over the cushion. To say he couldn't take his eyes off of her was an understatement since his next slapshot missed the net and ended up in the front yard.

Karen turned her head slightly and saw Sidney out of the corner of her eye as she placed the towel down. She picked up her lotion and squirted it in her hand. Bringing her leg up on the lounger, Karen began to slowly rub the lotion over her thigh and down her leg to her foot. When she had enough on that one, she repeated with the other leg.

Sidney had an idea to what she was doing and decided to not watch her but Karen made that difficult when she moved to her arms and then over her stomach. Sidney watched as she carefully rubbed the lotion into her skin and felt a very tingling sensation in his shorts. Karen finally put the bottle down and laid down on the lounger. She saw Sidney start to shoot the pucks again and realized she needed to up the ante. She sat up and Sidney couldn't believe what he saw...she untied her top and fully exposed her breasts to the sun. Sidney almost dropped his stick when he saw her apply some lotion over her breasts very slowly and very, very sensually. Karen put the bottle back down and got comfortable by arching her back and making her breasts stick out in the air. With her sunglasses on, she could see Sidney staring at her without him knowing she was looking at him. The tingling sensation went to a very prominent bulge as his cock was becoming hard as he watched his wife lying in the sunshine half naked. He knew he wouldn't be able to take much more and practically ran over to her, shadowing her.

"You're blocking my sun stud."

"Where do you think we are baby, a nudist colony?"

"I'm not nude Sid. I don't want tan lines incase my wedding dress is strapless." Sidney just stands there over her until Karen takes off her glasses to look at him "was there something else you wanted stud?"

Sidney reached behind Karen and brought the lounger to a full lay down position, letting her fall back with it. Karen saw the raw passion in his eyes and liked the aggressiveness in him. Sidney then reached for Karen's bikini bottoms and tugged them off, almost like he was ripping them off her body. Next went Sidney's shirt and shorts before he laid down on top of her, putting his hand inbetween her thighs and yanking them open. He put his hands on the arms of the lounger and lifted his hips up positioning himself at her entrance. Karen locked eyes with Sidney as he powerfully entered her in one hard motion, making a moan escape her lips of the feeling of Sidney stretching her to fit him. Karen grabbed his biceps as her legs went over each arm of the lounger, opening herself up wider for him. Sidney couldn't contain himself and pounded into her making Karen moan out more. She knew she should be a little more quieter but she couldn't help it with the way he was being with her and would control her in more ways then one. Sidney could feel the tightness around him and knew Karen was ready to explode. After a few more hard thrusts, Karen leaned her head back as her orgasm took over her body and soon felt Sidney fill her. He gave a couple last pumps making sure he gave her everything he had to offer, collapsing onto her body when he was done. Karen put her legs down and wrapped them around his thighs, holding him close to her.

"So, do you like the outcome of your torture?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about? I was only lying in the sun to darken my tan" she said caressing his cheek.

"See, I think you do baby. You knew exactly what you were doing, to me, when you came down here. First putting on the lotion seductively, then taking off your top. You know how I love looking at this incredible body when it's naked."

"So you're saying that I enticed you on purpose just so we could have sex outside on the lounger?"

"That is what I am saying exactly." Sidney kissed her before pulling out of her and getting up. Karen got up with him but managed to push him down on the lounger on his back as she crawled on top of him, grabbing his cock and putting it inside her. "And just what do you think you're doing?"

"Getting my back tanned." Karen kissed him then sat up as she rocked her hips getting him hard again. She put her hands on the arms of the lounger to steady herself as she rode him. Sidney's hands gripped into her hips as her movements got bigger and faster, but then she slowed down to keep the rhythm going. She sped up again when she heard a moan come from Sidney's lips. He watched her facial expressions and knew she was close. Sidney moved his hand to the top of her mound and his thumb found her clit. He began rubbing it soft at first then got harder as he helped bring her over the edge. She stopped for a minute to let her orgasm make it's way through her body but then started her hips going again until Sidney shot off his own orgasm. Karen slowed down and milked every drop out of him, then herself collapsed onto his chest as his arms wrapped around her body.

"You need to move your arms, they're not going to let my back tan even" she said while smiling into his chest.

"You tell me this like I care baby" he said tightening his hold on her "not like you can do anything about it."

"Well that is true, but the guy that went by on the boat when you attacked me might have something to say about it. Might have to google 'Sidney Crosby's naked ass' and see what pops up on Youtube."

Sidney sat up fast, still holding on to Karen and franticly looked around until he heard her laugh hysterically at him "let me guess there was no guy on a boat?" he asked and she shook her head no. "That was dirty play baby" he said looking at her.

"Sorry" she said still giggling "but just to see your face was worth it."

"What am I going to do with you?"

Karen's big grin faded to a loving smile "marry me and spend the rest of your life loving me."

"The marriage part is already valid, loving you happened when I first saw you, and it will continue to happen for the rest of our life together."

"I really like the sound to that, our life together."

"I plan to make you happy for the rest of you life Karen."

"Well I'm going to make yours miserable and wish everyday you didn't marry me" she said smiling.

"You can try as hard as you want to make that happen but it's not going to work. I am going to pamper you, give you flowers and jewelry everyday, make love to you every night..."

"This should be fun, you giving up hockey?"

"No, why?"

"Well to make love to me every night you need to be home every night...away games will make that impossible."

"How about when I am about to leave for away games, we just make love that many times to make up the nights I'll be gone?"

"Or since I love you so much, from now until the season starts I will count all the times we make love towards all nights away from me during the season."

"Starting now?"

Karen felt Sidney's hands grab her ass and push her into him. He was still inside her and causing enough friction to get them going again "it's along way until the season starts stud" she said as a wave of pleasure swept through her body as they began moving into each other slowly.

"Technically, I will be gone for a couple days of camp for the Olympics so..."

"...so that I won't be mad that you leave me after marrying me a week earlier to go try out for a team you know you'll be on."

Their movements got bigger when Sidney tightened his grip on her hips and brought her into him with ease "you don't know that."

"Yes...I...do" she said panting the words out with each breath "you deserve this....you won the Stanley Cup....and you will win Olympic gold..."

"Say more things like that, you're turning me on baby." Sidney laid her down and put his hands under her thighs by her ass. He lifted her up slightly as Karen grabbed the arms of the lounger to help her rock into him.

She couldn't tell him more because the intensity was strong between them "oh god Sid...harder, pound harder" was all she could muster out. Sidney managed to stand up with his legs straddling the lounger and hovered over Karen and began to give her what she wanted. Karen put her hands to her breasts and massaged them as her orgasm started building inside her.

Sidney leaned closer to kiss her lips "you feel so tight for me baby...oh god, so tight..." he said as his lips reattached to hers.

"Don't stop Sid" her breathing at a quick pace "make me explode, make me come for you." Sidney picked up his pace and pumped faster into her feeling the heat on his cock. Karen's hands left her breasts and went straight to Sidney's ass to help push him into her as hard as she could "right there...oh my god, right there..." Sidney gave one last hard thrust and felt the wetness coat over his cock as Karen's orgasm came hard making her let out a small scream. Sidney wasn't too far behind and soon let his own juices flow deep inside her core. He slowed down, then stopped putting his forehead to hers as their breathing resumed to normal. "Wow, I may need to entice you more often stud."

"I knew I could get you to confess your antics."

"You loved it, admit it."

"I love you, does that count?"

Karen shook her head yes "I love you too." Sidney kissed her before figuring out how to get them up. They both did and got redressed before lying back down on the lounger together. "I wasn't going to worry about having any bridesmaids for the wedding."

"I thought you wanted a traditional wedding."

"I do, but why bother with it. I'd rather it just be me and you up there."

"It will be baby, it will be...but could you maybe go for a flower girl."

"Yeah, why?"

"Well I overheard Taylor tell mom that she would love to be a part of the wedding."

"I don't see where that's a problem. I'll ask her on my own so don't say anything to her."

"No problem there, I'm good at keeping secrets."

Karen turned her head to look at him "and what secrets do you have?"

"I don't have any secrets but you do."

"No I don't."

"Then tell me what you and Max did with the Cup."

"Can you please wait until our wedding?"

"Why?"

"Because it's a surprise for you and I wanted to give it to you then. Besides I need a few more days to finish it."

"Ok, but one last question about it?"

"What?"

"Does it involve you being naked?" he whispered in her ear.

"Um, Max helped and sorry but I don't want him to see me naked."

"Good." Karen just laughed and snuggled her back closer into his chest.

Merry Christmas everyone :)

I am on family vacation right now (god only knows why I subjected myself to this) but wanted ya'll to have a safe and happy holiday with their loved ones. I updated a chapter to You Can't have Them Both and plan on getting that one up to speed since all my wedding writings are at home. Thanks for being patient with both stories and I hope to get Is Love Possible up there as well.

Hope Santa was good to all :)

Chapter 161

When they decided to leave his parents house and head to his for the party, Sidney stopped and took his picture by the welcome sign entering Cole Harbour. He even managed to drag Karen into a picture with him saying he wanted one picture with her and the Cup. They got back in the car and went on their way. As the party got started, Karen wanted to do a little surprise for Sidney and went to have a small chat with Phil, the keeper of the cup, to see if it was doable. When he smiled she knew it would be ok, now to just get Sidney away and not realize the Cup will be missing for a for minutes.

"Hey Maxwell, I need your help."

"Yes Kiki."

"I need you to distract Sid so I can plan a surprise for him."

"What's the surprise?" Karen whispered into his ear and Max just got a huge smile on his face. "Why don't you let me help you and we'll get his mom to distract him."

"And why would I do that?"

"Come on, it won't be weird...please?"

"Oh alright. Let me go tell her we're changing it and I will meet you inside." Karen went to talk to Trina and she agreed. Karen disappeared and so did the Cup when the band called Sidney and his teammates from Rimouski on stage to help sing a song of theirs.

After a half hour, Sidney had realized the Cup was missing and went searching for it, only to see it come back outside by Phil with Max and Karen following close behind.

"Ok, what was going on?" Sidney asked seeing the three of them coming out of the house.

"What do you mean? We've been out here the whole time."

"No, no, no...the Cup was not on the table and now it's back with you and Max coming out of the house."

"Sid, you need to lighten up on the suds bud. The Cup has been here the whole time" Max said smiling then walking off.

"Just trust me stud, nothing happened to the Cup and it's now back in your presence" she said kissing him and walking away smiling as well. Sidney saw her go over to his mom as they shared a laugh and he got even more suspcious but decided to leave it alone until later.

When the party crowd dispersed and it was just a few close friends and family left, Sidney knew his time with the Cup was also winding down. He had taken some alone time with it and ran his fingers over the names that had preceded him and he went over the empty spot where his name would go. It was like he could actually see it there the longer he stared at the spot. When Phil came over to him and told him they needed to get going, Sidney asked one special request.

"Do you guys mind if I cleaned it?"

"Well this is a first" Phil said "sure, go ahead."

Sidney walked inside the house and got a rag and some soap. He came back out, grab the hose and turned on the water as he started to wash the Stanley Cup. After a few minutes, Karen came walking up to the noise of laughter and ribbing and wanted to see what was going on. She cocked an eyebrow and looked at the scene, not knowing what to think.

"Um, what is he doing?"

"He's cleaning the Cup and the first one at that" Phil told her "but he is missing a few spots." Karen started to giggle when she saw Sidney look up at her.

"Think that's funny baby?"

"No of course not, you're doing a wonderful job" she said hiding her smile.

"Yeah, ok" Sidney said picking up the hose and spraying water at her, getting her a little wet before she jumped out of the way. Karen just blew him a kiss and Sidney went back to finishing what he was doing. When he was done, he grabbed another rag and dried it off, it was spotless when he got done.

"Well I must say Sid, you did one hell of a job there" Phil told him as he walked over to the newly, cleaned Stanley Cup.

"It just seemed like the perfect ending to my time with it."

"Yeah, especially since he didn't get to sleep with it again" Karen chimed in.

Sidney just shot her a look "thank you baby." Karen just smiled, walked over and kissed his cheek before leaving them alone.

"Thanks Sid, we had a blast at this celebration."

"Thanks for letting me have my time with it on my birthday."

"I'm just glad it worked out that way for you" Phil told him "but now we need to get going" he said picking up the Cup with his white gloves. Sidney walked them to the front of the house and watched as they loaded the Cup into it's case. He stood out there and watched them leave as Karen came up behind him.

"Are you sad now?" she said wrapping her arms around him.

"Not really" he said but there was a hint of sadness in his voice.

"Gee, you almost sounded convincing there."

"Ok, I'm sad that my time with it is over. But the determination of winning it again will always be there."

"Well just remember you're all mine from the 16th to the 23rd...you promised."

Sidney brought her around his body so they were facing each other "I know and that promise I will not break, but Olympic tryouts are soon after that so I will need to at least get a work out in sometime during the week."

"Well, if you make it to where I can work out with you, I won't complain about it."

"Oh I definitely think I can arrange that" Sidney said before kissing her and heading back inside to finish out the party with what family and friends were still around.

Most of the family and friends left about two hours later and Karen began cleaning up on the patio. She stopped when she heard aome soft music begin to play and the lights went out with only what candles were still burning lit the night.

"Are you trying to seduce me Crosby?" she asked looking at him.

"I believe I am" he said walking over to her and taking the garbage bag out of her hand and putting it down. They walked over by the edge of the patio and Sidney wrapped his arms around her and they began to dance to the music. "I finally got you all to myself."

"You would have had me all to yourself if a little Stanley Cup celebration didn't get in the way...but I'm glad you got your day with it. You seemed overwhelmed with a lot of things these past two days."

"It had to be the outpouring of fans that came to the ship, all those that lined the streets for the parade route, and then at the rec center. I couldn't believe they all came out just to see me."

"I can" she smiled at him "you're their superstar, hero, hockey phenom..."

"I think I get it baby."

Karen started laughing "all I'm saying is that you remembered them to share your accomplished dream with them and this is the support and love back."

"So sharing all this with you, am I about to get some love back?" Sidney said raising his eyebrows at her like he was hinting at something.

"Oh I think that is definitely a possibility."

"Good to know." Sidney went to the music and turned it off then came back over and picked up Karen and putting her over his shoulder. Karen couldn't stop laughing as he took her inside and upstairs, dropping her on the bed. He climbed on top of her and pinned her arms up by her head. "Now you will tell me what you and Max did with the Cup?"

"I know nothing and if you must torture me to get it out of me, try your best because it won't work."

"Tell me baby...what did you two do?"

"But if I tell you, it won't be a surprise later" she said sweetly and batting her eyes at him. "If you think something happened between Max and I, you're all wrong and you know deep down nothing would happen. Will you just trust me and wait for your surprise?"

"I guess, but I will figure it out."

"No you won't stud, you'll never guess in a million years."

"Then I guess I have to go on to plan B."

"What's plan B?"

"This" he said leaning down to kiss her lips then moving to her neck. Sidney let go of her arms and made his way down her body. He lifted up her shirt and placed kisses on her stomach before making a move to take her shirt off completely.

"I believe I am definitely going to like plan B" Karen said as her hands felt all over Sidney's back and shoulders as he continued to kiss her skin. Sidney took off the rest of Karen's clothes and then got off the bed to undress himself. He laid back down on top of her and they just stayed locked together, their bodies as one and loving the tender moment being with each other. Hands were roaming every inch that was visible to them as lips were attacking the other pair infront of them. Whether it was the passion between them or the impatientness in Karen, she moved her leg and wrapped it around Sidney's hip. She could feel the heat between their bodies and felt him grow against her. Karen broke the kiss and sent a look that Sidney knew what it meant without asking. He made a move and slid inside of her, slowly. When Sidney gave her his own look, she knew she didn't need to question it either. Their lips reattached as Sidney begin to move his hips upward and into the core of the woman he loved. As his movements got bigger, so did the intenseness between them. There was more love, passion, and heat with every thrust. Karen dug her fingernails deeper in Sidney's back as she felt her body start to temble. Sidney could tell she was close and picked up the pace until she left his lips, moaning out her orgasm. When Sidney felt her muscles contract around his cock and squeezing his own orgasm out, he reached under her ass and lift her up into him as he poured every drop he had into her before collasping them onto the bed. Sidney rolled off her after a few minutes and pulled her close, falling asleep after a tiring two days of events.

Chapter 160

After the festivities on the ship and a brief ride in a tank, it was time to stop at the hospital to visit the children and bring the Cup there for them to see it. Karen knew Sidney had a soft spot for kids in general and it didn't surprise her that he wanted to take the Cup there. They walked in and Sidney first started going from room to room showing the Cup to the ones who couldn't leave their beds. Karen kind of stood back and watched him until someone pulled on her shorts.

"Hi there" Karen said looking down at the little blonde girl in a wheelchair.

"Hi" she said kind of shyly.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"Are you here with Sidney?"

"Yes I am. Did he bring the Cup to show you yet?"

"Not yet but I'll see it in the game room with all the other kids. Are you his girlfriend?"

"Actually I am" she said kneeling down to her level "I'm Karen."

"I'm Alicia."

"Well that's a beautiful name for such a beautiful little girl."

"Thank you. Are you going to marry him?"

"Alicia Nicole, that is not very nice" the girl's mother said.

"That's ok" Karen said smiling up at her before turning her attention back to the girl "to tell you the truth, Sid and I are getting married next weekend."

"YOU ARE?" the girl said excitedly.

"Yes we are" Karen said almost laughing at her happiness.

"Who do we have here?" Sidney said walking over and setting the Cup down beside the little girl.

"Sid, this is Alicia and she's very excited to know that we're getting married next weekend."

"She is?" he said kneeling down beside Karen "well I hate to break a pretty little girl's heart, but she's right. See Alicia, I found this beautiful woman to spend my life with and I don't really want to let her go."

"She's pretty and nice, I think you should keep her too."

"Well thank you both so very much."

"I am ready to go into the game room and celebrate the Cup with some more friends, I hope you're coming to join us Alicia?" Sidney asked her.

"Duh, that's what I've been waiting for" she said getting a laugh out of both Sidney and Karen.

"Well let's go and have some fun" he said picking up the Stanley Cup and walking beside Alicia as they made their way to the game room. The mom took Alicia in first to get her a spot before Sidney came in with the Cup. Karen again just stood back and watched all the fun he had with the kids, especially when they gave him a birthday cake and a silly hat to wear. Karen couldn't help but get her phone out and snap a picture for blackmail purposes later. They finished up at the hospital an hour later and made their way to start the parade. Before the parade was to get underway, Sidney got changed in his Stanley Cup t-shirt and a pair of shorts before climbing on a fire truck with the Stanley Cup. Karen rode with Taylor in a car behind and was still in awe with what she saw.

"So was it like this when you won the gold medal?"

"Not quite. It was more of a quiet celebration with family and friends."

"That's what this is" Taylor said smiling.

"If this is all family and friends, I'd hate to see the Christmas list for presents" she said as they both giggled and continued on until they stopped at the end with a stage and more people waiting for Sidney. They got out of their cars and met up by the side of the stage. Sidney put the Cup down and walked over to Karen, taking her to behind the stage. "Ooo, a brief encounter with a Stanley Cup Champion."

"I missed being with you and wanted a moment before we got to the house." Sidney pulled her close and lightly grazed her lips with his, letting it linger until they heard someone call for him. "At least it was a little longer than I expected."

"Be patient stud, there will be more of that later and it will last a lot longer."

"Keep putting thoughts in my head and I will have to keep the Cup infront of me the rest of the day."

"Well you could always picture Max naked."

"Why do you do that to me?" he said with a distinct whine.

"I was just trying to help" Karen said laughing.

"Just be glad that I love you so much" he said before kissing her. Karen kissed him back as they walked back over to the stage and they announced Sidney who grabbed the Cup and headed up to the roar of the crowd. Karen walked up the steps and stayed to the side and just watched Sidney address the crowd. She saw and heard him get choked up when talking about winning the Cup and what his hometown meant to him for their support but what she didn't expect to hear really threw her.

"I also need to thank my mom, dad, sister, and grandparents for their support. They stuck with me as I went for my dream and I couldn't have won this without them. Which leads me to one other special person in my life. Last year I met the most sincere, understanding and caring woman that helped me learn that there was more to life than hockey. She helped me see through the hard time of losing the Cup and was there to help me celebrate this one. Without her, I don't think I could have kept going when the doubts filled my head when we met Detroit in the finals again. So to my girlfriend Karen, I love you for sticking by me and I hope to share many more of these with you." Sidney looked over to her as saw the tears cascade down her cheeks as she mouthed I love you to him. Sidney went on thanking the crowd and soon Max joined him on stage to answer questions from the crowd.

After the celebration at the stage, Sidney and Max left so Sidney could get changed to play street hockey. Karen had to laugh and he came walking over to her before going into goal for his team.

"Is there a problem baby?"

"No, I just should have known there would have been some sort of game of hockey today."

"We used to play for the Stanley Cup when we were younger all the time, it'll be great for the guys to play for the real thing this time around."

"You never stop amazing me stud" she said kissing his cheek "go have fun."

"I plan on it baby" he said kissing her lips and running over to the goal crease as Karen got off the court and went to stand by his Max.

"So I didn't get to ask Maxwell, what all did you do with the Cup when you had it?"

"Believe me, it was nothing like this. Just enjoyed it with some friends and family but I think Sid's day takes the Cup...no pun intended" he said bumping Karen to make her laugh.

"You are too corny for words Maxwell. So how long is this visit for?"

"I'll probably stay with you guys and help Sid celebrate then head home after that."

"You will be back for the wedding I hope."

"Would I miss a chance to see that? Besides, we were all left off the guest list the last time."

"That was all Sid's doing, don't hold it against me."

"I won't, but hey we got another beautiful woman added to our little group and for that we can't stay mad at" he said kissing her cheek and walking away. Karen turned her attention back to the game and cheered on Sidney until the game was over. Of course Sidney's team won and he let the guys skate around with the Cup before getting a group picture with it.

After the festivites winded down, they headed onto a boat for a little relaxed time. Karen had walked away from everyone and stood out looking at the scenery that went by. Soon, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist and holding her tightly.

"So this was where you snuck off to."

"I didn't sneak off, just wanted to see the sights a little."

"You ok?" Sidney asked stepping to the side of Karen but not letting her go.

"Yeah, I'm fine" she told him with a smile.

"Ok, you almost had me believing that. What's wrong?"

Karen turned to Sidney and caressed his cheek "nothing's wrong, trust me."

"I told you that today would get crazy and..."

"...and you wouldn't be with me a lot today. I know that and I'm not mad about anything that happened today."

"Then what is it?" he asked concerned.

Karen saw his dad approaching "maybe we could talk about it later. Now's not the place for it."

"So you are mad about today?"

"No I am not mad about today and I swear I will push you overboard if you ask me that one more time. I loved watching you celebrate your dream today and what I was thinking about has nothing to do with any of this, ok?"

"Ok."

"I think your dad wants you."

Sidney looked back and nodded in his direction to tell him he'd be right there "Why don't we head back in and enjoy the rest of the music?"

"I'll be in after a minute ok?"

"Ok. I love you and like I said today, I do owe some of this to you."

"I know, me and my all out truth does some good huh? And I love you too." Sidney pulled her in for a kiss and let it get intense for a moment before letting her go and heading back inside. Karen wondered if the power behind the kiss was to assure her he was sorry for leaving her alone today. She didn't know how many times she could keep telling him that wasn't the reason for her wanting a minute to herself, but she would talk to him after the Cup leaves and everything gets back to normal. Karen took in one more breath of the sea air and headed in to be with Sidney. After the boat ride, everyone headed home to wait for what tomorrow will bring them.

On the 8th, Sidney still had possession of the Cup for most of the day it started out going to the Nova Scotia Sports Heritage Center for a breakfast reception. They had a wall designated to Sidney and his mom had graciously donated pictures and memoriablia of Sidney's things over the years, which Sidney hadn't seen yet. He took Karen's hand and they walked through the display together with Sidney explaining some of the pictures. Karen saw how in awe he was by the display and knew it made him proud that his hometown was also this proud of him. After they left the Heritage Center, a small gathering of family went back to his parent's house. Karen was talking with Trina and noticed Sidney hadn't been around for awhile. She asked Troy and he said he took the Cup upstairs and Karen went to find him.

When Karen got upstairs, she saw Sidney sitting on his bed with the Cup and just looking around his old room.

"Hey" she said quietly not to startle him.

"Hey baby, come here."

Karen walked in and sat beside him "whatcha doin up here?"

"Just remembering."

"Kind of surreal huh?"

"Yeah it is. All of this..." he said pointing to trophies and medals "turned into this" Sidney ran his fingers over the edge of the Cup's bowl. Karen saw him get choked up and put her hand on his back and bringing it up into his hair "I can't believe I actually won this."

"I can. After last year, the determination was there and none of you guys would be outdone this year. You wanted it more."

"What were you thinking about on the boat last night?" Sidney asked looking at her.

"I was just being selfish and thinking about myself is all."

"Understood, now what were you thinking about?"

"You really have a soft spot for kids and watching you with them at the hospital and the autograph session made me wonder about things."

"About wanting one?" Karen got up and walked by a bookcase looking at the pictures "am I right?"

"When I was pregnant, I was so looking forward to being a mom and everything that came with it. I've never lost that urge to want to have a family and watching you with all those kids just shows what a great father you'd be and I can't make that dream come true for you."

"Baby, yes you can...we can. When we're ready for a family there are hundreds of babies in need of adoption. We will have our family when we want one" he said getting up to walk over to her. "We will adopt as many as we can handle."

"You just want your own little hockey team."

"Isn't it obvious?" Sidney said to get Karen to smile. "Baby, it will happen and we will have our family. I want to expand our family as much as you do, ok?"

"Ok." They stepped closer and their lips met for a heated kiss "you know" Karen started after breaking the kiss "there's something intoxicating about being in your childhood room in your parent's house."

Sidney looked at her "trust me I know but I think we need to curb this until after the party tonight."

"You better be ready to rock my world keeping me at bay this long stud."

"Believe me baby, you won't be able to handle it." Sidney kissed her again before they headed back downstairs.

Chapter 159

The next few days passed into weeks and before they knew it, it was August 6th. Sidney would get his day with the cup tomorrow and it just happened to be his birthday. Karen knew that tomorrow would be hectic and filled with a lot of activities for him, so she needed to plan something for his birthday tonight. They had dinner at the house with his parents, Taylor, and his grandmothers. Karen always got a little jealous whenever she saw a family get together. She missed her parents greatly and knew it should be getting easier, but that didn't seem the case. When Sidney's family finally left, Karen had finished up the dishes and walked into the living room to find Sidney going through the channels on tv.

"I guess tomorrow's the big day. What time are you meeting the plane?"

"At 6a so I'll need to leave at 5a to get there. Are you coming with me?"

"If you don't mind, I'll go with your mom and meet you at the ship."

"I don't mind baby. It might be better since we're taking a Chopper to the ship anyway."

"So listen studly, besides spending the day with the Holy Grail of Hockey, what else do you want for your birthday?"

"Since I have you, I really don't need anything else" he said looking at her. Karen smiled and leaned in to kiss him before settling into his side to watch a movie. After a couple hours, Sidney got up to head to bed before Karen. She wanted to see a story on the news and would be up in a few minutes. When she got upstairs twenty minutes later, Sidney was coming out of the bathroom and Karen grabbed something from her suitcase and went into the bathroom.

As she came out of the bathroom, she saw Sidney was sitting up in bed, reading a magazine. He looked up to her and was shocked at what he saw.

"I realize you said you don't need anything for your birthday, but I'm wondering if I could change your mind." Karen stood up against the door frame in a bra and panties. But they weren't just any normal bra and panties. They were black with the Penguin logo, Stanley Cup, and 2009 Champions written all over them. Sidney looked Karen's body up and down and came to the 87 on the front of her panties.

"Wow, um, huh, where did you find those?"

Karen smiled at Sidney who was obviously blushing "I actually made them. One of the fabric stores at home had this print to make a fleece blanket but I got enough to make this instead. I'm going on assumption here and thinking you like it" she said walking towards him.

Sidney looked her up and down again and smirked "Nah, I hate it. I think it looks absolutely horrible" he said reaching out to touch the fabric and Karen "I think you should take it off and never put it on again."

Karen got on the bed and straddled over Sidney's lap "and what if I like it and want to wear it over and over again?"

"Then everytime I see you in that, I will just have to rip it off you."

"I thought you would like it stud" she said giving a small pout.

"You know, if you could entice me while wearing that I may reconsider."

"Oh, I definitely can entice you" she said starting to grind her crotch into Sidney's. He felt the tightness in his shorts and grabbed her hips, pushing her into him. "Easy stud or this will be over before we get going."

"I think we've proven that theory wrong baby." Sidney kissed her as his hands roamed over her body. Karen moved her hand between them and into Sidney's shorts. She began rubbing and massaging his cock until bringing her hand out and pulling him with her. Sidney took his fingers and pushed her panties to the side, exposing her swollen lips and slipping a finger inside to make sure she was ready for him. Karen dropped her head against his as she felt him probe her womanhood. Sidney removed his finger and replaced it with his hard cock. Karen sat up to give him better access to her entrance and then letting her slide down over him. Karen sat still for a few minutes as their lips attached to one another in a heated kiss. She began moving her hips in an upward motion and Sidney's hands went to her hips to help her move on him. The tightness between them was incredible and Sidney had no plans of moving them in a different position. Karen moved her hands from Sidney's body to the top of the headboard as she rode him a little harder. The room was filled with moans and oh god from both of them, bringing their orgasms screaming out of their bodies. Karen slowed down to draw out everything Sidney had and letting their breathing slow down as well.

"Happy birthday stud."

"Thank you baby. Look, I know tomorrow will get crazy and if I lose sight of you, I don't want you to think that I don't mean to do it."

"Sid" she said softly touching his cheek "I know what tomorrow will bring and I am going to tell you this once and only once..."

"What's that?"

"I better not see you trying to get to me to check and see if I'm ok or having fun. This day is about you and only you and what you have accomplished to give back to the community you grew up in. Everyone that shows up tomorrow is to see you and the Cup."

"But..."

"No buts Sid. I will be around you and watch the love your family, friends and fans have for you. I love you and am so proud of you for winning your dream, but don't worry about me. I know where tomorrow ends and I will be right here at home with you then and you can keep one hand on me and one on the Cup then, alright?"

"Alright, I understand but can I say what I was going to now?"

"Yeah, go ahead" she said smiling.

"I wouldn't have been able to achieve this without you and I'm glad you're here to help me celebrate it. I love you baby and no matter what, I will make sure you are somewhere close to me."

"Deal stud" she said getting off him "now get some sleep so you can enjoy tomorrow." They got situated and fell asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning, the alarm rang at 4:15a and Karen woke up with Sidney. "Baby, you don't need to get up for another hour to meet my mom" he said lying in bed with her.

"Well, there's another reason why I woke up with you" she said turning him onto his back and covering his body with hers.

"Baby, we don't have time for this."

"I think we do" she said crawling down his body and pulling his shorts off his hips as she went. Karen grabbed a hold of his cock and massaged towards the base as she brought her mouth to the tip and enveloped him. Sidney laid back down and knew he wouldn't be able to fight her, besides the feelings were taking over. He managed to put his hands on her head, lightly grabbing her hair and following her movements on him. Karen increased her sucking pressure by going fast and slow. She knew she couldn't take forever and torture him because he did have a schedule to keep. She felt him get thicker inside her mouth and reached for his balls, squeezing them as he came shooting into her mouth. Sidney moaned out his approval of what Karen did and as she came out from under the covers, she looked at him with a smile.

"Are all women proud after they do that?" Sidney asked looking at her smile.

"Being able to make my husband moan out like that, hell yeah I'm proud of what I've done."

"Good to know" he said his breathing somewhat erratic.

Karen rolled off him laughing "you better get up and get your shower stud."

"I will but tell me, why this morning of all mornings?"

"Because today is actually your birthday and this was your official present. Plus, it's payback for you doing that to me the morning of my birthday making me late for work."

"Point taken" he said kissing her before getting up and going into the bathroom. Karen reset the alarm for her and snuggled back under the covers.

A few hours later, Karen was standing around on the ship waiting for the helicopter with Trina, Taylor and Sidney's two grandmothers. She just looked around and saw all the fans that came out to support Sidney and to cheer him on for his accomplishment. It overwhelmed her a little to see all of it.

"You ok Karen?" Trina asked coming over to her.

"Yeah I'm fine. This is just too much to see how this community has taken to him."

"I know its like he's the president or something."

"You really raised him right Trina."

"I don't know about that Karen. He knew what he was doing long before his dad and I needed to tell him."

"He knows not to do anything that will embarrassed or hurt his family. I think all these people are his family too and when they lost the Cup last year, it killed him to know he let everyone here down."

"It was hard on him but he didn't let us down, he just made us have more faith in him for this year."

Karen saw the helicopter approaching "I think they are all about to realize a dream come true." They watched the chopper land and soon Sidney jumped down and was handed the Cup. Karen was surprised to see Max jump out after Troy and waited for him to come over to stand near them. Karen hugged Max "what are you doing here?"

"I am the official party crasher. I have been to about 4 other Cup parties and did you really think I would miss this one."

"Not really. How's your shoulder?"

"It's ok. I had a wonderful nurse for the first couple weeks before I could move it."

"Did she provide all the nursely duties?" Karen asked smiling.

"Definitely, sponge baths and everything."

"It seems like Nat took really good care of you."

"She did and I wish she could have stayed a little longer with me."

"Yeah she told me she didn't have many days of vacation to spend with you."

"That's ok. I will see her before long."

"Are you going to monopolize this beautiful woman all day Max?" Sidney said walking over to them to give Karen a hug and kiss.

"Well it's not like you won't be around her all day so I figured it was my time to slide in and see what you're always bragging about."

"Now boys, there's no need to fight over me."

"There won't be any fighting baby, I already won you and Max will just have to eat his jealousy and deal with it."

"Are we afraid she'll like it better with me? I'm sure Nat has told her things that even she's dreamt about" Max said kissing Karen's cheek and walking away.

"I can't believe he said that."

"I can baby."

"Oh stop. There has been no thoughts of Max, Jordan or anyone else. You take up my whole mind stud."

"Good, I like it that way. I gotta go, they need to get started."

"At least I got a few minutes of your time today. I love you."

"I love you too and after all this, you will have more than a few minutes with me tonight" he whispered to her before kissing her cheek and walking away. Karen just smiled and watched as all the festivities unfold.

Chapter 158

Sidney kissed her lips before heading to the top of her underwear. He placed featherlight kisses across the top of the band, making Karen squirm. She knew what he was going to do and hated his torture getting there. Sidney sat up and hooked his thumbs under the band, slowly pulling the garment off her hips and down her legs. He scooted off the cushions so he had better access to all of her. He kissed her inner thighs getting a small whimper from Karen's lips and knew she was ready. Sidney looked up at her and saw her head was back and her hands grabbing at the pillows. He smiled before dipping his head and beginning his pleasure assualt on her.

Sidney brought up his hand and rubbed over her swollen lips with his thumb. Everytime he got closer to her clit, he would increase the pressure. Karen couldn't help but move her hips as he was touching her, getting the full affect of the sensations. Eventhough Sidney tried to steady her hips, he had other things on his mind. He moved his hand and replaced it with his tongue, marking the same pattern, but this time he would wiggle his tongue over her clit going between a slow and fast pace. Karen let the moans come out as, pushing everything around her with her hands. When she felt Sidney's mouth envelope around her lips, she couldn't help but grab at her breasts, squeezing them as if he was. Sidney sucked at her lips, like he was kissing her. His tongue would dart out going inside as deep as he could then coming out and flicking at her clit. Karen managed to lift her head to briefly watch what he was doing to her then fell back down as a wave hit her, arching her back upward. Feeling Sidney's tongue violate her inner being as it went in and out of her core was mindblowing. It had been a while since Sidney really paid attention to her down there. He would get her going that way first before they would make love but tonight he went back to when they were dating and actually stayed there getting her off.

Sidney removed his mouth from her lips and inserted a finger, then a second one. He would twist and turn his hand feeling every part inside her. He added a third finger with his thumb constantly rubbing at her clit to bring her over the edge. Karen didn't know how much longer she could stand all the pleasure and knew she was about to explode. Sidney's fingers got deeper and went faster and when he could tell she was ready, he dipped his head down and sucked on her clit until she almost jumped off the cushions letting her moan come out loud. Sidney felt the tightness around his fingers and slowed down letting Karen calm down before completely removing them. He moved back on top of Karen's body and their lips reclaimed one another.

"Oh God" Karen said as her breathing was still running a little fast but brought her hands up to Sidney's face, caressing his cheeks. Sidney smiled then came in for another kiss. He felt Karen make a move to turn them over and he knew she wanted to repay the favor. Sidney took her hand from his chest and put it over her head, keeping it there. Tonight was about her and pleasing her, he knew making love to her was more special, not that he didn't love it when she went down on him. Sidney would rather make love to Karen 50 different ways then get a blowjob from her any day.

Sidney got off Karen a few minutes later and stood up, taking off his boxers. Karen sat up but Sidney told her to turn back over to the confusion on her face. He leaned down and kissed her before Karen turned back over onto her stomach. Sidney once again straddled her thighs and laid down on her, but this time grinded into her ass. He was already hard getting turned on from before, he was just getting her back up to speed. Sidney put his hands between her thighs making an opening wide enough for him to slip inside of her. The tightness was overwhelming for him and hoped he was able to hold on until the end. Sidney put his hands to the sides and began thrusting upward and her slick opening made it easy for him to get a rhythm going. Karen put her arms up by her head and laid her forehead on her hands. Her moans were muffled into the cushions but the sensations were incredible. Sidney was grazing her g-spot with every thrust and it was intense. Before long, Karen was digging her fingers into the cushions as her orgasm ripped through for the second time. Sidney felt the intensity and came hard inside of her, slowing down his thrusts as he gave her everything he had. When he was done, Sidney laid on Karen's back and kissed her shoulder before pulling out of her. He rolled over into the pillows and looked at Karen who still had her head buried in her hands.

"You ok baby?" he said rubbing her back as he saw her head nod yes. Sidney just lightly laughed and laid back down. Karen lifted her head and rolled off the cushions and beside him, wrapping her arm around his sweaty body. Sidney sat up and grabbed the blanket off the cushions and putting it over them.

"I don't think we really missed each other by that display stud" she said getting a laugh out of him.

"I think you're right, it was like we were only apart for a few days."

"That was different though and you know I love it when you try new things."

"Well, I have to keep you interested some how baby."

Karen climbed on top of Sidney and looked into his eyes "how do I keep you interested stud?" she asked in a serious tone.

Sidney pushed her hair back and gazed deep into her eyes "I don't think I could ever lose interest in you baby. I love you way to much for that to ever happen." Karen leaned down and kissed him. As she left his lips, she sat up and scooted down a little, grabbing his cock and sliding it inside of her. Karen slowly began to move on him and Sidney laid there watching her, getting more turned on then before. He watched her facial expressions as each wave of pleasure hit her. He watched as she touched herself and was so uninhibited by it. Karen let her head fall back as she felt Sidney grow inside of her. That made her movements get bigger as she started riding him harder. As much as Sidney wanted to turn them over and take charge, he let her continue on. Karen kept her pace up until she brought herself over the edge but still rode him until she felt the hot liquid fill her and collapsing onto his chest breathless. "Now that will always keep me interested" Sidney said just as breathless.

"See, I knew there was something." Karen climbed off him and laid beside, letting Sidney turn to curl up to her. Their lips met in a heated kiss before both falling asleep.

The next morning, Sidney and Karen were still in the living room admist all the pillows. Karen started to wake up and when she did, she had a pair of hazel eyes starring at her.

"Morning baby."

"Morning stud. How long have you been awake?"

"I came to when you started stirring so I just watched you until you woke up."

"Do you like watching me?"

"Why do you ask that?"

"Just from last night, you watched me while I was on top of you."

"I didn't think you saw me."

"Why do you think I touched myself? I knew you were watching me, so I knew how to light the fire."

"You accomplished that in more ways then one baby. I love that you aren't afraid to touch yourself."

Karen pulled the cover off of them and made sure Sidney was watching her. She brought her hand up and started caressing her breast. Sidney leaned back from her get a better look at what she was doing. Karen held his stare as she took her finger and lightly grazed her nipple, making her shiver from the sensations. Sidney could feel the heat in his cock and wondered how much he could take before rolling onto her and pounding it inside of her. He watched as Karen moved her hand from her breast to her mound and began rubbing over it. She saw Sidney move his eyes down her body and watched as she attacked her womanhood. Soon, she found her way inside with a couple of fingers and began pumping them in and out of her. Sidney couldn't stop watching her, like a bad train wreck everyone stops for. He felt himself get harder by the second and began his own assualt on himself. As Sidney was watching Karen, she looked down and watched Sidney get himself off. They both could feel themselves near their peaks as moans from both of them filled the house. Karen looked at Sidney, who returned her gaze and both leaned in for their lips to meet. The kiss was heated and intense as their hand movements got faster on themselves. Karen was the first one to break the kiss and scream out her release, slowing her hand down until she was finished. She could sense Sidney was not far behind and went to his neck kissing him until she felt the sticky substance on her stomach.

"I have never done that before in my life" Sidney said as he laid back trying to catch his breath.

"I find that hard to believe stud, unless you've always had a girlfriend and had sex any chance you got."

"Not what I meant baby. I've done that before, just never with someone watching me. You just got me so turned on when you moved your hand down" he said looking at her "damn baby, anymore tricks up your sleeve?"

"A few but they'll stay up there until the right moment."

"Don't keep them hidden too long."

"I won't" she said laughing "but now I think I need a shower" looking at her stomach.

"Sorry baby, it had to go somewhere."

"Not like I didn't expect it" she said kissing him before getting up and going upstairs to take a shower. Sidney laid there for a minute and decided to follow her. He got to the bathroom and pulled back the curtain, stepping in behind her. "Apparently you couldn't wait your turn."

"Just a great way to save on water." They continued on with their shower and getting cleaned up. When they were done, Sidney pulled Karen to him and they stood there kissing each other. Being apart for a month and a half did its advantages. Sidney needed her again and didn't want to wait for tonight or another time. Karen felt Sidney's cock rise between them and broke the kiss smiling at him.

"Damn stud, how much stamina do you have in that body of yours?"

"Your like a hockey game baby. I have to be ready for anything for at least three hours. The shower was just intermission...I have another twenty mintues to go to finish out this game."

"Then bring it home stud" she said with lust in her voice. Sidney grabbed one of her legs and held it against his hip. Karen brought her hand inbetwen their bodies and helped guide him back inside of her. He had always used the wall to steady them, but decided not to this time around. Sidney moved his hand from her leg and grabbed her ass with both hands making it easier to thrust into her. Karen felt like her leg was going to give out on her but the sensations were taking over. Sidney didn't want to really rush this and stopped them, pulling out of her. He turned Karen to the wall, making her face it and brought out her ass towards him, sliding back inside not missing a beat. Karen put her hands upagainst the wall to steady herself as Sidney's pounding got harder. He leaned over her back and ran a hand around to the front of her body and right to her mound. Sidney cupped the top of her mound and rubbed hard over her clit. One of Karen's hands left the wall to put it over his hand and help with his rubbing. Karen couldn't hold on anymore and her body released yet another orgasm. Her hand dropped off Sidney's and went back to the wall to steady herself. Sidney thrusted inside of her a couple more times before his own release came screaming out. When he was done, he stood up bringing Karen with him and wrapping his arms around her. After another minute, they got out of the shower and dried off. "Does it make sense to even worry about getting dressed?" she asked him.

"I think we're due for a break baby, but later may be another story." Sidney leaned in to kiss her when they heard a door slam shut. They both got dressed and when Sidney was finished before Karen, he went downstairs to see who was there. He opened to the door to reveal his parents and waited for them to come to the door. "I didn't know you guys were stopping by today."

"Well, we were out getting some things for the wedding and I wanted your opinion on a couple of things. We also stopped by the church and Reverend Marks said he wanted to talk to you and Karen a week or so before the wedding if possible. When is she coming up?"

"Yesterday seemed like a good time so I came in early" Karen said walking down the stairs. Sidney realized the living room was still in shambles and went to clean it up, not realizing Troy followed him.

"What happened here Sid?"

"Just a little romantic night with Karen last night." Sidney smirked as he put the cushions back on the couch and the pillows where they needed to be. Soon Karen and Trina moved their conversation into the living room as well. The four of them sat around for a little bit and then decided to head out for lunch. Sidney told his parents that he and Karen would meet them at the restaurant because there was a couple places they needed to go after lunch and he wanted to drive his own car.

A couple hours after lunch, Trina had given Sidney a list of a few places that he needed to go to confirm some things for the wedding and with Karen now here, they both could have input. They went to pick out their cake, which took a little while. Karen didn't really want anything to big and fancy and they decided to have a small size cake for them to cut but then there would be a couple sheet cakes of the same flavor that would be already cut into squares for the guests. It was an easier solution then having a huge 3 or 4 tier wedding cake and then taking time to cut it for everyone else to have a piece. After getting the cake situated, Sidney drove to the church to see if they could catch Reverend Marks to get their talk out of the way. With Sidney's day with the Stanley Cup fast approaching, they didn't know when else they could go. They pulled up to the church and Sidney parked the car. They got out and headed inside, finding the Reverend in his office.

"Sidney, please come in. I told your mom we needed to speak but I didn't really mean today."

"Well time will be tight these next couple weeks, so I figured we could come talk now."

"Ah, it's nice to see you again Karen."

"You too Reverend Marks."

"Please, sit down so we can talk. I always want to talk to the couples before they get married to make sure they're both in the same frame of mind about marriage." He saw the look Sidney and Karen gave each other "is there something you'd like to share?"

"Um, I asked Karen to marry me back in April as you know from my mom, but what she probably didn't tell you is when she said yes, I had a preacher come out and marry us right then and there."

"So you two are already married."

"Yes sir" they both said somewhat shyly.

"Then this wedding is what?"

"To redo our vows in front of my family and friends. I hope you're not mad."

Reverend Marks smiled at the two "I'm not mad and I'm glad that you decided to renew your wedding vows in a church. To be honest, a wedding is just the show for the people closest to you but it's what you tell each other that counts. Is there anything special you want?"

"Well" Karen started "since we already professed our love that night on the ice" she said looking to Sidney "I wouldn't mind an actual wedding ceremony."

"Really?"

"If your mom wants the wedding she's always dreamed for you, why not give it to her. There are only a handful of people that knows we're already married, why spoil it for everyone else coming that thinks its an actual wedding. Besides, I am trying to find a wedding dress."

"I like the sound of that baby" Sidney said caressing her cheek.

"I like it too" Reverend marks added. The three of them sat around for another hour before Sidney and Karen left. They were satisfied by what will happen and headed home to spend the rest of the day together.

Chapter 157

As they sat on the couch kissing, Karen felt the sexual tension between them and made a move to climb on Sidney's lap, straddling him.

"Baby, can't you wait for tonight?" Sidney asked breaking the kiss.

"We've been apart for how long and you ask me to wait another few hours? Did someone work on his self control while he was away from me?"

"God no, I just want us to wait until tonight."

"You must have something planned."

"I had something planned since the night I left you to come up here. Please can we wait until tonight?"

"Don't beg stud, it makes you more irresistable to me."

"I'll try not to. Why don't we go get dressed and head out to dinner?"

"Is what I'm wearing not exceptable?"

"Not for where I want to take you. Hope you brought a wide variety of clothes."

"Sid, I pack a week of clothes for a weekend getaway. What do you think?"

"I think I have a beautiful wife that I love more than anything in this world. Go get ready and I am going to make some reservations." Karen leaned in and kissed him again before getting off his lap and heading upstairs to shower and change. As she got into the shower she thought about telling Sidney of the kiss with Ryan but didn't want to ruin their homecoming. Knowing the kiss was technically all Ryan, she still didn't know how Sidney would react and that made it bad on her part. Ryan was nothing but a friend and even though she kissed him back for a second, it still didn't mean anything to her like it did Ryan. Karen shook the thought from her head and finished with her shower. When Karen was done with her shower, she dried off and came out in a towel as Sidney was coming into the bedroom.

"Is this appropriate for tonight?" she asked standing there in her towel.

"Later tonight, but not for dinner baby."

"Oh ok" she said dropping the towel to entice Sidney.

"Will you stop torturing me and please get dressed. You will love what happens tonight, I promise. Just be a good girl and get gorgeous for me."

"You don't play fair Crosby" she said going to the suitcase to get her underwear when she felt Sidney press up against her back.

"I know and I love how I can drive you crazy." He kissed her shoulder and went into the bathroom leaving Karen to just laugh at him. She waited until she heard the shower start up before grabbing her dress, shoes and makeup and going into the guest room to get ready. She didn't want Sidney to see her until she was ready.
Twenty minutes later, Sidney was downstairs waiting for Karen. He called up to her and she told him she was on her way. When she got to the top of the stairs and began walking down, Sidney's breath caught in his throat.

"You look beautiful baby. Just how I pictured you when I bought you that dress for Christmas."

"Well since you didn't go to any award shows this year, I had to bring it with me and wear it sometime over the summer."

"I won my big award on the ice this year, there was no need to go." Karen kissed him before they headed out for dinner. Sidney wouldn't tell her where he was taking her so she just held his hand during the drive and waited to surprised where he took her.

A little while later, Sidney pulled up to the 5 Fishermen restaurant in Halifax and parked the car. He came around and opened the door for Karen who just smiled at him. Sidney took her hand and brought it up to his lips to kiss it before holding it as they walked in. Since Sidney called ahead, they knew to put him in a more of a secluded area. After they were seated, Sidney let Karen look over the menu eventhough he knew what to order for them. Soon the waitress came over and before Karen could open her mouth, Sidney did and had the whole dinner, plus dessert ordered.

"So this is how tonight's going to go?" Karen said with a huge smile on her face.

"What ever do you mean baby?" Sidney said trying to play coy.

"Did you plan all this pampering or are you just taking charge?"

"The more pampering the better baby" he said smiling "I just wanted you to have the best tonight."

"I have you in my life so I think I have the best every day." Sidney was about to lean in to kiss her when the waitress brought over their bottle of wine and poured the glasses before leaving them alone.

Sidney picked up his glass and Karen did the same "all I wanted to say is how thankful I am to have found you and got you into my life. You have been with me to help me through the lows and celebrated the highs and I couldn't have asked for anyone better. I love you more than you probably could imagine and I just wanted you to know that."

Karen tried to hold in her tears but a couple fell anyway "wow, you figure you were trying to win my heart or something."

"I know I've already won it, I just believe a woman needs to hear it every now and again. But in your case, I will tell you every day."

"You do Sid. I don't think a day goes by when you haven't told me you loved me or that I look beautiful. Just giving me a quick kiss as you go out the door tells me that."

"And I know you don't need the expensive restaurants or the bouquet of flowers to show how much I love you but seeing your face light up when you get all of it is what makes me happy. Like I said before and will say a thousand times more, I love you Karen."

"I love you too Sidney." They both leaned and let their lips meet for a soft kiss before breaking apart. They both didn't need to show too much affection in public and wanted to save it for after dinner when they got home. The waitress brought over their dinners and Karen was impressed by the food, not only the portion but how great it tasted. "This is wonderful. Maybe we should get them to cater the reception."

"Actually they are." Karen looked at him with disbelief "this is why I wanted to take you here so you could try the food and hopefully enjoy it enough."

"I am enjoying it emencely. Was this your mom's idea?"

"No mine. I love coming here and knew they would be perfect to cater for the wedding reception. We'll just have to see what they have come up with for the menu."

"Shouldn't we decide that?"

"Trust me, I think they've done it enough to know but we will have final say. Besides, one of the meals they chose is what you're having now."

"Then I have no reason to dispute the menu then" she said smiling as they finished their dinner.

When they were done eating everything down to the dessert, Sidney paid the bill and they left. Since the restaurant was on the waterfront, Sidney decided to take Karen for a walk by the water. They were holding hands until Karen got a chill and leaned into Sidney a bit more, wrapping her arm around his. Sidney stopped them from walking, taking off his jacket and holding it out for Karen to slip her arms in to keep her warm. They started walking for a few more minutes until they came to a part of the walkway between two light posts. It was dimly lit and Sidney stopped them again, turning to Karen and putting his arms under the jacket, wrapping them around her waist. They stood there looking into each other's eyes before their lips met. Karen brought her hands up and played with the back of Sidney's hair, letting the curls wrap around her fingers. When their lips parted, their foreheads connected as their breathing slowed down.

"I have waited so many days to do this with you" Sidney told her.

"Me too. I had gone to sleep every night dreaming of this."

Sidney lifted his head to look at her "I guess the dreams and waiting are over."

"Care to explore that a little more?"

"You took the words right out of my mouth baby. Let's head home so I can give you a proper homecoming." Karen smiled as Sidney kissed her before walking back to the car to head home.

After they got home, Sidney told Karen to go change and meet him back downstairs when she was done. She obliged and headed to change. She found a simple cotton cami and matching bikinis to change into. She made sure her makeup was still good and fixed her hair a little before going back down to the living room. When she got to the doorway, she saw Sidney had pulled the cushions off the couch and covered them with a blanket and put pillows all around. He had taken his tie off and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, which Karen loved seeing. It showed Sidney uninhibited.

"Come lay down on the cushions" Sidney told her. Karen walked over to the make shift 'bed' and got on her knees before lying on her stomach. She felt Sidney straddle her thighs and her cami being pulled up. Karen shivered when Sidney's hands touched her back realizing what he was about to do. She felt his hands massage her skin, going from soft pressure to a little harder in areas. Karen took a deep breath and thought she smelled the scent of lavender in the air. As Sidney continued rubbing over her back, Karen would let little moans escape her lips telling him that she was really enjoying it.

Sidney removed his hands "sit up for me" he whispered in her ear. Karen sat up on her knees waiting to see what Sidney wanted. He reached for the bottom of her cami and started bringing it up, revealing her bare breasts. Karen instinctively put her arms up so Sidney could continue to take her top completely off. "Lay back down baby" he told her letting her lay down to get comfortable again. When Sidney started massaging her back again, he would go up and down her sides, making sure to lightly graze the sides of her breasts. He could see Karen was getting turned on as her hips would begin to move into the cushions and her breathing was getting faster at each passing moment of his slow torture. Sidney couldn't take it anymore and made a few more passes around her back before he unbuttoned his shirt, taking it off and throwing it aside. He got up and Karen felt him move, looking at him taking off his pants. She turned over onto her back and waited for him to lay down on top of her. When he did, they didn't feel the need to pounce each other. They laid there together and share kisses but took the time to continue to feel one another. Hands roamed around the bodies, lightly grazing the skin and turning each other one more. Karen would start on his back and feel every muscle that moved when he did. Then she would bring them around and caress his chest and stomach, going to his arms. Sidney took a different approach. He started at Karen's shoulders and made his way down her arms. When he got to her hands, he locked fingers with them and held on to them for a few minutes before continuing his assault. He moved a hand inbetween her legs, spreading them apart and letting her wrap them around his thighs. Sidney moved his hands up and down her legs, digging his fingers into her hip. He made his way over her stomach and up towards her breasts, where he paid the most attention. He went from soft kneads to a rough grab, making Karen arch her back and moan her pleasure. Sidney kissed her before leaving her lips and travelling down her neck, stopping for a minute at his favorite spot then making a line to one of her breasts. He kissed, sucked, and flicked his tongue over the hard bud stirring up whatever he could inside her body. Sidney made sure to pay just as much attention to the other one and mirror all he did previously.

Karen wasn't going to be able to handle much more and her hand made its way between them and over his crotch. She began rubbing over him and found the opening to stick her hand inside, grabbing his cock and massaging over him.

"Someone's getting a little impatient."

"It's your fault stud. Your little massage tactic is just making me want you more and more."

"Well if our little foreplay has satisfied you, I could be pursuaded to move to the second level."

"A second level? How many levels are you planning?"

"At least three. So if you're ready for for what's next, just take a deep breath and close your eyes." Karen did as she was told and waited to see what else Sidney had in store for her and them.

Chapter 156

The next morning Ryan woke up without Karen beside him. He looked around and realized he was in his room and alone "I can't believe it fucking happened again" he said to himself. He got up and got dressed, heading out into the living room. He heard movement in the kitchen and went in seeing Karen making breakfast.

"I was hoping the smell of food would wake you up" she told him. "Want some coffee?"

"Yeah, I'd love some" he said as he watched Karen pour him a cup and hand it to him. "How'd you sleep?" he asked her.

"Really well. I must have been more tired from the drive than I thought."

"How far do you plan to get today?"

"Not sure, depends how many stores I stop at to look for dresses. I hope I can at least get across the border" she said handing Ryan a plate of food and grabbing hers before they went to sit at the table. They ate with limited conversation and when they were finished, Ryan knew his time was short. After Karen took the plates into the kitchen, Ryan told her he'd do the dishes later since she needed to head out. Karen just smiled and headed to the guest room to finish getting ready. She came out a few minutes later and put her bag by the door turning to Ryan "I guess this is goodbye. Thanks for letting me stay last night."

"It was my pleasure so stop thanking me."

"Ok. I guess I'll see you when the Ducks come to play in Pittsburgh next season." Karen bent down to pick up her bag and opened the door with her free hand "bye Ryan." She started to walk out when Ryan grabbed her arm and shut the door "what's going on?"

"I can't let you leave my life Karen" he said before pushing her against the door and kissing her. "Let me be the one to make you happy, let me make love to you every night. I love you Karen, can't you see that?" he said before kissing her again.

Karen pushed him back "why are you doing this? You know I love Sidney."

"But I love you too. When he hurt you, who was there...it was me. I can love you just as much as he does, if not more. Just give me the chance." Ryan slowly leaned in and kissed her again, surprised when she kissed him back.

Karen dropped her bag from her hand and wrapped her arms around his neck. She was pulled into the kiss until she realized what was happening. She broke the kiss and stepped back, looking at him "I'm sorry" she whispered as tears began to fall "I might have feelings for you but those feelings are stronger for Sid. I'm in love with him Ryan and I'm his wife for that reason. Don't do this to me." Karen put her hand to his cheek, caressing it before bending down to get her bag, opening the door and practically running out to her car. Ryan stood there for a minute before he closed the door and fell against it. He stepped back and punched the wall being angry with himself for doing that to her. His dream was for her to want to be with him too but everything shattered when she left him alone.

Karen started driving until she saw a mall, pulling in to the parking lot. She sat in the car for a few minutes to let the tears stop and calm down. She couldn't believe that Ryan professed his love for her and made her for a brief second made her doubt her love for Sidney. Karen felt sick to her stomach that she actually betrayed Sidney and kissed Ryan back, letting some feelings slip through. She knew she couldn't tell him for the fear he would divorce her and leave her life. She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes, looking in the rear view mirror to make sure she looked presentable to go shopping. Karen grabbed her makeup bag and fixed her face where the tears took it off and headed inside the mall to look for her wedding dress. After an hour of looking at the couple stores, she decided to give up and just finish driving towards Nova Scotia.

On the thrid day, Karen got closer to Sidney’s house and smiled knowing he wouldn’t be expecting her. It also scared her that she could catch him doing something too. She pulled up to the house and was thankful that his car was there. Karen parked and got out, leaving her bags and going up to the front door. She tried the knob and it was locked so she walked around to the back of the house and saw Sidney on the dock fishing. His back was to the house and Karen quietly walked down there. She softly walked onto the dock, careful not to make too big a motion for Sidney to notice someone was behind him.

“Are you catching dinner or should I decide to make something?” Karen said her voice a little louder than a whisper.

Sidney turned around at the voice and was shocked to see Karen standing behind him. He brought the fishing line out of the water and put his pole down before taking her into his arms “what are you doing here baby? I wasn’t expecting you for another week.”

“I was granted a few more days so instead of staying around the house, I wanted to spend those days with you. If you don’t want me here, I’m sure I can stay with your parents.”

“You are not going anywhere baby because I would have gone over there and brought you back. How did you get extra days?”

“Why don’t we talk about that little later.”

“Uh oh, everything ok?”

“Yeah it’s fine” she said kissing him “so since you’re tied up catching dinner, I am going to go get my bags from the car.”

Sidney looked at the lake then to Karen “we can have fish for dinner tomorrow night. I think I’ll take my wife out for dinner tonight.”

“Ooo, I like the sound to that.” Sidney leaned in and kissed her before they headed to the house and then out to the car to get the bags. They went into the house and they put the bags down by the steps.

“There has got to be a reason why you have this many bags baby.”

“I was going to surprise you later but I’m not staying only two weeks…I’m staying the whole month.”

“How did that happen? I didn’t think you could get the extra two weeks off.”

“I only told you that after I only put in the two weeks but after you left to come up here, I put in for the other two.”

“Well that was cruel. I thought I would only have a little time with you.”

“I wasn’t about to forgo all this time with you before the season starts up and I don’t get to again.”

Sidney just looked at her and led her to the couch. He sat down and Karen sat beside him “what’s going on?”

Karen looked into his eyes “is that offer to take care of me and support us still on the table?”

“It was never taken off. What are you saying baby?”

“I quit my job a couple days ago…”

“You did?” he said trying not to sound too excited.

“Yeah but before I left, the store manager caught wind of it and pretty much begged me to stay on.”

“And you did.”

Karen let out a sigh “I’m sorry I was so ready to walk out but when he started praising me, I caved and said I’d stay.”

“What happened exactly?”

“I had the first two weeks approved and when I went to put in the second two weeks, my manager told me she couldn’t have me gone for a whole month and wasn’t going to approve it. I told her that I quit and put my stuff away to leave. I guess while I was doing that, she called the store manager and told him what happened. I clocked out when he paged me and I went to go talk to him. I’m sorry I was ready to let it all go to be with you and…”

“Shhh baby stop, it’s ok if you want to keep working.”

“I know but you’d rather I don’t and I was ready to give that to you.”

“Your job is important to you and from the apparent praise your store manager gave you someone is noticing your hard work. I can’t let you give that up, not now.”

"So what happens when the praise leads me to the corporate offices?"

"And that's where?"

"Sidney, Nebraska" she said with a smile "would you come with me?"

"Don't think so baby."

"Why not?"

"No hockey team, so there's nothing for Sidney in Sidney."

Karen started laughing "you're such a dork."

"As long as you love this dork."

"I can't help but only love you and your dorkiness." Karen leaned in and kissed him, letting him know he was who she wanted.

Chapter 155

As Karen was driving, she decided to head across the state of Pennsylvania and hit I95 north. Since she left early enough, she made good time and saw the turn off for Boston. Karen thought of Whit and changed her plans to stay around there for the night. She found the piece of paper that had Ryan’s address and knowing the city a little bit, knew where to go. Karen came upon the apartments 20 minutes later and parked her car, going up to his door. She knocked but it wasn’t Whit who answered.

“Can I help you?” they asked opening the door.

“I hope so. I was looking for Ryan, is he here?”

“He had to go to the store but should be back by now. Would you like to come in and wait for him?” he said eyeing her up and down.

Karen picked up on his motions “no, that’s ok. I’m just passing through town and was hoping to see him. Can you just tell him Karen stopped by?”

“I sure can.”

“Thanks” she said then left feeling his eyes on her. Karen got to her car and was unlocking it when she heard a voice behind her.

“Karen?” she turned around and saw it was Ryan who looked stunned to see her “what are you doing here?” he asked walking to her.

“I’m on my way up to see Sid and since I was passing through, I decided to stop and say hi.”

“Do you have some time to stay and talk?”

“Yeah, I was going to stay overnight at a hotel and then head out in the morning.”

“Great, why don’t we head in and I’ll make you some dinner.”

“Sounds good, but one thing…who’s the guy in there?”

“One of my friends that took up residence. He’s harmless, I promise.” They both shared a laugh and went back to his apartment. Ryan got things together to make dinner and Karen helped as they talked. “So you and Sid still going pretty strong?”

“Actually we got married in April during the Flyers’ series.”

Ryan held in his disappointment “congratulations, for both of you.”

“Thanks. He surprised me after the game and a midnight skate where he proposed and brought out a preacher.”

“Guess you couldn’t say no to that huh?”

“Not really.”

“You’re good for him Kiki, glad everything worked out for you guys.”

“So what about you, any girls from Cali or re-acquaintances going on?”

“I didn’t get a chance to really meet anyone after the trade and the same old girls here. One or two enough for a lonely night I guess.”

“How have you been after the trade? I didn’t even know until I saw you in Dallas in March.”

“It’s been ok. I am glad we went as far as we did since I got there and the chemistry hit right away with Pronger and others. Looking forward for the season to start and see what can happen after a fresh start.”

“I’m happy for you Whit.”

“Thanks, I do miss the guys though.”

“Excuse me?”

“Is there a problem?” Ryan asked nonchalantly.

“Well this was fun. Maybe I’ll stop by and see you next year” Karen said as she started to walk to the door until Ryan grabbed her arm.

“I’m kidding, I miss you too.”

“You better miss me I bring the fun to the group.” They both laughed and finished making dinner. As they ate, they talked about his mom and her surgery, Karen’s work, and just about everything they could think of. A few hours had passed and Karen knew she needed to go. “Well, I hate to break up this reunion but I need to find a hotel before it gets too late.”

“Why don’t you stay here? I have an extra bedroom and won’t charge you as much as a hotel would.”

“That’s sweet but I better not.”

“Why?”

“I think you know why Ryan.”

“All that happened, when I kissed you and everything, it’s forgotten and I’m over it. You and Sid are perfect for each other, I can’t come between that. Look, I will be the perfect gentleman. Just stay.”

“Ok you talked me into it. I am going to get a bag out of the car and be right back.”

Ryan watched her leave and called his friend that left to give them time to catch up. He warned him that it wasn’t a good idea for her to be there, but Ryan ignored it and hung up after telling him he had to sleep somewhere else. When Karen got back, she went to grab a quick shower and changed into some comfy pjs. They met back up in the living room and talked some more as the night went on.

“Wow, it’s almost 3a” Ryan said. “I should let you get some sleep before you head out later to drive.”

“Well I did have another purpose to stop here in Boston on my way up. Sid and I are getting married again in front of his family and friends and I was actually looking to see if I can find a wedding dress.”

“I’m sure anything you find, it’ll be beautiful.”

“Thanks Whit” she said getting up “see you in the morning.”

“Night Karen” he said watching her walk out of the living room.

“Night Ryan” she turned back and said smiling at him before disappearing into the guest bedroom and shutting the door. Ryan sat on the couch and dropped his head into his hands. He sat there for another few minutes before going to bed himself.

During the night, Karen lay in bed and couldn’t fall asleep. She had too much running through her head and closed her eyes to see if it would help. She opened them again when she heard the bedroom door open and Ryan appeared in the doorway. Before she could say anything, he walked over to the bed and got in, turning her to face him.

“I can’t let you leave me, not without letting you know how I feel about you…how you make me feel.”

“Ryan, I can’t do this.”

“Yes you can. Just close your eyes and let the feelings overcome your thoughts” he said leaning in to kiss her passionately. Karen tried to protest but his hold got stronger and his kiss made her surrender to him. Before long, clothes were thrown from under the covers and two naked bodies became one. Ryan had rolled them onto her back and Karen instinctively made room for him by spreading her legs as wide as she could. Karen arched her back into his body feeling him slide inside of her. "I wanted to do this ever since the first day I saw you. Give me a chance to love you Karen." Ryan matched his lips to hers again as his hips began pumping into her. He started with a slow pace, not wanting to rush this with her. He wanted their time together to last and mean something. Karen arched her back and pressed her body into his as he kept moving into her. She broke the kiss to let out the moans that wanted to escape her lips. As her moans got louder and her breathing quickened, Ryan knew she was close. He picked up the pace and literally began to pound into her, making each one harder than the last. Karen grabbed the bars on the headboard to keep from going into them as Ryan hit her spot one last time bringing out her orgasm. He thrusted inside of her a couple more times before letting loose and spilling his hot liquid into her. Karen let go of the bars and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close to her. Ryan brought his head up to look into her eyes before capturing her lips again. When the kiss finally ended, Karen snuggled into Ryan's chest and fell asleep with him holding onto her.

Chapter 154

Karen was at work trying to figure out what all she needed done before heading to Nova Scotia for a few weeks. She had put in another vacation request to give her the month of August off to be with Sidney. Since her anniversary in July, Karen still had a good bit of vacation hours to use up and put in for the remainder of August.

As Karen was getting ready to leave for the day, her manager caught up with her and asked her to join her in the office.

“Something wrong?” she asked concerned.

“Actually there is. I don’t think I can let you go for a whole month for vacation.”

“And why not? I have the time to use.”

“I know you do, but with the IMA program changing, I need you here to help the others and make sure they’re working on it right.”

“I appreciate that, but I need this extra time off.”

“Why do you need more than the two weeks?”

“Because Sidney and I got married in April and I wanted to spend more than just two weeks with him before the season starts back up in September.”

“I’m sorry Karen but I am not approving the second two weeks.”

“Fine, I’ll see you tomorrow” Karen said and got up to leave. She kept control until she got in the car and then let the tears fall as she went home. Sidney had been home for a month and it killed her not being with him. Karen tried to figure a way to get this resolved the rest of the drive home.

On Friday, Karen went to work and was thankful that it was her early day and 11a wouldn’t come early enough. Karen was up half the night wondering what to do about her vacation and knew there was only one choice.

“Sue, can I talk to you for a minute?” she said walking into the Inventory office.

“Sure, what’s going on?”

“I need you to reconsider my second two weeks of vacation in August. Since the playoffs ended, I haven’t had that much time with Sidney and would like to spend a month with him. We all know what changes they’re making and we’ve been already doing it the new way for a few days now. Why do I need to be here after August 15th when he officially rolls it out?”

“Karen, I look to you as the leader of the IMAs. Yes we’ve been already doing the changes, but there could be other changes that you obviously will pick up better than the others and need to help them. I’m sorry, but I need you here for the 15th.”

“Then I’m sorry to. Today will be my last day, I quit.”

“What?”

“I’ve never asked for anything from you. I come to work everyday, work my butt off for you and this store and all I want is to take a month off for vacation to spend with my new husband. I work harder than the other IMAs and you just proved I am the stronger one in the group. I don’t need treated this way and if you won’t approve my vacation, then I quit and will go on a permanent vacation.” Karen walked out of the office and went to put her cart away and clean it off. She was walking towards the time clock when she heard her name being paged from the store manager and went to call him back. He asked to talk to her in his office and she told him she was leaving. When he told her it was important, she headed up to his office.

“Karen, please come in and sit down” Brooke asked her. He shut the door behind her and sat at his desk facing her. “Sue just called me and told me you quit. What is going on that would make you do this?”

“All I wanted was two extra weeks of vacation added on to take the month of August off. Sue wouldn’t approve it saying that I needed to be here when the IMA changes hit on the 15th of August. We’ve already been doing the changes and it won’t be a shock when he officially changes it.”

“Karen, you are important to this store and to the IMA program. When we started this and I saw your name on there, I was happy to have someone with your experience, knowledge and work ethic to be the leader of this program. I can’t let you quit.”

“Look Brooke, I appreciate that but Sidney and I got married in April and the month of August was the only time I would get to spend with him before the season starts again. I don’t want to quit, but the company itself changed the vacation hour’s policy of what can be banked. I have more than the allotted amount and I don’t want to lose it. If I take the month off, I will be close to where I only need to take a day here and there. Either help me, or today is my last day.”

“When does your vacation start?”

“Next Thursday.”

“Ok, I don’t want to lose you and I am not going to accept you quitting. I will approve your other two weeks in August and why don’t you just take all next week off instead of waiting until Thursday. Go spend time with Sidney we’ll be fine until you get back.”

“Thank you Brooke, really. I love my job and you know more than anyone how I pride myself in my work.”

“I know and out of all the IMAs, you are always working on something and not goofing off.” Karen looked at him quizzical “I have seen the difference between all of you. One is always with her friend, walking around or shopping, going to the break room constantly and the other takes her time getting things done. If you’re done scanning, you find other things to do that are detrimental to the department.”

“Then why keep them here and not replace them with ones that will work hard?”

“Because we really don’t have just cause yet. I don’t want to lose you and I will make it possible to keep you here.”

“You know, my request isn’t that bad considering the one always asks for every holiday off and the other takes almost every other weekend off for a fishing tournament. I only ask for vacation when I need it.”

“I know. Why don’t you head home, get packed and go spend time with your husband.”

“Thanks Brooke.”

“Tell Sidney I said hi and congratulations.”

“Thanks” Karen said smiling and then left his office to clock out and head home. Instead of waiting around a few more days, Karen decided to cancel her plane ticket and make the two and ½ day drive up to Nova Scotia and surprise Sidney.

Chapter 153

Karen made it to work and was putting her things in her locker when Diane was coming through the doors.

"How come you're so late today?" she asked. Karen looked at her with her red, teary eyes and Diane got concerned "what happened?"

"It's nothing too major, I just took Sid to the airport this morning before coming in" she said blotting her eyes. "I thought I could handle this but I don't know how I am going to last for a whole month and a half."

"I know it's not the same, but you do have us."

Karen cracked a smile "you're right...it's not the same."

"Stating the obvious Kiki. You know your girls will keep you preoccupied and make the time go by fast."

"I know."

"Maybe we can all get together this weekend for dinner. I bet Nat will be feeling as down as you are right about now."

"Yeah probably. I forgot about Max leaving her. Getting together sounds great."

"Good, I will make all the arrangements and just let you know then, ok?"

"Ok, thanks Di. Well I better go salvage about 4 hours of work. Talk to you later." The two friends parted and Karen headed to get some work done with hopes of forgetting her sadness for a few hours.

As time did indeed fly by and Karen had about two weeks before she would go see Sidney. During the nights and weekends, she got pretty much everything packed up from the house she was taking with her to the new house. The only stuff left was her parents things in the attic. Karen kept putting off going through all the memories until the very last moments. She was having the girls over for dinner and had everything ready, just waiting on them to show up.

An hour later, all four of them were sitting around the living room eating pizza.

"So, what's the deal with all the boxes?" Sheril asked.

"Yeah, I was going to ask the same thing" Natalie added.

"Did I forget to mention that Sidney bought us a house?"

"YES!" all three of them screamed in unison.

"Oh, well then, Sidney bought us a house and we'll move into it before the season starts."

"When did this happen?"

"During the playoffs after we got married. We went to Dana Heinze's house for a party he had thrown and the guys were there waiting for us. Dana was looking for another house and had his for sale. After I got the tour, I fell in love with it and come to realize Sidney had already bought it for us."

"So what's going to happen to this house?"

"I'm going to rent it out to Coach Dan and his family."

"So that's it? All the memories we've had here are going down in history?"

"Not like we can't make new memories at the new house. It's bigger and by the time I fix it up, it'll have the feel of this place."

"When do we get to see it?"

"Probably not until I get back from Nova Scotia. Dana and his family are in the process of moving out and I won't get to move anything in until after I get back."

"You better have one hell of a party woman" Sheril said.

"When have you ever known me not to?" They all smiled and finished eating before finding a movie to watch on tv.

A couple hours later, the girls left and Karen grabbed a small box, taking it to bed with her. She opened it and found a whole bunch of pictures sitting on top. They were random pictures of her and her parents from Ocean City, MD and Florida. Karen smiled when she vividly remembered those summer vacations. She picked up one that she was on her dad's shoulders and her mom was obviously taking the picture since she wasn't in it. A few tears escaped when she knew how happy they were back then, realizing it would never happen again. Karen put the picture down and dug a little deeper into the box. She found a velvet box and looked at it weirdly before opening it.

"Oh my god" she said to herself. Pulling out the jewelry one piece at a time. "I thought all this was gone. Mom said she sold it at one time to pay off a few bills when they were struggling. How is this still here?" Karen found an envelope and opened the letter inside.

My darling baby girl,

If you found this jewelry and letter first then that means something has happened and I am no longer with you. I had every intention to give you all this when the time was right, but I guess that time never came. I remember you asking about all my jewelry and I told you I had sold it to pay for the back mortgage we owed. I didn't think you would have understood back then and I didn't want you to know the ugly side of giving up things you love to survive. The truth was, your dad and I had pawned it and he surprised me one day a few months later giving it all back to me. He knew this would eventually go to you and he saw how it broke my heart to give up your future. You could have it appraised again, but the value of it all is $275,000.

"OH...MY....GOD" Karen said in disbelief.

I know what you're thinking baby girl. I did love my jewelry and your dad did know how to spoil me. Maybe that's why we lapsed on the mortgage. Karen couldn't stop the giggle that she let out. Anyway, it was just a few hard months and we didn't want to touch your inheritance that was in the bank unless we absolutely had to. It was just easier this way. In the end, you have what I wanted to give you, I just wish I could have been the one to give it to you. I hope you have found a life to make you happy again Karen. Seeing what Rick did to you was not what I wanted for my baby girl. I hope as you are reading this that you have someone to love and that they love you. I always wanted the best for my baby. I love you with all my heart.
Love,
Mom

Karen let the letter fall to the bed and put her head into her hands. She didn't stop the tears that came so easily because she missed her parents so much. She needed her mom to talk to about Sidney and how everything happened between them from when they met until now. How they are getting married in a few weeks and her parents won't be there to share it all with her. She wiped her eyes and grabbed her cell phone when she heard it ring.

"Hello" she said with a sniffle.

"Baby? What's wrong?" Sidney said concerned on the other end.

"Nothing's wrong, I just started going through some of mom and dad's boxes."

"I thought you were going to wait and go through it after we moved so I could be there with you?"

"I was and am, but there was this small box that I guess curiousity just got the best of me."

"What was in it?"

"A lot of pictures from some vacations we took back when I was 9 or 10 to the beach."

"I bet you were a little cutie?" he said trying to make her feel better.

"I believe I was but I am impartial to judge myself."

"Well since you are so beautiful now, you had to be a gorgeous child."

"So I went from gorgeous to beautiful....isn't that a step down?"

"Not what I meant baby."

"I know. I miss you stud."

"I miss you too. The days are winding down and you'll be here soon."

"Not soon enough though."

"Don't make this any harder than it is baby."

"So, was there a reason you called?"

"I just wanted to hear your voice. It's been a few days since we last talked and the days aren't moving fast enough for me either."

"So just call to make us both realize how many days are left....nice work there Crosby."

"Well we could make each other feel better?"

"I'm listening..."

"How about" just then they both heard a beep "damn it, baby hold on for a minute ok?"

"I'm not going anywhere stud." Karen heard him click over and she moved the box, laying down on the bed. She was already in one of his t-shirts and a pair of shorts, so it was easy access for what she knew he wanted to happen.

Sidney clicked back over to Karen after 5 minutes had gone by "don't hate me baby" he started "it's my dad and I can't get rid of him."

"I don't hate you stud and it's ok. There's always another night. Go take care of what you need to."

"Yeah that and then I will definitely have to take care of something else when I'm done."

"Just think of me when you do."

"Always. I love you baby."

"I love you too stud. Talk to you soon." They hung up and Karen laid there feeling a little anxious. She always had a back up plan for when Sidney was gone and went to her goodie bag to relieve what he riled up within her, thinking of nothing but him the whole time.