Chapter 86

AN: sex alert :) You can say Sid and Karen definitely made up in this chapter. enjoy!


During the car ride home, Karen did all she could to play with Sidney. She would reach her hand over the console and rub his thigh, squeezing it at times. Sidney would try and bat her hand away but she would just laugh and try again. When they got to the house, Karen leaned over and kissed his cheek before getting out and running to the house. She got the door unlocked and was about to go in when Sidney caught her and picked her up, carrying her inside.

"You think your slick huh baby?"

"What? I was just opening the door for you."

Sidney put her down in front of him "uh huh. I think you were trying to run away from me."

"Yeah, maybe I was. I like it when you catch me."

"I think you like what I do to you after I catch you."

"And tonight will be any different?"

"It depends. We did have that fight earlier and apparently make up sex is so much better than normal."

"But I thought make up sex had to happen right after we made up from the fight. Its been like 7 hours since then."

"Maybe we need to have a mini fight to rekindle that."

"I don't like fighting with you."

Sidney smoothed her hair from her face "I don't like it when we fight either. I don't like knowing I hurt you in some way."

"But I don't know if it's possible to be happy all the time."

"We could always try it" Sidney said leaning down to kiss her.

"Then why don't you follow me upstairs and make me happy for tonight?"

"Tonight and always." Karen kissed him then headed upstairs with Sidney directly behind her. They got into the bedroom and couldn't wait. Karen took off her jersey and put it away. As soon as she turned around, it was right into Sidney arms and he attacked her lips feverishly. The rest of their clothes were discarded and they stood there naked and holding each other. Sidney's hands went to her ass and lifted her up. He walked over to the bed and turned around, sitting on the edge with Karen on his lap. He snaked his hand inbetween them and placed his cock at her entrance. She sat up on her knees and came down upon him. Sidney kept ahold of her ass helping her move on him. They slower they went, the more sensual it became for them. Their lips found each other again and Karen's fingers dug into his skin. As her orgasm was making its peak, Sidney brought his hands up her back and held onto her shoulders, pushing her down on him and bringing out her moans of pleasure. Sidney felt her juices coat over him as Karen sat there and let her breathing return to normal before she looked at Sidney and kissed him.

Sidney didn't say anything as he stood up with Karen still on him and turned around to put her on the bed. He sat her up and propped up the pillows behind her so she was in a sitting position. Sidney pressed his body into hers, loving the angled position they were in. Karen felt every hit to her g-spot as it turned her on even more. She leaned her head back off the pillows and Sidney took to her neck as it was offered to her while he pounded into her. Karen's moans filled the room and wasn't shy with the sensations Sidney was making her feel. She felt her orgasm building within her, moving her hands to Sidney's ass to help push him deeper inside her. After a few more hard, deep thrusts Karen couldn't contain the scream that left her mouth. She heard Sidney growl a low moan, giving her all he had. Sidney moved his hand to the back of her neck and lifted her head to share a soft, passionate kiss. He wrapped his arm around her, lifting her up and removing the pillows so he could lay her down on the bed. He was about to move off of her, but Karen stopped him.

"Just stay where you are."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"You're not hurting me" she said caressing his cheek "I just don't want you off of me yet."

Sidney smiled and then kissed her before lying back on top of her and getting comfortable. Karen wrapped her arms around him, loving the weight of him on her. She knew he would roll off of her after a while, but Karen wanted to savor the feelings, at least for a little bit.

Two hours had passed and Sidney woke up still on top of Karen. She looked so beautiful to him when she slept. He quietly got off of her and went to the bathroom. When he came out a few minutes later, Karen had rolled over to her side and curled up under the covers. Sidney crawled in and spooned up behind her, falling back asleep with his arm around her.

Karen came to awhile later and looked at the clock. She saw it was after 10a but she also saw Sidney not beside her. She laid there to wake up a little more and was about to get up when he came through the door with a tray.

"Breakfast for my beautiful baby."

Karen looked at the tray but the sight of Sidney caught her by surprise "um, do you always cook breakfast naked?"

"Not really, I just didn't think to put on any clothes before I went down."

"Good thing no one else stayed last night."

Sidney put the tray down and did a little flexing "this is all for you baby, no one else will ever get the pleasure of seeing this except you."

"So you wait until after everyone else leaves the locker room, then you shower?"

"Ok, no other girl will see this but you" he said crawling back into bed.

"That I like." They ate the food and then cuddled back together "can we just stay in bed all day?"

"We could but you know what would happen if we do?"

"We would sleep so much that we won't sleep tonight?"

"Nope, the sex monster will come back and want to play and play again until we get up."

"Are you waiting for an argument from me because I really don't see you getting one" she said smiling.

"Damn, were you always a sex fiend?"

"I am not a sex fiend thank you. I am just in my prime and happen to be a sexual person when in a relationship. Besides, you my stud, are in your prime as well or you wouldn't give in so easy."

"I don't recall giving in so easy."

"Really" Karen turned over and looked at Sidney "so if I start something, you could just let me do it and just feel nothing?"

"Try it and find out."

Karen took the challenge and kissed him. She left his lips and travelled down his chest. He knew where she was headed and he tried to think of anything but what she was about to do. Karen stuck out her tongue and licked the length of his shaft. She heard Sidney suck in a breath and she smiled before taking him all in her mouth. Sidney tried to think of something else, but it wasn't working and the feelings were taking over. He couldn't take it anymore and grabbed her arms, bringing her up to him. Karen straddled him and came down, letting him slide inside of her. She put her hands on his thighs behind her and began to move her hips in an upward circular motion. Sidney's hand went to her hips to help with her movements making them bigger and faster. Before long, Karen felt her body tense up as her muscles clamped down on him drawing out not only her orgasm, but Sidney's as well. She leaned down and kissed him before getting off of him and snuggling into his body.

"Well you lost that battle Crosby."

"Quit being so proud of yourself baby" he said smiling.

"Just admit we turn each other on so much that we will always give in to one another."

Sidney lifted her chin so he could look her in the eyes "I'll admit that I love you."

"I love you too stud, even though you won't admit I'm right." She leaned up and kissed him before laying her head on his chest.

"Well I'm trying to keep your ego in check. Can't have you going around bragging about that now."

"Yeah because I'm the one with the ego. Your going to tell me that other than the shower ordeal, you have never bragged to any of the guys about me?" Sidney fell silent and Karen moved her head to look at him and the expression on his face "I thought so."

"Oh what, like you don't brag to your friends about me."

"Please, you are dating some older woman that is a nobody when I am dating Sidney fucking Crosby. Of course I have the bragging rights."

Sidney just started laughing "I can't believe you just said that baby."

"I only speak the truth stud."

"I know and as much as I love you, it does get annoying at times." Karen just laid there and rolled her eyes at the comment. "How about we get up for a while?"

"I don't really feel like going anywhere."

"Maybe we go downstairs, find a couple movies, cuddle up on the couch, and then save our last make up romp until tonight."

"I like that idea. I am going to get a shower first and I will meet you downstairs."

"Can I join you?" Sidney said giving her a puppy dog look.

"If you do, there are rules stud. We get our shower and that is it. No touching, grabbing, kissing or inserting of anything or tonight you will be getting another shower...a cold one before bed."

"Damn baby, you drive a hard bargain. But I believe I can control myself" Sidney got up and held her "besides, I'd rather save all my energy for tonight anyway." He kissed her and then walked into the bathroom starting the shower. Karen joined him and they got done what they needed. She was rather impressed that Sidney did have some control. He was done before her and he did sneak a kiss before getting out. Karen just laughed at him and finished up. When she got dried off and went into the bedroom, Sidney was already downstairs. She decided to put on the shirt Sheril got her for Christmas and see what reaction Sidney would have. Karen walked down the steps and went into the living room. Sidney watched her as she came and sat down beside him, disbelieving what her shirt said.

"You can't be seriously wearing that shirt?"

Karen looked down at the words on the front of her shirt "why, what's wrong with it?"

"Baby? 'Got Crosby?' You've got to be kidding me."

"Well it's true isn't it?"

"Do I even want to know where you found that?"

"Actually I didn't find it, Sheril did. It was my Christmas present from her."

"Yeah, remind me to thank her" he said somewhat unamused.

"Oh come on baby" she said kissing his neck "you really don't like it?"

Sidney smirked and grabbed her, pulling her on his lap "you could pursuade me to like it." Karen leaned in and kissed him with a mind blowing kiss. Her hand went to the back of his neck, lightly playing with his curls and turning him on. She released her lips from his and brought her head back to lock their eyes "I guess I don't see a problem with it."

"I figured you would say that. So, what movie are we watching?"

"I don't care what we watch, we could continue to do this for a while."

"Yeah and I'm the sex fiend."

"It has nothing to do with sex."

"Please, we start making out and you don't think sex will be next."

"I controlled myself in the shower didn't I?"

"Only because I threatened you with a cold shower later stud."

"Ok, why don't we just call this a draw and we'll find a movie to watch?" Sidney took the remote and brought up the guide. As he flipped through the channels, Karen saw the comedy special of Jeff Dunham and his Very Special Christmas special.

"Can we watch this?" Karen asked excitedly.

"What is it?"

"You've never heard of Jeff Dunham? He is so funny. He is a vantriloquist and his puppets are hilarious. Please?"

"Ok. I've never seen him so if you say he's funny, then let's watch." They watched the show and Karen was cracking up the whole time. Sidney was even laughing harder than he's ever laughed before. Karen was happy when his other special Spark of Insanity came on after and they watched it too laughing harder than the first one. When it was over, Karen got up and found something to make for an early dinner. But she didn't expect guests for dinner when the door opened with Max and Natalie walking in.

Chapter 85

After a few minutes of Ryan just staring at her, Karen shook his arm to get his attention "Ryan, earth to Ryan. You ok?"

"Yeah, I was just thinking about something. Look, there's nothing wrong and I've just been busy."

Karen didn't buy his excuse but didn't want to push him "ok but don't be a stranger. I miss hanging out with you." She smiled at him before heading back to the lounge until Sidney had to get ready. Karen got a text from Sheril and she told her where to go. She left the lounge and went to meet them by the entrance. They came back to the lounge and hung out until it was time to go to their seats. As they were leaving, Karen had someone get Sidney to meet her out in the hallway.

Sidney came out and smiled when he saw her "you guys heading up?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to tell you to have a great game" she said giving him a quick kiss.

"Meet me down here after?"

"Well I kind of have to since you brought me here."

"Just wanted to check. I better go."

"Yeah, me too. Love you."

Sidney kissed her again "I love you too baby." He walked back into the locker room and Karen met up with her friends to go to their seats.

The game was a good one against Montreal, but the Pens ended up losing 3-2. Sidney had a goal which was the tying goal but Montreal came back to score in the third and time ran out for the Pens. Eventhough they lost, the guys were pretty ubeat since the game was a hard fought one and they felt they should've won it. The girls decided to cap the night off with a visit to Pops. Karen told them she would get Sidney and invite some of the other guys then meet them there.

As she was waiting around for Sidney to get done with his interviews, Karen saw some of the guys and told them about getting together at Pops. She made sure to ask Ryan but he told her he had other plans. Karen didn't want him to be awkward around her and Sidney since that night at Pops, but he wasn't willing to help out the situation and talk to her. Karen let it go and continued to wait for Sidney in the lounge.

Karen was sitting on the couch watching tv when she felt a pair of warm lips on her cheeks. "Are you done?"

"Yeah. Ready to head home?"

"Actually, do you feel like going out for a bit? We kind of got a group heading to Pops for a couple hours."

"Sure, we can go for a little while."

"You're to good to me" she said as she got up and Sidney pulled her to him.

"It's because I love you to much." Sidney kissed her then they left, going over to Pops. When they got there, everyone else was already there. Sidney was used to being the last one to meet up with the guys because he was in demand more with the media. He was glad that Karen understood and never complained about it. They joined the others in the booth as Pops brought them a drink.

"So what game do we play tonight?"

"Whatever it is, it better be about someone else. Ya'll are done picking on me" Karen stated and sternly pointed her finger at Max. He just put his hands up in defeat and laughed.

"Why don't we save the games for a more private location?" Sidney said in her defense.

"Quit sucking up Crosby" Jordan said "you already have her."

"Yes I do and it's going to stay that way." Sidney looked at Karen and smiled. They began to lean in for a kiss when something hit her in the head.

"What the hell was that?" Karen said rubbing her head.

"Pretzel stick" Sheril said with a smile "and I have many more if I need to use them."

Karen turned to Sidney "I love my friends so much."

"I can tell baby" he said then kissing her on her head quickly.

While they were at Pops talking, Karen's hand made its way onto Sidney's thigh. It wasn't like she always planned to put it there, it just felt natural to. Sidney felt the heat rise in his body when her fingers would lightly go over his leg. She would come dangerously close to his crotch and he knew she didn't do it on purpose, it was just the way she moved her fingers. The night was getting later and everyone left around 2am. With the guys having Sunday off, it never mattered how late they stayed out after Saturday's games.

Sidney kept Karen behind the others and they walked slowly to his car. When they got to his car, Sidney pushed her up against the door on the passenger side and pressed his body up to hers, kissing her passionately. Before Karen could protest, Sidney put his hand up the jersey she was wearing and found the hem of her knit pants. He slid his hand down her pants, finding her mound.

Karen grabbed onto his arm to stop him "what if someone walks by or is standing around watching?"

"Then they'll get an eyeful" he said as two of his fingers made their way inside her wet, warm core "you have been getting me all fired up all night and now it's my turn." He captured her lips again as his fingers continued his assault on her. Karen broke the kiss and Sidney's lips immediately went to her neck. Her fingers dug into his bicep as the feelings took over and the whimpers poured out from her lips. Karen bit her lip to keep herself from screamimg as her body shook with her orgasm. Sidney removed his fingers and held her until she calmed down, planting kisses on her eyes, nose, cheeks, and then finally her lips. "You ok?" he said smiling at her.

"Definitely."

"Why don't we head home and do this right?"

"You sure you're up for it stud?"

"If you thought what just happened was amazing, let me assure you when we get home it will be more incredible than you've ever experienced before."

"Well this I gotta see."

"You'll do more than see baby."

Sidney kissed her before opening the door and helping her inside. He went to the driver's side and got in, starting the car and going home.

Chapter 84

Karen laid there listening to Sidney's calm breathing and she knew he was sound asleep. She brought her head back and looked at him. Bringing a hand up, she lightly caressed his cheek over and over until he stirred and cuddled up into her more falling back alseep. Karen just smiled and closed her eyes, loving the feeling of being with him.

When the alarm rang an hour and a half later, Sidney reached over and turned it off. He rolled back over and looked at Karen laying there with her eyes closed. Staring at her he knew what he needed to do. He took his hand and brought it up, caressing her cheek until she woke up.

"Hey" she told him as she looked at him.

"Hey baby."

"Did you have a good nap?"

"I always have a good nap when you join me, but now I need to get up and get ready."

"What do you want to eat?" Karen said as they got up.

Sidney just stopped and looked at her "you're joking right?"

"Maybe Chinese, Mexican....Mongolian?"

"Why don't we stick with Italian smartass" Sidney said as he walked into the bathroom and shut the door.

"And what a beautiful ass it is" she said quietly to herself watching him walk into the bathroom before heading downstairs to make dinner.

As Karen got in the kitchen to start dinner, Max came out of the bedroom to join her.

"Now this I like, fully clothed."

"You loved seeing my naked ass. It so normal compared to your boyfriend's."

"There's nothing wrong with my boyfriend's ass thank you."

"You're kidding me right?"

"Nope, there's a lot of power behind that ass."

"Ok, I get it. You win" Max said while he pretended to gag.

"You sticking around for dinner?"

"I think I just might. Mind if I help?"

"Not at all."

"So, everything better between you and Sid?"

"At the moment, yes."

Max saw the ring on her finger and wondered if that could have been the reason "What happened? I mean if you don't mind me asking."

"No I don't mind."

"Does it have something to do with the ring?"

"Can I ask you something first?"

"Sure."

"Would you give your girlfriend a ring like this to show your committment to her?"

"Like marriage?"

"No, not really. Just to show how much love you have for her and want to be with her."

"Maybe not that size, of course I don't make the money that Sid does. But if we both weren't ready for marriage and I can see myself with her for a long while, then yeah I would. Is that what the ring means?"

"Its what he said it meant and I was speechless when he gave it to me. He knows my feelings on marriage and I know he couldn't possibly be ready for it anytime now, but having him be committed to me said a lot."

"Then if everything was fine, what happened to sour that?"

"I thought about what he said about how he was planning on staying with Mario when his family came down next week and I just felt that maybe keeping his life with me a secret from them was proving that I'm not the one he wants. I know he loves me Max and I couldn't begin to put into words how he makes me feel, but like I told Nat and the girls I'm not stupid. I know there could be someone out there closer to his age to take him away from me and..."

"...and you think he'll go?"

"Its stupid I know but that's what it feels like it's come down to and I hate that I took a beautiful thing and turned it around like that."

"You didn't turn it around, it's a normal feeling to have."

"It's normal to second guess the love someone has for you? That is not normal Max. We got through a lot of things and finally getting back, I go and stall it with insecurities."

"You're not being insecure Kiki, you're just being honest with yourself and Sid."

"Yeah but will he understand?"

"I absolutely understand baby" Sidney said wrapping his arms around her waist. Max just gave them a smile and excused himself. "Why didn't you just tell me this?" he said turning her around to face him.

"Because I didn't know how to without you really understanding what I meant without making it worse" she said with tears starting to fall.

"Baby, if I wanted someone else I would have looked for them while we were apart. A couple times I went out with the guys, I could have had a choice of girls, but they weren't what I wanted. Tell me that means something to you?"

"It tells me you're an idiot for turning down any and all of those twenty-something girls" she said smiling through her tears.

"It tells me I'd rather have a vibrant, beautiful woman." Sidney brought her closer to him and kissed her. Karen melted into his arms as his kiss sent sparks through her body.

"Ok, you thought walking in on us having sex was a sight, this is more sickening?" Natalie said walking out with Max.

"Shut up, I'm happy" Karen said after breaking the kiss. She looked at Sidney who just kissed her again before letting her go so they all could get something to eat and then head to the arena.

An hour later they were heading to the arena. Natalie went with Max and Karen went with Sidney.

"How long were you listening before you walked in?"

"I pretty much heard all of it. I still don't understand why you couldn't just tell me."

"I'm sorry. I guess I just had the worse scenerio go through my head and it scared me what your response would have been."

"It would have been like all the other ones." Sidney gave Karen his sexy smile and she just smiled in return as they continued to the arena. They got to the parking lot and got out, walking towards the entrance.

"Can I ask a favor?"

"Sure."

"Could you maybe leave Sheril and Diane's name so they could come through this way instead of waiting for Nat and I to come meet them?"

"Absolutely baby." Sidney led Karen inside and then told security at the door about her friends. Karen texted Sheril and told her to text her when they got to the arena. They headed to the lounge and Karen went to sit down, waiting for Sidney to join her but got another friend instead.

"Hey beautiful. Fianlly came to your senses, dumped Crosby and want a night with the blonde bombshell huh?"

"I don't know Jordan. Sid has set the bar kind of high, sure you're up to the challenge?"

"After one night with me, you'll forget all about him."

"You really make offers tempting don't you Staalsy?"

"I have to try if I want to get the girl" he said putting his arm around her.

"Well you need to go find those girls and leave my woman alone" Sidney said walking in and sitting down beside her.

"5 more minutes and she would have given in. Damn you Crosby" Jordan said mumbling as he got up and walked away as everyone laughed at him. While they were laughing, Karen noticed Ryan walk in, look at her and then walk back out. She realized that they hadn't talked since that night he kissed her and she missed him joining them.

"What's up with Whit?" Karen whispered in Sidney's ear.

"What do you mean?"

"Is he avoiding being around us?"

"I don't think so. Why?"

"He just walked in, looked over here and then walked out."

"I don't know baby."

Karen thought about that night and she thought they had an understanding and would still be friends. She never held his kiss against him nor was she mad at him for trying. She found a friend in Ryan when her and Sidney broke up and she didn't want to lose that. "Hey, do you mind if I go see what's up?"

Sidney smiled and kissed her temple "not at all baby, go ahead." He knew they were friends and did find it strange that Ryan was avoiding them. Sidney turned his attention back to Max and some of the other guys.

Karen found Ryan in the locker room taping up his stick. She walked over to him and sat down beside him. "Hey stranger. Some reason why you didn't want to join us?"

"I don't know what you mean. I was looking for someone and then I needed to get my sticks ready."

"So then explain when a few of the guys got together with us, you haven't been coming to join us."

"I've been busy alright" Ryan said getting up and walking away.

Karen got up and followed him, grabbing his arm "Whit, what's going on?"

Ryan stopped and looked at her holding his arm. He looked up into her eyes and was about to say something except he pulled her closer to him and kissed her.

Chapter 83

When Karen got out of the shower, she went to get dressed. She pulled out a pair of comfy knit pants and went for a shirt, but grabbed one of Sidney's Reebok shirts instead. She smiled when she put it on but felt a chill and went for one of his sweatshirts too. Karen picked out her favorite one and held it up, smelling his scent on it. She could wash it 50 times in a row and there would still be a lingering smell of him of on it. After she put it on, Karen sat in the chair in the bedroom and brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her.

"What did I just do?" Karen said quietly to herself as she thought back to her conversation with Sidney. "The best thing that has come into your life since forever and you couldn't just let it go. Damn, how am I going to fix this?" She stayed in the chair and thought about what she needed to do.

Meanwhile at the arena....

Sidney was getting dressed in his practice gear and a couple of the guys noticed how quiet he was. They all hit the ice for practice and Sidney's focus came into play. An hour and a half later, practice was over and Sidney was still on the ice shooting the puck around. Max was about to head off the ice when he skated back over to him.

"Ok Sid, what's wrong?"

"Who said anything was wrong?" Sidney said as he took slap shot after slap shot at the net as hard as he could.

"It doesn't take a genius to figure it out. Something happen between you and Karen?"

Sidney stopped shooting pucks at the net "something happened but I'm not sure what. I started kissing her then stopped because it was late and thought we needed to head to bed because of the game tonight. Well, I guess I chose the wrong thing to say and she just went off from there."

"What do you mean 'went off'? Like yelling at you?"

"No it was more second guessing about us being together. I told her when we were coming back from at my house for Christmas that when my family comes down after the 2nd that I would stay at Mario's until we got back from the dad's trip and they went back home. I guess after a day it settled in her head that if I couldn't tell them we were living together, it was telling myself that she wasn't the right one for me."

"Which of course is....?"

"Stupid, but I guess now that I've said it out loud I can understand what she meant. Keeping her and us away from the media is one thing, but I should be able to tell my parents that I am living with the woman I love, not keep my life with her a secret from them. Damn it Max, what did I do?"

"You didn't do anything a guy in love wouldn't do. Sid, we all see it man. They way you look at her, the way she looks at you. It's almost sickening the way you go on and on about her. She feels somewhat insecure that since you don't want to be open with your parents about you two that you'd rather find someone that they would approve of."

"I don't care if they approve of her, I know she's the right one for me."

"Then you know what you need to do. But Sid, let me ask you this...your whole life your dad has been running your hockey life. Do you really need him to run your personal life too?" Max said before skating off. Sidney stayed on the ice for a few more minutes thinking about what he said before heading off himself. He got his gear off, got a shower and headed home.

Karen was still sitting in the chair staring out the window. She couldn't believe she was stupid for basically telling Sidney that he didn't think she was right for him. Their love was perfect for them and she should have let it go, but she couldn't. Karen knew if she didn't bring it out into the open, it would have eaten at her until she said something. She was soon brought out of her thoughts when she heard a car door shut. Karen wiped her eyes and went downstairs to face whatever came at her.

As Karen walked downstairs, Sidney was walking in the door and Max was right behind him. She looked at Sidney then to Max and a smile crept onto her face.

"You know, our last fight had you bring home a dozen roses and a whole team of Penguins. This time I get no flowers and Max?" Karen looked at Max "do I get to keep this one?"

"No chance in hell Kiki" Natalie said as she came out of the kitchen "you already have one, this one's mine." She waited beside Karen as Max stepped around Sidney and enveloped Natalie into a hug.

"Sorry Karen, but I think the one you want is right in front of you" Max said before taking Natalie into the living room. Karen looked to the floor before moving her eyes up to meet Sidney's.

"Take a walk with me?" he said as he reached his hand out for her to take. Before Karen could answer, she saw her shoes being thrown from the living room at them and just missed hitting them. They both looked into the living room and at two smiling faces.

"I guess my answer is yes."

"Good call Karen. Take a walk, play in the snow, hell throw Sid in the snow while you're at it. You crazy kids have fun" Max said before Natalie pulled him down on the couch.

Karen put her shoes on and Sidney grabbed her coat. They started to walk out the door but she took a step back and peered into the living room "you two either take it to a bedroom or you are buying me a new house Max."

"What? It's not like this couch hasn't had an ass imprint in it from sex before" Natalie yelled.

Sidney and Karen couldn't help but laugh as they headed outside, but the smiles turned to an awkward silence....a silence they never experienced before. Sidney took her hand in his as they walked down the street.

"This has never happened to us" he said finally breaking the tension.

"I know. Usually when were silent like this, no words were ever needed..."

".....because we never needed to say them." Sidney stopped them and turned her so she was facing him "I never meant to imply that you weren't the one I wanted in my life. My dad has always been there judging, questioning, even ridiculing every move I made on the ice. Even now, I can't seem to make a decision without wondering what his opinion would be."

"Maybe you need his opinion because you value it."

"Maybe, but from what I heard today I don't need his opinion for this. I know what I want."

Karen felt the fear arise within her and she didn't know if she would be able to hear what he had to say to her "what do you want?"

Sidney brought his hand up and caressed her cheek "I want what I've wanted since April....you."

"But you don't know...." Karen didn't get to finish as Sidney's lips crashed down on hers for a searing kiss. He pour all his feelings for her into the kiss that made Karen's knees almost buckle under her.

Sidney released her lips, waiting for her to open her eyes "I don't need to know. I'm sure you'll tell me later but it's not going to change my feelings for you or wanting to live with you. Just tell me you understand that part."

"I do understand Sid."

"Good" he said pulling her into a hug "why don't we head home, warm up and finish talking about this. I will listen to everything you have to tell me, ok?"

"Ok. But can I say one thing before we head back?"

"You can say anything baby, what is it?"

Karen got a concerned look on her face and step away from Sidney. She looked into his eyes and saw he was scared to find out what she needed to say. "Sid, I...." she started to say before pushing him backwards into a pile of snow "hope you like the snow."

Sidney laid there and just smirked at her. Before he got up, he grabbed a handful of snow in each hand and got up, throwing it at Karen. She saw what was coming and ducked them, taking off running towards the house. She felt a hit on her back which made her stop and turn around. Karen leaned down, grabbed a huge handful and threw it at him. Sidney dodged it but ended up tackling her into a bigger snowbank.

"I don't think you have anywhere to go baby."

"But I'm getting cold" she said in a sweet voice.

"Don't even try it, you know I'll keep you warm."

"Well you're not doing a good enough job" she said with her bottom lip pouting out.

"Fine, you win baby" Sidney got up and pulled her up with her "but only because I need to go get my pregame nap in."

They walked back to the house and into a sight not meant for anyone.

"OH MY GOD, please tell me that is not Max's naked ass on my living room floor" Karen screamed seeing what appeared to be two naked bodies having sex on the floor. She turned around, putting her head on Sidney's shoulder.

"Yeah baby, that's what it appears to be" Sidney said turning around as well after getting an eyeful.

"You said there couldn't be a naked ass print on the couch, you never said anything about the floor" Max retorted to his friends.

Karen just ran upstairs speechless with Sidney following her "I am going to have to burn that room down and rebuild it."

"I don't think you need to go that far baby."

"Yeah you're right, I need to worry about the image of Max's ass that is now permanently burned into my eyes." Karen took off his sweatshirt to reveal the Reebok shirt.

"Um, you got 12 of your own shirts for Christmas, why do you have one of mine on?" Sidney asked as she crawled into bed.

"Because."

"Because why?" he said as he got into bed and pulled her close to him.

"Because I wanted to."

"Well as long as you had a good reason" Sidney looked deep into her eyes "we'll finish all this tomorrow?"

Karen just nodded and then kissed him "get some sleep stud." Sidney closed his eyes and Karen nestled into the nook. She didn't close her eyes as thoughts still plagued her mind. She knew she had to get it all out before her and Sidney could truly be happy again.

Chapter 82

On Friday after work, four friends had their Christmas. Since the game was in New Jersey, they gathered at Sheril's house for dinner and to watch the game. When Karen opened one of her presents she couldn't help but laugh at what it said. She knew it had to have been from Sheril, who just gave her a knowing look.

"Apparently you found this appropriate?"

"Well it's true isn't it?"

Karen started laughing again "yeah it is." She showed the others the shirt and everyone started laughing.

The game started and they sat around eating and watching the game. Natalie had noticed something and nonchalantly got Diane and Sheril to notice too. They all waited until the first intermission to say something.

"So, is there something you would like to share with us Karen?" Natalie asked.

"Not really."

"You want to tell us how your Christmas with Sid went?" Diane chimed in.

"I told you about it at work today. Nothing's changed, so what's going on?"

"Why don't you tell us, the soon-to-be Mrs. Crosby?" Sheril said pointing to her hand.

Karen looked down and realized she had on the ring Sidney gave her. She had put it on this morning before she left the house and kind of forgot about it during the day. "Um, it doesn't mean what you guys think it means" she said smiling at it.

"That's a bunch of bullshit Kiki and you know it. Sidney brings you to his home during Christmas and knowing how in love with you he is, you're going to sit there and tell us that he didn't propose when the evidence is right there on your left hand and on the right finger" Sheril protested.

Karen wondered how she was going to explain this to where they would understand "he didn't propose, alright? When he gave me the ring the words 'will you marry me' did not accompany it. He knows my feelings about marriage and not sure if I ever want to get married. Sid is only 21, you're going to sit there and think he's actually ready to get married when he's only 4 years into his hockey career? He gave me this ring to show his committment to me. If one day he's ready to get married and its to me, I already have the ring and I'll just need the question."

"What do you mean if it's to you? You don't see you guys together in the long run?" Natalie asked concerned.

"I might, I just don't know if he does" Karen said staring at the ring and playing with it.

"This is crazy, Sid loves you. He is insanely in love with you, how can you deny that?"

"I don't deny it, but I'm not stupid either."

"What do you mean?"

Karen looked at the tv and saw the second period starting. She saw the shot of Sidney skating to take the face off "just that love doesn't last for everyone and one day it might not be me to fall out of it. That's all I'm saying."

The girls settled in to watch the second period but each wondered what Karen meant. They looked at each other with raised eyebrows before turning their attention to the tv. When the game was over, the Pens had won the game and the girls were happy to see it. Karen told the girls goodnight because she was going home to Pittsburgh and that she would see them tomorrow for the game at the arena.

"Hey Kiki, mind if I head up with you now? Maybe I could get some time with Max before the game tomorrow if I'm already up there."

"Sure. Do we need to go get your clothes?" Karen said smiling.

"No, I have my bags in my car. I was just going to follow you up and have my car there incase I head over to his house."

"Ok. I'll meet you up there then." They each got in their cars and started the trek up to Pittsburgh.

About a half hour later, they reached Karen's house and went in. Karen wasn't tired yet so after she got changed for bed, she went downstairs and started a fired sitting in front of it.

"Can't sleep?" Natalie said walking into the room.

"No, not tired yet. What about you?"

"I guess I got some nerves keeping me up."

"What has you so nervous?"

"Max took me home for Christmas and it was nice but when he left for Jersey and I came back here I just get the feeling when I see him tomorrow, things are going to be different."

"How so?"

"I'm not sure what impression I left with his parents."

"I wouldn't worry to much about it Nat. Besides, you may get another chance."

"What do you mean?"

"The team is having their annual dad's trip coming up so after the 1st, the families might be back before then. I at least had a better experience this time. Sid's parents were actually nice to me."

"Well thats good. Gives me hope at least. So, what did you mean down at Sheril's with all that falling out of love stuff? Do you think Sidney might not be in this relationship as long as you want him to be?"

"I love him Nat, I really do. You could even say I'm more in love with him then when I was with Rick, but I don't know I just think he'll one day wake up and see someone around his age that he'd rather be with. That's why I don't deny he does love me and him giving me this ring does prove that, but like I said, I'm not stupid either when I know there's someone out there that could take him from me."

"Just because there is someone out there that could take him from you, doesn't necessarily mean he'd go with them. I've seen the way all those other girls look at him and he doesn't look at them the way he looks at you. You just can't see it because the love you have for him clouds it. No other guy would buy a ring that size, let you wear it on that finger if it only meant a committment. Concern yourself with what's going on now with him, not what might happen."

"When did you become the almighty love goddess?" Karen smiled.

"I guess when I finally found love too."

"I'm scared now that Max has instilled this upon you. I may need to deprogram you after you spend time with him."

"Well do what you need to" Natalie said getting up "but it's not going to work. I have the knowledge now and prepared to use it. Night Kiki" she said walking out of the room.

"Night Nat." Karen continued to sit staring into the fire to let what Natalie said soak in. She didn't want to believe Sidney would leave her for someone else, but she didn't believe how things ended with Rick would happen either. Karen wiped a stray tear that fell and put her head on the couch waiting until she was tired enough to go to bed.

Time went by and Karen was still on the couch. She thought she heard a car but just played it off until the door opened and then shut. Karen looked up and saw Sidney standing in the hallway, the light of the fire showing him there.

"Baby? What are you still doing up?"

"I wasn't tired when I got home tonight and I guess I lost track of time just sitting here by the fire."

Sidney came over and sat beside her, pulling her close to him "everything ok?"

Karen wanted to say something but she didn't "yeah, it's just late and I guess I'm finally getting tired."

"So then you weren't waiting up for me?" Sidney said pretending to be hurt.

"In a way I was but I didn't know if you would be coming home tonight. I thought you'd be staying at Mario's."

"Well my family won't be down until after the 2nd so I figured until then, I'm where I need to be."

Karen sat up "you are talking about here with me right?" she said smiling at him.

"Considering I have no where else to go except back to Mario's" he said bringing her hand up to kiss it.

"Keep doing that and I may never let you leave."

Sidney kissed his way from her wrist to her shoulder. He reached her neck and Karen turned her head into him, getting the most of the sensations he was producing in her. Sidney pulled back and looked at her "don't take this the wrong way, but I think we need to go to bed since tomorrow I do have a game."

"Do you think I'm going to get mad if you or I start something and then you stop it?"

"Not really, I just don't want you to think I don't want to after I start something."

"Sid, I believe there's more to our relationship then just sex. Up until that statement, I'm beginning to wonder if you feel the same here."

"I do feel the same baby, but usually when we start something we always continue on. This is the first time I've stopped us and I wasn't sure how you would react."

Karen got up and put the fire out "its fine" then walked out of the dark room "I'm going to bed."

Sidney sat there for a few minutes and then headed up himself. He saw she was already in bed and went into the bathroom. Sidney came out a few minutes later and crawled into bed, spooning up behind her "I'm sorry baby" he whispered to her.

"I'm sorry too" she said pulling his hand around her body, holding on to it.

6 hours later, the alarm rang and Karen felt the bed shift as Sidney turned it off. She rolled over and saw him sitting up staring at her.

"What was with last night?"

"It would've been better if you had just stopped, said you were tired and we came to bed instead of making me feel unworthy. I know that every time we start something, it's not always going to lead to us having sex Sid but the way you worded it, made it seem that way."

"I know we're more than just sex Karen and I am sorry for making you feel that way. I just didn't want you to feel like I didn't want you or that I will never want you. I get the feeling there's more to it then what just happened last night, somehthing deeper."

"Maybe when you told me that you felt it would be easier to stay at Mario's did hit a nerve after thinking about it. Maybe I thought you would tell them and they could've stayed here since there's plenty of room. Maybe it's a step towards them realizing this is right for you, that I'm right for you. Maybe keeping your life with me a secret from your parents is telling you I'm not the right one for you." Karen got out of bed and went downstairs. She knew Sidney would be getting ready to head to the arena and she didn't want to continue distracting him before the morning skate. Sidney got up and headed into the bathroom, starting up the shower. He got under the water and wondered what was going on, better yet how to fix it.

After Sidney got ready, he headed downstairs and found Karen in the kitchen with a cup of coffee sitting at the table. He knelt down and looked at her.

"Listen, when I get home after a couple hours, we need to talk so I know what's really going on with you and us. I love you and I don't want out of this relationship with you...not now, not ever." Sidney leaned up and kissed her, happy she kissed him back "I'll see you in a couple of hours ok?"

"Ok."

Sidney kissed her again and then left. A minute later Natalie came out of the guest room.

"What was that about?"

"Just a little misunderstanding on my part."

"Did what Sheril, Diane, and I said to you spark something?"

"It sparked something what Sidney said over Christmas but it holds true about what I said to you. If his family comes down to visit after the New Year, he was going to stay with Mario so they wouldn't find out he's living here. I guess I got carried away with it with all we talked about. I told him maybe I wasn't right for him if he can't let his parents see we're right together." Karen let the tears start to fall as she began to cry "if he wanted a way out, I think I just gave it to him."

Natalie walked over to her and hugged her "from what I just heard, I don't think he wants a way out. But Kiki, I think you just gave him the idea that you do."

"Oh god, I did didn't I? How am I going to fix this?"

"Plead total insanity" Natalie said that got a smile out of her "we all know all your personalities can clash at times, it's time Sid knows it. We'll tell him that you weren't being you, you were being Luwanda...the Queen of Insecurities."

"I don't ever recall a Luwanda" she said wiping her eyes and laughing.

"See, its a new one. Perfect cover for last night and this morning. Don't worry, it'll be fine. Go take a shower and think about what you're going to say to him to make this right. You know he doesn't belong with anyone other than you. He'll understand when you tell him, I promise."

"I hope so. Thanks Nat" she said hugging her friend.

Karen went upstairs and looked on the bed. She saw a piece of paper on the pillow and she smiled when she picked it up to read it. It was simple and to the point 'I love you!!!' Karen put the note on the bed and went to get her shower.

Chapter 81

After an hour and a half, Karen got Sidney up so they could get ready to head to his parent's house. While they were getting ready, Sidney tried and tried to throw Karen off track but she would slap his hands away. She even locked the door when she got her shower so he wouldn't join her. She just kissed him when he said she would pay for that. They got ready and headed out. Sidney had already had his presents to his family at his mom and dad's house so he wouldn't have to bring them. Karen still felt bad that she didn't have anything for anyone but Taylor and hoped his mom or dad understood.

"Hey, you don't mind that I decided not to where the ring today are you?"

"No baby I'm not. I don't think I want a replay from summer with the lectures. Let them get used to us being back together and then if you have it on after that and they see it, maybe they'll understand better."

"Thanks stud" she said as he kissed her hand.

They got to the house and Karen was surprised that even Troy had a happy greeting for her. Karen laughed at how Sidney and Taylor got all childlike and went towards the tree.

"Sorry you had to see that Karen" Trina said.

"It's ok, I already dealt with it this morning. Must be like old times when they were young?"

"Yeah it is" she said looking back to Karen and noticing her necklace "that's pretty" she said pointing to it.

"Thanks. Sidney gave it to me as one of my presents" Karen said as she reached up and held it.

"But you got some Reebok things as well?" she smiled.

"Yeah, but that's ok. I don't mind since I'm not committed to one brand like he is. He did make me get rid of all my Adidas clothes though."

Trina just laughed knowing her son "Why doesn't that surprise me."

"Um, I did want to apologize for not having anything for you or Troy. Sidney stopped to let me get something for Taylor, but I feel bad being here and nothing to give you."

"That's alright dear. When we get older, just being around family is best. Let's go join the others."

Karen stood there as Trina went into the living room. She was confused that she might have hinted that Karen could fit in as one of the family. Sidney soon came over and smiled before dragging her in to sit around the tree with him. Karen sat back and watched how Sidney and his family were when they opened their presents to each other. They would always bring up past Christmases and told stories, mainly about Sidney. Karen got a little sad watching them, thinking about her parents and how they would act just like them. She got up and quietly left the room, going to the bathroom. After a few minutes, Sidney noticed Karen was gone and went to check on her. He caught her as she was coming out.

"You ok baby?" he said noticing her sad eyes.

"Yeah. Just watching you guys made me remember my parents and I got a little emotional is all. Its funny, when you're young your parents mean the world to you. As you get older, you establish your independence and feel like every day is a battle with them. After a certain point, you wish you could go back and find that feeling from when you were younger and want to spend every minute with them before they're gone. It gets harder to miss them from Thanksgiving to New Years."

"I wish I could understand what you're going through."

"No you don't Sid. What you have in there is special and you know that. If you woke up tomorrow and all of this was gone..."

"I don't think I'd know what to do. But baby, you're not without some sort of family. The guys on the team, your friends, even Mario, Nat and the kids have been a family to you. Most importantly, you don't really have to look any further than in front of you. I want to be part of your family too baby."

"You are Sid" she said as a single tear fell and Sidney reaching up to wipe it away. He leaned down and kissed her, only to interrupted by Taylor.

"Come on Sid, there's still a couple more presents to open and Karen hasn't opened hers yet."

Karen looked at Taylor then Sidney "I have a present?"

"I don't know anything about it baby. Why don't we go find out."

They got back into the living room and sat down on the couch. Taylor brought over a box and handed it to Karen. She looked at Sidney before she opened it. When she did, Karen saw a photo album and took it out of the box. She opened it and looked at the pictures of a young Sidney. Karen smiled as she looked at all the old pictures then looked at Sidney.

"I thought you would want a keepsake of Sidney" Taylor said.

"Thank you, it's great seeing all these."

"Well there have been so many that mom had kept from when he started playing and I just took out the duplicates and made a new book. Mom didn't mind and she liked the idea of giving it to you."

Karen looked at Trina who just smiled before getting up and going into the kitchen.

"Well I appreciate the thought of you wanting to make this for me to have. It was really sweet of you." Karen leaned over and hugged Taylor.

"Sid, could we talk for a minute before lunch?" Troy asked interrupting the three of them.

"Sure" Sidney kissed Karen's cheek then got up to follow his dad.

"Before I forget" Karen got the envelope from her purse "I did get you something" she said handing her the envelope.

"You didn't have to" Taylor said taking it from her and opening it. "Oh wow, a gift card" she said happily.

"Sid said it was your favorite store."

"It is. Thank you so much" she said hugging Karen.

"Your welcome."

"Your not like Sid's other girlfriends."

"Is that bad?"

"Actually just the opposite. A couple couldn't handle him always playing or practicing and the others only cared about where his hockey would take them."

"Well he could play for two hours or two days and I wouldn't care. Watching him do what he loves just makes me love him more."

"I can tell you love him and I can see how much he loves you. I saw it when you were here during the summer."

"There's just something special about him, it's hard to explain. But you'll understand when your older and you start dating."

"I hope so."

"Alright, I've got what we need to take to mom's so if everyone is ready?" Trina said coming from the kitchen.

"Do I have time to go to the bathroom real quick?" Karen asked.

"Sure, go ahead. Why don't you use the one upstairs."

Karen went upstairs and found the bathroom. When she was done and she was leaving, she walked past a room which had to have been Sidney's when he was younger. She walked in and saw all the hockey and smiled, looking around at everything.

A few minutes later, Karen hadn't come back down and Sidney asked where she went. His mom told him and he went to check on her. When he got upstairs, he saw her in his room and went in.

"Hey, we were waiting for you" Sidney said putting his arms around her.

"Sorry, I got distracted when I walked past here. I had to come in look around."

"Its ok. I should have shown you last time."

Karen picked up a picture in a frame "how old were you here?"

"Probably 6 or 7. That's when my ability really came to me."

"Do you ever regret not being able to just be a kid?"

"Sometimes I did, but I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't enjoy it enough to give up being a kid."

Karen turned around in his arms "are you happy Sid?"

"With the way my career turned out, yes. With having you in my life, yes. But the question is...are you happy?"

"Oh I don't know. I could use a change here and there."

"You seriously need to stop that."

"Yes, I am happy. Happier now that found love again...with you."

"Good, that is what I wanted to hear" Sidney kissed her "we better go."

Karen smiled and leaned up to kiss him again before they left the room and went downstairs to meet everyone to leave. They headed to Sidney's grandmother's house and more relatives. Karen recognized a lot of them from his birthday. She got a sick feeling in her stomach not knowing if it was going to be another repeat of stares. Sidney saw her look and squeezed her hand to let her know it would be ok. They sat around and the family opened a few more presents before they ate. Karen pretty much stayed quiet and to herself unless someone asked her a question. She didn't want to push herself on to strong and give everyone another reason to not like her. They stayed another hour before they left, knowing they needed to pack and head to the airport.

Sidney noticed Karen was still being quiet as she changed and was packing her suitcase "you ok baby? You've been really quiet since we got to my grandmother's house."

"Yeah, I'm fine. I didn't want to do or say anything to get the same reaction from your family that I got in August" she said not really looking at him.

"If my mom and dad can change after 4 months, I'm sure the rest of them did too."

"Maybe. It was hard to tell so I didn't push it."

Sidney stopped her from packing and made her look at him "what's going on? We had an amazing two days and now there's this mood change."

"There's no mood change Sid. I'm just tired and we still have a flight ahead of us."

He tired to read her eyes but couldn't see what he wanted "alright baby. You can get some sleep on the plane" he said kissing her before finishing his own packing.

When they got done, Sidney took the bags to his dad's car and came back to get things locked up. He watched Karen clean up a little mess that was left around the tree and he had to smile watching her. She walked past him to throw the trash away, but Sidney caught her and gave her a kiss then let her go. Karen just smiled at him and went to the trash can, throwing the things away. They headed out and Sidney locked up the house before getting in the car. Karen sat quietly in the back listening to Sidney and his dad talk. After reaching the airport, they got out and went inside. Karen told Troy goodbye and waited until Sidney was done to go to check in and head to the gate.

Once they were on the plane, Karen put her head on Sidney's shoulder "um baby, I need to tell you something."

"What?" she asked not opening her eyes.

"After the next few games, my dad might be coming to a couple of games. Then he'll go with me for the annual dad's trip until the 10th of January."

"Ok, so what's that got to do with me?"

"I'm not going to be staying with you at the house. I think it'll be best if I stay at Mario's until he goes back home after that."

Karen kept her head on his shoulder but opened her eyes "since you don't want them to know you basically moved in with me, it's fine."

"Are you sure? I don't want this to come between us."

Karen lifted her head to look at him "it's not going to come between us Sid. When you're ready to tell them, you'll tell them. They'll react one way or the other but it's up to you when you want to tell them."

"Are you disappointed that I'm keeping parts of my life with you a secret?"

"Maybe a little, but you are in the public's eyes more than I am and if they get too much information about you, you'll never have your privacy. The media would have a field day if they found out we met in April, got together very quickly after that and then you moved in 8-9 months later and knew about it before your parents. I would not want to be on the receiving end of that lecture."

"You possibly cannot be this understanding."

"Sorry stud but I am. But you'll get a fight out of me sooner or later."

"Let's keep it for later. Thanks baby."

"We could play it like before and see each other on the weekends. He wouldn't be suspecting then."

"I like the way you think baby" he said kissing her head "get some rest." Karen laid her head back down on his shoulder and closed her eyes again for the rest of the flight.

When the plane landed and they got their bags, they headed to the house. It was nearing 8:30p and since Karen had to work on Friday and Sidney needed to get up early for the trip to New Jersey with the team, they both decided to just head to bed.

Chapter 80

They got back to the house and Sidney helped Karen with her coat before taking off his. Karen told him she was going to go change but he stopped her and led her into the living room. He motioned for her to sit down as he went and turned on the Christmas tree. He brought a bag out from under tree and smiled as he sat down and handed Karen the bag.

"Um, you seriously went in here to shop" Karen asked smiling at the Victoria Secrets' bag "by yourself?"

"No, not by myself. I did have a shopping buddy."

"Oh god that's just scary to wonder who you went into this type of store with. If it was one of the guys I have to go with Max, maybe Marc. Vero seems like a Victoria Secrets girl."

"Actually it was Vero. I was out getting your other gifts and her and Marc were shopping when I saw them. He asked what I had and I mentioned I wanted to find something else for you and the store was like right there, so she talked me into finding you something in there."

"She had to talk you into it? What, do I not fit the profile of someone who would wear anything from that store?"

"That's not what I'm saying baby. I just didn't want to get the wrong thing. She showed me a couple of things and then I saw something perfect for you and she said from being around you for a couple of the games, Vero even said it fit your style."

"So why am I getting it now?"

"Because if I give it to you tomorrow knowing we're pressed for time with leaving tomorrow night, I wouldn't get to take advantage of seeing you in it." Karen leaned over and kissed his cheek before getting up "where you going?"

"I'm going to change" she said taking the bag and heading upstairs.

Sidney sat there smiling for a few minutes then got up and went to the kitchen to get something to drink for them and waited for her to come back down.

Karen got to the bedroom and put the bag on the bed. She opened it up and had to laugh at what was inside. She wasn't laughing at the actual present, but what it looked like. Karen pulled out a pair of short shorts, a pair of high cut bikinis and a cami top with spaghetti straps in a very soft cotton. The funny part...it was a camo pattern, pink camo. She had seen pink camo in some lounge pants for women at the store and she actually owned the pants in three different camo colors but for Sidney to pick it out was just scary that he was in sync with her. Karen got undressed and jumped in the shower real quick to freshen up. A few minutes later, she dried off and began getting dressed putting on the bikinis and cami top. Karen wasn't going to put on the shorts but decided to make Sidney find the bikinis. When she was dressed, she fluffed her hair and looked in the mirror satisfied with what she saw. Karen headed downstairs and saw Sidney sitting on the floor in front of the tree. She stopped in the doorway and waited for him to look over at her. When he did, his eyes widen and his jaw almost hit the floor.

"I must say Crosby, you have an eye for what I'd like."

"Wow, I mean, well yeah...wow. I could picture you wearing it but I didn't really picture how beautiful you would be to actually wear it."

"Can I just ask what made you get the camo print?"

"And you work where baby? I thought it was appropriate for you and your style."

"It's perfect and I love it, thank you."

"Good, now if you would come sit with me I would love that."

Karen smiled and walked over to Sidney by the tree. He scooted back to lean up against the couch and had Karen sit inbetween his legs.

"This is nice. I'm glad I came with you."

I'm glad too. I want you to open one more present tonight."

"If I keep opening them, what am I going to open tomorrow?"

"This is the last one I promise baby." Sidney handed her a small square box and Karen's heart jumped into her throat "open it" he whispered. When she did, Karen saw the most exquisite diamond solitaire ring in white gold. Karen looked back and forth from the ring to Sidney trying to make sense of what it meant.

"Sid...I..." Karen tried to speak but she had no words forming.

Sidney took the ring from the box and held it "I bought this ring for you to show how much love I have in my heart for you. You have turned my world upside down since that day on the ice. We had a great start and had a few bumps along the way, but I feel that now we're together again, our love has gotten stronger." Sidney held up her left hand "I know neither one of us is ready for what this ring should mean, but what it means to me and hopefully to you, is my commitment to you and us. You can wear it on any finger on either hand but one day..." Sidney places the ring on her left hand and directly on her ring finger "....I hope it ends up and stays on this one and one day it will mean what its suppose to."

Karen looks at the ring on her finger and then at Sidney. She had tears streaming down her cheeks "Sid..."

Sidney got an uneasy feeling and got up from behind her "You don't like it or it's not right for the moment. I knew I should have waited" he said continuing his mumbling.

"Sid?" Karen tried to get his attention.

"You or I, we could return it and get you a pair of earrings or another necklace. I just wanted to show you how much your love means to me."

"Sid?" she said still trying to get his attention as he paced around.

"Great Crosby, jump the gun and possibly lose the girl" he said to himself as Karen got up and walked over to him. She placed her hand on his back and he turned around and saw her standing there "please say something." Karen spoke more than words when she wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him down for a kiss. She felt Sidney put his arms around her waist bringing her closer to him.

When they broke apart Karen looked into Sidney's eyes "I love you. I love that you bought me a symbol of your love to show how committed you are to me. When I saw the ring, I didn't think about what is suppose to go along with it. When and if that time does come for us that you want it to mean something else, then I will cherish it even more. I love the commitment you have towards me and you didn't need to buy me anything to show that. Just you telling me you love me everyday tells me that, I just have a beautiful ring to prove that."

Sidney wiped the tears from her face "I'm glad you like it, I got scared from your look and when you started to say something I thought you were going to give it back."

"I don't want to give it back and every day that I wear it, I know I have someone to love me and that someone is you" Karen raised up her left hand "and I kind of like it on the finger it's on. I know it'll raise a lot of questions but it just feels right being there."

"Let me handle the questions ok, especially if the media picks up on it."

"Ok but I don't know how pubicly I may wear it, especially to games, if that's alright with you."

"I understand baby. It does stand out there huh?" he said holding up her hand.

"It does, but it's suppose to" Karen smiled at him. "I feel bad that I got to open two presents and you didn't get to open any."

"Who says I don't get to open one?" Sidney traced the low neckline and lightly touched the top of her breasts "mine will just be more fun to open. Didn't this outfit come with another piece?"

"If you want to see it, you have to find it." Karen kissed Sidney again and then headed upstairs. Sidney just smiled and went to turn everything off and locked up before running upstairs to join her.

When Sidney got upstairs, he saw Karen on the bed. She was lying down, her arm propping herself up on the pillows. "Wow you're slow. Do you save all your speed for on the ice?" she said smiling at him.

"I thought you liked it when I go slow" he said laying down beside her.

"I guess it depends on the situation."

"Well maybe I can make up for making you wait for me."

"I can't wait to see what you have in mind" she said as she unbuttoned his dress shirt and lightly ran her hands over his chest. They both got up on their knees and Karen pushed the shirt off his shoulders, throwing it to the floor. She made her way down to his pants and undid the belt, making her way to the zipper. Karen made sure she rubbed over him before she unzipped his pants. She sneaked her hand inside to get a better feel of him, rubbing harder as she went. Sidney kissed her before he removed her hand and got off the bed. He finished getting undressed and climbed back on the bed. Sidney laid Karen down and got on top of her. He made kisses down her neck to the neckline of the cami. He pulled back the fabric as his hand made it's way inside, cupping and massaging her breast. He pulled his hand out as they went to the hem of the shorts. Sidney pulled them off her hips to reveal the bikinis.

"I knew there was something else that went with it" Sidney leaned back to look at them "I think I like them better than the shorts."

"Why doesn't that surprise me."

"You know there is one thing I like better than anything when it comes to you."

"And what would that be?"

"You completely naked."

"Well I'm not stopping you stud."

Sidney smiled his sexy little grin before taking off the bikinis and finishing the task by taking off the cami. He just looked at her and smiled before lying directly on top of her. Sidney moved his hand inbetween them to spread her legs apart as far as they could go. It was like Sidney couldn't get close enough to her. They laid there kissing as Karen wrapped her leg around his thigh and moved her hip up into him. Sidney took one of Karen's hands and moved it between them. She knew what he wanted her to do and she obliged him by taking a hold of him, massaging him. Karen started out slow and then began to pick it up when she felt Sidney get harder. She moved him to her opening and let him fnd his way inside her. Karen took in a deep breath when she felt him slide inside, stretching every muscle to make him fit. As many times that they made love, every time was like the first time for them. Sidney let out a low growl as he started pumping into her. He loved the tightness of her. Karen arched her back as her fingernails made their way into Sidney's back with every thrust he poured into her. Between the whimpers and moans that filled the room, Karen pleaded with Sidney to go harder and faster. As each thrust pumped into her, Karen's body started to shake. Her orgasm made it's presence known from the loud moan that escaped her lips. Sidney continued pounding into her until he couldn't last any longer and filled her up as his own orgasm hit hard. He laid his forehead upon hers until their breathing became normal.

Sidney lifted his head and looked at the clock. He saw it was after midnight "Merry Christmas baby."

Karen smiled at him "Merry Christmas Sid." She leaned up and captured his lips in a heated kiss. Sidney, still connected to her, rolled them to their sides. Their lips finally separated and Karen snuggled into his chest as Sidney pulled her as close as he could get her so they could fall alseep.

When morning finally came, Karen woke up before Sidney and just laid there enjoying his arms being wrapped around her. Sometime during the night, Karen had changed positions and Sidney was spooning up against her. She laid there and thought about last night when she looked at her left hand and smiled. She held it up a little and played with the ring as she stared at it.

"I think it looks even more beautiful today" Sidney said whispering in her ear.

"Yeah it does, morning" Karen turned her head so their lips could meet for a kiss.

"Morning baby. How about we get dressed and head downstairs?" Sidney said after breaking the kiss.

"Why would we want to do that?" Karen asked, trying not to smile.

"You're kidding me right?"

"What are you like 5 now?" she said laughing.

"Well it is Christmas and I am going to go open that huge box downstairs with or without you." Sidney kissed her then jumped up finding a pair of shorts and putting them on before running out of the room. Karen continued laughing at him and got herself up. She found some clothes and got dressed to meet Sidney downstairs. When she got there, Sidney was moving the big box by the couch and getting ready to open it, but Karen stopped him.

"Could we maybe get some coffee first?"

"Go ahead" Sidney said not looking at her and trying to find a way to rip off the tape.

"Sid? Will you wait at least 5 more minutes please? I want to see you open it."

Sidney stopped what he was doing a looked at her with somewhat of a dejected look on his face "why do you like to torture me like this?"

Karen walked over to him and pulled him away from the box "because I can and because it's fun. Five minutes will not kill you."

"Alright, I am kind of hungry. You make the coffee and I will get us something to eat."

They walked into the kitchen and Karen made the coffee. Sidney warmed up some cinnamon rolls his mom gave him last night for them. They took their breakfast into the living room and set it on the coffee table. As soon as they sat down on the couch, Sidney gave Karen a huge puppy dog face.

"Go ahead and open it" Karen told him.

Sidney kissed her cheek and got back up. He went over to get the last couple of boxes for Karen and set them down for her. His only instructions was that she saved the little one for last. She said she would and went to open the other two boxes while Sidney ripped off the tape to open his. One box Karen opened had a beautiful black dress with white on the top and spaghetti straps. She stood up and held it against her. It came to mid thigh and the white covered half the top from one strap and angled to the opposite hip. It was simple yet elegant. She smiled as she looked at it and Sidney looked over at her.

"You like it?"

"I love it. But why a dress?"

"You never know what black tie functions I may need to attend this year and I want my date to turn all the heads."

"Is that the only reason you bought it for me?"

"No, but I figured it was the perfect answer for it. I want you to have every beautiful thing in this world baby" he said leaning over to steal a kiss.

"Does that mean I can have Staalsy? He's kind of pretty."

"Ouch baby, that hurt."

Karen kissed him "sorry." She went back to opening her other box when she heard Sidney's expression to his gift.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me." Sidney looked at her with his shocked expression "are you serious?" He started taking everything out of the box. Sidney pulled out a new fishing pole, a huge tackle box that was filled with hooks, bait...everything imaginable you would need to go fishing, a net, and cleaning supplies. "Baby, all of this can't be for me."

"I don't see how you could have one without the other. So when I got the pole, I figured you could use the things that needed to go with it."

"But, the pole itself is over a couple hundred dollars. I know, I've been looking at it and when you add everything else to it....there's no way you can afford this."

"Sid, I have a great discount at work and yes I can afford it. I remember you being in awe that we carried it and I knew I needed to get it for you."

"But baby..."

"Just stop" she said putting her finger over his lips to stop him from talking "I wanted to get you this because I know you love to go fishing while you're here during the summer. It doesn't matter what it cost, I love you."

"I love you too baby." Sidney put his hand in her hair and brought her closer to him "thank you, I love it...really."

"You're welcome. But can I ask you one little question?"

"Sure."

"Exactly how many Reebok shirts are in this box?"

Sidney leaned over and looked "about 12."

"So I can wear one a month and be set for the whole year."

"That was painful."

"Baby, you need to know the limits to sponsor kindness."

"Can't help it" he said kissing her cheek. He saw the little box left and grabbed it, handing it to her "last one."

Karen took the box and opened it. Inside was another felt box and Karen knew it was another piece of jewelry. She opened it and saw it was the Open Heart necklace by Jane Seymore. Karen remembered commenting how pretty it was from its commerical, but she didn't realize Sidney would have gone out to get it for her. "It's more beautiful looking at it in person. You didn't need to get me this."

"Yes I did. I love you and you deserve it."

"You're making feel like I don't deserve you."

"Yeah you do. Thank you for my gifts baby."

"Thank you for mine too."

Sidney brought her in for another kiss but was soon interrupted by his phone ringing. He let go of her and answered it. Sidney hung up a few minutes later "mom wants us over at the house in a couple hours."

"Ok." They sat back on the couch and enjoyed the next hour just being together before needing to get ready and heading to his parent's house.

Chapter 79

Karen soon went upstairs as they both got ready. Sidney was done first and headed downstairs as she finished up. When Karen was done, she went down and met Sidney in the living room. He got up and kissed her before heading out. When Karen was leaving, she noticed a few more presents under the tree and smiled as she turned to get her coat on so they could leave.

"So where did the other presents come from?" Karen asked as they started the drive to his parent's house.

"What other presents?"

"Just stop right there. I saw a stack of boxes ranging in sizes by your big box. Did Santa come early?"

"He must have while we were getting ready" Sidney said with a smile.

"Fine, play your game Crosby. But on a more serious note, is it going to matter that I have nothing for your family?"

"No, don't worry about it. For one, before last night they thought we weren't together and two, you decided just a day ago to come up here with me. It'll be fine but if you're going to feel bad about not having anything at least for Tay, we can stop at her favorite store and you can get her a gift card."

"Aren't most places closed by now?"

Sidney looked at his watch "I think we'll make it."

They headed to the store and they were about to close but when they saw it was Sidney, they let them in. Karen got the gift card and Sidney bought a couple of things too. They thanked the saleswoman and left.

A few minuted later, Sidney pulled into his parent's driveway and they headed inside. Since they would be back the next day, Karen left the gift card in the car to give to Taylor then. When they walked in, Karen felt the nerves arrive and Sidney noticed, giving her a kiss on her cheek to calm her down. It wasn't 'meeting the parents the first time nerves, it was they don't like me why am I torturing myself' nerves. Trina appeared from the kitchen and smiled as she hugged her son.

"I am so glad you made it home for Christmas Sid."

"Well if I didn't come home, you know you guys would have came down to Pittsburgh to see me."

"Of course we would have" Trina looked behind Sidney and saw Karen standing there "It's nice to see you again Karen."

"You too Trina. Thank you for letting me join you guys for Christmas."

"Your welcome although I didn't realize you were coming with Sidney."

"Yeah it was a last minute decision. I was able to get today as well as tomorrow off."

"Hi Karen" Taylor says excitedly as she came bouncing into the hallway.

"Hi Taylor. How are you?"

"I'm good. Does this mean you and Sidney are back together if you came here with him?" she asked getting a hug from Sidney.

"Yes it does Tay" Sidney said putting his arm around Karen.

"Well dinner is ready so if everyone wants to go sit down, I will get the rest of the food."

"Is this anything I can help you with?" Karen asked politely.

"That would be nice Karen, thank you."

As she started to walk into the kitchen, Sidney brought her back to him and kissed her, smiling before he let her go. Karen walked into the kitchen and Trina was standing there looking at her.

"Either by that look I am intruding on your family's Christmas or you just hate that I'm here and with Sidney."

Trina's face softened "it's neither Karen. They way we all left it after Sidney's birthday I couldn't help but realize that you did love him and when Troy came home last night and said you came with Sidney, I told him that we needed to let this be and it's Sidney's decision to be with whoever he wants."

"I appreciate that Trina, thank you. After Sidney came back in September I could tell something was going to happen. When he just basically repeated what you and Troy had said to me I knew it was more what you guys wanted for him. If it's the fact that you don't want him with any girl right now, I can understand that. He's worked to hard to get where he is now to have someone mess that up. But if it was against me personally when you just met me to judge me on that alone and not willing to get to know me, I had to take offense when he broke up with me."

"We just want him to focus on hockey right now. He's young and still has a lot to learn about juggling his career and personal life."

"He may be young in age, but he's more mature than probably any of us were when we were 21. He's got a good head on his shoulders and I think he needed someone to balance all that. It just happens to be me."

"Troy may take some time accepting it, but I see how you two are and I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions just because my husband didn't approve. I should have gone on my own first and for that I do apologize."

"Thank you."

Karen was surprised when Trina hugged her "we better get this food out to the table."

"Ok." Karen wiped under her eyes before picking up a couple bowls and walking behind Trina into the dining room. She sat the bowls down and sat beside Sidney. He looked over to her and Karen just smiled and shook her head telling him they'd talk later.

They ate dinner with Sidney and his dad taking up most of the conversation. When it was over an hour later, they got things cleaned up and headed to church. Sidney drove himself, Taylor and Karen and his parent's went together.

"Troy I think you need to step back and look at what's really going on with your son. He's in love and we told him to break up with her, but they found their way back to each other. If we push him to get away from her again, we may never have the relationship we have now with Sidney."

"She's taken his focus away from his game."

"Not necessarily Troy. The team had it's ups and downs when they weren't together. There were games they won and you said he still didn't play his best. Why don't you just step back and let him decide what he wants right now."

"I'll try ok, but I can't promise anything" Troy said with his usual stubbornness.

"Well I am going to leave it with one last remark...after everything we put her through in August, did she really do anything that bad to deserve that?"

Troy just looked at Trina before turning into the church parking lot and finding a spot. They got out and met up wth Sidney, Taylor and Karen and went inside. Sidney pulled Karen aside and told everyone they'd meet up with them in a minute.

"So what happened before dinner?"

"Your mom apologized for her behavior from August. She said that she should have judged for herself about me and not went along with your dad."

"I didn't expect that."

"Me either, though I feel bad now not having anything for them for Christmas."

"I'm sure they'll understand baby. Besides, they may head down for New Years and maybe you could find a late present for them."

"Yeah ok."

Sidney kissed her and they went to join his family. Karen felt a little more at ease since her talk with Trina and focused on what was going on. At one point, she felt a chill and smiled realizing her parents were with her. She zoned out from the sermon and held a silent conversation with her mom and dad. Sidney looked over at her and saw she was looking to the floor and not really paying attention but had an idea what was going on when a tear escaped down her cheek. He reached over to wipe away the wet trail it left and Karen looked up at him. She whispered 'sorry' and he just smiled at her. When everything was over, the Crosby's left and greeted the minister before heading out the door. Sidney held Karen back after telling his mom they'd see them tomorrow and waited to be the last ones out.

Sidney stepped up to the minister and shook his hand "Sidney, well it's a pleasure to see you this year."

"Thank you. Reverend Marks, I would like for you to meet my girlfriend Karen."

"Well its a pleasure to finally meet the woman who captured this young man's heart."

"It's nice to meet you too."

"Where are you visiting us from?"

"Pittsburgh."

"Ah, so more than just the city has your interest Sidney."

"You can say that" he said looking at Karen. "I don't want to keep you, I just wanted you to meet Karen."

"Well I am glad you joined us tonight Karen and anytime you come back up this way, be sure to stop in again. Sidney, it's always great to see you and good luck the rest of the season."

"Thank you" they both said in unison and walked out to the car. Sidney opened the car door for Karen but stopped her with a long passionate kiss before letting her go "I couldn't do that in there."

Karen laughed at him "yeah because kissing in church is so much more of a sin when we are obviously angels in every other aspect of this relationship."

"Well we are about to get very sinful as soon as we go home."

"Have I told you lately that I love how your mind works?"

"No, but I'm sure you''ll tell me over and over again tonight." Sidney kissed her again and closed the door after she was in. He went to the driver's side and started the car, heading home.

Chapter 78

After meeting up with the others, the girls went in and got something to drink before sitting down. The game was another disaster as the Pens lost 2-0 against Tampa, a game they should have won. They had been having trouble with only winning one game out of their back-to-back games this year. Their losing was becoming apparent to everyone and no one knew what could happen next with the team if all the losing continued.

Karen and Natalie said goodbye to Sheril and Diane and headed down to the locker room. Natalie found Max and told him that she had her bag in Karen's car and just needed to stop and get it before they left. Karen waited for Sidney to be done with the media before going to see him. After 20 minutes, Sidney emerged from the locker room and saw Karen sitting on the couch. He leaned over the couch and kissed her cheek.

"Ew, you're still all sweaty."

"You've never complained about me being sweaty before."

"That's a different kind of sweat stud. You ok?"

"Yeah, I just need to grab a shower and then I need to head out."

"Ok, I'll just wait for you here."

"I won't be long" he said kissing her again and then headed to get his shower.

About 15 minutes later, Sidney came out fully dressed and Karen stood up to meet him. They walked out to his car and was saying goodbye for a couple days.

"I'm going to miss you" Sidney said as his forehead was propped against hers.

"Why are you going to miss me, I'm going with you."

Sidney's head popped up "what?"

"Before I left today, my manager called us all in and told us that we could work Saturday to have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off if we wanted to."

"So you told her you'd work Saturday?"

"Well she said we could work Saturday to make up the hours if we wanted, but we didn't have to. I still have to work Friday though."

"We'll be back Thursday night early enough, I promise."

"I know. I just need you to let go of me so I can get my bag out of my car."

"Well go get it so we can go."

"Why don't you just drive me down there to make it easier?"

Sidney smiled and kissed her, getting in the car driving to Karen's car and letting her get out to get her bag. She put it in the SUV and they were on their way to the airport. After they got to the airport, they got their bags and headed in. Sidney got Karen's ticket and they told him they could probably sit together since the flight wasn't full. As they got to the gate, they boarded a few minutes later and settled in for their flight.

"So, why didn't you tell me when you got home at 1:30p?"

"It wouldn't have cheered you up then. I had to pick my moment."

"Yeah, after losing was a good choice. I'm glad you decided to come with me."

"Me too." Sidney leaned over and kissed her before she put her head on his shoulder and enjoyed the flight.

A few hours later, the plane landed and Sidney and Karen got off the plane and went inside to get their bags. Karen told Sidney she was going to run to the bathroom and would be back in a minute. While she was gone, Troy came up to Sidney and they hugged then waited for the bags.

"Have a good flight?"

"Yeah, it was ok. Listen dad, there's something you need to know. I brought someone home with me for Christmas."

"Who? One of the guys?"

"More like a girl. Karen and I got back together and she came with me."

"I see" Troy said not sounding to thrilled.

"Dad, I love her and we're meant to be together. All I ask is that you give her the benefit of the doubt and be nice to her. We're only here for two days."

"Alright, I will be nice."

Just then Karen came from the bathroom and saw Troy standing with Sidney. She took a deep breath and continued over there.

"It's nice to see you again Troy" Karen said as sincere as she could.

"You too Karen."

They soon got their bags and they headed out with Troy walking in front of them. "I told him that we are back together" Sidney said in a whisper.

"So that's what that look was."

"It'll be ok baby."

"You seriously need to quit telling me that."

Sidney kissed her head before they got to the car "I'll try to remember that." They got in and Troy drove them to Sidney's house telling them he'd see them tomorrow. Sidney grabbed both bags and led Karen inside. She looked around and Sidney caught her smile as she was remembering their time there during the summer. Since it was late, they just went to bed and let whatever happens tomorrow, happen then.

The next morning, Karen woke up beside a still sleeping Sidney. She smiled to herself and crawled on top of him, straddling his hips and leaning down to place a soft kiss on his lips.

"Now see, this was worth the whole trip just to wake up like this" Sidney said opening his eyes and seeing Karen on top of him.

"I guess I can go home now" she said as she started to get off him.

Sidney stopped her from getting off him "I don't think so."

Karen began to grind her hips on him "then what do you think we should do about it?"

Sidney rolled them back over onto her back "you know exactly what I want to do." He pulled up on her shirt and over her head, throwing it to the floor. His mouth crashed down over her breast, sucking on her nipple to make it hard, making sure to play with the other one. When he was done with his assault, Sidney kissed his way down to her stomach. Approaching the band of her shorts, Sidney took both hands and pulled her shorts and underwear down her legs, tossing them aside. Before crawling back up her body, Sidney dscarded his own shorts and threw them to the floor. Karen spread her legs to allow Sidney full access to her. He laid on top of her and kissed her as their hands felt every inch of skin visible. Karen felt Sidney grow against her thigh and couldn't wait to feel him inside her. "Now Sid, I need you now." Sidney obliged and found her opening, sliding inside with ease. "Baby, you're always so tight for me." He began pumping in and out of her like this was their last time together. Sidney would pick up speed, but then slow down. He kept this pace going until Karen couldn't take it anymore. "Harder baby, oh god Sid." Sidney's thrusts got harder and felt Karen began to tighten around him "come for me baby." After a few more pounding thrusts, she screamed out for him as her orgasm ripped through her body. Sidney gave her another hard shot before he came, letting out his own loud moan for her. When he was done filling her, Sidney pulled his head back and looked into her eyes before leaning in for a passion-filled kiss.

"Morning stud."

"Morning baby." They both laid there smiling and just held onto each other for a little while before getting up and facing the day....and his parents.

"So what's the plan for today?" Karen asked him after they got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast.

"Well the only obligation we have with my parents is going to church tonight with them, Taylor and my grandparents. Other than that, we have the day together."

"Ok."

"You sure that's alright with you?"

"What going to church? I used to go all the time with my parents but after I started working in retail, I usually worked on Sundays and couldn't do both."

"I just wasn't sure baby, we never really talked about it."

"Religion is finicky for some and what I believe in may not be what someone else does, so why start a holy war when really no one is right or wrong."

"Like what?"

"Why do you want to get into this Sid?"

"Because I'm curious. What do you believe in?"

"I will only tell you as long as you promise me that whatever I say stays between us and if you disagree its just we have different opinions about it."

"I promise" Sidney said handing her a cup of coffee "I just want to know."

"Well like the most controversy, abortion. I believe that every woman has a right to choose what's to be done to her body. Now there are exceptions like if a woman who sleeps around uses it as a form of birth control, then its wrong. But if a woman gets pregnant and can't support a baby financially, then she should have the right to have one if she chooses."

"Would you have one?"

"Depends on the circumstances I was in. If I was in a relationship, I would see what the guy feels about having a baby but if I was alone and the guy wanted nothing to do with me then I at least want it as an option. But for me personally, I don't think I could go through with it. I just want to know that I have the right to choose for myself."

"That's seems reasonable enough. Do you sometimes wish you could have kids?"

"Every now and then" she saw the look on Sidney's face "I guess I have wondered what it would be like if we had a baby, but it's never going to happen so its back to wishful thinking on my part."

"I'm sorry baby."

"Its ok, I've gotten used to the idea of it. What else do you want to know?"

"Do you believe in God?"

"Yes and no. I believe that things happen for a reason not because it's God's plan. If a guy steps off the curb and gets hit by a car it's because he wasn't looking not because God called him home. There are miracles that I believe God has a hand in but not everything has to do with him."

"I don't buy that. There seems to be more to it."

Karen put down her cup and looked down to the floor "because God didn't help save my baby 12 years ago."

"Karen..." Sidney started to walk over to her but she put her hand up to stop him.

"From the time I felt the cramping up until I lost it, I prayed every second to God to save my baby. When he didn't help, I felt like he turned his back on me. That was when I stopped going to church and decided to believe in whatever made sense not because it was written in the Bible."

"Wow."

"Do you still want me to stay or should I go back home now?"

"Baby, I want you to stay and I don't care if we have different beliefs. We may not want to ever say anything about this to my mom, but I don't care. I love you for so many different reasons this just adds to the puzzle."

"Well stud there are a lot more pieces missing. You just scratched the surface."

"I'm sure those topics will come up sooner or later but at least we have the whole church/God thing covered. If you don't want to go tonight, I can make something up to my family and you can stay here."

"No, that's ok. I think it will be nice to go with you and your family. Besides, if I was home I would have gone to silently talk to mom and dad. I'll just do it here."

"Good" he said kissing her. "Now, we need to go find a tree."

"Sid, we're only here for two days. What's the purpose of that?"

"Well we need to have our Christmas before we go to my parent's house, so we need a tree. Which reminds me....where's my present?"

"Tell me we are not starting this again" she said laughing. "It is being sent and it should arrive today. I had it sent here because I figured you were coming home even if I didn't come with you."

"See, we need a tree then. Let's go get one and then we can decorate it. After dinner and church, we can spend some time enjoying it until we go to bed."

"Ok. Are we getting a real one?"

"Do you want a real one?"

"If you can find me one."

"I can and you shall have one." They finished their breakfast and headed out to find a tree. After an hour, they got back with the tree and there was a giant box on the porch. Karen smiled knowing it was her presents for Sidney. He just looked at her when he saw the Wheeling post mark and she just shrugged her shoulders. They got the tree inside and then Sidney went to bring the box in.

"What is all in here?"

"No idea. You're just going to have to wait until tomorrow to find out."

"Fine, make me wait." Karen started laughing at the way he was acting like a 5 year old.

"I will. What kind of decorations do you have?"

"Not much but I have lights and a few ornaments to hang up that we used to put on the family tree when I was little. Mom gave me a lot after I bought the house."

Sidney told her where the boxes were and she went to get them. When she came back, Sidney was trying to get into his box and she smacked his hand away. He pouted and she kissed him to get his mind off the box. They got the lights and decorations on the tree and Sidney plugged it in. Karen stood back and smiled at how beautiful it looked. Sidney scooted his box underneath the tree and Karen gave him a look.

"Um, not to be nosy or anything, but is that the only present that is going under the tree?"

"No, when Santa comes tonight there should be a couple more" he said as he kissed her cheek and walked out of the room. "We need to get ready to go over to my parents' house ok?"

"Ok" Karen yelled back wondering what he was up to.