Chapter 165

The next morning, Karen woke up to the sun shining into the bedroom and got up, getting some clothes on and heading downstairs. She made some coffee and went out on the back patio to sit down to enjoy it. A few minutes later, she heard a noise in the kitchen and soon Max had joined her on the patio.

"I didn’t think you would be the first one up?"

"The joy of not getting hangovers no matter how much I drink, the next morning is just the start of a normal day.

"Well Nat should be out for a few more hours."

"I’m sure the alcohol isn’t the only reason."

"What?" he asked seeing Karen sitting there smiling at him.

"She’s good for you Max. I hope this isn’t some fling where you decide on someone else next season."

"I don’t think there’s anyone out there that could make me feel the way she does."

"I know she’s a lot happier since you two finally got together. Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Do you know who Chrissie is?"

Max’s eyes got wide and remembered what Sidney briefly told him in the limo last night "no, not really. Where did that name come from?"

"I heard Sidney say it and wondered who she was."

"I think she was one of the strippers from last night."

"I figured as much."

"Don’t look too much into it Kiki. We had all been drinking heavily and she just stuck in his mind. He loves you."

"I’m not going to go call off the wedding because he went to see some strippers Max. I was just curious who she was."

"Well from what he told me, you have nothing to worry about." Max got up and went back inside leaving Karen to her own thoughts. She loved and trusted Sidney but there would always be that someone his own age taking him away from her that always plagued the back of her mind. Karen shook the thought from her head and went inside to find something to eat. Instead of making breakfast just for her, she knew the smell of food would bring them all out, so she made food for an army.

Ten minutes later when Karen was done cooking, everyone seemed to have woken up and adjourned into the kitchen. She just smiled and put the food on the table. Karen put the pans back on top of the stove and turned around right into Sidney's arms.

"Morning baby" he said before kissing her.

"Morning stud" she said after breaking the kiss. They sat down and ate breakfast with everyone else.

"So what’s the plan for today?" Max asked.

"Well tonight is the rehearsal dinner and then afterwards I have to be without this beautiful woman until tomorrow afternoon."

"So then today is whatever we want to do?"

"I figured we would just hang out by the water and go swimming."

"Good way to work on my tan so I look even better in my dress."

"Is your dress in that big bag hanging in the guest room’s closet all the way in the back?"

"Sidney Patrick Crosby I swear to God if you even looked at that dress I will kill you now" Karen said in a serious tone.

Sidney smiled and kissed her temple "I never looked baby, I knew what it was and left it alone. I want to be surprised tomorrow."

"Don’t do that to me" she said glaring at him then smiling before going back to eat.

"Well it’s not like the bad luck would follow if he did" Natalie said.

"That is true and you’re lucky Crosby."

"Only when it comes to you baby" he said putting his arm around her shoulders and lightly squeezing. They finished eating and went to get their bathing suits on. Karen was in the bathroom tying her top when Sidney came walking in. "Tell me you’re not mad about me joking about looking at your dress."

"I’m not mad. It was a bad joke at that but I’m not mad" she said then walked out into the bedroom.

"What’s going on? Is something else wrong?"

"Nope" she said and kissed him "I’m heading out back."

"I’ll be out in a few minutes" he said watching her leave the room. Sidney got his suit on and went out to join everyone. He saw Max starting to walk out the door when he caught him. "Did you say anything to Karen about last night?"

"Didn’t have to man."

"What do you mean?"

"I think you might want to go ask her" Max said and went to jump off the dock to swim around with Natalie.

Sidney saw Karen lying on the lounger and went over to her. Karen saw him walking towards her and grabbed her lotion "will you put the lotion on my back stud?"

"Of course I will." Sidney sat on the edge of the lounger once Karen turned over and poured some lotion in his hand, then rubbing it on her back. "Baby, is there something you found out about that you need to ask me?"

Karen closed her eyes before speaking "who’s Chrissie?" She felt Sidney stop rubbing on her skin for a second before starting up again.

"Where did you hear that name? Did Max say something to you?"

"No, you said her name last night before you fell asleep." Karen didn’t want to actually say when he said it and would only if he asked. "Who is she, one of the strippers from last night?"

"Ok first of all, it wasn’t my idea to go and second, she was a girl I knew way back in juniors and hadn’t seen since the night I got drafted to the NHL."

"Did anything happen between you two?" Karen felt Sidney’s hands leave her back and saw him get up before she turned around. A sickness hit her stomach and prayed four words did not leave his lips.

"We were about to leave when she came up and asked who was the last night bachelor. The guys stepped aside and when we saw each other it brought back old times. She said that I was owed a lap dance on the house and I didn’t want to go with her but the guys coaxed me into it. We went to this private area and she did what she did."

"Why does it sound like that’s not all that happened?"

Sidney kneeled down infront of her and took her hands into his "it’s not what you think baby. As she was doing her thing, she leaned back and we kissed. After a minute or two, I pushed her off and got up to leave. I just got caught up in it and with all alcohol it just happened. I’m so sorry baby, really."

Karen sat there and looked at the sincerity in his eyes knowing he hated what happened "you only kissed her?"

"I know it’s bad and I should’ve gone on first instinct and left like we were going to but it happened and when she kissed me, I knew it was wrong."

"Was there any feelings between you two after you kissed?"

"Maybe a little. I had the biggest crush on her during juniors and it did bring back those feelings, but only for a minute."

"Had to have been longer than a minute for you to whisper her name before you fell asleep."

"Karen…"

"It’s fine Sid, really. I can look past a kiss under those circumstances" she said looking down.

"Baby, it’s going to take a lot from someone to get me to forget about you. If you believe I cheated then I will live with that."

"Sid, stop" she said getting up "there’s something you should know." Karen knew it was time to tell him about Ryan.

"What?"

"When I came up here, I stopped in a couple cities along the way, mainly to find a dress, but I did stop in
Boston and found myself going to see someone."

"Who did you see?"

"Whit."

"You went to see Whitter?" he asked somewhat confused.

"I was in the area and wanted to see how he was. It was a shock for all of us when he got traded and I never really got to say goodbye to him. So I found his apartment and stayed to talk to him for a while."

"Did something happen?"

"When I went to leave the next morning I opened the door and he stopped me from going. I went to open the door again but he grabbed it and then kissed me. I was shocked that he did it when he said he was over his feelings for me. I pushed him back, told him goodbye and left."

"Were you going to tell me this?"

"If you didn’t whisper her name for me to act weird, would you have told me?"

"Probably not."

"Sid, if they both didn’t mean anything then we can get past this, right?" Karen asked worried.

"The only thing that worries me is how Ryan still feels about you."

"From the kiss I think some feelings are still apparently there from him. I still think of him as a friend and nothing more. I made it known that I'm in love with you."

"Well Chrissie doesn’t even rank that high" he said wrapping his arms around her. "So we both had an indiscretion huh?"

"At least we both know we can stop ourselves."

"I think our love for each other did that baby. I’m sorry."

"I’m sorry too" she said as their lips met.

"I think I am going to join Max in the lake and let you get back to tanning yourself."

"Nah, I think I could go for a swim too."

"Well then let’s go" he said picking her up and heading to the dock. When he got to the edge, he kissed Karen and jumped in with her in his arms. They both came up laughing and playing around with the others.

A few hours later, everyone got ready and headed to the church for the rehearsal. There really wasn’t much to rehearse as it was just going to be a simple ceremony for everyone else to hear their vows to each other.
They left the church an hour later and went to a restaurant for dinner. Karen was shocked to see a lot more people at the dinner including Mario and Nathalie with the kids, some more players with their wives or girlfriends, and a lot of Sidney’s family.

"How about we just call this the reception since everyone is here?" Karen whispered to Sidney.

"I guess they all wanted to come out before the wedding to celebrate too." Sidney got the attention of the room and made a little speech before dinner. "I want to thank everyone for coming to join us tonight. I know Karen and I appreciate the love and support you all have for us. We are here to have fun for tomorrow is when I get to officially have this beautiful woman in my life from now to eternity." Karen smiled as the crowd let out a huge aww.

"So we stop having fun after tomorrow?" Karen said standing beside him.

"Well the new season is only a little more than a month away."

"Then no more fun is right" she said pouting.

"I think you guys will still manage to have fun during the season" Max yelled out from the crowd as everyone laughed.

"I’m surprised Sheril didn’t think of that first."

"Be thankful for that" she told him smiling.

"Anyway, everyone have fun and enjoy the night." They all toasted to the couple and went through a buffet for dinner. An hour later, Karen and Sidney made their way around the room to talk to everyone. Karen had found Mario and pulled him away to talk to him.

"I was hoping I could talk you into something."

"Should I be scared?"

"No, of course not."

"What can I do for you Karen?"

"Would you walk me down the aisle tomorrow? You have been a great friend and sometimes like a father to me when I needed some advice, I would love it if you did this for me."

"I would be nothing more than honored Karen." She hugged him before they went back to the party. Sidney saw them come back and asked but Karen just smiled and told him he would see tomorrow.

Karen continued to walk around the room and saw Taylor standing by the bar, watching everyone when she saw Karen walk up.

"Hey Tay, having fun?"

"Yeah, it's like a huge family reunion."

"Well this is the biggest family I have ever been involved with" she said as they both laughed. "I had heard you were kind of disappointed that I wasn't going to have bridemaids."

"I thought I could have been one, but it's your wedding so your choice."

"I didn't feel the need since we're already married, but I was thinking..."

"Yeah..."

"If I know your brother, he'll have thousands of flowers waiting for me in the bridal room of the church and I was thinking that if you wanted to, totally your decision, but if you wanted to pick off some of the petals and go before me down the aisle..."

"You mean I could be the flower girl?" she said excitedly.

"I would love it if you would be."

"Yes, I will do it. Sidney said you were going to ask me and I had been waiting forever."

"I told Sid to not say anything until I had a chance to ask you myself." Just then Karen saw Sidney walk towards them "hey, play along will you." Taylor just nodded her head.

"So here is my beautiful bride" he said kissing her head "hey Tay. Did you ask her yet?"

"Ask me what?" Taylor said.

"Karen was going to ask you to be the flower girl."

"You are?"

"Well I was, but the more I thought about it I don't need one."

"Baby..."

"You said she would let me do it Sid, how could you lie to me?" Taylor said getting upset.

"I wasn't lying, baby you said you were going to let her."

"Well I changed my mind."

"How could you do that?"

"The same way I asked you to not say anything to her." Sidney looked between her and Taylor and realized he's been had. "Everything's cool and she's going to do it but you little sneak jumped the gun and told her."

"Sorry baby, I just mentioned it to her that you might have one..."

"That is not what he said Karen. He told me straight out you were going to ask me to be the flower girl and to be surprised when you asked" Taylor said getting a look from Sidney and sticking her tongue out at him getting a laugh from Karen.

"I think I can handle it from here Tay."

"Ok, I'll do what you told me tomorrow" she said then walked away.

"So are you mad?" Sidney asked.

"Yes I am" Karen said then turned to the bartender and ordered a drink.

"Ok, so I screwed up. She was upset thinking she wasn't going to be apart of the wedding so I spilled the beans."

"Well, at least your honest about it." Karen got her drink and kissed him passionately before going back around the room to visit people.

The dinner lasted another two hours and everyone began to leave sparingly. Sidney had grabbed Karen’s hand and taken her to a private part of the restaurant.

"I wish we could spend tonight together."

"Me too but I think your mom wants some things traditional about this wedding."

"We’re already married we should be able to be together tonight."

"Think about it this way stud, after tomorrow we will never have a reason to sleep apart again."

"Away games notwithstanding."

Karen laughed "yes, with the exception of away games. I love you."

"I love you too baby. I can’t wait for tomorrow when we can wear our rings where they belong" he said picking up the wedding bands from her necklace.

"Well it wasn’t like we could wear them normally and not have people catch on."

"I know and thank you for going along with it."

"It was a way to be married to you and keep all my other boyfriends too."

"Sorry baby, but after tomorrow, no more boyfriends."

"Fine. How about the occasional affairs when you go on a long road trip?"

"How about a lot more phone sex to accommodate that instead?"

"That’s a good compromise stud."

"Well I kind of like to think we need to do it every away game."

"Is that right?" Karen said laughing but then got serious "I will miss you tonight."

"I’ll miss you too baby." Sidney brought her closer and their lips met for a very heated kiss…until they were interrupted.

"Hey you two save some for tomorrow" Trina said coming out to find them.

"Can’t help it mom, I love this woman too much to ever stop kissing her."

"Well you need to stop and head home with Max and your dad."

"Sorry, but I don’t think I will be able to leave her tonight" he said tightening his grip on her waist.

"Sidney, don’t make me drag you to the car myself."

"You better do what she says stud I don’t want my mother-in-law to take it out on me tonight."

"What do you think she’ll do to you?"

"I don’t know but I want a good night’s sleep…not sleep with one eye open."

"Alright you two, hush. Say goodnight to your bride and head home with your dad." Trina shook her head smiling at the two and left them alone.

"You sure you want to be a part of this family?"

"Shouldn’t that have been a question back in April?"

"Nope wanted you to say yes to me back then."

"And the difference now is what?"

"No difference, just wanted to make sure you still wanted to be part of this family."

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Your family is just a tag-a-long that we get to see only so often."

"Think back to last year and this year’s playoffs and say that again."

"I think your dad means well Sid. He’s living his hockey dreams through you. Maybe since you’ve won the
cup, he’ll back off a little this coming year."

"Don’t think so. Besides working out and going to camp for the Olympics, he’s lined up a lot of things for me because of winning the cup this year."

"Not like you wouldn’t have been in demand anyway."

"Well, after tomorrow I told him for one week before heading to Calgary I am doing nothing but spending time with you."

"Oh wow, a whole week with just me? I don’t know how I am going to be able to handle all this attention."

"You’ll be able to handle it and a whole lot more baby."

"I can’t wait. I love you Sidney."

"I love you too Karen." They shared one last kiss before they walked back in to depart ways.

Karen got to Sidney’s house with Sheril, Diane and Natalie. Trina would join them a little later with Taylor. After a couple hours, Karen sat in the living room with minimal lights on when everyone else went to bed. She thought about the time from when she first met Sidney and everything they’ve been through. She let a few tears escape when she thought about when they broke up and wasn’t sure if they would have gotten back together. Karen let a smile form when she remembered Sidney surprising her at center ice with the preacher and how tomorrow was just a formality for his family and her friends. She managed to get up and head to bed an hour later.

Chapter 164

As the night went on, the girls were telling stories of their men and getting pretty giddy.

"Ok I want to know if your guys are as freaky as my Max?" Natalie asked the group.

"Define a freaky Max?" Karen said laughing.

"Do they stay with the standard sexual lovemaking position or do they enjoy other positions as well?"

"Damn that was a long sentence" Sheril said. "Steve likes to be in control all the time."

"So that’s where she gets it."

"Shut up" she said hitting Karen with a pillow.

"Yeah, Bernie is the same way" Diane added. "I try to get other ways out of him, but he always wants it the same boring way every night."

"EVERY NIGHT?" the other girls yelled.

"Well not every night, but you guys know what I mean."

"Obviously we don’t Di. You’ve been holding out on us when we get together."

"A married couple has to keep some secrets."

"I know a few that like it freaky…" Karen said getting the attention of her friends as she pointed to Liz then Stacie.

"Tom? No, you’ve never said anything about him being that way" Samantha said.

"Thanks Karen, really appreciate that" Liz said "but yeah he likes it different ways at different times. He gets kind of rough at times, but it’s a good roughness."

"Like when he just pounds into you?" Karen asked getting looks from everyone else "what?" They all laughed at her and continued on. "Of course, no one could be as freaky as the way Stacie likes it."

"Don’t drag me into this."

"Come on Stac, we know Nate has to have a freaky side. He’s to caring and romantic in public, which means he’s hiding something."

"He might have his moments, but for the most part it’s pure lovemaking." she said as the girls all make gagging noises.

"Alright Kiki, your turn to spill the beans, is Sid freaky like Max and everyone else?" Natalie asked curiously.

"You’ve never defined a freaky Max for me to compare. Come on Nattie, you can’t keep a man that fine confined to one position."

"Well he has surprised me a time or two in the shower and he can be an animal when he really gets worked up."

"So then from what I’ve heard, my Sidney is way freakier then everyone combined."

"Oh do tell" Diane said getting comfortable.

"Wait…we need another round before we hear the stories." Sheril got up and everyone followed to get another drink before coming back in and gathering around Karen.

"Alright, let’s go. I want all the juicy details" Sheril said.

"Hmm, let me see. How can I explain this" Karen said putting her finger to her face and tapped her cheek.

"Stop stalling" Natalie told her.

"Ok, ok well he seems to want to have sex all over the house. We’ve had sex on the couch, kitchen table, shower, bed of course, outside on the front porch…"

"WHAT?"

"Yeah that one was the most recent escapade at home. In this house, the couch, kitchen table, shower, on the stairs…"

"Wait, on the stairs? Isn’t that painful on your back?"

"It takes a few minutes to get use to it, but the sensations take over and the openness…hello, multiple orgasms. Where else, oh, in the lake was fun."

"Damn girl, that boy is a freak" Kasey said.

"I know and to look at him you wouldn’t know it" Diane said.

Karen sat there and smiled remembering all their times together "I’m actually waiting for somewhere in public…well besides at the arena, for him to pounce."

"Hold the phone and back the bus up here" Kasey started "you guys had sex at the Igloo?"

"Uh yeah" Karen said like it was no big deal.

"Where?" they all asked in unison.

"In the shower and up in one of the suites."

"Ok, you’ve told us about the shower" Sheril said "but when was the romp in the suite?"

"After they won game six."

"So that’s why it took you guys so long to meet us at Diesel" Natalie said.

"Yep, and we almost had someone walk in. They were cleaning out the suites and one of the attendants started to open the door before someone said that suite was already cleaned."

"It is known that the best sex is when you are about to be caught" Sheril said.

"And do we know this from experience?" Natalie asked with her eyebrows raised.

"I plead the 5th."

"So Steve does have a freaky side."

"Not at all, it was before Steve and I got married."

"Ooo, Sheril’s the freak then."

"You guys haven’t picked up on that yet?" Karen told her friends.

"Shut up…I’m not the one having sex all over the place 'Miss I Want Sidney Crosby Anywhere and Everywhere'."

"Ok, first of all…that is true and second, Sidney is the one that starts it, I just oblige."

"I know I wouldn’t turn him down."

"Not like you’ll ever get the opportunity find out either." They all laughed and decided to find some food to go along with their drinks.

Meanwhile Sidney, Max and his friends went to a bar to get a few drinks and talk. When they had their fill, the guys surprised Sidney by taking him to a strip club.

"Why are we here?" Sidney asked looking at the club’s marquee "I promised Karen I wouldn’t."

"It’s not like you have to do anything, just watch then go home and let Karen feel your wrath" Max told him.

"Is that what Nat is expecting tonight?"

"The possibilities are endless Siddo." The guys walked in and found a table up front. Sidney watched the girls dance and strip and he forced a smiled to amuse his friends. He even, at one point, started daydreaming about Karen up there dancing for him. It was so realistic to his drunkenness that he was actually watching Karen up there. Sidney shook the thoughts out of his head when Max handed him another shot.

A couple hours had passes and the guys were getting ready to head out when a petite blonde stepped up to them.

"So I hear we have a last night bachelor in here tonight. Which one of you lucky guys is him?" she said.

The guys parted and Sidney saw the girl talking to them "Chrissie?"

"Oh my god Sidney, how long has it been?"

"A long time."

"So wait, you’re the one getting married?" she asked with disbelief.

"Yeah it’s true" he said with a huge smile thinking of Karen.

"Well to honor that, you are owed a lap dance on the house and I will be more than happy to oblige."

Sidney knew this was a bad idea. Chrissie was a crush from juniors that he hadn’t seen since after the draft at a party celebrating his new NHL career. "That’s not necessary, really."

"Come on Sid, it’s a tradition and a male right before you get married." One of his friends’ said. Chrissie took his hand and led him to a private room as the other guys sat back down to enjoy themselves.
Chrissie led him to a chair and let him sit down to get more comfortable. She turned up the music and started to dance around seductively. She would make her way over to Sidney and was soon going up his body, making sure to hit all the right spots. Sidney could feel himself getting turned on and tried to picture Karen in his mind, but it wouldn’t let him. She kept it up changing positions and tricks, knowing what it would do to him. She turned around so her back was facing Sidney as she began to gyrate over his crotch. As if on instinct, Sidney placed his hands on her hips. Chrissie leaned back to his chest and turned her head to look at him. It didn’t take long for her head to lean closer and for their lips to meet. They sat there for a few minutes kissing until Sidney pushed her off of him and got up.

"That shouldn’t have happened" he said moving away from her.

"Why not? If I remember correctly, we had some good times together" she said walking towards him.

"That was a long time ago and I’m not about to ruin what I have with my fiancée for one cheap night with you." Sidney turned, walked out and over to the guys. They all left a couple minutes later with the limo dropping off all the guys at their respective places leaving Sidney’s house last.

When they went inside, the girls were still in the living room and sprawled out throughout the room with Karen lying on the top of the couch. Their giggles filled the house as the guys entered the room.

Karen glanced up and saw Sidney with Max and Colby standing in the doorway "COLBY!" she screamed and went to move but fell off the back of the couch. Sidney ran over to her to see if she was alright and Karen was on the floor laughing "ouch."

"Baby, are you alright?" he said concerned.

Karen got up with the help of Sidney and staggered to Colby, hugging him "what are you doing here?"

"Well when my best friend called and said he was getting married, I had to get up here as fast as I could to make sure it was to you."

"Yeah like I would let him go so easily."

"I don’t think he could let you go either."

"Are you staying here with us tonight?"

"Actually, Mel is at the hotel and I have the limo waiting to take me back there. I just had to come and see you tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow."

"I wish I would have known, she could have joined us tonight."

"Then I wouldn't have been able to surprise you now."

"Aww, you’re so sweet" she said pinching his cheeks.

"I think this one needs to get some sleep" Colby told Sidney.

Karen shook her head no "sleep bad, up all night drinking good."

"We can’t drink anymore because we already drank it all and he" Sheril said pointing to Sidney "said we weren’t allowed to leave the house."

"Good move bro" Colby told Sidney.

Sidney wrapped his arms around her waist "of course, I want to keep this one around for a while."

"I’m sure she wants that too. Alright, I need to head back and I will see you guys tomorrow at the rehearsal dinner."

Karen hugged him "night Colby, I’m glad you came."

"Me too" he told everyone goodbye and left.

Karen walked back over to Sidney and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. The kiss heated up and Karen knew she couldn’t wait any longer to make love to him. Their lips left each other and she grabbed his hand, leading him upstairs and leaving everyone to fend for themselves. They entered the bedroom and as their lips met again, hands were working fast to remove all articles of clothing until they were standing there completely naked. Sidney got Karen on the bed and laid down beside her. His hand went to her crotch and began to rub as hard as he could to make her moan out for him. Karen went to reach for him but found he was already hard and waiting for her. She took the opportunity to get in control when she rolled him onto his back and straddled his hips. Karen leaned up and positioned herself over his cock, sliding down on him, and letting his thickness stretch her to make him fit. Karen put her hands on his chest and began to move her hips. She started out slow to get a rhythm going and got faster as time went by. Sidney dug his fingers into her hips as he helped her move on him. Karen felt her orgasm grow and leaned back letting his cock hit her sweet spot. A few more movements and she all but screamed her release. Karen started to slow down, but Sidney turned them over and pounded a few more thrusts into her until he came as well, collapsing on top of her.

"Oh god Sid" she said holding him.

"Mmm, baby." Sidney looked at her and kissed her before rolling off and bringing her to him. Karen settled in and closed her eyes to fall asleep. Just as she was almost asleep, Karen heard Sidney whisper "Chrissie." She moved her head to look at him and saw he was fast asleep. She couldn’t believe he said some other girl’s name and wondered what he did tonight. Karen pushed it from her thoughts and went back to sleep.

Chapter 163

Soon it was August 12th, four days before the wedding and Karen still hadn’t found a dress she liked. There were a couple she liked and could decide on if she didn’t find one in the next two days.

Karen was sitting at the kitchen table looking at Bridal magazines when Sidney came in "maybe that whole walking down the aisle naked isn’t a bad idea."

"Baby, you’ll find a dress that you like. My mom said she saved the best store for last and her friend owns it. Trust me, you’ll find it today."

"Huh, and here I thought you would jump at the chance to make the naked decision final."

"I would but when I joked about it to my mom, she didn’t like it to well."

"I guess I’ll just have to find another time to be naked and walk around then."

"Can I join you?" he said leaning into to kiss her.

"You could but you know what happens when we both are naked at the same time."

"My favorite time with you. Ok, I need to go and will see you when you get back."

"Wait, where you going without me?" she said almost whining.

"I just have a few errands to run."

"Does any of it have to do with me?"

"It deals with the wedding…so it all deals with you baby."

"I love you."

"I love you too baby. Hope you find your dress today and I’ll see you later."

"Ok." Sidney kissed her before he left and Karen gave up on the magazine and went to get ready. A half hour later, Trina was at the house and she and Karen went to her friend’s shop to look for a dress.

"I think you’ll like the dresses at my friend’s shop. She has some beautiful ones that you might not find anywhere else."

"I hope so I haven’t found anything I really like yet."

"What are you looking for exactly?"

"Something spectacular that would blow Sidney away" she said looking out the window.

Trina smiled at her "you sound like me when I was about to marry Troy."

"It’s weird knowing he doesn’t care what I look like yet I want to wow him."

"We all want to do that for the man in our lives. Thank you for letting this wedding happen Karen, it means the world to the family."

"Well it means the world to me to have you guys as my family too." Soon, they pulled up to the quaint little dress shop and went in.

"Ruth" Trina said hugging her friend "this is my daughter-in-law Karen."

"Don’t you mean future daughter-in-law?"

Trina smiled at Karen "sorry, must have jumped the gun. Karen this is one of my good friends Ruth Henderson."

"It’s nice to meet you Ruth."

"You too dear, so, what can I help you find today?"

"I have no idea" she said laughing. "Can I just look around and see if anything jumps out at me?"

"Sure, go ahead."

Karen took her time and looked around. She didn’t see anything at first and was about to give up when she saw it…the dress that took her breath away and knew it would do the same to Sidney.

"Oh my god, this is the dress" she said getting the attention of Trina and Ruth.

"Did you find one Karen?" Trina asked walking up to her and seeing the dress she was holding "that is beautiful."

"And it’s my size. I am going to try it on." Karen went into the fitting room and put the dress on. She came out, had Trina zip it up and Karen looked into the mirror. "This is it" she said getting teary eyed "this is the dress to marry Sid in."

"And it looks absolutely gorgeous on you too" Ruth said looking to see if anything needed altered or fixed. "It’s a perfect fit too and that never happens."

"What do you think Trina?"

"You look beautiful and Sidney will be speechless when he sees you."

"Thanks mom" she said with a smile. They made sure the dress fit perfectly and Karen could move and breathe in it without any problems. She paid for the dress and took it home hiding it so Sidney wouldn’t peek at it.

An hour later, Sidney came home and yelled for Karen "BABY? WHERE ARE YOU?"

"I’m in the kitchen, you don’t have TO YELL" she said coming out.

"Sorry" he started to laugh "wasn’t sure where you were. Close your eyes I have a surprise for you."

"I will only close my eyes because I love you." Karen stood there and shut her eyes and waited for him to tell her to open them. She heard a commotion but kept them close. Sidney walked up to her and stood behind her.

"What is the one thing you want more than anything right now?" he whispered into her ear.

"I’m not responding to that with my eyes closed."

"Then open them and see your surprise."

Karen opened her eyes and saw her three best friends standing in front of her "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" she yelled running over to hug them. "How are you guys here?"

"Well that man of yours is very charming and sent us plane tickets to come up for a few days" Sheril said.

Karen looked at Sidney "did he tell you why he picked this weekend?"

"No, not really" Diane said.

"Um, Sid and I are getting married this weekend." The three girls all screamed and hugged Karen again. Sidney smiled and told her he was going to run out and bring back dinner so they could catch up. They were all talking when Karen decided to tell them some news.

"Guys, I’m not planning on having bridesmaids on Saturday. Since we’re already married, I didn’t feel the need. I hope you guys don’t mind just being guests of the bride."

The girls looked at each other before Karen heard "woooohoooo!!!!" "Hallelujah" "Yes, yes, yes." She just busted out laughing and hugged her friends.

"So what does your dress look like?"

Karen was about to answer when she heard the front door open "I’ll tell you later."

Sidney emerged with take out Chinese and another surprise "baby, look who I found walking around outside."

Karen looked and smiled when she saw Max standing in the doorway. She got up and hugged him "did you come just for me?"

"Well you and that beautiful woman sitting on the floor who is obviously IGNORING ME." Karen just laughed waiting for Natalie to look over. When she did, she got off the floor and Karen stepped out of the way or she would have gotten ran over. "Bout time you realized I was here."

"Sorry, I didn’t know you were coming" she said getting out of his arms then hitting him in the stomach "why didn’t you ask me to come with you?"

"Ouch, I couldn’t come with you when I was coming to surprise you."

"I guess I could forgive you" she said finding his lips and giving him the most passionate kiss.

"Oh god, get a room you two" Sheril said throwing a pillow at them.

"And ya’ll thought Sid and I were bad" Karen added. "I’m going to go eat before my appetite is ruined." The rest walked into the kitchen and got the food out on the table. A few minutes later, Max and Natalie joined them and got all stares when entering the room.

"What, had to work up a hunger for food" Natalie said.

"I’m sure Max has a different hunger now" Karen whispered to her to make her blush when she looked over at Max sitting beside Sidney as they started to eat.

The next day came and went as Sidney and Karen were having their rightful bachelor/bachelorette parties. Max was taking Sidney out to meet up with some of his friends and Karen had her girls with her for some fun. While Sidney was getting ready, Karen and the girls had already started their party.

As Sidney came down the steps, he saw headlights pull up to the house and smiled. He made sure Karen wasn’t watching him and went to the door, opening it and silencing the visitors. They quietly walked inside and went to the doorway of the living room.

"Hope there is enough alcohol to last the night."

Karen looked to who said that and screamed at the sight of four more best friends. There stood Liz, Stacie, Samantha, and Kasey all with smiles as Karen got up and ran over to hug them all.

"How are you guys here?" They all pointed to Sidney who just stood there with a smile.

"Apparently he said we needed to come up this weekend for a surprise with you" Liz said.

"So what’s the surprise Kiki?" Kasey asked.

"Sid and I are getting married this weekend" she said holding up her hand with the diamond on it. Karen hadn’t mentioned it to any of them they were engaged and knew it was a shock to them.

"Are you serious?" Liz looked at her with disbelief before she smiled "bout damn time girl."

"Thanks girl" she said hugging her. "So did the guys come with you too?"

"Actually, they are waiting for me to pick them up at the hotel and then they’re going out with us" Sidney said coming up behind her.

"That was sweet of you to do all this."

"I just wanted you to have your friends here" he said kissing her. Sidney smelled the alcohol on her breath "baby, promise me you and the girls will stay at the house tonight."

"Whatcha mean?" she said with her eyes wide and smiling.

"You’ve already started drinking" Sidney said looking at her.

Karen shook her head no, then changed it to yes "Sheril found your blender and all the alcohol."

Sidney couldn’t hold in his laugh "baby, you need to listen to me for a minute."

"You are too sexy for your own good stud" she ignored him, kissing his neck "you sure you don’t want to combine our parties and stay here with me? I can make it worth your while."

"Karen" he said stepping back from her to make her look at him "I want you to stay here. No leaving the house and driving anywhere. You can go out back and by the dock but please stay here. I know how you girls get and I want you safe."

"I promise we will stay near the house stud."

"I love you."

"I love you too and if I have to stay near the house…you have to stay away from the strippers."

"You have nothing to worry about baby. Besides, if I want to see a beautiful woman take her clothes off, I’ll just come home to you."

"You come home to me and I will strip for you anyway" she said before kissing him.

"I hate to break up this lovefest but can we go while the night is still young." They kept kissing "guys, come on, you can do this later." When Max still didn’t get a response, "I am giving you guys five more seconds before I go get the hose." Sidney and Karen both held up their hand and counted down the fingers from 5 to none, breaking the kiss.

"Chill Max, I only needed five more seconds" Sidney said before letting Karen go and walking towards the door with Max following behind. Karen stood there laughing before rejoining the girls.

Chapter 162

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

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

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

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

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

"You're blocking my sun stud."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What am I going to do with you?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"No, why?"

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

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

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

"Starting now?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You loved it, admit it."

"I love you, does that count?"

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

"I thought you wanted a traditional wedding."

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

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

"Yeah, why?"

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

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

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

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

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

"No I don't."

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

"Can you please wait until our wedding?"

"Why?"

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

"Ok, but one last question about it?"

"What?"

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

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

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

Merry Christmas everyone :)

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

Hope Santa was good to all :)

Chapter 161

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

"Hey Maxwell, I need your help."

"Yes Kiki."

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

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

"And why would I do that?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you guys mind if I cleaned it?"

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

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

"Um, what is he doing?"

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

"Think that's funny baby?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Gee, you almost sounded convincing there."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I think I get it baby."

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

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

"Oh I think that is definitely a possibility."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What's plan B?"

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

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

Chapter 160

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

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

"Hi" she said kind of shyly.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"Are you here with Sidney?"

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

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

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

"I'm Alicia."

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

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

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

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

"YOU ARE?" the girl said excitedly.

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

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

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

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

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

"Well thank you both so very much."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Well you could always picture Max naked."

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

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

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

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

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

"Is there a problem baby?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So this was where you snuck off to."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Then what is it?" he asked concerned.

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

"So you are mad about today?"

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

"Ok."

"I think your dad wants you."

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Hey" she said quietly not to startle him.

"Hey baby, come here."

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

"Just remembering."

"Kind of surreal huh?"

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

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

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

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

"Understood, now what were you thinking about?"

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

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

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

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

"You just want your own little hockey team."

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

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

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

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

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