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halle

I was on the edge of my seat in warmups. My mother tried to ask me questions, but I couldn't answer them wholeheartedly.

"What's he doing on the glass? Who's he talking to?"

"Uh...Chaunette and Donya. They have the kids with them. They like to watch the warmups from right in the ice." Tayler leaned into me from my right. She addressed my mom over my shoulder.

"They'll come up and join all of us." I had to smile slightly. 'All of us' included family members of nearly everyone. Tayler and Dylan's parents sat on her other side, as well as his two brothers who's teams had been knocked out of the playoffs already. So many supporters for the boys. And most would be traveling to Florida for the final two games, just like we were.

"I like your jacket Halls. I see a couple women with similar ones."

"Yeah, all the wives and girlfriends got them." I shifted to show her the front with the C.

"It's nice." My mother paused as Alex and Lyndsey returned to their seats in front of us. After they took their seats, Lyndsey twisted to hand Tayler and I drinks. While Tayler got a beer, I was left with just a water. For once, I didn't mind. I wanted to keep my head straight today.

I'd already introduced my family to my friends, but I knew they didn't quite make the connection between them and the players on the ice. They'd know when something significant happened and the girls broke out in cheers.

As the anthem began, Tayler squeezed my hand tightly. She did the same thing every game. When the song ended, Amanda turned to look up at the women behind her.

"Ladies, now is when we pray like hell that our boys do well." I clutched at Tayler's hand harder. They would. They had to. The journey here had been too long and exhausting to not prevail. They wanted it too bad to let the chance slip from between their hands. One set of fans would walk out of here disheartened tonight, and it wouldn't be us.

Good luck, Ty. Play like you have fire under your feet and in your soul.

I send the silent thought over the ice to him as though he could hear it. I wished he could. I felt the growing electricity in the arena as Tyler skated into the face off circle. He squared off against the Lightning captain. I felt the pressure rise the second the puck was dropped.

The puck flew away from the circle and was immediately scooped up by a white-clad player. I groaned as the forward deftly kept Pat from intercepting it.

The rest of the first two periods was a large match of keep-away. Thankfully, there was more possession from Chicago. Whatever they did, the offensive lines couldn't get through the Lightning defense. Even Tyler had troubles. I knew he would be frustrated if something didn't give in the third period. Shots on goal were ten to nine. Even and fruitless on both ends.

Something was different about the team in the final period. They came out from the intermission looking like a whole new set of players. They weren't emotional and irrational anymore. Each face was set in stone. They carried themselves with dignity and determination. Tyler, especially, looked motivated. I knew the look on his face. When he was calm and settled, there was no stopping him. Something explosive was about to happen.

Off of the faceoff, Tyler scooped the puck back to Adam. The defenseman took the puck out of a dangerous area and carried it over the blue line. The wingers were set in a deadly formation, Tyler the weapon in the middle. Adam dropped the puck to Pat, who drew the defenders away by faking a pass back to Adam. Tyler was almost unguarded. The one defender near him wasn't anything to worry about. Pat's pass found the tape of his stick easily, as if a magnet had connected the two objects together. Perfect chemistry in a perfect pass.

Tyler slipped the puck across the body of the defender and through his leg. The move was slick and perfectly executed. I didn't cheer yet. I waited with held breath as he squared off with the opposing goalie. Toe drag, fake out, wide open net. And then the puck went sailing into the right hand side. I let my breath out slowly in relief. Tayler cheered, smacking at my arm.

"Let's go baby! Sick moves Ty!" She looked at me. "Stand up girly! Your man just scored."

"I'm too relieved."

"Oh get up." Tayler grabbed my arm and heaved me to my feet. I grinned weakly at her.

With seven minutes left in the game, the team kicked into defense. When Tyler got back out, he tried to score. But he was the only one. Everyone else played back behind the blue line. I was sure they were running on Jeremy's orders.

The clock wore down, final buzzer blowing our hearing out. I let out a heavy breath of relief. Game one in the books. A win, even though it hasn't been easy. Tayler linked arms with me, grinning.

"Want to go out with the girls?" I hesitated, looking back at my mom.

"I would, but I promised I'd take them to my apartment and show it off in person." Tayler pouted.

"Ok. Text me later. Same time tomorrow at my place, k?"

"Yep. Bye Tay! Tell Dyl I said good job."

We parted ways, our families splitting up. Mason leered at me from behind my mom.

"Looks like your buddy got the game winner. Not too shabby." I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, he's decent." Johnny was excited.

"This is literally crazy. We know someone playing in the Stanley Cup finals."

"And you're going to be staying in his apartment." I reminded him. Mason, Johnny, and Hannah would be staying with Tyler and I. My parents had taken the opportunity to get a hotel room. The chance away from their children was too good to pass up on, apparently. I didn't mind. I hoped they weren't too crazy when Tyler came home. He needed to rest and not deal with my crazy siblings.

I hugged my parents goodbye before heading for my car. My siblings trailed me slower, talking. Hannah was at my side, her eyes looking at the skyscrapers.

"Where's your apartment?" I stopped walking and grinned. My finger pointed at a building in the distance.

"See that building with the blue lights on top? The one next to it." Hannah's eyebrows rose.

"Really? You're in the middle of the city?"

"Yep. It has a great view. You'll like it."

"I remember from when you showed us."

"It's pretty cool." I continued walking. Johnny's eyes lit up at the BMW again. He'd fussed over the sleek new model more than my brother had. Mason only shook his head. He was trying to act like he wasn't impressed. I called it older brother syndrome. Didn't want to be shown up by his younger sister.

I unlocked the car when we reached it. Hannah slid into the front passenger seat, ignoring the protests of Johnny and Mason. I secretly high-fived her when they weren't looking. She was learning to hold her own against them after twelve years of life.

"How expensive is your apartment?" Mason's question was casual.

"Dunno. Ty pays for it."

"Yeah, that's likely. You always need to know everyone's business." I smirked as I started to drive. I did know, but I wasn't going to tell him. "How much was the car?"

"It's a lease."

"Oh." Johnny pouted. "You had my hopes up. Was gonna steal it and drive home."

"Sorry. Not." I carefully navigated the populated streets. My brain told my hands where to turn without much thought. I was starting to learn the streets like the back of my hand. Especially the routes I traveled multiple times a week. In a short drive, I was pulling into the parking garage. John let out a whistle as we passed the cars in their parking spots.

"Geez. Do all these people live here? That's a lot of nice cars in one spot."

"You saw the security to get in, right? There's a reason it's so stiff." John ogled the nearest Audi near my spot. "Come on, car nerd." I started to explain things to them on the way up. "You guys can stay up as late as you want, but you don't mess with Ty. Ok? He needs rest and a clear head. He'll be home late and out early anyway."

"What, no autographs?" I gave Mason a look. His snarky remark wasn't the only one. "If he wants us to leave him alone, the Holy One will need to provide compensation."

"And I can send you right back to the hotel with Mom and Dad if you're stupid about this." Mason made a face at me.

"Fine, fine. I'll leave pretty boy alone."

The elevator arrived at our floor, dinging loudly. I pulled my keys out to the unlock the door. Hannah's eyes bugged when it swung open.

"Wow..." Mason groaned.

"Damn it Halls. I was trying hard, too." I pretended to not know what he was talking about.

"Trying so hard to do what?" He glared at me.

"Not be impressed. When did you pick up the lifestyle up the rich and famous? This is literally something the Kardashians own."

"I'll tell my interior decorator that you're impressed with her work."

"She single?"

"No. She's dating Connor McDavid." Mason made a face at me.

"Are you just friends with everyone across the league?"

"Something like that." I smirked. "You should see my contacts list. Anyway, Hannah gets the guest bed. You two guys can fight over the couch and the pullout bed."

"Couch." John pointed at the living room. Mason made a face. I carried my purse into the bedroom. When I came back out, Mason was sprawled on the gray furniture.

"Hey Halls, have you seen that funny commercial with Pasta and Tyler?" I frowned.

"No. Who was it for?"

"It's for Dunkin. Do you watch any of his interviews ever?" I shrugged.

"Not really. I haven't looked at his things lately. He does his things and I do mine."

"You're missing out. He's a funny guy. 'Specially when he gets on Spittin' Chiclets. He's been on a couple times and it's awesome. At the All Star game he went on with Kane and they chirped Biz for ten minutes straight."

"Biz probably deserved it." John gave me a look.

"You know who Biz is without watching interviews?" I shrugged.

"Met him a few times. Funny guy. Tried to guilt me into buying Pink Whitney over and over again though."

"You've met him." My brother sounded incredulous. I shrugged again. It wasn't that big of a deal to me. Hannah poked at my arm, turning my attention to her.

"Can I turn the TV on?"

"Yeah, sure thing. Here." I fished the remote out from the hiding place in the arm of the couch. I handed it over to her. "Go crazy kiddo."

"Got any food?" I turned again as Mason's voice drifted from the kitchen area.

"Hot pockets in the freezer. Don't touch Tyler's stuff on the middle shelves. He'll get pissy if his stuff is out of place." After a moment, he spoke again.

"Plates?" I sighed, pushing off the couch. I opened the cabinet, pointing up at the flat dishes.

"John and Han, you guys want anything? I have ice cream, toaster strudels, and hot pockets. This is the most junk food we've ever had in our freezer, you're lucky."

"I'll have a hot pocket. Thanks Halls." John called from the couch.

"Ice cream please." Hannah chimed in. I grabbed a bowl and the tub of Neapolitan ice cream. I found a spoon to dig a decent helping out for my sister. After I'd deposited the dish in her hands, I checked my phone. I frowned at the text on my screen.

I relayed the news to my siblings, trying to encourage an early bedtime. Particularly for Hannah, who I knew was up past her normal time already.

"In the next hour I want you all in bed."

"No way. You're crazy." Mason sprawled so he was lounging across the couch. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Mom said to meet them early tomorrow at the hotel, remember? I'm taking everyone to breakfast at O'Briens at nine. For that, we have to get up by at least eight. Even that's pushing it. If you don't sleep soon you'll be dragging tomorrow."

"Thanks, Mom." John scowled in my direction.

"Fine, if you won't listen to me I don't care. But Hannah, you're going to bed as soon as you finish the ice cream." She was already nodding off.

"Ok." She inhaled the remnants of the bowl before trodding off to the guest room. I sat on the couch for a little while longer, enjoying the company of my brothers. After a quiet few minutes, Mason spoke.

"What's the plan Halle?"

"What?" He was being serious. I was confused.

"What are you doing here? What's the plan for your life? Realistically."

"What he means is...is this thing with Tyler permanent?" John chimed in. I felt like I was being ganged up on.

"Yes. It is. Without a question."

"So you're going to settle down? No second thoughts, no dreams of a different story?" I scowled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Mom and Dad spent an arm and a leg to send you to Duke, now UofC. How can you throw that away so quickly? Especially over a guy."

"Mom's worries about you. All the time. I have to agree with her. I think you're doing it for the money and the clout." I was annoyed.

"You don't think I'd gladly choose a life where Tyler is a normal guy with an eight to five job? You don't think I would've chosen an easier life than having the man I love missing for days and weeks at a time?" I paused, collecting my thoughts. I was strangely calm. My wits were still intact. All because I knew what I wanted and who I wanted it with. "And once upon a time I wanted something else. I wanted to be a solo biologist with a stellar career and the reputation of being the smartest. And I know it's wrong for my wants to change like they did, but I don't feel the same anymore. When I imagine my future, I imagine a family in a nice house with a big yard. I imagine Tyler. That's the plan."

"So that's it? You're content with getting married and having kids."

"Yes." Mason nodded.

"Ok. It's your life. I just want to make sure you're positive about this."

"Absolutely." John looked at me carefully.

"Mason's just talking to you cause Mom told him to." John earned daggers from our older brother. "But we also care about you. Neither of us want to see you hurt. I trust you though." He gave me a crooked smile. I relaxed.

"Thanks John. More than I can say for Mase." Mason shrugged.

"I'm more skeptical. It's not like you two have been together long."

"It's been well over a year, Mase."

"Yeah that's not long. If he asks you to marry him before the three year mark I'm not coming to the wedding." His serious expression finally broke. I stood, laughing.

"Oh shut up you dick. Go to bed. That's what I'm doing." A yawn accentuated my point. I closed the door to my bedroom tightly behind me. Hopefully Tyler would be able to get in without issue.

If I lay down, I would feel his absence with an massive ache in my heart. Sometimes I didn't mind when Tyler was away for games, but sleeping without him was the worst part. To sleep without the comfort of his skin just within reach of my fingertips, to wake up alone in a big bed that was meant for two. It was almost unbearable. At least I knew he would eventually show up besides me during the night. I'd wake up cradled in strong arms like every morning. I could settle with being alone for now as long as he came to me eventually.

I stripped of my clothes from the game. Carefully, I placed my precious jean jacket over the back of the armchair. I fondly trailed my fingers over Tyler's name on the back before heading into the bathroom. The dark-toned room invited me into the bath to relax. The idea filled me with warmth. I pulled out a collection of bath items, particularly fizzers that would produce a sweet smell and make my skin soft. I selected a red-tinted one, assuming it was rose scented by the images of tiny flowers dancing across the package.

As soon as the water had filled the tub, I put my hair in a bun and put a relaxing playlist on. I let out a sigh as I slipped into the hot water. I dropped the bath bomb besides me. My eyes lit up as I watched the soap bubbling up. I sank lower and let my head loll back onto the rim. My eyes closed partially, enjoying the feeling of the water.

I supposed I drifted off, or was so far into relaxation that I didn't hear anything. The next thing I knew were heavy and rough hands that trailed down the bare skin of my arm. I shivered at the words that accompanied the touch.

"It's dangerous to bathe alone." I smirked at the want in his voice.

"I couldn't wait. Care to join me?" He groaned.

"I'd love to take that offer and what follows but I'm beat." I sighed, my hopes dashed as quickly as they'd risen.

"I know." He leaned around to peck my lips.

"I'll hold you to the opportunity another time." I smiled up at him.

"Nice goal hottie." He grinned.

"Thanks. I'm going to bed." I nodded.

"I'll be out. I love you Ty."

"I love you too Halls."