Page 45

tyler

I'd blinked and missed playoffs. One moment I was throwing my heart and soul into the very first round against the Avalanche. The next, it was game seven against the Flyers. This was all or nothing.

And we swept the team in a massive effort. For the second time in a year, I lifted the silver cup high over my head. This time, I handed it off to Pat. I tried not to let my own emotions show at the glint of tears in his eyes.

It was his last run with us. He was a stunning five time Cup winner. It was a thrilling way to end his career.

We ended the season with the big win. We ended the season knowing we'd pushed and pushed and we'd won.

Now I got to end my summer with my girlfriend. Almost as soon as I'd returned home, I shipped right back off to the awards ceremony. Unlike the summer before, Halle didn't join me. She was showing too much already. I had Elvis and Alex at my side, so I wasn't too lonely. Just like the previous years, I made a guilty sweep of the titles I'd been nominated for.

After awards, I came back for the ring ceremony. I added the ring, and Halle's matching necklace, to the growing trophy case in our wine room. We'd need an upgrade soon if my career continued to improve.

Things finally settled in late July. We had some free time before the baby shower and Tayler's wedding. It was in this time that I intended to propose to Halle. I knew her ring size from a gift for her previous birthday, and I'd used that knowledge to purchase a ring a few months ago. Now, my only hope was that it would still fit.

Between Dylan, Elvis, and Alex, I'd managed to plan a perfect night. One that was private and secret and meant for only the two of us.

In the warmth of a Toronto night when we were visiting her family, I nervously approached Halle's father. I might've been raised in an unorthodox manner, but I knew for sure that I wanted to ask his blessing. It would sit better with me. And since I was asking her the next day, this was the best opportunity.

Somehow, I managed to convince Hannah to drag Halle away from the house for a few minutes. Halle's grumpiness at seven months pregnant wasn't the easiest to convince to leave. Hannah's pouting and begging for sister ice cream time took some effort. I promised Hannah I'd slip her some candy as a reward. Maybe money instead. She wasn't a little kid anymore. Candy wasn't the strongest bribe for a thirteen year old.

With clammy hands, I descended into the basement where I knew the patriarch of the Finch household resided. It felt like I was descending into a dungeon of doom with all the Leafs paraphernalia decorating the walls. Despite my NHL affiliation, and my ready willingness to donate Hawks decorations for the basement, he was still insisted on being Leafs fan. Even more so when he met Mitch Marner by chance on the streets and the two had chirped me for a few minutes. I'd heard all about the encounter from Mitch at the awards ceremony. Apparently Jim Finch wouldn't hold back on berating opposing teams...even if the player in question was his future son in law.

Jim looked up from his armchair as I stepped off the final step. He motioned at the baseball game on the large TV.

"Hello Tyler. Want to watch the game with me? Orioles versus Yankees. I'm a Yankees man myself."

"Sure." I took a seat in the opposite armchair. "I'm all Red Sox. I grew up in Boston rooting for them. Hard to change my allegiances. Bunch of guys on the team fight over the White Sox or Cubs but I'm faithful." He smiled slightly. I had a feeling he could smell my nervousness. Why was I so afraid? I was about to have a child with his daughter and I was scared of asking him about marriage? I'd done things way out of order.

"Cubs aren't terrible. Can't imagine rooting for the White Sox."

"Exactly." My smile faded. "Er, I didn't exactly come down to watch baseball. I came down here to ask you something." The seriousness of my tone made him look over quickly. He muted the TV.

"What is it son?"

"I was wondering if...I was wondering if you would give me your blessing when I ask Halle to marry me." His face was grave for a long moment. I started to squirm.

"Damn, boy, maybe you should've asked me that before getting her pregnant." He broke into a smile, splitting the harsh expression. I relaxed. He stood to shake my hand. "Of course I do. I was expecting it sooner, actually. I appreciate that you asked me. When are you going to ask her?"

"Tomorrow. I know it's short notice but this summer is hectic."

"Halle told me. The life of a professional, eh?" I shrugged.

"I didn't know I'd be signing up for so many weddings when I got drafted. There's at least two to attend every summer. We managed to break it down to one this year with the pregnancy, somehow."

"When's your ceremony going to be? Any ideas? Presumably after the baby is born."

"Yeah. Probably next summer. No idea on details yet. We'll focus on the baby first. He's here so soon." I was filled with apprehensive thoughts. Jim patted my shoulder.

"Speaking from someone who had two boys for years before the girls showed up, it's an amazing experience. You'll do fine. Can't say I'll be happy to see my first grandson raised as a Blackhawks fan, but I guess that's my future."

"Who knows, maybe he'll get won over when Mitch and Auston come to visit. He's gonna have a crazy list of guys who want to teach him everything there is to know about hockey. He'll live and breathe it for the rest of his life."

"Not such a bad thing. Ya know, I dreamed of Mason or Johnny to making it to the NHL. They never loved it enough to pursue it past high school. Funny how Halle was the one to bring that dream to life. I finally have a son who's living the dream. Crazy." He shook his head. He smiled at me again. "Thank you again for thinking to ask me. You're a good man Tyler. Proud to call you my future son."

I was chuffed at his words. I settled back and watched the baseball game until Halle returned. With that out of the way, I focused on the upcoming night. I'd been planning this from the first day we'd been in Toronto together. This place was somewhere special to Halle. Near the Ontario Place Marina, where Halle had learned to love the water, I was going to pop the question.

I'd arranged to rent a boat from the marina, taking Halle on a nice trip on the lake if she wanted. We could enjoy lunch and relax before I asked her.

I was anxious in the morning. I think Halle caught on pretty quickly. She was confused when I bundled her into our rental car without her family. I promised her we would be back for dinner. A fancy dinner to celebrate, that was.

Halle was dressed up in a simple summer dress. She looked absolutely angelic in the light blue fabric, which flowed down loosely around her bump. The color made her eyes dazzle. Paired with her loose blonde locks and a straw sun hat, she was the picture of summer sweetness. I'd never wanted to marry her more.

When we reached the marina, I helped her from the car. Holding her hand tightly, I led her to the boat I'd rented. Halle's eyebrows rose when we reached the boat.

"What is all this Ty?" I grinned. My eyes fell on the picnic set up on the deck.

"A date."

"With flowers?" She smiled at the sunflowers in a vase. She took my hand when I helped her up. "Are we going out?"

"If you want to." She looked hesitant.

"I would love to but I'm afraid I might get sick." I nodded. I'd prepared for that.

"We can stay here. I'm ok with that."

"Thank you." She smiled at me. I joined her on the deck. From the basket on the blanket, I pulled a bottle of champagne. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Halls, don't give me that look. It's nonalcoholic. You didn't think I'd buy something you couldn't drink?" She shrugged.

"You keep saying I'm so small you keep forgetting."

"And I speak nothing but truth." I waved a finger in the air. She giggled, taking a seat on the soft blanket. I joined her, pouring us each a glass.

"What food did you get?"

"I toyed with getting some professional catering, but then your mom helped me cook something she said you'd like." I pulled out the glass Tupperware. Halle gasped and clapped her hands together.

"You made penne alla vodka? All by yourself?"

"Mostly. Your mom helped a lot. It's still warm." I rummaged again, careful to avoid the main part of the basket. I couldn't risk showing her what it was yet. I resurfaced with the containers of salad.

"Look at you. Not complaining about the greens. It's a miracle."

"Whoa whoa, I'm not the one that complains." I pointedly looked at her stomach. She shrugged.

"What can I say? Your son is a junk food junkie."

"Not much longer. He'll be the healthiest kid around while I'm still playing. No junk food in the house for years."

"Who says you'll last that long? I give you five more years. Tops."

"Oh really? Makes me want to go until I'm forty four." Halle mentally did the math.

"That would mean you'd be playing when Hunter turns eighteen."

"Exactly. So if I stay healthy, I could play against my son. How cool would that be?"

"I think you'd embarrass him."

"Nah. It would be cool." Halle shook her head.

"Your use of the word 'cool' automatically makes you the opposite. That's old people slang by now."

"Hush up and eat your food." I pointed with my fork at the container in her hand. Halle complied, happily switching between the salad and pasta dish.

By the time she was finished, I was starting to grow anxious. It was almost time.

"Hey Halls?"

"Ya?" She looked up, confused at my soft tone. I dove forward into uncharted waters.

"Do you remember what you got the first time we went out to eat together?"

"When we visited the Bean? And we went to the Park Grill?" I nodded. She thought for a moment. "We went for lunch...but I was so hungry for dessert. So I got a chocolate mousse cake. I felt so gluttonous but it was so good. Damn, I could go for a piece right now."

"You're in luck." When she gave me a quizzical look, I motioned at the basket. Halle leaned over to pull the final container out. Her eyebrows rose. "Take the lid off."

She did, smiling at first down at the plate. Then her eyes widened when she read the writing around the piece of cake.

"What?" By the time she looked back at me, I already had the little box from my pocket.

"Halle Jennifer Finch, will you marry me?" Her stunner gaze flicked from the ring, to the cake, and then to my face. Finally, she broke into a grin.

"Of course I will." She leaned over to kiss me. I laughed when she ignored the ring in favor of the cake.

"I'm relieved. Don't you want to put it on?"

"Did you think I'd say no? And I'm not sure if it will fit. I'll try." She held her hand out. I let out a breath of relief as it proved to be a perfect fit.

"See? I know how to buy a ring." She admired it with a slow smile.

"When did you get it?" I smirked down at the diamond encrusted band.

"I could pull an Office quote on you and say 'I got it the week we started dating,' but it was more like 'I got it a year after I fell through the glass.'" Halle nodded.

"Sounds about right. I love it." She twisted her finger so the precious gems glinted in the sunlight. "And! And I love you." She leaned over to kiss me again. "Now I have a ton of planning to do and not much time to do it."

"We can take as long as you want. No rush."

"I know. I'm just excited. Does this mean I get my mansion and minivan now?" She shifted so she was leaning against me. I wrapped my arms around her comfortably.

"Sure. You point I buy."

"Ok I want five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a basement—"

"Slow your roll." I laughed. "We can look together after the kiddo gets here. For now, let's enjoy the apartment you worked so hard on."

"Oh alright." She smiled as she snuggled further back into my arms. After a moment, she gasped loudly. "Oh Ty! He's kicking."

She lifted my hand and place it on her stomach. My heart jumped for joy when I felt the movement.

"Wow." I murmured into her hair.

"I know right? He's always so active. It's crazy."

"Future NHLer right there."

"Let him get out first. We have a long way till then."

I gently kissed the top of her head. My hand was still pressed against her stomach, feeling the movements of my son. This was absolutely perfect.

I couldn't ask for anything better.