Mike watched as Danielle tried closing the zipper on her overstuffed suitcase, "Stop laughing and help me," she snapped.
Mike lifted the lid on the zebra print luggage and rearranged the top layer of clothes before shutting the lid and zipping it with ease, "Not that hard if you fold your stuff neatly," he smiled causing Danielle to glare at him.
"Smartass," she mumbled causing Mike to laugh.
"Next time zip your own damn suitcase," he replied as Danielle flipped him off before sitting down on the floor in front of the shower favor bags.
"What time is your appointment," she asked showing him the blue baby shoe filled with red and white M&Ms that had Landon's name on it.
"Should I fall over," Mike asked jokingly, "You have red and white M&Ms!"
"Kiley made these," Danielle replied, "So, shut up and answer my question, what time is your appointment?"
Mike tossed the favor back into the large gift bag and smiled, "1:30."
"Want me to go with you?"
Mike smiled, "You don't have to go if you don't want to, I know you have better things to do besides sit around in a doctor's office waiting for me."
"Mike, I'm not your ex-girlfriend. I care about you; it takes two to make a relationship work. I want to go," Danielle replied reaching her hands out for Mike to help her up.
Mike wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his forehead against hers, "I feel like sometimes everything is too good to be true. I'm just waiting for something to happen to us. I feel like I don't deserve you or Landon," he admitted and Danielle pulled away, tracing her finger down his jaw.
Danielle pressed her forehead to Mike's causing him to wrap his arms tighter around her, "You're too good for me," she sighed, "I feel like I'm waiting for this to all be a dream, and when I wake up, none of this is real. I love you."
"I love you too," Mike replied placing his hands on her stomach as he felt Landon kick, "You too, little man. Let's go get some breakfast and walk around DC for a while, it's nice out today."
"Okay," Danielle smiled before grabbing her coat and boots out of the closet. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground but the sun was shining, "Can we go to McDonald's," she asked.
"You're a cheap date," Mike joked laughing.
"McDonald's has the best breakfast."
"Want to go to the American History museum after my appointment or do you want to call Kristi and Nicky to see if they want to spend the day in Georgetown?"
"Can we do both? You and I will go to the museum then we'll call Nicky and Kristi afterwards and go to Georgetown for dinner."
"Sounds good," Mike grinned, "Finish getting ready, I'll call Nicky."
Danielle gave him a quick kiss before he left the room. Walking into the bathroom, Danielle quickly brushed her teeth before taking a shower to get ready for the day.
"Mike, you ready to go," she asked as she walked into the living room.
Mike nodded his head and shut the television off before standing up. Grabbing his and Danielle's coats off the hooks by the door, he helped her into hers before shrugging into his own.
"What car are we taking today Mr. Bond," Danielle joked causing Mike to laugh.
"Lambo good?"
"Lambo to a doctor's appointment? How about something a little bit less Fast and Furious?"
Mike sighed laughing, "Alright fine, you win, we'll take the Escalade."
Danielle smirked in victory and climbed in the large black SUV. Mike drove into DC, stopping at McDonald's on the way. Danielle quickly threw a straw in her orange juice and started sucking it down.
Mike drove into the historical part of DC before pulling over near the national mall by the Lincoln Memorial.
"Come on," he whispered grabbing the bags as they headed towards the benches along the path. A light dusting of snow covered the trees making it picture perfect as they sat down to eat their breakfast.
Mike smiled at Danielle as she took a sip of her decaffeinated coffee through a straw. She had done well during the pregnancy so far eating healthy for her and Landon. She had cravings but they weren’t as bad as Mike thought and he didn’t mind practically falling asleep at the rink every morning from late night runs to fast food restaurants or to the grocery store for pizza and ice cream. Mike didn’t realize how much his life had changed since he had met Danielle. Call their romance cliché if you’d like but to people who didn’t know the story behind their relationship, they would think that they were together for a long time.
Danielle finished her breakfast before Mike and leaned back against the bench closing her eyes taking in the cold wind that blew around her. She fell in love with DC more than she thought she would and she saw the city as her second home. If Mike was ever traded from the city which was an annual rumor in the hockey world, she’d be just as devastated as he was. Danielle felt Mike stand up to throw away their garbage in a nearby trashcan and she watched him as he smiled at her when he made his way back over to the bench. She took everything about him in, from the jeans he wore to the grandpa slippers on his feet. People who called him a douchebag didn’t see the side of Mike that she saw every day. The side where he’d talk to her stomach when he thought she was sleeping and he’d tell Landon all of the things he was going to teach him when he was older like shoot a slap shot, fight, and how to throw a football. They also didn’t see the man behind the red jersey, the man who cried when injuries kept him out too long and he felt helpless to his team or the man who loved his family more than anything and would give people the shirt off his back if he had to.
Mike sat down next to her again and grabbed her hand, “What are you smiling about?”
“Nothing,” Danielle lied so that her tears wouldn’t fall. Her hormones were out of whack today and she knew if she told Mike what she was thinking, she’d break down.
“You’re such a liar,” he smirked and Danielle leaned up giving him a kiss on the lips before pulling her phone out of her pocket.
"Come on, take a picture with me so I can brag about you on Facebook to the bitches back home in Pittsburgh," Danielle said causing Mike to roll his eyes before pulling her closer to him kissing her forehead. Danielle held her arm out, snapping a picture with her phone as she and Mike smiled.
"My head looks huge in that," Mike said, "Take another one."
"I'll kiss your cheek and you raise an eyebrow while smirking."
Mike did as he was told, and they both laughed at how cheesy yet adorable the photo was.
"Send that to my sister so she can show my mom," Mike said and Danielle sent it to Megan before posting it to Facebook.
Mike looked at his watch and saw that they had twenty minutes until he had to be at his doctor's appointment. The two of them walked back to the car with Mike's arm around Danielle's waist, his hand in her back pocket.
Danielle smiled as Mike pinned her against the truck and kissed her into oblivion. She giggled as he rubbed his nose against hers like they were twelve years old, "Jackass."
Mike grinned while opening the passenger door to help Danielle into the SUV. They drove to his appointment where Mike waited impatienly to be called back.
"Stay here, okay," Mike whispered and Danielle didn't bother putting up a fight with him.
Danielle picked up a parenting magazine and began reading it. Half an hour had gone by and Mike still wasn't out of the office yet. Danielle checked her Facebook and laughed at the comments on the picture of her with Mike. Her cousins that didn't know she was dating him were going batshit crazy, asking when they would meet him. Her uncle who didn't know anything about hockey asked who he was and what the big deal was causing het cousins to lash out on him.
Hearing the door that led back to the rooms open, Danielle sighed as she saw Mike's arm in a sling and the frustrated look on his face. Mike reached for her hand and they walked out of the doctor's office.
Mike gave Danielle the keys because he couldn't drive. No words were spoken between the two of them as Mike leaned his headback on the seat, closing his eyes. Danielle kept one hand on the wheel as she reached over for Mike's hand. Mike squeezed it gently, giving her a small smile before running his thumb over her knuckles.
Danielle and Mike went with Kristi and Nicky to lunch later on that day, where Mike told the young Swede the news. Nicky sighed in defeat clearly just as frustrated as Mike was.
Danielle and Kristi talked about the baby shower, changing the subject to a more happier one than Mike's diagnosis. The walk through Georgetown saw Mike buying more baby clothes for Landon while Kristi and Danielle shopped in the lingerie stores.
Mike laid in bed that night thinking that he should feel worse than he did, but as he looked down to see Danielle sound asleep on his chest, he realized that his life was almost perfect and she made it that way by saving him from himself more ways than she could ever imagine. They were a long way away from marriage but Mike knew she was the one he'd be with forever.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Chapter 11-Crazy Love
"I'm going home to Pittsburgh this weekend to help my mom make favors for my baby shower next Saturday, are you coming with me?"
Mike looked up from the screen of his Macbook and shook his head no, "I wish I could but we have two practices this weekend and back to back games on Monday and Tuesday. I'm coming with you for your shower though; your dad and I are going fishing."
"The game on Tuesday decides if you guys get into the playoffs or not, right?"
"Yeah it does, are you coming?"
"Kristi and I are coming. Kiley is coming too but she's a nervous wreck about it."
Mike frowned, "I wish you'd get excited for the game. I know you are loyal to the flightless birds but honestly, I'm your boyfriend, can you be supportive of me?"
"Are you fucking serious right now," Danielle began, "You're going to sit there and tell me that I'm not supportive. I fucking gave up my entire life to move here. I put my dreams on hold and you're living yours. If anyone should be pissed off here, then it should be me."
Mike shut his laptop and walked into the bedroom slamming the door.
"You're a fucking asshole," she shouted, "Until you're done acting like a child, I am going out."
Danielle grabbed her keys to her car that her cousin drove down to Arlington for her and headed to Brooks' house that he shared with Kiley.
"Wait, let me get this straight," Kiley asked, "He just picked your first fight for no reason and said you need to be more supportive of him. Is he not aware of how much you have sacrificed for him? Honestly, he's acting like a prick."
"I mean she is a loyal Pens fan, I see where he's coming from," Brooks said.
"Who asked you," Kiley snapped, "Then you wonder why I own a Kesler jersey. I cannot believe you are siding with him."
Brooks smirked while shrugging his shoulders, "Bros before hoes."
"Keep it up and you are sleeping on the couch tonight."
Danielle took a sip of her water bottle before placing a hand on her now six months pregnant stomach, "I just think something is up with him. I know we act perfect but no relationship is perfect, I mean we were bound to fight sometime, right?"
"Just don't pay any attention to him. It could be just the stress of the season winding down."
"Yeah, you're right;" Danielle replied putting her phone in her jacket pocket, "I'm going to head out, it's getting late."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Kiley said standing up to give Danielle a hug, "I'll see you in the morning."
"What? No hug for me," Brooks pouted.
"Fine, give me a hug jackass," Danielle replied.
"He loves you," Brooks reassured her, "All he talks about is you and Landon. You make him happy, just ignore him."
Danielle smiled, "I ain't the easiest person to live with."
"Neither is she," Brooks whispered nodding towards Kiley.
“Fuck you,” Kiley glared, “Danielle, call me if you need anything. I am going to go call my mom and ask her when she and my grandma are coming down to visit.”
“Bye Kiley, see you later Brooks,” she replied walking to her car.
Mike stood in disbelief as he stared at the woman standing in front of him, “What are you doing here Tara,” he asked.
“Are you really having a baby with a girl you don’t even know,” she asked standing there in disbelief.
“We were friends,” Mike replied sticking to the story that he had told the nurse at one of Danielle’s doctor’s appointments, “We both decided we wanted kids and she got pregnant. We’re together now, 3 months now.”
“Do you love her?”
“Fuck you,” Mike spat, “Get the fuck out of my house and don’t come back. I don’t need you trying to fuck up my relationship. Another thing, my parents, my brother, and my sister actually like her. She’s not a gold digging slut like you were.”
“Mike, what the fuck is going on here,” Danielle asked coming through the door, “Are you fucking serious right now?”
“I’m Tara, his ex.”
“I fucking know who you are. I’m Danielle, mother of his child. My question is, what are you doing in our house?”
“Our house,” Tara laughed, “Too fucking funny.”
“LEAVE TARA,” Mike screamed, “NOW!”
Tara smirked before leaving, “He’ll just find someone else.”
“Danielle,” Mike said reaching for her, “Please hear me out.”
“Never took you for the hit them and leave them type. Was this some sick game, you knock me up, tell me you love me, and then kick me to the curb.”
“God no,” Mike replied, “I do love you, Danielle, I really do.”
“Mike, I am not dealing with this,” she replied walking towards their bedroom. Grabbing her suitcase from under the bed, stepping into the closet, she began folding clothes and putting them in their suitcase.
“Where are you going?”
“To Pittsburgh, I’ll call you when Landon is born.”
Mike sighed, “Danielle, please don’t do this,” he pleaded.
“I gave up every fucking thing to move here. I wish I never would have met you."
Mike watched as Danielle broke down crying as she sat on the bed, "Call me if you need anything."
Shutting the door behind him, Mike left the room so Danielle didn't see his tears.
Danielle sat down on the bed with her arms wrapped around her stomach. Tears hit the floor as Danielle cried. Sliding back on the bed, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Mike locked the door after the locksmith left, changing the keys on Danielle's keys to the ones needed to unlock the new locks. Mike crawled in bed next to Danielle and wrapped his arms around her.
She stirred in her sleep, "Mike," she whispered turning to face him. Mike felt like someone stabbed him in the chest when he saw Danielle's mascara stained face.
"I love you," he whispered running the pads of his thumbs under her eyes, "Tara was here to cause trouble and I kicked her out. I got the locks changed. I'd never cheat on you."
Danielle wrapped her arms around his waist, "I'm sorry for overreacting."
"I'm sorry for telling you that you don't support me. I know you love your hometown and you love me too. I'm just stressed out about my injury."
"You're injured," Danielle asked, "Mike, when?"
"A couple of days ago when you took your cousin back to Pittsburgh, I went to finish my check, the guy jumped out of the way, and I went shoulder first into the boards."
"Are you okay?"
"It's separated, I'm out the rest of the season," Mike said above a whisper.
Danielle ran her hands through his hair as he laid his head on her stomach, she had seen him cry before and it broke her heart every time.
Danielle felt her shirt getting wet as Mike silently let the tears fall down his face.
"Sit up," Danielle whispered shifting herself into a sitting position. Mike shifted so that he was sitting next to her; Danielle crawled into his lap and put her arms around his waist. Mike kissed her forehead and held her against his chest.
"I hate it when you're injured."
"I hate being injured," he replied, "I can't catch a break."
Danielle scratched the back of Mike’s neck, “I love you,” she said cuddling closer to his chest.
Mike pulled away and smiled, “I love you too.”
“Are you hungry,” Danielle asked when Mike’s stomach growled.
“A little bit, want to go get a late dinner?”
“Can we please go to Johnny Rockets? I really, really, really want a milkshake.”
Mike laughed before looking at the clock, “It’s only nine, and they’re open until eleven.”
“We better speed the whole way there and you better promise cops tickets to the playoff games.”
“You’re terrible,” Mike smiled as Danielle stood up and went into the bathroom to wash her face.
Danielle practically ran out of the door and to Mike’s Escalade as he locked the door behind them, “Hurry up,” she whined, “I’m hungry.”
Mike and Danielle talked about their up and coming trip to Pittsburgh, “Maybe you should see a doctor in Pittsburgh,” she suggested, “They’re the best in the country with their Sports Medicine program. A lot of athletes have traveled here to get surgery done and we can always stay with my parents for a little bit while you recover. They love having you at the house.”
“We could always find our own place there,” Mike suggested, “What about in that apartment building that you’ve always wanted to live in up on that hill you took me to on our first date?”
“Mike, you already do enough, you are not buying another house.”
“I already have my own back in Calgary that we can go to in the summer, but come on don’t you want something that you can call your own back in Pittsburgh? I know you love your parents but do you really want to stay with them every time you go back there. What about when I’m there and we want to be alone, besides, I’ve been looking into it off and on and those apartments are really nice and I want to make you happy.”
“How do we go from fighting to talking about moving into a new apartment in a matter of hours?”
“If we didn’t fight, our relationship wouldn’t work. No relationship is perfect, hell look at how we got together.”
“We’re fucked up!”
“Cheers to being fucked up,” Mike smiled raising his water glass as Danielle reached for her milkshake. As the glasses clung together, Mike and Danielle laughed before finishing their dinner while the waitresses danced as part of the tradition at Johnny Rockets.
Mike and Danielle drove home from the restaurant and talked about when they were going to go look for apartments in Pittsburgh. Mike had his heart set on the apartment building that overlooked the city. He had to have the view or he wasn’t moving. As much as he was supposed to hate the city and everything that came with it, he was growing to love it.
He knew one very important in his life was from there and he had to accept that she wasn’t giving up her hometown any time soon. Landon was more than likely going to be born there and Mike was bound and determined that his son would be raised a Caps fan but if he liked the Penguins Mike would have to accept it.
Mike prayed to God that if he was ever traded, it would be to Pittsburgh. There were talks that Mike would be traded within the next season at the trade deadline, Mike pleaded with George McPhee to trade him to Pittsburgh. He wouldn’t settle for Toronto, Los Angeles, Edmonton, or Montreal. It was Pittsburgh or he wasn’t going anywhere and in the end when an offer came to the Capitals from Calgary for the young defenseman, George McPhee politely declined the offer.
Mike noticed Danielle had fallen asleep, reaching over the console, Mike grabbed Danielle’s hand and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. Instead of waking Danielle up, Mike picked her up and carried her into the house.
Laying her in bed while he went through his drawers to find her a t-shirt to put on, Mike lifted her gently and removed her clothes. As he soothed the shirt over Danielle’s stomach, he felt Landon kick and he smiled.
“Hey buddy,” he whispered.
Landon kicked again and Mike laughed, “You’re already back talking. Stubborn like your mother.”
Mike placed a kiss on Danielle’s forehead and walked over to the bathroom to take a shower. When Mike finished, he crawled in bed and wrapped his arms around Danielle.
A part of Mike was devastated that he was injured for the rest of the playoffs but at least it meant that if the Capitals made it far into the playoffs, and took their season to June, Mike would be there for Landon’s birth.
Closing his eyes to get some sleep for the day ahead of him at Kettler to undergo testing with the training staff, Mike realized that both he and Danielle’s relationship wasn’t perfect but he knew deep down that no matter what happened, they would get through it because although their circumstances were crazy, they loved each other and love conquers all in the end.
Mike looked up from the screen of his Macbook and shook his head no, "I wish I could but we have two practices this weekend and back to back games on Monday and Tuesday. I'm coming with you for your shower though; your dad and I are going fishing."
"The game on Tuesday decides if you guys get into the playoffs or not, right?"
"Yeah it does, are you coming?"
"Kristi and I are coming. Kiley is coming too but she's a nervous wreck about it."
Mike frowned, "I wish you'd get excited for the game. I know you are loyal to the flightless birds but honestly, I'm your boyfriend, can you be supportive of me?"
"Are you fucking serious right now," Danielle began, "You're going to sit there and tell me that I'm not supportive. I fucking gave up my entire life to move here. I put my dreams on hold and you're living yours. If anyone should be pissed off here, then it should be me."
Mike shut his laptop and walked into the bedroom slamming the door.
"You're a fucking asshole," she shouted, "Until you're done acting like a child, I am going out."
Danielle grabbed her keys to her car that her cousin drove down to Arlington for her and headed to Brooks' house that he shared with Kiley.
"Wait, let me get this straight," Kiley asked, "He just picked your first fight for no reason and said you need to be more supportive of him. Is he not aware of how much you have sacrificed for him? Honestly, he's acting like a prick."
"I mean she is a loyal Pens fan, I see where he's coming from," Brooks said.
"Who asked you," Kiley snapped, "Then you wonder why I own a Kesler jersey. I cannot believe you are siding with him."
Brooks smirked while shrugging his shoulders, "Bros before hoes."
"Keep it up and you are sleeping on the couch tonight."
Danielle took a sip of her water bottle before placing a hand on her now six months pregnant stomach, "I just think something is up with him. I know we act perfect but no relationship is perfect, I mean we were bound to fight sometime, right?"
"Just don't pay any attention to him. It could be just the stress of the season winding down."
"Yeah, you're right;" Danielle replied putting her phone in her jacket pocket, "I'm going to head out, it's getting late."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Kiley said standing up to give Danielle a hug, "I'll see you in the morning."
"What? No hug for me," Brooks pouted.
"Fine, give me a hug jackass," Danielle replied.
"He loves you," Brooks reassured her, "All he talks about is you and Landon. You make him happy, just ignore him."
Danielle smiled, "I ain't the easiest person to live with."
"Neither is she," Brooks whispered nodding towards Kiley.
“Fuck you,” Kiley glared, “Danielle, call me if you need anything. I am going to go call my mom and ask her when she and my grandma are coming down to visit.”
“Bye Kiley, see you later Brooks,” she replied walking to her car.
Mike stood in disbelief as he stared at the woman standing in front of him, “What are you doing here Tara,” he asked.
“Are you really having a baby with a girl you don’t even know,” she asked standing there in disbelief.
“We were friends,” Mike replied sticking to the story that he had told the nurse at one of Danielle’s doctor’s appointments, “We both decided we wanted kids and she got pregnant. We’re together now, 3 months now.”
“Do you love her?”
“Fuck you,” Mike spat, “Get the fuck out of my house and don’t come back. I don’t need you trying to fuck up my relationship. Another thing, my parents, my brother, and my sister actually like her. She’s not a gold digging slut like you were.”
“Mike, what the fuck is going on here,” Danielle asked coming through the door, “Are you fucking serious right now?”
“I’m Tara, his ex.”
“I fucking know who you are. I’m Danielle, mother of his child. My question is, what are you doing in our house?”
“Our house,” Tara laughed, “Too fucking funny.”
“LEAVE TARA,” Mike screamed, “NOW!”
Tara smirked before leaving, “He’ll just find someone else.”
“Danielle,” Mike said reaching for her, “Please hear me out.”
“Never took you for the hit them and leave them type. Was this some sick game, you knock me up, tell me you love me, and then kick me to the curb.”
“God no,” Mike replied, “I do love you, Danielle, I really do.”
“Mike, I am not dealing with this,” she replied walking towards their bedroom. Grabbing her suitcase from under the bed, stepping into the closet, she began folding clothes and putting them in their suitcase.
“Where are you going?”
“To Pittsburgh, I’ll call you when Landon is born.”
Mike sighed, “Danielle, please don’t do this,” he pleaded.
“I gave up every fucking thing to move here. I wish I never would have met you."
Mike watched as Danielle broke down crying as she sat on the bed, "Call me if you need anything."
Shutting the door behind him, Mike left the room so Danielle didn't see his tears.
Danielle sat down on the bed with her arms wrapped around her stomach. Tears hit the floor as Danielle cried. Sliding back on the bed, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Mike locked the door after the locksmith left, changing the keys on Danielle's keys to the ones needed to unlock the new locks. Mike crawled in bed next to Danielle and wrapped his arms around her.
She stirred in her sleep, "Mike," she whispered turning to face him. Mike felt like someone stabbed him in the chest when he saw Danielle's mascara stained face.
"I love you," he whispered running the pads of his thumbs under her eyes, "Tara was here to cause trouble and I kicked her out. I got the locks changed. I'd never cheat on you."
Danielle wrapped her arms around his waist, "I'm sorry for overreacting."
"I'm sorry for telling you that you don't support me. I know you love your hometown and you love me too. I'm just stressed out about my injury."
"You're injured," Danielle asked, "Mike, when?"
"A couple of days ago when you took your cousin back to Pittsburgh, I went to finish my check, the guy jumped out of the way, and I went shoulder first into the boards."
"Are you okay?"
"It's separated, I'm out the rest of the season," Mike said above a whisper.
Danielle ran her hands through his hair as he laid his head on her stomach, she had seen him cry before and it broke her heart every time.
Danielle felt her shirt getting wet as Mike silently let the tears fall down his face.
"Sit up," Danielle whispered shifting herself into a sitting position. Mike shifted so that he was sitting next to her; Danielle crawled into his lap and put her arms around his waist. Mike kissed her forehead and held her against his chest.
"I hate it when you're injured."
"I hate being injured," he replied, "I can't catch a break."
Danielle scratched the back of Mike’s neck, “I love you,” she said cuddling closer to his chest.
Mike pulled away and smiled, “I love you too.”
“Are you hungry,” Danielle asked when Mike’s stomach growled.
“A little bit, want to go get a late dinner?”
“Can we please go to Johnny Rockets? I really, really, really want a milkshake.”
Mike laughed before looking at the clock, “It’s only nine, and they’re open until eleven.”
“We better speed the whole way there and you better promise cops tickets to the playoff games.”
“You’re terrible,” Mike smiled as Danielle stood up and went into the bathroom to wash her face.
Danielle practically ran out of the door and to Mike’s Escalade as he locked the door behind them, “Hurry up,” she whined, “I’m hungry.”
Mike and Danielle talked about their up and coming trip to Pittsburgh, “Maybe you should see a doctor in Pittsburgh,” she suggested, “They’re the best in the country with their Sports Medicine program. A lot of athletes have traveled here to get surgery done and we can always stay with my parents for a little bit while you recover. They love having you at the house.”
“We could always find our own place there,” Mike suggested, “What about in that apartment building that you’ve always wanted to live in up on that hill you took me to on our first date?”
“Mike, you already do enough, you are not buying another house.”
“I already have my own back in Calgary that we can go to in the summer, but come on don’t you want something that you can call your own back in Pittsburgh? I know you love your parents but do you really want to stay with them every time you go back there. What about when I’m there and we want to be alone, besides, I’ve been looking into it off and on and those apartments are really nice and I want to make you happy.”
“How do we go from fighting to talking about moving into a new apartment in a matter of hours?”
“If we didn’t fight, our relationship wouldn’t work. No relationship is perfect, hell look at how we got together.”
“We’re fucked up!”
“Cheers to being fucked up,” Mike smiled raising his water glass as Danielle reached for her milkshake. As the glasses clung together, Mike and Danielle laughed before finishing their dinner while the waitresses danced as part of the tradition at Johnny Rockets.
Mike and Danielle drove home from the restaurant and talked about when they were going to go look for apartments in Pittsburgh. Mike had his heart set on the apartment building that overlooked the city. He had to have the view or he wasn’t moving. As much as he was supposed to hate the city and everything that came with it, he was growing to love it.
He knew one very important in his life was from there and he had to accept that she wasn’t giving up her hometown any time soon. Landon was more than likely going to be born there and Mike was bound and determined that his son would be raised a Caps fan but if he liked the Penguins Mike would have to accept it.
Mike prayed to God that if he was ever traded, it would be to Pittsburgh. There were talks that Mike would be traded within the next season at the trade deadline, Mike pleaded with George McPhee to trade him to Pittsburgh. He wouldn’t settle for Toronto, Los Angeles, Edmonton, or Montreal. It was Pittsburgh or he wasn’t going anywhere and in the end when an offer came to the Capitals from Calgary for the young defenseman, George McPhee politely declined the offer.
Mike noticed Danielle had fallen asleep, reaching over the console, Mike grabbed Danielle’s hand and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. Instead of waking Danielle up, Mike picked her up and carried her into the house.
Laying her in bed while he went through his drawers to find her a t-shirt to put on, Mike lifted her gently and removed her clothes. As he soothed the shirt over Danielle’s stomach, he felt Landon kick and he smiled.
“Hey buddy,” he whispered.
Landon kicked again and Mike laughed, “You’re already back talking. Stubborn like your mother.”
Mike placed a kiss on Danielle’s forehead and walked over to the bathroom to take a shower. When Mike finished, he crawled in bed and wrapped his arms around Danielle.
A part of Mike was devastated that he was injured for the rest of the playoffs but at least it meant that if the Capitals made it far into the playoffs, and took their season to June, Mike would be there for Landon’s birth.
Closing his eyes to get some sleep for the day ahead of him at Kettler to undergo testing with the training staff, Mike realized that both he and Danielle’s relationship wasn’t perfect but he knew deep down that no matter what happened, they would get through it because although their circumstances were crazy, they loved each other and love conquers all in the end.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Chapter 10-Be Mine
"What are you and Danielle doing for Valentine's Day," Brooks asked Mike as the two of them skated around the ice at Kettler.
"I honestly don't have any idea what we are doing. I'm not good with this whole romance shit," Mike replied firing a puck at Neuvy.
"You do know Valentine's Day is in three days, right? I know you may not care but to the chicks, it means something. Kiley told me that Danielle's had boyfriends before, but she's never had an actual date on Valentine's Day. Make it special for her since one of her old boyfriends dumped her on the holiday."
"Really?"
"She tells Kiley a lot man, I think you need to plan something special."
"What are you doing for Kiley?"
"Nice dinner at a fancy restaurant then home for some dessert."
"I wish I had dessert," Mike mumbled to himself but Brooks heard it.
"Wait, what?"
"Nothing," Mike lied, "I said you're a pig for the dessert comment."
"You haven't been laid," Brooks asked, "You and Danielle have been together almost three months and you haven't done it yet"
"She came onto me once but I think it was her hormones, so I turned her down."
"Do you love her," Nicky asked finally breaking his silence.
"Yeah, I do love her. I told her a couple of weeks ago and I tell her every day."
"Make love to her then, idiot," Brooks said, "She knows you love her now you have to show her how much you do."
"Kiley has turned you into a pussy!"
"At least I'm a pussy who's getting pussy!"
"Fucking dickhead," Mike laughed shoving Brooks playfully.
"You get her present," Nicky asked.
"No, I didn't yet."
"After practice, you and me go. Kristi need present."
"Are you two official yet," Mike asked.
"No, she just come here every other weekend and we stay in watch movie, fall asleep."
"Do you like her," Brooks asked.
"Ja," Nicky replied, "A lot!"
"Take her on a date then," Mike said, "Is she coming here for Valentine's Day?"
"Ja."
"Send her flowers, get her a present, and ask her to dinner on the card. Women love that shit."
"I don't know what to get Danielle; it’s my first time buying anything for her and she's picky."
"Kiley said she wanted a Pandora charm bracelet with baby stuff on it for Landon. Danielle saw it at the mall the other day when they went shopping."
"What store?"
"I can't remember, I'll call Kiley as soon as practice is over and I'll ask her."
"Nicky, want to go with me? I'll call Danielle and ask her what Kristi would like?"
"Yeah, thanks," Nicky replied, "I thought about getting her tickets for Sweden this summer with me but I not sure."
"Let me let you in on a secret, Nicky," Mike said putting his arm around his shoulder, "Kristi loves anything having to do with Sweden. Buy her tickets to go with you this summer and she'll marry you."
Brooks laughed when Nicky blushed, "I get her tickets on one condition."
"What's the condition?"
"You and Danielle come with us, bring baby."
"When's Danielle due anyway," Brooks asked.
"June 20."
"We go end of August," Nicky said.
"I'll talk to Danielle about it and I'll let you know."
"Okay!"
"Alright you fucking shitbums, hit the fucking showers, and let's go the fuck home," Bruce Boudreau called to the men who showed up at the morning's optional skate.
Mike returned to the locker room after finishing his shower, "Kiley said that Danielle saw that bracelet at the Zales in that Pentagon City mall," Brooks said zipping his jeans.
"Thanks," Mike replied pulling his sweater over his head, "Where's Nicky?"
"He is waiting for you outside."
"Do you think I should get Danielle something else besides the bracelet?"
"Rookie," Brooks mumbled causing Mike to throw a roll of stick tape at him.
"I'm being serious," Mike said sighing, "This is my first Valentine's Day with a girl that actually means something in my life."
"Look around and see if anything screams her to you. Trust me, you'll know if it is the right gift or not."
"Thanks for everything," he replied shaking Brooks' hand.
"Just don't pull a Bruce and get her shoes that are the wrong size and color."
"She'd have my balls on a platter."
"She's had your balls on a platter since the day she moved here."
"Fuck you," Mike laughed shoving his friend before leaving the locker room to go find Nicky.
Nicky was on the phone sitting in the car, Mike was asked for autographs by small group of fans outside of Kettler. Mike finished signing for the small group of ten before getting in the car.
"I talk to mom," Nicky said putting his phone in his pocket, "She excited we come to Sweden. Even more excited you bring baby, she tell me she want grandbaby soon."
Mike laughed while clapping the young Swede on his back, "Oh man, just wait until Kristi finds out."
"I still need to ask her out on date," he replied.
"Wait a second, I thought you two were already a thing."
"No, no," Nicky said unsure of what to say.
"So, she lives with you but you're not dating?"
"We just," Nicky paused before blushing, "We just have sex. Lots of sex but I like her a lot."
Mike laughed watching the young Swede blush while at a loss for words, "Ha ha make fun of Nicky."
"I'm not making fun of you but she likes you a lot, I say ask her out. I promise you that she won't say no," Mike assured his friend.
"Thanks," Nicky sighed, "By the way where is this place we go to?"
"Just go to the mall downstairs, they have lots of jewelry stores. It beats driving half way across town."
Mike and Nicky walked into the large mall and both stood there cluelessly.
"Where we start?"
"There's a jewelry store right there, maybe they have something," Mike said making the first step with Nicky right behind him.
Mike browsed the cases of Express Jewelers before he finally found the small Pandora display. Nicky was already talking to a salesman about a necklace that he saw when he walked in.
"May I help you," the younger salesman asked from behind the counter.
"What kind of charms do you have for moms," Mike asked.
"Well, it starts by picking a bracelet for them to go on. You can choose from both gold and silver. We also have white gold."
"I like that bracelet," Mike said pointing to the white gold bracelet with yellow gold clasp.
"Excellent choice, now are you and your wife having a boy or girl?"
"My girlfriend is having a boy."
"Congratulations, now do you have a name chosen?"
"Landon Michael," Mike replied watching as the salesman pulled an L and an M from the tray.
"Last name," he asked causing Mike to look at him.
"Green."
The salesman pulled a G from the tray and put them on the center of the bracelet. Mike pointed out a pair of hockey sticks, a baby carriage, a rattle and bottle, a little boy, and he pointed to a little girl.
"Step child?"
"God no," Mike laughed, "It's for the daughter we haven't had yet."
The salesman smiled while adding blue charms in between the ones Mike had chosen. Mike was watching Nicky blush while getting hit on by a mom with her teenage daughter that had noticed him.
Laughing slightly, Mike looked down at the bracelet that the salesman placed in front of him.
"She's going to love it," he assured the salesman.
"Would you like me to wrap it for you?"
"Yes please, I'll take that Cartier watch as well," Mike smiled pointing to the watch on the poster above the counter.
Danielle was going to rip him a new ass for spending all of that money on her. She hated it when Mike thought he had to buy her nice things to prove he loved her.
"You ready to go," Mike asked Nicky. Nicky was currently staring into a glass case with a confused look on his face.
"Ja," he replied standing up and following Mike out of the store, "What you buy?"
“What did you buy,” Mike smirked as Nicky tried to hide the bag.
“Nothing!”
“Mhm,” Mike laughed, “You are never a good liar Nicky.”
“Okay, fine,” Nicky sighed, “I got present for Kristi.”
“What did you get?”
“I got her angel wings necklace.”
“Angel wings,” Mike asked, “What?”
“If I tell you, you make fun of me.”
“Why would I make fun of you?”
Nicky didn’t say anything so Mike gave up and they walked out of the mall and towards the car. Mike pulled out his iPhone to call Danielle to let her know that they were on their way home. Danielle was out shopping with Kiley and Kristi, she let him know she’d bring something home for dinner and Mike asked her to bring home Chinese from P.F. Chang.
“Can we stop at the flower shop on the way back,” Mike asked Nicky.
“Ja,” Nicky replied, “Where Danielle?”
“She’s out shopping with Kiley and Kristi. Are you ever going to tell me why you bought her an angel wings necklace.”
Nicky sighed before nodding his head, “I call her my angel, so I buy her angel wings.”
“That's actually cool,” Mike smiled, “Not going to lie. At least you knew what to get her, I had to ask Brooks for clues about Danielle.”
“He only told you bracelet, what else did you buy?"
"Danielle loves borrowing my watches so I bought her one of her own."
"One to start her collection," Nicky joked.
"I guess so," Mike replied laughing as they pulled into the flower store.
Mike and Nicky both bought flowers. Mike new Danielle hated roses and he bought her a dozen of pink lilies instead. He remembered she said they were her favorite flower.
When Mike arrived home, he put the gifts in his dresser drawer. Just as he was finishing licking the envelope of the card, he heard the front door close.
"Mike," Danielle called out, "Are you home?"
Mike walked into the hallway with the flowers and a smile, "Hey baby," he said.
Danielle turned around and gasped, "Mike, they're beautiful. I can't believe you remembered."
"Be mine this year," Mike smiled.
"Mike," she replied hugging him tightly, "Of course."
Mike leaned down and gave her a kiss, "I'm taking you out Tuesday after the game, so plan on being up late."
"Where are you taking me?"
"If I tell you, it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?"
"Mike," Danielle whined, "I hate surprises."
Mike placed his hand on her stomach, rubbing her small bump lightly.
"Are you going to play soccer for daddy?"
Danielle rolled her eyes, “I wish he’d kick soon, let us know he’s alive in there.”
“He’s fine,” Mike reassured her, “Let’s eat, I’m starving.”
February 14, 2012
Danielle stood with Kiley and Kristi in the hallway of Verizon Center waiting for Brooks, Mike, and Nicky.
Nicky was the first to come out of the room much to Danielle’s dismay. She was anxious to see what Mike had planned and why neither Kiley nor Kristi were saying a word about it.
“Ready to leave,” Mike asked stepping into the hallway.
“I thought we’d never leave this damn arena,” Danielle smiles as Mike leaned down to kiss her.
“You know how long this shit takes.”
“I want my presents,” she whined.
“Presents? What presents?”
“Real funny!”
Mike smirked as he grabbed her hand and lead her down the hallway. Danielle stopped suddenly and Mike turned around to see if she was okay.
“HOLY SHIT THAT’S KRIS VERSTEEG,” she said loudly.
“Really, Danielle,” Mike laughed, “You’re going ape shit over Versteeg.”
“He was one of my favorite Blackhawks.”
They walked by Kris Versteeg and he winked at Danielle and she shrieked causing Mike to roll his eyes.
“You’re unbelievable,” Mike laughed.
“What?”
Mike opened the door of his Maserati for Danielle, “Such a gentleman,” she smiled as Mike rounded the car.
Mike drove to the historical part of DC to Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
“Where are we going?”
“Our first date was at a French restaurant in Pittsburgh, so I figured we’d spend our first Valentine’s Day together at a French restaurant here.”
“I love you,” Danielle said leaning over to kiss his cheek.
“I love you too,” Mike replied smiling at her quickly.
“Aren’t all of the restaurants closed this late?”
“Danielle, who am I?”
“Mike Green?”
“Exactly,” he smirked.
“Cocky, are we?”
“I’ll show you cocky,” Mike smirked again and Danielle gulped.
They pulled up in front of the restaurant and Mike handed his keys off to the valet. They were seated in the back of the restaurant since other diners were still there on their dates. Mostly corporate business men who you could tell put in long hours at the office.
Mike reached into the inside of his jacket and grabbed the box with the watch in it, “Happy Valentine’s Day, baby,” he said handing the box to Danielle.
Danielle smiled and tore open the medium sized jewelry box, “Mike,” she gasped taking the watch off of the small pillow, “It’s gorgeous.”
“Since you always borrow my watches, I’d figured I’d buy you your own,” he smiled.
“I love it,” she assured him, “I really do, thank you so much.”
Mike smiled when she came around the table and gave him a kiss, “I love you,” he said handing her the other box. Danielle gasped as she flipped the rectangular box open.
“Mike, how did you know,” she asked tearing up.
“Brooks told me,” he smiled gesturing for her to hand him the bracelet so that he could put it on her wrist.
“What’s the little girl for,” Danielle asked as Mike fastened it around her wrist.
“It’s the daughter we didn’t have yet,” he smiled and Danielle felt the breath hitch in her throat.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said, “Mike, you’re too good to me.”
“You’ve changed my life in so many ways, I used to hate coming home to an empty house now I look forward to coming home because you are there. I love you, Danielle, a lot.”
“I love you too,” she replied, “I built so many walls up around my heart but you broke them down. I did everything in my life ass backwards but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Neither would I,” Mike smiled as their food arrived.
They finished eating and were laughing talking about Nicky being so shy when Danielle reached into her purse and pulled out Mike’s gift.
“I couldn’t think of anything to get you but since you like stuff that looks rock and roll, I’d figured I’d get it for you.”
“I love it,” Mike said taking the black onyx and platinum bracelet out of the box, “I believe it or not was going to buy one of these sooner or later. Mike fastened the bracelet around his wrist and smiled, “I really love it.”
As their dinner finished up, Mike and Danielle drove back home to Arlington. Mike had one hand on the steering wheel and his right was holding Danielle’s hand. They pulled into the garage and made their way into the house. Walking down the hall to their bedroom, Mike held Danielle’s hand.
As Danielle washed her face clean of her make-up and brushed her teeth, Mike lit the candles that he had set up in the room and turned the lights down low. Grabbing the box of rose pedals under the bed, Mike put them on the floor from the bathroom to the bed. Pouring two glasses of red wine, one for him and one for Danielle who could only drink red wine during her pregnancy, he sat down on the bed and waited for her to come out.
Danielle stepped out of the bathroom shutting the light off behind her. Not bothering to close the robe she was wearing with her bra and underwear underneath, she gasped when she saw Mike smiling at her holding a wine glass.
“This kind of shit only happens in movies,” she joked causing Mike to laugh.
“Wow,” he gasped taking in the red bra and panties that she was wearing with her bump showing freely.
Mike’s free hand traced Danielle’s stomach lightly, “You look beautiful,” he whispered placing a kiss on her baby bump.
Danielle ran her fingers through Mike’s hair as he smiled up at her, Mike stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist before claiming his lips with hers. Danielle shivered as Mike ran his hands up and down her bare back.
“I want you Mike,” she whispered, “Please don’t stop me this time.”
“I wouldn’t have done all of this if I planned on stopping you, let me make love to you,” he replied pushing the robe off her shoulders.
Danielle gasped as his lips moved to her neck and his hands worked to unclasp her bra, “Mike,” she gasped as he ran his hands over her breasts before replacing them with his mouth.
Danielle pushed Mike back gently on the bed and crawled over him pressing her lips to his once more, “I love you,” she whispered before grabbing the waistband of his boxers. Mike kicked out of them and ran his index finger over the waistband of Danielle’s red lace panties.
“Not fair,” he mumbled as Danielle smirked against his lips and lifted herself up so Mike could remove them. Mike ran his fingers over her folds causing her to gasp before Danielle reached between them and grabbed Mike’s hard penis with her hand.
Placing at her slit, she ran it up and down before slowly lowing herself down on to him causing them both to groan, “Fuck,” she hissed as Mike thrusted into her fully.
“This doesn’t feel right,” he said flipping them over as he thrusted in and out slowly leaving Danielle to cry out for him to go faster.
“Oh God,” she gasped as he picked up his pace and sucked on her collar bone.
“You’re so tight,” he whispered.
Two hours later, Mike carefully collapsed on top of her. Placing soft kisses on her swollen lips, Mike ran his fingers through her hair.
“I love you,” he whispered as he and Danielle continued to kiss and get lost in their own little world that was soon joined by the first movement of their baby boy.
“Did you feel that,” Danielle asked Mike who smiled like he had just scored a breakaway goal on the best goalie in the league
“Yeah,” Mike smiled placing his hands over Danielle’s and Landon kicked again, “Even our son agrees that you’re mine today.”
Danielle smiled, “I hope I’m yours for more than just today.”
“You’re mine, always,” he smiled giving her a kiss before making love to the woman that he had been waiting for his whole life proving that Valentine’s Day really is for lovers.
"I honestly don't have any idea what we are doing. I'm not good with this whole romance shit," Mike replied firing a puck at Neuvy.
"You do know Valentine's Day is in three days, right? I know you may not care but to the chicks, it means something. Kiley told me that Danielle's had boyfriends before, but she's never had an actual date on Valentine's Day. Make it special for her since one of her old boyfriends dumped her on the holiday."
"Really?"
"She tells Kiley a lot man, I think you need to plan something special."
"What are you doing for Kiley?"
"Nice dinner at a fancy restaurant then home for some dessert."
"I wish I had dessert," Mike mumbled to himself but Brooks heard it.
"Wait, what?"
"Nothing," Mike lied, "I said you're a pig for the dessert comment."
"You haven't been laid," Brooks asked, "You and Danielle have been together almost three months and you haven't done it yet"
"She came onto me once but I think it was her hormones, so I turned her down."
"Do you love her," Nicky asked finally breaking his silence.
"Yeah, I do love her. I told her a couple of weeks ago and I tell her every day."
"Make love to her then, idiot," Brooks said, "She knows you love her now you have to show her how much you do."
"Kiley has turned you into a pussy!"
"At least I'm a pussy who's getting pussy!"
"Fucking dickhead," Mike laughed shoving Brooks playfully.
"You get her present," Nicky asked.
"No, I didn't yet."
"After practice, you and me go. Kristi need present."
"Are you two official yet," Mike asked.
"No, she just come here every other weekend and we stay in watch movie, fall asleep."
"Do you like her," Brooks asked.
"Ja," Nicky replied, "A lot!"
"Take her on a date then," Mike said, "Is she coming here for Valentine's Day?"
"Ja."
"Send her flowers, get her a present, and ask her to dinner on the card. Women love that shit."
"I don't know what to get Danielle; it’s my first time buying anything for her and she's picky."
"Kiley said she wanted a Pandora charm bracelet with baby stuff on it for Landon. Danielle saw it at the mall the other day when they went shopping."
"What store?"
"I can't remember, I'll call Kiley as soon as practice is over and I'll ask her."
"Nicky, want to go with me? I'll call Danielle and ask her what Kristi would like?"
"Yeah, thanks," Nicky replied, "I thought about getting her tickets for Sweden this summer with me but I not sure."
"Let me let you in on a secret, Nicky," Mike said putting his arm around his shoulder, "Kristi loves anything having to do with Sweden. Buy her tickets to go with you this summer and she'll marry you."
Brooks laughed when Nicky blushed, "I get her tickets on one condition."
"What's the condition?"
"You and Danielle come with us, bring baby."
"When's Danielle due anyway," Brooks asked.
"June 20."
"We go end of August," Nicky said.
"I'll talk to Danielle about it and I'll let you know."
"Okay!"
"Alright you fucking shitbums, hit the fucking showers, and let's go the fuck home," Bruce Boudreau called to the men who showed up at the morning's optional skate.
Mike returned to the locker room after finishing his shower, "Kiley said that Danielle saw that bracelet at the Zales in that Pentagon City mall," Brooks said zipping his jeans.
"Thanks," Mike replied pulling his sweater over his head, "Where's Nicky?"
"He is waiting for you outside."
"Do you think I should get Danielle something else besides the bracelet?"
"Rookie," Brooks mumbled causing Mike to throw a roll of stick tape at him.
"I'm being serious," Mike said sighing, "This is my first Valentine's Day with a girl that actually means something in my life."
"Look around and see if anything screams her to you. Trust me, you'll know if it is the right gift or not."
"Thanks for everything," he replied shaking Brooks' hand.
"Just don't pull a Bruce and get her shoes that are the wrong size and color."
"She'd have my balls on a platter."
"She's had your balls on a platter since the day she moved here."
"Fuck you," Mike laughed shoving his friend before leaving the locker room to go find Nicky.
Nicky was on the phone sitting in the car, Mike was asked for autographs by small group of fans outside of Kettler. Mike finished signing for the small group of ten before getting in the car.
"I talk to mom," Nicky said putting his phone in his pocket, "She excited we come to Sweden. Even more excited you bring baby, she tell me she want grandbaby soon."
Mike laughed while clapping the young Swede on his back, "Oh man, just wait until Kristi finds out."
"I still need to ask her out on date," he replied.
"Wait a second, I thought you two were already a thing."
"No, no," Nicky said unsure of what to say.
"So, she lives with you but you're not dating?"
"We just," Nicky paused before blushing, "We just have sex. Lots of sex but I like her a lot."
Mike laughed watching the young Swede blush while at a loss for words, "Ha ha make fun of Nicky."
"I'm not making fun of you but she likes you a lot, I say ask her out. I promise you that she won't say no," Mike assured his friend.
"Thanks," Nicky sighed, "By the way where is this place we go to?"
"Just go to the mall downstairs, they have lots of jewelry stores. It beats driving half way across town."
Mike and Nicky walked into the large mall and both stood there cluelessly.
"Where we start?"
"There's a jewelry store right there, maybe they have something," Mike said making the first step with Nicky right behind him.
Mike browsed the cases of Express Jewelers before he finally found the small Pandora display. Nicky was already talking to a salesman about a necklace that he saw when he walked in.
"May I help you," the younger salesman asked from behind the counter.
"What kind of charms do you have for moms," Mike asked.
"Well, it starts by picking a bracelet for them to go on. You can choose from both gold and silver. We also have white gold."
"I like that bracelet," Mike said pointing to the white gold bracelet with yellow gold clasp.
"Excellent choice, now are you and your wife having a boy or girl?"
"My girlfriend is having a boy."
"Congratulations, now do you have a name chosen?"
"Landon Michael," Mike replied watching as the salesman pulled an L and an M from the tray.
"Last name," he asked causing Mike to look at him.
"Green."
The salesman pulled a G from the tray and put them on the center of the bracelet. Mike pointed out a pair of hockey sticks, a baby carriage, a rattle and bottle, a little boy, and he pointed to a little girl.
"Step child?"
"God no," Mike laughed, "It's for the daughter we haven't had yet."
The salesman smiled while adding blue charms in between the ones Mike had chosen. Mike was watching Nicky blush while getting hit on by a mom with her teenage daughter that had noticed him.
Laughing slightly, Mike looked down at the bracelet that the salesman placed in front of him.
"She's going to love it," he assured the salesman.
"Would you like me to wrap it for you?"
"Yes please, I'll take that Cartier watch as well," Mike smiled pointing to the watch on the poster above the counter.
Danielle was going to rip him a new ass for spending all of that money on her. She hated it when Mike thought he had to buy her nice things to prove he loved her.
"You ready to go," Mike asked Nicky. Nicky was currently staring into a glass case with a confused look on his face.
"Ja," he replied standing up and following Mike out of the store, "What you buy?"
“What did you buy,” Mike smirked as Nicky tried to hide the bag.
“Nothing!”
“Mhm,” Mike laughed, “You are never a good liar Nicky.”
“Okay, fine,” Nicky sighed, “I got present for Kristi.”
“What did you get?”
“I got her angel wings necklace.”
“Angel wings,” Mike asked, “What?”
“If I tell you, you make fun of me.”
“Why would I make fun of you?”
Nicky didn’t say anything so Mike gave up and they walked out of the mall and towards the car. Mike pulled out his iPhone to call Danielle to let her know that they were on their way home. Danielle was out shopping with Kiley and Kristi, she let him know she’d bring something home for dinner and Mike asked her to bring home Chinese from P.F. Chang.
“Can we stop at the flower shop on the way back,” Mike asked Nicky.
“Ja,” Nicky replied, “Where Danielle?”
“She’s out shopping with Kiley and Kristi. Are you ever going to tell me why you bought her an angel wings necklace.”
Nicky sighed before nodding his head, “I call her my angel, so I buy her angel wings.”
“That's actually cool,” Mike smiled, “Not going to lie. At least you knew what to get her, I had to ask Brooks for clues about Danielle.”
“He only told you bracelet, what else did you buy?"
"Danielle loves borrowing my watches so I bought her one of her own."
"One to start her collection," Nicky joked.
"I guess so," Mike replied laughing as they pulled into the flower store.
Mike and Nicky both bought flowers. Mike new Danielle hated roses and he bought her a dozen of pink lilies instead. He remembered she said they were her favorite flower.
When Mike arrived home, he put the gifts in his dresser drawer. Just as he was finishing licking the envelope of the card, he heard the front door close.
"Mike," Danielle called out, "Are you home?"
Mike walked into the hallway with the flowers and a smile, "Hey baby," he said.
Danielle turned around and gasped, "Mike, they're beautiful. I can't believe you remembered."
"Be mine this year," Mike smiled.
"Mike," she replied hugging him tightly, "Of course."
Mike leaned down and gave her a kiss, "I'm taking you out Tuesday after the game, so plan on being up late."
"Where are you taking me?"
"If I tell you, it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?"
"Mike," Danielle whined, "I hate surprises."
Mike placed his hand on her stomach, rubbing her small bump lightly.
"Are you going to play soccer for daddy?"
Danielle rolled her eyes, “I wish he’d kick soon, let us know he’s alive in there.”
“He’s fine,” Mike reassured her, “Let’s eat, I’m starving.”
February 14, 2012
Danielle stood with Kiley and Kristi in the hallway of Verizon Center waiting for Brooks, Mike, and Nicky.
Nicky was the first to come out of the room much to Danielle’s dismay. She was anxious to see what Mike had planned and why neither Kiley nor Kristi were saying a word about it.
“Ready to leave,” Mike asked stepping into the hallway.
“I thought we’d never leave this damn arena,” Danielle smiles as Mike leaned down to kiss her.
“You know how long this shit takes.”
“I want my presents,” she whined.
“Presents? What presents?”
“Real funny!”
Mike smirked as he grabbed her hand and lead her down the hallway. Danielle stopped suddenly and Mike turned around to see if she was okay.
“HOLY SHIT THAT’S KRIS VERSTEEG,” she said loudly.
“Really, Danielle,” Mike laughed, “You’re going ape shit over Versteeg.”
“He was one of my favorite Blackhawks.”
They walked by Kris Versteeg and he winked at Danielle and she shrieked causing Mike to roll his eyes.
“You’re unbelievable,” Mike laughed.
“What?”
Mike opened the door of his Maserati for Danielle, “Such a gentleman,” she smiled as Mike rounded the car.
Mike drove to the historical part of DC to Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
“Where are we going?”
“Our first date was at a French restaurant in Pittsburgh, so I figured we’d spend our first Valentine’s Day together at a French restaurant here.”
“I love you,” Danielle said leaning over to kiss his cheek.
“I love you too,” Mike replied smiling at her quickly.
“Aren’t all of the restaurants closed this late?”
“Danielle, who am I?”
“Mike Green?”
“Exactly,” he smirked.
“Cocky, are we?”
“I’ll show you cocky,” Mike smirked again and Danielle gulped.
They pulled up in front of the restaurant and Mike handed his keys off to the valet. They were seated in the back of the restaurant since other diners were still there on their dates. Mostly corporate business men who you could tell put in long hours at the office.
Mike reached into the inside of his jacket and grabbed the box with the watch in it, “Happy Valentine’s Day, baby,” he said handing the box to Danielle.
Danielle smiled and tore open the medium sized jewelry box, “Mike,” she gasped taking the watch off of the small pillow, “It’s gorgeous.”
“Since you always borrow my watches, I’d figured I’d buy you your own,” he smiled.
“I love it,” she assured him, “I really do, thank you so much.”
Mike smiled when she came around the table and gave him a kiss, “I love you,” he said handing her the other box. Danielle gasped as she flipped the rectangular box open.
“Mike, how did you know,” she asked tearing up.
“Brooks told me,” he smiled gesturing for her to hand him the bracelet so that he could put it on her wrist.
“What’s the little girl for,” Danielle asked as Mike fastened it around her wrist.
“It’s the daughter we didn’t have yet,” he smiled and Danielle felt the breath hitch in her throat.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said, “Mike, you’re too good to me.”
“You’ve changed my life in so many ways, I used to hate coming home to an empty house now I look forward to coming home because you are there. I love you, Danielle, a lot.”
“I love you too,” she replied, “I built so many walls up around my heart but you broke them down. I did everything in my life ass backwards but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Neither would I,” Mike smiled as their food arrived.
They finished eating and were laughing talking about Nicky being so shy when Danielle reached into her purse and pulled out Mike’s gift.
“I couldn’t think of anything to get you but since you like stuff that looks rock and roll, I’d figured I’d get it for you.”
“I love it,” Mike said taking the black onyx and platinum bracelet out of the box, “I believe it or not was going to buy one of these sooner or later. Mike fastened the bracelet around his wrist and smiled, “I really love it.”
As their dinner finished up, Mike and Danielle drove back home to Arlington. Mike had one hand on the steering wheel and his right was holding Danielle’s hand. They pulled into the garage and made their way into the house. Walking down the hall to their bedroom, Mike held Danielle’s hand.
As Danielle washed her face clean of her make-up and brushed her teeth, Mike lit the candles that he had set up in the room and turned the lights down low. Grabbing the box of rose pedals under the bed, Mike put them on the floor from the bathroom to the bed. Pouring two glasses of red wine, one for him and one for Danielle who could only drink red wine during her pregnancy, he sat down on the bed and waited for her to come out.
Danielle stepped out of the bathroom shutting the light off behind her. Not bothering to close the robe she was wearing with her bra and underwear underneath, she gasped when she saw Mike smiling at her holding a wine glass.
“This kind of shit only happens in movies,” she joked causing Mike to laugh.
“Wow,” he gasped taking in the red bra and panties that she was wearing with her bump showing freely.
Mike’s free hand traced Danielle’s stomach lightly, “You look beautiful,” he whispered placing a kiss on her baby bump.
Danielle ran her fingers through Mike’s hair as he smiled up at her, Mike stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist before claiming his lips with hers. Danielle shivered as Mike ran his hands up and down her bare back.
“I want you Mike,” she whispered, “Please don’t stop me this time.”
“I wouldn’t have done all of this if I planned on stopping you, let me make love to you,” he replied pushing the robe off her shoulders.
Danielle gasped as his lips moved to her neck and his hands worked to unclasp her bra, “Mike,” she gasped as he ran his hands over her breasts before replacing them with his mouth.
Danielle pushed Mike back gently on the bed and crawled over him pressing her lips to his once more, “I love you,” she whispered before grabbing the waistband of his boxers. Mike kicked out of them and ran his index finger over the waistband of Danielle’s red lace panties.
“Not fair,” he mumbled as Danielle smirked against his lips and lifted herself up so Mike could remove them. Mike ran his fingers over her folds causing her to gasp before Danielle reached between them and grabbed Mike’s hard penis with her hand.
Placing at her slit, she ran it up and down before slowly lowing herself down on to him causing them both to groan, “Fuck,” she hissed as Mike thrusted into her fully.
“This doesn’t feel right,” he said flipping them over as he thrusted in and out slowly leaving Danielle to cry out for him to go faster.
“Oh God,” she gasped as he picked up his pace and sucked on her collar bone.
“You’re so tight,” he whispered.
Two hours later, Mike carefully collapsed on top of her. Placing soft kisses on her swollen lips, Mike ran his fingers through her hair.
“I love you,” he whispered as he and Danielle continued to kiss and get lost in their own little world that was soon joined by the first movement of their baby boy.
“Did you feel that,” Danielle asked Mike who smiled like he had just scored a breakaway goal on the best goalie in the league
“Yeah,” Mike smiled placing his hands over Danielle’s and Landon kicked again, “Even our son agrees that you’re mine today.”
Danielle smiled, “I hope I’m yours for more than just today.”
“You’re mine, always,” he smiled giving her a kiss before making love to the woman that he had been waiting for his whole life proving that Valentine’s Day really is for lovers.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Chapter 9-The Edge of Glory
Danielle gently traced the tattoo on Mike's left arm with her finger, "Why are you so fascinated with this," he asked smiling as he rolled over to face her.
"Shit," she muttered, "I had no idea that you were up."
"I've been up for about an hour now. Have you looked out the window at all?"
"No, I just woke up a little bit ago, why?"
"We're snowed in; luckily we are one of the few people that have power."
"How much snow is out there?"
"Almost three feet!"
"I'm used to it; however, I'm not used to having power."
Mike laughed before leaning down to give her a kiss, "Good morning," he said and Danielle smiled.
"Well, since we can't take your parents out today, I'll cook dinner and we'll figure out what else we can do. I say we build hockey playing snowmen."
"How old are you," Mike laughed.
"I'm 21 going on 4!"
"I kind of figured that," he said and Danielle punched him in the arm.
"Speak for yourself; you're the one with the scooter!"
“Touché,” Mike smiled pulling her close to him, “So, while we have nothing to do today and since I bought paint yesterday, how about we start painting Landon’s room?”
“I’m sure your parents won’t be okay with us kicking them out to paint.”
“My mom already helped my dad and brother rearrange the other guest room with a double bed and she moved everything out of it.”
“I was so worried that they were going to hate me, especially because we barely knew each other when I moved here and we jumped into a relationship. I could have been some gold digging psycho who was after you for your money.”
Mike turned Danielle’s face towards him and made her look him in the eyes, “We didn’t jump into anything, we got to know each other and we became friends. You’re different in so many ways than all of those other girls that I’ve dated. You’re having my baby too and that’s what makes me want to be with you even more, I’ve said it before, you’re not going nowhere for a long time.”
Danielle hugged him tightly and Mike kissed her forehead, “I don’t deserve you.”
Mike held her tight to his chest for a while before Megan walked in, “Hey guys, mom made breakfast.”
“We’ll be down in a minute,” Mike replied and his sister smiled before leaving him and Danielle alone.
“Can I just lay in bed all day?”
“Nope, you got to get up.”
“Your son is wearing me out!”
Mike smiled at “your son” and scooped Danielle up and carried her in the bathroom. Placing her in the bathtub, he turned on the hot water and smirked when she yelled in protest, “Oh look, you’re out of bed.”
“I’m going to kill you,” she hissed as she pulled her sweatshirt over her head, “You’re doing the laundry by the way.”
Mike just rolled his eyes while smirking and shut the door behind him as he went to shower in the room that was going to be Landon’s.
Mike walked in the room and saw the empty space and the crib that was now in the middle of the floor. He had purchased a crib the day before and Danielle didn’t know. Mike decided to lock himself in the room with his father and brother putting it together before he allowed Danielle to enter. He had also bought a dresser and everything Danielle said that they needed.
Mike made sure that his mom and sister were with Kiley out doing whatever it is women do when they go to a mall: shop, eat, gossip, etc. while he himself along with Brooks, his brother Matt, and his dad went looking for the stuff that Danielle had picked out.
Mike loaded everything into his Escalade and Brooks’ truck and they carried it into the room while the women were still out. Mike wouldn’t allow Danielle anywhere near the room until he decided to paint and the painting had to come after the furniture was put together.
Mike sighed and smiled to himself as he let the hot water run down his back. It was cold in the house which meant the heat was probably off since his mom was constantly complaining that she was hot. Mike closed his eyes and imagined what his son would look like.
“I’m turning into a chick,” he whispered shaking the thoughts from his head. Mike finished his shower and changed into one of his Capitals sweat suits.
Mike walked into the hall and saw Danielle was already one of the stools eating with Megan and Matt. His mom and dad were in the living room watching the weatherman go on and on about the snow.
“Still want to build those hockey playing snowmen,” he asked when the middle aged meteorologist said that it was zero degrees outside.
“I’ll put you out there with a hockey stick covered in snow if you keep making fun of me,” Danielle fired back causing the Green family to laugh.
“Yeah, yeah,” Mike said sitting down next to her at the counter. Mike pretended he was trying to steal some of Danielle’s eggs and he got a fork in his ribs, “Great, now you try to kill me.”
“Mhm, you’re worth more dead than you are alive amongst us Pens fans,” Danielle smirked.
“Whatever,” he replied cockily smirking causing her to roll her eyes.
Danielle helped Kate and Megan clean the kitchen and once everything was done, Mike led her down the hall towards the guestroom.
“Close your eyes,” he said holding her hand as he opened the door, “Alright, now open them.”
Danielle slowly opened her eyes and saw the room that looked almost complete besides the fact that it needed painted and the mural needed to be done.
“Oh my God,” she managed to get out before she wiped the tear away from her eye, “Mike!”
“I got all of the furniture while you were out yesterday. Brooks, Matt, and my dad helped me put it together. Nicky is bringing the rocking chair over as soon as the snow melts a little bit, it’s at his house.”
“I don’t know what to say!”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Mike assured her as he kissed her forehead, “We just have to get the mural done. I didn’t really buy paint; I’m still looking for an artist to do it. I’m going to give my tattoo guy a call and see if he knows anybody good that can come out and do it.”
“Mike…thank you!”
“You’re welcome,” he replied, “Danielle; I’m going to be honest right now. The past three months have been crazy for us but you know what, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
“Neither would I,” Danielle replied as Mike put his hands on her hips and gave her a kiss.
“I’m falling in love with you, Danielle,” he admitted, “I don’t want to scare you off but I’m quickly falling head over heels for you. I’ve never felt this way before.”
Danielle smiled, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before either.”
Mike smiled and gave her another kiss, “What do you say we call Alex and you can talk his ears off about your costumes for the concert?”
“You’re amazing,” she gushed grabbing Mike’s iPhone out of his hoodie pocket and heading into the living room.
“I love you,” he whispered hoping she’d hear him but she didn’t as she skipped off down the hall talking to Alex on the phone.
A couple of days later, the roads were clear and the snow was slowly melting as the sun glistened down over Arlington. Mike’s family said their goodbyes to Danielle promising to see her soon.
“Kristi and I are heading home to Pittsburgh for a couple of days to visit and we’ll be back the day before the concert. You guys have back to back games against the Lightning and the Panthers down in Florida.”
“I know, I’m leaving with them straight from the airport. Brooks is picking us up. Feel free to take the Escalade if you’d like since it’ll probably go better if you hit snow on the turnpike.”
“Kristi’s bringing Nicky’s truck,” Danielle replied, “We’ll be fine.”
“Alright,” Mike said as Brooks pulled up honking the horn, “I’ll call you when we land.”
“I’ll call you when we get home. If I don’t answer when you call, I’m probably sleeping.”
“Behave yourself,” Mike said giving her a kiss, “I’ll see you when you get back.”
“Good luck and bring home some of that Florida weather,” Danielle said as she waved goodbye to Mike and his family.
Mike had worked with Kristi to plan the trip to Pittsburgh since he had an artist flying in from Toronto to work on the mural in Landon’s room. Kiley was staying at the house while the artist worked on the wall. Kristi texted her letting her know she was on her way to pick her up. Danielle grabbed her duffle bag that she had found in Mike’s closet and bundled herself up before heading outside.
Kristi was just pulling up as Danielle locked the door behind her and the two young women began their trip back to the Steel City. Kristi sent Kiley a text letting her know they were on their way so that she could go to the house.
After arriving back home from his road trip, Mike found Kiley sleeping on the couch. Brooks walked in behind him and flopped down on his fiancée.
“You motherfucker,” Kiley said trying to fight Brooks off of her.
“Come on babe, you know you can’t resist me,” he said as he gave her a kiss. Mike rolled his eyes and walked down the hall and noticed the door had a skull on the door with crisscrossed hockey sticks.
Slowly opening the door, Mike saw that the entire room was now complete and he thought the mural looked even better than it was supposed to. The room had three red walls and a wall that was made to look like the ice at Verizon Center with a jersey at center ice. The back of a little boy was standing in the runway holding his hand with a matching jersey that read, “Green 52.”
Mike’s heart swelled up with pride as he imagined teaching his son how to skate. The whole fatherhood thing was beginning to be even more exciting to him as time went on. Brooks walked in the room and looked around in awe, “Greener, this looks great.”
“I know, I can’t wait until Danielle sees it.”
“When is she coming back,” Brooks asked.
“Early tomorrow morning then we’re all going to the concert tomorrow night.”
“Kiley and I are going to head out, see you tomorrow,” Brooks said shaking Mike’s hand before leaving.
Mike gave Danielle a call and they talked for a little bit before hanging up so Mike could go to bed.
Danielle arrived home the next day and noticed the skull and crisscrossed hockey sticks on the door and laughed before walking into her and Mike’s bedroom. Mike had his back against the headboard and was watching Sportscenter.
“Hey,” she said giving him a kiss.
“I have a surprise for you,” he replied standing up.
“Oh yeah?”
Mike grabbed her hand and just like the morning a couple of days prior, he led her to the room that was Landon’s.
“I had something done while you were gone,” he said opening the door and Danielle gasped.
“Mike, it’s beautiful,” she said noticing the finished room, “It’s absolutely better than what I imagined. I honestly cannot thank you enough. This is wow.”
“Look at Landon,” Mike said as he pointed to the silhouette of him holding small little boy’s hand as they walked down the runway.
“It’s beautiful,” Danielle replied running her fingers over it, “I’m glad you talked me into the silhouette instead of the big jersey with Landon’s name.”
Danielle gave Mike a hug as they stood in the middle of their son’s room. A knock at the door broke them away from each other and when Mike answered it, Alex bounced in followed by Sasha. They were carrying three garment bags and Mike could only imagine what was in them.
Mike sat in his living room later on that night laughing at Danielle telling Alex and Sasha to sit steal so that she could finish their eyeliner and their hair, “Then they wonder why everyone thinks they’re gay,” he said to himself as Alex complained his eyeliner wasn’t even.
“I’m gonna marry the night, I’m not gonna cry anymore” they all began singing and Mike threw his head back regretting ever getting the tickets.
“Mike,” Danielle said walking down the hall, “We’re ready to go.”
Mike turned around and his eyes went wide in horror as he noticed their outfits, “You all look like freaks.”
Danielle had a rubber steak on her head and she had a fake meat dress on her body with an ultrasound picture on her stomach that had a baby with his hand up like he was a “little monster.” Alex was wearing a feather mohawk and glitter around his eyes with eyeliner while wearing spikes and plat formed boots with tight white pants. Sasha’s outfit was the same and Mike looked at his outfit thanking God he decided to go with the white sweater and jeans. At least he looked normal.
When they got to the Verizon Center, Mike was amazed that the three people he was currently in the car with weren’t the only ones dressed like morons. As they pulled into the player garage, Mike rolled his eyes as Danielle, Alex, and Sasha took pictures with the production trucks with Lady Gaga’s face on them.
When they got inside, Brooks rolled his eyes at the costumes and started laughing before he took pictures of them. He was dressed in skin tight male dominatrix leather thanks to Kiley.
Kiley, Kristi, Nicky, and even Brooks were dressed for the occasion with leather and studs everywhere. Mike was surprised Nicky talked Kristi into going since she hated Lady Gaga.
The show began and Mike wanted to shoot himself by the middle of the concert when Alex and Sasha were semi drunk and were belting out the lyrics to every song with Danielle who danced around the suite.
“Thank God I have ear plugs,” Brooks said sitting next to Mike.
“I’m embarrassed to be in the same suite with them right now.”
Brooks smiled at Mike and patted him on the back as Alex, Sasha, and Danielle sang “Judas” at the top of their lungs like idiots.
The last song of the night was “The Edge of Glory” and Danielle came over to Mike and gave him a hug, “Thank you so much for bringing me, I’ve had a really great time.”
Mike couldn’t deny that although he wanted to kill himself throughout the entire concert, the look on Danielle’s face was priceless.
“You’re welcome,” he whispered in her ear. Danielle turned around to go back to her seat when Mike wrapped his arms around her from behind with his hands on her stomach and Danielle danced against him to the song.
When the song was in the middle of the saxophone solo and the chorus started again, Mike whispered the three words that he had been dying to say to Danielle since his family was in town.
As Lady Gaga sang about being on the edge of glory and hanging on a moment of truth while being on the edge with the person she loved, Danielle felt her heart race as the three words slipped off of Mike’s tongue, “I love you, Danielle.”
Danielle turned around and wrapped her arms around him, “I love you too,” she replied giving him a kiss.
Something, something about just knowing when it’s right
There’s something about baby Yoü and I
"Shit," she muttered, "I had no idea that you were up."
"I've been up for about an hour now. Have you looked out the window at all?"
"No, I just woke up a little bit ago, why?"
"We're snowed in; luckily we are one of the few people that have power."
"How much snow is out there?"
"Almost three feet!"
"I'm used to it; however, I'm not used to having power."
Mike laughed before leaning down to give her a kiss, "Good morning," he said and Danielle smiled.
"Well, since we can't take your parents out today, I'll cook dinner and we'll figure out what else we can do. I say we build hockey playing snowmen."
"How old are you," Mike laughed.
"I'm 21 going on 4!"
"I kind of figured that," he said and Danielle punched him in the arm.
"Speak for yourself; you're the one with the scooter!"
“Touché,” Mike smiled pulling her close to him, “So, while we have nothing to do today and since I bought paint yesterday, how about we start painting Landon’s room?”
“I’m sure your parents won’t be okay with us kicking them out to paint.”
“My mom already helped my dad and brother rearrange the other guest room with a double bed and she moved everything out of it.”
“I was so worried that they were going to hate me, especially because we barely knew each other when I moved here and we jumped into a relationship. I could have been some gold digging psycho who was after you for your money.”
Mike turned Danielle’s face towards him and made her look him in the eyes, “We didn’t jump into anything, we got to know each other and we became friends. You’re different in so many ways than all of those other girls that I’ve dated. You’re having my baby too and that’s what makes me want to be with you even more, I’ve said it before, you’re not going nowhere for a long time.”
Danielle hugged him tightly and Mike kissed her forehead, “I don’t deserve you.”
Mike held her tight to his chest for a while before Megan walked in, “Hey guys, mom made breakfast.”
“We’ll be down in a minute,” Mike replied and his sister smiled before leaving him and Danielle alone.
“Can I just lay in bed all day?”
“Nope, you got to get up.”
“Your son is wearing me out!”
Mike smiled at “your son” and scooped Danielle up and carried her in the bathroom. Placing her in the bathtub, he turned on the hot water and smirked when she yelled in protest, “Oh look, you’re out of bed.”
“I’m going to kill you,” she hissed as she pulled her sweatshirt over her head, “You’re doing the laundry by the way.”
Mike just rolled his eyes while smirking and shut the door behind him as he went to shower in the room that was going to be Landon’s.
Mike walked in the room and saw the empty space and the crib that was now in the middle of the floor. He had purchased a crib the day before and Danielle didn’t know. Mike decided to lock himself in the room with his father and brother putting it together before he allowed Danielle to enter. He had also bought a dresser and everything Danielle said that they needed.
Mike made sure that his mom and sister were with Kiley out doing whatever it is women do when they go to a mall: shop, eat, gossip, etc. while he himself along with Brooks, his brother Matt, and his dad went looking for the stuff that Danielle had picked out.
Mike loaded everything into his Escalade and Brooks’ truck and they carried it into the room while the women were still out. Mike wouldn’t allow Danielle anywhere near the room until he decided to paint and the painting had to come after the furniture was put together.
Mike sighed and smiled to himself as he let the hot water run down his back. It was cold in the house which meant the heat was probably off since his mom was constantly complaining that she was hot. Mike closed his eyes and imagined what his son would look like.
“I’m turning into a chick,” he whispered shaking the thoughts from his head. Mike finished his shower and changed into one of his Capitals sweat suits.
Mike walked into the hall and saw Danielle was already one of the stools eating with Megan and Matt. His mom and dad were in the living room watching the weatherman go on and on about the snow.
“Still want to build those hockey playing snowmen,” he asked when the middle aged meteorologist said that it was zero degrees outside.
“I’ll put you out there with a hockey stick covered in snow if you keep making fun of me,” Danielle fired back causing the Green family to laugh.
“Yeah, yeah,” Mike said sitting down next to her at the counter. Mike pretended he was trying to steal some of Danielle’s eggs and he got a fork in his ribs, “Great, now you try to kill me.”
“Mhm, you’re worth more dead than you are alive amongst us Pens fans,” Danielle smirked.
“Whatever,” he replied cockily smirking causing her to roll her eyes.
Danielle helped Kate and Megan clean the kitchen and once everything was done, Mike led her down the hall towards the guestroom.
“Close your eyes,” he said holding her hand as he opened the door, “Alright, now open them.”
Danielle slowly opened her eyes and saw the room that looked almost complete besides the fact that it needed painted and the mural needed to be done.
“Oh my God,” she managed to get out before she wiped the tear away from her eye, “Mike!”
“I got all of the furniture while you were out yesterday. Brooks, Matt, and my dad helped me put it together. Nicky is bringing the rocking chair over as soon as the snow melts a little bit, it’s at his house.”
“I don’t know what to say!”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Mike assured her as he kissed her forehead, “We just have to get the mural done. I didn’t really buy paint; I’m still looking for an artist to do it. I’m going to give my tattoo guy a call and see if he knows anybody good that can come out and do it.”
“Mike…thank you!”
“You’re welcome,” he replied, “Danielle; I’m going to be honest right now. The past three months have been crazy for us but you know what, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
“Neither would I,” Danielle replied as Mike put his hands on her hips and gave her a kiss.
“I’m falling in love with you, Danielle,” he admitted, “I don’t want to scare you off but I’m quickly falling head over heels for you. I’ve never felt this way before.”
Danielle smiled, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before either.”
Mike smiled and gave her another kiss, “What do you say we call Alex and you can talk his ears off about your costumes for the concert?”
“You’re amazing,” she gushed grabbing Mike’s iPhone out of his hoodie pocket and heading into the living room.
“I love you,” he whispered hoping she’d hear him but she didn’t as she skipped off down the hall talking to Alex on the phone.
A couple of days later, the roads were clear and the snow was slowly melting as the sun glistened down over Arlington. Mike’s family said their goodbyes to Danielle promising to see her soon.
“Kristi and I are heading home to Pittsburgh for a couple of days to visit and we’ll be back the day before the concert. You guys have back to back games against the Lightning and the Panthers down in Florida.”
“I know, I’m leaving with them straight from the airport. Brooks is picking us up. Feel free to take the Escalade if you’d like since it’ll probably go better if you hit snow on the turnpike.”
“Kristi’s bringing Nicky’s truck,” Danielle replied, “We’ll be fine.”
“Alright,” Mike said as Brooks pulled up honking the horn, “I’ll call you when we land.”
“I’ll call you when we get home. If I don’t answer when you call, I’m probably sleeping.”
“Behave yourself,” Mike said giving her a kiss, “I’ll see you when you get back.”
“Good luck and bring home some of that Florida weather,” Danielle said as she waved goodbye to Mike and his family.
Mike had worked with Kristi to plan the trip to Pittsburgh since he had an artist flying in from Toronto to work on the mural in Landon’s room. Kiley was staying at the house while the artist worked on the wall. Kristi texted her letting her know she was on her way to pick her up. Danielle grabbed her duffle bag that she had found in Mike’s closet and bundled herself up before heading outside.
Kristi was just pulling up as Danielle locked the door behind her and the two young women began their trip back to the Steel City. Kristi sent Kiley a text letting her know they were on their way so that she could go to the house.
After arriving back home from his road trip, Mike found Kiley sleeping on the couch. Brooks walked in behind him and flopped down on his fiancée.
“You motherfucker,” Kiley said trying to fight Brooks off of her.
“Come on babe, you know you can’t resist me,” he said as he gave her a kiss. Mike rolled his eyes and walked down the hall and noticed the door had a skull on the door with crisscrossed hockey sticks.
Slowly opening the door, Mike saw that the entire room was now complete and he thought the mural looked even better than it was supposed to. The room had three red walls and a wall that was made to look like the ice at Verizon Center with a jersey at center ice. The back of a little boy was standing in the runway holding his hand with a matching jersey that read, “Green 52.”
Mike’s heart swelled up with pride as he imagined teaching his son how to skate. The whole fatherhood thing was beginning to be even more exciting to him as time went on. Brooks walked in the room and looked around in awe, “Greener, this looks great.”
“I know, I can’t wait until Danielle sees it.”
“When is she coming back,” Brooks asked.
“Early tomorrow morning then we’re all going to the concert tomorrow night.”
“Kiley and I are going to head out, see you tomorrow,” Brooks said shaking Mike’s hand before leaving.
Mike gave Danielle a call and they talked for a little bit before hanging up so Mike could go to bed.
Danielle arrived home the next day and noticed the skull and crisscrossed hockey sticks on the door and laughed before walking into her and Mike’s bedroom. Mike had his back against the headboard and was watching Sportscenter.
“Hey,” she said giving him a kiss.
“I have a surprise for you,” he replied standing up.
“Oh yeah?”
Mike grabbed her hand and just like the morning a couple of days prior, he led her to the room that was Landon’s.
“I had something done while you were gone,” he said opening the door and Danielle gasped.
“Mike, it’s beautiful,” she said noticing the finished room, “It’s absolutely better than what I imagined. I honestly cannot thank you enough. This is wow.”
“Look at Landon,” Mike said as he pointed to the silhouette of him holding small little boy’s hand as they walked down the runway.
“It’s beautiful,” Danielle replied running her fingers over it, “I’m glad you talked me into the silhouette instead of the big jersey with Landon’s name.”
Danielle gave Mike a hug as they stood in the middle of their son’s room. A knock at the door broke them away from each other and when Mike answered it, Alex bounced in followed by Sasha. They were carrying three garment bags and Mike could only imagine what was in them.
Mike sat in his living room later on that night laughing at Danielle telling Alex and Sasha to sit steal so that she could finish their eyeliner and their hair, “Then they wonder why everyone thinks they’re gay,” he said to himself as Alex complained his eyeliner wasn’t even.
“I’m gonna marry the night, I’m not gonna cry anymore” they all began singing and Mike threw his head back regretting ever getting the tickets.
“Mike,” Danielle said walking down the hall, “We’re ready to go.”
Mike turned around and his eyes went wide in horror as he noticed their outfits, “You all look like freaks.”
Danielle had a rubber steak on her head and she had a fake meat dress on her body with an ultrasound picture on her stomach that had a baby with his hand up like he was a “little monster.” Alex was wearing a feather mohawk and glitter around his eyes with eyeliner while wearing spikes and plat formed boots with tight white pants. Sasha’s outfit was the same and Mike looked at his outfit thanking God he decided to go with the white sweater and jeans. At least he looked normal.
When they got to the Verizon Center, Mike was amazed that the three people he was currently in the car with weren’t the only ones dressed like morons. As they pulled into the player garage, Mike rolled his eyes as Danielle, Alex, and Sasha took pictures with the production trucks with Lady Gaga’s face on them.
When they got inside, Brooks rolled his eyes at the costumes and started laughing before he took pictures of them. He was dressed in skin tight male dominatrix leather thanks to Kiley.
Kiley, Kristi, Nicky, and even Brooks were dressed for the occasion with leather and studs everywhere. Mike was surprised Nicky talked Kristi into going since she hated Lady Gaga.
The show began and Mike wanted to shoot himself by the middle of the concert when Alex and Sasha were semi drunk and were belting out the lyrics to every song with Danielle who danced around the suite.
“Thank God I have ear plugs,” Brooks said sitting next to Mike.
“I’m embarrassed to be in the same suite with them right now.”
Brooks smiled at Mike and patted him on the back as Alex, Sasha, and Danielle sang “Judas” at the top of their lungs like idiots.
The last song of the night was “The Edge of Glory” and Danielle came over to Mike and gave him a hug, “Thank you so much for bringing me, I’ve had a really great time.”
Mike couldn’t deny that although he wanted to kill himself throughout the entire concert, the look on Danielle’s face was priceless.
“You’re welcome,” he whispered in her ear. Danielle turned around to go back to her seat when Mike wrapped his arms around her from behind with his hands on her stomach and Danielle danced against him to the song.
When the song was in the middle of the saxophone solo and the chorus started again, Mike whispered the three words that he had been dying to say to Danielle since his family was in town.
As Lady Gaga sang about being on the edge of glory and hanging on a moment of truth while being on the edge with the person she loved, Danielle felt her heart race as the three words slipped off of Mike’s tongue, “I love you, Danielle.”
Danielle turned around and wrapped her arms around him, “I love you too,” she replied giving him a kiss.
Something, something about just knowing when it’s right
There’s something about baby Yoü and I
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Chapter 8-Yoü and I
Mike knew that he was going to regret this but the smile on Danielle’s face was going to be priceless. Ovi was planning his and Danielle’s outfits as Mike drove home from a long day at the rink. Danielle had woke up and wasn’t feeling well and Mike went to his morning skate before the Caps played the Kings in an afternoon matinee at Verizon Center.
Mike wasn’t even sure if she had known that Lady Gaga was coming to town. He knew she had saw her three times before back in Pittsburgh, one of those being a few weeks before Mike had saw her at the game where he discovered she was pregnant. It was no secret that Danielle was a huge fan of the woman who called herself, “Mother Monster.”
Mike laughed as he pulled into the garage and thought about the time Ovi and Sasha came over to visit when Danielle first came down to DC before she made her decision to move permanently to be with Mike and they forced him to watch the DVD of Lady Gaga live at Madison Square Garden. Mike can remember the three of them yelling, “SILICON! SALINE! POISON! INJECT ME! BABY, I’M A FREE BITCH!!” Since then Danielle had made Mike watch the DVD repeatedly like she was a small child wanting to keep watching their favorite Wiggles movie.
Mike felt the tickets in his back pocket and smiled as he called out to Danielle when he entered the house through the side door. Sure enough, Danielle was sitting on the couch with a bowl of ice cream on her four and a half months pregnant stomach singing along with “Yoü and I,” a song that wasn’t new to him since Danielle sang it every single day. It was her favorite song and Mike knew that the song would mean a lot to both of them one day but he shook his head as he leaned down over Danielle and took the bowl causing her to punch him in the shoulder.
“OW,” he laughed taking a bite of the chocolate ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream.
“You douche bag, that’s my fucking ice cream.”
“Hello to you too,” he smirked as Danielle pouted and Mike held the bowl over her head licking his lips, but since Danielle was tall herself, she took the bowl from him and kicked his shin.
“What the hell has gotten into you?”
“Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to take a pregnant woman’s ice cream?”
Mike laughed and sat down on the couch next to her.
"I don't remember telling you could that you could sit down next to me."
"Well, excuse me; can I sit down next to you?"
"You're a douche bag!"
Mike laughed and pulled the envelope from his back pocket.
"What douche bag would get these for you?"
"OH MY GOD," Danielle shrieked, "MIKE, YOU DIDN'T!"
"No, I didn't," he replied, "We got some free tickets, Ovi and Sasha are going to. Nicky is begging Kristi to go since she wants no parts of it."
"I can't believe we're going," Danielle shrieked climbing over Mike. She sat on his lap, straddling him.
Mike swallowed hard as Danielle leaned down to give him a kiss.
"Thank you," she whispered moving her lips to his neck.
"Danielle," he gasped, "Stop."
Their relationship was still new and even though Danielle was pregnant, Mike didn't want to rush into anything.
"But Mike, I'm horny."
Mike laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist, "God, I know, so am I and I really want to do this…but not yet."
Danielle decided to change the subject and quickly mentioned Mike’s mom, Kate calling while he was at practice, "When were you planning on telling me that your parents were coming to visit? Your mom called today and said that they're landing at one, so you would know what time to pick them up from the airport."
"It was supposed to be a surprise but yeah, they're coming. They were supposed to be here last week but my mom had to work."
"I wish you would have told me that so I could go grocery shopping to make dinner for them their first night here."
“My brother and sister are coming too.”
“I never knew you had a brother and a sister.”
“Not many people know that I do, I keep a lot of stuff private. For example, when Landon is born, we aren’t going to post any pictures or anything at first. I don’t want huge attention drawn to it because people will make up their own stories about everything.”
“They already did and I’m pretty sure the nurse at the doctor’s office last week tried to get us to admit the truth so she could sell the story to the media.”
“People are going to say a lot of stuff about you, I know you know that but just know that no matter what, I’m going to be here for you.”
“I know,” Danielle smiled as Mike hugged her closer to him.
“Are you feeling better,” he asked kissing her forehead.
“A little bit,” she replied nuzzling her face into Mike’s neck.
“Want to go to dinner tonight?”
“That’d be nice,” Danielle said looking up and kissing his jaw.
“I’m sorry that we can’t spend more time together. I always feel bad for leaving you by yourself so much.”
“I love being alone sometimes, in Pittsburgh; I stayed in my room sometimes just to have peace and clear my head.”
“Do you have any favorite restaurants here yet? I know that you and Kiley eat out a lot when Brooks and I are on the road.”
“That place down on Wilson Boulevard is to die for. It’s called Village Bistro.”
“Go get dressed, we’ll go.”
“I am dressed,” Danielle whined.
“I’ve been to that place before and I don’t think sweatpants and a hoodie is in the dress code.”
“You’re no fun,” she replied sticking out her tongue before giving him a kiss on the cheek when she stood up to go get changed.
“Take a shower too, you stink,” Mike joked.
“Suck my dick!”
Mike laughed as Danielle walked down the hall towards the guest bedroom that would be where his parents would staying tomorrow. Mike’s brother and sister were coming as well and they each had their own room.
“Dani,” he said walking into the bedroom, “I have to talk to you about something,”
“What,” she asked coming out of the bathroom fastening a gold hoop earring. She had bought maternity clothes and Mike loved the coral colored hooded long sleeved tunic top she was wearing with boot cut jeans and her hair was in a pony tail.
“You look great,” he smiled as she looked at her reflection in the mirror attached to the dresser.
“Thank you!”
“I have something to tell you and please, don’t kill me.”
“You’re kicking me out?”
“God, no,” Mike laughed, “But I thought that I should let you know that my parents are going to be sleeping in your room when they come.”
“That’s fine; I’ll sleep on the couch. It’s no problem, it’s better for my back at night anyways.”
“You’re not sleeping on the couch.”
“Then where am I going to sleep?”
“In my room with me and I’m not taking no for an answer. We’re both adults, and if I’m not mistaken, we’re having a baby together. It’s not like we’ve never slept in the same bed before, I mean when we first had sex, we slept in the same bed. Then you fell asleep two nights in a row in my room and didn’t have a problem with it.”
“Stop blabbering, God, you are worse than a teenage boy seeing boobs for a first time. I’ll sleep with you but I want to be the little spoon,” Danielle smirked.
“I can handle that,” Mike said as Danielle pulled on her boots.
“Did you see we’re supposed to get like two feet of snow tomorrow night into Thursday morning?”
“We’re going to get it, we get it every year.”
“Yay! Snow day,” Danielle said excitedly while clapping her hands
“Really,” Mike said smiling, “You are worse than a five year old.”
“When’s the concert?”
“Next weekend!”
“I’m so excited!”
“I know you are, I know how much you love her and I figured you needed some time out of the house so I got the tickets. Alex is making your outfit.”
“I love dressing for her concerts, it’s amazing.”
“Just don’t go overboard.”
“There is no such thing as overboard at a Lady Gaga concert. Speaking of which, you are totally wearing eyeliner because you are fucking sexy with it.”
“Thanks, I guess,” Mike laughed.
“I wonder what Alex has up his sleeves,” Danielle said.
“I wish I could tell you but I honestly don’t know, are you ready to go? I’m pretty hungry!”
“Yep, let’s go,” she replied grabbing her coat from the bed.
“Here, let me help you.”
Mike grabbed the coat from Danielle and held it open as she slid her arms into the sleeves. Mike handed her the scarf from the dresser and the matching hat.
“You’re having a baby with a Capital and you steal wear your Pens stuff,” he smiled while shaking his head in disbelief.
“Hey, just because you’re my son’s father doesn’t mean I’m turning to the dark side. Loyalties lie, Greene.”
“We’ll just have to change that.”
“Mhm, we’ll see about that,” Danielle smirked blowing him a kiss before heading out of the room. Mike grabbed his coat from the chair in the living room and grabbed the keys to the Escalade. Taking Danielle’s hand in his, he lead her outside.
They drove talking about their plans for the baby’s room which they both wanted a hockey themed nursery. Danielle saw a design in a magazine that she liked and Mike said he’d hire someone to help them work on it. The walls were going to be sky blue and on one wall was going to be a hockey rink mural complete with a jersey on one wall bearing Landon’s name and Mike’s number.
They pulled into the restaurant and were seated at a booth in the back where they discussed the plans for what they were going to do with Mike’s family during the week. Mike said they could take them sightseeing in the city if the weather allowed when he had off days, as well as going to the five game home stand that the Caps had coming up before they headed out on the road for the week.
When they came back home, Danielle helped Mike clean the house a little bit. They washed the sheets on the beds in the guest rooms and moved all of Danielle’s things into Mike’s room. Mike had more than enough room in his closet and he was more than happy to help Danielle hang her clothes next to his. For the first time in a long time, Mike finally felt like he was getting the family of his own that he always wanted but never thought he’d have.
It was close to midnight when they finished everything up and Mike headed to bed because he had practice and early at eight am. Danielle went online for a little while and ordered things for Landon’s room and a couple of outfits from Carter’s that she thought were cute.
She put the laptop on Mike’s nightstand and turned the lamp off before she curled up and tried to sleep. Mike reached out and put his arm around her waist and pulled her to him, “Goodnight,” he whispered sleepily kissing her cheek lightly.
“Goodnight,” she replied shutting her eyes and she soon fell asleep.
Danielle woke up the next day to an empty bed but for the first time in a long time, she got a good night’s sleep. Mike left her a note in the kitchen letting her know what time he would be home and that when he returned, he’d have his family with him.
Danielle made herself something to eat before she took a shower and got dressed for the day. She looked in the cabinet and found a box of cake mix and a can of icing and decided to busy herself by making a cake for Mike’s family. Mike said she wasn’t allowed to cook while they were here but he never said she couldn’t bake.
Danielle set the time on the oven and walked into the bathroom to take a shower. When she was done, the cake was finished and she just had to let it cool before she put the chocolate icing on it. She was finishing up washing the cake pan when she heard the door open and saw Mike come in carrying a suitcase followed by two women and two men.
“Hey,” Mike said walking into the kitchen, “What’d you make, it smells good?”
“I made a chocolate cake, I wanted your family to have something to eat and well since you wouldn’t let me cook them anything, I baked.”
“Looks great,” he replied giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Mike, she’s even more beautiful than you described,” Kate said walking into the kitchen, “You must be Danielle,” she said hugging her.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she replied smiling, “I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”
“Look at you,” Kate gushed, “You’re glowing.”
Danielle smiled and Mike put his arm around her waist, “Michael, you look so happy,” Kate gushed again, “My first grandbaby, I’m so excited.”
“My dad, my brother, and my sister are in the living room,” Mike said, “Want to meet them?”
“No, I think I’ll ignore them the entire time they’re here. Of course, I want to meet them,” Danielle joked elbowing Mike in the stomach.
“I like her,” Kate laughed as they walked into the living room.
“Everybody, this is Danielle,” Mike said, “Danielle, that’s my dad, Dave; my sister, Megan; and my brother, Matt.”
“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Danielle replied shaking their hands.
“I still can’t believe my little brother knocked someone up,” Matt said causing Kate to slap him behind his head.
“Language, Matthew,” she scolded.
“I finally have someone to go shopping with,” Megan said, “You have no idea what it was like growing up with two brothers.”
Danielle laughed before they all fell into conversations about where they wanted to go for dinner, Mike looked at Danielle talking and laughing with his family when he went to get something to drink in the kitchen. He never saw his family warm up to any of his girlfriends the way they warmed up to Danielle.
Kate and his ex-girlfriend butted heads about everything and they never got along. His sister hated her and his brother said she saw her flirting with one of Mike’s old teammates from back home but Mike ignored them and sure enough, he came home from a road trip and caught her in bed with her doctor.
Danielle looked up and made eye contact with Mike and he felt like it was déjà vu, she had done that when he first met her family and was talking with her uncles at her house. Mike smiled back and headed back into the living room. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought that the next time they were all together, his baby boy would be in his arms.
Mike wasn’t even sure if she had known that Lady Gaga was coming to town. He knew she had saw her three times before back in Pittsburgh, one of those being a few weeks before Mike had saw her at the game where he discovered she was pregnant. It was no secret that Danielle was a huge fan of the woman who called herself, “Mother Monster.”
Mike laughed as he pulled into the garage and thought about the time Ovi and Sasha came over to visit when Danielle first came down to DC before she made her decision to move permanently to be with Mike and they forced him to watch the DVD of Lady Gaga live at Madison Square Garden. Mike can remember the three of them yelling, “SILICON! SALINE! POISON! INJECT ME! BABY, I’M A FREE BITCH!!” Since then Danielle had made Mike watch the DVD repeatedly like she was a small child wanting to keep watching their favorite Wiggles movie.
Mike felt the tickets in his back pocket and smiled as he called out to Danielle when he entered the house through the side door. Sure enough, Danielle was sitting on the couch with a bowl of ice cream on her four and a half months pregnant stomach singing along with “Yoü and I,” a song that wasn’t new to him since Danielle sang it every single day. It was her favorite song and Mike knew that the song would mean a lot to both of them one day but he shook his head as he leaned down over Danielle and took the bowl causing her to punch him in the shoulder.
“OW,” he laughed taking a bite of the chocolate ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream.
“You douche bag, that’s my fucking ice cream.”
“Hello to you too,” he smirked as Danielle pouted and Mike held the bowl over her head licking his lips, but since Danielle was tall herself, she took the bowl from him and kicked his shin.
“What the hell has gotten into you?”
“Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to take a pregnant woman’s ice cream?”
Mike laughed and sat down on the couch next to her.
"I don't remember telling you could that you could sit down next to me."
"Well, excuse me; can I sit down next to you?"
"You're a douche bag!"
Mike laughed and pulled the envelope from his back pocket.
"What douche bag would get these for you?"
"OH MY GOD," Danielle shrieked, "MIKE, YOU DIDN'T!"
"No, I didn't," he replied, "We got some free tickets, Ovi and Sasha are going to. Nicky is begging Kristi to go since she wants no parts of it."
"I can't believe we're going," Danielle shrieked climbing over Mike. She sat on his lap, straddling him.
Mike swallowed hard as Danielle leaned down to give him a kiss.
"Thank you," she whispered moving her lips to his neck.
"Danielle," he gasped, "Stop."
Their relationship was still new and even though Danielle was pregnant, Mike didn't want to rush into anything.
"But Mike, I'm horny."
Mike laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist, "God, I know, so am I and I really want to do this…but not yet."
Danielle decided to change the subject and quickly mentioned Mike’s mom, Kate calling while he was at practice, "When were you planning on telling me that your parents were coming to visit? Your mom called today and said that they're landing at one, so you would know what time to pick them up from the airport."
"It was supposed to be a surprise but yeah, they're coming. They were supposed to be here last week but my mom had to work."
"I wish you would have told me that so I could go grocery shopping to make dinner for them their first night here."
“My brother and sister are coming too.”
“I never knew you had a brother and a sister.”
“Not many people know that I do, I keep a lot of stuff private. For example, when Landon is born, we aren’t going to post any pictures or anything at first. I don’t want huge attention drawn to it because people will make up their own stories about everything.”
“They already did and I’m pretty sure the nurse at the doctor’s office last week tried to get us to admit the truth so she could sell the story to the media.”
“People are going to say a lot of stuff about you, I know you know that but just know that no matter what, I’m going to be here for you.”
“I know,” Danielle smiled as Mike hugged her closer to him.
“Are you feeling better,” he asked kissing her forehead.
“A little bit,” she replied nuzzling her face into Mike’s neck.
“Want to go to dinner tonight?”
“That’d be nice,” Danielle said looking up and kissing his jaw.
“I’m sorry that we can’t spend more time together. I always feel bad for leaving you by yourself so much.”
“I love being alone sometimes, in Pittsburgh; I stayed in my room sometimes just to have peace and clear my head.”
“Do you have any favorite restaurants here yet? I know that you and Kiley eat out a lot when Brooks and I are on the road.”
“That place down on Wilson Boulevard is to die for. It’s called Village Bistro.”
“Go get dressed, we’ll go.”
“I am dressed,” Danielle whined.
“I’ve been to that place before and I don’t think sweatpants and a hoodie is in the dress code.”
“You’re no fun,” she replied sticking out her tongue before giving him a kiss on the cheek when she stood up to go get changed.
“Take a shower too, you stink,” Mike joked.
“Suck my dick!”
Mike laughed as Danielle walked down the hall towards the guest bedroom that would be where his parents would staying tomorrow. Mike’s brother and sister were coming as well and they each had their own room.
“Dani,” he said walking into the bedroom, “I have to talk to you about something,”
“What,” she asked coming out of the bathroom fastening a gold hoop earring. She had bought maternity clothes and Mike loved the coral colored hooded long sleeved tunic top she was wearing with boot cut jeans and her hair was in a pony tail.
“You look great,” he smiled as she looked at her reflection in the mirror attached to the dresser.
“Thank you!”
“I have something to tell you and please, don’t kill me.”
“You’re kicking me out?”
“God, no,” Mike laughed, “But I thought that I should let you know that my parents are going to be sleeping in your room when they come.”
“That’s fine; I’ll sleep on the couch. It’s no problem, it’s better for my back at night anyways.”
“You’re not sleeping on the couch.”
“Then where am I going to sleep?”
“In my room with me and I’m not taking no for an answer. We’re both adults, and if I’m not mistaken, we’re having a baby together. It’s not like we’ve never slept in the same bed before, I mean when we first had sex, we slept in the same bed. Then you fell asleep two nights in a row in my room and didn’t have a problem with it.”
“Stop blabbering, God, you are worse than a teenage boy seeing boobs for a first time. I’ll sleep with you but I want to be the little spoon,” Danielle smirked.
“I can handle that,” Mike said as Danielle pulled on her boots.
“Did you see we’re supposed to get like two feet of snow tomorrow night into Thursday morning?”
“We’re going to get it, we get it every year.”
“Yay! Snow day,” Danielle said excitedly while clapping her hands
“Really,” Mike said smiling, “You are worse than a five year old.”
“When’s the concert?”
“Next weekend!”
“I’m so excited!”
“I know you are, I know how much you love her and I figured you needed some time out of the house so I got the tickets. Alex is making your outfit.”
“I love dressing for her concerts, it’s amazing.”
“Just don’t go overboard.”
“There is no such thing as overboard at a Lady Gaga concert. Speaking of which, you are totally wearing eyeliner because you are fucking sexy with it.”
“Thanks, I guess,” Mike laughed.
“I wonder what Alex has up his sleeves,” Danielle said.
“I wish I could tell you but I honestly don’t know, are you ready to go? I’m pretty hungry!”
“Yep, let’s go,” she replied grabbing her coat from the bed.
“Here, let me help you.”
Mike grabbed the coat from Danielle and held it open as she slid her arms into the sleeves. Mike handed her the scarf from the dresser and the matching hat.
“You’re having a baby with a Capital and you steal wear your Pens stuff,” he smiled while shaking his head in disbelief.
“Hey, just because you’re my son’s father doesn’t mean I’m turning to the dark side. Loyalties lie, Greene.”
“We’ll just have to change that.”
“Mhm, we’ll see about that,” Danielle smirked blowing him a kiss before heading out of the room. Mike grabbed his coat from the chair in the living room and grabbed the keys to the Escalade. Taking Danielle’s hand in his, he lead her outside.
They drove talking about their plans for the baby’s room which they both wanted a hockey themed nursery. Danielle saw a design in a magazine that she liked and Mike said he’d hire someone to help them work on it. The walls were going to be sky blue and on one wall was going to be a hockey rink mural complete with a jersey on one wall bearing Landon’s name and Mike’s number.
They pulled into the restaurant and were seated at a booth in the back where they discussed the plans for what they were going to do with Mike’s family during the week. Mike said they could take them sightseeing in the city if the weather allowed when he had off days, as well as going to the five game home stand that the Caps had coming up before they headed out on the road for the week.
When they came back home, Danielle helped Mike clean the house a little bit. They washed the sheets on the beds in the guest rooms and moved all of Danielle’s things into Mike’s room. Mike had more than enough room in his closet and he was more than happy to help Danielle hang her clothes next to his. For the first time in a long time, Mike finally felt like he was getting the family of his own that he always wanted but never thought he’d have.
It was close to midnight when they finished everything up and Mike headed to bed because he had practice and early at eight am. Danielle went online for a little while and ordered things for Landon’s room and a couple of outfits from Carter’s that she thought were cute.
She put the laptop on Mike’s nightstand and turned the lamp off before she curled up and tried to sleep. Mike reached out and put his arm around her waist and pulled her to him, “Goodnight,” he whispered sleepily kissing her cheek lightly.
“Goodnight,” she replied shutting her eyes and she soon fell asleep.
Danielle woke up the next day to an empty bed but for the first time in a long time, she got a good night’s sleep. Mike left her a note in the kitchen letting her know what time he would be home and that when he returned, he’d have his family with him.
Danielle made herself something to eat before she took a shower and got dressed for the day. She looked in the cabinet and found a box of cake mix and a can of icing and decided to busy herself by making a cake for Mike’s family. Mike said she wasn’t allowed to cook while they were here but he never said she couldn’t bake.
Danielle set the time on the oven and walked into the bathroom to take a shower. When she was done, the cake was finished and she just had to let it cool before she put the chocolate icing on it. She was finishing up washing the cake pan when she heard the door open and saw Mike come in carrying a suitcase followed by two women and two men.
“Hey,” Mike said walking into the kitchen, “What’d you make, it smells good?”
“I made a chocolate cake, I wanted your family to have something to eat and well since you wouldn’t let me cook them anything, I baked.”
“Looks great,” he replied giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Mike, she’s even more beautiful than you described,” Kate said walking into the kitchen, “You must be Danielle,” she said hugging her.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she replied smiling, “I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”
“Look at you,” Kate gushed, “You’re glowing.”
Danielle smiled and Mike put his arm around her waist, “Michael, you look so happy,” Kate gushed again, “My first grandbaby, I’m so excited.”
“My dad, my brother, and my sister are in the living room,” Mike said, “Want to meet them?”
“No, I think I’ll ignore them the entire time they’re here. Of course, I want to meet them,” Danielle joked elbowing Mike in the stomach.
“I like her,” Kate laughed as they walked into the living room.
“Everybody, this is Danielle,” Mike said, “Danielle, that’s my dad, Dave; my sister, Megan; and my brother, Matt.”
“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Danielle replied shaking their hands.
“I still can’t believe my little brother knocked someone up,” Matt said causing Kate to slap him behind his head.
“Language, Matthew,” she scolded.
“I finally have someone to go shopping with,” Megan said, “You have no idea what it was like growing up with two brothers.”
Danielle laughed before they all fell into conversations about where they wanted to go for dinner, Mike looked at Danielle talking and laughing with his family when he went to get something to drink in the kitchen. He never saw his family warm up to any of his girlfriends the way they warmed up to Danielle.
Kate and his ex-girlfriend butted heads about everything and they never got along. His sister hated her and his brother said she saw her flirting with one of Mike’s old teammates from back home but Mike ignored them and sure enough, he came home from a road trip and caught her in bed with her doctor.
Danielle looked up and made eye contact with Mike and he felt like it was déjà vu, she had done that when he first met her family and was talking with her uncles at her house. Mike smiled back and headed back into the living room. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought that the next time they were all together, his baby boy would be in his arms.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Chapter 7-Red, white, and baby blue
"I promise, I'll be there as soon as I can," Mike reassured Danielle who was screaming at him for not taking her to her doctor's appointment.
"Mike, we find out the sex of the baby today besides, it's your first appointment, I fucking expected you to be here."
"Dani, baby, calm down."
"Fuck you, Mike Green. I am not calming myself down."
Mike laughed on the other end of the phone, "Go ahead and laugh, it's not funny, you fucking asshole."
"It's not my fault our plane had layover because of a mechanical issue."
"I hate you!"
Mike just laughed again, half at Danielle's hormones and half at Brooks arguing with his girlfriend, Kiley over not being able to make dinner with her parents. Danielle had been in DC for 3 weeks now and she was still getting used to everything.
Mike was adjusting to having someone living with him too. Danielle stayed in the guest room; their relationship was still new to them. The only date they've been on was when they were in Pittsburgh and Mike knew they needed to start spending more time together.
When Danielle first arrived in DC to stay permanently, the Capitals were getting ready for their road trip to the West and she had gotten to know Brooks' fiancée Kiley. They two became inseparable much to Mike and Brooks' dismay.
Danielle and Kiley tag teamed the guys each day. They loved picking on the hockey players, sometimes even Ovi joined in on the fun.
"I have to go, Kiley is beeping in. Hurry it the fuck up and get here or I'm cutting your balls off and roasting them in the fireplace."
Mike cringed but smirked as he said goodbye and hung up.
"Is Danielle going all fucking psycho on you too?"
"It's her hormones."
"Hormones my fucking ass," Brooks said, "Women are fucking psycho."
“Kiley has you so fucking whipped.”
“I’m not whipped, I love her.”
Mike couldn’t help but laugh, “Dude, you sound like a total fucking chick.”
“You can honestly look at me and tell me that Danielle isn’t changing you,” Brooks began, “You fucking rearranged your life to fit a girl in it that you didn’t know at all and suddenly she’s pregnant and she’s everything you’ve ever wanted.”
Mike sat in the terminal not saying anything when Brooks’ phone rang again, “FUCKING PSYCHOTIC, BITCH!”
“I HEARD THAT ASSHOLE,” Mike heard Kiley shout and he laughed before texting Danielle.
Mike made a whipping noise and Brooks flipped him off, “Fuck you,” he spat.
“FUCK ME,” Kiley shouted, “Brooks, you are digging yourself into a huge fucking hole right now.”
“Babe, I was talking to Mike.”
Kiley was now on speaker and Mike was laughing at her cussing Brooks out, “I will cut your balls off, Brooks, not even kidding.”
“Danielle just threatened to cut mine off and roast them in the fireplace.”
Brooks muted the phone, “They’re violent fucking bitches, we are so going out for drinks tonight because I need to get the hell out of the house.”
“We were just away for 2 weeks; you can at least go home for one night.”
“Fuck that,” Brooks said, “I need to go away for 2 weeks again.”
Mike just rolled his eyes as Bruce announced that they could board the plane again. Brooks ended his phone call and gladly shut his phone off as they headed down the ramp towards the plane.
Mike texted Danielle letting her know they were on their way home. Mike sped the whole way to the doctor’s office, he was sure that if he was pulled over, he could bribe the cops with tickets and VIP treatment for a game.
Mike pulled in next to Kiley’s Range Rover that Brooks had bought her for his birthday, “What a pussy,” he mumbled smiling at the car as he locked the Lamborghini and walked into the office building.
The nurse at the window smiled when she saw Mike, “Miss James is in the first room to the left, go ahead back.”
“Thank you,” Mike smiled walking back to the room.
Danielle was sitting on the table and Kiley was sitting in the chair next to her reading a Cosmo when Mike walked in.
“It’s about you showed up,” Kiley huffed, “I was beginning maybe to think I was you dressed in drag.”
“Bite me!”
“Real mature, asshole,” she replied standing up, “Danielle, I’m going to go castrate Brooks. Call me later and we’ll do dinner or something.”
“Brooks and I included,” Mike asked.
“Since it’s a girl’s night and both you and Brooks are about to be flat in the front like a Ken doll, then yeah you can come.”
“Fuck you, Kiley.”
Danielle laughed and held her hand out to Mike who took it and walked closer to her occupying the chair that Kiley had just vacated. Mike sat down and Danielle turned her head towards him, Mike leaned closer and gave her a kiss.
“You two make me sick, I’m out of here,” she said smirking before leaving the room and shutting the door behind her.
“I missed you,” Danielle said and Mike put his forehead to hers.
“I missed you too, how’s the baby,” he said putting his hand on her bump that was now noticeable.
“We’ll find out today if he ever comes back in, I made him wait until you got here. Luckily, he had a cancellation.”
Mike chuckled as the door opened and the doctor walked in, “Good to see you again, Mr. Green,” Dr. Thompson said sticking out his hand, “Miss James insisted we wait until you got here, congrats on the clean sweep of the West.”
“Thanks,” Mike smiled.
“Miss James, are you ready to see your baby?”
“We are,” Danielle smiled and Mike took her hand in his as the nurse walked in with the sonogram machine.
Danielle lifted her shirt and Mike rubbed her stomach before smiling as the nurse came over and put the gel on her stomach. Danielle shivered at the cold and Mike ran his hands through her hair.
“How long have you two been together,” the nurse asked smiling at the gesture before the doctor ran the tool over Danielle’s belly.
“Almost two months,” Mike replied.
“Wow! I never would have guessed,” the middle aged nurse replied, “You two seem so comfortable with each other.”
Mike could tell she was pushing for information about how Danielle was four months pregnant and they were only together for two months, so he made up that they were best friends who decided to have a baby together before they both realized they wanted more. Danielle tried not to laugh at the soap opera Mike was creating.
Silence fell upon the room as the sound of a heartbeat filled the air. Mike squeezed Danielle’s hand as the image of their baby popped up on the screen.
“They’re waving,” Dr. Thompson said as the baby moved its hand and the heartbeat continued to fill the air.
“Can we find out what we’re having?”
“The fetus is in the perfect position, so we should be able to tell.”
The doctor moved the ball on Danielle’s stomach and sure enough the baby’s body part appeared on the screen, Mike immediately knew what it was and he started smiling like he had just won the Stanley Cup.
“Well, it looks like you two are having a baby boy.”
Danielle’s eyes welled up with tears, she prayed it was a boy since the last couple of generations were girls.
“Is Landon Michael good for you,” Mike whispered and Danielle nodded her head. She was in love with the name the minute Mike had told her the names he had picked out when they had their first conversation on the phone.
“Miss James, schedule an appointment for next month and we’ll see you then. Good luck to both of you and keep up the great play, Mr. Green.”
“Thank you,” Mike replied shaking Dr. Thompson’s hand.
“We’re having a boy,” Danielle said as they walked out of the office, “I have to call my mom and tell her.”
Mike smiled while pulling out his cell phone to call his mom as well, “Okay, we’ll both call our moms then we’ll call the guys.”
“Okay,” Danielle smiled.
Ever since the picture of the two of them surfaced on Mike’s twitter page, the cyber world was in an uproar. Countless lies had been spread about Danielle but as soon as something was posted, Mike had it taken down and he protected Danielle from the criticism and harsh words. Mike was tweeting his excitement and he didn’t care what anyone said about him or Danielle.
“Looks like we’re painting the town red, white, and baby blue…it’s a boy. Danielle and I thank you both for the support,” he tweeted and he knew he was sure to get countless replies but he didn’t care.
As they hung up with their ecstatic mothers who were begging for each other’s phone numbers to plan for their first grandchild’s arrival, they laughed as they headed back to their house. Danielle took a hot shower while Mike opened his 2 weeks’ worth of mail that she put in one of the kitchen drawers.
Mike got a call from Brooks asking if he and Danielle wanted to meet him and Kiley for dinner. Mike agreed and told Danielle through the bathroom door. Dinner went by without a hitch as the men feared for their lives and their private parts.
“You two should not be friends,” Brooks said, “You two are bitches when you two are together.”
“Want to sleep on the couch tonight,” Kiley asked and Brooks immediately shut his mouth, “That’s what I thought.”
Mike made a whipping noise and Brooks glared at him, “Whatever Greener, you’re getting close to it. By the way, you two never told us, am I going to have to help you beat the boys away Mikey or am I going to teach another man how to get the ladies.”
“Keep digging that hole, Brooks,” Danielle laughed as Kiley glared at her fiancé.
“We’re having a boy,” Mike gushed and Kiley shrieked.
“Hell yeah,” Brooks said fist bumping him from across the table, “That’s what I’m talking about, we got another future NHLer on our hands.”
“Relax there, Brooksy,” Mike said, “Landon’s not even here yet.”
“Oh my God, you have a name picked already,” Kiley shrieked again.
“We’ve had it picked for a while, from our first conversation on the phone if you want to be technical about it,” Danielle said, “Mike thought of the names and I have always liked Landon for a boy’s name, so we’re going to name him Landon Michael Green.”
“That is too precious.”
Dinner ended which sent both Mike and Danielle home. They were both exhausted from their days, Danielle from being worried about Mike all night to Mike being jetlagged and they both needed to catch up on sleep.
“Want to watch a movie,” Mike asked, “Or do you just want to go to bed?”
“Movie’s good,” Danielle smiled, “Just let me go get changed.”
“Sounds good, meet me in my room,” he replied smiling and kissing her cheek.
Danielle changed into a pair or pajama pants and a sweatshirt before she walked down the hall to Mike’s room. Mike had the news on while he looked through his Netflix rentals on his MacBook for a movie to watch.
“Looks like we’re getting more snow,” Danielle said sitting down on Mike’s bed, “I can’t wait to experience snow down here since I know you guys get slammed worse than we did in Pittsburgh.”
“Virginia winters are a bitch,” Mike smiled before settling on the Hangover 2.
“I didn’t even know this was on DVD yet.”
“Just came out today,” Mike said hooking the computer up to his TV before he crawled in bed next to Danielle, “Scoot over.”
She moved over and laid her head down on the pillow before Mike put his arm around her and she put her head on his chest as the film began. The movie barely started and Mike heard light snores coming from Danielle.
Turning off the TV, Mike pulled the blankets over them and immediately fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. They needed all the rest they could get before the baby arrived and they were up all night.
Everything seemed to be falling into place and Mike couldn’t wait for Danielle to meet his family who were surprising her by arriving the next day, Mike just hoped she didn’t freak out when she woke up in the morning and realized she had no choice but to sleep with him.
Mike chuckled at the thought as he shut his eyes and dreamed of teaching his son how to skate while Danielle watched him be the father he never thought he would be.
"Mike, we find out the sex of the baby today besides, it's your first appointment, I fucking expected you to be here."
"Dani, baby, calm down."
"Fuck you, Mike Green. I am not calming myself down."
Mike laughed on the other end of the phone, "Go ahead and laugh, it's not funny, you fucking asshole."
"It's not my fault our plane had layover because of a mechanical issue."
"I hate you!"
Mike just laughed again, half at Danielle's hormones and half at Brooks arguing with his girlfriend, Kiley over not being able to make dinner with her parents. Danielle had been in DC for 3 weeks now and she was still getting used to everything.
Mike was adjusting to having someone living with him too. Danielle stayed in the guest room; their relationship was still new to them. The only date they've been on was when they were in Pittsburgh and Mike knew they needed to start spending more time together.
When Danielle first arrived in DC to stay permanently, the Capitals were getting ready for their road trip to the West and she had gotten to know Brooks' fiancée Kiley. They two became inseparable much to Mike and Brooks' dismay.
Danielle and Kiley tag teamed the guys each day. They loved picking on the hockey players, sometimes even Ovi joined in on the fun.
"I have to go, Kiley is beeping in. Hurry it the fuck up and get here or I'm cutting your balls off and roasting them in the fireplace."
Mike cringed but smirked as he said goodbye and hung up.
"Is Danielle going all fucking psycho on you too?"
"It's her hormones."
"Hormones my fucking ass," Brooks said, "Women are fucking psycho."
“Kiley has you so fucking whipped.”
“I’m not whipped, I love her.”
Mike couldn’t help but laugh, “Dude, you sound like a total fucking chick.”
“You can honestly look at me and tell me that Danielle isn’t changing you,” Brooks began, “You fucking rearranged your life to fit a girl in it that you didn’t know at all and suddenly she’s pregnant and she’s everything you’ve ever wanted.”
Mike sat in the terminal not saying anything when Brooks’ phone rang again, “FUCKING PSYCHOTIC, BITCH!”
“I HEARD THAT ASSHOLE,” Mike heard Kiley shout and he laughed before texting Danielle.
Mike made a whipping noise and Brooks flipped him off, “Fuck you,” he spat.
“FUCK ME,” Kiley shouted, “Brooks, you are digging yourself into a huge fucking hole right now.”
“Babe, I was talking to Mike.”
Kiley was now on speaker and Mike was laughing at her cussing Brooks out, “I will cut your balls off, Brooks, not even kidding.”
“Danielle just threatened to cut mine off and roast them in the fireplace.”
Brooks muted the phone, “They’re violent fucking bitches, we are so going out for drinks tonight because I need to get the hell out of the house.”
“We were just away for 2 weeks; you can at least go home for one night.”
“Fuck that,” Brooks said, “I need to go away for 2 weeks again.”
Mike just rolled his eyes as Bruce announced that they could board the plane again. Brooks ended his phone call and gladly shut his phone off as they headed down the ramp towards the plane.
Mike texted Danielle letting her know they were on their way home. Mike sped the whole way to the doctor’s office, he was sure that if he was pulled over, he could bribe the cops with tickets and VIP treatment for a game.
Mike pulled in next to Kiley’s Range Rover that Brooks had bought her for his birthday, “What a pussy,” he mumbled smiling at the car as he locked the Lamborghini and walked into the office building.
The nurse at the window smiled when she saw Mike, “Miss James is in the first room to the left, go ahead back.”
“Thank you,” Mike smiled walking back to the room.
Danielle was sitting on the table and Kiley was sitting in the chair next to her reading a Cosmo when Mike walked in.
“It’s about you showed up,” Kiley huffed, “I was beginning maybe to think I was you dressed in drag.”
“Bite me!”
“Real mature, asshole,” she replied standing up, “Danielle, I’m going to go castrate Brooks. Call me later and we’ll do dinner or something.”
“Brooks and I included,” Mike asked.
“Since it’s a girl’s night and both you and Brooks are about to be flat in the front like a Ken doll, then yeah you can come.”
“Fuck you, Kiley.”
Danielle laughed and held her hand out to Mike who took it and walked closer to her occupying the chair that Kiley had just vacated. Mike sat down and Danielle turned her head towards him, Mike leaned closer and gave her a kiss.
“You two make me sick, I’m out of here,” she said smirking before leaving the room and shutting the door behind her.
“I missed you,” Danielle said and Mike put his forehead to hers.
“I missed you too, how’s the baby,” he said putting his hand on her bump that was now noticeable.
“We’ll find out today if he ever comes back in, I made him wait until you got here. Luckily, he had a cancellation.”
Mike chuckled as the door opened and the doctor walked in, “Good to see you again, Mr. Green,” Dr. Thompson said sticking out his hand, “Miss James insisted we wait until you got here, congrats on the clean sweep of the West.”
“Thanks,” Mike smiled.
“Miss James, are you ready to see your baby?”
“We are,” Danielle smiled and Mike took her hand in his as the nurse walked in with the sonogram machine.
Danielle lifted her shirt and Mike rubbed her stomach before smiling as the nurse came over and put the gel on her stomach. Danielle shivered at the cold and Mike ran his hands through her hair.
“How long have you two been together,” the nurse asked smiling at the gesture before the doctor ran the tool over Danielle’s belly.
“Almost two months,” Mike replied.
“Wow! I never would have guessed,” the middle aged nurse replied, “You two seem so comfortable with each other.”
Mike could tell she was pushing for information about how Danielle was four months pregnant and they were only together for two months, so he made up that they were best friends who decided to have a baby together before they both realized they wanted more. Danielle tried not to laugh at the soap opera Mike was creating.
Silence fell upon the room as the sound of a heartbeat filled the air. Mike squeezed Danielle’s hand as the image of their baby popped up on the screen.
“They’re waving,” Dr. Thompson said as the baby moved its hand and the heartbeat continued to fill the air.
“Can we find out what we’re having?”
“The fetus is in the perfect position, so we should be able to tell.”
The doctor moved the ball on Danielle’s stomach and sure enough the baby’s body part appeared on the screen, Mike immediately knew what it was and he started smiling like he had just won the Stanley Cup.
“Well, it looks like you two are having a baby boy.”
Danielle’s eyes welled up with tears, she prayed it was a boy since the last couple of generations were girls.
“Is Landon Michael good for you,” Mike whispered and Danielle nodded her head. She was in love with the name the minute Mike had told her the names he had picked out when they had their first conversation on the phone.
“Miss James, schedule an appointment for next month and we’ll see you then. Good luck to both of you and keep up the great play, Mr. Green.”
“Thank you,” Mike replied shaking Dr. Thompson’s hand.
“We’re having a boy,” Danielle said as they walked out of the office, “I have to call my mom and tell her.”
Mike smiled while pulling out his cell phone to call his mom as well, “Okay, we’ll both call our moms then we’ll call the guys.”
“Okay,” Danielle smiled.
Ever since the picture of the two of them surfaced on Mike’s twitter page, the cyber world was in an uproar. Countless lies had been spread about Danielle but as soon as something was posted, Mike had it taken down and he protected Danielle from the criticism and harsh words. Mike was tweeting his excitement and he didn’t care what anyone said about him or Danielle.
“Looks like we’re painting the town red, white, and baby blue…it’s a boy. Danielle and I thank you both for the support,” he tweeted and he knew he was sure to get countless replies but he didn’t care.
As they hung up with their ecstatic mothers who were begging for each other’s phone numbers to plan for their first grandchild’s arrival, they laughed as they headed back to their house. Danielle took a hot shower while Mike opened his 2 weeks’ worth of mail that she put in one of the kitchen drawers.
Mike got a call from Brooks asking if he and Danielle wanted to meet him and Kiley for dinner. Mike agreed and told Danielle through the bathroom door. Dinner went by without a hitch as the men feared for their lives and their private parts.
“You two should not be friends,” Brooks said, “You two are bitches when you two are together.”
“Want to sleep on the couch tonight,” Kiley asked and Brooks immediately shut his mouth, “That’s what I thought.”
Mike made a whipping noise and Brooks glared at him, “Whatever Greener, you’re getting close to it. By the way, you two never told us, am I going to have to help you beat the boys away Mikey or am I going to teach another man how to get the ladies.”
“Keep digging that hole, Brooks,” Danielle laughed as Kiley glared at her fiancé.
“We’re having a boy,” Mike gushed and Kiley shrieked.
“Hell yeah,” Brooks said fist bumping him from across the table, “That’s what I’m talking about, we got another future NHLer on our hands.”
“Relax there, Brooksy,” Mike said, “Landon’s not even here yet.”
“Oh my God, you have a name picked already,” Kiley shrieked again.
“We’ve had it picked for a while, from our first conversation on the phone if you want to be technical about it,” Danielle said, “Mike thought of the names and I have always liked Landon for a boy’s name, so we’re going to name him Landon Michael Green.”
“That is too precious.”
Dinner ended which sent both Mike and Danielle home. They were both exhausted from their days, Danielle from being worried about Mike all night to Mike being jetlagged and they both needed to catch up on sleep.
“Want to watch a movie,” Mike asked, “Or do you just want to go to bed?”
“Movie’s good,” Danielle smiled, “Just let me go get changed.”
“Sounds good, meet me in my room,” he replied smiling and kissing her cheek.
Danielle changed into a pair or pajama pants and a sweatshirt before she walked down the hall to Mike’s room. Mike had the news on while he looked through his Netflix rentals on his MacBook for a movie to watch.
“Looks like we’re getting more snow,” Danielle said sitting down on Mike’s bed, “I can’t wait to experience snow down here since I know you guys get slammed worse than we did in Pittsburgh.”
“Virginia winters are a bitch,” Mike smiled before settling on the Hangover 2.
“I didn’t even know this was on DVD yet.”
“Just came out today,” Mike said hooking the computer up to his TV before he crawled in bed next to Danielle, “Scoot over.”
She moved over and laid her head down on the pillow before Mike put his arm around her and she put her head on his chest as the film began. The movie barely started and Mike heard light snores coming from Danielle.
Turning off the TV, Mike pulled the blankets over them and immediately fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. They needed all the rest they could get before the baby arrived and they were up all night.
Everything seemed to be falling into place and Mike couldn’t wait for Danielle to meet his family who were surprising her by arriving the next day, Mike just hoped she didn’t freak out when she woke up in the morning and realized she had no choice but to sleep with him.
Mike chuckled at the thought as he shut his eyes and dreamed of teaching his son how to skate while Danielle watched him be the father he never thought he would be.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Chapter 6-Closer
"That was good," Mike said as he and Danielle walked out of the fancy restaurant on the South Side of the city, "Definitely worth the money."
"It was my first time here," she replied shyly, "Definitely coming back."
"When we come to visit after the baby's born, we'll rent the place out and have a family get together."
"You've met my family, so when do I get to meet yours?"
"They'll come to visit, don't worry," Mike replied smiling taking Danielle's hand in his as they walked to his SUV two streets over.
"I may get to meet them if I don't freeze to death walking."
"It's a lot colder here than I thought it would be."
"No shit, Sherlock, this ain't Florida."
"You're a smartass!"
"...and you're an idiot," Danielle smirked causing Mike to roll his eyes as they finally reached his car.
"Where are we going now," he asked opening the door for her.
"Just get in, I'll tell you which way to go."
"Should I be scared? Are you going to murder me or something?"
"I used to want to murder you but when I found out you weren't the douche everybody thinks you are, I changed my mind."
"It really bothers me that people think that, I'm nothing like that."
"I know," Danielle replied patting his thigh, "But what matters is I know you're nothing like that."
"Where exactly are you taking me?"
"Have you ever seen the city skyline at night?"
"I can't say that I have."
"Turn left at the light," Danielle instructed as the light turned green.
Mike went up the long hill and looked at Danielle questioningly as they entered a residential area.
"Now where?"
"Make a right and look for a parking space when you see the city come into view again."
Mike made the turn and as the city skyline appeared, he pulled into a vacant parking space. Danielle unfastened her seatbelt and waited for Mike to lock it.
Danielle took his hand and led him over to the railing that over looked the city skyline from high up on the other side of the river.
"Wow," Mike said putting his arm around her waist, "It's beautiful."
"I'm going to miss this," she sighed, "It's going to be so hard leaving."
"We'll come back to visit as often as we can, I promise. I know it's going to be hard for you but we'll spend the summer here if you want."
"I never thought I'd leave this place."
Mike smiled reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone, "Come on, let's take a picture."
"Okay," Danielle agreed looking at Mike and noticing how adorable he looked wearing his glasses.
Mike pulled her close, putting his arm around her waist hugging her to him. Danielle wrapped her arms around him and smiled as Mike put his cheek next to hers and took the picture with his free hand.
"Let me see it," she said and Mike showed it to her, "Aw, I like it. Can you send it to me?"
"Would you mind if I posted this on my Twitter account," Mike asked.
Danielle looked up from her phone after saving the picture with wide eyes, "What?"
"It's only a matter of time before people find out about us, I just want to do it the right way before people make up their own stories."
"I just don't want people to think I'm a slut."
"You're not a slut," Mike replied, "As far as people know, I'm single but I can always say I kept you a secret because I didn't want you in the spotlight since I wanted my personal life private."
Danielle didn't say anything as she put her hands on the railing, staring out into the night at the lit up skyline. Mike put his hand over hers, "Do you trust me," he asked.
Danielle closed her eyes causing him to sigh, "Look at me," he said lifting her chin, "I promise everything will be okay, of course people are going to make up their own stories but you'll grow used to it. You're not alone in this, I'm here for you."
"I know," she replied and Mike gave her a kiss.
"We need to work on telling each other our fears if this relationship is going to work."
"Calm down, Romeo. We've only been on one date," Danielle joked causing Mike to laugh.
"Make it two," he smiled, "Did you forget about New Years already?"
"That doesn't count because it was a team thing."
"We kissed that night didn't we? I think it was a date since kissing was involved."
"You're weird!"
"I'm not weird; I just have a wild imagination."
"What are you, four years old?"
"Bite me," Mike said as they continued to taunt each other, "Can I post the picture?"
"Go ahead; just make sure you mention me."
"What's your mention? I didn't even know you have a Twitter."
"Who doesn't have a twitter?"
"Brooks doesn't."
"Well, he's a reject then."
"I'm pretty sure Kiley would monitor it like a hawk."
"I'm going to monitor yours; I don't need any puck bunnies trying to steal my baby daddy."
"You are not on Maury, don't ever talk ghetto again."
"Whatever, wannabe bad boy!"
"I am a bad boy," Mike argued.
"You are not, just because you play hockey, have fast sports cars, a sleeve tattoo, and emo glasses does not make you a bad boy. You're so mannerly, it's sick."
"Excuse my mom for raising me right," Mike laughed.
"Point proven, you're a momma's boy too," Danielle replied sticking her tongue out.
Mike leaned forward and captured Danielle's lips with his. Her hands slowly slid up the black winter coat he was wearing as he swiped his tongue over her bottom lip. Danielle gasped and he took it as an opportunity to slide his tongue in her mouth.
As they kissed, Mike felt his phone vibrate. He knew people were tweeting him about the picture but he didn't care. Danielle pulled away for air and Mike placed his forehead against hers.
"Don't ever stick your tongue out at me unless you plan on using it," he smirked starting the car to drive them home as the snow started to fall.
Danielle smiled and put her head back against the seat. She was tired from being up all night sick, "I've changed my mind," she said as they drove over the bridge back into the city.
"About what?"
"Let's go to Seven Springs with my parents, I could use a night in the hot tub."
"Sounds good to me, already have the bags in the back."
"You sneaky bastard, you planned this."
"No, I didn't. I did have a feeling that you would change your mind, so while you were taking a bath earlier, I packed your bag and mine."
"Such a sneak!"
Mike laughed as Danielle directed him how to get to the ski resort. An hour and a half later, they pulled into the parking lot of the mountain resort.
"Where do we go now?"
"I have a pretty good idea of where to go, but I’ll call my dad to come get meet us that way we don’t get lost in the woods on the way.”
Danielle called her dad and he said he’d be there shortly and to just wait since the snow was coming down thicker in the mountains, “I’m fucking freezing,” she complained wrapping her arms around herself.
Mike moved closer to her, putting his arm around her and hugging her to him running his hands up and down her arms, “Better?”
“A little bit, thank you.”
Mike just smiled as he opened his coat and pulled her to his chest wrapping the coat around the both of them, “This is nice and warm,” Danielle said as Dan pulled in.
“You guys may want to follow me just down the road to the back of the resort,” he said, “We better go now before it gets to icy. The plows are coming out in the morning.”
Mike let Danielle go and she pouted before getting back into the car as Mike revved the engine to life and followed her dad down the icy mountain road.
“The cabin next to us is empty; it was part of our rental. You guys can use that one if you want.”
Danielle breezed by Mike, taking the key from Dan’s hand and ran up the steps to the cabin.
“You two feel free to chat but I’m cold and I’m starting the fire before I turn into a snowman,” she said as she shut the door to the cabin.
Once she was inside, Dan turned to Mike who looked uneasy suddenly alone with the girl he knocked up’s father, “I take it that you two talked everything out.”
“We did,” Mike replied, “We actually went on a date tonight and agreed that we would try labeling ourselves as something other than what we were, I don’t even know what we were. Two strangers having a kid, I guess.”
“Just don’t hurt her,” Dan warned, “I can tell you have a good head on your shoulders and you make a fine living for yourself and I know you’ll take care of her but I’m just being a dad who doesn’t want to let my daughter go.”
“I promise I’m going to take great care of her, she’ll be safe with me.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he said sticking his hand out for Mike to shake, “Do you need any help with the bags?”
“Nope, I put all of our stuff in my bag, I’m good. Thanks for the offer.”
“No problem, I’m going to head in and get some sleep. Want to meet for breakfast in the morning?”
“That’d be good,” Mike replied smiling, “I’ll let Danielle know.”
“Goodnight, son,” Dan said walking into the cabin that he and Shelley were sharing. Mike opened the back of the SUV and grabbed the duffle bag that he had packed for both he and Danielle and he headed into the cabin.
Danielle was sitting on the couch with a mug of hot tea. Mike knew it was tea because there was a string hanging out the side of the mug.
“I packed you a swimsuit, want to go sit in the hot tub for a little bit?”
“But I’m warm already,” Danielle whined, “It’s freezing out there.”
“Don’t be such a baby,” Mike joked, “We’ll come right in and sit by the fireplace if you want. You said it yourself that you wanted to relax in the jacuzzi.”
“You’re just trying to get me naked.”
“I am not!”
“Whatever, Green. See, I told you that I saw right through you.”
“Whatever,” Mike said rolling his eyes smiling, “Just go change.”
Mike put the bag on the couch and reached into the side pocket and handed Danielle the bikini that he found in her dresser. It was the one she had on in the picture he had seen the day before and he was determined to see her in it himself.
“There’s no way in hell that I am wearing this thing,” she said breaking Mike out of his trance, “I’m fucking fat because I’m pregnant and wearing this is going to make me feel like a blimp.”
“Well, it’s all I could find in your room so you’re wearing it. Who gives a fuck if you’re pregnant? It’s my kid anyways and it’s not like someone is going to see us, just do it besides you’re beautiful.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re my kid’s father.”
“I’m saying that because it’s true,” Mike said cupping her cheek in his hand, “I’m taking the words out of Hannan’s mouth when I tell you that you being pregnant with my child is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
Danielle closed her eyes and Mike wrapped his arms around her leaning down to give her a kiss, “What scares me is how close we have become in such a short amount of time, it’s almost like everything is too good to be true.”
“Just wait until we get to DC, I’m going to treat you like a princess.”
“We’re not even together officially.”
“A couple more dates and we will be now can you please go put your swimsuit on before I sweat to death indoors with all of my layers on.”
Danielle smiled and freed herself before going walking up the stairs to the bathroom to change, “Mike,” she called down the steps, “There’s only one room and it has one bed.”
“I’ll sleep on the couch,” he replied, “Don’t worry about it, it’s no big deal.”
Mike took off his coat and put it on the wicker chair in the small living room of the cabin. His boots had been discarded at the door and Mike was taking his shirt off to strip down to his boxers since he left his swim trunks in DC when he heard Danielle catcall behind him.
Turning around, Mike smirked as she stared at him, “If you take a picture, it’ll last longer,” he said causing Danielle to roll her eyes.
“I’ve seen countless pictures of you shirtless and you with a wife-beater on, trust me I’m immune to it by now, however, the underwear definitely may need a picture taken.”
“You’re such a whore,” Mike replied sticking his tongue out at her.
“Don’t make me do what you did to me earlier when I stuck mine out, keep taunting me Green and you will see that I’m not as innocent as I look. You don’t know the half of what I can do with my tongue.”
Mike gulped and Danielle laughed as she walked out of the side door of the cabin where the hot tub was located. She slowly eased her way in and shut her eyes letting the hot water relax her aching pregnant body. The snow was falling down and Danielle opened her eyes watching it fall off the porch. She wished the roof wasn’t over her head so she could look up at the night sky and watch it fall.
Danielle felt the water shift and when she turned her head, she saw Mike sitting next to her, “What are you thinking about,” he asked.
“Nothing really,” she replied honestly, “Just wishing the roof wasn’t here so I could watch the snow fall as the stars glisten.”
Mike smiled and Danielle laid her head back closing her eyes enjoying his company and the jets massaging her back. Mike watched her for a while before he too let his head fall back letting the water massage his aching joints. He made a mental note to invest in a hot tub if he ever moved out of his condo but right now his bathtub with the jacuzzi jets would have to do.
Danielle started snoring lightly and Mike gently shook her awake, “Come on Danielle, you fell asleep. Let’s get you to bed.”
She nodded her head slowly and let Mike help her out of hot tub. Mike wrapped a robe around her and lifted her up, carrying her into the house. Mike placed her down gently on the bed before going over to his duffle bag to hand her one of his sweatshirts. Danielle lifted her arms for him to put it on her. Mike took the robe from the bed and tossed it to the floor before sliding the sweatshirt over her.
“Goodnight, Danielle,” he whispered as she laid back and closed her eyes. Mike was putting the blanket over her when she moved over and pulled him in bed next to her.
Mike didn’t bother to argue, he was just as tired as she was and didn’t bother to tell her no. Over the past couple of days, the more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. He never got this close to a woman before, the more he thought about it, the more he began to realize that maybe Danielle was brought into his life for a reason and the closer he got to her, the more he realized that everything happens for a reason and Danielle was here to stay.
"It was my first time here," she replied shyly, "Definitely coming back."
"When we come to visit after the baby's born, we'll rent the place out and have a family get together."
"You've met my family, so when do I get to meet yours?"
"They'll come to visit, don't worry," Mike replied smiling taking Danielle's hand in his as they walked to his SUV two streets over.
"I may get to meet them if I don't freeze to death walking."
"It's a lot colder here than I thought it would be."
"No shit, Sherlock, this ain't Florida."
"You're a smartass!"
"...and you're an idiot," Danielle smirked causing Mike to roll his eyes as they finally reached his car.
"Where are we going now," he asked opening the door for her.
"Just get in, I'll tell you which way to go."
"Should I be scared? Are you going to murder me or something?"
"I used to want to murder you but when I found out you weren't the douche everybody thinks you are, I changed my mind."
"It really bothers me that people think that, I'm nothing like that."
"I know," Danielle replied patting his thigh, "But what matters is I know you're nothing like that."
"Where exactly are you taking me?"
"Have you ever seen the city skyline at night?"
"I can't say that I have."
"Turn left at the light," Danielle instructed as the light turned green.
Mike went up the long hill and looked at Danielle questioningly as they entered a residential area.
"Now where?"
"Make a right and look for a parking space when you see the city come into view again."
Mike made the turn and as the city skyline appeared, he pulled into a vacant parking space. Danielle unfastened her seatbelt and waited for Mike to lock it.
Danielle took his hand and led him over to the railing that over looked the city skyline from high up on the other side of the river.
"Wow," Mike said putting his arm around her waist, "It's beautiful."
"I'm going to miss this," she sighed, "It's going to be so hard leaving."
"We'll come back to visit as often as we can, I promise. I know it's going to be hard for you but we'll spend the summer here if you want."
"I never thought I'd leave this place."
Mike smiled reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone, "Come on, let's take a picture."
"Okay," Danielle agreed looking at Mike and noticing how adorable he looked wearing his glasses.
Mike pulled her close, putting his arm around her waist hugging her to him. Danielle wrapped her arms around him and smiled as Mike put his cheek next to hers and took the picture with his free hand.
"Let me see it," she said and Mike showed it to her, "Aw, I like it. Can you send it to me?"
"Would you mind if I posted this on my Twitter account," Mike asked.
Danielle looked up from her phone after saving the picture with wide eyes, "What?"
"It's only a matter of time before people find out about us, I just want to do it the right way before people make up their own stories."
"I just don't want people to think I'm a slut."
"You're not a slut," Mike replied, "As far as people know, I'm single but I can always say I kept you a secret because I didn't want you in the spotlight since I wanted my personal life private."
Danielle didn't say anything as she put her hands on the railing, staring out into the night at the lit up skyline. Mike put his hand over hers, "Do you trust me," he asked.
Danielle closed her eyes causing him to sigh, "Look at me," he said lifting her chin, "I promise everything will be okay, of course people are going to make up their own stories but you'll grow used to it. You're not alone in this, I'm here for you."
"I know," she replied and Mike gave her a kiss.
"We need to work on telling each other our fears if this relationship is going to work."
"Calm down, Romeo. We've only been on one date," Danielle joked causing Mike to laugh.
"Make it two," he smiled, "Did you forget about New Years already?"
"That doesn't count because it was a team thing."
"We kissed that night didn't we? I think it was a date since kissing was involved."
"You're weird!"
"I'm not weird; I just have a wild imagination."
"What are you, four years old?"
"Bite me," Mike said as they continued to taunt each other, "Can I post the picture?"
"Go ahead; just make sure you mention me."
"What's your mention? I didn't even know you have a Twitter."
"Who doesn't have a twitter?"
"Brooks doesn't."
"Well, he's a reject then."
"I'm pretty sure Kiley would monitor it like a hawk."
"I'm going to monitor yours; I don't need any puck bunnies trying to steal my baby daddy."
"You are not on Maury, don't ever talk ghetto again."
"Whatever, wannabe bad boy!"
"I am a bad boy," Mike argued.
"You are not, just because you play hockey, have fast sports cars, a sleeve tattoo, and emo glasses does not make you a bad boy. You're so mannerly, it's sick."
"Excuse my mom for raising me right," Mike laughed.
"Point proven, you're a momma's boy too," Danielle replied sticking her tongue out.
Mike leaned forward and captured Danielle's lips with his. Her hands slowly slid up the black winter coat he was wearing as he swiped his tongue over her bottom lip. Danielle gasped and he took it as an opportunity to slide his tongue in her mouth.
As they kissed, Mike felt his phone vibrate. He knew people were tweeting him about the picture but he didn't care. Danielle pulled away for air and Mike placed his forehead against hers.
"Don't ever stick your tongue out at me unless you plan on using it," he smirked starting the car to drive them home as the snow started to fall.
Danielle smiled and put her head back against the seat. She was tired from being up all night sick, "I've changed my mind," she said as they drove over the bridge back into the city.
"About what?"
"Let's go to Seven Springs with my parents, I could use a night in the hot tub."
"Sounds good to me, already have the bags in the back."
"You sneaky bastard, you planned this."
"No, I didn't. I did have a feeling that you would change your mind, so while you were taking a bath earlier, I packed your bag and mine."
"Such a sneak!"
Mike laughed as Danielle directed him how to get to the ski resort. An hour and a half later, they pulled into the parking lot of the mountain resort.
"Where do we go now?"
"I have a pretty good idea of where to go, but I’ll call my dad to come get meet us that way we don’t get lost in the woods on the way.”
Danielle called her dad and he said he’d be there shortly and to just wait since the snow was coming down thicker in the mountains, “I’m fucking freezing,” she complained wrapping her arms around herself.
Mike moved closer to her, putting his arm around her and hugging her to him running his hands up and down her arms, “Better?”
“A little bit, thank you.”
Mike just smiled as he opened his coat and pulled her to his chest wrapping the coat around the both of them, “This is nice and warm,” Danielle said as Dan pulled in.
“You guys may want to follow me just down the road to the back of the resort,” he said, “We better go now before it gets to icy. The plows are coming out in the morning.”
Mike let Danielle go and she pouted before getting back into the car as Mike revved the engine to life and followed her dad down the icy mountain road.
“The cabin next to us is empty; it was part of our rental. You guys can use that one if you want.”
Danielle breezed by Mike, taking the key from Dan’s hand and ran up the steps to the cabin.
“You two feel free to chat but I’m cold and I’m starting the fire before I turn into a snowman,” she said as she shut the door to the cabin.
Once she was inside, Dan turned to Mike who looked uneasy suddenly alone with the girl he knocked up’s father, “I take it that you two talked everything out.”
“We did,” Mike replied, “We actually went on a date tonight and agreed that we would try labeling ourselves as something other than what we were, I don’t even know what we were. Two strangers having a kid, I guess.”
“Just don’t hurt her,” Dan warned, “I can tell you have a good head on your shoulders and you make a fine living for yourself and I know you’ll take care of her but I’m just being a dad who doesn’t want to let my daughter go.”
“I promise I’m going to take great care of her, she’ll be safe with me.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he said sticking his hand out for Mike to shake, “Do you need any help with the bags?”
“Nope, I put all of our stuff in my bag, I’m good. Thanks for the offer.”
“No problem, I’m going to head in and get some sleep. Want to meet for breakfast in the morning?”
“That’d be good,” Mike replied smiling, “I’ll let Danielle know.”
“Goodnight, son,” Dan said walking into the cabin that he and Shelley were sharing. Mike opened the back of the SUV and grabbed the duffle bag that he had packed for both he and Danielle and he headed into the cabin.
Danielle was sitting on the couch with a mug of hot tea. Mike knew it was tea because there was a string hanging out the side of the mug.
“I packed you a swimsuit, want to go sit in the hot tub for a little bit?”
“But I’m warm already,” Danielle whined, “It’s freezing out there.”
“Don’t be such a baby,” Mike joked, “We’ll come right in and sit by the fireplace if you want. You said it yourself that you wanted to relax in the jacuzzi.”
“You’re just trying to get me naked.”
“I am not!”
“Whatever, Green. See, I told you that I saw right through you.”
“Whatever,” Mike said rolling his eyes smiling, “Just go change.”
Mike put the bag on the couch and reached into the side pocket and handed Danielle the bikini that he found in her dresser. It was the one she had on in the picture he had seen the day before and he was determined to see her in it himself.
“There’s no way in hell that I am wearing this thing,” she said breaking Mike out of his trance, “I’m fucking fat because I’m pregnant and wearing this is going to make me feel like a blimp.”
“Well, it’s all I could find in your room so you’re wearing it. Who gives a fuck if you’re pregnant? It’s my kid anyways and it’s not like someone is going to see us, just do it besides you’re beautiful.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re my kid’s father.”
“I’m saying that because it’s true,” Mike said cupping her cheek in his hand, “I’m taking the words out of Hannan’s mouth when I tell you that you being pregnant with my child is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
Danielle closed her eyes and Mike wrapped his arms around her leaning down to give her a kiss, “What scares me is how close we have become in such a short amount of time, it’s almost like everything is too good to be true.”
“Just wait until we get to DC, I’m going to treat you like a princess.”
“We’re not even together officially.”
“A couple more dates and we will be now can you please go put your swimsuit on before I sweat to death indoors with all of my layers on.”
Danielle smiled and freed herself before going walking up the stairs to the bathroom to change, “Mike,” she called down the steps, “There’s only one room and it has one bed.”
“I’ll sleep on the couch,” he replied, “Don’t worry about it, it’s no big deal.”
Mike took off his coat and put it on the wicker chair in the small living room of the cabin. His boots had been discarded at the door and Mike was taking his shirt off to strip down to his boxers since he left his swim trunks in DC when he heard Danielle catcall behind him.
Turning around, Mike smirked as she stared at him, “If you take a picture, it’ll last longer,” he said causing Danielle to roll her eyes.
“I’ve seen countless pictures of you shirtless and you with a wife-beater on, trust me I’m immune to it by now, however, the underwear definitely may need a picture taken.”
“You’re such a whore,” Mike replied sticking his tongue out at her.
“Don’t make me do what you did to me earlier when I stuck mine out, keep taunting me Green and you will see that I’m not as innocent as I look. You don’t know the half of what I can do with my tongue.”
Mike gulped and Danielle laughed as she walked out of the side door of the cabin where the hot tub was located. She slowly eased her way in and shut her eyes letting the hot water relax her aching pregnant body. The snow was falling down and Danielle opened her eyes watching it fall off the porch. She wished the roof wasn’t over her head so she could look up at the night sky and watch it fall.
Danielle felt the water shift and when she turned her head, she saw Mike sitting next to her, “What are you thinking about,” he asked.
“Nothing really,” she replied honestly, “Just wishing the roof wasn’t here so I could watch the snow fall as the stars glisten.”
Mike smiled and Danielle laid her head back closing her eyes enjoying his company and the jets massaging her back. Mike watched her for a while before he too let his head fall back letting the water massage his aching joints. He made a mental note to invest in a hot tub if he ever moved out of his condo but right now his bathtub with the jacuzzi jets would have to do.
Danielle started snoring lightly and Mike gently shook her awake, “Come on Danielle, you fell asleep. Let’s get you to bed.”
She nodded her head slowly and let Mike help her out of hot tub. Mike wrapped a robe around her and lifted her up, carrying her into the house. Mike placed her down gently on the bed before going over to his duffle bag to hand her one of his sweatshirts. Danielle lifted her arms for him to put it on her. Mike took the robe from the bed and tossed it to the floor before sliding the sweatshirt over her.
“Goodnight, Danielle,” he whispered as she laid back and closed her eyes. Mike was putting the blanket over her when she moved over and pulled him in bed next to her.
Mike didn’t bother to argue, he was just as tired as she was and didn’t bother to tell her no. Over the past couple of days, the more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. He never got this close to a woman before, the more he thought about it, the more he began to realize that maybe Danielle was brought into his life for a reason and the closer he got to her, the more he realized that everything happens for a reason and Danielle was here to stay.
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