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.

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.

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.