"I'm scared Jor," I confessed as we lay together in our now ritualistic post-nap music listening session. Today's band was Papa Roach, a mix of angry hate and beautiful tortured ballads. All of them were energetic however, something that would get Jordan in the mood for his first game against his brother.

The Hurricanes had made it through to the Conference Finals after beating the Bruins late in the first overtime period of their game 7. I was nervous to be meeting a member of Jordan's family for the first time, as would inevitably happen at some stage of tonight's proceedings. The Canes, and therefore Eric, had been in town for a day already due to media needs, but so far I'd been safe from having the chance to make a bad impression.

To keep from appearing to favour any particular brother, the Staal parents had visited each of the three involved in the playoffs during the first round, then returned to Thunder Bay to wait out the rest of the post-season. Jordan had mentioned a few times that they questioned his actions towards me on that first night we met, they'd been the ones talking to him when Max called him over, and that they were happy he seemed to be 'settling down', but I was still sceptical. How many parents would really accept a daughter-in-law (if it were to happen) that they'd never formally met? And one that their son had only known for a month or two?

The Staal's were close, Jordan had been in contact with each of his brothers on several occasions since we'd met, and talked to his parents on a weekly basis. I knew as soon as Eric formed an opinion the rest would be informed and as such my fate would be decided.

"Baby," Jordan breathed out against my temple, still a little drowsy despite the rock now blaring in his ear. "You have nothing to worry about. If Eric can't see how amazing you are then he's disowned. It's not like I don't have other brothers," he joked, partly serious.

Turning a little so I could look up at Jordan without straining my neck I frowned at him. "Jordan, you can joke all you want but I know his opinion is important, not just to you but the rest of your family. This is major for me, Jor!" So I was freaking out just a little, but I think I was entitled.

Jordan had the nerve to laugh at my expense. "Seriously Ray," he paused, hands brushing back hair from each side of my face before he brought my lips to his. "There's no reason for him not to love you. Just be the girl I fell madly in love with and everything will be fine."

"I can think of one reason," I mumbled, but either Jordan didn't hear or he chose to ignore my negativity. "Come on, you gotta get up if you don't want to be late."

I tried to put my fears to the back of my mind, not that it was such a hard task when I had Jordan getting dressed into his suit to distract me. Growing up in rugby clubs, and being involved in my team had given me a great appreciation for men in 'number ones' as the team formal wear was usually referred to. There's just something about how anyone can look good in a suit and tie, even if he was rolling around in mud barely an hour earlier.

x

The 3-2 win was a good way to start the series for the Penguins, but it was nothing to take lightly. The Hurricanes had lost the first game in each of their series so far, therefore having confidence in their ability to make a comeback.

It was interesting to watch as the brothers lined up against each other for a couple of faceoffs. They didn't get to oppose each other often, but when it happened it was a must watch. There were no holds barred when bragging rights were on the line. The battle was fairly even though, and sure to only increase in the next games.

Lucy and Vero, Marc-Andre's girlfriend who'd recently returned from Montreal after a family death and then a serious bout of the flu, kept my mind off my impending doom as we waited for our men in the lounge. Before I knew it Jordan was approaching, flashing an encouraging smile as he stole me away. Thankfully the visitors lounge area was relatively empty, those we encountered heading straight for their bus.

"You almost done bro?" Jordan boomed out, dragging me with him into the locker room, not pausing to check if there was anyone indecent. "Come on! I need some kai!" We had plans to go out for a late dinner with Eric, who was in the process of tying his tie in the thankfully otherwise empty room.

All Eric did was raise an eyebrow as he glanced from Jordan to me. "Hi," was his simple, indifferent greeting. "Kai?"

"Seems to be his new favourite word. It means food," I informed him, gesturing to Jordan.

Eric's eyes widened to the size of saucers, transfixed on where my left hand had been moments before. Glancing up at Jordan, he seemed to be questioning him without words. "Did I really just see what I think I saw? No fucking way Jordan, no. Are you crazy? Do mom and dad know about this? Oh god," he paused his ranting to look me over again, disapproval evident. "Did you knock her up? Are you really that stupid?"

Jordan just took in his reaction with a smirk, pulling me under his arm and squeezing my shoulder in support. He knew this is what I'd been anticipating, dreading. My mumbled words from earlier echoed in my head. "Geeze Eric, just calm down, man," he actually had the nerve to laugh at his brother. "Yes, that is my ring on Ray's finger, and no Rayne isn't pregnant. Not yet, anyway." That earnt him a smack from me though the cocky smirk never left his features. "Can we just go get some food and we can explain everything?"

Eric reluctantly agreed, keeping quiet the whole trip. Once we were seated he waited patiently for the explanation he was promised. "I'm guessing mom told you that we met when they were here." From there Jordan launched into the story.

"I know it probably doesn't mean much, because you already have your opinion of me formed, but I do care about Jor a lot. He has been so good to me, so understanding of my circumstances, even though he's a little shithead that wouldn't take no for an answer. If he had his way we would've been married straight after the first round."

I didn't really want to get into details with Eric, but of course he pressed the issue. "What circumstances? That you need his money?"

I flat out laughed at that. "Actually no. I have more than enough of my own because of the inheritance from my parents dying in a horrific car crash a couple months ago." That quickly shut him up, an unsure look of sympathy crossing his features as he realised his mistake.

Notes

Uh oh.. Eric's not too happy about the news.