Meeting the parents is probably the most hated aspect of any relationship, and I certainly wasn't feeling any different for this time. It didn't help that I already knew they weren't so happy about how quickly Jordan and I were moving, but having to meet them under such important and tense circumstances kept adding to the pressure.

The whole flight to Detroit Lucy tried to convince me that the Staal's were great people and would get over their shock at Jordan and I already being engaged once they met me and saw how much I really loved him, saw how much we loved each other. I still wasn't convinced though.

Despite the nerves, I was feeling good as far as the team went. They were fired up and determined to finish this season properly, with a win. I knew they could do it too, they just had to keep belief in themselves, trust their skills.

Taking a deep breath, I followed everyone into the lounge once we got to the arena. There was still a bit of time before the guys headed out to start warming up, so we got to hang out and make our final 'kick ass/good luck' wishes. It also served as the final few minutes for Jordan to calm and reassure me that meeting his parents would not make a difference to us, no matter the outcome.

Thankfully he'd pulled away from a kiss just before the Staal's entered the room. That Jordan noticeably tensed gave away their presence before he turned me into his side, arm around my shoulder as he greeted his parents with a terse smile.

"Mom, dad, I'd like you to meet Rayne," Jordan made the first introduction, taking a moment to smile down at me. "Ray, these are my parents, Linda and Henry."

His dad was the first one to break the awkward smile filled silence. "It's nice to finally meet you. We've heard a lot from Jordan, but we're looking forward to getting to know you ourselves."

Well, that seemed like a good start. At least it wouldn't be completely horrible having to sit with them during the game if they'd resolved to give me a chance. Small talk continued, mostly the Staal's catching up, until Jordan had to go get ready. Leaving him with a small good luck kiss, since we were being scrutinised rather closely by his parents, I reminded him quietly, "History never repeats. But don't play cocky or it just might."

I got my desired reaction, a laugh bubbling from my fiancé. "Thanks baby. How would I stay grounded without you?"

"I think you'd manage," I rolled my eyes.

Once we got up to our seats in the still relatively empty arena the real interrogation started. It was a polite grilling, the standard questions about my family and childhood to start off. They understood my reluctance to go into any depth about my parents, thankfully leaving anything further unsaid.

It was uncomfortable talking about myself so much, but I knew it had to happen. I got to ask a few questions myself, mostly about how they dealt with barely getting to see their sons which led to Linda questioning once again if I was pregnant at the mention of her impending grandmother-dom.

x

The game was intense but seemed to go in sow motion and fast-forward at the same time. Max scoring twice in the second period sent us to our feet, screaming in amazement and joy. Could this really happen? Would the Penguins hold on to their lead? The defense was tested for the rest of the game, Flower making save after save. The longer the game went, the harder the Red Wings fought for control and hope, coming up with a lifeline for themselves and their fans when Ericsson got one into the net with just over six minutes left in the game.

From then I was on the edge of my seat, wishing I could close my eyes until the final siren sounded, but not wanting to miss a moment of the action. It was always going to be difficult without Sid out on the ice, an injury taking him out early in the second frame, but if anything it gave the team more of a reason to defend their lead.

The final minute was heart stopping. Detroit pulled Osgood for the extra attacker and set up camp inside the Penguins zone, throwing everything but the kitchen sink towards the net. Flower was up to the task though, making every save he needed to (with a little help from the crossbar), right until the last shot rebounding off his shoulder in a dive with one second left on the clock.

As the buzzer went I was on my feet, screaming as loud as I could. I'd been to plenty of rugby finals before thanks to my province being arguably the most successful in the country over the last few decades, and even had close ties to some of the players, but this was on another level completely. Lucy and Max's family were in the row in front of us, so I hugged her tightly over the seats, both of us grinning like idiots at the feat our men had achieved.

After congratulating the Staal's on yet another of their sons realising their dream of hoisting the Cup, I just took in the view of the ice for a while. The team was still jumping all over each other, their screams being heard over the dull roar of the slowly dispersing crowd. Easily finding Jordan I followed him across the rink, from hug to hug, the elation never wavering.

x

After Geno was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy and Sid lifted the Stanley Cup as the youngest captain to ever do so, we slowly made our way down to ice level. Once the team photo was taken with the Cup, Jordan taking pride of place on it's left, we were allowed out into the rink. I really had no clue how this all worked, and wasn't exactly looking forward to wobbling my way out across the ice, but Henry let me cling to his arm for support as we joined the mass of bodies.

I had no idea where to even begin looking for Jordan, but soon enough I didn't have to. With a squeal I was up in the air, arms around my waist from behind, being spun around in circles with Jordan laughing in my ear. "We did it baby! We fucking won!"

Notes

I don't even know if anyone's still reading this but w/e.. only 2 chapters to go so I might as well finish.