"Who the hell won the lottery and didn't tell me? " My cousin Ashley said as she came in the house. I hadn't seen her in almost a year. We had tried to keep in contact but she had spent the last year in the North West Territories studying the wildlife and landscapes. She had been accepted into the exploration scientific program right out of university and she of course took the opportunity. I had missed my girl cousin that was the same age as me. We had grown up together, but at this moment I realized how much one year had kept us apart. I had no idea what her past year had entailed and she didn't know about mine. I had a feeling mine would be a bit more eventful.
"Hmmm?" My mom said from beside me and the other women from my family in the kitchen. Everyone had been shocked to meet Pat, and in turn our daughter. Though they hadn't been completely clueless in the story. I was guessing Ash didn't have the same forms of media up where she was.
"That is a friggin expensive piece of machinery in your lane way. Who's the owner of that beaut?"
"Rach? Your's or Pat's?"
"Haha. Pat's. I might need to buy the car off him someday though. It's a damn smooth ride."
"Maybe after you pay off that school debt of yours." Ashley joked. " Who is this Pat fellow?"
"I've got the debt covered, actually it's non-existent. Pat's my boyfriend."
"Yah, ok. I've been working for the past year and still haven't covered my school debts. Anywaaaaays this kid you got from Ottawa?"
"Ottawa?"
"The city you spent the last few years of your life in?"
"Nah. He's actually from Buffalo."
"How the hell did you start dating some guy from Buffalo? I thought you were dating Mike?"
"He cheated on me, and I met Pat the same night and we became great friends, and then a great couple." I said shrugging.
"All that happened in Ottawa when I was gone? Damn."
"Right. You don't know about that either. I work and live in Chicago. Mike actually works down there too."
"Chicago? Like State of Illinois Chicago?"
"That's the one. "
"Damn! You'll have to show me around the city. Where are you staying? Downtown? Outskirts?"
"Uhhhhh Trump Towers." I said making a face.
"Like as in 2 plus million dollar condos Trump Towers?" She said making her own grimace.
"Yah." I said shrugging.
"The hell? Please tell me you aren't sleeping with some rich ugly dude for money!"
"No! I work for my money. I just make quite a bit of it. Even if Pat is well off I don't date him for the money. Where did they go anyways?" I asked mom.
"I think they went to hit the ice rink in town. "
"Of course." I said laughing. "So you gals in for some hockey?"
"I made some sandwiches, while we were waiting for Ashley to arrive so I'm good to go." Mom said.
"Perfect."
"Rach you and Ash head out, and we'll meet you there as the vehicle is too small for everyone to fit."
"Kdoky. Chuck me the keys." Mom chucked the keys from the table to me. The car was spotless, we had taken everything from Bella into the house so the car seemed relatively well maintained.
"Wow this car is nice!" Ash exclaimed shutting the passenger door. "Big Blackhawks fan huh?"
"Yes, the Hawks are loved lie you wouldn't even imagine. And I know it's great but unfortunately I'm stuck with either the Tahoe or the Range Rover in Chicago."
"Damn. Is this guy loaded or what? 3 expensive cars?"
"Actually 5. There's a couple in Buffalo, one at his house one at his parents mostly for his sisters to use."
"Seriously how old is this guy? A house really?"
"26 in November." I said shrugging.
"So do the two of you sell drugs or something?"
"NO!" I said laughing and shaking my head as we pulled into Budweiser Garden parking. Apparently they had rented the ice out for most of the day so we could enjoy a fun game of hockey.
"How'd they manage this?" She asked as we headed down to the change room. I didn't have a full set of equipment, just my backup skates, gloves, stick, and helmet.
"Mutual connections." I said shrugging. "One sec." I said answering my phone.
"Yo Jonny, what's up?"
"Wait! What? You and Amanda are in London?"
"Let me guess you want to crash the Carson family thanksgiving? Her family ditched to go on vacation without the two of you?"
"Sure, come down to Budweiser Gardens. Any taxi will get you here."
"WE are playing hockey!"
"Sweet you are totally on my team!"
"Ok I'll let mom know we are having a few more people. You catching a ride back to Chi- Town with us Sunday?"
"Alright see you in a few." I said laughing before ending the call and chucking my phone in my purse. Ash was already heading towards the ice when I chucked my helmet of and caught up with her.
"Sorry about that." I said laughing.
"I call being Captain! Oh and first pick is the Captain himself." I said laughing as I skated on the ice. "Pat is the other captain."
"Jonny?" Pat asked.
"Damn Straight! And we are going to kick your butt. Oh yah mom Jonny and Amanda were on their way back from Ottawa so they are crashing our thanksgiving."
"Alright Honey." My mom called.
"Where's he at?"
"Here probably. He knew he'd be allowed to stay." I said laughing. Ash had to go back and grab her water bottle before we could start, and before she realized who Pat was.
"Yo Rach. I think your cousin is having some form of panic attack or something." Jon said laughing and pointing to where Ash was shocked, and struggling to breath normally. You know Pat you were actually kinda cute when you were 18." Jon said winking as he skated on the ice, and Amanda was still talking to Ash.
"Yah, yah. DId you find my poster then?"
"Poster singular? We found a bunch." Amanda said laughing.
"I'm guessing she knows who I am." Jon whispered in my ear.
"I'm guessing. She's been up north all year so she's a bit behind in understanding the whole story."
"Oh God. And she's only at the Blackhawks? Have fun explaining the rest." He whispered laughing and shaking his head.
"So, you've met Jonny? You going to be okay there Ash?"
"What the hell is Jonathan Toews doing at our family thanksgiving?"
"That answers it she knows who I am." Jon said laughing.
"I didn't live under a rock you know. Just the Northwest Territories. Of course I know who you are, all Canadians do. You should've been captain over Crosby at the olympics. Now why are you at our Thanksgiving?" All my cousins laughed along with us.
"Uhhhhh." He said moving his eyes. "Uh my best friends said I could come, well at least one of them."
"Wooooot. Jonny boy am I really your best friend?" I said smiling.
"Damn Straight! You got me to talk to Amanda." He said laughing. "Plus you ain't half bad at hockey." He said winking.
"Aweeee thanks Jonny." I said giving him a quick hug. "I guess you can be my best guy friend."
"Thanks Rach. I'd be honoured."
"So everyone this is Jon, and Jon welcome to the Carson family Thanksgiving. He'll be around for a while so for now lets play some hockey. "
"Are you two really that close? Your boyfriend doesn't get jealous having to go up against a famous hockey star? Which how do you know by the way?"
"Yah we are that close. He actually is my best friend, great guy. Love him to pieces. We hung out in Winnipeg over the summer, which was fun. I know him through friends in Chicago."
"Just friends?" She asked seeming skeptical.
"Haha yah. We've always been more brother and sister to each other."
"Does your boyfriend know that? I'd be extremely jealous."
"Oh they are just fine with one another." I said laughing, pointing to where they were having a skating competition with some of my cousins.
"Man the best friend and the boyfriend get along." She exclaimed.
"Yah, they are pretty good friends. " I said smiling as she skated away to the other girls and Jon skated up. "Jon why the hell are you smirking?"
"You remember how you said you thanksgiving was open for anyone to come?"
"Uh yeah?" I said eyes widening.
"The American's are crashing!" He exclaimed pouting. "Oh and maybe Patrick and Abby."
"Are they at least bringing food?"
"Probably. This was mean't to be a surprise so act surprised as you frantically race through your kitchen making food. "
"They flying in?"
"Yah they should be here soon actually. "
"They better bring food. Well then, tell em to get their asses over to my place to drop their crap off then they can play hockey with the fam I guess. I've got to do some reorganizing, and get some more tables to eat at. Take care of my starstruck cousin, make sure she doesn't die when the guys show up. I've got to grab Pat then, and get this all set up."
"Will do." He said laughing.
"Idiots." I muttered shaking my head before finding my mom in the crowd. I let her in quietly on our little situation, which at first she wasn't too keen on but she warmed up to the idea. By the end of our conversation she was laughing at how stupid the guys were. I told her I would handle it, and get some food cooked. I told her not to worry about anything and to make sure everyone had fun with the guys when they showed up. I skated off and hugged Pat from behind.
"Babe. We've got to head out a little bit early."
"Why?"
"The guys thought it would be a funny little surprise to show up here in, wait 30 minutes." I said looking at my phone. "And I need you to help me set up for a bunch more idiots."
"They would." He said shaking his head. "Alright come on. They better well have brought food!" We skated off the ice, got changed, grabbed Bella and Pat let me drive back to the house.
"I say everyone that brought food can go skating, those that don't are stuck cooking with me." I said laughing as I found the fold out tables. I was lucky it was still a nice warm day and we could use the porch outside to accommodate everyone. While Pat set them up I found another turkey and started it cooking as we wouldn't be eating anytime soon.
"Alright, what's next." Pat said.
"Next you can cuddle with your daughter as I have seen your cooking skills." I said smirking and handing over Bella. "Oh and you can kill our friends as they will be shortly. Just make sure to cover her eyes."
"You are sexy as hell in stress mode." Pat said smiling. "I can cook!"
"Microwave doesn't count sorry." I said laughing. "But thanks, you're pretty damn irresistible holding our daughter." I smirked back.
"Yah I get that a lot." He said winking.
"Funny. Now watch me and learn something." I said skinning some potatoes. I chucked them in the boiling water just as I heard the knock on the door.
"Did you bring food?" I said opening the door looking from one to another.
"Damn it Jon!" Shaw exclaimed.
"Jon is saving my butt here. And I'm so glad to see you guys." I said laughing and getting a group hug.
"Oh and we brought food." Sharpie said chuckling.
"Thank friggin God! Otherwise you would be going food less. You should see how many people are here already!" I exclaimed letting them into the house.
"Seems pretty dead to me." Crow said looking around.
"Oh you guys aren't staying here too long. I just wanted all your food." I said laughing. "My cousin Ashley will probably faint. And she doesn't know who Pat is so keep it that way, we are trying to ease her into the whole coming back into the real world thing. Jonny will point her out. My cousins expect a kick ass hockey game, so give it to them." I said winking. "I see you hockey players brought what looks like your skates. There are a bunch of sticks at the rink so just grab one there. Unfortunately I have no more vehicles for you all my surprise guests so, taxi it is." I said smirking.
"We rented crappy cars already."
"Alright then punch the Budweiser Gardens in the GPS and head over there. Everyone's just chilling, and have no idea you are here. Neither did I until an hour ago. I was pretty surprised. Pat and I get to work on supper, now go enjoy thanksgiving with the Crazy Carson Clan."
"Sweet, Hockey!"
"Haha yup. I really am glad you guys came by." I said smiling. "See you for dinner."
"Oh no mentioning the whole first girl in the NHL bit either!"
"Damn that girl is in for a surprise." Sharpie said as the guys filed out to their cars.
Jon-- They got here. Haven't come out yet. Have fun ;)
Me-- Cooking. Fun? Haha kick their asses for me Captain ;)
Jon-- Cooking with Pat :P Fun! (wiggling eyebrows)
Me-- Go speak your dirty mind with your girlfriend! (shaking head)
Jon-- Good idea. Which room is ours tonight?? ;)
Me--Find a hotel. Jk <3 <3 You can have the guest room. I have no clue where everyone else is going to stay. I got to go cook, we all know what happens when you leave Pat alone in a kitchen for too long ;) Have fun skating! Don't let anyone hassle you too much.
Jon-- See Video Attached

I laughed and showed Pat the video of my cousins, especially Ash freaking out as the guys came out. "Definitely a keeper."
Me-- Have fun ;) Play nice
"So what else needs done?" Pat said laughing.
"Well it looks like everyone brought an ample amount of food so there isn't much more I need to do. The turkey should be done in a couple hours, and I'm just finishing up with these potatoes. I'll do the salad closer to dinner time."
"Haha did you actually need my help?"
"The company is nice. Plus I got to see daddy in action. She's loves you, ya know." I said smiling.
"Little daddy's girl eh little one?"
"Haha I think so. I'm going to put her down for a nap."
"Alright I'll bring her in." We put Bella down for her nap, and we headed to my room and flopped in bed.
***********************
Pat's POV
Having Rach curl into me made me realize how much I had to be thankful for, even if it wasn't the American Thanksgiving. I had a bunch of friends even if they were idiots. A great girl, and a beautiful daughter. I played my dream sport, and had a loving family supporting me the entire way. I was happy, and that alone is something to be thankful for.
FLASHBACK

"Pat we're going out tonight right?" Megan said pouting.
"Sure." I said shrugging. "I've got practice tomorrow morning, that's it."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"No problem."
--
"Who's coming tonight?" Megan asked as we walked into the club.
"Most of the guys I think."
"Sweet!"
We ordered our drinks and made our way to the VIP section. We met with the guys who were talking about some random girl who apparently looked smoking. I would normally enjoy a peek but especially not with Megan so I ignored them and took a seat. I did not want to do something to mess up the two year relationship I was currently in.
"Pat let's dance." Megan said bringing me out of my thoughts. I only had a couple beers in me, and was nowhere near buzzed.
"Alright." I said grabbing my bottle, and heading out to dance with my gorgeous girlfriend.
"Babe, I'll be right back." I whispered in her ear and made my way to the bathroom. By now I was running a good buzz, the night was just beginning and it was promising to be a good one.
**
My night turned into complete shit. So much for a friggin good night. It took all of me not to punch the prick dancing and making out with my girlfriend whom from what I could tell was reciprocating. And then fuck, they leave together? What the hell? Who the HELL?
"What happened to you Kaner?" Jonny asked as I headed to the bar for something hard to try and erase the images grafted in my mind.
"Don't want to talk about it." I all but growled downing the drinks and ordering a beer as Jon took the hint and let me be.
"This seat taken?" I heard a girl ask from behind me.
"Go ahead." I guess this put a stop to my woman watching, trying to find someone to ease my pain. Damn this girl was hot, but she looked like complete shit. Holy crap that was her boyfriend. Maybe she can tell me where to find him so I could pummel his face out. No that wouldn't be a good idea. He cheated on her? Damn. Well I guess he did get my girlfriend so he must have something working for him. Ahh what the hell...
"You want to get out of here?" I said in my drunken state. 10 minutes later we were walking down the streets of Chicago. To say it wasn't a struggle walking straight would be a lie, but it got easier with time. For once it was nice just talking, though we should have just taken a taxi. One hour later we walked into my building side by side. This was not normal. I've never brought random girls to my new place, and this girl didn't look like she was expecting anything.
"Rachel, that's a pretty name for a pretty girl." I said sloppily.
"Haha thanks. Now you need some water." She said smiling.
"I don't want water." I said pouting.
"Alright what do you want then?"
"Something to forget."
"Alright, drink the water then I'll help you forget." I drank the water, and sat down on my couch head in my hands as the buzz was starting to wear off. Rachel came down and enveloped me into a hug something I think we both needed. Damn she was the one that should be crying right now to her friends over her dick head of a boyfriend, instead she was here for me.
"Pat can I stay here? I just need to be close to someone." She whispered.
"Yah I think we need to sleep it off." I said holding the girl who was breaking down inside just like me. We must have fell asleep as I woke up the next morning to the smell of food. Crap! Practice! I still had time. Why the hell was my head not killing like usual?
"Here's some more Advil. There's food on the table." Damn I needed this every hangover, but what the hell happened last night? I got to know her over breakfast and she agreed to come to practice with me. How I hadn't woke up when the guys stopped by earlier I have no idea. Rach was right, she took my mind off things just by talking to me. There was no bullshit lines about how it would be ok, no just talking between two people going through a lot of crap. I was slow at practice but nothing too noticeable. Jon was so shocked I was there it was actually funny.
**
"Thanks for letting me crash here for a few days. My ex has already made a visit to my place looking for me."
"Least I can do. You helped me the other night." I said smiling.
"It was nothing."
"But you gave up your own problems to help me through mine."
"Yes and you let me cry out my feelings and let me stay here without expecting anything in return. You helped me too."
"Perfect we are both fucked up huh?" I said laughing.
"Yah. I guess we are. " She said smiling. I showed her to the guest room. I gave her some of my sweats so she'd be comfortable. I would never do this normally, but the girl was nice and it was nice to have the company.
**
"You up for a movie?" She asked coming out of her room in my clothes the next night. She said they were comfy, and that she would hopefully not need to intrude much more.
"Why not. I'll order in some food. You pick something to watch."
"K"
So she does know a thing or two about hockey I thought laughing in my head seeing the movie she had picked out.
"This movie?"
"OH you don''t like it?"
"Haha I love it, no worries. " I said hopping onto the couch snuggling under the blanket.
"Thank God! I thought you hated it!" She exclaimed.
"What kind of hockey player would I be if I hate Miracle?"
"Uhh a Russian." She said smirking. I laughed, damn.
"Yeah, yeah okay." I said shaking my head as she laughed and handed me the control.
"Well it's true. They are the only ones that hate this movie."
"Yes, very true." I agreed turning on the movie.
"Can I have some of the blanket?" She said hesitantly.
"Of course. Your are my guest, and therefore welcome to anything." I said laughing and motioning for her to come closer. In the short time of knowing this girl I've figured out that we were going to be great friends. I've never just hung out with a girl, other than my sisters and it was enjoyable to get a break from all the guys.
"That must be the food. I am paying this time." She said not blinking, making sure I knew there was no way of changing her mind.
"Bu--"
"Nope. You've been amazing to me a complete stranger. I am paying it's the least I can do. Plus it's just dinner." She said smiling.
"Fine." I huffed and relaxed back into the couch and paused the movie as she went to get the food.
"Who the hell are you?" Ahh crap that isn't the food I thought to myself as Rachel turned around and looked at me with the deer caught in headlights look.
"Uhhh--" I saw Megan storm in.
"What the hell Pat! Who is that? Why haven't we talked in days?"
"Seriously, get out of here. You are ruining a nice and peaceful night I had planned with my friend Rachel over here."
"I think I'm going to let you two work this out." Rach said motioning with her hands.
"You don't have to leave its fine." I exclaimed.
"Yes you do, go find someone else to sleep with little girl. I mean how old are you 18?"
"23, and I'll be in my room. Let me know when the food gets here Pat."
"HELP!" I mouthed.
"You'll be fine." She mouthed back and smiled softly before heading to the guest room and shutting the door.
"Wow, the whole puck bunny treatment is getting better huh? Why the hell is there a girl here Pat? Where'd you go the other night?"
"First she is not a Puck Bunny so stop it. Second she came here because her boyfriend cheated on her and needed a place to crash. Third we came back here. Now where the hell did you go? Did Mike live up to your expectations? Or did you think I wouldn't notice you missing for a couple hours?"
"That's not what it looked like."
"Cut the crap Megan, it's exactly what it looked like and I was the fool that fell for your lies. I hope you feel happy ruining a happy relationship of three years."
"I'm sorry I am, but I thought he was single. I know you hate me and I'm sorry I hurt you. But damn already found someone else to heal your broken heart? It sure didn't take you long to get over me."
"Yah okay." I said sarcastically. "If you want it in writing, or easy words that you can understand here goes: We Are DONE. Now stop trash talking someone you don't even know and get the hell out of my apartment!"
"Oh and you know her Pat? You dump me after one mistake without even giving me a chance? You think I don't remember how you used to be?"
"Used to be Megan. Used to be. It took me this long to realize that our love was just a facade. You played it up and I fell for it. I'm the idiot in this situation. As for Rachel she has been the thing I needed to keep me strong through all your bullshit. So yes I would defend her over you, even if I met her just a few days ago. Somehow she managed to actually become friends with the guys. I guess all that was needed was an effort."
"So two years is just going down the drain. Don't you love me? How can you just drop everything like it never even existed?"
"See you're wrong. It existed, and now all I feel is stupid for wasting two years of my life on something it seems you didn't take seriously. I did love you, I always will and that's what hurts the most, and that is why we are done. You met my family, my friends, and you were a part of my life. I don't let people that close usually so yes I did and do love you, but there is no way we are getting back together. So I think you should leave and to use your words 'go find someone else to sleep with.' "
"Fine. Have a great life and don't expect anything from this new girl of yours. She's just like everyone else, blonde hair, good body, she's living the life." And with that she turned to leave. "Bye Patrick, Goodbye Patrick's slut." She yelled leaving the apartment. Shit! I thought to myself. How the hell did I miss that side of her? Easy just like Jon had been telling me the whole time 'love is blind' and in this case I was the blind one.
"Hey, Rach." I said knocking on her door before opening is slowly. I could tell she had been crying, as she was curled in a ball in the middle of the bed.
"It's ok, she's gone." I said rubbing her back. Damn I'm so not cut out for this.
"I'm not a slut."
"Oh I know. Is that why your sad? Because she was just being a jealous bitch."
"No it was just hard to see the reason why my relationship is over. Atleast one of the reasons, who knows if there were more. "
"Shit. Right! I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
"You don't have to, it's not your problem. You don't have to be so nice you know."
"I know. Now come on let's go finish that movie, eat some food, and forget about everything else for now."
"Alright." She sighed dragging herself up.
"Good." I said as we made our way back out to the couch.
"You paid didn't you!" She exclaimed.
"Yeah now eat." I said laughing.
"Ugghh fine."
I flicked the movie back on and we watched it in silence, with nothing more than a few eating noises passing between us.
"I'm sorry about what Megan said."
"It's not your fault. I'm sorry she turned out to be a bitch."
"Just like everyone told me. I never saw that side until today."
"Thanks for being here. You've been such a great friend to me and you didn't even know me. I think I'm going to head back home tomorrow as Ellie has convinced Mike I moved back home. I hope we can still be friends, because I like hanging out with you." She said smiling.
Right you don't live here I thought to myself. "Of course. I like hanging out with you too." I said smiling back as she headed off to bed.
**
"You still hanging out with the bar chick?" Jon asked.
"Yeah. She's cool man." He rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"What? She is! We can actually hold a conversation, and she knows what I'm going through."
"She is also the perfect definition of a puck bunny dude."
"Why? Because she's hot? Didn't think you'd be one to judge there Jonny Boy."
"I don't know man, it's just weird. You're hanging out with the ex of the guy who Megan cheated on you with."
"Again, I'm not completely clueless when it comes to judging someone's character and dude why would she have been so nice to me? You met her. She didn't even make a move on me the night I was drunk, still hasn't and it's nice for once."
"She is hot, man! So you like her or something?"
"Ah hell I have sworn off girls for the foreseeable future. It can't hurt to have one as a friend right?"
"I guess not. How'd she like the game?"
"Haha she sat next to my parents. I had no clue, don't ask how that happened. But anyways they come down to the locker room saying they just met the nicest girl ever who had a jersey I had personally signed, game worn and everything and that if I wasn't dating Megan that she would be perfect."
"Fuck that's just funny. Awkward as hell though."
"Weird yes." I said laughing. "I went to wave and there my family was. "
"Well I'm glad you haven't gone back to old habits." Jon said clapping my back and heading out to his awaiting car, as I did the same.
**
"Seriously? You haven't even made a move on her? What the hell do you two do?" Shaw asked as we were hanging at a sports bar.
"Nahh. I mean we've kissed a couple time but nothing serious or anything." I said shrugging.
"Yeah, yeah. Okay. You totally like her, I haven't seen you try and pick up a chick in weeks."
"That a bad thing?" I said laughing.
"Nah, just not you after a nasty breakup."
"True. Im just not into it anymore, it's weird."
"It's 'you like the Canadian bar chick' " He said laughing.
"Hey she's nice." I said.
"I know. I like her. Damn how come you always get the good ones without even trying?"
"Who can resist this face." I said smirking.
"Obviously no one." He said laughing. "Fucking lucky." He muttered.
"I am aren't I. Who finds someone to help you get over a breakup that actually turns out to be someone nice, and not doing it just because of who I am."
"I still can't believe you were in that relationship for 2 years! Bitch was crazy." He said shaking his head.
"Oh I Know! She went off on Rachel for staying at my place the day after she cheated on me. She came in as though nothing happened the night before and that I was the one screwing over our relationship. Hell it was hard for me at first to change and actually go for the whole relationship thing, and not once did I cheat. And might I just say I'm Patrick Kane and that's what I normally do. Look where it got me though, a girlfriend that cheats on me." I said laughing and drinking my beer.
"Fucking lucky mate. You still get a girl out of that whole mess. Plus I like her better, she isn't a bitch. "
"Haha, she's pretty fun. Easy to be around too. Who knows we'll see…"
**
"Damn someone's happy today." Sharpie said laughing.
"Eh. It's nothing." I said shrugging. "It's nice to be finally getting over Megan."
"I'm happy for you. Rach seems nice. Good with kids."
"What ya getting at Sharpie? I've known her for over a month there is no way in hell we are at that stage yet."
"Someday Kaner someday." He said smiling. "Someday."
END FLASHBACK

***********
"Damn it Sharpie. Always have to be right."
"Hmmmmm." Rach mumbled beside me.
"Nothing, just thinking back to when we first met. Sharpie told me someday I'd have kids and I'm just laughing at how right he was."
"It's Sharpie. The man knows everything." She said laughing.
"True." I said smiling. "Apparently Ash noticed my absence. Jonny made up some excuse saying I was at my girlfriends house for thanksgiving." I said laughing.
"And she is grateful for your being her and for cuddling and letting her sleep." She said turning to give me a light kiss. I gave her a better one before deciding on having a shower before everyone else arrived.
***************************************************
Rachel's POV
I lay in bed for a couple more minutes before hearing people coming up the drive. Let the fun begin, I thought to myself as I got out of my warm inviting bed.
"Hey Jonny." I said as he was first in.
"What up?" He said smiling.
"Nothing. If you came in here first for a reason don't worry the coast is clear." I said laughing and raising my eyebrows.
"So anyways I think your cousin is going to have a heart attack by the end of Thanksgiving."
"Probably." I said nodding.
"They are in the backyard."
"Oh ok. How was skating?"
"Fun. Some of your cousins aren't half bad. You are definitely still the best Carson out there." He said throwing his arm around my shoulders.
"Awe thanks Jonny! It would make sense though." I said winking. "Give em some time."
"Tell that boy of yours he's missing a rager."
"Yah ok. He's probably up with Bella. She should be getting up soon, she's been sleeping for a while. "
"I see. How was your sleep."
"Fantastic! So warm and cozy Jonny!" I said winking. "Might be ready for the next game. Though frig my muscles ache."
"Still your shoulders and neck?"
"Uggggh yah. I got hit again up there last game."
"Frig I know. It was clean though."
"Yes. It was but it still killed. This way it will only take me a few more games to get accustomed to the hitting."
"Yes, you're not doing half bad. You aren't taking their crap, and there is a lot."
"It's tough on Pat though."
"He's definitely not used to it no. Hockey's always been number one for him and you changed that, and now with you in the sport it gets messy because now you're number one.
"Ughhh I know, and we've only played a couple games and in each one they try and get under his skin. I'm afraid he's going to blow at some point to be honest. I can't do much either as I'm the one they are using against him. So if you see any crap brewing protect his small ass." I said laughing.
"Haha alright. That's really hurting you eh?"
"Yah, I'm pretty sore." I said rolling my neck.
"Here let me help." Jon said motioning me over.
"What are you going to do?"
"Trust me it works."
"If you hurt me more I swear!"
"Keep it down. I promise I won't hurt you." He said chuckling.
"FIne." I said sitting in front of him.
"Holy Crap! That feels so good Jon!" I exclaimed as it felt like everything in my neck snapped back into place under the work of his hands.
"It worked pretty well. Your muscles released the tension."
"I hope it lasts for a while. Damn you've got to teach Pat that move, I've never felt that before. How'd you do it?"
"Magic hands." He said winking. "Nah I always had that sort of trouble, so when I got it done to me I learned how to do it myself."
"What's got you so excited?" Pat said chuckling as he made his way downstairs.
"Ahh nothing. Jonny's practicing his moves on me." I said winking.
"And what would these moves be?"
"Magic hands!" I exclaimed.
"I have no idea what that means." He said laughing.
"It's something you should learn for and easy make your girlfriend really happy trick."
"Well then I just have to learn this then!' Pat said with a hint of sarcasm.
"You really do!"
"It's just the thing they do for neck and shoulder stiffness." Jon said chuckling.
"Damn I love that thing! Feels so great!" Pat exclaimed to mine and Jonny's amusement.
"Magic hands!"
"Yes Rach you can call it that." Pat said shaking his head.
"Sweet! Thanks babe your the best." I said giving him a hug.
"Oh I know." He said chuckling.
"Yeah right I'm obviously the best." Jon said.
"Well the Canadian factor…"
"Hey!"
"I never said anything." I said laughing as Jon smirked.
"Thank God I love you. Plus our kids are going to be half and half."
"Atleast they are only half of you." Jon said laughing.
"The good half." I said laughing. "Hopefully a little bit of Hockey."
"Well seeing as it's you two I'd say there's a pretty decent chance."
"Haha we'll see. Bella is probably going to be a diva." Pat said laughing.
"She's a pretty good kid though. I mean she's upstairs sleeping, and not down here crying."
"I know thank god." I exclaimed.
"Could you imagine?"
"Ughhhh no sleep." I said. "She was pretty bad the first month though."
"That was Hell." Pat agreed.
"Yo Rach any good beer around here?" Crow said coming up behind me.
"Haha ya. Follow me." I said laughing and leaving the two guys to their conversation.
*********
Ashley's POV
Holy crap! I hope no one can see how badly I'm freaking out right now. Obviously this isn't the first time NHL players have made a visit as the rest of my family blew it off as if it was an everyday occurrence. Why the hell did I leave? I thought to myself as I was surrounded by friends, family, and twenty some odd Blackhawks. Frig I didn't even know Rachel had moved to Chicago, and now she's friends with the Hawks? I was never good at sports, I was definitely the brain of the family. Who's kidding who I wouldn't have traded the past year I had for anything. I worked hard getting into that program, and it was worth it for sure. But then again damn I missed quite a bit, and being away from my family so long was tough. Coming back a year later and seeing everything you missed is definitely something else. Again what are the Hawks doing in my cousin's back yard? I headed to the kitchen in search of a drink.
"Holy Crap! That feels so good Jon!"

"It worked pretty well. Your muscles released the tension."

"I hope it lasts for a while. Damn you've got to teach Pat that move…"
How the hell they were just friends I'll never know. I thought shaking my head as I went back out onto the deck.
"Amanda right?" I said sitting next to Jon's girlfriend.
"Yes, and it's Ashley right?" I nodded. "You're the one that lived up North last year right?"
"Yes, it was great."
"I bet."
"So how did you and Jon meet?"
"Haha, fun story. The guys had a game in Ottawa, and so they went out after the game. Long story short your cousin had to convince Jon to man up and ask me over. So he did, and then it ended up us not even being alone. Again your cousin had to reassure me that he actually liked me as he wasn't just trying to sleep with me. We talked a lot after they headed back to Chicago and then we've been together pretty much ever since." She said smiling.
"Now what's the story between Jon and Rach? Have they always been that close?"
"Ahhh yes. They instantly became best friends. Honestly I think they love each other." She said winking.
"You aren't jealous?" I asked incredulously.
"Heck no. They are like brother and sister. You should see them bickering it is too funny. Plus they wouldn't do that to Pat or I. I don't think there has ever been anything between them. Plus both our relationships are quite serious."
"But hell he's a famous hockey player. Anyone would try to get with him."
"Oh I'm aware. I trust him though, and honestly Rach and I are great friends and there is no problem there I can assure you of that. I wonder how long it's going to take before the two of them are engaged."
"Who her and this Pat guy I have yet to meet?"
"Yeah."
"It's actually serious and she's not with him just for his money?"
"Oh no, those two have been in love with each other since the first day they met. Plus she's got her own cash flow."
"Frig! What kind of job pays that well?"
"She's in sports." Amanda said shrugging just as she walked out with Crawford and a case of beer.
"Now boys no going crazy. Game's on Monday." She exclaimed winking at the guys. "However this beer is better than that American crap they try to pass as beer so scratch what I said before, just no going to crazy after all this is thanksgiving."
"And I am thankful for good beer!" Crawford exclaimed opening his bottle. "And for being invited to this little shindig as well of course."
"Invited my ass!" Rachel exclaimed laughing. "I was being sarcastic, I didn't think you guys would actually come. But hey now that you guys are here I'm glad. Everyone's been saying how great you guys were at the rink today. Thanks." She said smiling.
Hell they had made the skating fun I thought to myself. It's not everyday you get to say you played hockey with the Blackhawks or any NHL team for that matter. Why was no one else even remotely phased by this? Scott and Dylan were chatting up a few of the players and laughing as though they had been friends for the longest time. Even Rachel's parents and my parents were talking with players.
"Stop over thinking it and have a beer." Rach said laughing and handing me a beer before heading back in the house.
"What ya thinking about?" Jon asked grabbing a beer and sitting beside his girlfriend and I.
"How the hell you guys are in the backyard of my second childhood home."
"Did you like not even have internet up North?" He said making a face.
"Not where I was no." I said laughing. "I had to write letters."
"TV?"
"Nope."
"Newspaper?"
"Local."
"Magazines?"
"A few, nothing too interesting. Never bought them."
"Well never mind then." He said shaking his head.
"Ok what the hell don't I know yet? And hell it was in the news?"
"Uhh still is." He said chuckling.
"Jon." Amanda said smacking his arm.
"What? I'm speeding along the process. I'm going to go check on Bells, be down in ten."
"They are going to kill you." Amanda said laughing.
"Hell, they better not. I'll have to take away the best in front of friends." Jon said winking.
I pulled out my phone I had just reactivated and switched on the browser typing in Carson and Blackhawks.
"Who is Bells?" I asked Amanda as I waited for the page to load.
"Damn it Jon, why did you leave me to do the explaining." She huffed. "She's his god daughter."
"As in Rach? and this Pat character?"
"Uhhh, yah."
"They've been together how long?"
"Almost 11 months."
"I see why you aren't jealous then. I was gone a year, a year! That's why she's with him isn't it?"
"Eh! She's your cousin don't assume." Amanda said scowling. "No like I said before those two were made for each other. "
"What else am I supposed to think? They've only been together a few more months than the nine it takes to have a kid!"
"Ask your cousin. It's too long of a story for me to tell. Or look it up on the internet, although I'd advise getting the story from Rach." She said patting my shoulder and heading off to talk with another wife. I guess a job with the Hawks would pay pretty well, and a kid? What the hell? Time for some answers I thought getting up to make my way into the house.
"HolyF---! No way! Next time just start with the friggin last name you idiot! Sports my ass!" I exclaimed reading the articles that had come up from my google search. "RACHEL CARSON! YOU MOTHER!"
"Sorry what? I didn't hear that." She said rounding the corner.
"Where is he? And well she?" I said raising my eyebrows.
"Upstairs." She said laughing. "How'd you figure it out?"
"Jon. Why must I always be the last one to find out about things? And Kane?"
"Yo. You girls talking about me?" Patrick walked down the stairs with Jon and the kid I could assume was Bells. Damn, not bad Rach I thought to myself.
"Maybe." I said turning my attention onto him.
"Yah babe. Ash over here is going to be testing you from now on. Mind the glare, it's quite friendly compared to other guys she's met." Damn straight he was getting tested. I knew all about the past ways of Kane and there was no way he would get away with any of that.
"I'm Patrick." He said sticking his free hand out towards me. Damn this kid was smooth.
"Ashley, but everyone around here calls me Ash." I said returning his handshake.
"Well it was nice to finally meet you. Sorry about all the changes." He said sincerely.
"It's fine."
"Ok well I'd love to stay and chat but I need to feed my daughter so I'll catch up with you guys later."
"I'll help. Got to meet the newest member of the family." I said.
"Fine with me."
Perfect. Let's do it." I said with a slight smile, before heading into the kitchen after Pat.
****************
Pat's POV
"Jon you friggin suck!" I said punching my best friend in the arm. "Rach wanted to tell her!"
"You guys were taking too long." Jon said laughing.
"Not funny! She's going to kill me right after she kills you!"
"Scared much?"
"Hell yes!"
"Eh! She was going to find out soon enough. I didn't tell her anything, just to look at the news." Jon said chuckling.
"You're still dead." I said laughing. "I would be too being your best friend, however Rach wouldn't do that to little Bella."
"HolyF---! No way! Next time just start with the friggin last name you idiot! Sports my ass! RACHEL CARSON! YOU MOTHER!"
"And there it is." I said laughing. "Lets see how well this goes." I said cuddling Bella in my arms. Jon and I made our way downstairs spotting the two girls. It seemed as soon as I introduced myself, I was whisking myself away to tend to Bella. I don't think Rachel's cousin is too fond of me, probably because I knocked her cousin up I thought to myself.
"So you and my cousin?" She asked arms crossed in the kitchen not looking too happy. I was hoping this was just part of the test and not the way she usually is.
"Yeah." I said warming up the bottle in the microwave. "Look I know you don't know me, and I know what you've probably heard about me but I love Rach with all my heart and would never do anything like that to her, you don't have to be worried." I said.
"I'll be worried until I can see that I have nothing to worry about. It's not just because its you. Even with Jon I'd be sceptical and wary, before trusting intentions right away. So how'd she come into the picture?"
"Uhhh."
"I don't need the actual details." She said laughing.
"Right well, up until August neither of us really knew about her, and then one day Rach blacked out on the couch and had to go to the hospital where she found out she was having a kid, and well here she is." I said giving Bella the bottle.
"And you were okay with it?"
"Yeah. I mean it wasn't planned or anything, but we love each other and I was planning on having kids with her later on anyways so it just got pushed up a little bit." I said shrugging.
"Wow, long term eh?"
"Haha yeah."
"Well then, I look forward to that day but know if you hurt her I am a very protective cousin just like her brothers and we will hunt you down and kick your ass."
"I figured. Don't worry, those are definitely not my intentions." I said laughing.
"So what is Bells short for?"
"Isabella."
"Kane or Carson?"
"Isabella Grace Kane."
"I like it." She said smiling. "May I?" She asked motioning to Bella.
"Thanks. That was all Rach." I smiled handing her over. "You want to keep her for a bit? I was just going to go hang with the guys."
"Go ahead I've got her. Thanks for being so supportive Pat. I've dated a couple hockey players and they were the opposite of you. Thank you for being there for Rach, and for loving her the way she loves you."
"Alright. You sure you want her? I can take her with me."
"No, no. Go relax. I'm just going to chill with the ladies anyways." She said waving me off.
"Alright then. Find Rach or I if she starts getting fussy. Well or Jon, she loves him." With that I left and headed out to the mass of people in the backyard.
"Bro, you taking care of our sister?" Dylan and Scott came up beside me.
"You know he really isn't our bro." Scott said laughing.
"Right he'd have to marry into the family, and we know that's not happening right???" Dylan said winking.
"Yah BRO when can we expect a little announcement?"
"Could you two be anymore obvious?" I said shaking my head laughing it off.
"Yes. When are you going to ask our little sis to marry you?" Dylan said straightforwardly.
"To be honest the thought never crossed my mind." I said smirking. " I don't want to rush anything when I'm not sure she's the one." They glared.
"I'm just messing around. I was thinking maybe January around the time we met. Not sure on the details yet though."
"Damn! We were just kidding around." Scott said staring wide eyed.
"You going to be okay there?"
"Fine, fine. Right my sister has a kid, plays in the NHL, she's going to be married to you, and sorry this all took place in under a year right?"
"Mhmmm." Both Dyl and I said nodding. "So does this mean I have your brotherly blessings so to speak when the time comes?"
"Duhh! Who in their right mind would decline the chance to become Patrick Kane's brother in law? We are hockey fans ya know." Dylan said laughing.
"Great I'm being used." I said chuckling.
"Nah, we like you. Definitely better than the boys she brought home in high school. I'm glad Mike's gone, he was too uptight and serious and all about the money, and what he could give her to keep her around. So yes you have our stamp of approval though you honestly didn't need it. "
"I know, but I've never done this and well I hope to never do it again. I just want to do it right, and make sure it all works out." I said looking between the two older boys who could be a little bit intimidating even for me. "Plus you guys kind of scare me, and believe me that's a lot coming from a hockey player."
"Haha, Rach might have mentioned to tone down the whole protective brother mode. Rachel was never affected by it, she was tough and wasn't afraid to get physical even with us." Scott said laughing.
"Yah but now all she does is workout, sleep, eat, tan, play hockey, and take care of Bella." Dyl said laughing himself.
"Oh believe me she gets physical on the ice."
"Yah we watched the first two games you guys had. 3 points isn't half bad for a girl, let alone a rookie." Scott said shrugging.
"I know. At this rate I should be worried about my job." I said chuckling. "No getting hurt and missing 12 games this season."
"Haha but the playoffs were what counted and you guys smoked some Crosby ass." Dyl said clapping me lightly on the back.
"Haha yeah, that was amazing. Two years in a row was crazy, maybe we can go three." I said winking.
"Ahhh we will have to see. Of course we've gotta cheer all you guys on, but we still have our favourite team." Dylan said.
"Hmmm yeah, did they make the playoffs last year?" I asked smirking.
"Laugh it up, you just wait. They will win the conference this year." Scott joined in.
"Yah maybe even the cup." Dylan said agreeing.
"God you better at least cheer Rach on when we play each other. " I chuckled.
"I guess." They said smiling.
"Great I'll just have to get you jerseys to wear when you hit up a game."
"They better say 91, we won't change our favourite team for just anyone."
"That hurts." I chuckled and faking a fatal blow to my heart. "Not to worry, she wouldn't have it any other way." I said laughing. "At least my little girl gets a Kane outfit." I said smirking.
"Yah, until one with her number comes out." Dyl said laughing.
"Damn, you guys are really coating it on heavy today huh?" I said smiling.
"Eh. What did you expect? You are at the Carson family thanksgiving."
"True. True." I said laughing and excusing myself and joining everyone else as they settled around the huge make shift table made of multiple tables. Dinner was spectacular, and the conversation was hilarious. The guys fit in well with the rest of the family. Bella stayed sleeping in Ashley's arms for the rest of dinner and after dinner for a bit as well. It didn't take long before night had fallen and people started dispersing to their respective houses. The guys had booked hotel rooms in the hotel just down the street and soon enough it was just Rach, her family and I left. I had gotten through the family dinner, just like she had with mine. Having the guys was for sure a surprise but it wasn't the worst thing that could of happened. They seemed to have a great time, and it was reciprocated by Rachel's family and friends as well. It wasn't too bad meeting everyone as they already knew the story and so they weren't surprised. Everyone was nice and inviting and it felt nice to be part of a family that wasn't mine just a year ago.
"You ready for bed?"Rach asked bringing me back to the couch we were currently seated on.
"Yah, I'm whooped." I said truthfully.
"Perfect because I think I'm going to fall asleep right here and now if we don't head up soon. "

"Haha let's get my girls off to bed." I said laughing. "You hold her alright." I said to Rach, as I picked the two of them up, still an easy task surprisingly. I laid Rach down on the bed and took Bella from her arms and made sure she was comfy in her crib, before changing into some more comfortable clothes and chucking a pair of sweats at Rach who slid them on exerting a lot of energy in the process. Damn seeing her in a sports bra and sweats. Ughh she's going to be the death of me. I thought to myself bringing her in close and waiting for her to fall asleep before doing so myself. The next morning we said our goodbyes, and headed out as we had driven up . The rest of the guys took the plane back down a little later. Overall thanksgiving was a success in my mind, now for the American one I thought to myself. This one would be just as great, and it wouldn't be the first time meeting everyone so I was excited. Everything was falling into place, and it was perfect.

Notes

Sorry... work/ school/ watching hockey.... pretty good excuses for the delay...lemme know what ya think xoxoxo Jordan