One Timers

I sigh and put my phone down, turning back to my anatomy text book. I can’t handle Corey’s guilt trip right now. Sure, I miss him like crazy. It’s been weeks since we’ve actually seen each other for more than a couple minutes. But I have finals next week and I have to do well on them. I need to have the best GPA possible, or I might not get in to graduate school.

I really want to go to school to become a physician’s assistant. They make a ton of money, and don’t have the same responsibilities as doctors. But most PA programs require a 3.7 GPA minimum. And right now, I have a 3.6 GPA. I’ve done the math. If I ace all of my finals, I’ll get all A’s this semester. And then I’ll have a 3.8 GPA and be able to look good on applications.

I saw Corey briefly between the end of their last home game and the time they had to board the bus, but it was in public. And then we saw each other for a quick lunch (seriously, quick doesn’t even begin to describe it) when he came home. But other than that, I’ve been spending all my time in the library or with one of my study groups. Or holed up in my apartment with my text books and notes scattered around me. And Corey has been at practices and games. I think he went out with the guys last night, too. They’ve been so focused on the playoff push that their minds haven’t been anywhere else other than on the ice.

The reality is, spending time with each other isn’t in the cards right now.

Of course I feel bad about it. Corey had a rough couple of games during the road trip, and I watched as much as I could. I know he was missing me, and I’m doing my best. But where Corey’s focus has to be on hockey, mine has to be on school.

I’m deep into the inner workings of the human cardiovascular system when I hear my front door open. I figure it’s just my roommate, Jen.

“You know, when you leave the door unlocked just anyone could walk in here.”

I pick my head up from my book and see my boyfriend standing in the doorway, holding a Chinese takeout bag.

“Corey. What are you doing here?” I ask.
“I need to see you.” He admits.
“I have to study.”
“You have to eat, too. I’d bet that you haven’t had anything all day.”

Of course at that moment my stomach decides to rat me out, growling with hunger.

“Gab, it’s almost six! Seriously, have you had anything all day?”
“I ate a granola bar at seven when I woke up.” I reply sheepishly.
He sighs.
“That’s it. Text books and notes away. We’re turning on some brainless television show and you’re eating dinner. You can go back to it later, but for at least an hour you’re taking a break.”
“But Corey-”
“No buts. Gabrielle, you need a break.”

I roll my eyes, but my body is disobeying my brain. My hands shut the book in front of me and move to organize my notes so they can be set aside. Meanwhile, Corey heads into the kitchen to grab plates and returns with all the food. He sets it all out on the table and reaches for the remote while I start pulling things out.

“This looks delicious.” I admit.
“Good.”

He settles on Say Yes to the Dress, which I’m surprised he chose.

“What, no hockey?” I tease.
“This isn’t about me.” He answers with a straight face. “I know you like this show.”
“Oh, Corey...”

I’m touched by his thoughtfulness. That’s just who Corey is. But sometimes he surprises me when he’s like this. He’s so thoughtful about others, and truly cares about the health and well-being of the ones he loves. It’s one of the things I love most about him.

I grab my plate and take the opportunity to curl into his side. It’s warm and cozy and everything I’ve ever wanted. The steady sound of his heart beat makes me feel safe, and when I’m done eating I find myself drifting between states of consciousness.

“When’s the last time you got a good night’s sleep?” He asks in a whisper.
“A couple weeks.” I admit.
“Baby...” His voice is sad.
“I’m okay, Core. I just have to get through this coming week.”
“As soon as the season is over, I’m taking you on a relaxing vacation.” He states.
“You don’t have to.”
“I know I don’t. But I need to spoil my future wife when she deserves it.”

His words make me sit up straight, fully awake now.

“Your what?” I ask.

He blushes a deep red color. Even though we’ve been together for what feels like forever, we’ve never really had that conversation. Sure, other people have joked about it. And even we have joked about it. But only in front of other people. It’s not exactly a topic we’ve brought up in seriousness.

“Gab...” He starts. “I- I uh...”
“Forget it.” I say, realizing how awkward this just got. “Don’t worry about it, Core.”

He takes a second to breathe, and when he speaks again, his voice is calm and confident and sure of what he’s saying.

“Will you marry me?”

I stare at him, unsure of if this is real or an elaborate prank. Maybe I’ve fallen asleep and this is all a dream?

“Gabrielle, I have never loved anyone the way that I love you. Before I met you, I never thought it was even possible to love anyone this much. But I do. You’re my entire world. And yeah, we don’t even live together yet. But that’s only because you go to school on the other side of the city as the United Center. And Gab, I’d be willing to look for a place that’s equal distant between them. I’d even move in here and make the long ass commute every morning if it meant that we could be together. Because when I look at the future, there are only two things I know I want. I want to win the Stanley Cup as many times as I can, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to marry you and get you pregnant and have mini Crawfords running around. I want to make the agreement to visit your family for American Thanksgiving and my family for Christmas. So that our kids can always see their families for the holidays. I want to stand in the crowd when you graduate in a month, knowing that my fiancee is headed to graduate school. And when you graduate from PA school, I want to do the same thing.

Gab, I don’t care if we wait a couple years to actually get married. If you want to put it off until after you’re done school completely, that’s okay. If you want to wait until you’ve been in the work force a couple years, that’s cool too. I just want to put a ring on your finger and tell everyone that I’m the lucky guy who will get to call you his wife one day. That you’ll be the mother of my children and all that. I love you, Gabrielle.”

I haven’t realized that I started crying until he reaches up with one hand and wipes away a tear that’s fallen on to my cheek. I take a deep breath, trying to control my emotions.

“Gab, please say something.”

His voice is shaky again, and his hand is as well. I look into his eyes and can tell he’s scared shitless. He didn’t mean to bring any of this up. But he’s clearly thought a lot about it.

“Yes.” I say. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

The nervousness in his eyes is quickly replaced with pure joy. His smile is bright and he looks at me like somehow I’m suddenly the greatest thing he’s ever seen.

“Really?” He asks.
“Yeah.” I promise.
“Oh my god.”
“You have to buy me a ring, though. Before I’ll let you officially tell people.”
He looks at the clock.
“Fuck, the stores are probably all closed already. I’ll go tomorrow after practice.”
I chuckle.
“Corey.” He looks at me. “I love you.”

Notes

Requested. Enjoy!