Hadlee was sitting at lunch with Caroline at a small bistro near her law office. Hadlee was listening to Caroline ramble about Dougie leaving her at the door of their apartment. Hadlee was trying hard not to laugh at Caroline when Kayleigh pulled up a seat at the table.
"I'm serious Hadlee" she repeated "I've never had a guy just drop me off at the door. No kiss, No hug, he didn't try anything."

"I've told you that Dougie is a totally decent guy." stated Hadlee before drinking her tea. It had been a rough morning Hadlee had wanted nothing more than to hide in Kevan's blankets for the rest of the day. "What did you expect Caroline?"

"Seguin" replied Kayleigh "Assholes who text you to fuck you. Assholes who have no intention of being around when you need them."

They both gaped at Kayleigh. She was normally the reserved one of the trio. Hadlee burst out laughing.

"Umm...I think Brad is rubbing off on you. It's normally him that says the first thing on his mind." said Hadlee "And she is totally right Caro."

"I am not sitting here pining away over Tyler Seguin." growled Caroline.

"How many times at dinner last night did you check your phone despite being on a date with Hamilton?" asked Kayleigh "I lost track after 4 and decided it was your date to screw up."

"He was texting." replied Caroline "It wasn't a real date."

"Then why does it matter that he left you at the door?" asked Hadlee

"I hate both of you" said Caroline pouting while taking a drink of Coke. "It just bothers me. He is nice. Probably too nice."

"You know that Dougie lived with Seguin when he was here in Boston. They are fairly close still. I know he and Brad are close." explained KK

"No" said Caroline. It's not like she and Tyler really talk. It had been all sex that first night with him and Jesse. The texts were flirty and no substance. In fact Tyler had laughed when she told him she was going to go out with Dougie.

Hadlee watched the interplay between Caro and KK. Hadlee hated that Caroline thought that sleeping with random guys was the same as a relationship. Caroline had given up on anything lasting longer than a few weeks in college. Hadlee however couldn't believe it was KK lining her out.

"Well you choose Caroline." said KK "Text Seguin have meaningless sex with him when he breezes in to play hockey and visit Brad or try and have an actual relationship with a decent guy. Not saying it has to Dougie or any of the Bruins but a real decent person. Someone who won't text you one minute and be banging a bar fly in 20 minutes."

Caroline gaped at Kayleigh. "I'm going home and take a nap." stated Kayleigh "I've only slept in 2-3 hour increments. I'm gonna crash." Kayleigh took her check and head to check out.
"What's got into her?" asked Caroline.

"Not sure but it's about time she came out her Court funk." smiled Hadlee "Who knew Marchy was good for the soul."

"Well her attitude sucks" said Caroline sourly.

"Want me to give Dougie your number" teased Hadlee.

"Bitch" replied Caroline "No I gave it to him myself. I haven't heard from him at all. No nice date no can I see you again. And what was with that whole alpha male 3 tickets thing?"

"I know that they had practice this morning and that they were lifting weights. I have not heard from Kevan since I left his place this morning. But I was running super late."

"You want me to feel sorry for you that you were late after you spent the night with Tall, Hot, and Sweaty acting out Brantley Gilbert songs." quizzed Caroline.

"Well when you put it that way" smirked Hadlee.

"Have I told you I hate you?" asked Caroline

"Yes, that's the second time in less than hour. I'm gonna start thinking you mean it." said Hadlee "Okay so how about I text Kevan, Brad, Dougie, and Kayleigh. We can fix dinner at the apartment and watch TV or a movie. Completely low key."

"Only if you promise not to leave me when Dougie bails." she said.

"Okay but you will probably get Kevan in the deal" replied Hadlee.

"Fine" said Caroline "But you just remember your pants in common areas rule Missy"

Hadlee grabbed her and Caroline's receipts and headed to the register.

"No Hadlee" said Caroline

"Nope I am buying you lunch" Hadlee worried about Caroline knowing that her bartending job didn't pay great. Hadlee was hoping she would be able to find teaching position soon.

"Thanks, and I guess I don't hate you too much." Caroline hugged her as they walked back to Hadlee's office.

"Well well" said Mark "Do you have the entire squad tucked away here in Boston, Hadlee."

"Nope" said Hadlee coldly. She released Caroline from the hug.

"Aren't you going to introduce us" asked Mark

"Caroline this is Mark. Mark this is Caroline my roommate." replied Hadlee

"Mark" said Caroline "Let me know what the boys say Had." Caroline walked out the door.

"She is right you know" stated Mark

"About what" asked Hadlee

"They are boys" he answered "For God's sake they play a ball game for a living. You're an attorney."

"It's a puck not a ball" said Hadlee. She turned on her heels and walked into her office hoping he wouldn't follow.

Hadlee got her hearing box ready for the next afternoon docket. Returned all her emails and made appointments for the next week. Mr. Shaunessey and Mr. O'Roark knocked on her door late that afternoon. Hadlee had only met Mr. O'Roark on a few occasions. She hoped Mark hadn't caused any problems.

"Hadlee" Mr. Shaunessey began " Are you enjoying the criminal court division?"

"It's fine, Sir" she replied "I know I need to work my way up the ranks. It would be that way at any firm."

"But it is where you want to be long term?" asked Mr. O'Roark.

"Well I never thought I would be a defense attorney. My brothers were horrified. They are all state police back in Kentucky." she answered honestly.

"Hadlee O'Roark and I are looking into starting a family court practice here in the firm." stated Shaunessey "You clerked for a family court judge in Kentucky and did most of your practice in family court."

"Yes, Sir" said Hadlee.

"Is it something you would be interested in here in Boston?" asked O'Roark

"It's what I really like. I like the mediation aspect. Plus I like to work as a Guardian Ad Litum for the children." she stated

"It will be just you for a while." said Mr. O'Roark

"I can do it." she replied.

"We know you can Hadlee" said Mr. Shaunessy. "So I am reassigning the criminal stuff to Mark. Tomorrow we will get you set up in the Guardian Ad Litem rotation."

'Yes, Sir" she smiled. Family court was her heart was. She couldn't wait to text Kevan and her brothers. "Thank you."

"We'll see if you are thanking us when you are up to your eyeballs in cases." said O'Roark "Remember family court is a lot of work and little fame."

"I don't need fame" said Hadlee

"Judging by the Jumbotron at TD Garden I would say it's too late" supplied Mr. Shaunessey.

"Oh we met the little boy Will at the game. He was a total doll. I'm sure they will be less interested when he isn't around." laughed Hadlee. Mr. O'Roark looked slightly confused.

"Our Hadlee is dating Kevan Miller." said Shaunessey "Our monster defenseman is winking at her on the ice. " Hadlee blushed. "I'm just glad they played so well against Washington. How is he feeling after the fight with Prust."

"He's a little bruised, busted lip, but he is fine." said Hadlee "I think he was expecting problems with Volpatti."

"Do you want to join us in the box for the Wings game." asked O'Roark

"I think we will have lower bowl seats" said Hadlee "I am still learning the game. But I would love to come up and visit during intermission. Plus I am sure that if you all want to meet Kevan after the game he would come up and fetch me from the box."

"Bring your friends with you Hadlee" he replied " I am bring my granddaughter she will want to
meet as many cheerleaders as possible. Child wants to cheer for Notre Dame."

"Will do" said Hadlee "Want us to talk her out of Notre Dame?"

"Yes I want her to stay in Boston." he supplied "Don't make her fall in love with UofK"

"UK, Sir" she laughed "U of L and UK. You can't help but fall in love with the Big Blue Nation."

"See you tomorrow, Hadlee." they replied.

Hadlee waited until they cleared her door before squealing. She pulled out her phone and sent her brothers a quick text. She then texted Kevan.

Hadlee: Best news ever!!!!
Kevan: You're leaving me for the guy from Florida Georgia Line.
Hadlee: Close
Hadlee: They just asked me to start the family court division of O'Roark, Shaunessey, and Porter. I start tomorrow
Kevan: Babe that is awesome. No more felon lottery
Hadlee: I know! We have to celebrate.
Kevan: Name it and we will go
Hadlee: I want to cook at my place with the girls and guys.
Kevan: Are you sure?
Hadlee: Yes and you stay with me tonight?
Kevan: Yes Ma'am.
Hadlee: Are you with the boys?
Kevan: Brad and Dougie are in and think Tuuks may come too
Hadlee: Yay!!! I'm headed to grocery store. You all are gonna have to break diet I'm making fried chicken
Kevan: OK what time.
Hadlee: 7pm

Hadlee swung by the grocery store and got all the things to make fried chicken and all the side dishes. Caroline met her in the parking lot and helped her drag all the bags to the apartment. Caroline asked if she was feeding an army. Hadlee laughed and told her 4 Bruins and the girls. Kayleigh breezed in carrying two boxes from the bakery. Hummingbird cake and rolls she told Hadlee as she put the cake and rolls on the counter. Hadlee changed into a UK basketball tshirt and white yoga short. She threw her hair into a ponytail. Caroline was dressed similarly but had on a random concert shirt. Kayleigh raided Hadlee room and turned up in one of West's old Belfry High School football shirts and black shorts. The girls started dinner working in tandem. Caroline and Kayleigh were peeling potatoes while Hadlee was breading chicken. Hadlee had put two pots on to boil for the mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. She had pulled out two mason jars of green beans her granny had canned. The girls worked on the potatoes and mac and cheese while Hadlee fried the chicken. They were used to being in the kitchen together. But they were usually feeding Hadlee's brothers.

Kevan showed up around 6:30 and got shooed into the living room. He managed to steal a
kiss before Caroline shoved him out. Hadlee told him to answer the door and relax. Brad and Dougie arrived. Brad came into the kitchen even though Kevan warned him he would be tossed out on his ear. Brad came back through the apartment carrying Kayleigh. Kevan gave him a questioning look.

"I couldn't stay in there so I brought Kayleigh out here." replied Brad kissing Kayleigh. Caroline came out of the kitchen and looked at Marchand.

"Give her back Marchy. I am so not mashing all the potatoes by myself." Caroline groused. Caroline then turned to Dougie "Glad you came Hamilton." She disappeared back into the kitchen with Kayleigh in tow. "Keep it up Marchand and you'll do the dishes."

"Hey babe" called Kevan. Hadlee stuck her head out of the kitchen and looked at him. "You didn't tell me to stay the night to put me on kitchen duty?"

"You liked kitchen duty last night Miller" smirked Hadlee. Brad and Dougie started razzing him. Kevan was saved by Tuukka at the door. Tuukka arrived with flowers and wine.

"You keep all that Finnish charm to yourself Tuuks" said Marchy.

The girls came out of the kitchen and kissed and hugged Tuukka. The girls brought Tuukka into the kitchen so he could open the wine. Kevan and Brad were setting the table. Caroline and Dougie had dug out enough silverware for everyone. Caroline was standing on her tiptoes trying to get wine glasses down without breaking them. Dougie leaned up against her back and reached up over her and got the glasses down. Caroline glared at him. Dougie looked at her.

"Caroline just ask for what you want" said Dougie. He walked to the dining room with the glasses. Once again she was speechless.

Dinner was a lively affair. The guys kept telling Hadlee and the girls that they couldn't cook like this very often during the season. The girls assured them it was special occasion only. Tuukka was just excited to have a home cooked meal. The boys were all happy for Hadlee since she was so excited for the new legal division. Hadlee's phone started blaring Fortunate Son and she leapt from the table to her phone. Kevan looked at Caroline and Kayleigh.

"It's West" said Kayleigh in way of explanation.

The boys helped clear the table and put away leftovers. Dougie volunteered him and Caroline to load the dishwasher. Caroline glared at him but went along with Dougie's plan.
Hadlee came back into the living room and snuggled up on the couch beside Kevan. She was half in his lap. He was laughing at her conversation with her twin. He was only hearing bits and pieces. West was apparently congratulating her for leaving the dark side. He also was apparently happy for Hadlee. He listen as Hadlee asked about him taking the detectives test. She made affirmative response. She then said yes he is here. He then heard a series of no, none of your business, and fine you can talk to him if he wants to talk to you. She tipped her face up and told Kevan that her brother wanted to talk to him. Kevan just laughed and took the phone.

"Hello" said Kevan

"I know that Court said you seem to be a decent human. And I realize he thinks Hadlee loves you. But you need to realize that if you hurt Hadlee I will hunt you down and do bodily harm. And I am twice as mean as Prust." stated West deadpan. "You got it man." Kevan laughed. He held the phone back out to Hadlee.

"Hadlee Bell all he has to say when I threaten him is you got it man." bellowed West
Hadlee winked at Kevan "You know how laid back those California boys are. And damn it West stop threatening my boyfriend. You are a trooper for goodness sakes. No you can't talk to Marchand. Yes I hear you with his own skate. I love you too West." Hadlee put him on speaker for a minute.

"Hey Bibbiddi and Bobbiddi" West called " Love you chicks too"

They both hollered back "Love ya Bro. Be careful" Caroline went back into the kitchen. Tuukka excused himself so he could head to bed early. They had morning skate and a game the next night against the Wings. Kayleigh and Hadlee were sitting with the boys discussing Kevan and West's conversation.

"So who is Bibbiddi and who is Bobbiddi?" asked Dougie as Caroline came back into the kitchen.

"Not sure they ever told us" laughed Caroline "I know they all 3 call Hadlee Boo. They have since she was little."

"So you all have been friends since?" asked Dougie

"We met a national cheer camp at age 12." Caroline explained " It was down in Georgia. Kayleigh is from Georgia and Hadlee is from Kentucky. I guess I was the only Yankee that ventured down. But they adopted me that first night. We went to the same camps for the rest of our school years. We tried out for 3 college squads Georgia, Kentucky, and LSU. When West signed a letter of intent with UK we knew which school because Hadlee wouldn't leave her brother."

"So you all went to UK to be together." asked Dougie.

"Yeah it didn't hurt that they are almost always National Champion Cheerleaders." replied Caroline as she loaded the dishwasher.

"You girls are national champs, Eh?"

"3 times. Fuck Alabama. So you really are Canadian?" she laughed.
"Yes I really am Canadian." replied Dougie "Why?"

Caroline walked over to where he was leaning up against the counter and opened the cabinet door beside his knee. She pulled out the detergent for the dishwasher. "You said Eh" Dougie laughed.

"Habit" said Dougie "But you pull out Southernisms with a total Harvard accent."

" I do not" said Caroline

"Yes you do. You say bless your heart all the time but it sound like Hawt" said Dougie
"I don't sound like a clam chowder swilling Bostonian, Hamilton."

"Chowdah" said Dougie " I think you do."

Caroline stepped in front of Dougie between his legs where he was leaning. "You do Eh?" replied Caroline. Before he replied Hadlee called into the kitchen that Scandal was starting. Dougie held his hand out to her and led her into the living room. Hadlee was snuggling with Kevan on the couch. Brad and Kayleigh were on the tiny plaid love seat. Dougie headed toward the double chair. He pulled Caroline into the chair beside him. Dougie had never watched Scandal so Caroline was explaining it to him as it went along. It was fairly interesting. Caroline told him he should Netflix it. He told her it was an idea but he wouldn't have her to explain it. She whispered for him to ask for what he wants. Hadlee threw a pillow at them and told them to shut up. Caroline ducked her head into Dougie's shoulder to avoid the pillow. Dougie threw an arm out to stop the pillow from her hitting.

"Not bad I have my very own D-man." whispered Caroline. She remained cuddled into his side as they watched the show. Caroline had to admit it was nice just to hang out with someone with no expectations. He hadn't once even attempted to make a move or accidentally groped her. Maybe the girls were right. Her phone vibrated in the seat between them. It was text message. She knew it was probably Tyler. It chimed again.

"You want to get that?" asked Dougie quietly.

"Nope, I am comfortable here Hamilton." she replied. Dougie had his arm around her. Caroline's head was laying against his collarbone. It chimed again and she didn't move. Dougie smiled down at her. "You make a nice pillow"

"Want to come over Friday and use me as pillow while you explain Scandal from the beginning?" questioned Dougie.

"It's Hadlee's birthday" she replied.

"Okay then want to be my plus one for Hadlee's birthday?" he asked " I had forgot the date."

"Yeah, I can meet you guys wherever" answered Caroline.

"I have 2 tickets" he whispered directly in her ear. Caroline's eyes lit up.

"It's date Hamilton." she replied.

Scandal was ending. Brad was telling Hadlee goodbye and bumped fists with Kevan. Brad left with Kayleigh in tow. Kevan and Hadlee bid them a goodnight and retreated to Kayleigh's room. Dougie and Caroline were still snuggled up.

"I guess I should go" said Dougie. Caroline made no attempt to move. "I have morning skate and then the game."

Dougie stood up then pulled Caroline up from the chair. "Walk me to the door" he said.

Caroline crossed the living room holding his hand. "You're coming to the game?"

Caroline put her arms around his waist and hugged him tight "Do you want me too?" She didn't look at him as she asked. Dougie kissed the top of her head. He let go of her and grabbed the door knob. Dougie looked back at her "I want you." Then he walked out the door Caroline stood there with her mouth slightly agape. How does he do that? She had no idea. But for the second night in a row she was left staring at her door after he left.

Hadlee heard the door close. She went out to retrieve her phone. The suspense of what was occurring in her living room had been killing her. Kevan had been lounging on her bed laughing at her. She grabbed the phone from the dock in the kitchen. Caroline was sitting on the counter eating ice cream out of the container.

"You ok?" asked Hadlee

"He kissed the top of my head" said Caroline "Then he left."

"So he is taking things slow" replied Hadlee.

"He asked me to come to the game. I asked him if he wanted me to come."

"What did he say?" quizzed Hadlee.

"He told me that he wants me." she replied absently."And it was in a completely sexual yet non sexual way. Then he left. How do you tell a girl that and just leave."

"Because he's a fucking gentleman" called Kevan as he walked into the kitchen in his boxer briefs. "I know it's a novel concept."

"Well I'm not sure I want a gentleman" replied Caroline.

"Then take matters into your own hands" he supplied and with that being said Kevan threw Hadlee over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and walked towards her room.

"What happened to the boy toys must wear pants rule?" asked Caroline.

"Only applies to answering the door" said Hadlee upside down over Kevan's back "Night Caro."

"Nite Caro" parroted Kevan.

"Fuck you both I'm going to bed alone." she deadpanned "Nite guys."

Notes