Forever Chicago

It was May 30th. The series was tied, as 3-3. Whoever took the game tonight , would move on. I was so nervous as Riley, Savannah, Paige and I watched from high above the ice. The game was furious.

We watched as the final seconds of the third period ticked down, the score 2-2. Both Blackhawk goals belonged to Jonathan.

The press room bubbled with excitement when the guys skated back onto the ice for an overtime.

About 4 and a half minutes in, a rocket from Johnny Boychuk would put an end the Hawks season and cut another run at the cup short.

The guys filed to the locker room, the families box was silent. Jonathan advised me to head home right after the game, we both knew win or lose he would trapped by reporters for hours after the game.

I sat on the couch awaiting his late return.

Two hours later Jonathan came through the door of the apartment, joining me on the couch.

“It’s okay.” I said cuddling up to him, as he put his arm around me.

He just sighed and shrugged. We sat this way for a while, when my pager went off loudly, calling me to the hospital.

“I’m sorry.” I said as I turned it off, “It’s Camryn, I’ve got to go.” I stood up.

“Seriously?” he said angrily looking at me.

“I’m sorry.” I said.

“You know she’s not your kid.” He said angrily.

I paused, I knew Jonathan was upset, but that was just cruel.

“How can you say that?” I murmured, my eyes locked on him.

“Just go.” He said going to the bedroom and slamming the door.

I wanted to go in and talk to him, but I didn’t have the option. I had to get to Camryn. Angrily I
grabbed my purse and keys and sped off to the hospital.

I arrived to see Camryn wailing through another treatment. I held her hand trying to console her but my mind was elsewhere. Jonathan and I rarely fought, I figured it was frustration from the game, but still that didn’t make it okay.

Camryn’s treatment ticked on into the early morning hours. It was almost 1:30 by the time I headed home.

I tried to be quiet as I entered the apartment, figuring Jonathan would be asleep. I was surprised to find him waiting up for me.

“Hey,” he said as I walked through the door, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that, any of it.” He said taking me into his arms.

“I know.” I said.

“So do you still want to marry me?” he said resting his head on top of mine.

“Of course.” I said.
…
The next day we packed up the apartment and headed for the lake house. The wedding was only 3 weeks away and family and friends would soon enough be flying in from everywhere.

But the first week, would be just us.

We spent our first night in our favorite place at the lake, on the dock. As we sat under the moonlight Jonathan and I shared everything together.

The week flew by, and soon enough Riley, Brandon, Savannah, Paige and Patrick joined us at the lake house. My best friends Kylie, Skyler, and Rowan would fly in and complete the bridal party in a few days. Jonathan’s brother along with Sidney Crosby and TJ Oshie would be in later as well.

It was good to be around friends as our date crawled closer and closer. Our final wedding plans had been booked, leaving us with 11 days until the big day.
…
The next day Paige, Riley and I headed to the airport to get the rest of the bridesmaids.

“Kodie!” Kylie, Skyler, and Rowan flew into my arms shrieking.

“Hi!” I laughed.

We talked all the way to the lake house, remembering our college days. After dropping bags off at the house, the 6 of us headed to the Winnipeg bridal shop, where all our dresses had been shipped from Chicago for alterations.

“They’re gorgeous!” Rowan said as the five girls walked out in their dresses.

“I love it!” Skyler said.

“Okay, okay, enough of this go get your dress on missy!” Kylie said swatting me on the
shoulder.

“Okay, okay.” I laughed.

A dress attendant zipped me into my gown; it was even more gorgeous than I remembered.

I walked into the viewing room. It was silent for a moment.

“Kodie,” Skylar said, “You’re stunning.”

“You guys,” Kylie said, “little chubs is getting married!”

We all laughed, “Oh God not that nickname again.”

We headed back to the lake house, where the now complete groom’s party waited.

“Hi.” Jonathan said kissing me as I came through the door.

“Awwww” The guys said sarcastically.

“Shutup” Riley said smacking Brandon.
…
That night we split up for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

“Let’s go ladies!” Rowan said as we piled into a car and off to a local bar.

We arrived and immediately began drinking, it was a low-key night, just the six of us hanging out, and that was the way we preferred it.

Jonathan’s POV:
The guys piled into a car and off to a club. I wasn’t a big fan of the Winnipeg club scene, but the location wasn’t up to me.

The second we walked in orange tanned, fake boobed girls immediately began grinding on us.

“Hey!” A gross blonde girl yelled in my face, “Let’s dance!”

“No thanks.” I said trying to slide past her.

“Why not?” she shrieked.

“Because I’m engaged.” I said.

“Doesn’t bother me.” She said sliding into me.

“Well it bothers me.” I said pushing past her.

I turned around to see Sid with his tongue halfway down some girls throat. It grossed me out.

This made me realize that I didn’t want this anymore. I wanted Kodie , and Ollie, just hanging out in our little Chicago apartment. I didn’t need this, any of it. I needed her.

Kodie’s POV:
We all awoke the next morning in a hangover state. I looked around the room where all my bridesmaids and I were staying. Rowan and Paige were strewn across a chair. Skyler was curled up in the window seat.Riley was hanging halfway out of her bed. Everyone’s hair was a curly mess on top of their heads.

I walked into the living room where the majority of the groomsmen had passed out.I found TJ
Oshie in the kitchen making coffee.

“Hey” he said, “How was your night?”

“Good,” I said, “Pretty normal, how was yours?”

“It was, uh, alright, Jon wasn’t really into it.” He said.

“Really?” I said.

“You know how much you’ve changed him?” he laughed, “I mean 4 years ago he never
would’ve shooed a girl off.”

I laughed.

“He really loves you.” He said.

“I know.” I smiled.
…
We spent day after day hanging out on the lake, and before we knew it the wedding was upon us.

The rehearsal began, and we walked out one by one. Mrs. Toews bawled the entire time.

“Mom, stop.” Jonathan said turning around as we stood at the alter, for our faux marriage.

“I’m sorry!” She said blowing her nose.

Everyone laughed, as we were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Toews.

We talked and laughed through our rehearsal dinner, before Mr. Toews stood up.
“Well, Jonny,” he said, “You’ve been a great kid, I’ve always been proud to call you my son. Kodie, I’m glad I can finally say I have a daughter.” A tear formed, “Congratulations kids.” He said.

“Well,” Mrs. Toews stood up, “I can’t believe my little boy is getting married, Kodie you’re truly an amazing woman, and a perfect match for my son. Now make me some grand babies because none of us are getting any younger.” Everyone laughed as we stood up to give our hugs.

Jonathan and I managed to slip away onto the restaurant balcony.

“So are you ready to be Mrs. Toews?” He said as he pulled me close to him.

“Yes.” I smiled, “Are you sure you want to marry me?”

“Of course.” He smiled.

Rowan’s POV:
I watched Jonathan and Kodie slip out onto the balcony. They stood there tangled up in each other.

It was crazy to see Kodie so in love. After her dad left she had basically sworn off men. But now, she was so happy.And the way Jonathan looked at her, it was like she was the only one in the world to him.

As I watched them loving each other, someone came up behind me.

“Wow, they like each other.” I turned to see Sidney Crosby behind me.

“Looks like it.” I laughed.

Kodie’s POV:

“Okay lovebirds,” Riley said popping her head out, “Time to go.”

We kissed for the last time, before I would become Mrs. Toews.
…
“Are you excited?!” Kylie yelled as we all sat in our room at the lake house, sipping wine.

“It’s your last night as a free woman.” Paige laughed.

We talked for a long time before most of us fell asleep. I was left to lie awake dreaming of my new life ahead.I couldn’t wait to be married, and shed my old name, it was clouded with bad memories, and hurt and I couldn’t wait to be Kodie Toews.

Jonathan’s POV:
11:58, 9, 12:00
Holy shit.

I’m getting married today, it didn’t even feel real.

I really wanted to text Kodie, but the guys had confiscated my phone.

In less than twelve hours, I would get to marry the girl of my dreams.

Notes

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