"Come here Ryder!" I shouted, trying to run after my two year old boy. He smirked in my direction, letting out the most adorable laugh before turning his head and running towards the driveway. I rolled my eyes, holding his sister in my arms, and ran towards him as fast as I could manage.

"Hi mom" he grinned like an angel once I caught up to him.

"You're still in trouble" I informed him, not falling for his cute face. His lip quivered a bit, so I took his hand and we both walked back towards the house.

"Where uncle Patrick?" He asked in his adorable little voice.

"He's at practice sweetie, he'll be back soon" I promised him. I shut the door of the gate that fenced out back hard in. Of course little Ryder was young and ambitious, and already figured out how to open the gate, leading to his previous escape.

"Are we gonna see daddy?" He asked nonchalantly. My heart dropped a little bit, a frown setting on my face. The more days that past, the harder it became to deal with it. Today was the one year anniversary of the crash. The date stood out in my mind like a sore thumb; it was the day after Aveyah's birthday.

"Yes we are, when uncle Patrick comes home" I smiled weakly. I put down Aveyah down to play with her toys, and Ryder quickly followed suit. I took a seat on the lawn chair, the cool march breeze chilling my skin.

The year had been one of the hardest of my life. There was rarely a night that went by I didn't cry myself to sleeP. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't see him.

Without Patrick I probably wouldn't been able to make it through the past year. As hard as it was for me, it wasn't any easier for the members of the Blackhawks. After the initial shock was over with, things got a little better. Fans were constantly sending their love and compassion via mail, twitter, and any social media outlet they had.

The Hawks chose to withdraw themselves from the rest of the season. It was a tough choice, but most of the players were injured, scarred or having no desire to play until Jon woke up. It was another tough choice to start the season without their beloved captain, but they seemed to be managing okay for the most part.

After every win they'd dedicate it to Jon. As much as it was amazing to see how many people cared for Jon, I broke down almost everytime someone brought it up; I wasn't mentally stable.

"Uncle Pat!" Ryder called excitedly. I looked up, seeing Patrick emerge from the back door, an exhausted look on his face. I knew what he was thinking; he too remembered what today was. I got up from my chair and enveloped him in a hug. Ryder was hugging at his legs, between us both. I tried my best to hold in my tears, it working for the most part.

"How was practice?" I asked numbly, already knowing what his answer would be. All of the players knew what today was; and most weren't sure how they were going to make it through.

"Not as bad as I thought" he admitted, scooping Ryder up iin his arms. "How's my boy?" He asked Ryder, who giggled happily. I was so happy about the bond he and Patrick shared; he loved his uncle, making it so much easier on me. Aveyah seemed to take to him as well.

"Good" Ryder giggled again. Patrick pressed a kiss to his cheek, Ryder enjoying every moment. He put him down and headed for Aveyah who outstretched her arms, wanting him to pick her up. He happily obliged, rocking her back and forth. She smiled, holding into Patricks neck.

It had to be hard. Here Patrick was, single and able to live the good life but instead, he chose to stay with me and help with his best friends two little kids. He rarely went out with the other guys, instead he'd insist to do some work around the house, look after the kids so I could get away for a few hours, and run errands when I was in a jam. He truly was the perfect husband, for any lucky girl that came along.

"When did you wanna go?" Pat asked, shaking me from my thoughts. I picked up Ryder and we both started walking back into the house, in a comfortable silence.

"Whenever you're ready" I smiled weakly. "I think these two need to be changed" I added, checking Ryder's diaper which was full.

"Yeah, she needs one bad" Patrick replied, wrinkling his nose at the horrid stench. I laughed and we both headed into the separate nurseries. I couldn't do it without Patrick. Without his love, support and helpfulness, I have no use where I'd be today, and I'd never want to find out.

Getting Ryder dressed up nicely was a struggle, but I managed after a little bit if fight. I came with him ready, diaper bag in hand, to see Pat and Aveyah, already ready, shoes on and all.

"Bout time!" Patrick smirked, playfully checking his watch.

"How did you do that so fast!?" I asked in amazement. Typically she was hard to get ready, always protesting her clothing, especially her shoes. But here she was, all dressed, smiling wearing her cute little baby ugg bootS.

"Magic" he answered with a wink, picking up the car keys.

"Here we go" I whispered after we started to pull down the driveway. Pat held my hand, squeezing it lightly.

"We can do this" he spoke with confidence; and I hope he was right.

Notes

welcome to the sequel! Just a short chapter to get into it :) I hope you guys like it!! I appreciate Any and all comments, as well as your feedback!

Happy reading!