Nobody but Patrick and Emma knew the extensive training Jon was pushing himself through. He was extremely dedicated; ate 100% healthy, not even any cheat days, woke up for a morning run every day, and hit the gym 4-5 times per week.

By the progress he was making one thing was certain; the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks would no longer be Patrick Sharp; it would be jonathan Toews.

The plan was simple; the coaches and training staff were completely on board: Jon would have his own training camp. The coaching staff and trainers would then tell him if he made or didn't make the squad.

If all went well, he would make his debut at the Hawks opening night; the first home game of the season. Not even Patrick knew just how far his former captain had come.

In the best interest of the kids and he one on the way, I decided to step down from my position at the united centre, and take to being a stay at home mom. Aveyah and Ryder being just toddlers, Gabby entering the years of highschool, and the new bundle of joy on the way, it was the most logical decision.

They had been sad to see me go, but understood completely. They also, were under the impression Jon would not be returning to the line up this year or ever; oh how wrong they were.

We all currently sat in the car, Jon driving us back home from our wonderful summer back home. It had been the perfect summer; family close, Patrick and Emma joining them for a week, and spending so much time with Jon's parents.

The downside of the whole vacation was of course cleaning out and selling the house I had grown up in.

I had never been more thankful for having Jon by my side than I did during the month it took to clean out the house and sell it. It had sold easily; a young couple just moving to the area to start a family. The house had been completely paid off by my parents. The couple couldn't understand why I was selling it to them at half the retail value. My explanation was simple:

It felt wrong to sell the house. It felt as though I was selling the last thing of my parents. Of course I had all kinda of keepsakes, but the house felt different. I grew up there. My parents made me there. They taught me so much under that roof. Jon and I had our first kiss under that roof. I had had my first time under that roof.

Selling it to the couple for half the value was my way of justifying selling it. I didn't need the house; I never wanted to go back. The money I made off selling the house I donated to charity; to help kids who were abused or neglected.

Jon supported my decision fully; he knew it wasn't an easy one for me. I cried the day the house sold. I cried the day we handed over the keys. When we drove away, for what would be the last time, I couldn't help but cry. I missed my parents more than anything in this world; nothing could fill the void it left.

Gabby had found me crying, after the house had sold. She didn't say anything; she simply say with me, rubbing my back lightly, occasionally snuggling close to me. If it weren't for her love, I would have cried all night.

"Addie?" I was snapped from my thoughts. The kids had all left the car, and only I remained. I was so absorbed in my thoughts about the last few weeks being home seemed like a dream.

"Sorry" I muttered, unbuckling my seat belt. Jon helped me out of the car slowly. I was a little over four months pregnant now, and was beginning to show. Going to the doctors the day after I found out about being pregnant was more than a shock to the system.

I wouldn't just be having four kids after the pregnancy, I would be having five. Hearing the news of twins was a big shock to the system before I remembered; my grandfather had a twin. The gene was often passed down, skipping a generation sometimes, and it had done just that.

Jon and I were excited, but scared. If all went according to the plan we both wanted, he would be back into the game of hockey; for a few more years, anyway. No doubt it both of our kinda we knew we would need a nanny to help me out.

But that wasn't something I wanted. I didn't want any of my kids raised by a nanny; so I was doing it alone.

"Don't apologize" Jon spoke up, breaking my train of thought one again. "I've been worried about you Addie" the words he spoke didn't surprise me; I was waiting for them.

"It'd be stupid of me to ask why" I tried to lighten the mood. Brandon was bouncing off the ways, excited to be home. Gabby had run straight to her room, Ryder and Aveyah in tow.

"Well, yeah" he laughed lightly. We made our way to the living room, where we sat beside each other on the love seat. The place felt a little emptier; the basement of our house was now emptied.

"I'm okay Jon, I promise" I smiled half heartedly. In reality, I was only half lying. My biggest concern was different now. "I'm worried about the season" I found myself almost whispering despite myself. He looked to the ground for a moment, nodding and taking in the words I had just spoken.

"Training camp starts tomorrow" he reminded me glumly.

"Why don't you sound excited?" I asked him.

"I'm nervous as fuck. If I don't make the team, I-" and he broke down. I pulled him into my arms, resting my cheek on his messed up brown hair. "I don't know what to do" he whispered softly, as soon as the tears subsided.

"You'll make it. Nobody is as dedicated as you. Nobody loves the game more than you. NObody has as much passion, drive, skills as you. Hockey is your one true love; you belong together. Hockey needs you like you need hockey. The Hawks need you like you need the Hawks. You're gonna go out there and surprise the fuck out of everyone. You defeated death, you defeated the odds. And now? You're gonna do it again. You are Jonathan motherfucking Toews. One of the greatest names in hockey, captain of the Blackhawks, and will be the current leader in the league of points. And know what else? Your family will be there every game to cheer you on. Will watch every away game. Follow everything you do." I found myself vibrating with enthusiasm. Jon was a little taken aback by my words, but cracked the biggest grin I had ever seen.

"Let's fucking do this"

Notes