Can't Always Get What You Want

Caroline was running behind. She didn't want to leave Hadlee until the last possible second. She was slightly spastic. No one would have ever thought Hadlee would be the one to get pregnant. It really was one of those, the Lord works in mysterious ways, type things. She was going to be an aunt to the world's most fabulous baby girl. Caroline had already decided it was a girl. She didn't give a crap what Marchand said, she was going to be the favorite non-related aunt or uncle. She of course would share that title with KK. Hadlee had laughed hysterically then cried when Caroline had been singing the UK fight song to her belly. Boo might have a bruiser for a daddy, but she had a tiny momma and Boo was destine to be a UK cheerleader. Yes, she had already nicknamed her Boo. They had alternated oohing and ahhing over wedding finery and baby stuff. As small as Hadlee was it wouldn't be long before it wasn't a secret.

Dougie had already texted that he was on his way to his apartment. His parents had already arrived and had checked into the hotel. Dinner reservations were for 7pm and it was already 5:30. Dougie had made it very clear that he would pick her up at 6:30. So, an hour to get ready. She wished Hadlee was home. Hadlee would know what she should wear. Caroline had googled the restaurant. It was nice, but not crazily so. Well, she still had most of Hadlee's closet.

Caro: Can I raid your closet?
Hadlee: Why are you even asking?
Caro: Moral support, bitch.
Hadlee: They will love you. Now my turn.
Caro: Everyone loves you. Plus, with Boo they are stuck.
Hadlee: Damn it
Caro: Oh, I need your most capable outfit
Hadlee: Did you really just Clueless me?
Caro: Damn right I did
Hadlee: Okay, I have a UK blue dress with black checks it's quarter length sleeves. The boots that match are on the dresser. Grab the black pea coat. Braid that mess. Go easy on the eye makeup.
Caro: Okay I have an hour. I totally expect pictures of baby tall hot and sweaty
Hadlee: You have Dougie
Caro: Yes but I want references for Boo's future
Hadlee: Get ready they will love you. I love you and Boo loves you
Caro: I love you both.

Caroline grabbed the clothes and headed into the bathroom. The cramped space made her long for Dougie's bigger bathroom. A quick shower and Caroline was down to 45 minutes. Didn't he know not to rush a girl? Caroline dried her hair nearly dry and braided it into a fishtail braid. She tugged at it until it looked effortless. She took Had's advice and did very minimal makeup. Nude lip, smoked eye, peach blush, and a little bronzer so as not to look dead. Caroline grabbed the dress and boots and ventured into her room. Holy hell, she had 15 minutes. Note to self, don't say holy hell in front of Lynn and Doug. Caroline grabbed a Kentucky blue bra and panty set. She wasn't sure where they would end up after dinner but Dougie hadn't laid eyes on this set. Caroline wrestled herself into her black tights. She pulled the dress on and zipped it to the top but couldn't manage the top button. Dougie could do it up for her when he got there. She sat down on her messy bed and tugged on the boots. Caroline ran to Hadlee's room and looked in the full length mirror. She was somewhere between Junior League and sorority rush. It would have to do. She had 5 minutes left. She snapped a selfie and sent it to Hads and KK.

KK: Brad says you're hot and classy.
Caro: Tell the Hobbit I love him!
Hads: You're beautiful. Keep that dress.
Caro: Damn it he's 3 minutes early.
KK: Be nice! No swearing! And don't roll your eyes. You just rolled your eyes!!!
Caro: Yes mom. And I did roll my eyes. Love you chicks.

Caroline pulled the door open and cocked a hand on her hip "You're 3 minutes early, Hamilton."

"Can we chalk it up to missing you?" asked Dougie. Caroline eyed him carefully. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans, a steel gray button down, and a black and steel gray cardigan. He threw his coat over the chair by the door. She needed to work on his hair but she liked this look on him. Dougie started smirking at her "Did I pass inspection?"

"I'll take you either way." she said throwing his words back at him "Bathroom, Hamilton. I need to work with the mop." Caroline grabbed him by the hand and pulled him forward. She pushed him to sit. Caroline grabbed some styling wax and worked his hair in to a controlled mess. Caroline looked at him again. Once she decided she was done she took advantage of his seated position and kissed him quickly. She spun around "Do up this button and let's get out of here, I don't want to be late."

Dougie stood up and fastened the tiny black button. He pressed a kiss on the back of her neck. Caroline shivered and jumped away from him. "No way, Mister. We aren't going to be late."

"We won't be late. The reservations are for 7:30pm." he said smiling. Caroline was now scowling at him. "I wanted to give you a few minutes to get your bearings before mom and dad show up. Mom is kind of excited to meet you."

"Yes, Olympians scramble to meet me all the time." she sassed.

"Just mom and dad." he replied kissing her.

"Nope, no mussing my make up." she instructed "Out while I touch up my lips."

"I'll be in the living room."

"It's a good thing your cute, Dougie Hamilton!" she called "I don't like being rushed."

She heard his laugh. Dear lord. But God bless him for realizing she is perpetually late and trying to help. He really was pretty perfect. Caroline put in small paw print earrings. Caroline grabbed the black coat and headed to the living room. Dougie was watching the NHL channel. He really did live for food and hockey. Caroline cleared her throat. He clicked off the remote. Dougie stood up and came over to Caroline. "You're beautiful. My brother is going to try and steal you."

Caroline kissed him careful not to ruin her reapplied lipstick "I'm not available for a steal Mr. Hamilton." She smiled up at him. Caroline had on 4 in heels. Their normal 14 inch height difference wasn't so evident. Dougie grabbed his coat and pulled a small blue box from his pocket.

"So, I saw this and it made me think of you. I've had it since New York. But I got you the bear so I've been saving this for a special occasion. If you don't like it we can exchange it." rambled Dougie. He was still holding the box.

"Do I get to open it or do I have to guess Dougie?" teased Caroline stepping beside him. His face was as red as his hair. Dougie held out the box. Caroline took it and held it for a minute. Somehow Caroline didn't think she was Tiffany material. But he had a way of making her feel like she was special. She untied the ribbon carefully. "Dougie, you know that you don't have to bring me gifts. That I am content with just having you."

"I know. Now open the damn box. I'm totally blaming Spooner if you hate this." he replied. She sat the pristine ribbon on the coffee table. She laid the lid of the box beside the ribbon. Nestled in the box was a silver heart shaped key. She pulled the key and chain free from the box. She held it reverently. He'd gotten her another heart. Dougie Hamilton kept handing his heart over to her. Damned if it wasn't exactly what she wanted. Caroline rushed over to Dougie and hugged him. She laid her head near his collarbone. Dougie squeezed her. She held the delicate necklace out to him. Dougie fastened it into place. "Well, now you are even more perfect." He held a hand out to Caroline "Come on we don't want to be late."

Caroline snuggled closer to him. She was listening to that steady thump. "One more minute." she said holding him tighter. Dougie didn't say anything he just held her. Dougie knew he wanted to hold her for the rest of her life.

"I love you," she said looking at him "And I'm scared to death."

"Well, I probably love you and that scares the hell out of me too." he teased. Caroline's laugh rang out like a bell.

"We'll probably survive this." said Caroline "Come on, the Olympians want to meet me."

"Probably?" he replied "You're stuck with me Caroline Rhea Rader."

Caroline beamed up at him. His mouth found hers. Caroline wanted to show him exactly how much she loved him. But now was not the time. "Move that ass, Hamilton. You're people await."
Fifteen minutes later she was ready to hyperventilate. She could do this. Caroline knew she could do this. Dougie brought the SUV to a stop. He looked at Caroline and noticed that she was pale beneath the make-up. "Caroline, look at me. They already love you. No worries." She nodded. Dougie handed the keys to the valet and opened Caroline's door. He helped her out of the high car. Caroline grabbed his hand and intertwined their fingers. Dougie pulled her hand up and gave it a kiss. "If you want to go home, we will. No questions asked."

Caroline didn't have time to answer because as they entered the restaurant his mom came towards them. She was talking and gesturing and Caroline wasn't sure what was taking place because Dougie had put himself between her and his mother. That was definitely a perk of having her own D-man, protective instincts. But she knew she couldn't hide behind him all night. Caroline stepped up beside Dougie. She was clutching his hand like a life line but she had stepped up. Caroline noticed his father and brother standing to the left of his mother.

"Douglas Jonathan Hamilton, quit hiding her behind you like she’s a hockey puck." admonished
his mom "Why didn't you tell me she was gorgeous? She is stunning."

"Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton" replied Caroline "Dougie normally sees me in yoga pants and his shirts. Dressy Caroline is for special occasions."

"Special occasions, sweetheart meeting us isn't anything special. None of that Mrs. Hamilton stuff. I'm Lynn and this is Doug." said Lynn "Dougie has told me all about you, but not obviously not enough." Lynn took her arm and led her away from Dougie toward the hostess stand.

"Mom stole your girlfriend." laughed Freddie "How the hell did you score a chick that hot?"

"Thanks, Bro." said Dougie "She's amazing, and I need to save her from mom."

"She is tiny!" exclaimed Doug "How tall is she Dougie?"

"She’s 5'3 when she isn't wearing those monster heels. She was a NCAA cheerleader for the University of Kentucky. She is three time All American in cheerleading. She’s a power tumbler." explained Dougie ushering his father and brother faster to rescue Caroline.

"Cheerleading?" questioned Freddie "That’s like an ice girl, right? But for football and basketball."

"Umm, don't let her hear that!" laughed Dougie "It'll be your funeral. Also, best not to mention the University of Alabama."

"So, I’m supposed to be afraid of that little girl?" asked Freddie walking closer to Caroline.

"Your funeral." said Dougie coming to stand next to Caroline. Dougie tucked her up against his side. He felt her relax into his hold. "Sweetheart, I was telling dad about your athletic career."

"Well, considering they are Olympians and you and your brother are hockey pros, I'm sure my cheering seems small." replied Caroline.

"You trained from age 4 and you girls are still helping Boston College. You have 3 National titles." said Dougie giving her a squeeze. They were following the hostess to the table. "Mom, I'll have to show you some of her tumbling and stunts on YouTube."

"No, sir!" said Caroline smacking him in the abs.

"Ow!" whined Dougie as he held out her chair "Mean. Caroline, Hadlee, and Kayleigh are amazing gymnasts."

His father ordered wine for the table and appetizers. He was studying Dougie and Caroline. It was almost like magnets. Dougie seemed drawn to her. He never stopped touching her. Doug remembered what it was like meeting Lynn at the Olympics. The tiny auburn haired girl had Dougie the same way he'd been over Dougie's mom. He knew from the minute he saw her he loved her. He wondered if Dougie felt the same way.

"Did you ever compete in gymnastics?" asked Lynn.

"Not unless it was part of a competition. Cheer gymnastics and Olympic style gymnastics are completely different. We didn't use apparatus. We are more like floor routine. But we have stunting in pairs and groups." explained Caroline "I can do some of what they do and they can do some of what I do, but it would be a confusing in jumble."

"So, it's like ice girls?" asked Freddie.

"Basically, except a lot more tumbling, stunting, and synchronized dance. Less cleavage, make-up, and skating." she answered politely. Dougie started laughing. Caroline looked at him. "What Hamilton?"

"He is messing with you." replied Dougie.

"No worries, I can take care of myself." she said patting his arm.

"Caroline, you have a degree in teaching?" asked Doug

"Yes, sir. But I am going back to school. I think I missed my calling."

Dougie beamed at her. "Yeah?" he asked.

"Yeah," she replied smiling back "Hadlee and I worked it out."

"I told you I would help you."

"And I appreciate that, but I need to do it on my own." she answered "I keep telling him he isn't some kind of ATM."

"Where do I find one?" asked Freddie.

"You want blondes, red heads, brunettes?" teased Caroline "I have sorority sisters and cheer girls."

"Sign me up!" Freddie replied as the waiter took their orders.

Caroline seemed to relax over the course of dinner. His mother appeared to like her. Caroline hoped she had made a good impression. Dougie had been attentive all night. She wasn't sure what she did to deserve him, but she never wanted to lose him. They were debating on dessert. She had only been half listening to the conversation.

"Caro" said Dougie.

"Sorry," she replied "thinking."

"They have a black forest torte." explained Dougie "Want to give it a try?" Caroline nodded consent. "She loves anything cherry."

Lynn began a conversation with her about hair. Caroline became animated. His mom was already planning the wedding. That suited Dougie, but he knew better than to push.

"You know about her, Segs, and Blacker?" said Freddie in a whisper. Dougie nodded.

"Don't care past is the past." shrugged Dougie.

"So, when Segs rolls up here to Boston?" asked Freddie.

"They are friends. Segs and I are friends. He texts her from time to time. But it's harmless."

"Segs, harmless?" laughed Freddie "Harmless my ass!"

"Tyler and I are friends," said Caroline "I think the last texts were the ones you read to me while I was picking your suits."

"Oh, when Marchand was baking." answered Dougie.

"What is going on here?" quizzed Freddie "You hooked up with a hot cheerleader and Marchand is baking?"

"Marchand is engaged." said Caroline quietly

"What?!" exclaimed Freddie

"Brad is marrying my best friend Kayleigh." answered Caroline "She has domesticated the hobbit."

"You make short jokes?" asked Doug.

"Yes, sir. Brad loves to stand around between KK, Hads, and I. We make him look like a giant. I am the tall one of my group." she explained. Doug started laughing. "What's 14 inches between friends? Right, Hamilton."

Dougie laughed this time. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Nothing Sweetheart."

"Oh, that necklace is beautiful." said his mother "It's unique."

"Dougie gave it to me tonight." explained Caroline "I think it's a don't run off, meet my parents gift."

"I didn't," said Dougie looking at his mom "I bought it for her a week or so ago. But then I got her a different present, so I had this one." Caroline handed Dougie a fork to share her dessert. Freddie was making a mess of a lava cake. While his parents were sharing a fruit tart.

"So, what present is better than this beautiful necklace?" asked his mom. Caroline immediately got nervous.

"It will probably seem very odd," answered Caroline "But it is my favorite present anyone has ever given me."

Doug and Lynn were both waiting to hear what extravagant gift he had bought Caroline. Lynn didn't think Caroline was after Dougie for his money. In fact, she seemed to think he needed to quit spoiling her.

"Better than the Keurig at my place?" asked Dougie.

"Better than the Keurig." she laughed "I'm a little evil until I've had coffee."

Doug and Lynn were waiting expectantly. She didn't even know where to begin. Caroline just jumped in. "Dougie isn't like anyone else I've ever dated. Not because of the celebrity thing. But because of him being a decent person. He wasn't just trying to pick me up. I think in those first few dates just snuggled up watching Scandal with Dougie was calming. I am usually a hyper hot mess. But I find his heartbeat calming. Mine goes like a hummingbird. His is like him, strong steady." Dougie took her hand again "So, while he was in New York he got me a teddy bear."

"A teddy bear?" said Freddie in disbelief "Is it bedazzled? Made of gold?"

"No" replied Caroline "He a brown bear with a gold ribbon. But he is special."

"So is Dougie." razzed Freddie.

"Why is he special?" asked Lynn.

"He plays Dougie's heartbeat when you squeeze him. So, even if he is on the road I have it. It's the one thing I miss the most. That steadying sound." she answered looking at his parents "And now they think I’m crazy, Dougie Hamilton."

"Oh no, dear! I think that is a perfect gift. But how did you get the bear made?"

"Spoons and I were in NYC. He saw a lady with a giraffe version and asked about it. When she told us that her husband was deployed and she was mailing the baby's heartbeat to the dad, I knew Caroline needed one. So, we headed to the boutique. After a lot talking we got her to make the Doppler recording. She recorded it on a drive in the bear." explained Dougie.

"It's close to perfect." said Caroline. Dougie and Freddie were arguing over paying the bill. Doug grabbed it and gave the waitress his credit card.

"Dad!" said the boys at the same time.

"I've got it," he said in a definitive tone "It's good to treat my sons. It not every day my son literally gives his heart to someone." He smiled at Caroline "Welcome to the Hamilton family, Caroline."

"Ohh," said Caroline "Thank you. I've been nervous to meet you all and I know it was for no reason. But I have truly enjoyed getting to know you."

"No worries, dear." sniffled Lynn "If Dougie is happy and loves you. We love you, too."

"How come no one loves my dates?" asked Freddie.

"Because strippers aren't dates," deadpanned Doug "bring home a decent girl like Caroline and we'll see."

They made their way to the valet stand. Caroline hugged his parents and made plans to shop and have lunch with Lynn the next day. They were soon on their separate ways.

"Where to?" asked Dougie.

"Doesn't matter to me." she answered honestly "Home is where you are. I love you and your family." And Caroline meant every word.

Notes

So this Draft, UFA, and RFA period have been crazy. I am so sad to see Dougie go. But if he wasn't happy with the Bruins he couldn't stay. With that being said I don't believe the stories that his team didn't like him. He is a super smart kid and was quiet. Sometimes the lack of a big personality makes people think you aren't likeable.
Since I wrote these stories day for day I have plenty of time to decide what will happen when the trades happen. So since several readers have asked me to continue these stories I will. God Speed to Dougie, Soda, Looch, Paille, Soupy, Reilly, Bartowski (we really do love him), Warf, and all the P Bruins who have went to other teams. Welcome to all the new Bruins. Zac Rinaldo this shit stops here and now. And a moment of silence for Paul Martin being a Shark and my Swedish Prince Carl Hagelin being traded to the Ducks.