Caroline sighed again as she made a mental note never to bring the rookie to Wal-Mart ever again. Apparently Baby K liked to people watch and had no idea that one store could have so many different things in it. Apparently where he was from and in Sweden it was pretty much specialized shops. So she had followed him all over the store laughing at his antics.

"Come Baby K" she called at the rookie "We need to beat Hadlee to Kevan's I told her you would take Deke out."

"Yeah" he said "I want to play with Deke. I miss him."

"Maybe when you get settled you can get a dog." said Caroline "But first you got to make it to the big leagues."

Caroline looked at the cart and shook her head. Feeding the rookie was as bad if not worse than feeding the boys. She had painstakingly went over his lists of what he could and couldn't have. It was probably good that she committed this stuff to memory anyway so she could take care of Dougie. Wow, when did she decide she wanted to take care of anyone? Yep, Dougie had wormed his way right into her heart. Now she just had to hope he didn't shatter it.

Caroline took a picture of her cart with the Bruins notebook open, the contents, and Baby K in the checkout line. She fired it off as a text to Dougie .

Caroline: Rookie sitting! By the way you all need to take him out more he is fascinated by Wal-Mart.
Dougie: Looks like fun. Haha you have the food bible.
Caroline: You athlete types are pains in the ass.
Dougie: But you miss me
Caroline: Nope I have Baby K to keep me entertained. Right now he is playing in the impulse items
Dougie: So easily replaceable
Caroline: Not even Hamilton
Dougie: We are boarding the plane. I will text when we land. Don't spoil the rookie.

"Hamilton good" asked Baby K

"Yes, he is fine they are boarding the plane for Detroit." she replied.

"Marchy tell Smitty that they are going to break his brother's face."

"And this is why we don't let Brad teach you English. Move it Baby K let's check out."

"Check out what?" asked Pastrnak.

"It's how we say pay here in the States." she explained.

"Ah the guys check out girls" he looked confused.

"Point of fact here Baby K" she further explained "Checking out at a store means paying for whatever you are buying. Checking out girls means looking at them. Never ever pay for a girl got it. That is bad here in the states."

He looked at her very seriously and nodded. She noted the confusion. She made a mental note to have Krejci explain this to him better. She probably needed a list of things she would screw up this week. They paid for the groceries and headed to Kevan's. When they arrived in the lobby Caroline noticed Deke playing with Greg. When Deke spotted Baby K he took off running across the lobby and slid into Baby K's shoe when he hit the marble floor. Caroline quirked and eyebrow at Greg.

"Miss Hadlee called she thought he might be lonely" replied Greg "She asked if I would check on him. He was whining in his cage so I brought him down. I took him out and then he promptly fell asleep at my feet. So here he is."

"Greg you are by far too good to all of us." said Caroline "I will call KK and get her to bring treats. Baby K grab the pup."

Pastrnak picked Deke up and laughed as the little dog squirmed and licked his face. "He likes me" he said to no one in particular. Caroline rolled her eyes.

"Oh Greg" she called "This is David Pastrnak, or Baby K as we call him, he will be staying with me, Had, and KK until Thursday. We are rookie sitting."

"Mr. Miller told me the plan for the week." said Greg "Let me know if you girls need any cars arranged or if you need me to keep an eye on the rookie."

"Again Greg too good." she laughed. Greg offered to help carry in the groceries. Caroline shooed him away and assured him that was what the rookie was for.

Once they got everything settled inside the apartment Caroline began unpacking the groceries. Baby K had settled himself on the floor and was playing tug of war with Deke. Caroline snapped a pic and texted it over to Hadlee.

Caroline: Honey we are home
Hadlee: I'll be there in an hour
Caroline: The boys boarded about 45 minutes ago
Hadlee: Aw both of our babies
Caroline: Miller has made your brain mush
Hadlee: Yeah word on the street is that you and Hamilton almost broke the shower
Caroline: I hate Reilly
Hadlee:LOL
Caroline: Later hooker
Hadlee: Love you too

There was a knock on the door and then it opened and KK strolled in. She stopped and petted the puppy and then ruffled Baby K's hair as well. He smiled up at her and showed her Deke's attempt at fetching. Caroline and KK both laughed when he did his famous area rug impersonation instead of bringing Baby K the rope.

"Keep working on it" laughed Caroline.

"What are we having for dinner" asked KK?

"Wine and ice cream" replied Caroline.

"Okay" said KK "So what is Davey going to eat."

"Fine, i guess we will have broiled chicken, veggies, and brown rice. But i reserve the right to have wine and ice cream." laughed Caroline.

"What about frozen Reeces cups" asked Baby K

"If you eat all your vegetables" said Caroline. KK started laughing. Did Dougie even have a clue as to what kind of mess Caroline and kids would be? KK shook her head. She was pretty sure he wouldn't care as long as he got to come home to Caroline.

"Did you talk to Marchy about the bracelet" asked Caroline.

"No" she replied "But I left him a rambling message."

"It's fine KK" said Caroline "He will call when they touch down in Detroit." The girls started working on dinner. By the time Hadlee made it home dinner was done and Deke and Baby K were both asleep on the couch.

"Well was it a big day for both of them or are y'all boring." asked Hadlee.

"Well Deke doesn't fetch yet and Baby K had never been to Wal-Mart. Oh and I may have confused him about prostitution." replied Caroline

"Well that's understandable" said Hadlee "What the hell Caroline?"

"He was confused by checking out and checking out girls. Then I tried to explain never pay for girls and it went downhill from there. Needless to say Krejci has some explaining to do when they get home."

Hadlee and Kayleigh were both laughing. Hadlee wasn't sure what was funnier Caro and Baby K talking about hookers in Wal-Mart or poor Krejci explaining it all to the kid.

"Hey Baby K" called Caroline "Wake up dinner is ready."

When he didn't wake from his nap Caroline picked up the dish cloth from the table and hurled it at his head. He blinked and sat up still clutching Deke. He smiled when he saw Hadlee.

"I take him out then dinner" he said to the girls. They decided to just leave all the food in the kitchen and fix plates to take to the living room. Davey bounded back into the apartment with Deke at his heels. Deke slid to a halt at Hadlee's feet.

"Going to wash up" he said venturing out of the living room.

About 10 minutes later all of them were scattered on various pieces of furniture in the living room. They discussed Baby K's tv preferences and decided that he needed broaden his horizons. So he was currently trying to understand the Real Housewives of Atlanta. They went over his schedule for the week while finishing up dinner. It seemed like his schedule could easily blend into theirs. Hadlee would take him to the practice facility every morning in Wilmington. Kayleigh could pick him up after she left the bakery for the day. They had this rookie sitting under control. Baby K helped clear the plates and load the dishwasher. They might as well house break him for future girlfriends while they had him.

Caroline headed to the bedroom to get dressed for work. She would much rather stay in with the girls but she needed a paycheck and wanted to be off when Dougie was home. When she came back into the living room Baby K was laying in the floor watching the TV with Deke laying on his back. KK was watching Jeopardy while Hadlee was buried in some law book. Very domestic. She snapped a pic and sent it to Dougie. She then snapped a selfie and sent it to him as well. She figured he would get a kick out of her dressed as a German beer girl.

"Well that's interesting" said Hadlee taking in Caroline's outfit.

"It's October and costume month all month long." said Caroline "Tomorrow I am wearing Dougie's jersey and going as an ice girl."

Baby K looked very confused. Then again KK also looked confused. Kayleigh shook her head. "You aren't wearing that on the T are you?"

"No Dougie, I am not" laughed Caroline "I have Dougie's SUV but would really prefer to steal your Fiat Hadlee."

"Keys are in my purse" replied Hadlee "Be careful."

Caroline heard her phone beep as she entered the elevator. She managed to pull the phone from the tiny purse she was carrying. She laughed when she read the text.

Dougie: Holy hell Caroline are you all playing dress up with the kid?
Caroline: Nope it's October costume month at work.
Dougie: You are going to the bar in that?
Caroline: On my way now. Have Had's keys and keeping my promise.
Dougie: What time are you off tonight?
Caroline: I work 8-12am.
Dougie: Text me when you get in.
Caroline: I will. How is Detroit?
Dougie: Dirty and lonely.
Caroline: 4 sleeps remember. You can't be that lonely you have an entire hockey team with you.
Dougie: I am rooming with Spooner. So that's a plus.
Caroline: What are you all doing tonight?
Dougie: Team dinner then we have to be in by 10 pm. I think I will just come back to the room and crash.
Caroline: I will text when I get in.
Dougie: FaceTime me.
Caroline: I will.
Dougie: Be careful. I miss you
Caroline: Miss you too.

Hadlee, Kayleigh, and Davey were sitting in Kevan's living room watching Dancing with the Stars. So far Baby K hadn't been impressed by anything other than how pretty a few of the girls were. He did seem to know who the girl dancing with Val was. Apparently he was a fan of the show Pretty Little Liars. He even told KK that she favored one of the actresses. She just laughed at him. Hadlee disappeared through the apartment. She found the linens and fixed the bed in the office for Baby K. The entire room smelled like Kevan. She stepped over the bags that Davey had dropped in the room. She made sure the tv worked and turned on the lamp on Kevan's desk before turning off the overhead light. He would be ready for bed whenever he wanted.

Kayleigh told her that she was going to head over to her apartment for the night but would be back tomorrow evening. Hadlee understood her apartment was much closer to the bakery. Hadlee and Baby K watched all of Dancing with the Stars and finished the latest episode of Castle. Gears offered to take Deke out while Hadlee got ready for bed. Hadlee got ready for bed. She decided that since Baby K was here she would throw on pj pants and Kevan's shirt. When Davey got back he put Deke in his box. Hadlee showed him the room and how to work the TV. She flipped the lights in the apartment off but left on the living room lamp and kitchen sink light for Caroline.

The night was a typical Monday night in a bar. Regulars and baseball fans. Caroline ended up having enough time to get the bar cleaned and stocked before her shift ended. She walked out into the parking lot and headed home. She had to admit it was nice to be not have to stand and wait on the T. Caroline texted Hadlee that she was on the way.

Caroline quietly entered the apartment. She made her way to Kevan and Hadlee's room. She laughed Hadlee was sitting in the bed reading a law book and Law and Order SVU was on the TV. Hadlee looked up at her. Hadlee shook her head at Caroline's outfit. Caroline stripped out of her costume and into one of Dougie's shirts. Caroline texted Dougie then went to brush her teeth. While she was gone Hadlee had climbed over to the other side of the bed.

"Well this is weird" said Hadlee "I am used to being on that side."

"You want me to trade" asked Caroline laughing. Hadlee shook her head and buried her face in Kevan's pillow. Caroline's phone chirped. Dougie said he was going to Facetime her.


Caroline answered the call. She laughed when she saw Dougie and Spooner both in the same bed.

"Any particular reason you are snuggling with Spoons?" she asked laughing again.

"Me and Spoons went and watched Annabelle" replied Dougie "Spoons is having some anxiety."

Caroline burst out laughing. Hadlee rolled over and looked at the screen. Dougie waved at Hadlee.

"Caroline is there a giraffe in bed with them as well?" asked Hadlee. Sure enough there was a stuffed giraffe in the bed with them.

"What kind of kinky shit are you boys into" quizzed Caroline "You've been gone less than 15 hours and you are snuggling boys and giraffes."

"Spooner's giraffe" replied Dougie as if it were normal for a grown man to have a stuffed giraffe in his hotel room "Part of the hockey juju, sweetheart. I'd rather be snuggling with you."

"So instead you are spooning with Spoons" she asked "That's fucked up Hamilton."

"You have Hadlee to snuggle with." replied Dougie "We are not spooning."

"By virtue of being in bed with Spooner you are spooning. Right Hadlee" teased Caroline

"Gonna give her that one Hamilton."

"Spooning with Spoons" yelled Ryan "That can be a segment on Behind The B"

"I'll make you famous" said Caroline quoting Tombstone.

Dougie started laughing. He missed her sassiness. Hell he just missed her and it was night 1. Dougie pushed Spooner's head out of the screen.

"How was work" asked Dougie

"Boring only regular drunks on baseball guys on Monday nights. Football season is starting to draw people in as well."

"What are you wearing tomorrow during this costume shenanigans?"

"It's a surprise Hamilton you'll have to wait and see. But I promise to text you a picture before puck drop." smirked Caroline.

"Deal" said Hamilton "They are knocking on doors making sure we are in for the night. I have to go. Miss you Sweetheart."

"Miss you too Dougie" she replied

"Don't do anything Kayleigh wouldn't do" called Dougie. Caroline laughed and blew him a kiss.

"Nite Hamilton" called Hadlee.

Caroline is disconnected the call. She laid down beside Hadlee. Caroline was still smiling when

Hadlee rolled over to face her. Hadlee started laughing.
"What" demanded Caroline.

"Nothing" replied Hadlee.

"No it was something" said Caroline.

"He loves you. You know that, right?" explained Hadlee "Not like I love to have sex with you, not like your his favorite booty call, but he honestly like you."

"I'm not sure it's love" said Caroline.

"Caroline you love him too if you would just admit it." admonished Hadlee "when have you ever been this crazy about a guy."

Caroline snuggled up next to her. She was quiet for a minute. Hadlee threw and arm around her and hugged her.

"I miss him. I like being around him. He makes me happy." replied Caroline " I haven't as much as looked at another guy other than to sling him a beer. I am so afraid I will fuck this up."

"Then don't" said Hadlee.

"Promise not to make fun of me?" asked Caroline.

"No" said Hadlee laughing "But you have to tell me anyway on the grounds that I am your bestie?"

Caroline laughed. She wouldn't have agreed to it either. That's why they were best friends.

"The thing I miss most about him is his heartbeat." said Caroline quietly.

"Well that wasn't what I was expecting" replied Hadlee.

"I know right" said Caroline "It's just I can be quiet with him and it's not awkward. Sometimes it's the only sound in the room."

"Aww you really do love him." said Hadlee squealing.

"Shut up" yelled Caroline hitting her.

"I love you Caro" said Hadlee

"Love you too" said Caroline

Notes

Hey gang sorry it took so long. I kind of had a last minute crazy idea of going to Nashville to watch the Preds play the Pens.

In case you haven't saw the picture of Dougie Spooner and the Giraffe I am posting it for your viewing please. I have no clue what went on that led to this picture but I love it.