Can't Always Get What You Want

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Caroline heard her phone bleating on the bedside table. She rolled over to look at the clock and noticed it was already 10am. She grabbed the phone from the charger. She laughed at the screenshot. She forgot that she had set the pic of Dougie and Spooner snuggling as Dougie's id. She swiped the phone to answer.

"Hey" she said still giggling.

"I don't know if I should be glad you are in a great mood or scared that that you are giggling when answering my calls" said Dougie.

"I forgot that I set your pic id to the picture of you and Spoons cuddling after the scary movie. It was cute." she replied.

"So you have me and Spoons as my pic id" laughed Dougie.

"I told you she loves me" yelled Spooner.

"Aww Spoons are you taking care of my boy?" she called

"He is a blanket hog" replied Spooner "I'm going to be happy to be back in the apartment."

"Sleep in your own bed" said Dougie sarcastically "What's the plan for the day?"

"Well I was going to nap until my boyfriend comes home."

"Sounds like an eventful day"

"Yep, but since someone woke me up. You have a bad habit of that Hamilton." teased Caroline "I think I will cook dinner at Kevan's, hang out with the girls, and then go sleep in my guys giant bed."

"Do you have a plan for getting your guy home since you have his truck and dumped him and his roommates off at the Garden." inquired Dougie.

"You are a buzzkill, Hamilton. Always messing with my sleep. I might be convinced to pick you guys up." replied Caroline "But I am wearing my new pjs I refuse to get dressed."

"You could steal a hoodie out of your boys closet." said Dougie "I have it on good authority he won't mind. Our flight will be in at 12:00 we will be at the Garden by 12:30. I can get one of the guys to drop us off."

"Nope I get to pick you up Hamilton."

"Did you tell her me and Smitty got her a present?" called Spoons

"No I have not told her that you two idiots bought her a present." said Dougie

"I love presents" said Caroline "Should I be afraid? Does it breathe? Is it a giraffe?"

Dougie laughed and relayed her questions to Spoons. Both boys were laughing .

"No, it did at one point, and no giraffes are special." replied Spoons

"Ok now I am scared" said Caroline trying to think of what it could be "Does it bite?"

"No more than Spooner" deadpanned Dougie.
"Cryptic." laughed Caroline "Guess I will pick you so I get presents."

"That the only reason" asked Dougie.

"Yep" said Caroline "Plus I might have missed McQuaid and Smitty."

"Caroline!" called Dougie

"OK fine I totally missed you. And I can't wait to snuggle up and go to sleep. I have not slept great without you." she replied


"Miss you too. Spooner is boney." teased Hamilton


"All about that bass eh Hamilton?" she laughed


"You are saying eh now. My job is complete. Canadian brainwashing has commenced." said Dougie.


"Say it isn't so my love. I much prefer that Boston Southern accent." said Spoons


"Why are you involved in this conversation Spooner" asked Dougie


"How else will I make sure you probably don't screw this up" laughed Spooner. Caroline was listening to the boys argue. Then heard a thump. Followed by Spoons whining that Dougie shoved him off the bed.


"Be nice to Spoons." admonished Caroline "All the other girls have cute puppies. Me I have Spoons, McQuaid, and Smitty."


"They behave like animals"


"See so you have to be nice to my pets. Or I could totally keep Baby K as a pet."


"What is it with that kid?" asked Dougie


"He is totally adorable, helpful around the house, and hilarious." replied Caroline "Can I keep him please Dougie?"

"No he is going back to Krejci's before you all spoil him to death. He is a hockey player. He isn't a pet."


"He can be our pet" said Caroline "We promise to feed him, take him to practice, and we won't let him off his leash in big crowds."


"The kid is going back to Krejci's" replied Dougie "No more rookie sitting."


"Fine but he and Desi are coming to the game with us Saturday and I don't want in the WAG box so will you all work on that for us."


"You got it sweetheart." said Dougie "What are you three going to do if they send him down to Providence?"


"I guess we will dig through your and Kevan's clothes until we find enough PBruins stuff to wear to his games."


"I can hook you up" called Spooner "23's all around"


"See I got it handled Hamilton" laughed Caroline. She heard the commotion of people banging on the doors of the hotel.


"Got to go Caroline" said Dougie "Love you"


"You sure Hamilton" asked Caroline.


"Probably" he replied.


"Love you too Dougie" she answered smiling at the probably "See you tonight. I'll be the one in tiny boxers shorts and ginormous hoodie from my boys closet."


"See you soon sweetheart." said Dougie. Caroline heard Spoons yelling by sweetheart as Dougie disconnected the call.


Caroline rolled out of bed and hit the shower. After scrubbing, exfoliating, and shaving she climbed out of the shower. She slathered on lotion. Caroline spent the next little bit drying her hair. She decided since the only place she was going was Dougie's that she would just throw on yoga pants and one of Dougie's t-shirts. She did her makeup and managed to tame her hair into a fishtail braid. She slicked on lip gloss. She rummaged through Kevan's kitchen and couldn't find a crock pot. She sent a text to Hadlee.


Caroline: Does Miller have crock pot gonna make white chili?
Hadlee: Maybe look in the little closet where I keep Deke's stuff.
Caroline: Nope, I will grab one of ours.
Hadlee: I guess I need to get Kevan a crock pot.
Caroline: I've seen him mostly undressed not having a crock pot is definitely not a deal breaker
Hadlee: dear lord Caroline
Caroline: What it's hard not to look Hadlee
Hadlee: I thought I was the only one.
Caroline: See you this evening. No more snuggling.
Hadlee: No offense but I really miss my 200lb heater
Caroline: If that is all you miss about that boy we need to have a talk
Hadlee: Bye Caroline I have work to do.
Caroline: Laters baby


Caroline locked Kevan's apartment. She stopped at the desk and spoke to Greg. He assured her that he would let her back in after she fetched the crock pot. Caroline drove Dougie's truck to pick up the crock pot. Her and Hadlee's apartment was usually the groups landing place. It had somehow transitioned to Miller's place. However, it might just become a place for her and Hamilton to be truly alone. Caroline grabbed the crock pot. She headed into her room and dug through her lingerie. She found the black lace she was looking for and tossed them in a bag with her new pjs. She grabbed a clean outfit for the next day. She also grabbed the UK hoodie she had her mom send up for Dougie. It was almost basketball season Hamilton had to get with the program. She knew he liked the Celtics. Several former wildcats played for them. She hoped he would like it.


Caroline tossed her bag in the back seat of the truck. She stopped and filled the SUV up with gas. She looked at the clock it was nearly 2pm. She stopped at the grocery store and grabbed what she needed for the chili. She made it to Kevan's at a quarter til 3. She had her bag over her shoulder, the grocery bags looped over her arms, and was carrying the crock pot. Greg grabbed the crock pot and took the bags. He rearrange the bags on his arms. Caroline grabbed the crock pot. He helped her into Kevan's apartment and was gone before she could tip him. She fired off a text to KK to bring Greg treats.


Caroline was sweating garlic and onions when Baby K bounded into the apartment followed by Greg Campbell. Deke crawled off Caroline's foot and headed straight for Baby K. "Traitor" said Caroline in the general direction of the furball. She was carefully picking chicken off the bones and tossing the meat into the onion and garlic mixture.


"So all of you cook, all of you cheered, and all of you are hot" said Campbell "How is it you ended up with my boys."

"Yes we all cook" replied Caroline "Not sure I blame Miller. He nearly broke Hadlee and the rest of them were bonus Bruins."

"Bonus Bruins" laughed Campbell sitting on a bar stool "Never heard that before. What are you making?"

"White chicken chili" she explained "But Had calls it chicken fajita soup."

"Sounds good." he replied. Baby K and Deke skidded into the kitchen. Caroline noticed he had changed clothes and thrown a snapback on.

"I take Deke for walk" said Davey "Then if ok Desi come over until game over."

"Sure kiddo" answered Caroline as he headed to the door with Deke "Hey Davey get his leash."

He smiled and held up the little Bruins harness "I got it."

"Hey Baby K" called Caroline " What did KK say about Desi coming over tonight?"

"She can come over after you get here. No alone. She go home after game." replied Davey.

"Just checking Kiddo" laughed Caroline "Don't go far and take your phone."
Caroline turned her attention back to the food and a very amused Greg Campbell. Caroline tossed the last of the chicken into the crock pot. She cleaned the mess and scrubbed her hands. Greg was watching her work but was still smirking.

"What" asked Caroline.

"He told you exactly what Kayleigh said." replied Greg

"Of course he did" said Caroline "He is a really good kid. We all love him like a little brother. We don't want to see Segs style mistakes from the kid. So we've adopted him."

"He has a good head. He wants to play hockey. He is humble. He is a hell of a talent. In 2 years we will all be amazed with him."

"I know he is fast. I get why the Swedes call him Gears." replied Caroline "He doesn't have a clue how talented he is."

"Nope and we were afraid all of you petting on him would give him the big head. Instead the kid asks permission for his date to come over, you all feed him from the food bible, and get him to and from practice with ease." said Greg "You all are a surprise too."

"Aww Soupy did you all think we were bubble headed twits because of the cheer stuff?" asked Caroline " Had's a damn attorney, KK has a Masters in Nutrition, and I have degree in education."

"No" said Soupy shaking his head "But you all are a welcome change from the puck sluts. Katie and the girls are really wanting you all to come to the WAG events."

"I'm sure" said Caroline rolling her eyes. She was combing the rest of the ingredients in the crock pot. She cranked the heat and placed the lid on the pot. She threw the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

"I'm serious. Brittney Lucic really likes all of you. That's kind of the litmus test." answered Greg "Plus Brad may have said you were the last hold out on the anti-WAG train."

"I'm going to kill the munchkin." said Caroline "I'm sure they are all nice. I am just better in groups of guys than girls."

"Just give it a try. The girls are going to get the first and second years dressed to go visit Boston Childrens. I know the entire plan kind of hinges on Dougie. So help with it. And then if you still don't like it I'll get the girls to drop it."

"Fine, one event" she agreed. Greg smiled at her. "Damn it why are you so attractive?"

He started to laugh. "We aren't come on Z has a face only a mother could love. And Seids."

"You and your charm need to leave before I change my mind Campbell" laughed Caroline

"I'm going" he replied "Thanks Caroline, Katie and the girls will be excited."

"How did you get nominated to talk to me." asked Caroline

"Gears" replied Greg "He said if I convince Caro everyone else goes along with it. I'm just opportunistic."

"I told you the kid was smart." said Caroline as she walked Greg to the door.

"He's right though. He told Bartowski all of you all are nice." said Greg "By the way he thinks Kayleigh doesn't like him."

"No one likes Bart" answered Caroline "Plus he broke Baby K."

"I told him" said Greg "Plus Kayleigh told him exactly what she thought about breaking the rook." He waved and walked out the door.

Caroline was busy packing her stuff that was scattered around Kevan's apartment. She was noticing how much of Hadlee's stuff was at Kevan's. She also noticed how comfortable Hadlee was at Kevan's. Caroline was bracing for the day Hadlee moved in with Kevan. It was coming and she knew it. They had lived together for 9 years. It would be a transition. But remarkably since she had Dougie it didn't seem like a crisis. Caroline headed to the living room with her bags. She sat them by the door and went to stir the chili in the kitchen. She heard the door open and just assumed it was Baby K.

"Honey I'm home" called Kayleigh it had been a running joke between the girls since their dorm days.

"About damn time" yelled Caro from the kitchen.

"Been busy not going back to SugarBaker's until Monday"

Caroline came out of the kitchen and pressed her hand to Kayleigh's forehead. She then looked Kayleigh over in a suspicious fashion.

"Who are you and what have you done with the baking nazi." asked Caroline.

"Funny Caro." replied Kayleigh "Making some time for myself and for Brad."

"Who in the hell ever thought Brad Marchand would be a good influence on you." teased Caroline.
Kayleigh started laughing. Brad was good for her. He had brought her out of her shell and out of the kitchen. "He is good for me. I just want to be able to be around him. It seems like a lot of the time we end up napping. 3 stolen hours here 3 stolen hours there. It is really me being kind of selfish."


"It is not" said Caroline "You don't have a selfish bone in your body."


"Hey chicks" called Hadlee coming into the kitchen. "Why is Kayleigh not being selfish. We all should sometimes"


"Guess who isn't going into SugarBaker's until Monday" said Caroline.


"Are you going to fire whoever. You shouldn't put up with that KK" began Hadlee


"Um it's me" said Kayleigh smiling at Hadlee "I promoted Raven and Ty. So they will be covering a lot of the time I spent baking on game days and weekends. I want to be there for Brad."


"Did you check her for fever" asked Hadlee looking at Caroline "Make sure there were any pod person marks on her neck."


"Yep, it's her" said Caroline "Brain fever was my first inclination as well."


"I can hear you" said Kayleigh looking at her friends. Both of which were laughing even harder "What?" asked Kayleigh.


"When the guys are talking about Bradley Keith and he is there in the room he always yells I can hear you at the boys." said Hadlee "you just did the same thing."


"You totally did" giggled Caroline "we are teasing. I am thrilled you are coming out of the kitchen."


"Let's just hope he starts using your words instead of his" joked Hadlee hugging Kayleigh "I'm glad you are acting like yourself."


Hadlee changed clothes and came back into the kitchen. She and the girls were discussing the plans for the night when Davey, Desi, and Deke came into the living room. Deke flipped out when he saw Hadlee and was bouncing straight up and down barking. Hadlee picked him up and detached his harness while cooing at the furball. Hadlee was busy telling him that Kevan would be home in a few hours.


"Desi and I going to pack my stuff" said Davey leading Desi down the hall. The girls watched them go.


"Davey leave the door open" called Kayleigh. He called back he would.


"Leave him alone" scolded Caroline.


"He needs direction" said Kayleigh "He needs to make the big team."


She looked at Hadlee for back up. Hadlee started laughing. She heard her iPad chirp. She pulled it out of her purse. She was still laughing at the conversation between KK and Caro. Hadlee pushed the button and saw Kevan and the guys in base layers.

"Hey hot stuff" said Kevan "Having fun at my place without me."


"Right now I am listening to Caroline and KK as Caroline accuses KK of cockblocking Baby K."


"I did not" said Kayleigh coming over to the screen "I just asked him to leave the door open since Desi is here with him."


Caroline also came to stand by the screen "It's all skates before dates here Miller"


Kevan burst out laughing at the girls and was relaying this conversation to the locker room. Hadlee saw Brad and Dougie come over to the screen. Brad was wearing his UK cap. "Nice hat Marchy" said Hadlee.


"So Doll, are you keeping the rookie from scoring" teased Brad


"No" said Kayleigh pouting "I just want him to do great."


"And we've decided we are adopting him" said Hadlee "So he can't end up like Segs. Therefore the open door."


"Well the rook is fucked" said Brad "Just what every 18 year old pro athlete wants 3 hot older sisters who won't let you bang their friends." Kevan started laughing and Dougie was struggling to keep it together. The rest of the locker room was laughing.


"Bradley Keith" admonished Kayleigh "It's not that bad." Baby K walked in and went to the fridge he grabbed 2 gatorades and tossed one to Desi. Kayleigh turned the iPad towards Baby K and Desi "Does he look abused or miserable?"


"Damn who is the red head" called Spoons


"That is Desi" replied Hadlee smiling at boys. There was course of way to go rook through out the locker room. Davey blushed and Desi hid her face in his chest. "and you all say we are bad. The poor child is embarrassed to death."


Reilly Smith's face came into the screen " Damn it to hell. You all promised to introduce me to hot cheerleaders. I get totally cockblocked by Spoons and Quaider in NYC. Then you set Gears up with a hot girl. I promise never to scare Caro again."

The girls all laughed. "We'll work on it" said Caro "After I see my present."


Kevan took the iPad away from Smith. He, Brad, and Dougie were sitting at table facing the tablet. They all talked for about 20 minutes until the guys had to head down to get ready for the game. The girls wished them luck. After a chorus of love yous from their guys and the rest of the Bruins around the boys disconnected.


The evening flew by. Caroline was sure it would drag but it didn't. They finished supper. Watched some reality tv and waited for the game. At 7pm the game started. It wasn't long until the game was over. Kayleigh excused herself to head to Brad's after hugging everyone. She made Baby K promise to text or call if he needed her. She ruffled his hair before heading out the door. Caroline helped Hadlee clean up the kitchen and put all the things away. Baby K and Desi were watching the game after the Bruins. It looked like the Capitals and someone. Caroline conned Baby K into taking all her bags down and loading them into the car. She then told him to walk down with Desi and she would drop her off at the dorm on the way to Dougie's. Caroline told them she would be down in 10 minutes.


Hadlee smiled at her. "What" asked Caroline.


"Your let our baby brother make out with his girlfriend in Dougie's vehicle." said Hadlee


"Damn straight. And if Hamilton knows what is good for him he will shove me up against that car kiss me and tell me he loves me in person." laughed Caroline "That car needs to see some action."


"Since we will have Krejci and Baby K here I am guessing we will remain pg until they leave" said Hadlee "Try not to molest poor Dougie in front of his entire team."


"Love you Hads" said Caro "I'll send Baby K up."


"Love you too."


Caroline stopped to talk to Greg in the lobby. He had a camera that could see out in the garage. He laughed when Caroline asked if it was safe to go in the garage. "A few kisses and some hand holding Miss Caroline" answered Greg.


"We've raised him right" said Caroline heading out the door.


"Yes Ma'am" replied Greg.


Caroline let the garage door slam on its frame. "Ready or not Baby K here I am" called Caroline.


Davey leaned into the passenger side door and quickly kissed Desi. "You text me when home."
Desi replied she would. Caroline and Desi headed to campus. Caroline on the ride to campus realized that Desi really did like Davey. However she was nervous that since he was an NHL player he wouldn't want a girlfriend. Caroline explained to her all relationships had risks. But the highs usually outweighed the lows. She dropped her at the dorm. Caroline promised to have a Bruins shirt for the game on Saturday. Desi said she was looking forward to her actual date with Davey and the game.


It was after 10 and she had time to kill. She made her way to Dougie's apartment. She stripped out of the clothes she was wearing. She took a bath in Dougie's tub. She soaked for a long time listening to her playlist. She read most of the new Catherine Gayle Portland Storm novel. She had lost track of time it was nearly 11:30. She hopped out of the tub and wrapped herself in a fluffy towel. She brushed her teeth. She scrubbed off her make up. After drying and lotioning up for the second time she dressed in her new pjs. Once clad in the black lace lingerie set. She pulled on the pj's. Caroline smiled at the saying on the shirt. She hoped he found it funny. She was rummaging in his closet for a hoodie when he texted they had landed. She shoved her feet into her Toms. The hoodie forgotten as she went to get Hamilton.


Caroline pulled into the player lot at the Garden. Apparently the guard recognized the Rover because no one stopped her. She saw the guys clustered around a Bruins bus. Caroline parked the SUV in an available spot and climbed out. She headed over to the boys. Kevan was the first one she spotted.


"Hadlee is gonna kick your ass over that shiner Miller" teased Caroline "I explained he had it coming." Miller just winked at her. "Save the charm you are going to need it. Krejci bringing you over"


"Nope, I forgot I dropped Had off the other morning. I'm going to toss the Squirrel out at his place and Krejci is going to go fetch the rook." replied Kevan


"Caroline" called Brad he came up and hugged her "Did Kayleigh come?"


"Nope she is waiting for you at your place." said Caroline "She misses your crazy ass." He smiled like a fool and climbed in the Tahoe with Kevan.


Caroline smiled as she saw her boys walking towards her. Dear lord she was even claiming Smith and McQuaid. She was excited to see Dougie. Smith and McQuaid both laughed as they read her pjs.


"Teach me how to Dougie" said Smith "Isn't that what happened in the shower before we left."


"Shut it" said McQuaid dragging him to the SUV. "Toss me the keys Caroline I'm driving. Smitty up front." She handed over the keys. Dougie was standing beside her.


"Zero sleeps Hamilton" she said . Dougie grabbed her and hauled her up against him. He kissed her before pausing to read her shirt.


"Love the shirt" he replied he pulled off his suit coat and put it on Caroline "But you are freezing. What happened to my hoodie?"



"Got distracted my boyfriend is on his way home" she teased.


"I missed that smart mouth" he said he kissed her again "Come on lets go home." He stopped at the door of the SUV with her between him and the vehicle. He pushed her against the door and kissed her again. "I love you Caroline." He said when he broke the kiss. "Now did I get that right."


Caroline smiled at him "Probably" she replied. Dougie pulled the door open and she crawled in the back seat. She started to buckle up but was preempted by him dragging her over to his side. McQuaid was driving home. She was snuggled into Dougie with her head on his chest. For the first time in 4 days she content. Dougie kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him. "I love you. And I have missed you" she said very quietly. Dougie pulled her a little closer. Smith turned around from the front seat and handed her the gift bag he was holding.


"Your present from me and Spoons" said Smith.


"Should I be afraid" asked Caroline. She opened the bag and pulled out a Coach Ocelot bag and the wallet.


"You can trade it if you don't like it" said Reilly "Sorry I scared you."


"This is way too much" said Caroline.


"Nope" said Reilly "Because I probably will do more boneheaded things and I know Spoons will fuck up." Caroline thanked him and curled back up into Dougie. She was almost asleep on his chest when they arrived at the apartment. They all trudged up stairs and everyone split to go to bed. Everyone called their good nights.


Caroline was sitting in the middle of Dougie's bed. She was unbraiding her hair as he got ready for bed. He tossed the suit pieces over the chair in the corner. Then tossed the shirt, undershirt, and socks in the hamper. He was watching her unbraid her hair. She then tied it up in a messy bun. Caroline watched him dig in his suitcase. He started towards the bed with his arm behind his back. Caroline watched all his lean muscle move as he climbed into the bed. Whoever said redheads shouldn't wear red obviously hadn't witness Dougie Hamilton in red Under Armor briefs. He climbed in the bed and motioned her closer. Caroline crawled towards him. He held out a teddy bear.


"He's cute" she replied taking the small bear.


"Squeeze him" said Dougie watching her with the bear. Caroline squeezed him. After a few seconds she realized what she was hearing. Dougie was waiting for a reaction. She just squeezed it tighter.


"How did you do that?" she asked the bear was emitting her favorite sound Hamilton's heartbeat.


"Spooner and I were roaming around looking for a present for you. We passed a lady on the street holding a giraffe. Spooner asked her about it. She explained that it came from and Ultrasound boutique where you go to find out the sex of the baby earlier than the doctor will tell you. Like an entire 5 weeks earlier. Anyway they had put the babies heart beat in the giraffe and she was sending it to Iraq to the dad who is a service guy. Anyway it hit me that you needed one with my heart beat." said Dougie laying back on the bed "So one trip to the boutique, a lot of charm, a recording later, and a few bucks and I had him."


Dougie looked down at Caroline who was now snuggled into his chest with the bear. He noticed the tears. "Sweetheart why are you crying. It's just a bear."


"Because I love you." said Caroline "You literally just gave me your heart Doug."

Notes