Worth the Wait

Reilly heard the first alarm sound. He knew in 60 seconds it would quit bleating at him. Reilly started to roll back over and sleep but stopped when he remembered Jami was snuggled into his chest. Jami had one arm under his pillow and another slung across his waist. She had somehow managed to completely wind herself around him. Her legs were tangled with his and he saw her blonde head was on his chest. Her hair was escaping the confines of her ponytail. Reilly smiled. Maybe he would like waking up if this is what he woke up to everyday. The first alarm stopped chirping. He knew in 5 minutes the second alarm would begin. He also knew it was set to ascending so it would get louder and louder until he turned it off or Dougie killed him. He debated trying to grab his phone, but he didn't want to jostle Jami. So, he laid in bed watching her sleep on his chest. His hand pushed the blonde hair away from her face and she started to stir. She didn't wake up instead she burrowed closer to Reilly. He laughed. They were both now on his side of the bed. Reilly threw a long arm out towards his nightstand and groped for the iPhone. He managed to capture it and turn the alarm off.

"Was that the first, second, or third alarm?" asked Jami

"It would have been the second. You slept through the first." he replied "I was going to let you sleep through second and third." She moved around until she was face to face with him. Reilly realized how tiny she was when he felt her feet near his knees. "But then I wouldn't get to cuddle up with you."

"We were cuddling. You were just a passive participant and I was your pillow. I like being your pillow. In fact, I vote that when I’m in Boston you can't use any other pillow."

"Is that so?" she laughed.

"Yes" said Reilly capturing her mouth. He deepened the kiss as she exhaled. Reilly tugged her over on top of him. He nipped at her mouth. "Best wake-up call ever." He kissed her again. Jami laughed and kissed him. He felt her tongue at the seam of his lips. Small flicks of her tongue until they were tangled together. Jami was breathless by the time she broke the kiss. She pushed his dark hair back off his forehead. "I don't want to move."

"You have to get ready to play hockey. I'll get black balled if you aren't ready for action. I'm sure the WAGs will be thrilled to see me there." replied Jami

"I don't care what they say. They don't matter." he said giving her a squeeze "I want you there." he punctuated this with a kiss "I want you here." he said with another kiss "In fact, I want you everywhere." Reilly's mouth came down on hers a third time. As much as she wanted to stay there laying on him the rest of the night he had a hockey game to win.

"Ok, Dr. Seuss, but now you need to get ready." smirked Jami. She climbed off Reilly. "And I get to pick your suit."

"You can pick what you want. Grab a jersey while you are in there." said Reilly stretching out on the bed. Jami bit her lip looking at him. Why did he have to be so damn pretty? Six feet of muscle strewn across the bed. Reilly started laughing.

"Why are you laughing?" asked Jami walking to his closet. She was busy looking at his suits. Reilly came into the closet. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "I'm not going to find a suit if we keep snuggling."

"Fuck the suit" he said in her ear. Jami smacked his arm. He kissed her below her ear. Jami started squirming. "I was laughing because you were looking at me the way I've been looking at you for the past year. Cropped jerseys, tiny short, even tinier skirts." He trailed kisses down her neck. Jami shivered. "You're not cold" smirked Reilly "Hot maybe, but definitely not cold." Jami turned in his arms and pulled his face down to hers. Without missing a beat Reilly picked her up. Jami's legs wound around his waist. Reilly backed her up against the closet door. He was ravaging her mouth. "So hot" he said laying his forehead against hers. "I need to shower. You should come with me."

"Not a chance, Smith. Can't mess with the hockey boy on game day. I'm going to pick you a suit. Then gather my stuff so I can go and get ready for the game."

"Get ready here. I leave tonight" he pouted. Jami pointed him out of the closet.

"You'll be back on Sunday. It's less than 24 hours, Ry." she stated "I don't have class until 2 on Monday."

"Ry, eh?" asked Reilly "So I pick you up and don't give you back until I drop you off at class."

"Yes" said Jami "You don't like Ry?"

Reilly winked at her "You can call me whatever you want. Now about that shower?"

Jami laughed and pointed him towards the bathroom. She looked through all the suits in his closet. She finally found the one she loved on him. It was dark charcoal gray. She located his black button down and a gray tie. It was her favorite suit. Not that she had kept track over the past year. Jami laid his suit out on the bed. Jami pulled on a Bruins t-shirt and wiggled into her jeans. She then began back combing her hair and getting it into a proper ponytail. She managed to tame her hair. She knew she didn't want to put her bow in until she had his jersey on. Jerseys were hard on bows. Jami used the mirror on his dresser to do her make-up. She was applying mascara when Reilly came into the room.

"Why do all girls make that face when putting on make-up?" teased Reilly

"So we can concentrate" she replied without missing a beat "you should see the faces we make when we’re doing competition make-up."

"You know Caroline is awesome at that kind of thing. Hair and make-up. She would be more than willing to help you." said Reilly coming to stand beside her. Jami's eyes got wide when she realized he was standing there in just a towel. Jami started furiously blushing. Reilly smirked at her and started to laugh. "You want me to get dressed, you have to stop blocking my dresser." He moved even closer so that he was pressed up against her. Jami ducked under his arm.

"No way, Smith" she said "Get dressed. Not falling for the hot hockey player in the towel routine. This isn't the locker room. You've got a game then team building." She sat down on his bed and started putting on her chucks.

Reilly smiled when he saw her black and gold chucks. She was fucking perfect, and for the moment she was his. Reilly pulled his boxers on before tossing the towel at her. She started giggling. Reilly pulled his undershirt on and made his way towards her. She scooted back across his bed as he approached. "What are you giggling about?" he asked. She shook her head and smiled at him. "You have to tell me." Jami shook her head again. "I have ways of making you talk." He crawled towards her.

"Nope, I might tell you when you get home" laughed Jami "I promise it is ridiculous. Nothing to be worried about."


Reilly pushed her back against the pillows. He settled himself beside her. "I think it's not fair that I'm going to be rooming with Quaider tonight."

"I'm heading home to the dorm with Tegan" she reminded "No snuggling with hot hockey players. Less than 24 hours and I am already dreading you being gone." A smile broke out across his face and he kissed her. It wasn't a quick teasing kiss. It wasn't one designed to melt your girly bits to goo. No, it was one that said it didn't matter if it was 1 day, 1 year, or 100 years she was his. They stayed locked in that embrace until McQuaid banged on the door.

"Hey only heard 2 alarms! You up?" called McQuaid through the closed door.

"Yes, dad" called Reilly getting up to open the door.

"Whoa! You're up, showered, and you combed your hair." said McQuaid he saw Jami sitting beside the suit on the bed. "You have your clothes laid out, too?"

"Shut it fucker" said Smith "I'm always ready when we leave."

"We don't leave until you are ready" countered McQuaid giving Jami a wink.

"See it works" said Smith "Out! I need to get dressed."

"I see you get dressed every day." replied McQuaid.

"Get out" growled Reilly nodding at Jami.

"Keep little Smith out of this it's a game day." laughed McQuaid shutting the door.

"I hate you!" yelled Reilly. He stalked back towards the bed and Jami. She was still laughing at

McQuaid's antics. "So, where were we?" asked Reilly

"You were getting dressed and I’m going to pick a jersey from your closet."
Reilly caught her as she stood to go to the closet "Nope, I clearly remember you kissing me."

"You mean you kissing me right, Smith?"

"Ok, I'll kiss you." he responded cutting off her protest with his mouth. Jami gave up all rational thought and melted against the hard planes of his body. Jami was in the process of winding her arms around his neck when someone pounded on the door. Jami jumped away from Reilly.

"You up?" called Dougie

"I could be if you fuckers would quit banging on the door!" called Reilly "Do I bother you when you and Caro are in the shower? No! Do I tease you after? Yes! Now leave me the hell alone!"

"Hey Jami" yelled Dougie "Remember we have a game in 2 hours." Jami smiled at Reilly and headed into his closet. She came out a few minutes later with one of his third jerseys. She held it out to him as if to ask if that one was okay.

"It's yours if you want It." he said tucking his shirt into his slacks. "Why that one?"

"We never got to wear this one" she replied "Plus, you look hot in all black." She nodded at the suit he was currently wearing. He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss.

"Good answer." Reilly put his tie around his neck and started mangling it into a knot.

"Dear lord, Ry" exclaimed Jami "Are you tying it or killing it? Come here."

"Quaider normally straightens me out" shrugged Reilly. She pointed at the bed and commanded he sit. "You're bossy."

"Damn straight, don't you forget it." she teased. She smoothed out the silk of his tie and started over. "Do you care which knot I use?"

"There’s more than one?" he asked. She shook her head. Jami fussed with his tie for a few moments. Then pronounced it done. Reilly looked at it in the mirror. It was an intricate knot that looked like a Celtic knot. "Whoa, fancy."

"It's a Trinity knot" she replied "You can give Marchy a run for sharp dressed." She handed him his suit coat. Reilly shrugged it on. "You'll do." she said "Out! I'm going to get your jersey on, fix my hair, and put on some lipstick." Reilly grabbed her and kissed her. Then started walking out without a word. "Hey what's up with that?"

"Didn't want to mess up your lipstick" he replied shrugging.

"Thank God you're cute." she groused as he left the room.

Reilly spotted Caroline as she came out of Dougie's room. Caroline had a on a sparkly gold tank, black leather leggings, and sky high black leather booties. Her make-up was flawless. Reilly started cat calling from the kitchen.
"Damn!" called Reilly "You're gorgeous, Caroline."

"What did you do, Smith?" she asked peering into the kitchen.

"No, I'm being serious you look awesome. The WAG's won't know what hit them." replied Reilly.

"Hell, Caroline can your hair get any bigger?" asked Dani Grace laughing "I see we donned our battle armor."

"Yes, it could be bigger. But, I figured why go all out the first time." she smirked at Dani Grace. Dani Grace was wearing a black and white polka dotted cardigan over a Bruins tank with black skinny jeans. Her hair and make-up made her look like a 50's throw back. "You and Quaider been reenacting 50's sitcoms?"

"Bitch" said Dani Grace.

"Love you, too." replied Caroline.

"Hey Caro" called Reilly tossing her the keys to Hadlee's Fiat "Will you take it when you and the girls go over?"

"I guess Reillyboy, but you owe me one." she replied "Why are you so quiet, Dougie Hamilton?"

"Because I'm not sure I want to let you loose in the arena looking like that." he answered.

"What's wrong with the way I look, Mr. Hamilton?" she asked

"Not a damn thing" said McQuaid.

"Nothing is wrong.” Dougie said pulling her up against him "But I think I need to give you my hockey stick to beat the guys away."

"Aww" she said laughing "I don't need a hockey stick you're the only hockey boy I want. I'm dressed up for the girls not the boys."

"Can we watch?" said Reilly wiggling his eyebrows.

"Perv" said Caroline.

"Watch what?" asked Jami coming into the room. She looked exactly as Caroline expected. She had on jeans, a t-shirt, and Reilly's jersey. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail with a giant Bruins colored bow. Caroline loved that she had on black chucks with the outfit.

"Caroline said she's dressed up for the girls not the boys. I asked if I could watch. You look beautiful." explained Reilly. The kid cleaned up well. He was wearing a gray suit with a black shirt and dark gray tie. He had actually gone to some effort to fix his hair. He gave Jami a quick kiss and she blushed. Caroline was pretty sure it went all the way to her toes.

"All compliments today." said McQuaid looking at Smith and Jami.

"We have 3 hot chicks." laughed Reilly "I've been waiting for about a year on Jami. I'm a little excited."
After kisses good bye the boys headed to the Garden. The girls loaded into Hadlee's Fiat. Caroline dropped Jami off at school with the promise they would be right over.


Jami headed in to the dorm. She glanced at her phone. Jami hoped that Desi and Tegan were ready when she got there. They needed to catch the T and get to Miller's apartment. It had been a whirlwind with Reilly. So far, he was better than what she had imagined. She stuck the key in her lock, but it flew open before she had a chance to turn it.

"We're going to be late" said Tegan.


"What's the rush?" teased Jami "I thought you weren't excited about meeting Spoons."

"I'm not. Just want to make sure I use every minute of free booze and food." replied Tegan.

"Bullshit" said Jami "Admit it you googled Spoons."

"I plead the 5th."

"The only 5th you know anything about is Bacardi." quipped Desi coming into their room.

"Bitch" laughed Tegan

"It's okay to want to like Spoons." said Jami "He's kind of a doll. His personality makes him even hotter. You two will either love each other or hate each other there’s no in between."

"What's not to love I'm hot as fuck" said Tegan.

"Oh my God" said Desi "Let's go I want to see Davey."

"You rockin' Baby K's world?" asked Tegan. She knew the answer but liked watching Desi flush. Desi rolled her eyes and walked out.

"Please behave" begged Jami.

"What's the fun in that" she said winking as she locked her door.

The girls caught the T and managed to make it to Miller's apartment with about 15 minutes to spare.

"Miss Desi" greeted Greg "The rest of the girls are upstairs."

"Greg, this is Jami and Tegan." she introduced.

"Spooner and Smith I see" he said looking at their clothes.

"This is a blind date Greg" deadpanned Tegan "Don't get excited."

"I see that Miss Tegan will be a handful." said Greg "Do I need to buzz or do you remember the code Miss Desi?"

"We're good, Greg" replied Desi "Will you get to see the game?"

"I can listen on the radio" he explained "Tell them I said good luck."

"Will do, G" said Tegan as they headed to the elevator.

Greg laughed as the girls rode the elevator to Miller's apartment. The girls kept getting more and more interesting. He had a feeling that Mr. Spooner wasn't ready for Miss Tegan. Jami knocked then opened the door.

The girls were all squealing and hugging when Desi, Jami, and Tegan walked in. "Pregame ritual?" quizzed Tegan.

"No, worse" said Caroline wiping her eyes "Kayleigh Jo is going to marry Brad. I swear KK if you mess up my make-up I will take you out."

Kayleigh laughed "You're perfect."

"Congratulations" said Desi hugging Kayleigh "You might want to tell Davey before he's blindsided. He still has a huge crush on you." Kayleigh nodded.

"Oh, wow!" bounced Jami "A Bruins wedding. God bless you and your future wild children."

"Are you knocked up?" asked Tegan. All the girls glared at her. "What? You were all thinking it? It will be speculated about everywhere tomorrow."

"No, we aren't pregnant. Crazy maybe, but not pregnant. I want to actually be engaged for a while. He of course will want to get married tomorrow. Bless his heart, he only had the ring for 4 hours before he gave it me."

"When?" asked Hadlee "Why didn't he ask for help?"


"Apparently, jewelers will come to the Garden, and he had lots of help. There was no team lunch. The boys all knew he had the ring. But, I am assuming they thought he would wait more than 4hrs to propose." answered Kayleigh "But, he's been proposing since I fell in his lap. Today he was serious. I've never been so sure of anything."

"Aww" said Hadlee bursting into tears "I am happy for you and Bradley Keith. "

"Whoa, waterworks" said Caroline as she sent Hadlee to the bathroom to fix her face "I expect this shit from Kayleigh, but not from you."

"I know" cried Hadlee "I'm just happy for her and Brad."

"We are a hot damn southern mess" replied Caroline "and we have a wedding to plan. But first we have to brave the WAGs, win a hockey game, send the boys away, meet the parents, and survive opening night."

"When you put it that way..." Kayleigh giggled. The girls all packed in the elevator. They were still between laughter and tears when they saw Greg.

"Everything okay?" asked Greg.

"Just fine" replied Kayleigh holding out her hand to Greg. Greg's eyes got big. "It's a secret.""

My silence can be bought with pastries." answered Greg giving Kayleigh a hug." Congratulations to you and Mr. Marchand."

"I'll bring you a payment next time I come over."

"See that you do." teased Greg "Miss Hadlee, I'll check on the pup."

"He's gonna be all alone" said Hadlee crying again.

"Jesus, Had" said Caroline "Get in the damn car. I think you need to see Miller."

"I really am a hot damn mess" said Hadlee "Since the boys will be gone will you stay the night, Caro? "

"Of course, you're my damn mess" replied Caroline shutting the car door "We have WAGs to slay. Tegan, you're with me. Spoons is my pet gremlin and you are a bitch, and that makes you okay in my book."

"If we get beer I'm in" shrugged Tegan "When do I meet Spoons?"

"He and Davey will be waiting on us at will call?" said Kayleigh "And no one knows about this yet so no big announcements."

"As if Marchand hasn't put it on the Jumbotron" laughed Caroline "I bet the boys had to sedate him."

Kayleigh smiled and looked at her ring. The minute she stepped out of this car at the Garden she was no longer just Kayleigh Daniels she was the future Mrs. Brad Marchand. Damned if she didn't want that and all the crazy it came with. "You girls promise you'll love me even if it's a full three ring circus?"

"Forever and Always" replied Caroline and Hadlee in unison. The car pulled up to the Garden as close to the entrance as possible. The girls crawled out of the SUV and made their way towards will call. Spooner let out a loud whistle when he saw the girls.

"Damn Caroline" called Spooner "Did Hamilton see you before you left in that outfit? I think I might have tied you to my bed with skate laces."

"Down Spoons" said Caroline "I told you he wasn't house broken yet." Ryan looked at the girl standing beside Caroline and Hadlee. He wasn't even sure what to say. She was fucking beautiful. Not in the Barbie cheerleader way he was expecting. He knew he was staring but he couldn't help it. The girl had fair skin and was proud of it. No fake bake or spray on tan. Her hair was black. But that seemed like not a strong enough word. He noticed the Bruins tee that stopped just shy of the waist band of her jeans. His eyes skimmed down her jeans and he laughed out loud black and white skull print Vans. Her make-up made him think of Snow White. Fair skin, bright red lips, long lashes, and deep dark chocolate eyes. "This is Ryan Spooner" said Caroline gesturing towards Spoons. "Spoons this is Tegan."

Tegan extended her hand and Ryan grabbed and pulled her in closer "You are fucking beautiful" he whispered. Tegan started laughing. Ryan held her hand and just looked at her.

"Want me to do a turn, Spooner?" asked Tegan

"Nah, I'm not sure my heart could survive it" he said. He laughed when she made a turnaround motion with her finger. He complied. The girls were all laughing.

"He'll do" said Tegan "You going to walk me to this box, doll face?"

"I think that's my line" said Spoons.

"Keep up, Ryan" she said.

"You are going to be fun." replied Spoons taking her by the hand. He then stopped and draped a lanyard around her neck.

"Great, I'm with the band." laughed Tegan.

"Friends and family pass" explained Spoons. Tegan shrugged and allowed Spoons to lead her to the bank of elevators.

The rest of the girls were busy getting passes from Davey. He was smiling but it wasn't quite reaching his eyes. Kayleigh noticed it right away. Desi was excited and showed him her shirt and gave him a quick kiss. He handed Kayleigh her pass and captured her left hand. He looked at the ring. He smiled at her. Davey hugged Kayleigh.

"You know I love you like a little brother." began Kayleigh "Brad even had us shirts made that say Pastrnak and Big Sis on the back."

"Yes, I love all you three" replied Davey "Happy for you if you happy."

"I'm really happy, Davey" she answered.

"Then I be happy." he said looking at KK.

"Desi is excited" said KK "She really likes you and not in a sisterly manner."

Davey laughed as he and KK joined the group. Desi snuggled up against his side. "You okay?" she asked looking up at Davey.

"Yeah" he said "You have Pastrnak shirt. I think I have only ones."

"Brad had them made for us." she replied "They all have one."

Davey smiled "Sisters."

"Yes" said Desi.

Caroline nudged Kayleigh "I think you broke the rookie"

"Not on purpose" said Kayleigh "He knew already so I guess everyone knows."

"Like the squirrel kept it quiet" laughed Caroline. They both noticed Desi taking his hand. Baby bro would be just fine.

"Aww, they are holding hands" said Hadlee sniffled "So cute. Spoons and Tegan seem to be getting along, too." They made their way to the box. Spoons paused at the door. He looked at the girls and Caroline nodded as they entered.

It was like a twilight zone episode everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the entourage. Well fuck thought Caroline. Before she could turn to run. A blonde approached she grabbed Caroline and hugged her. "I'm Katie Campbell. Greg said you were coming. I was afraid you backed out."

"Nope" said Caroline "I promised Dougie."

"I'll introduce you to everyone" said Katie "No quizzes until your 3rd box stay."

"Well in that case let me get my notebook out." deadpanned Caroline.


Jami stayed close to Desi and Tegan. They both had their Bruin in tow. She felt like a third wheel. Sure she had been in the box several times as an ice girl. But that was usually just running things up or seeing some of the babies. Speaking of which she needed to go check out the Boychuck twins. Jami noticed Tuuk's girlfriend holding the baby. She was growing so much. Jami gave her a small wave and she nodded. Brittany Lucic smiled at her and came over.

"Hey" said Britt "You got them all up here, and you have on Reilly's jersey. Things are working out." Valentina was clutched on to her mom's leg. She had gotten the best parts of Looch and Brittany's features. She was adorable. She held her arms up to Jami. "If you pick her up she will expect you to pack her all night."


"Good, she’s going to be my human shield." replied Jami "I know you all, I don't know why I am so nervous."

"Because these girls can be heifers when they want to be."

"Be nice" said Jami

"No Ma'am" replied Britt "I'm the official bunny turned wife. I get to say what I want. Right Naomi." Naomi Krejci laughed. "If anyone says an ill word to you. Come find me. After I am done Milan can have a go."

"Yes Ma'am" smiled Jami "But I am keeping Valentina."

"Fine then I’m hunting for wine and snacks. Snacks that don't have cartoon characters. Then, more wine." said Britt.

"Don't forget the boys are leaving, so it will just be you and Valentina tonight." said Naomi.

"You suck" said Britt "One glass." She headed towards the back of the box.

"Can we take her down to the glass for pre-skate?" asked Jami

"Sure, but if she sees Milan he’ll have to hold her for a minute." replied Britt.

"Wait up!" called Caroline "I'm going with." She, KK, and Hadlee all followed her to the elevator. "Stealing a baby to get out of the box. You're tricky. I like it." Jami started laughing.

"Dada" said Valentina.

"Yes, we are going to see Dada." replied Jami "And all the Bruins."

They moved into an area near the glass where they could watch the girls warm up. Boychuck saw them first and started to fire a puck at the glass then noticed Valentina. The boys started coming over and waving at Valentina. She was smiles and yelling at the boys.

Brad came over to the glasses and blew kisses a KK. Several of the other guys followed suit. Greg Campbell held up his left hand. So Kayleigh held hers up so they could see the ring. The boys all came by to look at the ring. They were all shoving at Marchy and roughing up his hair. Kayleigh was laughing. Marchy mouthed “love you”. Hadlee started crying again. The girls looked at Hadlee.

"I'm sorry" said Hadlee "I can't help it. I don't know what's going on. Earlier, I was crying about a Halloween commercial." Kevan came over and tapped on the glass. Hadlee gave him a watery smile. She blew him a kiss as Valentina started shouting at Looch. He motioned them around to the Zamboni door. The door opened and Looch took Valentina. She covered his face with kisses. They all laughed. Looch skated over to the bench with Valentina. All the boys gave her high fives and kisses. Looch returned her to the girls.

"Back to the box, and quit using my baby as an escape" teased Looch.

"We're going, damn it" said Caroline.

"Hey, language! She's going to grow up a lady!" yelled Looch

"Yeah, well I'm a fucking lady too" said Caroline once Jami had Valentina out of ear shot. The boys were all laughing.

Jami thought maybe being a girlfriend wouldn't be so bad.

Notes