Never Let Go.

‘Kieran’s POV’

Each year was one step closer to the Cup for the Stars. When April rolled around I knew it was time to get serious, super serious like Jonathan Toews serious about everything. Jamie was in a perpetual bad mood as soon as playoffs started, and although he should be happy to even be playing playoff hockey he was hungry for the Cup. Game after game the Stars fought tooth and nail to get to the Western conference finals against the Anaheim Ducks.

With all of the wedding planning done and just the final “I do’s” to be said in just a few short months all of the stress on our relationship was coming from hockey. If I wanted to actually see my fiancé I was doing it at either the rink or in the man cave of our house watching old game film. As terrible as it sounded I always wished the season would just end, playoff Jamie was no fun. I could walk through the house naked and it wouldn’t even phase him at this point. He was beyond focused and as captain he felt like everything the team did was on his shoulders. Even though they are broad Jamie knows he can't carry the team alone.

Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Ducks would be played tonight on home ice at the American Airlines Center. The Stars tied up the series 2-2 and could use this win to hold onto their shot at the Stanley Cup. The AAC is packed the seats looking like a sea of Victory Green as fans pile in to cheer on their boys. When the players take the ice my skin prickles with goose bumps more from nerves than from the chill of the building. I’m not sure why I’m so nervous, it’s my fourth year of this I shouldn’t be phased by the yelling and the desperation but I am. And all I can blame it on is that if Jamie loses he’s going to angry for most of the summer, and well this year is supposed to be our summer.

I shake it off and refocus on the ice, when the puck drops I’m sandwiched between Lauren and Jess. The three of us combined for one big ball of nerves, our knees bouncing as we’re clutching beer bottles for dear life. Some would say the WAGs box is the worst place to watch a game, not only are we fearful of loss and angry boyfriends we’re afraid of injury, penalty, suspension, fights, and all of the other things our men are susceptible to on the ice. Things they don’t think about while they’re doing their jobs, they leave that to us.

By period 3 it’s clear the Stars are in it for more fights and blood than to actually win. We’re racking up the penalty minutes tonight and I’m sure the bruise forming under Jamie’s eye is going to be there until we get married. With the final horn the Dallas Stars lose 3-2 and it will all come down to game 6 tomorrow night in Anaheim whether or not they move on. Slowly us girls sulk our way into the family room where we wait for the guys. The wait in the post season is much longer so the conversation quickly turns to weddings and babies, things much less stressful than playoff hockey. As the conversation goes on my phone begins to buzz in my victory green Kate Spade clutch.

Pulling out the white iPhone I quickly note the bolded text from my brother. “Holy shit,” I whisper as I read and jolt up from the chair. *MORGANS IN LABOR* “What’s wrong Kieran?” Lauren asks concerned as I’m clearly frazzled.

Do I go to Houston? Do I stay here? But, I’m the godmother!? But its playoffs?! I felt more confused than a chameleon in a bag of skittles! “Morgan’s in labor, I-I do I go? I need Jamie...” The other girls are slightly confused but Jess and Lauren are aware of the god parents’ situation, in an effort to intercept Jamie first we move into the hallway to wait.

The first person out is Vern Fiddler, he notes the worry on my face as I am beginning to pace. “You need Jamie Kier? You look a little freaked out…” he asks and I cringe a little, “How busy is he? It’s kinda an emergency…” Without responding he sticks his head back in the room, all I can hear is “Hey Benn,” and Jamie appears at the door.

Shirtless and sweaty his dark eyes take in my nervous antics, “Babe what’s going on?” There’s no real to beat around it all so I just spill, “Morgan’s in labor and I need to go to Houston but the game and I don’t want you to be mad and I just whatdoido?” The end comes out in a slur as I’m out of breath and worried for his response. A small smile spreads across Jamie’s face, “Why would I be mad? Babe its fine if you miss the game! Go meet our nephew.” I exhale the air I’ve been holding in and reach out to kiss Jamie without even thinking about how gross he is, “Okay I’ll call you when I get there, I love you!”

I’m out the door and on the interstate in a flash, the three hour drive to Houston is a mad dash and it’s a miracle I wasn’t pulled over on the way there. Rushing through the hospital doors I realize what I’m wearing, a Jamie Benn tank top and leather leggings with high top converse. Cute for a hockey game, not so professional for the hospital. Weaving through the hallways of the large Houston hospital I finally stumble upon my lanky red headed brother on the phone in labor and delivery.

He hangs up and smiles embracing me in a hug, “I think you missed your calling for NASCAR sis,” I shake my head laughing “Like I would miss this! I’m the cool Aunt, Finner's needs me.” He smiles but I can tell Kilian is nervous as he sends me into the room to see Morgan while he calls our parents again.

Morgan seemed to not be phased by the fact that she is about to give birth and hugs me saying she’s glad I’m here. She has no siblings so we’ve become very close since she joined the family, the Doctor comes in and notes my Stars apparel. “Stars, or should I say Benn fan?” he questioned and Morgan laughs while I just shrug, a coy smile on my face “Maybe a little, I’m Jamie Benn’s fiancé.” His face was priceless and he got a little nicer after learning who we were. There was still a way to go before she was ready to push so I settled into a chair in the corner while she and Kilian slept, their last nap before becoming parents.

When my parents arrived and Morgan’s too I exited the room taking the opportunity to call Jamie and get some fresh air. Human hospitals were much more intimidating than the animal versions that I was use too. Jamie tried to cover his anger with excitement for Finley’s birth but I could tell he was disappointed in the game and anxious for tomorrows. I was doubtful that I would make it back in time to catch my flight for Anaheim but I promised to try. There were things Kilian needed me to do as the birth came as a surprise to everyone, and as godmother I was more than willing.

A few hours later into the wee hours of the morning and after sleeping on the hard floor in the labor and delivery waiting room Finley Jamison O’Reilly made his appearance. At over 7 pounds and 22 inches long he is absolutely beautiful, a head of dark hair clearly from his mother and Kilian’s big eyes he is sure to break hearts in the future. Being his godmother I got spend extra time with him and it melted my heart, holding his little fingers I couldn't wait to have my own. Who knows maybe Benn babies will be on the horizon faster than we thought.

Notes

Welcome to the family, Finley Jamison O'Reilly! Can we just imagine how cute the Benn babies will be?! ;) How long until they show up.. I guess we'll find out soon. xoxo - Ally

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