Never Let Go.

‘Kieran’s POV’

In the blink of the eye it’s almost January. Time has flown by with hockey games and work, Jamie and I have completely lost track of time. Christmas has passed and as Finley’s first Christmas my family went all out, a huge tree and a Santa suit for my dad the whole nine yards. It was nice to have my family all together before Jamie and I head off for the Olympics in a few weeks. This year not only has Jamie been named to team Canada but Tyler and Cody will be right beside him. They leave for South Korea in 5 days for team bonding and training while Lauren and I’s flight leaves a few days later. We’re a little nervous to be flying that far by ourselves but it comes with the territory.

But before any of that can happen we have to make it through one more Dallas Star’s Foundation charity events. Casino night is probably the whole team’s favorite obligation of the year as they basically get to hang out with fans, drink, and gamble with fake money it’s a win/win situation for everyone. And it gives the WAGs a chance to dress up for a night!

My newly engaged best friend, that’s right the future Mrs. Cody Eakin and I spent the whole afternoon getting ready for Casino night. Lauren spun my hair up into a fancy bun while curling her wild chocolate brown hair into a cascade of waves. We’re both really excited to be going out tonight, it’s been a long season already the Stars taking no prisoners and currently leading the Central division. They’re going for the Cup this year and their work ethic shows in the standings and that half the team is going to the Olympics for their respective countries. When we’re both zipped into our dresses, mine black and Lauren’s blue we descend the stairs of Jamie and I’s house. To the cheers of the two men in the kitchen we twirl around letting the skirts of our dresses float in the air before taking pictures.

After walking the “red carpet” Jamie and Cody leave Lauren and I to do the player introductions. We make our rounds around the room conversing with other wives and staff of the foundation and team as well as the abundance of fans in attendance. The Dallas Stars are a family and we’re both glad to be a part of it all. Sipping on champagne the two of us watch as the players and coaches are introduced to the crowd, the players come out all dressed up in suits no doubt chosen for them by their girlfriends or wives. There are cheers and lots of laughs before it’s time to gamble for charity.

Jamie’s in charge of one of the blackjack tables so I make sure to play a few rounds at his table. He has no sympathy as the dealer for his wife which makes the other players laugh, before leaving a stick my tongue out at him “Thanks for taking all of my money babe,” He laughs kissing my cheek as I go bye. I quickly lose the rest of my money playing poker with Tyler and find myself just wandering through the venue watching the other having a ball. I hang back for a bit watching Demer’s deal poker while Val and Jordie continue to rake in the chips. It may be fake money but these guys are competitive about everything!

After wandering alone for a while I stumble upon a group of the girls over by the bar. “Hey girl!” cheers Chrissy Fiddler, “Are you out of money too?” she asks and I nod. “Yep, Tyler took the last of it.” They all laugh as we talk about the upcoming Olympic Break, those who don’t have to travel to South Korea are taking the opportunity to go on a real vacation, somewhere warm. Which is something Dallas isn’t right now, there’s actually a little snow falling currently which sucks for Texas.

I continue to talk with the ladies until I feel an arm around my waist, looking over my shoulder to see the dark sleepy eyes of Jamie Benn. With my heels on I am a few inches taller than Jamie which leads him to lean his head on my back, “Are you ready to go Cap?” I ask and I can feel his head nodding in between my shoulder blades. After saying goodbye to my group of friends we slowly make our way out of the venue getting stopped multiple times on the way through.

As the valet brings our car around I lean into Jamie’s side the cold air making me shiver. In this moment I want nothing more to be curled up in bed with my fur ball of a dog and my ginormous personal space heater of a husband. As soon as we enter the house I kick off the black heels I’ve been walking in all night and reach for the zipper on the back of my dress. Seeing me struggle Jamie assists pulling it down the rest of my back, placing a gentle kiss on my bare shoulder blade before taking Knox out to the backyard.

Wiggling out of tight black fabric I drape the dress across my arm before climbing up the stairs to our bedroom. When Jamie finally returns Knox by his side I’ve redressed in one of his junior hockey shirts and leggings my hair a wavy mess now free from the bun Lauren had it done up in. The rest of our night is spent just the way I wanted it to be, curled up in the blankets with my two favorite boys Parks and Rec playing on our TV. These are the moments that you realize how much you love someone, when something so simple can mean so much.

Notes