Teach Me How to Dougie

One Year Later - May

I fanned myself with the program in my hand, the hot sun beating down on me. It didn't help that this stupid gown was made of the heaviest material ever. I took off of my cap and looked around for my family. Once I found them, we said our goodbyes and I headed back out to the crowd to find Holly.

"Chloe! Get your butt over here!"

I ran over to her and she wrapped me in a tight hug.

"I can't believe we're officially college graduates. This is nuts!"

"I know! I'm still pinching myself."

"Have you seen-" I was cut off by the sound of my name being shouted behind me. I whipped around and a huge smile broke across my face.

"CHLOE! WOOHOO CONGRATS!" The pack of Bruins players kept chanting my name, before Dougie turned around to quiet them down and urged them to come toward me. Reilly, Ryan, and Pasta stood behind Dougie, each continuing to hoot and holler as I approached. I ran over and kissed Dougie, him spinning me around.

"Congratulations beautiful", he whispered in my ear.

"Thanks babe."

I gave hugs to the rest of the gang. Pasta gave me a hug and kissed me on the cheek, handing me some flowers. Reilly wrapped me in a bear hug, nearly squeezing me to death, and Ryan hugged me and said his congrats, as well.

We obviously had to take some pictures, so we began our poses. Of course, Dougie and I took a picture alone. First, just side by side with our arms around each other. Then, he held me in a bridal carry as I put the rose all graduates had been given in my mouth, waving my degree in the air. I obviously had to grab a picture with the whole bunch of guys, so I stood smiling, degree in my hands, as the four guys stood with their arms crossed and straight-faced, trying to be intimidating. That didn't last too long, so we decided to take a pic with our arms around each other, as well, although it really turned into me gripping Dougie and Pasta's waists because they were all so tall. Holly and I had already had some pics taken by her parents, so for now the photo op was done.

"You ready for the real world?" Reilly asked, high-fiving me for at least the fifth time.

"Not just yet, she's got three more years to go, remember?" Ryan nudged Reilly.

"Yeah, they don't just let anyone practice law, you know", Dougie reminded the group.

"Hey, they let me in, didn't they? Clearly they can't be too serious." I had somehow been accepted into Harvard Law, which I still could not believe. My grades were definitely good, but not perfect. But, I did have a great deal of experience from internships and volunteer opportunities, as well as a great interview with a member of the admissions team. I pinched myself everyday. It was always my dream law school, and I was made even happier by the fact that I would be in Boston for at least three more years.

I said goodbye to Holly, which definitely made me sad, but I knew I would see her soon because she lived nearby and would starting a job in the city soon. I hugged the guys, knowing I would see them soon, as well, and headed back to my apartment to grab the last of my things. I was working at a law office in the city for the summer and would be living with Dougie. I had insisted on doing otherwise, although it would be very convenient, because I felt bad about being a burden and not paying for my own housing. But he insisted and I couldn't deny that I loved the idea of moving in with him. I'd be staying there while in school, as well.

"You sure you can carry the last few boxes?"

"Of course, I'm pretty ripped, ya know."

I laughed, louder than I meant to, at Dougie's comment.

"Sure, bud. Let's go."

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Dougie and I had decided to go on a walk after moving my stuff to his place. I had a storage unit, as well, and had sent some stuff home with my family. So, luckily, I didn't have too much. We decided to walk on campus, which had mostly cleared out after the graduation rush, and was only quick T-ride from his place.

Hand-in-hand, we strolled along the sidewalk, the sun still out but just about to set. It was still warm out and I had changed into a sun dress, which was a short-sleeved navy blue that tied around the waist.

I smiled as, after about fifteen minutes of walking, we approached a spot that was near and dear to my heart. I could tell Dougie recognized it, as well, as he gripped my hand tighter, causing me to look up.

"Remember when you couldn't find the hockey arena?" He laughed, nodding.

"Remember when you didn't realize I was a hockey player?"

"Hey! It was really sunny and I was distracted. I knew who you were after a few seconds."

"I'm just messing with you. Besides, it was cute."

I walked over to the map, looking over the campus I had roamed for four years. Dougie asked me to read the description under the hockey rink on the map's key. I did as he said, assuming he was just curious. Once I was done I turned around, about to ask him if he wanted to turn around. But I couldn't.

Down on one knee, a box in his hands, Dougie looked up at me.

"Chloe, three years ago as I stood around trying to find Coach Smith's office, I had absolutely no idea that I would meet someone as amazing as you. I remember being terrified to ask you for your number after the game and being so happy when you agreed to hang out with me on our first real date. I could tell then that you were something special. Every time I saw you after that, I felt more and more connected to you. You understand me so well and never, ever made me feel like I was just some professional hockey player who you were using for money, or something else. You are so passionate about everything you do, whether it be at school or cheering me on at a game. You have never forced me to be anyone I'm not, and I feel wholly comfortable and happy around you. It would mean more to me than anything in the world to be able to spend the rest of my life with you. We don't have to do it now, we can even wait until you are done with law school. I don't care when. I just know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, Chloe Amelia Reynolds. Will you marry me?"

I couldn't respond. My heart raced and my eyes blurred as tears stung. I covered my mouth with my hands as Dougie opened the box, displaying the most beautiful oval-shaped diamond ring I have ever seen. I couldn't form words, so I responded by vigorously nodding. Dougie grinned and slid the ring onto my finger, then wrapping me in a hug. I pressed a kiss to his lips as I stood on my toes, still buzzing with emotion.

"I love you so much."

"I love you. You're the best girlfriend."

"No, I'm the best fiancée."

Three Years Later - June

I gulped, looking in the reflection of the glass door once more. I felt my dad squeeze my hand once, reassuring me that everything would be fine.

Dougie and I had agreed to wait until I had graduated from law school to get married. It was hard, and the past three years hadn't been easy, but I was so happy. Of course, we had our fights and disagreements. But they never blew out of proportion. We were both very quiet, emotionally-connected people, and we honestly had an amazing relationship, which had only grown stronger.

I had worked planning the wedding while completing law school and working in a law firm, luckily getting help from Brittany Lucic, who was an absolute saint. Things had really become stressful as playoffs started, the Bruins thankfully making it. I was multi-tasking between planning the wedding, finishing school, working, and watching Dougie and the guys. Things could not have worked out more perfectly, as the B's won the cup and we set our wedding to take place a week later. It was honestly the greatest moment I've ever experienced.

The color theme was pale yellow and silver, in a subtle ode the Bruins and also to one of my favorite colors. It was honestly my idea. Dougie had been super helpful in planning when he could, listening to my ideas and giving feedback when necessary.

Our wedding was outside, in the Boston Public Garden. Using some connections, we had been able to reserve the area for a little bit. The weather was beautiful and so was the scenery.

My dress was a sweetheart neckline, with sheer, lace fabric draping off the shoulders to act as sort-of sleeves. It was fitted, but flared at the bottom, with a short train. My veil was edged in the same lace, and my hair was curled and gathered to one side.

As the music began, I turned the corner and walked down the aisle. I felt my cheeks warm slightly as I saw everyone turn towards me. We hadn't invited a huge amount of people, but I was still a bit overwhelmed. The entire team was there, along with their significant others and children. My family was there, as well as Dougie's, and I had invited some friends from my childhood and from school.

Holly was my maid-of-honor, and my three other bridesmaids were my two sisters and my best friend from high school. I had insisted on asking Brittany, as well, but she was very, very pregnant and had told me that she wanted to watch the wedding from an audience's perspective. Freddie, Dougie's brother, was his best man, and Reilly, David, and Ryan were his three other groomsmen, of course.

As I walked down the aisle, I smiled at my mom. I could see here eyes tear up. I saw Patrice smile at me, as well as Tuukka winking at me.

I looked directly ahead of me, eyes locked on Dougie. His eyes were wide and his mouth hung slightly open as he saw me. Keeping with tradition, I had not let him see me prior to the wedding. He smiled and quickly wiped a potential tear away, as my dad dropped me off at the altar.

The ceremony began, we read our vows, and before I knew it, we were saying "I Do". Dougie kissed me softly, dipping me back slightly, which elicited a few whistles and cheers from some of the guys on the team, Reilly obviously included.

We both headed out to the location of the reception, which was nearby, and had a chance for a quick moment alone.

"Hello, Mrs. Hamilton."

I grinned, loving the sound of my married name.

"Hello, my loving husband."

He kissed me again, and we gripped each others' hands, preparing for what was sure to be a wild few hours of eating, drunk dancing by some professional hockey players, and awkward speeches.

Two Years Later - September

I gulped, wringing my hands as I paced and waited for Dougie to get home. The team had had a practice before the game later, so he would arrive home any minute. I was pleased to hear the sound of keys unlocking the door and raced into the living room of the apartment Dougie and I shared. We had moved out shortly before the wedding, Ryan and Reilly taking on Pasta as a new roommate. We still visited all the time, but we really wanted our own space to enjoy our time as a married couple, of course.

"Hey hun, how was practice?"

Dougie dropped his bag and gave me a hug, his hair still wet from his post-practice shower.

"It wasn't too bad, but I'm still nervous for the game tonight. Hey, did you find my practice jersey? I have to bring it in to get cleaned."

I nodded, pointing to the bag on the counter in the kitchen, worried that my plan may not work. Dougie walked over and unzipped the bag, a confused look on his face as he looked inside. He pulled the much-too-small jersey out of the bag and I saw his expression change as he flipped it over. His face lit up as he read the back, and he smiled wider than I had ever seen.

"Does this mean what I think it means?!"

I nodded, relieved that he was reacting so positively.

"I'm gonna be a dad?!"

I nodded again, as he ran over to me and wrapped me in a massive hug, quickly pulling away and kneeling down to press an ear to my stomach.

"You probably won't hear anything, I'm only a few months along."

He kissed my stomach and stood up, his eyes glistening and a smile still on his face.

"I am going to make sure you are completely comfortable during your pregnancy. This baby is going to have everything it needs. We can pick stuff out, and decorate, and-"

I cut him off, calming him down.

"Dougie, Dougie. That sounds wonderful, I genuinely appreciate that. But, we've got time. Let's just take it in for now."

Dougie nodded, kissing my forehead and returning to the counter to take a picture of the little jersey that read "Daddy" above the number 27. He posted it on Twitter, writing "Watch out, Boston. There's gonna be a new biggest Bruins fan in town, soon."

Six Months Later- March

"Say 'Go Reilly'!"

"Say 'Pasta'!"

"Say 'celly'!"

"Say 'no goal'!"

I walked into the living room, shaking my head.

"Guys, she can't even say 'mama' yet. Maybe wait until later before you try to brainwash her?"

Reilly looked up at me, hands up in defense.

"Hey, it's not brainwashing if she wants to say it. I can see it in her eyes. She loves me."

I rolled my eyes, knowing that what he said was true. My daughter was lucky to have a ton of big, protective guys who loved her and would look out for her. Reilly passed her to Pasta, who was a little bit apprehensive to hold her, but smiled once she smiled, as well.

"Stella? Are they bothering you?" Dougie walked over and picked our daughter up, kissing her nose as she laughed. I walked over and slipped on her socks, admiring her outfit for her first Bruins game. It didn't start for a few hours, as the guys hadn't even headed over yet, but I couldn't resist trying it on. She had on her "Daddy" jersey, which finally fit her perfectly. She only had a little bit of hair, reddish like her dad's, which I had put in a small pony-tail on top of her head in a yellow bow. She had little black baby leggings on and socks that looked like skates, that Brittany had found online and given me at my baby shower.

When Stella was born, I absolutely fell in love. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Her eyes were bright blue, like mine, and her red-blonde hair made them even brighter. She was a pretty quiet baby, which made sense seeing as Dougie and I were very quiet, and was always smiling and giggling. Reilly and Pasta were great uncles to her, and although he was a little more hesitant, Ryan was slowly becoming less nervous around her. The rest of the team had met her, too. Tuukka still teased me for me being his favorite player, and made sure to give her a baby goalie set to use when she could stand.

"Hey guys, can Dougie and I have a minute?"

They nodded as Dougie handed Reilly Stella and headed down the hall with me.

I ran into the bedroom and Dougie ran in behind me, locking the door. I giggled and jumped on the bed, flipping over as Dougie climbed on top of me. He began attacking my neck with kisses as I gripped his back. It was hard to get alone time with Stella being so young.

"I'm gonna miss being able to see you whenever."

"I know, me too. But, I'm also excited to go back to work eventually."

Dougie looked at me, smiling.

"You excited for the game tonight?"

"Of course! Stella looks adorable and I know you guys are gonna kill 'em."

"Stella does look pretty cute, but there may be another fan even cuter."

I smiled and kissed him quickly.

"You know you have to score two goals tonight, right? On for me, one for Stella."

"Oh, gotcha. I'll see what I can do."

Notes

I want to thank each and every one of you for reading my first ever story! It was a joy to write. I will definitely write more!

I figured this was a cute way to end it, since I felt a little odd writing more after the (very) unfortunate trade situation.

Please let me know if you have any other story ideas or requests. I'd like to do a collection of quick stories, as well.

Also, let me know if you want me to do some quick chapters of moments in the gaps of this story. I could add some more, if you'd like.

Thanks again. <3