Another Day in Nashville

Playoffs ended a lot sooner than we wanted. The Preds were eliminated in a hectic game 7 against the Blackhawks. I was sitting beside James at the bar while he and some of the others talked about the loss. "Hey, guys. I think I speak for everyone, including the fans when I say, we had a great run. I mean, we took the fucking Chicago Blackhawks to a game 7!" Craig Smith said downing a shot

"Smithy is right, boys." Shea Weber said "The fans are proud of us. Yeah it sucks to be eliminated first round, but we gave the Hawks a good run."

"That's right, sweetie." Bailey Weber said kissing Shea on the cheek, before grabbing him by the hand and pulling him over to the dance floor

"You okay?" I asked James, who hadn't said a word

James nodded, finishing off his beer "Yep."

"James..." I said

James turned over to me "Emmy?"

"You haven't said much..."

James shrugged "I don't have much to say. I could've played better."

"Babe, don't be hard on yourself."

"Yeah. I'm gunna go get another drink." James said standing up

I sighed and looked down at my phone, playing a game "Hey, kiddo." Rich Clune's voice said snapping me from my thoughts

"Hi, Richie." I smiled

"Where's Nealer?"

"Getting another beer."

"Ah." Richie said sitting down "You okay, Donahue?"

"James is upset."

"Oh. You know Nealer. He takes the losses to heart. Especially in playoffs."

James came back with two bottles of beer in his hand and sat back down beside me, "Hey, Dickie."

"Sup Nealer?"

James shrugged "Nothing." he said downing one of the beers and going to work on the second

"Well, I saw a pretty brunette on the dance floor I wanted to talk to. If you two need a ride, let me know." Rich said walking off

"James, do you want to talk?"

"What's there to talk about?" he asked quietly "We could've played better. I could've played better. I got that fucking penalty in the third and it screwed it all up."

"Babe, it isn't your fault."

"It feels like it is. I feel like I let my team down."

"You heard Shea. He's proud of you guys and I'm proud of you, James."

"You are?" he asked

I nodded, grabbing his hand "Of course I am, James. I'm always proud of you."

James smiled, lightly squeezing my hand "Wanna get out of here?"

I nodded and smiled "Yeah."

"Are you good to drive?" James asked with a laugh

"Yeah." I laughed "I didn't have a drink." I replied helping him out to the car. James pulled me into his arms and kissed me. "What was that for?"

James smiled "Because I love you."

"I love you too. Let's go home." I drove us back to our place. James let Nix out while I started making us some french toast. James came back in and wrapped his arms around me.

"Emilee, I love you."

"I love you too, James."

"You're so amazing and supportive of me."

"Well, I love you. You're the best." I said kissing him

"Emilee..."

"Yeah, James?"

"I'm not the most romantic person in the world and this is a horrible way to do this, but I love you and I think now is better than later."

"James, what are you...." I started as he dropped down to one knee. I covered my mouth and could feel tears welling up in my eyes

"Emilee, will you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?" he asked pulling a small velvet box from his pocket

I started crying and nodded as James' smile widened "Yes, James."

James smiled and slipped the ring onto my finger, it was perfect. He pulled me into a hug and kissed me, "I love you so much." he said

"I love you too." I replied hugging him back even tighter.

Notes