Toronto General Hospital. August 1st.

It was the day Natalia and William were extremely nervous for. Today would be the first of a week-long treatment plan to aid Natalia in her fight against ALS. She would have to go to the hospital every day for two hours the whole week for treatments and even though she had Will by her side, it was still nerve wracking to deal with this.

"So, what exactly will happen?" Will asked as the nurses prepped the medication.

One of the nurses approached Natalia and prepped her arm, "This medication will be inserted into her bloodstream through an IV and it will combine with her immune system to fight off the unwanted cells. Since the diagnosis was caught early, there is a strong chance she could fight the disease."

Natalia got shaky as the needles were being prepped, "I'm scared."

"It'll be okay, baby. I'm right here. I will get you through this. I won't leave your side," Will reassured.

"Are we ready to begin?" another nurse ponded.

Natalia softly nodded, "Yes. We are." The IV was placed in her arm and treatments were soon underway.

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One week later, Natalia finished her treatments and they received word from her doctors that a majority of the ALS had disappeared, but she would still need medication, just not heavy doses. It was a big relief, but it still hurt to know that medication was still needed. Will decided to take his girl out for a romantic dinner in Toronto after a very tough week.

"Baby, I am so proud of you and the way you prevailed through all of this. You're such a rockstar," Will smiled.

Natalia blushed and sipped her iced tea (she couldn't have alcohol due to the medication), "Aw, well, you really got me through it. You never left my side and I am so grateful."

"Why would I leave you?" Will questioned.

Natalia let out a deep sigh, "Because a lot of guys don't want to take care of someone who needs constant love and treatment. It can be such a pain in the ass a lot of the time."

"Do you want to know why I never left? Do you?" Will demanded.

Natalia softly nodded, "Yes."

Will got down on one knee and opened up a blue velvet box, "This is why. Baby girl, I love you with all my heart and soul. You make me the happiest man in the entire world and I would not be anything without you. Your determination, spirit, passion, and heart never go unnoticed. I want to witness that and more, forever. Natalia Katherine, will you marry me?"

"Oh my gosh Will...of course," Natalia cried as he slipped on the ring, restaurant patrons cheering in the backyard.

"I'm never leaving you baby. I promise," Will whispered, kissing his new fiancee.

Natalia was on cloud nine. Most of her ALS treatments were working, she was now engaged, and she was hoping to go back to school in the fall. What could go wrong?

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Unfortunately, this story has a very sad ending. Four months after their summer wedding, Natalia Katherine Nylander passed away from ALS complications on December 3rd, 2018. William was devastated at losing his bride so young, but was forever inspired by her courage and will to always put others first. The Maple Leafs were gracious enough to engrave her initials on the ice in front of the bench where Will would sit during the games. Will set up a charity in his wife's honor to help those in all of Canada with ALS. He made a vow to never re-marry, as she was the true love of his life. Their love story was not just Swedish seduction, but love, hope, and commitment.

Notes