Trouble in the King's Court
Chapter 22
It was now Valentine's Day in Manhattan, and love was certainly in the air. The Rangers had a game tonight against a not so loving rival in Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. News of Henrik's continued treatment quickly circulated through the hockey world, and it was going to be quite interesting how he will be welcomed back, should the NHL Commissioner's office reinstate him to return.
It was 4:55 in the afternoon. Aly was in the family suite in MSG with Kristina, baby Ava, as well as some of the guys' wives and their kids prior to working the game tonight. She was more than thankful to have such a wonderful support system through everything that has gone on.
"Kristina, that ring is so beautiful. Did Carl give you that?" Heather, wife of Michael Grabner, asked.
Kristina blushed, "Yes he did, thank you. It's yellow, my favorite color."
"What did Chris get you?" Angela, wife of Nick Holden, questioned Aly.
Aly snapped out of her trance, "Huh? Oh, nothing. I told him I didn't need anything."
"But it's Valentine's Day!" Heather exclaimed.
Ava began to get fussy, so Aly took her daughter to the bathroom to get her diaper changed. While that happened, Kristina began to speak in a soft voice, "Chris is going to propose after the anthem. Aly has no clue! We snuck to Harry Winston the other day and picked out a beautiful ring."
"Oh my goodness! How are you going to pull this off?" Sammy, wife of Brendan Smith, gasped.
Kristina smiled, "I asked John Giannone (MSG Networks reporter for those who don't know) if she could stand with him during warmups and AV will have him starting tonight. Once the anthem ends, Chris is going to skate between the benches and ask her!"
"That is so cute!!" Deanna grinned.
Aly came out of the bathroom with her smiling baby girl, "What are you guys so giddy about?"
"Nothing, just the game tonight," Natalie slyly said.
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The game was now set to begin. Aly took her spot next to John Giannone. It was "Garden of Dreams" night and one young girl, who always wished of singing the national anthem at MSG, had her dream come true this evening. She was truly marvelous. Chris looked up from center ice and smiled at his girl.
John whispered to Aly, "You've got a great man."
Once the anthem was over, Aly picked her head up and saw that Chris was kneeling in front of her, "Oh my god. What's happening?"
Chris took her hand, "Aly, baby girl, I love you with all my heart. Your passion and drive and fight inspires me to be a better man every single day. You are an amazing mother to our little girl and I love seeing you two bond so well. You mean the world to me and I want to spend every second of every day loving you, being there, and enjoying life. Will you marry me?"
Aly's knees buckled at the sight of a beautiful diamond ring in front of her, "I love you Christopher James Kreider. Of course I will!"
As he slipped the ring on and they kissed, MSG went wild. After a tough year plus, Aly was engaged to the love of her life. Nothing could ever take this feeling away. Right?
