Proving Her Worth

~*~*~*~ Mallory’s POV ~*~*~*~

Memories of my first kiss, even if it had only been a light brush, lingered in my head almost every waking hour and every time I saw something that made me think of Jon I couldn’t help but blush, my skin tingling pleasantly. We’d texted throughout the week, continuing our game of twenty questions but he never mentioned actual plans for our second date leaving me to wonder if he was still interested or if he’d decided dating me was too much of a hassle.

They’d had one away game the Saturday after our first date, but had been home for a few days before playing the Flyers the following Wednesday. Though I was having a rough day when it came to morning sickness I’d sat in the box during the game and screamed at the top of my lungs as the Hawks won 3-0 all the while popping peppermints to try and soothe my stomach.

Thursday, November 2nd was my first ultrasound appointment to pinpoint exactly when my due date was and so by the time I got into the office it was after 10 am. As I waited for my computer to start, I moved to make myself a cup of tea and when I returned to my desk I noticed an envelope that certainly wasn’t there yesterday but that I very well could have overlooked just a few minutes prior.

Seeing my name on the envelope in an unfamiliar script, I quickly took my letter opener to it and gasped when a piece of paper and two tickets slipped out of it. I was certain that I had to be imagining the latter because they were nearly impossible to get ahold of, at least without like six months planning. Then again, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised if the note was from who I thought it was.

Scanning over the note, I felt my heart begin to race and a wide smile take possession of my features. I couldn’t believe he had actually remembered my comment about not being able to take advantage of the Chicago theater scene let alone pick up on my love for the Broadway show the tickets belonged to. After all, I couldn’t even recall mentioning it, though I did have both the biography it was based off of as well as the book about the musical on one of the side tables in my living room.

Looking closer at the tickets I couldn’t help but gasp again seeing tonight’s date and a show time of 8:30 pm. Tucking both tickets as well as the note back into the envelope and then into my purse for safe keeping, I reached for my phone, quickly unlocking it before pulling up my text conversations.

To Jon: I...I’m speechless...how did you…

Knowing he likely wouldn’t see it until after practice, I did my best to focus on my job, though he’d certainly made a hard task even tougher. Between seeing my baby on the screen just an hour ago to knowing that I was going to see I show I could have only hoped to in my wildest dreams, my brain was going slightly haywire.

Since I’d come to work late, I was doing my best to multitask instead of taking an actual lunch when my phone rattled from its spot on my desk.

From Jon: I take it you’re excited. I’ll pick you up at 7:30.
Excited was a bit of an understatement and when five pm finally arrived I quickly gathered my things before bolting out of the office to catch the train home.

## Jon’s POV ##

My epic plan for Mallory and my second date had been in the works since the morning after our first and hopefully, it would show her just how serious I was about pursuing her. Before heading to practice this morning I’d stopped by UC to leave the tickets on her desk and now at twenty-five after seven I was catching the elevator of Mallory’s building to pick her up.

When she answered the door, my jaw dropped for a moment as I took in her appearance. She’d gone classic black and white tonight, but the red wine color on her lips made me want to pull her close and kiss her senseless. I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about properly kissing her since I’d brushed my lips over hers after our first date but we hadn’t talked about it so I wasn’t sure if the action would be wanted.

Finally pulling myself together I licked my lips to wet them before reaching a hand out to her.

“You look absolutely incredible,” I told her. “Should we go?” The way she was bouncing on her heels in excitement made me chuckle and she quickly nodded, the two of us headed back down to the parking garage where my SUV was waiting.

It wasn’t long until we were pulling into a garage next to the theater and walking the short block, showing our tickets as we headed inside. An usher directing us to our seats, I watched as her eyes went wide taking in the empty stage before engrossing herself in the program that had been handed to us. I had honestly never been to a musical production before and I honestly was hoping that the next three hours wouldn’t be torture. She was worth it of course but it would certainly help if I was able to enjoy myself as well.

“Oh my god...I’m so excited.” She murmured, though she was certainly giving that away with her body language. After a moment I saw her glance over at me, and I simply smiled at her as she reached to take my hand in hers. “You are something else Jonathan Toews...you know that right?” She added.

Before I could respond the house lights were going down and Mallory returned her attention to the stage, her knee bouncing silently next to me. Throughout the show I found myself watching her as she mouthed along to the songs, her facial expressions morphing and her entire being swept up by the performance. During the second act, I’d had to give her my handkerchief because she’d started crying, her hand tightening its grip on my own.

At the end, she was still wiping away tears and seeing my evident look of concern she quickly started giggling before brushing her thumb across my cheek. “I’m fine I promise, I always cry during a show and hormones aren’t helping.” As we stood to give a final round of applause, I motioned for her to sit as most of the crowd gathered their things and left the theater. When she looked at me confused I just smirked.

“Be patient. We’re not done here.” Five minutes later one of the production managers appeared and I motioned for Mallory to grab her purse and coat as we followed him. He led us down the halls to the stage and when she realized what was going on, I saw her eyes light up again. “Go ahead,” I assured her when she looked hesitant to actually walk on the stage.

Taking the experience being given to her she moved quickly toward the center before just staring back at the set in awe before turning around and looking out at the audience.

“Wow…” She breathed and looking down at the production assistant in the audience I motioned for him to take a picture of her.

“Mr. Toews, why don’t you both sit on the edge of the stage and I’ll take another picture.” He suggested. Following his instructions, I moved to help her sit before joining her and smiling out into the dimmed theater. Suddenly I felt a pair of warm lips on my cheek and when I turned to look at her she was just staring at me, bright smile still on her face.

Standing up, I pulled her back to her feet and took my phone back from the production assistant.

“Ready to go?” I murmured softly and after doing one more twirl on the stage she nodded and tucked herself into my side.

“This was quite possibly the best day of my life.” She murmured as I opened the car door for her, her body pressed between the side of the vehicle and my own. “Seeing my baby for the first time and then this…” Her mention of the baby made me want to ask but before I could, her arm was draped around the back of my neck and she was tentatively leaning up to press her lips to mine in a sensual kiss, growing surer of herself as I finally responded.

“Glad I was able to impress.” I finally whispered when she pulled away, her cheeks almost the same color as the stain that had been on her lips and was surely now on mine as well.

“More than impressed, you’ve spoiled me, Jon.” She insisted. “Next date, we stay in and I cook?” She offered likely wanting me to know that she wasn’t expecting this type of thing all the time.

“I think that sounds wonderful. Now let’s get the two of you home.” I replied, the plurality of my statement not even triggering immediately.

That night as I was crawling into bed I heard my phone beep and in response to the pictures of tonight that I’d sent her, she, in turn, attached an ultrasound photo, the sight of which brought an undefinable feeling to my chest. I was in way over my head with this woman but I don’t think I’d want it any other way.

Notes

I would really really love some comments. I have a lot of ideas for this story but I'd love to know what you would like to see.