Chance Meetings

Chapter 8
Word count: 4.2 k
October 27th, 2018
I sat in between Lucy and Steph as we watched the boys play against Winnipeg. At the start of the third period, we were starting to worry that maybe it just wasn’t the boys night and that they may lose the game the night we were supposed to celebrate Halloween. Thankful the boys turned it on in the third period scoring three goals to win the game 3-2. Jake scoring and Mitch getting two assists.
As soon as the three stars were selected, and Mitch and Jake both being awarded the second and third star of the game Steph and Lucy grabbed my arms making our way to the elevator.
“The team is letting us ladies get ready for the party in one of the spare change rooms.” Said Lucy as we waited for the elevator to take us to the basement.
“I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when they see our costumes” whispered Steph as she started giggling picturing our boy’s faces.
“Morgan has been bugging me all week asking for clues about what we are being,” I said as I rolled my eyes in fake annoyance.
“Morgan is going to die when he sees you” winked Lucy.
“Ya! You are going to look so hot,” added Steph as she fanned herself in a joking manner.
Once we got to the basement we exited the elevator and I followed the girls as they lead me to the room.
Christina was waiting at the dressing room door for us with a big bag of makeup in her hand.
We walked up to her and gave her big hugs as she opened the door for us and we walked into the room.
The other ladies were already getting ready so we found an empty space and we started getting ready.
While shopping with the girls the other day they pulled me into Victoria Secret to buy a white bodysuit that insinuated my curves. We were able to find a white leather mini skirt to wear as my “zombie wedding dress”. Lucy had a pair of white heels at home from her wedding that I was going to borrow for the night.
Our last stop of the shopping trip we went into the dollar store to buy the ladies ears as well as my veil.
Lucy was Regina George so she chose to wear a light grey deep v bodysuit with a dark grey high waisted skirt. She paired the outfit with light grey suede knee-high heeled boots and her bunny ears.
Steph was Karen so she was wearing the same bodysuit and leather mini skirt like me just in black. She paired the outfit with black knee high heel boots and mouse ears.
Christina was Gretchen so she chose to wear a skintight black long sleeved jumpsuit with black high heels, and cat ears.
Once everyone was in their costumes, Christina, Lucy, Steph and I took a bunch of photos for our Instagram to post later.
Aryne came over and we started talking about the new leaf-to-leaf video John and Morgan filmed together.
“Did you see how competitive the boys got when they started the two games?” asked Aryne.
“It was hilarious, especially when Morgan lost at the washer stack game,” I replied laughing as I remember Morgan’s actions when he lost to John.
“Those boys” she laughed “everything is always a competition, and they will use any opportunity to trash talk each other.”
I nodded my head agreeing with Aryne, I have only been with Morgan a short time but I have witnessed his constant need for competition more than a couple of times.
“So Morgan mentioned that you love baking. Maybe we should get together sometime and bake something for our boys?” I suggested as I smiled.
“I would love that! By the way, you look so freaking hot! Morgan isn’t going to be able to keep his eyes or hands off of you” Aryne said as she winked in my direction.
“Thanks, I’m actually really nervous. I’ve never worn anything like this before.” I said as I started to pull the bodysuit up a little higher on my breasts. Starting to feel self-couscous I wondered if maybe I shouldn’t have worn such a revealing costume on my first Halloween as a lady leaf?
“Girl, don’t even worry. While I was living in Long Island, a couple of puck bunnies somehow got invited to our team Halloween party. Those girls looked slutty and desperate but you look sexy and cute.” Aryne said as she patted my back as a reassuring gesture.
I had only met Aryne a couple of times but She has always gone out of her way to make me feel welcome and included.
I hoped Morgan’s reaction would make me feel a little bit less uncomfortable and more confident. Morgan had a way of making me feel comfortable and confident in situations I normally would shy away from.
Aryne pulled out her phone and we took a couple of pictures together before I headed to the bathroom part of the change room to fix my makeup.
I looked at Lucy through the mirror “I wonder what the boys are going to dress up as?”
“Haha knowing my husband and your boyfriend they are probably dressing up as some type of superhero.” She joked.
“For as long as I can remember, going to marvel movies is Jake and Morgan’s thing. When Morgan got drafted to the Leafs I actually had to fight him for time with my boyfriend.”
“Haha, that’s hilarious.”
“But it’s all good now, I’m doing the same thing to him. He is going to have to fight me for time with you.” She added as she threw her arm around me.
“You know it,” I said as I dramatically winked at her causing us both to burst out in giggles.
“We ready ladies?” Questioned Christina as she readjusted her cat ears on her head.
Choruses of yes filled the room as the ladies made our way out of the change room.
Steph locked arms with me as we walked down the hallway towards the player's lounge.
I could tell Morgan was already in the lounge because I could hear his laugh from the other side of the door. His laugh was music to my ears and no matter what, every time I heard it, I couldn’t help but smile as my heart skipped a beat.
As we walked into the room I could feel Morgan’s eyes on me right away. I quickly turned towards where he was standing next to Jake. His Captain American Costume making him look even hotter than normal if that was even possible.
Morgan’s reaction to my costume was better than I was anticipating. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the bodysuit and mini skirt I was wearing, a slight smirk started to form on his face as I started walking closer.
His reaction instilled a new sense of confidence as I walked over to him with a new bounce in my step.
As soon as I was inches from him he pulled me the rest of the way into his arms whispering “Damn Babe if that’s how you’re going to look on your wedding day I’m one Lucky guy.” He joked as he kissed the side of my forehead. “But seriously you look so fucking hot. You are definitely the most beautiful girl in the room.” He whispered into my ear.
“Thanks, babe. You are by far the hottest guy in the room. The way your muscles bulge out of your costume is really turning me on” I whispered as I slowly leaning up to kiss his lips.
I pulled away and looked him up and down licking my lips in a teasing but seductive manner. “You are definitely hotter than Chris Evans... maybe even stronger than him too,” I added as I moved my finger down his chest to his abs.
“Babe.” He whinnied at my actions as he slowly moved his hand from my back to squeeze my butt.
Laughing I couldn’t help but tease “you know your not American right... maybe Jake should have been captain America seeing as he is actually American.”
Morgan Rolled his eyes as Jake said “Hails you’re right... why didn’t I think of that.”
Morgan wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close as he kissed the top of my forehead. He pulled away and spun me around to get a better look at my costumes
“Damn babe! You look so good, I am going to struggle to keep my hands off of you.” He whispered as he slowly kissed my lips.
From across the room, I could see Steph beckoning me over to where she was getting us drinks. As I walked away I made sure to sway my hips as I knew Morgan would one hundred percent be watching. A little teasing never hurt anyone right?
Once I got to Steph I saw that she had ordered us some tequila shots “come on we need to cheers to your first Halloween as a lady leafs.”
Lucy and Christina joined in as we lifted the glasses to our lips and tipped our heads back as the liqueur slid down our throats.
“Damn Hails. How is that your favourite shot? It’s so disgusting.” Teased Lucy.
“What can I say? I like hard liqueur.” I replied as I laughed.
“That’s not the only thing you like hard.” Teased Lucy as she winked at me before turning to look at Morgan.
“Oh, Lucy.” I giggled as I rolled my eyes at her joke. “I think you missed your calling as a stand-up comedian.”
I locked eyes with Morgan from across the room as he was talking with Jake, John Freddie, Mitch, and Auston.
I turned towards the bartender and ordered both of us a glass of wine and Made my way over to where he was standing.
Morgan saw that I was walking towards him so he met me half way and grabbed his glass “Thanks, Babe.” He said placing his hand on my back and guiding me towards the table he was just sitting at.
Once sitting down Morgan lifted his glass towards me as we clinked them together.
“To our first Halloween as a couple.”
We both took a sip from our glasses before he wrapped his arm around the top of my chair as I leaned back into his embrace.
“Rumor has it...” he whispered pausing “they are going to bring out the food soon.”
I couldn’t help the Giggle that escaped my lips as I whispered, “Mo when you said Rumor has it then paused I thought you were going to tell me some gossip.”
“I’m sure you get enough gossip from Steph and Lucy, you don’t need it from me.” He purposely Teased Just as Lucy sat down beside us.
“Morgan stop being mean.” She teased back as she punched him in the arm jokingly. One thing that I noticed about Morgan and Lucy is that they had that annoying brother and sister relationship.
“Jake protect me, your wife just hit me.” Morgan teased as he leaned closer for Jake.
“Uh, you probably deserved it.” He joked “but babe, violence is never the answer.”
“And that’s coming from the hockey player.” Muttered Lucy rolled her eyes at her husband as we started laughing.
Steph came running over to us “Hails, Lucy there’s a photo booth.” She exclaimed as she grabbed both of our hands and pulled us up so we were standing.
Jokingly I mouthed to Morgan “help me.”
Morgan quickly stood up saying “we will follow you there, I want some photos with Hails as well.” Morgan laced our hands together and we walked towards the photo booth, which was set up beside a huge Jenga set.
Lucy, Steph Christina and I took a bunch of photos in the booth, half of them we tried to act silly and the other half we smiled and took cute photos.
Just as Morgan and I stepped out of the photo booth and collected our polarized photos the Chef walked into the lounge announcing that dinner was ready. Morgan placed his hand onto my back as we walked back towards our table.
After dinner, I got up from my chair ready to head towards the bathroom to freshen up when Morgan pulled me into his lap so that I was now sitting in his lap with his arms wrapped around my torso and my head tucked into his shoulder as I leaned into his embrace. He slowly leaned down to kiss my head.
It was moments like this that I was thankful that I decided to take a chance at finding love again. I was falling hard and fast for Morgan hoping that he would catch me. Every time I’m not with him I found myself missing him and wishing I could be with him. Even though we haven’t said those three important words, loving him and being with him was like a drug. it created a high that I was so addicting that I never wanted to come down.
“Hails!” exclaimed Lucy “don’t move, that is a really nice picture.”
Lucy grabbed my phone and took a couple of photos, once she was done she handed me back my phone. Still, in Morgan’s lap, we looked through the photos Morgan whispering into my ear “can you send me that? I want to change that to my background.”
Nodding my head I quickly sent him the photo and moved into the chair beside Morgan. His hand slowly moving into my lap as I tried to focus on my conversation with Freddie.
“How are you liking Toronto?” I asked
“I really enjoy living here, it’s definitely a lot different than living in Anaheim and Denmark.” He replied smiling.
“Where are you from in Denmark? When we were living overseas for dad’s hockey we traveled to Europe and Scandinavia! We spent a week in Frederikshavn.”
“Frederikshavn is beautiful, I’m from Herning!” He replied smiling.
“Wait! Did you say that your dad played hockey overseas?” Freddie questioned sitting up a little straighter intrigued after what I said clued in.
“Haha yes, I did. He played a couple of games in the NHL and scored but never made it back to the big leagues so he went overseas with us to play.”
“That’s so awesome. What position did he play?” Asked Freddie
“He played defenseman.”
“How long did you guys live overseas?” Asked Morgan and Freddie at the same time. Which made all of us burst out laughing.
“Jinx!” Exclaimed Morgan
“We lived overseas for seven seasons before my dad retired and we moved back home,” I replied.
“What does your dad do know? I’m guessing something to do with hockey?” Asked Freddie.
“Actually.” I replied laughing, “he’s a carpenter. He has always liked building stuff and working with his hands. He wanted to get away from the hockey business.”
“What’s he going to say when he finds out his baby girl is dating a hockey player?” Asked Freddie jokingly looking at Morgan and reaching over me to hit Morgan in the arm
“Haha, I think he is going to pull the ‘I know what goes through hockey players minds. Be careful.’” I said Imitating his voice “then he will be ‘at least he is a defenseman, the defenseman is the good guys. Just tell him that I was the fighter on my team, just so he is scared of me.”
“Haha your dad sounds awesome,” laughed Morgan “but I’m still slightly nervous about meeting him.”
“I think he will like you, once he sees how well you treat me!” I whispered as I squeezed his hand reassuringly.
“Hailey here is my number. If you ever need anything I’m just a phone call away. I know dating an athlete can’t be easy so I’m here for both you and Mo.” Freddie said as he stuck his hand out for my phone. I quickly handed it to him as Morgan looked at me and smiled.
“Thanks, Freddie. I really appreciate how welcoming and supportive everyone is being. Morgan is lucky to have amazing friends and teammates.” I replied giving Freddie a sideways hug.
Freddie nodded his head as he typed away on my phone creating a contact.
“Freddie, Are you seeing anyone?” I asked as the idea to set him up with my friend Charlee popped into my head. Morgan quickly turned to me wondering where I was going with this question.
“No, I’m not why?” He replied laughing.
“I just think you and my friend could be really good together.”
“Uh oh, Fredex... if she is anything like Hailey I’d run for the hills.” Joked Morgan as he winked at me.
Laughing at his attempt to be funny I hit his arm. ‘I’m not that bad am I?’ I thought as all the memories that Lucas engraved came flooding back. I knew Morgan was joking but a little part of me was worried that Morgan would realize I’m not worth his time or energy and that he would end up leaving me.
“Haha, I will take my chances. Hailey seems like a really nice girl!” Replied Fredrick.
“Yay!” I exclaimed, “let me talk to her and we can set up a double date.”
The DJ started playing the song ‘Wannabe’ by the spice girls and my eyes instantly lit up.
“Hailey!” Exclaimed Lucy as she grabbed my hand and pulled both Steph and me to the dance floor.
We laughed and jumped around the dance floor as we sang the lyrics at the top of our lungs.
The next song was ‘die a happy man.’ by Thomas Rhett. Just as I was looking for Morgan I felt his arms pull me in close
“Do you ladies mind if I steal Hailey away for this dance?” Morgan asked as he captured his hand in mine.
“I guess you can dance with your girlfriend.” Teased Lucy as Jake joined the dance floor to dance with her.
“Thanks! I really appreciate being able to dance with my own girlfriend.” He replied sarcastically.
Morgan pulled me in close as we swayed to the beat as Morgan sang the words into my ear. Once the song was over he kissed me on the lips and it felt like fireworks were going off in my body. Damn that boy has me hooked on him. All I wanted at this moment was to be alone with him in the comforts of his bed.
The evening was spent drinking and having fun with the people I now consider my friends. Once the party was finished Morgan ordered us and uber and we made our way to his place.
Morgan picked me up and threw me over his shoulder giggling as he ran through his apartment nearly falling over his shoes as he kicked them off.
“Mo!” I giggled “slow down.”
“No!” replied Morgan as he ran faster until we got to his bedroom door. “I have been waiting all night to get you out of this costume. I am not waiting any longer.” Morgan said as he threw me onto his bed and climbed on top.
.................................................................
October 31st, 2018
Morgan had asked if he could come over to the Green residence a bit early so he could be around for dinner and to help me get the children ready for trick or treating. Tom and Jess were going to stay home so they could give out the candy to all the trick or treaters coming to our house.
Nate really wanted to go as an incredible, his favourite movie right now. Ella was obsessed with the frozen doll that Morgan had brought her when he came over for dinner. She sleeps with it every night so it was a no brainer when she asked me if she would be Elsa for Halloween.
Max was dressed up as a bear in a fluffy one piece. Morgan and I dressed up as Jack and Jill from the nursery rhyme.
We left the house just before the sun started to set that way max would be awake for the first couple of houses.
As we walked down the street we stopped at every house so that the children could collect their treats. The first 8 houses I walked up to the house with Max holding my hand. I could tell he was starting to get tired so I picked him up to put him in his Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier.
I walked hand in hand with Morgan as we watched Ella and Nate laughing and having a good time.
“I remember when I was their age.” Stated Morgan.
“I loved trick or treating as a child,” I added
“Hails, I’m tired of walking.” Said Ella as she started to pull my hand to stop me from walking.
I had max asleep in his baby carrier as we walked down the street so Nate and Ella could continue on trick or treating.
“Oh honey, I can’t carry you right now. Do you think you can walk to a couple more houses? I think your brother is almost done.” I asked as I bent down to her level.
“Babe, I got it.” Whispered Morgan as he bent down to Ella’s level “Princess I’m going to carry you if that’s okay?”
Ella nodded her head as Morgan picked her up, her face immediately burring into the spot between his neck and his shoulder. Her tiny arms wrapped around his neck as she yawned.
Nate continued trick or treating as Morgan and I followed closely behind him holding hands “do you ever think about what it will be like when we have kids?” Asked Morgan as he had a deep in thought look on his face.
“Honestly all the time,” I replied smiling “every time I see you with the children my heart swells.”
“Seeing you with the children makes me excited for our future.” He replied as he pulled me close with one arm and kissed my forehead. I looked at Ella and saw that she had fallen asleep in Morgan’s arms.
“I guess I’m not the only one who likes falling asleep in your arms,” I said as I leaned up to kiss Ella’s forehead.
“What can I say, the muscles get all the girls.” Morgan teased as he leaned down to kiss Ella’s head as well.
My heart burst as I witness the sweet moment between the little girl I loved and the Man I was falling in love with.
Nate came walking up to us and grabbed my hand “Hails, can we go home now? I think I have enough candy to last me a whole year!” He exclaimed as he held up two pillowcases full of candies. “Don’t worry,” he added, “you can have all my peanut butter cups! I know they are your favourite.”
I leaned down and pulled him into a hug being careful of Max who was sleeping against my chest “You’re way too sweet Nate, thank you!” I replied kissing his forehead.
“I love you, Hails.” He said as he hugged my side.
“I love you too Nate, you will always be my guy,” I said smiling. I looked up at Morgan and he had a big smile on his face as he witnessed the moment between Nate and myself. The bond created between Nate and me was unbreakable, he was the first guy to steal my heat when I started working with them when he was just 3 years old.
We walked back to the house hand in hand, once we got the front door Jess awed when she saw Ella asleep in Morgan’s arms.
“Morgan, would you mind putting Ella to bed? I would hate to wake her up if we tried to transfer her into one of our arms” whispered Jess.
Morgan and Nate followed me as I walked down the hallway towards Max and Ella’s bedroom.
Once Ella and Max were both tucked into bed, I walked towards Nate’s bedroom to continue our regular bedtime routine.
“Hails? Can Morgan read me the bedtime story tonight” asked Nate as I walked into the room and Morgan peaked his head in to say goodnight?
“Of course bud!” replied Morgan as he took my place beside Nate on his reading couch.
“Goodnight Nate,” I said as I leaned down and kissed Nate on the forehead before walking out of the room.
Morgan’s POV
“Do you like Hailey?” asked Nate as soon as Hailey walked out of the room
“Of course I like her!” said Morgan as he smiled down towards Nate.
“No I mean do you like like her?” Questioned Nate
“Yes, I do!” Laughed Morgan as he gave Nate a sideways hug.
“Good.” Replied Nate as he had a far off look in his eyes. “I’m just worried that you’re going to take her from us.”
“Nate, I promise to never take her away from you guys! You guys are a part of my family now too.” Stated Morgan as he smiled towards Nate.
Nate nodded his head as Morgan continued to read the book. Nate fell asleep in my arms as I read him his book I slowly lifted him up and placed him into bed before turning off his bedside lamp and walking out the door.

Notes