by Anne Stone
He knew there was more than met the eye here. She seemed overwhelmed for some reason. From her shortness to him on the phone earlier, to her tears. he needed to understand what was going on, and she was the only one that could tell him.
He sat with her and almost drifted off to sleep when she grabbed onto his fingers pulling him out of his quasi nap. His eyes caught hers and then she began to softly share with him why she’d been so worked up.
Her fingers tightened around his as she snuggled into his chest. Jen loved to latch onto his shirts and tonight was no different. He could feel her nervousness. He continued to sit there with his eyes half closed waiting for her. He wasn’t a mind reader and was clueless as to what set her off. As he sat there peeking through his lids, he could see the varying emotions cross her face. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I shouldn’t have talked to you that way especially right before you boarded the plane.”
“It’s okay.”
“No it’s not.” She pulled away and scooted several inches from him. “One thing I definitely learned is that you never have cross words like that and then expect someone to get on an airplane.” She pulled in her trembling lips, and he watched her as she did her best to keep her tears at bay. Looking away, she murmured, “What if something happened to you?”
He reached his hand out to hers. Grasping hers tightly, he raised it to his lips and brushed a kiss against her knuckles. “Sweetheart, look at me.” She gnawed on her lower lip— closing her eyes, she shook her head and then he saw her begin to relax. She released her lip and opened her eyes. She looked directly at him. “Nothing happened. I am fine albeit a little sore and tired.” He chuckled at his comment and gave her a quirky half-smile.
“You can’t live your life afraid that any time we have a little disagreement, and I’m not calling what we had a disagreement. But whenever that happens, you can’t think that the world is going to collapse and life as you know it is coming to an end. We’re going to have our little tiffs, but at the end of the day you have to know that I will always love you. I’ll do my darnedest to always be by your side. You’ve got to stop believing that the worst is going to happen. Stop looking around every corner…”
“I realize that. I’m sorry. I know that I stressed myself over absolutely nothing. I know my house is immaculate. After all, I’m the only one who lives here. Everything is always in order.” She stopped and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry that I worried you and that you came all the way over here when you should have gone home and soaked in a hot tub.”
“I’m where I need to be. Got it? I’ve missed you. Come here,” he said as he held out his arms. “I’ve missed holding you like this. I’ve got to say, these road trips of late have become harder and harder. I don’t know if it’s my age or just the fact that I’m in love with the most perfect woman and that I miss you when we’re not together.”
She toyed with his shirt as she listened to him. “Are you sure it’s not something else? How’s your hip?”
“Good, really good.”
“You’re not keeping something from me, are you?”
“No, never. When it comes down to it, I’m homesick. I miss you so much, and I definitely can’t wait until I can hold you all night long.”
“What’s stopping you?”
“You know the answer to that question.” They’d discussed taking their relationship to the next level, but she was old fashioned in that way and wanted to wait until their wedding night to make love for the first time.
“I do.” She brushed her hand along his jaw. “Tonight, can we stay right here, wrapped in each other’s arms? I’m more than comfortable. What about you?”
“It feels right.” He pulled her in closely and closed his eyes. He made the right decision, stopping by her place. He knew why she’d acted the way she did. When all was said and done, she’d always return to the evening of her high school graduation. The night that she walked out the door on her parents not knowing that it would be the last time she’d have the chance to tell them how much she loved them. Not remembering what her last words to them were. He knew that she never wanted to experience that again and that she always did her best to end a conversation on a good note, not like she’d done with him earlier.
The next morning Ryne was out the door bright and early. She’d kissed him goodbye and watched as he threw his bag into the car. He looked back at her and smiled once again, mouthing the words he’d last spoken right before walking down the stairs. I love you.
As he pulled away from the curb, she felt more at peace with herself. She still couldn’t believe that he’d stopped by on his way home the night before. She knew how tired he was, but she also realized how much he truly loved her. She’d answered her phone and was surprised when she heard his voice and was even more surprised when she discovered him leaning against her front door.
When she pulled open the door and discovered the dark circles surrounding his red rimmed eyes, she fell in love with him all over again. She was loved and felt it to her core. Spending the night in his arms felt like pure heaven to her, and she couldn’t wait until they were married.
When she could no longer see his taillights, she closed the door and straightened the family room where they’d spent the night. She hoped Ryne wasn’t too sore after his leg cramp and sleeping the remainder of the night on the couch with her.
Two hours later, her nerves had returned to a state of frenzy as she made her way to the airport. The Fergusons’ plane was due to land at eleven. Somehow, she found a parking spot in the garage right outside baggage claim. She wasn’t sure how much luggage they’d have, so she snagged a luggage cart on her way into the terminal.
It was just eleven when she made her way to the waiting area. She pulled out her phone and texted Ryne. I’m at the airport waiting for your family. See you after practice.
She’d barely hit send when she heard a shout and a slight commotion. She looked up just in time as Emma threw herself into Jen’s arms. She hadn’t expected her exuberance and lost her balance, stumbling into a pillar. “Jennifer, we’re here!”
Jen laughed at Emma and hugged her tightly. “Yes, you are.” She brushed Emma’s hair from her face and kissed her cheek. “How was your flight?”
“It was awesome,” added Olivia. Emma stepped aside, allowing Olivia the chance to hug Jen. “We were in first class.”
“You were?” Jen looked up at Jacklynne with a smirk on her face. Jen knew Ryne had booked first class as a surprise to his sisters. He knew they’d get a kick out of flying in style and knew they’d definitely have a story to tell when they returned home.
Next, Jen was wrapped in Jacklynne’s arms. “It’s so good to see you, dear,” she said as she kissed Jen’s cheek.
“Okay girls, you’ve had your chance, now let me have mine.” Jacques stepped up to his soon to be daughter-in-law and reached for her hand. “Come here and give me a hug.”
As soon as Jacques pulled her close, all the anxiety that had been building for days faded. Out of nowhere, a sense of calm overcame her. She felt at home in his arms. She held onto him tightly then heard Emma call out, “Dad, let her go.”
Jen pulled away and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for that,” she whispered.
Jacques winked at her and placed his hand along her cheek. “Everything will be just fine,” he returned. She knew he’d sensed her anxiousness.
“They’ve been so excited for this trip,” Jacklynne said as they waited for their luggage. She grabbed Jen’s hand, “And they can’t wait to call you their sister.”
Jen smiled. “I can’t wait for that myself. July will be here before we know it.”
“Indeed, it will.”
Jacklynne had finished her thoughts when Emma approached Jen and grabbed onto her hand. Smiling up at Jen, she motioned for Jen to lean over. Emma threw her arms around Jen’s neck. “I love you, Jen. I’m so excited for your party.”
“I am too.” In those few moments she’d bee
n in the Fergusons’ presence all of her qualms about the weekend had faded. She knew everything would be just fine.
Instead of returning to her house immediately, Jen took the scenic ride home. She wanted the girls to see a little bit of the city. She exited the airport and entered the highway heading toward downtown St. Louis.
As they came around the bend into downtown, they passed the massive conference center that abutted the highway, next came the Arch, and the stadium where the Rivermen played baseball. She exited the highway.
“Are we almost there?” asked Emma.
“No honey. I thought we’d take a little detour.” Right before they’d left the airport, Jen received a text from Ed. He knew, by way of Ryne, that she was in the process of picking up his family and suggested they stop by the Generaldome for a quick tour.
As she neared the arena, she could hear Olivia whispering to Emma. “This is where Ryne plays: the Generaldome.”
“It is,” Jen said as she pulled into the parking garage.
“I thought we were going to your house,” Emma added.
“We are, but my friend Ed Talent, the owner of the team, texted me to stop by. He thought it would be a nice surprise for you to have a tour of the arena.”
“This is awesome,” Emma called out. “How cool is this. Jen, how do you know him? Through Ryne?”
“No honey, I’ve known Ed all of my life. He was my dad’s best friend.”
Ed was waiting for them when they entered the building. “Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, Ed Talent. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” After shaking each of their hands, he welcomed Ryne’s sisters. “And you must be Emma and Olivia.”
Emma being Emma put out her hand. “I’m Emma,” she said, “And this is Olivia.”
“It’s nice to meet you both. The team’s just about to wrap up practice. I thought we could sneak a peek before they finish.”
Ed led them into the arena. They were at Club Level just one section above the ice. The players were at the opposite end, so Ryne wasn’t even aware that they had visitors, let alone his family.
Ryne took one slap shot after another. Several of his hundred mile-an hour shots ricocheted loudly off the crossbar, the shrill of the puck echoing throughout the empty arena. Emma clapped her hands as she watched her big brother take command of the ice. She reached for Jen’s hand. “That’s my brother. He’s got a wicked slap shot, doesn’t he?”
“He certainly does. One of the best in the league.” Ed smiled at Emma. “Practice wraps up soon. Let’s take a little tour and surprise your brother when he comes off the ice.”
Ed had arranged with Trevor to hold Ryne in his office. He rapped his knuckles on the door, announcing their arrival. Trevor greeted Ed and gestured for him to enter.
“Hey Ryne, I was just watching you on the ice. The slap shot looked good.”
“Thanks,” Ryne grumbled.
“I brought some visitors by.” Ed motioned them in. Emma was the first through the door. Full speed, she ran towards Ryne and flung her arms around his waist. Jen could tell by the look of surprise and the way he stumbled backwards that he hadn’t expected to see his family.
Running his hand down her back, “Em’s what are you doing here?”
“I knew Jen was picking up your family,” Ed said as he watched the smile spread across Ryne’s face. “I thought it would be fun if they surprised you. I have to say by the look on your face it was a surprise.”
“Definitely,” Ryne said as he looked directly at Jen. The love for his family shone brightly on his face. She caught his eye and he winked.
In the past twenty-four hours, she felt like her life had turned upside down. Yesterday, she’d been out of sorts and overwhelmed. Yet one look at his family and her anxiety had all but disappeared. When Jacques pulled her into his arms, his warm embrace soothed her and brought her back into the moment.
Her heart fluttered with the feelings of love that surrounded her.
She knew she’d look back on this day and remember Ryne’s smile when his family entered the room. She prayed that smile would always be there. He was her rock and didn’t want to ever think about never having him by her side.
She felt his peck on the cheek as he placed his arm around her waist and whispered, “You okay?” She nodded. Yes, she was fine. More than fine with her arm around the love of her life. So much had changed in such a short time. Her career was changing directions, she’d fallen in love with a kind, loving man, and she was about to become a member of his family. Life was good and she prayed that all of her hopes and dreams would continue to fall into place— and she’d remain right beside this man and have her happily ever after.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
In the blink of an eye, the weeks flew by. Jen had said her goodbyes to her friends at Lakeview and she was in the final preparations for becoming Ryne’s wife.
As she exited the plane in Calgary, she grabbed the backpack that contained her camera. The last six months were a total blur. As she waited to cross onto the jetway, she knew life as she once knew it would never be the same. In a few short days, she would marry the love of her life. She’d never again have that feeling of being alone since she was marrying into a huge family, one comprised of the Fergusons but also Ryne’s Storm hockey family as well.
Just last week, they’d received the news that he’d been dreaming of his entire life. He’d been traded from the Generals to his beloved Storm. Three Ferguson brothers would now call the Calgary Storm their home.
It was overwhelming to say the least. Not only was she in the final stages of preparing for her wedding, but she was also going to have to pack her home and relocate to a town she knew absolutely nothing about. Ryne had been her rock as she came to terms with the news.
A smile crossed her face as she started across the jetway. She recalled Ryne’s first words when he shared his surprising news. He was already in Calgary preparing the ranch for the wedding while she remained in St. Louis. She’d been worried at first when he’d texted her to see if she was available to Skype. They rarely took to Skype. She knew whatever he wanted to discuss was important, so she quickly replied to his text and ran to her computer.
She was a nervous wreck while she waited for her computer to boot up and then connect. In moments she saw his handsome face all aglow. She didn’t know what to expect, so she waited while he seemed to gather his thoughts.
When he sprang the news on her, the biggest smile she’d even seen crossed his face, that is, outside of when he proposed to her. She knew whatever he had to share was huge. She could feel his excitement through the screen. “You’re sitting down, right?”
“What does it look like to you? Of course I am.”
“Good, good.”
She couldn’t imagine what his news was only that it was big since he was speechless and that never happened.
She anxiously waited. “Jen, my dream, it finally came true…” She waited as he took a deep breath.
“Honey, my prayers have been answered.”
“They have?” She hadn’t a clue where he was going with this. Prayers?
“Adam came through. He worked his magic. He’s given us the best wedding gift ever!”
“He did? What did he do?”
“You’re looking at the newest member of the Calgary Storm.”
She was shocked. She had given up the notion of his being traded this year. She rested her chin on her hand while Ryne continued.
“I was at the pond when my cell rang. I contemplated not answering but when I saw Adam’s name pop up, I did.”
She was getting breathless listening to his excitement. “Ryne, can you please stop and take a breath. I’m afraid you’re going to pass out.”
He chuckled. “Sorry, I’m just so excited. My dream—it came true.”
“Breathe.”
“Okay.” He inhaled a deep breath; then exhaled. “Better?”
She smiled. “Right now, I am but please slow down a little. I was getting breathl
ess listening to you.”
“Phew. Sorry again.” He ran his hand through his hair leaving it standing on end. “So.”
“So? Go on,” she said.
“Okay. He asked if I’d packed my bags. I thought he was referring to our honeymoon.” He laughed. “I told him it was a little early since the wedding was more than a week away.”
“And?”
“Then he told me. He wasn’t referring to the wedding. He told me I was coming home. Home to Calgary and that’s when it all began to sink in.” He took another deep breath and smiled. “Jen, I can’t believe it. My dreams are coming true. I’m marrying you in a few short days and I can play for my team. That’s all I’ve ever wanted since I was three years old, watching my dad skate for the Storm.”
Her stomach fell on his news. He’d been traded. Traded away from her beloved Generals and the only home she’d ever known. She knew it had been a possibility but the notion hadn’t crossed her mind in months. She’d been so focused on preparing for the wedding and making the transition to a married couple that she hadn’t given it a thought.
“You’re sure?”
“Of course, I’m sure.” He paused and raised his brow. “Do you think he was pulling my leg?” He laughed at himself. “Nah, he wouldn’t do that…” He sat back. “I can’t believe it. I’m going home.”
Home? Home? She thought she was going to be his home. She was doing her best not to freak out but she was. She swallowed deeply and plastered a smile on her face. “I’m happy for you. I know it’s been your dream.”
Her heart began pounding. She felt like it was going to leap out of her chest. She raised her hand to her temple unsure what to say to him. “Wow! I can’t believe Adam was able to pull this off and so close to the wedding.” She was lost in thought—they had so much to do.
“Jen, hey, are you okay with this? I know it’s a lot to take in with the wedding approaching and all.”