Protector?

**Just an advance note: I'm sorry about how short this one is... I struggled with it alot and just want to apologise for it... better updates coming your way soon lol**


“Marc...” I felt someone gently shaking my arm, causing me to open my eyes; blinking against the light. Abby was snuggled up in the hospital bed, giving me a weak smile. “Morning...”

“Hey...” I said, stretching my soar body out; trying to work out the kinks from last night. “Did the doctor come in yet?” She started to shake her head as the door opened.

“Good morning...” Dr. Cashman said, taking the seat across from me, I reached out and grabbed Abby‘s hand as he rifled through some paperwork. “I have your lab results back. Baby B seems to be a very healthy baby boy... Baby A however...” Abby grabbed my hand tightly as she inhaled sharply, the doctor looked at me and I nodded for him to keep going. “Baby A seems to have DiGeorge's Syndrome. It's a genetic disorder that causes a lot of havoc on young children. In this case, it's his lungs. They're about half the developmental stage as his brother's.” Genetic? Genetic disorder… oh my god… I did this to him… my son could die, and it’s all my fault.

My guilt became unbearable as I looked over at Abby; who was on the verge of tears. “What do we do?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Well, we can abort Baby A... but there's a chance of loosing Baby B as well in that.”

“No... no abortions. No surgeries. He's a fighter. We'll pull through.” Emotion began to choke me at her proclamation, forming a lump in the middle of my throat; making it hard to draw a full breath. “I need to go home. I want to at home.”

“Aberleigh...” The doctor and I sighed at the same time.

I locked eyes with her as Dr. Cashman continued. “You need to be on strict bed rest. Bathroom only.” She nodded slowly, our faces both mirroring masks of complete devastation.

Genetic. Disorder. Abortion. I tried to focus on something concrete, something that made sense; something I could concentrate on. “We'll have to call off the wedding...” I said numbly, unable to think of anything else to say.



Abby didn’t protest when I lifted her out of the SUV; nor when I carried her through the front door and into the living room. I set her down gently on the couch and headed into the kitchen.
I wanted to hold her, kiss her, protect her; but I couldn’t - I was a coward. I disappeared around the corner, praying that she wouldn’t come looking for me. I dropped down onto the floor.

Why was this happening? I wasn’t a religious man, not by any means; but my mother had always said that god never gave us more than we could handle… It didn’t feel that way though. Why does there always have to be something? Why can’t we just have healthy, happy babies?

Sons. I grinned through me tears, resting my chin in my hands as I sat on the floor. My two boys… “Sons…” I whispered out loud, unable to hold it in any longer.
I sighed, pushing myself off the floor and wiping the tears off my face. I took a few deep breaths, trying to erase the sadness from my face before I made my way back to Abby.

When I came back around the corner I saw Abby sitting on the couch, Cooper’s head laying in her lap. She took a deep breath and then bent forward; her face nuzzling into Coop’s neck. I heard her begin to sob and watched as her body started to shake with the force of her pain. “Oh Abby…” I moaned, fresh tears beginning to pool in my eyes again.
I took off towards her, sitting beside her and pulling her towards me. “It’s gonna be ok baby… you're right; he’s a fighter, we’ll get through this.”

She wrapped her arms around my neck, clutching to me as her started to pool against my neck. “My baby Marc… not my baby…”

“Je vous promets, quoi qu'il arrive, nous allons passer à travers cette.” I pulled away from Abby, unable to hid my fear any longer. I gently placed my hands on her tiny baby bump. “S'il vous plaît ne meurent pas… please…” I kissed her stomach before moving up to her face; taking her neck in my hands and kissing her passionately through the salt of tears.





“Are you sure you’re going to be ok?” I nodded slowly, shifting my crutched under my weight as I stood at the front door with Sidney.

“Yah… No… I don’t know…” I took a deep breath, willing myself not to cry.

Sidney gave me a pat on the back. “It’s gonna work out Flower, alright? Anything you need… just give me a shout.” I nodded again, giving him a weak smile as he opened the door to leave. “Max?”

“Hey Sid!” He grinned, carrying a large bag under his arm.

“Umm… what’s that?” I asked Max as he pushed past me, heading for the stairs.

“Oh, I’m moving in… just taking my stuff upstairs to the guest bed… unless you want me to sleep in Abby’s room.” I exhaled loudly, sighing as I slowly followed him up the stairs.

We rounded the corner and continued down the hall. When we reached the guest bedroom he threw his stuff down on the bed and turned around to grin at me. “Why are you moving in, Max?”

He rolled his eyes at me before taking off down the hall towards my room. “Look… you’re a cripple, Abby’s on bed rest and Cooper’s gonna starve to death if you don’t have an able body in this house. I’m your able body!”
He threw open the door to reveal Abby laid up on the bed.

“Max! What are you doing?” She groaned as he flopped down on the bed beside her.

“I’m moving in! Dani told me to… alright well, maybe not exactly but; I can take a hint.” I expected Abby to protest, but she didn’t; sighing she rolled over, pulling the blankets up around her.

“Fine… but you’re not sleeping in here!”



I sat with Max on the couch, watching him flip through the channels while I tried to relax. “So… you’re like… alright?”

I nodded my head, closing my eyes. “I’m fine Max.”

“Alright. Just…. If you wanna have a chick talk… about feelings, and stuff…” I opened my eyes to stare at him, he shrugged in response.

Closing my eyes again, I let out a sigh. “They said it was genetic… what’s wrong with him, I mean. Is this my fault? Did I make him sick? Is this fate’s way of telling me that I don‘t deserve to be a father?”

“Flower… no. No. These things just happen sometimes, it’s not your fault. And hey, if anyone should be a father it’s you… you’re gonna spoil those little flower buds rotten. Both of them.”

“I hope you’re right…” I mumbled softly, keeping my eyes shut tight as tears began to threaten them.



“Marc…” Abby whispered in the darkness, as she laid next to me in our bed. “I’m scared, I don’t… I don’t know what to do…”

“We’ll get through this Abby, I promise… we’ll figure something out. Like you said, we’re fighters, remember?” I rolled onto my side and pulled her against me, hugging her tightly; trying to hide the pain in my voice. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” She sobbed; her hands clutching onto my tightly as she nuzzled her face into my neck.

I listened to Abby sleeping; wrapped in my arms; my hand resting protectively on her stomach. My sons were in there, snug and safe - for now - but knowing that might change for one of them, was terrifying.
They were so close to me, so small, so innocent; but I couldn’t defend them. For all the things I had ever worked for in my life, I couldn’t do anything to protect the two little boys that were depending on me - that was my last thought as I fell asleep.

The Other Shoe

Aberleigh-

I paced in front of the coffee table, Cooper pacing at my side, and Marc lying on the couch with his ankle up, as I chewed on my thumb nail.

“Abby... Just call them. Get it over with...” He sighed causing me to stop briefly and look at him.

“Marc, my parents aren't normal parents. Lucy and Emma will be excited, and will probably try to come to Pittsburgh if they can get away from Mum and Daddy. But my parents aren't going to be excited about this.” I sighed, pacing again, Cooper stopped me with a loud bark. I looked down at him as he whined, pushing the portable phone towards me. I sighed deeply as I took the portable phone in my hands and dialed the familiar numbers, holding it to my ear tightly.

“Abby...” Marc groaned. “C'mon, put it on speaker.” I cringed lightly hitting the button for speaker phone, and starting to pace again. It rang again, and again, until finally on the fifth ring the answering machine clicked on.

“You have reached the Michaels' residence,” Lucy's voice softly soaked through the room as I grabbed the phone, taking it off speaker to leave the message. “No one is here to take your call. Leave your name, number and a brief message and someone will return your call as soon as possible.”

“Mum... Daddy... It's Aberleigh. I'm calling...” I took a deep breath and glanced at Marc, who nodded encouragingly. “Well... I'm calling to tell you that we got engaged. So we're getting married. But also... I... Well... I'm pregnant.” I blurted out with an exasperated breath. “So... I guess... I'll talk to you later. Bye...” I disconnected the phone, tossing it on the floor before gently laying on top of Marc, burying my face against his chest.

“There... that wasn't so bad.” He laughed, rubbing my back gently. “What?” He exclaimed as I turned a glare up to him. “You survived. The babies survived... Life is good.” He shrugged easily kissing the top of my head. Cooper came right up to the couch and Marc's face as he began to growl softly.

“Cooper.” I scolded softly, climbing off of Marc carefully. “Down boy. That's Daddy.” I sighed, tapping the dog's nose with my index finger. “What do you want for lunch, Marc?”

“A ham sandwich if we have any ham left would be awesome.” He called after me as the dog trotted into the kitchen.

“And what would you like, Cooper? Some ham?” I laughed as he barked once, sitting nicely by the sink. I pulled open the fridge door and took out a loaf of bread, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and the large ham I had made the day before. I cut a hunk off for Cooper, tossing it easily to him. I threw two sandwiches together quickly, placing them on plates before filling two large glasses with lemonade and carrying my spoils back to the living room.

Marc had pulled himself into a sitting position as I brought in the food, placing it on the table in front of us. I smiled softly as he kissed my cheek in thanks before digging in.



“Abby... Come on! It'll be good for us...” Marc sighed following me and the laundry basket up the stairs towards the bedroom.

“I just don't know, Marc... Maybe we should talk to Dr. Cashman first. I mean... What if-” He stopped my worry with his index finger, causing me to sigh gently.

“No what ifs. No problems, no worries. I was cleared. We can go. You don't see Dr. Ashby for another week and a half, and your appointment with Dr. Cashman is in another two weeks. It's the perfect timing... Please baby...?” He pleaded, bating his long lashes at me. I laughed and shook my head at him as I started to fold the laundry.

“Ok, Marc. We can go to Fiji now... Book the flights.” Marc whooped for joy as he hobbled out of the room on his crutches to find the phone and make the plans. “Your daddy's crazy...” I whispered rubbing the small bump between my hips.



“Abbs let me take that...” Sidney's voice broke through my thoughts as he took a tray full of food from my hands. “Should you even be lifting that?” He asked concerned as we both headed downstairs into the bar.

“I don't know, Sidney... But who else is going to lift these things? Marc?” He laughed gently as we entered the large room where most of the team, and management had gathered. I smiled tiredly at Marc as he leaned against his crutches playing foosball with Jordan, Geno, and Max.

“Ok, you have a point. But Abbs, with everyone here… Let us help.” I smiled, squeezing his forearm in thanks as I made my way over to Marc and the boys.

“Who's winning?” I whispered, kissing the underside of Marc's jaw.

“Jordan and Geno. But not by much.” He grunted, completely infatuated with the game in front of him. I sighed softly, rubbing his back absently as I moved back to some of the others.

“Aberleigh, you look utterly exhausted dear.” Nathalie Lemieux wrapped her arm around my shoulders as I tried to keep in another sigh. “Why don't you go and have a nap? Those babies need you to be healthy.” I smiled softly up at her before nodding.

“I think you're right, Nathalie. A nap does sound good.” I let her lead me to the bottom of the stairs before I glanced back at Marc.

“Don't worry, I'll tell him where you went.” She reassured me before shooing me up the steps. “Besides the way those boys play, he could be another half an hour.” We both laughed gently as I headed up both sets of stairs and climbed, fully clothed into bed, curling up to my chocolate lab, drifting off to sleep.



I groaned as someone shook me gently, pulling the soft, fluffy pillow closer to me. The shaking just got stronger as I let go of my pillow and rolled over, opening my eyes to find Marc hovering over me.

“Hey...” I whispered, rubbing the sleep out my eyes before sitting up slowly.

“Hey...” He smiled kissing me softly, causing Cooper, my pillow, to growl. “Shut up, Coop.” He mumbled against my lips, rubbing my lower back gently. “You have a visitor at the front door.” He whispered softly letting me go. I looked at him curiously as he took my hands and pulled me off the bed. “Just go.” He grinned leading me to the door, Cooper right behind us.

“Mum?” I gasped as I rounded the corner to find my mother standing in the doorway. Cooper instantly jumped between us, growling at the strange woman. “What are you doing here?”

“I got your message, Aberleigh.” She sneered at Cooper, waving her light driving glove at him, even though she hadn't been driving. “You have a... thing...”

“His name is Cooper. And he's a dog, Mum.” I sighed, placing my hand on the top of Cooper's head. She waved her hand dismissively as her stern eye trained on me.

“You've put on weight.” She observed, causing Marc to groan gently. I took his hand in mine and gave him a reassuring squeeze.

“Mum, I'm pregnant; I should be putting on weight. I'm having twins, so weight is a good thing.” I sighed, motioned for her to come inside. “Why don't you come in, so we can talk? You can meet some of our friends.”

“You have guests? Please, forgive me. I'll come back.” My mother apologized, turning back towards the door. I looked at Marc in utter shock. My mother apologized??

“Please, Veronica, we'd really like for you to meet some of these people. My boss and his wife are here, I'm sure they'd be honoured to meet you.” My mother smoothed her skirt down before handing her jacket, hat and gloves to Marc and marching into the kitchen. Both Marc and I rolled our eyes, Marc placing the items on the couch before following her into the kitchen.



My mother sat awkwardly on a couch downstairs, not talking to anyone, minus Braeden, not eating anything, and taking small sips of her glass of water, which was not sparkling or served from a fancy glass bottle. I finally had seen enough and moved to the other side of her, sitting on the couch, stifling a yawn.

“You’ve gained weight beyond this pregnancy, Aberleigh; I can see it in your face.” She noted, staring at the wall in front of us. I sighed gently before starting my rebuttal.

“I have… Mum, I have bulimia. It’s pretty bad. And it’s taken me a long time to be ok with my weight gain. And I’m trying really hard to stay okay with this weight gain.” I studied my ceiling intently not wanting to see her reaction before I heard it.

“What are you saying, Aberleigh?” Her voice may have been hard as steel but there was definitely a waver in it. I took a deep breath trying to decide my best course of action.

“What she’s saying, Mum.” Braeden’s voice beat me to the punch as my eyes flew open in shock at him. “Is that she needs you to back off and let her be.” I watched mum for her reaction as she sighed softly.

“Okay… I can do that. But Aberleigh, you’re not married, and you’re having children.””We’re going to get married, Mum… The planning was just too much right now. With everything that was happening, Marc and I both just wanted to take some time and do this right.” She began to smile slowly, which wasn’t always a good thing with my mother, a twinkle set softly in her eye.

“Well, if it was the planning that was the issue… Then you don’t mind if I do a little planning myself, do you?” My mouth moved to speak, but no words would come out. My brain was frozen, like no matter how much warm water was poured over it, it wasn't thawing.

“That would be awesome, Veronica. Thanks.” Marc's voice caused me to jerk my head around to face him, glaring. “What? Abby, you're tired all the time now. Nothing's getting done... and if your mom wants to help plan her only daughter's wedding why not?” My eyes narrowed, causing my lips to pucker into a grimace as I vowed to myself to make sure he saw why this was a bad idea. My mother, on the other hand, was radiant.

“Oh good!” She crowed clapping her hands together. “I spoke to Father Edmund at Saint Patrick's, now you know how hard it is to get into that church; but Aberleigh, he was so excited to do your wedding. So I need you and Marc to meet with him on Saturday before mass. And please, dear... wear something... loose... that day. No need to let the priest know why it's a quick engagement.”

“Quick engagement? Mum, we were planning for next summer. Not this year.” I turned towards her slowly, Braeden sending me a look of pure fear over her head.

“Oh pssh, Aberleigh. I will not have my grandchildren come into this world out of wedlock.” She scolded me, pulling out a large filofax and flipping it open to the right page. “Now... plan to be in New York that weekend. We have a lot to do.” I sighed leaning back against the couch and covering my eyes. “Marc, dear, bring your mother. I'm sure she'll want to know what's going on.” I covered my eyes briefly to see Marc nod mutely. Coward. “Aberleigh, we have a dress fitting with Vera early Sunday, and then the caterer, the cake, and we have to choose a spot in central park for the reception. Oh, Aberleigh! The Governor has already RSVP'd!” She squealed excitedly causing me to sigh deeply as I felt a gentle kiss on my forehead.

“It won't be that bad...” Marc whispered into my ear. “Let her have her fun.”

“This means no Fiji, Marc... I guess we have to wait for our honeymoon.” I laughed as he groaned before leaving me in my mother's evil grasp and taking Braeden, my only refuge with him.



New York was exactly how I remembered it. Big, loud, dirty and impersonal. I sighed deeply as we stood on the steps of the imposing Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Marc in complete awe, me? Petrified. I hadn't been back to this church in years. Since I had moved from my parents home.

“Ready?” Marc whispered as he squeezed my hand gently.

“I don't really have a choice in the matter...” I sighed, starting up the steps slowly.

“Little Aberleigh Michaels!” Father Edmund met us just inside the door, pulling me into a brief hug. “It's been too long.”

“It has, Father. How have you been?” I smiled the same smile I gave this man since I was six. He seriously creeped me out.

“All is as well as it can be. The church survives, it's people... survive. So it is not for me to complain in what God has provided.” I nodded piously, before elbowing Marc in the ribs for giggling at the last comment. Honestly, sometimes these boys truly were children. “This must be the infamous Marc your mother was tell me about.”

“Yes, Father Edmund, this is my fiancée Marc-Andre Fleury.” I smiled as the two men shook hands before the priest lead us into a room off of the rectory.

“Now when did you to get engaged?” He began as he sat behind an imposing oak desk, motioning to us to take seats in the smaller chairs across from him.

“Beginning of March...” Marc smiled squeezing my hand gently.

“And Marc were you raised Roman Catholic?” My eyes widened as I glanced over at Marc. Religion was never a topic we discussed. Both of us avoiding it rather successfully. I didn't know if he believed in God.

“High Anglican...” He answered smoothly. “I was an alter boy for a few years until hockey got too busy.” I smiled softly, giving his hand another squeeze as Marc and Father Edmund started into a deep discussion on dogma.



I cringed, hiding myself against Marc as my mother stood from the table in the restaurant 'yoohoo'ing us towards her, France, and Marylene.

“How was mass, Aberleigh?” She smiled softly as I took the seat Marc pulled out for me.

“Refreshing, Mother. How was flower shopping?” I narrowed my eyes at her, wondering how much say she let the other two women have. What was she plotting?

“Abby, we picked out the nicest flowers! You like white, right? I mean of course you do. But it's so nice, and not overpowering and my bouquet is so nice!” Marylene jumbled on faster then a five year old at camp.

“What did you do, feed her coffee?” Marc laughed watching his sister closely.

“Just an espresso...” My mother shrugged before turning back to her drink.

“Have you two discussed your guest lists?” France's voice jolted me out of my wondering what my mother was actually up to.

“Guest lists?” Marc asked looking over at me worried.

“It's easy... The team... Danielle... Vero, Mary, your parents... Braeden, my parents” I shrugged as Marc visibly relaxed. “Who else do we need?”

“Well Governor Paterson and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer will be there with their significant others will be there. As well as the McCallums, and the Montgomerys. Aberleigh, did you honestly think your father and I couldn't invite these people?” She sighed shaking her perfectly coiffed hair at me as my shoulders slumped slightly.

“So much for my quiet wedding...” I mumbled under my breath, sighing deeply.

“Well we are paying for this Aberleigh. And you do want your daddy to walk you down the aisle, don't you?” She sneered as my eyes snapped up to hers in shock.

“You're serious? Daddy won't walk me down the aisle unless I do this your way?” I pushed my chair back roughly, shaking my head as tears gently hit my cheeks. “Plan it with out me then, Mother. Dress and all. I'll email Vera my measurements. Just tell me when and where. Better yet. Send me an invitation.” I spat, spinning on my heel and starting back the five blocks to the hotel.

“Abby... Abby, wait!” I heard Marc call, causing me to slow my pace slightly as he caught up quickly on his crutches.

“I don't want to talk about it, Marc. I just want to go home. I want to see Cooper again.” I sighed as he tugged on my arm, making me stop.

“Abby, we don't have to do this if you don't want to. We can have it at our place, or even Mario's...” He sighed as I shook my head, curling into his arms.

“Every girl dreams of their daddy walking them down the aisle, Marc. Even me.” He laughed kissing the top of my head. “We'll just give her that day and escape right after. Take me home.” I looked up at him, smiling as his kissed the tip of my nose.

“Your wish is my command.” He atoned as we made our way to the hotel to pack and leave.




The sun beat down on me as I lay on a lawn chair by the pool in the back yard, Cooper sighing lazily beside me.

“It's almost summer, Coop. Marc comes home from Montreal tomorrow with the team. See the doctor about my beautiful babies on Wednesday. Life is just about perfect.” I smiled into the sky as Cooper thumped his tail in agreement. I rubbed my rounding belly softly as I glanced down at it, smiling. “My two perfect babies... with my perfect dog and my perfect fiancée.”

“Abby!” Marc's voice rang through the house as I climbed out of the chair and ran full force at him.

“You're home!” I cried hugging him tightly as he threw a crutch down to hold me. “Why are you home so early?” I looked up at him cautiously.

“I missed you. I didn't want to stay away any longer... The guys won, in regulation, so we caught an earlier flight. Everyone had a somewhere's else to be. And mine was right here with my three favourite people.” He sighed, leaning in to kiss me. Following his lead I tip toed up to meet him half way. “Babe... did you get bigger?” He pulled back, grinning like a fool as he ran his hands down to my ballooning stomach. I bit my lower lip gently as I nodded slightly.

“I had to buy maternity pants with Dani yesterday. I can't fit in any of my suits.” I laughed showing Marc the spandex top of the pants I was wearing. “It's really embarrassing.”

“Nah...” His grin took up his entire face as he leaned down to kiss my stomach. “I think it's awesome.” He moved again to kiss my stomach as Cooper appeared at my side growling loudly.

“Cooper!” I scolded as Marc stepped back slightly.



Marc and I sat in the small examining room, clutching to each other's hands, what had started as something exciting turned into something terrifying in seconds. My ultrasound was done and had been looked at by three different nurses and Dr. Cashman before we were told to wait in this overly sterile room for Dr. Cashman to come back, he wanted to order more tests. More tests for what? What was wrong with my babies?!

“Mr. Fleury... Miss Michaels...” Dr. Cashman nodded at both of us as he came into the room looking serious. “I want to schedule you for an amniocentesis this afternoon, Miss Michaels. To rule out some things.” I nodded slowly as he wrote some notes into my chart before passing it off to an awaiting nurse. “Debbie's going to go with you both to Magee-Women's Hospital. They're going to admit you for the night, Miss Michaels. It's just until we know the results and can make further decisions.” I nodded numbly against Marc as he pulled me tightly against him. “Do either of you have any questions?”

“Are my babies ok?” I whispered, not trust myself to stay strong if I was any louder.

“That's what we're trying to make sure of...” The doctor reassured me, patting my knee gently.

“Marc... Poor Cooper... We should call Braeden...” I looked up at him sadly as Debbie came in and led us down the hallway towards the hospital.



The next morning I woke up with a kink in my back. I stretched, twisting to try and get the kink out. I glanced around the room, trying to remember where I was as I found Marc sleeping in an uncomfortable looking chair.

“Marc...” I reached over and shook his arm gently as he blinked his eyes open. “Morning...”

“Hey...” He whispered, stretching. “Did the doctor come in yet?” I shook my head as the door opened and Dr. Cashman walked through.

“Good morning...” He smiled before sitting in the chair across from Marc. “I have your lab results back.” I looked down at Marc as I clutched his hand tightly in mine. “Baby B seems to be a very healthy baby boy... Baby A however...” My breath caught in my throat as Marc nodded for the doctor to continue. “Baby A seems to have DiGeorge's Syndrome. It's a genetic disorder that causes a lot of havoc on young children. In this case, it's his lungs.” The doctor sighed giving us a chance to disgest the news. My baby's lungs weren't developing? “They're about half the developmental stage as his brother's.”

“What do we do?” Marc asked, as I placed my left hand on my stomach, biting back tears.

“Well, we can abort Baby A.. But there's a chance of loosing Baby B as well in that.”

“No...” I whispered. “No abortions. No surgeries. He's a fighter. We'll pull through.” I looked up at Marc, tears streaming down my cheeks as my eyes hardened. “I need to go home. I want to at home.”

“Aberleigh...” Marc and Dr. Cashman sighed at the same time.

“You need to be on strict bed rest.” Dr. Cashman urged. “Bathroom only.” I nodded still holding Marc's gaze with mine.

“We'll have to call off the wedding...” Marc mused, turning back to the doctor to get the rest of the instructions.



Marc carried me into the house gently placing me on the couch before disappearing into the kitchen. The ride home had been eerily silent, neither of us wanting to break through the thin walls holding the other person together.

Cooper gently rested his snout on my thigh, sighing as I rubbed his head gently, tears falling onto his chestnut-y fur. My mourning of my baby's health finally taking over me as I allowed myself to sob into the dogs soft fur.

The Big Announcement

“When did the cribs get finished?” I jumped at the sound of Max’s voice, turning around to see him jogging down the stairs.

“Wha- where- how did you get in here?” I sputtered as he jumped over the back of the couch, landing beside me and kicking his feet up onto the coffee table.

“Backdoor… are you gonna eat that?” I sighed and shook my head, handing over my untouched bowl of Coco Puffs. I watched him shovel a few mouthfuls in before glancing at the stairs.

“So the cribs are done? I asked, wondering when that had happened - wondering why Abby felt the need to do that.

He nodded, “Yep. They look good too… who’d you get to do them?”

“Hey! What makes you think I didn’t do them?”

“I just said- they look good.” I glared at him, smacking the back of his head and causing him to choke on a mouthful of cereal.



“Hey… they do look good…” I nodded, standing in the middle of the make-shift nursery next to Max.

“Wonder if they’re sturdy… Marc… get in it.” He turned around, grabbing onto me and pushing me towards one of the cribs.

“What?” I turned around and swatted his hands away, staring at his in amazement. “You want me to get in my baby’s bed?”

“Yah… you wanna make sure they’re safe, right?”

“That might be the dumbest idea you’ve ever had… and you’ve had a lot…”

He sighed, exuberantly, throwing his hands out to the side. We stood there for a moment longer before a grin spread across his face. “Hey Cooper!”

“No Max! Not the dog!” I groaned as I watched him dash out of the room, chasing the over energetic ‘puppy’ down the hall. He returned a minute later; his arms wrapped around all 70lbs of furry insanity.

“He’s getting pretty big, eh?” He grinned at me, leaning backwards until he could get Cooper in the crib.
Finally manoeuvring him into the crib he stepped back, hands out, ready to grab Cooper if anything went south.
The crib hold steady, causing Max to clap his hands together and grin at me. “See… safe!”

“Umm… what are you doing with my dog?” I laughed out loud as I looked past Max to see Abby standing in the door way. In acknowledgement of her presence, Cooper jumped up - paws on the railing - and begun barking frantically.

Max looked back and forth between Abby and I; both of our looks a mixture of amusement and exasperation. “Seriously… this is the last time I try to do something nice for you people…”

“So… there’s a reason that Cooper’s in the crib?” Abby asked cautiously, walking into the room.

“Yah… we wanted to make sure that the cribs were safe!”

“We?” I muttered under my breath as Abby stretched up to kiss my cheek.

Cooper - sick of being contained - jumped out of the crib and onto the floor with a loud thud. He trotted up to Abby, wagging his tail, as she reached down to scratch his ears. “Alright baby, I gotta get going… practice. I’ll see you after ok?”

She nodded, turning her attention from the dog to me; giving me another kiss - this time on the lips. Cooper started to growl suddenly, causing me to pull back from Abby and glance down at him. “What’s wrong Coop?” Abby asked quietly as he continued to growl up at me.



“And it’s Jordan Staal… coming in on the net; ready to score his record breaking 300th goal of the season…” I sighed as I watch Staalsy feint in front of me, before I brought up my glove and stopped the shot easily. “Aww…” he groaned, his brow furrowing as he skated behind the net; shoulders slumped.

“Hey boys… let’s play a game!” Sidney shouted from the other end of the ice as Coach skated off the ice; signalling the end of practice. I nodded along with everyone else. I wanted to get home but it’d been such a long time since I was able to just play hockey for fun.

The guys divided themselves off while I waited - arms slung over the net. Once the teams were picked and the play started; everyone moved off to the other end of the ice, leaving me alone.

I laughed as Geno clotheslined Jordan - laying him flat on his back - before tripping Sidney and scoring for my team. The play moved back to our end of the net; puck leading as the guys punched, tripped and laughed their way towards me. Shaking my head and I tried to focus; praying Geno didn’t clothesline me as well.

I saw Sidney go down first, under Gonchar, who was stumbling off of a trip by TK. What I didn’t see was Sidney’s stick hook Staal on the way down; but I did feel him take my feet out from under me.
At the same time that Jordan was slamming into my legs, McKee’s knee found my shoulder; slamming into me hard enough that my top half flipped over - my ankle still caught under Jordan.

My eyes went wide at the strain on my awkwardly angled ankle; I breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn’t broken - the pain wasn’t that bad. Groaning I tried to get up, chuckling slightly as I turned my head; everyone was apparently taken out in that. “PILE UP!” I heard Max scream from somewhere beyond the bodies.
I heard a grunt and a number of groans as Max jumped on top of heap. The complaints of my team-mates was drowned out though, by the sound of a snap and a scream - my scream.



“I am so sorry… so sorry!” Max groaned for the hundredth time as he paced back and forth in front of the couch, that I was currently held-up on.

“I know Max! It’s ok… we’ve been over this… I know you didn’t do it on purpose.” I sighed, looking away from him. I was mad, pissed, furious; but not at him. I tried to keep my emotions in check; I wasn’t mad at Max, just at the situation. It was broken, and I wasn’t going to be able to finish the season, or go to the playoffs. Abby was out, so she didn’t even know yet - could I be a worse boyfriend?
She has to go through her eat disorder, being pregnant, and now having a gimp as a fiancée.

“Umm… Abby’s home… maybe I should… go.” He shifted uncomfortably on his feet before jogging up to the front door; opening it just as Abby reached out for the doorknob. “See ya!” He chirped before taking off outside.

Abby watched him depart before closing the door and turning around to face me. “What was that ab- oh my god, Marc! Are you ok?” I sighed as she ran over to me, dropping her shopping on the ground.

“Yes… no…” I shook my head and shifted my body over to make room for her. “I’m fine but, it’s broken… I’m done for the rest of the season.”

“Oh Marc! I’m so sorry… what happened?”


After explaining about the morning practice and what had happened to my ankle; I laid beside Abby on the couch, curled up around her. “You know… we’re gonna have to tell our parents at some point… about the engagement, and the babies.” I felt her shudder slightly against me as I held her; she clearly didn’t like that idea. “It won’t be too bad babe… here, I’ll go first.”
I reached over her, grabbing the portable phone off the coffee table. I dialed in my parent’s number; switching it to speaker phone once it started ringing. “Hey mom!” I yelled loudly, causing Abby to let out a nervous laugh as my mom’s voice answered back through the phone.

“Marc! I wasn’t expecting this!”

“I have news… great news and better news… which do you want first?”

“What are you talking about? Where’s Abby?” I laughed at my mom’s lack of concern for me.

“She’s right here mom… we’re getting married…” I said, unable to stop myself from grinning. It was short lived though, and my face fell into a grimace as my mom started screaming into the phone for my father. “Ok listen, calm down. Mom… mom! I have something else to tell you.”

“Shh Marc! This is important, I’m talking to your father!” By the sound of her voice, I was now on speaker phone too.

“How’s it goin Grandpa?” I shouted over mom’s excitement; causing them to both fall silent.

“What?” My dad asked slowly, I could picture the confusion on his face.

I wanted to edge them on, have some fun with it; but I was too excited to finally tell them. “Abby’s pregnant… we’re having twins!”

My mom had screamed about the wedding; but it was nothing compared to this. I set the phone back down on the coffee table, laughing quietly as I pulled Abby against me. “I told you they’d be excited…” I grinned into her neck, kissing her gently as my parents continued to celebrate through the phone.



We both laughed as we collapsed on the bed. “Ok… tomorrow you’re sleeping on the couch.” Abby laughed beside me. I nodded in response; who knew climbing the stairs in a cast could be so much work?
Abby got out of the bed and started undressing, changing into a pair of green cotton briefs and one of my t-shirts. She crawled into bed next to me, snuggling into my side as I draped my arms around her.

I sighed softly into the top of her head, allowing my hands to roam underneath the baggy grey shirt. “Marc…” She whined, shifting her body to look up at me. “You have a broken ankle.”

“And a sexy fiancé.” I countered, earning a grin from her. She pushed herself upwards until we were facing to face; wrapping her arms around my neck and allowing me full access to her face and neck.
I dragged my hand along her stomach, over the tiny baby bump that was starting to form.
She giggled at my touch, kicking her leg over my waist and pulling herself up on top of me. I moaned quietly in satisfaction when I felt her weight press down on my erection; watching her as she shifted her hips in small tight circles.
I grabbed the bottom of her shirt, pulling it off before cupping her breasts in my hands.
She moved off of my waist, shimming herself free of the green cotton before moving back to me. I had already shed my own shirt and was fumbling with the tie of my gym shorts, when she grabbed them in her hands; pulling them down towards my knees.

Climbing back on she positioned herself on top of me once; straddling me just above my hard on. I grabbed onto her hips as she reached for my dick; taking it firmly in her hand and guiding it inside of her. She moaned softly as I pushed upwards, impaling her on me completely before I began to move her up and down.
I grinned up at her as she allowed my hands to control her movement; sweat dripping off of me as she arched her back and tilted her head up.
I felt the burn in my biceps as I rocked her harder; grunting as I came inside of her.


I took one last look at Abby - fast asleep - before I gently placed my lips against her stomach. “Hey little princesses…” I whispered softly, grinning to myself as I tried to imagine with our baby was going to look like. “This is your daddy… I don’t know if you can hear me or not but, I thought maybe I should introduce myself considering we’re gonna be seeing a lot of each other at some point.” I cleared my throat, wondering what else I should say to her. “Ummm… my name’s Marc but, you can call me daddy and… I play hockey. I’m a goalie so… I’m pretty awesome. Alright well, maybe not awesome but… stay away from Max.” I nodded to myself as I felt Abby shift beside me. “He’s one of daddy’s friends but, he tends to break things and… you just not be around hockey players ever - I hope you’re not pretty.”
I laughed to myself as I kissed her stomach again, did I really just tell my little girls that I wanted them to be ugly? “I take that back… I hope you both look like your mommy. Did you know that your mommy is the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world? Maybe you don’t know yet but… you will soon.” I stifled a yawn and turned around to glance at the clock; it was late. “Alright, you need to go back to sleep now… and listen my little angels… I know that we haven’t met yet, but I love you very much.”
I kissed Abby’s stomach twice before I struggled my way back onto the pillow. I kissed Abby’s forehead, pulling her against me before I closed my eyes and fell asleep with the rest of my beautiful, perfect family.

Big Where it Counts

Aberleigh-

Our kisses we gentle, I suppose both of us were trying desperately not to hurt the other, more than we already were. I sighed at the metallic tang of blood in Marc's kiss. Damn it, Braeden... You just had to break him.

“You've got to be kidding me!! I watch you cry over him for days, now all of a sudden everything's peachy because he says he loves you? He abandoned you when you were sick, Abby!” Braeden cried spinning Marc away from me. My eyes widened as I watched him bring his fist back to land another punch. I moved to stand in between the boys, hoping that seeing me first would stop my brother.

“Brae, do not touch him. He's not a fighter, and you're seriously going to hurt him if you don't stop.” I held my breath until Braeden let go of Marc's jacket and lowered his arms to his sides; his hands still balled into fists.

“And why do I care if I 'seriously' hurt him?” He spat, glaring daggers at Marc.

“Maybe you don't...” I sighed shaking my head. He was going to make me just blurt it out wasn't he? “But do you really want your niece or nephew to come into this world with out a father?” I paused waiting for a reaction from both men. Braeden's was most visible.

“You son of a bitch! You knocked up my sister and then abandoned her?” He seethed, his face taking on a bright red colour. “I'm going to fucking kill you!”

“Braeden Jackson Michaels, STOP!” I screamed at him, both men stiffening at my tone. “He didn't know. I didn't know until this evening. Just stop...” I sighed slowly turning towards the man who's opinion actually mattered, and watched his features contort.

“Y-You're...” He looked down at me petrified. “P-Pregnant?” I bit the corner of my lip as I nodded slowly. “That's why you've been so sick?” Another nod. He wrapped his arms tightly around me, making me completely forget about Braeden. “Baby...” He whispered before pushing me away from him. I glanced around us, shocked and a bit hurt, as Marc quickly got on his knees and pulled me to him again, this time his cheek comfortably rested on my stomach. “Hi baby...” He cooed causing me to laugh gently. We stood there for about five minutes, silently, together. Our little family.

“Miss Michaels!” A sharp voice caused me to swing my head around to find a nurse standing in the doorway. “Come inside. Bring your man. You'll catch your death out here!” I nodded at her before turning back to Marc, tilting his face up to mine.

“C'mon, Rocky. They're going to let me go home soon.” He smiled brightly, jumping to his feet and kissing me roughly. “Marc...” I sighed, exhausted, pulling back from him slightly. “Just take me home...”





I woke the next morning to an empty bed. I smiled, running my hand across his pillow as I remembered the events from the night before. I had finally gotten a hold of Dr. Ashby earlier in the evening and explained why it was that I had missed my appointment. Her concern was prevalent as we rescheduled for the following day as well as an appointment with a nutritionist.

I stretched largely before climbing out of bed and throwing one of Marc's large t-shirts. Cooper met me at the top of the stairs, dancing beside me before racing down the stairs, causing me to laugh easily. He circled around me again as I reached the bottom of the stairs before running off to the front door, pawing at his leash, whining.

“After breakfast, Cooper. I'll take you for a W-A-L-K after.” I grinned as his ears perked and he dashed by me into the kitchen, barking at Marc while he cooked.

“Cooper!” He scolded, causing Cooper to dip his head in shame. “Mommy's sleeping. Shh...” He scratched the dog behind the ears before turning back to the stove. I smiled to myself as Cooper crouched on the floor next to Marc, waiting for scraps from breakfast to fall. I crept up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist breathing in that scent that I missed so much.

“Morning, Daddy...” I whispered kissing his bare back gently.

“Hey, Mommy... Good sleep?” He turned gently in my arms to face m, planting a kiss on my nose.

“Better then they have been...” I smiled up at him as his hand moved to my belly.

“And little one?” His face took on a look of concern as I cringed at my stomach flipping.

“Not happy...” I groaned, pulling away from him and into our pantry. I searched through the pantry before turning back to him. “Where are the saltines?” I groaned as I felt starving and sick at the same time.

“Behind the Cheerios.” Marc responded as my stomach flipped with crepe. “Are you okay, Abby?” He asked turning towards me as I dashed into our powder room off the front hall. I retched until I could swear there was nothing left in my stomach to come up. And even then, I threw up a little bit more. Marc came into the room in the middle of my dry heaves, pulling my hair back from my hair, afterwards both of us sprawled out on the bathroom floor. “I guess she doesn't like crepes.” Marc grinned rubbing my back gently.

“Or mommy...” I groaned against the tile, causing Marc to chuckle as my stomach growled hungrily.

“Think she'll let you eat?” He soothed offering me a clean wet toothbrush. “Mom said that toothpaste always set off her morning sickness.” He shrugged as I brushed my teeth gratefully.

“I have a doctor's appointment today, Marc. For peanut... Did you want to come with me?” I glanced at him in the mirror shyly, unsure as to what his reaction might be. And I really wanted him there.

“Really? Of course I want to be there!” He grinned running back into the kitchen before running back to me again. “Think you can eat some oatmeal?” We both laughed easily as my stomach growled.

“I think I can manage,” I grinned getting up slowly, patting Cooper's head as he appeared directly at my side. “I'm okay, Coop...” I whispered, sitting on our large chair Cooper not leaving me once. Marc shot me a weird look as he came back into the living room with two streaming bowls of oatmeal. Cooper sat next to the chair, his nose resting forlornly on the seat.

“What's wrong with him?” Marc asked softly handing me a bowl. I shrugged softly as I began to eat.

“I don't know. He's never done this before...” I watched Cooper carefully as he stared back at me with his big brown eyes. “It's like he knows something's wrong...”

“What's wrong, Cooper?” Marc called to him. His ears perked as he started to turn towards Marc. I used his distracted attention to take both bowls back into the kitchen and into the dishwasher, before running upstairs to throw on a pair of sweatpants.
I came back into the living room to find my dog and my fiancée wrestling together on the hardwood. I leaned against the door frame for a minute or two just watching them play. I moved, unseen, to the door, quietly sliding on my boots and coat before picking up Cooper's leash.

“Cooper... walk..” I called as the dog's ears perked and he shot away from Marc, all 60 lbs of him coming to a skidding halt in front of me.

“Are you sure you want to walk him alone?” Marc called, still panting on the floor.

“Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?” I asked shaking my head at him. “I've been walking Cooper alone since we got him.”

“But with...” He sighed, pulling himself up and slowly walking towards me, placing his hand lightly on my stomach. “What happens if he pulls on the leash to hard, and you fall?”

“I pick myself up and keep going. Marc, I'm not a china doll.” I laughed pecking his cheek gently. “Go get ready. When we get back, I'll have a quick shower and we'll go to the doctor's okay?” He opened his mouth to speak, causing me to stop him by placing my finger over his lips. “Okay?” I smiled as he sighed deeply before nodding.

“Twenty minutes and I'm coming to look for you!” He called as I waved to him bounding down the steps with Cooper.




I sat in the waiting room, playing with my hands until Marc took them in his.

“Arret.” He whispered. I grinned knowing at that point that he was just as nervous as I was. I mean, he was speaking French to me. He only spoke French if he was nervous or upset, or he was trying to hide something from me.

“Speak English.” I retaliated causing him to make a funny face at me.

“Aberleigh Michaels?” A nurse called out to the waiting room. Marc jumped up pulling me with him, groaning. I hate doctors.




“Well, Miss Michaels, you have two beautiful babies here.” Dr. Cashman commented nonchalantly staring at the ultrasound screen in front of him. I, on the other hand, nearly choked on my own saliva. Marc spoke the only word in my mind.

“Two?” He breathed, leaning over me, trying to see the screen better.

“Yes, Mr. Fleury.” Dr. Cashman moved the screen to show us both. “So here you see Baby 'A', the hand, and face, and here's the heart beat here. And over here is Baby 'B'...” The doctor's voice got further away from me as Marc started asking questions. Twins? I was responsible for two lives now? Oh god... I was going to be huge!

“Abby... Abby...” Marc shook my shoulder as I blinked my way back to him. “Come on baby, we can go home now.” I nodded pulling myself off the bed and pulled down my shirt.

“Marc, are we ready for two babies?” I asked genuinely concerned as he led me through the office doors.

“Of course we are. We'll handle it. We've handled everything else life's thrown at us.” He smiled holding my door open for me. “Shit! We have to go to Canadian Tire!

“What's Canadian Tire?” I asked laughing at him.

“What's Canadian Tire? It's... It's... the best store ever!” He exclaimed. “It prepares you for everything!”

“Okay... Well Canada's an awfully long drive, baby... Is there an American store similar?” I watched Marc stare at the steering wheel in concentration.

“Lowe's would be similar, I guess...” He shrugged starting the SUV and heading down the street towards Lowe's. After a quick in and out at Lowe's as I waited in the SUV as he ran in, before we turned towards Dr. Ashby's office as I jumped out of the vehicle waving as Marc drove home with his spoils.




I walked through the front door three hours later, my arms overloaded with binders and groceries from my meeting with the nutritionist.

“Marc?” I called through the house, smiling as I could hear low voices floating down from upstairs. I took the groceries into the kitchen and put them away quickly; leaving the binders on the counter I ran up the stairs two at a time. Cooper glanced up at me as I reached the top of the stairs before turning his gaze back to the guest bedroom across the hallway from the master.

“Êtes vous défini au sujet de ceci?” Kris' voice drew me into the room as Marc cursed loudly in French.

“Non, mais lui doit être fait.” He grumbled as I watched him struggle to put up siding for a... Is that a crib? He bought a crib!? I glanced around the room and found Kris on the other side, attempting to put together the same object. He bought two cribs???

“You bought cribs?” I breathed into the room, moving to the middle of it, staring between the two men on opposite sides of it.

“Of course.” Marc grunted as he forced the side he was working on together with the front. These were not going to be safe... My babies weren't sleeping in those...

“Marc... I'm only three months pregnant... I'm barely showing!” I exclaimed loudly gesturing at my barely there baby bump, hidden by my light sweater. “Besides how do you expect to put all of this furniture together? Playoffs start in two days. Or did you forget?” He mumbled something incomprehensible, causing Kris to sit back on his feet, dropping the allen wrench.

“Elle a un point.” Kris mused, causing a smile to play on my lips and Marc to turn and glare at him.

“Kris? Abbs?” Danielle's voice floated from downstairs.

“We're up here, Dani!” I called down to her, hearing her run up the stairs and into the room.

“What on Earth are you guys doing?” She glanced around as Kris pulled himself up off the floor, shrugging nonchalantly. “Why are there two cribs?” She turned to look at me as Marc wrapped his arms around my belly. “Abbs?”

“Three months... And yes, they're twins.” I smiled widely feeling Marc place a kiss on the top of my head.

“OH MY GOD!” She squealed wrapping us both in a tight hug. “That's so exciting! When are you due?”

“November 14th.” I grinned as Marc and Kris disappeared, leaving us alone with the disassembled furniture. “Well, they sure left a mess...” I sighed, picking up the instructions for the crib, and the allen wrench Marc dropped.

“You know, Abbs... This doesn't look so hard...” Dani looked over at me from Kris' crib, grinning. “Shall we?” I nodded as we sat on the ground surrounded by wood and screws, setting on our course.




“Marc...” I whispered into his ear, I knew it was early... But I didn't care... I needed him... now. “Marc...” I moaned, biting on his ear lobe, causing his eyes to flutter open as my hand trailed further and further south, until I was tracing along the waistband of his boxers. “Good morning...” I moved to kiss him passionately before moving my hand under the waistband and grazing his half-hard dick with my fingers.

“Morning...” He groaned as he twitched, becoming harder with every stroke. “What are you doing?”

“Waking you up...” I grinned tracing the vein in his neck with my tongue onto his shoulder, as I fully wrapped my hand around his now hard erection. “Marc... I need you to help me with something...” I grinned up at him, letting go of his dick to pull down his boxers.

“Anything, Abby... Just ask...” He sighed with pleasure, as I allowed my breasts to graze him while pulling off his shorts.

“I need you.” I whispered, climbing back up him slowly, straddling his upper thighs.

“You have me, Abby...” He looked at me confused. I ran my fingernail lightly up his shaft, causing him to twitch from the sensation.

“No Marc... I need you.” I emphasized, tracing his inner thighs lightly.

“But... Abby. We can't!” He exclaimed, causing my brow to furrow in confusion. “The babies...” He whispered moving his hands from my calves to my tiny bump. “I... I don't want to hurt them.” I rolled my eyes exasperated, groaning loudly.

“Marc, they're the size of peanuts!” I mimicked their size with my fingers before leaning over him, and licking up his neck to his ear before whispering my next truth. “Besides... Marc... Love of my life... Hunny... You're not that big.”

So I might be an ass...

I can’t believe we lost that one! What a load of crap… how are you suppose to win a game when the refs are blind, dumb and Philly fans? Shit… just plain shit! I let out a groan as I pulled into the driveway, slamming the SUV into park and hoping out. I kicked the door shut behind me, grumbling my way up the walk as I shook my head. Bullshit… straight bullshit… UGH I HATE YOU PHILLY!!! I lifted my face up and cursed the heavens as I shook my hands in a threatening manner.

I pushed the door open, slamming that too; completely forgetting that Sidney and Jordan were still with me. “Ugh, you gonna be ok Flower?”

I spun around, my eyes locking in on Jordan. “Yah… sorry… forgot you were there…”

“I think you just need to go release some stress… get laid.” Sidney groaned at Jordan’s words.

“Sex is not the solution for everything you know?” He snapped back, shaking his head as he sat down on the living room couch.

“He only says that cause he’s not getting laid.” Jordan laughed, winking at me.

“Agreed… now if you don’t mind… there’s only one person who’s gonna make me feel better… and it’s not one of you idiots.” I laughed as I headed up the stairs, looking for Abby.
I walked up the stairs, trying to figure out where in the world she could be. I knew she was home; the door hadn’t been locked - so she had to be here somewhere. I walked into the bedroom to see Cooper lying outside the bathroom; whimpering softly. “Shoo Coop…” I said, tapping him lightly with my foot as I pulled the door open.
I gasped softly as I saw Abby lying on the cool tile by the toilet. No… “Baby...” I whispered, causing her to give me a weak smile. “Are you ok?”
I sat down on the ground next to her; my heart hammering into my chest. Please, please be the flu… “Is it the flu?” I reached out, taking her face in my hands as she shook her head. “Your not warm.” Sighing, I released her face and looked away. “You were doing so good, Abby.” She wasn’t even bothering to hide it anymore… she didn’t even care enough to pretend she was trying.

“This wasn't my choice, Marc. It's involuntary I swear. It's not just today either. Nothing's staying down. I don't feel sick... not all day anyways. Just-” I glanced down at her hand, grasping mine.

“Abby, please... don't lie to me.” I snarled, pulling myself out of her hold and standing up. “I think... I think you should go to Braeden's tonight... I just... I can't Abby... Not again.” Not again. How could she? I would do anything for her, give her anything, do anything she asked… she can’t even try… can’t even TRY for me. I can’t do it… I can’t watch her waste away again; I won’t.

“Marc!” She whined, getting up and stumbling after me. “Marc... It's not what you think!” I flew around the corner, slamming shoulder into Sidney as I ran down the stairs; tears flowing freely down my face.



“Just leave me alone Abby… stop calling.” I set the phone back on the hook, turning around and receiving a stern look from Kris.

“Are you sure you’re not over-reacting man?” I growled at him, causing him to step back.

“I am not over-fucking-reacting Kris!” I spat, taking a step towards him. “She said she would get better for me… she can’t even try… doesn’t even care enough to fucking try!” I shook my head, turning away from him. “I love her… more than anything… anything!” I spun back around, grabbing his shirt in my hands and hauling him toward me. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to sit by and watch the woman that you love waste away? Do you have any idea what it’s like to feel completely helpless because there’s nothing you can do about it? Do you have any idea what it’s like to have her tell you she’ll try… agree to marry you and then decide that you’re not even WORTH the trouble?” I stared him directly in the eyes; waves of anger and frustration rolling off of me. “Well… do you?”

He shook his head, eyes wide. “No…” He answered softly.

“No. You don’t. So don’t fucking come in to my house and tell me how I should be acting.”

“Enough Flower… come on man, just calm down.” I exhaled loudly, releasing Kris and turning to face Max.

I held my hands out at my side. Signalling for him to bring it on; I was in the mood wear punching someone - anyone - seemed like a good idea. I’d never been this angry before; this desperate, this helpless.
I was being an asshole, I knew it, but I didn’t care. Abby was everything to me and as much as it was killing me to be apart from her; I just couldn’t watch her do this again... it was my fault that she had started throwing up again, and my fault that she couldn't get better.
The phone rang, and I snapped my head at it; Abby’s number flashing on the caller ID. I wanted to ignore it and slam my fist into something, but I walked over; grabbing it off the wall. “Don't you fucking dare hang up the phone Frenchie!”

“What do you want?” I spat, really not in the mood to talk to Braeden. “Not even gonna put her back in the program? Having fun enabling her disease?”

“Fuck you, man! I've been watching her all day!”

“Yah I bet… I‘m not a fucking idiot dude. You can watch her all you want, doesn‘t mean she‘s eating.”

“She fucking has eaten!”

“She throw it up yet?”

“Not yet…” I heard him curse himself for the; causing a bitter smile to appear on my lips. “No.” He reiterated, more firmly.

“So she’s eating and not throwing up anymore?” I felt my temper dare to diminish slightly. “Does she look any better then?”

“Actually she looks exhausted.”

I groaned to myself. Why was this happening? Why couldn’t this be easy? I just needed someone to tell me what the right thing to do was. My heart was screaming at me to wrap her in my arms and help her figure this out; my mind was screaming at me to hang up. I knew what I had to do though; I couldn’t help Abby. I had tried - honestly tried - and she’d ended up even worse. “I can’t help her man, you need to take her back to the hospital.”

“Well, if you can't help her Marc-Andre... Then stay away from her. I'll help her…” He snapped back, causing the anger to flare in me once away.

“In case you haven’t noticed, that’s what I’ve been doing.”

“Yah well Fuck you, Man. Not even staying with your fiancée while she's sick. Nice.”



“Look Flower, I get it, I do. I know that you think you’re the only one that’s effected by this… but it’s hard on Dani too…” I nodded silently as Kris sat across from me, trying to talk me out of my funk. “She says that Abby’s eating, lots… that she’s not making herself throw up… she just… is.” He shrugged his shoulder’s look up at me.

“No fever… no sickness… but she’s sick. Sounds like her eating disorder Kris.” He shrugged again. "The doctor said that they get really good at hiding it..."

“Dani’s taking her to the hospital this evening if it doesn’t stop… you wanna come?”

“No. I think I’d be the last person she wants to see… besides, what good would it do?” No, I wasn't going to the hospital, not a chance.



“Hi Marc…” I recognized the voice as soon as I heard it; but I was confused as to why Abby’s doctor would be calling me.

“I know that it’s getting late but, I can’t get a hold of Abby and she missed our meeting tonight. We were suppose to get together and go over her progress… she didn’t show up though.”

I shook my head and exhaled sadly. “Abby’s back living with her brother again. I found her throwing up in the bathroom… I think she’s starving herself again.”

The doctor sighed from the other side of the phone. “Alright, thank you Marc, I have her brother’s number here… I’ll give it a try.”

I was about to hang up when something clicked. “Hey! I think her friend was worried about her, she might actually be in the hospital now…”

“Oh, alright well… I’ll give them a call first. Thank you, Marc.”

We said goodbye and I hung up; feeling worse and worse about myself with every passing minute. I sighed and smacked my forehead against the wall. Looks like I’m going to the hosptial… I groaned as I pushed myself off the wall and headed for the front door. I tugged on a jacket out of the front closet and headed out to the SUV, shaking my head the whole way.



“What the fuck is he doing here?” I groaned and I heard Braeden’s voice rise above the mumbles of the waiting room.

“We invited him! Abby wants him here-” I gave Dani a small ‘thank you’ smile, before moving to sit next to Kris.

“Hold it right there!” I stopped walking and turned around to face Braeden.

“What?” I spat, taking a step towards him; not in the mood for this at all. “I came here to talk to Abby… do you know that she missed her meeting with the doctor today?”

“Do you know, I don’t give a shit why you’re here?” I took one last look over my shoulder - towards the direction of Abby’s room - before I felt Brae close the distance between us.
I turned back around just in time to see him aim a punch at my face. I turned slightly; just enough to partially dodge him - still feeling the sting from where his fist grazed my face.
I took a step back, dodging another shot from him before I threw my weight forward, hitting him square in the jaw.
He grabbed onto my shirt and I grabbed on to him; both of us battering at the other one with our free hands.

He shoved me downward, and I landed hard on my back; his weight on top of me. I nailed him three more times in the face before he got me back; connecting with my face hard, blood starting to pool in my mouth. I saw Kris jump up; grabbing onto Brae’s shoulders and trying to tug him up; I brought my elbow up and nailed him once more before he fell back down on top of me. “What are you doing?!” I heard Abby shriek.
I turned, distracted enough by her presence, that I opened myself up for another jab in the face. “Get OFF of him Braeden!!” She screamed, running at us and grabbing onto his shoulder’s tugging with Kris.

“Why should I? He broke your heart!”

“Well, I’m about to break his…“ She answered slowly, causing him to look up at her. This time when they tugged, Brae allowed himself to be moved off me; giving me one last glare before taking off down the hallway. I groaned as I sat up; feeling a sharp pain shooting through my chest and face. “Oh Marc…” She sighed, tears in her eyes as I stood up in front of her.

“I’m fine…” I started to say, bringing my hand up to my face as I felt blood starting to run out my mouth. “Ugh… let’s go out here.” I was already getting dirty looks from the nearby nurses, the last thing I needed was to get blood everywhere too.

She held onto my arm as I walked quickly down the hallway towards the exit; my hand still below my face - catching the drops of blood.
I sighed once we hit the cool air; turning around to face Abby. “The doctor called today… said that you missed your meeting-”

“Marc… just listen to me, I can explain everything…” I turned around to face her; my anger melting away as soon as I saw her standing there, shivering - looking so tiny and vulnerable. I groaned as I watch her lick her lips. I wanted to kiss her, badly; but there was so much blood - everywhere.
I started trying to wipe my face off on my sleeve; spitting a few mouthfuls of blood onto the ground. “Are you sure you don’t need stitches or something?”

“Yah I’m fine… I just… never mind…” I looked back up at her, waiting for her to explain… something to me; tell me why she was going to break my heart…

“Alright… I know I’ve been sick lately, but I swear it’s not what you think…” She took a deep breath before continuing. “God, there are so many things that I need to tell you - say to you - but I don’t even know where to start...” She shook her head sadly, causing me to take a step towards her; pulling her against me.

“Abby, I’m so sorry… I’m sorry for being an ass… I just thought. I just thought that you were sick again… I thought… I don’t want you to be sick. I don’t want to loose you. I love you… can you believe that still?” I held my breath as she began to sob against my chest.

“I love you too Marc…” I looked down at her and exhaled slowly, whatever she wanted to tell me was bad. “Marc… I need to postpone the wedding.” I bit my lip as I stared at her. That had been my original plan, but there was something about hearing it on her lips that crushed my heart. I nodded slowly, trying to act like it didn’t matter; but apparently I sucked at acting. “I’m so sorry… I love you, that’s got nothing to do with this. I want to be with you; but… there’s too much going on right now. The eating issues, the stress of the wedding… now… this.” She held her hands out to her side, sighing as she rested her head against my chest.

I had no idea what 'this' was, but it didn't matter. “It’s ok Abby… I understand. As long as you still want to marry me at some point… we’ll make it work.” The words poured out easily as I nodded along with them. They were all true. I loved Abby with my whole heart, regardless of whether or not she was my wife; I didn’t need a piece of paper to prove that she was the greatest woman in the world - not when I had her in my arms.
In my arms - a places I would never be dumb enough to let her leave again.

“You’re really ok with it?”

I grinned, cupping her face in my hands; forcing her to look up at me. “I love you babe… as long as you forgive me for being an ass, then I’m ok with everything.”
She flashed me a smile, pulling me down until my lips were on hers. I kissed her gently; trying to keep as much blood off of her as possible.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!! I watch you cry over him for days, now all of a sudden everything’s peachy because he says he loves you? He abandoned you when you were sick Abby!”

I stiffened as I felt Brae come up behind me. He grabbed onto me and spun me around; cocking his hand back. I made no move to defend myself - any anger or desire I had for a fight was gone - I just wanted to hold Abby. “Brae, do not touch him. He‘s not a fighter, and you‘re seriously going to hurt him if you don‘t stop.” She warned, moving until she was standing beside me.

“And why do I care if I ‘seriously’ hurt him?” He spat, never taking his eyes from me.

“Maybe you don’t…” Abby said slowly, timidly. “But do you really want your niece or nephew to come into thos world without a father?”

Nothing ever changes... Even when it does

Aberleigh-

“Who's going to take care of me if you get sick?” I watched as his beautiful bottom lip jutted out, as his liquid chocolate eyes melted any anger at myself or anyone else causing me to sigh deeply and curl into the bed next to him. I curled straight into him, not wanting him to see my guilty tears as I knew he felt simply horrible, physically.

I waited only five minutes before his whole body relaxed in sleep, before reaching up and gently feeling his forehead. Scorching! Oh goodness... I bit my lip, concerned for him, as I slowly slid out of his arms and down into the kitchen. My loathed kitchen.

A soft smile played on my lips as I ran my fingers across the dark wood of our table. Our well used table. I blushed as I remembered what had happened mere days before. Maybe Marc's right.... Maybe... My thoughts wandered to the bright side of my brain; the side filled with sun shine and rainbows. The side I saved simply for him. And thoughts of him, memories of him... Fantasies... I had to shake the thoughts physically away from me, getting more turned on by the second. What kind of girl wants to jump her ill boyfriend? Fiancée. My smile grew as I glanced at the beautiful ring resting on the third finger of my left hand.

He truly was perfect. I chuckled softly to myself as I pulled a pot out of the cupboard, pulled a large container of soup out of the freezer and emptied it into the pot, turning it on medium heat. I leaned against the counter, turning the frozen soup over in the pot every once in a while. What would compliment Emma's chicken noodle soup? I search through the fridge coming across a bottle of milk about 3 days past it's expiry date. I smiled softly to myself as I opened the carton and smelled the contents. Perfect Buttermilk.

“Soda Bread...” I smiled pulling out one of the large bowls from the corner cupboard and preheated the oven. I pulled all the needed ingredients out of the pantry and began to prepare the bread from memory, stirring the soup every few minutes. After kneading and forming the bread I slid it into the oven easily. My attention returned to the soup as I heard a chair scrape at the table. I turned towards the sound to find Marc, bundled tightly in a blanket sitting at our table. “Marc...” I sighed crossing over to him, resting my hands on his shoulders. “You should be in bed... Sleeping.” I felt his forehead. He was burning up.

“I'll be okay...” He mumbled, resting his cheek on my hand.

“Baby... You're burning up. I really need you to go back upstairs, I'll bring up some soup in about ten minutes ok?” He nodded slowly, allowing me to press a soft kiss against his forehead before raising out of his chair and slowly made his way back upstairs.

Ten minutes later I carefully carried a tray with two bowls, the loaf of soda bread, a tea pot full of tea and two cups up the stairs. I slid into our room and sat next to him, as he pulled himself up into a sitting position.

“Smells good baby... What'd you make?” He smiled weakly as I placed the tray on his laps.

“It's Emma's chicken noodle soup and soda bread. We'd always get it when we were sick.” I smiled sweetly. “Well... mine was just broth.” I shrugged. He stared at me carefully. “It's the same as yours, Marc.” I laughed showing him a heavy spoonful of soup, filled with vegetables, chicken and noodles. “Now... You need to eat.” I smiled brightly as he started to eat slowly, pausing as I took my first bite as well. Both of us took a piece of bread, Marc ate his plain, I dunked mine in the soup before eating it. He smiled softly to himself leaning back against the headboard watching me eat next to him.




“So, Aberleigh, how are you feeling today?” Dr. Ashby asked easily as I sat across from her.

“I feel good today. I'm starting... I think....” I sighed staring at my fingernails. “I think I'm starting to feel comfortable with... Where I am. How I'm feeling...” I spun my engagement ring around my finger avoiding the doctors glance.

“How is the planning going?” She asked softly nodding at my hand.

“I think... I think we need to postpone it... A year...” I sighed staring at the perfect stone in the center. “I just don't know how to tell Marc...”

“Aberleigh, you have to be honest with him. And calm...” She smiled at me in a motherly fashion. “Just explain to him that it's too much for you right now. And that you need to focus on getting better, not planning a wedding. And I'm not saying stop planning completely, but take it slowly.” I nodded, turning my glance back up to her. “Plan for next year. Just after the season. Take the summer, start there. Decide where and when, and work from there. One step at a time.” My face formed a slight smile as I let the information seep in.

“Thanks, Dr. Ashby. I think I will...” I stood from her desk slowly.

“Aberleigh... I think you're ready to leave the program.” I stared at her shocked. I was ready? Really? “I still want to see you twice a week for therapy. But I think you'll do well. We can reassess in a few weeks.” I smiled and nodded at her slowly.

“Thank you...” I breathed before leaving the building quickly.




“Marc?” I called out, entering the house cautiously. “Marc? Baby?” I turned quickly upstairs, finding his bag half-packed sitting on the bed, for his week long road trip. “Where could you be?” I mused softly to myself. I turned back to head downstairs, searching for Marc. I needed to talk to him him. Before he left...

I went into the kitchen to find... my table was gone? “Marc? What is going on?” Turning I caught a glimpse of Max, and... Sidney? “Max!” I ran down the hall after them. “Sidney. What is going on here?”

“Abbs?” Sidney turned around to meet me. “Wha.. What are you doing home? Flower said you had... well...”

“I was let out for good behaviour.” I grinned. “Where's Marc?”

“Ummm... he... uh...” Sidney shifted his weight, causing me to cross my arms gently.

“Talbo! Sid!” I heard Marc's voice from a room off the back hallway. “Guys, where did you guys go? We're not done yet!” I smiled as his frame slowly came into the hall. “Abby? What are you doing home? What happened to the program?”

“I'm done... Kind of... Marc... We... need--” He closed the gap between us stopping my words easily with his lips. “Marc...” I sighed, relaxing into his arms.

“Abby...” He grinned, running his fingers through my hair. “I have something for you.” He took my hand and pulled me with him gently into the far room. A room that now held my dinning table. “It's our new dinning room.” It was lit by a beautiful crystal chandelier. The table had a beautiful set of bone china. Jordan and Geno were crouched into the corners.

“Marc.. It's beautiful.” I breathed hugging him tightly. “Now... I'd love to thank you properly... but you have to kick your friends out first...” I grinned up at him, licking my lips at him. I stood up onto my tip toes and kissed the underside of his jaw before turning up the stairs to our room. I giggled as I heard a scuffle downstairs as the door slammed shut. I disappeared into the bathroom as I heard Marc storm up the stairs.

“Abby...” He breathed as I heard him come into our room. “Come on, Abby...” I chuckled hearing him scuffle around the room, opening closets, and looking under sheets. I slowly opened the door to the bathroom leaning against the frame dressed in a simple black corset. “Wow...” He whispered causing a blush to cross my cheeks as I started towards him slowly. I laughed softly as he pulled his shirt easily over his head and shed his jeans almost as quickly.

“I'm supposed to be thanking you...” I grinned as he ran his hands down my sides, landing just under my breasts.

“For what?” The huskiness in his voice making me almost completely forget why I was here.

“My beautiful new dining room, my ring, my life...” I whispered trailing kisses simply from his shoulder down his chest, pausing at his belly button, as he hands found my hair. I grinned as I moved lower still, hearing him choke on words that he wanted to say. I ran my fingers down his erection sitting at full attention near my cheek. His gasp egged me on as I ran my tongue from his inner thigh, over his balls, lavishing as much attention as he would let me before finally moving to his shaft. My fingers quickly followed in pursuit of my tongue before taking him completely into my mouth. I moved my eyes up to look at him, as I slowly rolled my tongue over him, his eyes closing gently as he moaned my name.

“Abby... Baby...” He groaned as I began to move my mouth over him with more speed, taking his balls gently in my right hand and teasing them. “Abby!” He cried, tugging my hair as he pulled himself out of me to empty himself over my chest. “Baby...” He whispered joining me on his knees.

“Care to help me clean up?” I grinned standing slowly, sashaying into the bathroom while undoing the corset, leaving it at the doorway as I went to turn on the shower. I barely had time to step under the jets before a pair of strong arms pushed me against the back wall, lifting me up as he stepped between my legs.

“Now it's my time to thank you.” He whispered gently biting my earlobe, and guiding himself into me.

“For what?” I gasped, holding onto him for dear life, burying my face into his neck.

“For being my life...” He grunted slamming into me again. “Abby...” He sighed as he began to pick up speed.

“Oh god... Marc... I'm almost...” I sighed as my body shook and then completely relaxed around him, causing me to smile as I felt his own end take him. “Wow...” I whispered as we slowly untangled ourselves, him placing me under the water and grabbing the shampoo to lather my hair.

“I really wish I didn't have to leave now...” He grinned, massaging the liquid into my scalp. “We could try for round two..”

“Mmm..” I sighed rinsing the shampoo out of my hair. “As much fun as that sounds. You've got to go show those Panthers that only true Northerners know how to play hockey.” He laughed as he slathered my hair with conditioner, leaning me once again under the jets.




A week and a half... I haven't seen Marc in a week in a half. Sure we spoke throughout the day, every day. But it wasn't the same. I hadn't been able to hold him, or talk to him about what needed to be talked about. Yes... I still hadn't talk to him about postponing the wedding until next year. I never had the chance! By the time we were finally done in the shower he needed to leave for the airport on his road trip. Now... Now he was finally home. Well... back in Pittsburgh, I still hadn't seen him yet. I sighed deeply as Danielle and I made our way down towards the dressing room. The game hadn't been good. The boys loosing 5-2 against Philadelphia. Marc was not going to be in a good mood...

“Abbs... It'll be ok... We'll just take them home and make them forget about the loss.” She grinned as we paused at the lounge door. I nodded slowly taking a step towards the lounge as my stomach flipped, the intermittent nausea I had been feeling for the past two days returning full force. Dani glanced at me, concern posted on her face. “Abbs...?” She called after me as I ran into the washroom, barely making it to the toilet before throwing up.

Five minutes later I rested my cheek against the cool tiles of the wall, trying to calm my stomach down enough to stand and find Marc. But it seemed I didn't have to... The door swung open harshly and Marc ran through, his eyes filled with fear and concern.

“Baby...” he whispered, as I smiled weakly up at him. “Are you ok?” He slid onto the ground next to me. This floor was disgusting. He was getting his suit dirty! “Is it the flu?” I gently shook my head as he placed his hand on my forehead and then my cheeks. “Your not warm.” His sigh grew heavy as he glanced at the floor. “You were doing so good, Abby.”

“This wasn't my choice, Marc. It's involuntary I swear.” I took his hand, causing him to look up at me. “It's not just today either. Nothing's staying down. I don't feel sick... Not all day anyways. Just-”

“Abby, please... don't lie to me.” He growled pulling himself up. “I think... I think you should go to Braeden's tonight... I just... I can't Abby... Not again.”

“Marc!” I cried, trying to quickly scramble to my feet and not get sick as he stormed out of the small room. “Marc.. It's not what you think!” I started down the hallway after him as a pair of strong arms caught me.

“Abbs... It's best if you just leave him right now... Flower's... Well... His head's not right tonight. Let him sleep it off... He'll call.” Sid's voice sighed as he rubbed my back gently. “Why don't we get you to Braeden's place... I'm sure Flower'll call you tomorrow...” I nodded against him, feeling too numb to even cry over it all.




The next day, I sat curled up in my old arm chair, in my old library sipping the ginger tea that Braeden had made for me to keep my stomach calm.

“Have you tried-” Braeden started, stopping just as quickly as he saw the tears streaming down my face. “Abby...” He sighed sitting next to me, placing a plate of soft bread and fruit on the table next to us.

“He won't answer... And when he does... He just tells me to stop calling...” I sobbed curling myself into a tighter ball.

“Abby... Just... I'll be right back...” Braeden's voice took on a hard edge as he rose from the chair. “Try and eat something... It might help.” I nodded as he stomped just outside of the room, still in hearing distance. “Don't you fucking dare hang up the phone Frenchie!” He yelled at Marc... I assumed. “Fuck you, man! I've been watching her all day!... She fucking has eaten!... Not yet... No... Actually she looks exhausted.” I yawned softly, my eyes closing against my will. “Well, if you can't help her Marc-Andre... Then stay away from her. I'll help her.... Yah well Fuck you, Man. Not even staying with your fiancée while she's sick. Nice.” I sighed, tears caressing my cheeks as I let sleep take over.

Until She Is

Fiancée… it had been almost a week since I proposed to Abby; but every time I thought about it, I got more excited. Fiancée; it’s such a simple word, but one that means so much. I sighed softly as the sun streamed through the windows; lovingly caressing Abby as she curled next to me - fast asleep. I smiled down at her, unable to keep the grin off my face; not only was she beautiful - now she was healthy too.
It was amazing the difference that two weeks could make. Not only in appearance, but personality too. Of course she had her random blow outs; when she was disgusted with her self, and angry at me because of it. Regardless of what she said, she was glowing, curvy, energetic, and mostly happy; all of those things were worth any backlash that might occur.

“Morning…” Abby whispered softly, pushing her face into my neck. “You’re up early.”

“So are you…” I smiled, wrapping my arms around her. She sighed as her hand ran down her stomach; a grimace spreading across her face. “What is it baby?”

“I’m disgusting Marc… how can you still touch me?” She rolled over away from me, as tears started to fall down her face. I sighed quietly, starting early today…

I shook my head at the thought. She needs me to be understanding, not selfish. “Abby baby, you’re beautiful…” I started to kiss her naked back, letting my tongue trace along her spine before she swatted me away.
I groaned quietly as she rolled out of bed, wrapping herself in the blanket before storming into the bathroom. “Abby… Abby!” I called a few times, getting no answer.
Giving up I pulled on a pair of sweatpants and headed downstairs. She can hide in the bathroom all she wants but; that’s not gonna stop me from making as much food as I can before she comes down.


I had an insanely large amount of crepes and cream cooked, by the time Abby came down the stairs. She groaned softly as she came up behind me, sniffing the air as her stomach grumbled in unison. I laughed softly as I turned around, giving her a grin before I kissed her on the forehead. “Hungry?”

“No.”

“Abby…” I said slowly, tilting her face up towards mine. “You know you need to eat.” She sighed and walked away from me, plopping down at the kitchen table.

“I hate this stupid kitchen. Who needs a kitchen anyway?” She spat, causing me to sigh as I walked over. I came up behind her, resting my hands on her shoulders.

“Abby there’s nothing wrong with the kitchen. Just have some breakfast and we’ll go do something fun… ok?”

“No, not ok… I don’t want to be in here!” She shoved herself away from the table, heading towards the living room, grumbling to herself.

I took off after her, grabbing her arms and swinging her around. “Abby…” I sighed, pulling her back into the kitchen. “The kitchen is great! Look… look at how much fun it is in here!” I exclaimed, trying to think of something fun about the kitchen. “Look… there’s… plants and a telephone book… wine… fridge magnets…”

She sighed as she allowed me to move her back to the table. I lifted her up until she was sitting on the wood surface, her legs opened enough for me to stand in between him. “Come on fiancée, for me…?” I gave her my best puppy dog eyes causing her to finally crack a smile.

“You’re impossible you know that.” She looked around the room as her arms moved down around her stomach. I knew that she was trying; but it was just so hard for me to understand what was going through her mind.
She was beautiful - breathtakingly so - to the point where I had a hard time focusing on something else when she was around. She was perfect, for lack of a better word; everything about her made me smile. I loved her sense of humour, her independence, her smile, her laugh, her entire personality… her curves, her skin, her… just perfect!
I groaned slightly as I looked downward. Here I was trying to think of how I could help Abby and I get a hard-on.

“I think it’s because of my mother…” Abby said softly, drawing my attention back up to her. “With everything that’s going on… all the group sessions and stuff… it’s back in my mind, more clear than ever. She use to keep me out the kitchen and, being back in one just… brings back bad memories.”

I wanted to tell her that that part of her life was over, that her mother was dumb and wrong, that I would never let anyone hurt her ever again; but I didn’t know how. Instead I grabbed her face in my hands and kissed her, kissed her for everything I was worth.
Her arms rested easily around my neck as her legs wound around my waist, pulling me against her.

Normally I could control myself, and I had been controlling myself; trying not to push Abby too much. The doctor had said that sex would be difficult for her, that any kind of intimacy would be difficult as she fought an inner battle with herself over her body image.
I had tried my best to remember that since the start of the program, but the words were extremely hard to recall at the present time.
Abby kissed me back forcefully and I grabbed at the bottom of her tang top, pulling it upwards; breaking the kiss just long enough to throw it away.

As soon as I saw her exposed skin, I brought my hands down to her breasts; my fingers tugging at her nipples - I felt them harden under my touch.
I gently pushed her down onto the table; grabbing her PJ bottoms and tugging them off. I discarded her cotton briefs before pulling down my sweatpants; stepping back in between her legs once I was free of them.

Before I could stop to check and make sure she was ok with this; Abby grabbed onto me, guiding my erection inside of her.
I took hold of her hips, gently tipping her towards me as she arched her body off the table. I began pushing into her with brute force; both of us climaxing quickly after a week of pent-up sexual desires .

I groaned as I felt myself slip out of her; using all my strength to hold my body off of her as she rested on the table.

“You know what?” She said quietly as I finally relaxed my arms, letting the side of my face rest against her stomach.

“What’s that?” I mumbled, contented to just feel her soft skin against my face.

“I’m thinking kitchen’s aren’t that bad after all…”




“Strippers, strippers… and more strippers!!” Max yelled excitedly as her bounded through the front door.

“No!” Kris and I yelled in unison, causing Max to stop in his tracks, shooting us both death glares.

He turned to face us, his arms crossing over his chest. “It’s not a bachelor party if there aren’t any naked women.” He stated matter-o-factly, earning a grunt of approval from Geno.
I glanced over at the far couch; Sid and the Russian were both sipping beer and watching TSN. “Kris invited me over here to help with your bachelor party!” Max said as he flopped down next to me, receiving a groan from Kris.

“I did not! You called me and asked what I was doing… then you invited yourself over.” Kris said back, shaking his head as he spoke.

“Yah, and it’s a good thing too! What were you ladies planning… a tea party? Maybe a nice knitting circle? Tits of GTFO!” I sighed audibly as Max threw a magazine in my lap. “Exotic themed parties… you can thank me later.”

I groaned as I lifted it up, wondering why in the world he ever thought I would agree to this. “No Max. No women, no strippers. We’re hanging out here, having a few beers… playing pool… just the guys.”

“Just the guys… and naked pirates…” Max grabbed at the magazine flipping it open to marked page. “I already booked it so… get excited!”

“There’s something about a naked girl with an eye-patch that’s really creeping me out…” Kris said softly as he grimaced down at the booklet. I flipped it shut before tossing it onto the coffee table.

“No Max.”

“Too late, it‘s already on man. Where’s Abby?” He asked suddenly, turning his direction towards the kitchen.

“No!” This time it wasn’t only Kris and I who shouted. Geno and Sidney had joined in on the warning too.

“Do NOT go in there…” Sid said, authority ringing in his voice.

Kris was pale as he turned towards Max, leaning over me to see him clearly. “They. Will. Kill. You.” He stated, emphasising each word.

As expected, Max didn’t heed the warning; jumping over the couch and dashing into the kitchen. I groaned as I got off the couch slowly, following Max into the kitchen.
Abby and Dani had the entire kitchen table covered in layers of fabric, patterns, pictures and magazines; both of them hunched over comparing notes as they riffled through the clutter. “What’s this?” Max asked, grabbing at a piece of silk.

“Don’t TOUCH THAT!” Dani screamed, slapping Max’s hand and grabbing the silk away from him. “You’ll ruin everything!”

Max raised his eyebrows at me, taking a step away from the girls. “Let me introduce you to bridezilla, and the maid of honor-osaurs.” I chuckled, earning looks of disapproval from both women. “Love you…” I added, before grabbing onto Max and pulling him back out of the kitchen.

“Man, what is up with that?” Max asked once we were out of ear-range.

“That was ‘women planning a wedding‘… trust me, they aren’t that bad today but… you really don’t want to mess with them…” He nodded in agreement as he plopped back down onto the couch; grabbing the party magazine and opening it back onto the pirate the page, grinning like an idiot.




I was lying in bed when Abby got home that night. The guys had all left early to go out for supper, then the clubs; but I was to sick for that. I was too sick to move.
It had hit me quick, but hard; one minute I was fine, the next I was puking my guts up. The news reporter had said that there was a flu epidemic going on, and judging by the symptoms; that’s exactly what I had.
I groaned as I rolled onto my back; every part of my body screaming out in pain.

I grabbed for my bedside bucket just as Abby pushed the door open. I emptied my stomach into the container before looking up at her. Her face was flushed and her eyes were red and swollen. “What’s wrong?” We both asked at the same time.

“You first.” I nodded as she started to pace around the room.

“Marc, we can’t get married.” She said suddenly, causing my breath to catch in my throat. Before I could think of anything to say, she continued talking. “I’m too fat to get married. I think… maybe… if I just loose a few pounds-”

“Abby you’re not fat, you’re beautiful. No loosing weight. What brought this about anyway? You were doing so well…”

“I went with Dani to try on dresses…” She started to sob gently, sitting down at the end of the bed. “Marc, I’m a cow…”

“Abby… baby…” I sighed, wanting nothing more than to take her in my arms, but deciding against it as I felt my stomach do another flip-flop. “You’re not… remember what the doctor said-”

“I don’t need a doctor to know I’m fat!” I shook my head as I looked at her. She looked stunning, swollen eyes and all. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Flu.” I answered simply, not wanting to shift the subject to myself. “Abby… please believe me. You’re perfect the way you are… and I need you healthy. Who’s gonna take care of my if you get sick?” I pouted, giving her my most pitiful look.

She sighed audibly as she crawled into bed next to me. I knew that this conversation wasn’t even close to over, but; I didn’t have the energy to fight, and she seemed complacent, for now.

More than anything I wanted Abby to be healthy; the doctor thought that the wedding might be a bad idea, too much stress on her during her time in treatment. I thought that was foolish, but looking at her now, there might be some truth behind that.
I wanted to marry Abby, make her my wife; have babies with her, grow old with her. All that could wait though, if Abby didn’t start getting better; I'm gonna have to call off the wedding until she is...