Flightless

The following morning as we were slowly adjusting to being woken by Jordan's alarm another sound blared out. This time it was Jordan's phone, something expected but still dreaded on this particular occasion.

He let out a sigh as he checked the screen, confirming it was in fact his parents. As soon as we'd dropped Eric back at his hotel the previous evening Jordan proclaimed his surety that he'd be hearing from his parents sooner rather than later. "Morning Mom," he sighed again as he answered.

I moved to get up and leave him to his conversation in privacy, but Jordan frowned at that idea and hauled me back into place beneath his arm. Though I couldn't hear her words I could tell that his mother wasn't pleased at the news her eldest son had informed her of, Jordan's half of the conversation confirming that.

"No, I was going to tell you... Yes, I know what I'm doing. I love her Mom... Well how old were you when you married Dad?... No, it's not different... Trust Eric to only tell you half of the story. I asked her and she said no about fifty times. She came up with the deal we have going... Mom, you were happy with us being together last time we talked, why is now any different? Just because there's a piece of jewellery involved it's suddenly bad? That makes no sense... I'm not making a mistake!"

Throughout the entire conversation Jordan held me close, his hand rubbing up and down my arm and occasionally placing his lips against my forehead or hair while his mother was speaking. I tried not to listen, but really that was an impossible task, especially when they were arguing over me. There wasn't much I could do but try to keep Jordan calm enough that he wouldn't say something he'd regret.

"Honestly," he breathed out sharply, a sure sign he was done with this talk. "I don't care if you approve or not, because I love Rayne more than I ever thought possible, and we will be getting married one day sooner or later."

With that said he disconnected the call, letting out a groan of frustration before rolling himself on top of me. "I'm sorry my family are so stupid. They will love you as soon as they get to know you and see how perfect for me you are."

x

Things were understandably tense for the next game at the Igloo, Jordan sparing no opportunity to take a run at his brother whenever they were on the ice together. Thankfully it was a 7-4 Penguins win so I didn't have to deal with Jordan sulking, but it was still uncomfortable knowing I'd caused a rift in his family.

Partially because of that I declined heading down to Raleigh to watch games 3 and 4. The last thing I needed was for Eric to think I was confirming his ideas that I was using Jordan. I thought we'd sorted that out at dinner, but now I wasn't so sure. I fully understood his concern that we were moving too quickly, I'd had the same doubts myself, but he was married himself so shouldn't he be able to tell that there were real feelings involved in this relationship? Either way, it was our mistake to make, if it ended up that way.

I was bombarded by calls and texts whenever Jordan wasn't busy, practically pleading for me to just head down south. Screw Eric, I want you with me when we kick their asses.

If only it were that easy - but seemingly it was in Jordan's world. I knew in the back of my mind that he was right, why should it matter if we knew the truth, but I still didn't want to force the situation even further.

Thankfully the Pens won both games decisively, sweeping the series and sealing their place in the Stanley Cup Finals. Jordan was hell on skates the whole of game 4, making hits and winning faceoffs like it was nothing. He didn't score the goal he desperately wanted to - for us to head to Vegas and really stick it to his family that we were serious, but that was fine. Actually, I was relieved that I still had a chance for them to get to know me and see that I really did care about Jordan for who he was, not just for his career. To prove to them that I would be there for the long haul, wherever Jordan's playing future took us. I understood that he most likely wouldn't always be a Penguin; that being traded was a possibility.

Celebrating in style with Vero and Lucy, we popped a bottle of champagne we'd had chilling just incase. Tonight was for enjoyment, not feeling guilty over falling in love with an amazing man.