Heart of Gold

It’s been a few weeks since the Stanley Cup win. Honestly Chicago couldn’t be more perfect when one of the sports teams win. Everything was perfect. Jon was putting some of the suitcases into the car before we leave for Winnipeg. I think Jon’s parents know about our engagement since they were there for Game 6. “Stella. How much clothing could you own.” He asked taking another one of my suitcases from the bedroom. I walked up to him and patting his cheek. “Jonathan I’m a women. Clothes are something important other than the people I love.” kissing him on the cheek.

Jon finally packed the last suitcase into the car while I waited in the passenger seat. The door opened and he hopped in. “You ready to have an awesome vacation?” he asked turning the engine on. I looked at him like I was staring at a 4 year old. “Jon you sure about this?” “Stella. My day with the cup is only a few days away I’ll still know you’re my main trophy.” I stared to blush. “Cheesy captain.” “Hey I know you like it.” With those words we headed off to O’Hare airport.

The flight to Winnipeg wasn’t that bad. The airport was packed with travelers but the airplane travelers; there weren’t that many so it was a good thing. When we got to the airport in Winnipeg there were a few fans ready to congratulate Jonny. Who wouldn’t be proud of someone who has won an Olympic gold medal, the Stanley Cup, and the Conne Smyth trophy in a matter of months. I know I was. “Hey I’m sorry about all of this.” Jon told me grabbing onto my waist; we were waiting for our luggage. “What do you mean? You shouldn’t be sorry. Everyone is proud of you. I’m proud of you.” I said rising on my toes to kissing his nose. “Well isn’t everyone?” He joke.

“Mom! Dad! Dave! We’re here!” Jon said opening the door to his childhood home. Andrèe, Jon’s mom came into the living room area wiping her hands on a towel. “Oh my! Jonathan et Stella! Bienvenue à la maison! Comment va tout de?” (Oh my! Jonathan and Stella! Welcome back home! How's everything going?) I laughed at how excited she was. Andrèe always loved having me over during off season. I was always like the daughter she never had. “Eh bien Jon et ont quelque chose à vous dire. Une fois que tout le monde est ici.” (Well Jon and have something to tell you. Once everyone is here.) I told his mom.

My mom taught me French as a child; growing up in Quebec it’s kinda hard not knowing it.

“J'espère que c'est de bonnes nouvelles.” (I hope it's good news.) Then she turned to Jon. “Jonathan pouvez-vous aller chercher ton père et son frère. Leurs dans la cour.” (Jonathan can you go get your father and brother. Their in the backyard.) Jon followed his mom’s directions and headed to the backyard. His mom lead me to the couch and we sat; waiting the boys to come back in.

Suddenly we heard the door open and the rumbling of guy talk filled the room. “Dad, Dave you might want to sit down for this.” Jon asked them while I got up from my seat and took place next to Jon who was standing up. “Did you guys do something wrong?” Dave asked causing Andrèe to stare at him shaking her head. “No nothing we would regret.” Jon replied. The room was silent for a few minutes. I looked at Jon. This would be a little bit hard. “Uh mom, dad.” Dave cleared his throat. Jon sighed, “and Dave. Stella and I have some great news.” They all sat up listening very closely. “We’re getting MARRIED!!” I blurted out. With excitement Andrèe jumped for joy and hugged me. Dave and Bryan hugged Jon then we switched. “Congrats Stell. Now I’m going to have a sister.” Dave whispered in my ear as he hugged me. I laughed pulling away. “Now have you guys started planning yet?” Andèe asked. “Yes. A little bit. My sister, Andrea, if you remember became a professional wedding planner so she’s helping out a little bit.” “Oh yes. Andy. Lovely girl. Stella if you need any help you can ask me.” She told me. “Mom.” Jon groaned. “Jon your getting married. Your mother would act like this.” Bryan said. “Bound to happen one day.” Dave commented. Bryan nudged him in the stomach. “Ow.” he said rubbing his stomach.

“Dave just wait till it’s your turn.” Jon teased his younger brother. Dave looked at Jon in horror and we all laughed at his reaction. “David you better hurry it up if we want grandchildren.” their mom joked. At this point Dave ran up to his room and slammed the door shut. We all continued to laugh.

A few days later it was time for Lord Stanley to arrive in Winnipeg. Both Jon and I woke up early to head to the airport to pick up the Holy Grail for the festivities that were going to be going on within the next two days. “Are you excited?” I asked Jon as we were headed to the airport. “Yes! I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Sharpie said that he would make sure that something disgusting would be in the cup before my days with it.” I laughed. “Sharpie would do that.”

We stood near the terminals waiting for the cup to come out. Jon was holding onto me; we were making slight chit chat before we saw the cup rolling towards us. “Yes it’s finally here.” Jon whispered into my ear. I smiled before we pulled away for Jon to receive the cup. Noticing that there were photographers everywhere Jon bent down to whisper “Forget about the photographers. Their just doing their job.” I nodded as Jon walked up to the trophy case to claim Lord Stanley with me close behind. As the case was opened; there revealed Lord Stanley. The photographers went crazy with the flashes, I may have almost become blind. Anyway I stood closely behind Jon as he lifted the cup once again.

We headed back to the car and Jon being himself made sure I was okay. “Stella?”

“Hmm..”

“Everything okay back there?”

I was sitting with Stanley in the back seat so no harm would come across the Holy Grail.

“Yea Jon I’m fine. I might be a little blind but it’s all good.”

He let out a chuckle.

“See this is why we are together. We complement one another.”

I looked in the rear view mirror to look at Jon. “Burish said that he did believe that you were someone else. Like when it comes to hockey your like all serious and what not. But when it’s off ice your like a little kid. Maybe us being together is a good thing.”

“Stell. You release my inner kid. You do not know how long it took for my mom to tell me to stop being so serious all the time or some people won’t believe you.”

“What a shocker.” I said teasing him.

“Hey!” He said looking back at me. “Your rude.”

“La de dah! Oh Jonny I think I love Stanley more than I love you!” I continued to tease.

“Well then I’d like my ring back!”

“No! I like it. It’s shiny.” I said holding back my left hand.

“Nope give it here. Stanley is shiny enough.”

“Okay.” I said leaning forward in my seat to kiss Jon on the cheek.

“Fine. Nevermind.” Jon sighed.

“Yes!”