Double Trouble

Patrick and I walked aimlessly through the streets of Chicago. I was so lost in my thoughts, a small smile grazing my lips as I continued to walk, until I ran straight into him. I looked up and gave him a grin.

“Sorry. I didn’t notice we had stopped walking. Oh! Is that Buckingham Fountain?” I asked him, staring in awe at the magnificent fountain.

“Yep. I thought that it would be nice to spend a bit of time in Grant Park.” He replied. “So, what was on your mind that had you go all space cadet?” He asked me, pulling me down with him on the bench.

“I was thinking of the little boy we ran into. His name is Jack. I met him a couple days after I met you guys. I think the first thing I said to her class was ‘PATRICK KANE AND JONATHAN TOEWS ARE OUTSIDE!’ and then I told them I was joking. But when Sharpie crashed the class, he was like ‘Miss. Avery, you got the wrong Patrick. Patrick Sharp was outside. Not Patrick Kane.’” I replied.

“And what got your mind on this little boy?” He asked me after a chuckle.

“Well, just the way he was so excited about bumping into us, and how he was excited about Taze saying that he’s dating Lina, and the way he ran to his Mom. Kind of makes me want a baby.”

“You want kids?” He asked me. I nodded.

“Yeah. I do. Not now, god definitely not now. I wouldn’t be able to take care of them. But definitely in the future. Don’t you want kids?” I asked him. He was silent for a while, thinking about the question.

“Yeah, I do. I guess you have a point. Not now, but definitely in the future. I want to have someone to come home to, hear little pitter patter of feet on the floor, and waking up to little hands patting my face. I want that someday.” I leaned my head onto his shoulder, smiling at the image in my head of a little boy, with crystal blue eyes and curly blond hair crawling around the floor in a Blackhawks onesie.

We just sat and watched people walk by, smiling at the kids as they ran, and the old couple that still had that magical air of love around them even after what seemed to be 50 years of marriage.

“That is the cutest thing ever.” I said pointing at the old couple.

“Ok..” Patrick said, not getting it.

“Those two have been together for a really long time. And they look just as in love as they probably were when they first met. I want that. I don’t want the kind of love that turns into fondness, or the kind that dies. I want the one that lasts through thick and thin, sickness, health, suffering, childbirth, pretty much through everything.”

“Ok, now I get how that’s cute.” He replied. I grinned and snuggled closer to him, shivering at the light breeze. Patrick put an arm around me, bringing me closer into him.

“What do you think Lina and Toews are up to?” I asked him

“Who knows. I hope to god he finally mans up and- uh never mind.” He said.

“No! Tell me, what do you hope he finally mans up and does?” I asked him.

“You didn’t hear it from me.” He said, giving me a warning look.

“I promise. I’ll even pinky swear.”

“You’re good, but I was hoping he finally asks Lina to be his girlfriend. He’s been thinking about it for a while now.”

“No way. Captain Serious has the hots for my sister?” I asked excitedly. “I can now threaten him within reason!” He Laughed and shook his head.

“You are so adorable.” He leaned down and kissed my nose. I scrunched it up and he chuckled. “Come on, let’s get you home.” He stood up and offered me his hand. I willingly took it and allowed him to help me up.

“Do you want to stay for dinner?” I asked him as we walked back down the streets and towards Johnny’s Ice House.

“When have I not stayed for dinner? It beats me having take out.” He replied as we turned left and walked into the parking lot of Johnny’s.

“Good point. Alright, what do you want to have tonight?” I asked him.

“Anything. You have not cooked anything that I haven’t liked.”

“Does chicken parmesan sound good?”

“Yes, are you really asking that?” He asked me.

“Just making sure.” I replied with a shrug as I climbed up into his car.

“You settled in?” He asked with a smirk.

“Why do you all have to have SUVs? I understand that it fits all your equipment, but really? They’re so high!” I complained.

“No, you’re just too short.” I huffed at his reply and turned on the radio.

“Fine be mean. Now take me home so I can feed myself.”

“Your wish is my command, Ice Princess.” He replied before going home.