To Sweden With Love

I can't believe that the first month of the season is already in the books. The team has been doing pretty well so far. Derick's been struggling to find his rhythm with his new team. He only has two goals and five assists coming out of the first 18 games. I guess when you say it out loud, it doesn't seem all that terrible.

This weekend, Derick is having his number retired by his junior team in Drummondville. It's going to be a very special day for his family. I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

But that's not the only thing I've got on my plate for this weekend. I need to pack for my trip to New York City. I'm leaving right after his ceremony.

I decided to be a face in the crowd for his ceremony. I know I'm basically already part of his family, but I want to be able to FaceTime Liv so we can sob together.

"Have you seen my tie?" Derick yelled from the bedroom.

"It was hanging on the door last time I saw it," I said walking down the hall toward the bedroom.

"Well it isn't now." He said, annoyed.

"Don't get pissy with me. I'll get you another tie." I rolled my eyes as I make my way to the closet. "What about this one?"

He sighed. "I guess it'll have to do."

"Come here." I put the tie around his neck and tied it. "See, you look fine."

He looked down at the navy and red striped tie I picked out. "This is actually better. Thank you." He kissed my forehead. "Sorry for getting pissy."

"Its fine. I hope you don't mind that I'm just going to watch the ceremony from the stands. Liv wants me to FaceTime her so we can cry together."

He chuckled. "I figured as much. Just don't cry too much."

"Can't make promises I know I can't keep!" I kissed him on his cheek. "Now excuse me as I get changed."

He didn't leave the room as I got changed. He just sat on the bed and admired me. I could feel his eyes on me the entire time but I didn't seem to mind. It was nice. We really hadn't been intimate at all since we've both been pretty distant.

"I miss you, El." He said quietly.

"What do you mean? I'm right here." I was confused.

"No, I mean we really haven't done anything in a long while."

"Oh. Well when I get back from New York we can spend some time together." I promised.

"Don't let any of those boys in blue shirts sweep you up," he joked.

"Only Kevin can do that," I joked back.

I slipped my Ottawa jersey on over my tank and grabbed a jacket before heading out the door. I texted Liv for her to be prepared for my call.

The ride over to the arena was mostly quiet. It just seems like we don't have much to talk about anymore.

Derick broke the silence. "So uh, what colors were you thinking about for the wedding?"

"Honestly, I don't know."

"I think we need should go with red and blue."

"Why red and bl--" I stopped myself. "Never mind."

I thought to myself for a minute; thinking that we could probably work with those colors somehow. I don't want red, so maybe pink? I don't know. I have to think on this.

Wedding planning has me stressed as hell. Especially considering I'm doing most of by myself. He's doing the best he can with being involved, but it's hard with his schedule.

"Pale pink. I don't want red."

"Can I at least have blue?" He begged.

"Of course, blue's my favorite color. Maybe navy?"

He nodded.

That's one thing we can check off our list.

He pulled into the parking lot behind the Drummondville arena. We walked through the back hallways of the arena with his family. He had his hand around my waist and mine around his. This was probably the closest we've been in a while.

That, I hate to admit.

We parted so he could do some media. I stood off to the side as he spoke, listening. Listening to him speaking in French had me in awe. I fell in love with him all over again.

---

The ceremony was very touching for him and his family. To know where he started his journey to where he is now. I couldn't be happier for him.

I met up with Derick and his family after the ceremony. I greeted him with a kiss and a hug, telling him how proud I am of him.

We made our way back to the seats to watch the game.

"For your information, I only got a little teary-eyed. Liv full out bawled, but she blames her hormones," I laughed as I put my head on his shoulder.

"Do you have to go?" He whispered.

"I wish you could come with me but I'm going dress shopping. You're not allowed to see me in my dress." I smiled.

"You'll look beautiful either way so," he kissed my temple.

We left during the second intermission so he could drop me off at the airport.

On the way to the airport, I texted Liv to let her know I'd be in New York in a few short hours. She's been there all day already, probably.

When I landed at JFK, I decided to hail a cab and headed to Kevin's apartment.

He gave me a key to his apartment back when I lived in New York with Derick before he got traded. He always told me I was welcomed in his house if I ever needed anything. And right now, all I need is a long sleep. Don't ask me how I know, but I know his bed is like sleeping on a cloud.

I flopped down on his bed and sent him a text to forewarn him.

Kev, don't look for me in Pittsburgh tomorrow. I won't be there because I'll be in your apartment. Your bed, more specifically.

Jesus, El. I wish I knew you were going to be in the city or else I would have cleaned.

I laughed and replied. You? Clean? Ha. It's alright, I'll clean for you.

Why didn't you tell me you were coming?

I wanted to surprise you :) plus I have an appointment at Kleinfeld's Tuesday afternoon.

Oh my god, Ellie. This is important information to tell your best friend!

I'm sorry! I'm telling you now!

I figured I should call and tell Derick I made it here. It was late so he might not answer.

The phone rang four times before he answered.

"Hello?" He sounded groggy.

"It's me."

"Your call threw me off and I dropped my phone."

"Did I wake you up?"

"Hmmm? Oh yeah... I passed out after I dropped you off."

"I actually didn't expect you to answer... but wanted to tell you I made it to the city."

"I was waiting for it... figured you made it like an hour ago?"

"Yeah sorry, I got distracted by the beauty of this city. I've missed it."

"I miss it there, too..." his voice faded.

"Babe, go back to sleep. I'll talk to you in the morning. I love you."

My phone pinged after I hung up. It was Liv. Shit, I forgot to text her.

Where the hell are you?

Sorry, I decided last minute to stay at Kevin's. His place helps clear my mind. I'm exhausted anyway, so I'll see you tomorrow.

I didn't feel like getting up to change, so I just slid my jeans off and buried myself under the covers. The smell of Kevin's body wash sent me into a deep sleep.

---

It was nine o'clock before I realized the sun was shining in on me. This is the latest I've slept in a really long time.

I jumped up out of bed and took a quick shower before I started some "winter cleaning".

Kevin's apartment is the ultimate bachelor pad. It's really nice though. You can definitely tell it's lived in. Clothes everywhere in the bedroom... dishes left in the sink...

I picked up all his clothes and started some laundry. Then I headed to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Might as well do it now if I'm going to have to do it again when I get back home.

Kevin is definitely messier.

---

I must have fallen asleep while watching TV. My phone rang, waking me up. It was Kaelyn.

"Hey girl," I said as I answered.

"Ellie! Rae and I just landed!"

"Ahh! I'll text you the address to meet me at!"

"Awesome, we'll see you in a bit!"

Kaelyn and Raelyn are twins... obviously. I met them at Penn State my freshman year. Kaelyn was actually my first roommate. Then sophomore through senior year, we got an apartment together with her sister and another friend.

They both helped me through a lot. Especially since Liv couldn't be there.

About an hour passed when the girls arrived to the apartment.

"My god, this view!" Raelyn exclaimed.

"This place is gorgeous. I'm surprised you guys still have this place." Kaelyn added.

"Well our place is in TriBeCa. I can't go back there, so I came here."

"More bad memories?" Kae said.

"Unfortunately. We only have it still because Derick has so much shit to move out still."

"So who's place is this?" Rae questioned.

"My friend, Kevin's... he's in Pittsburgh for a game."

"Yo, you know how cool it is that you not only are engaged to an NHLer but know a lot of them?" Rae was ecstatic.

"Yeah, they've all become my family. But oh my god, come here." I ushered for them to follow me into the bedroom. "Wanna sleep on a cloud?" We all flopped down on the bed.

"Oh my god, he smells so good," Kae exclaimed.

"Right?!"

"Is he single?"

"Kae! Does it look like he has a girlfriend?" I looked around the room.

She laughed. "No! What's he like?!"

"He's sweet, loving, funny... he's basically everything... he became my best friend when I moved to New York."

"Aww, he seems like a sweetheart," Rae added.

"He is..." I gave a small smile.

We ordered pizza and raided Kevin's fridge for beers. I'll just restock everything before I leave.

The girls asked me how I originally met Derick and how he asked me out and how he proposed.

"He actually proposed to me in Sweden." I smiled.

"What?! You guys went to Sweden?! So lucky!"

"Actually... I'm real good friends with Patric Hornqvist... so I was invited to go for his day with the cup over the summer. Then Liv and Derick surprised me and Carl and then, around the campfire with my closest friends, is when he proposed. It was so sweet. I think I cried for a week."

They were both in awe with how I talked Derick up. Technically I didn't talk him up. He's just that perfect for me.

My phone buzzed.

From Kevin:
Not sure if you're still awake but I'll be home shortly.

"Son of a bitch, Kevin's on his way home. What time is it?!"

12:30am. Holy shit, we've been talking for hours. Time just slipped away.

"He was mad I didn't tell him I was coming. Now he's going to be mad because I didn't tell him I invited you guys into his house."

I rubbed my neck trying to think of what to do.

"We can get a room at the hotel across the street?" Rae suggested.

"No, don't do that. He'll be mad for a minute and then he'll be like 'oh yeah, cool they can stay'." I said that in my best Kevin voice.

They both laughed.

"I hope he doesn't sound like that," Kae chuckled.

"I don't know, it's pretty close," I laughed with them.

I told the girls to make themselves at home in the guest room at the end of the hallway and that I'll see them in the morning.

About thirty minutes passed by time I heard keys jingle on the outside of the door. On a scale of one to ten, how mad will he be?

"Oh, she wasn't kidding," he said to himself as he opened the door.

"I'm never kidding," I said from the couch.

"Shit, El. You scared me. I thought maybe you were asleep already."

"You know my anxiety keeps me up at all hours," I shrugged and frowned a little.

"Sorry... everything okay?" He threw his jacket over the back of the accent chair that sat in the corner, and joined me on the couch.

"Yeah, everything's fine. But listen, two of my friends are here... I hope that's okay?"

He sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Don't give me that, Kevin. How many girls have you even had in here in the last year?"

He had a blank stare on his face before saying, "Fair."

I went on to tell him that they'll stay in the guest room furthest from his room and won't bother him.

"I uh... where are you going to sleep?" He struggled to ask.

"Right here probably. I'll more than likely be up all night anyway. I've got some jitters for dress shopping tomorrow."

"Why don't you take my bed? I can sleep here." He suggested.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah we have the day off tomorrow so no big deal."

I sighed. "Well see you in the morning?"

"Yeah..."

---

I was only asleep for a few hours before I woke up. I rolled over to check the time on the clock that sat in the nightstand. 3:30am.

I saw the flicker of the TV in the living room and could hear Kevin struggling to get comfortable.

He kept his apartment relatively cold at night, probably so he could sleep better. I slid off the bed a wrapped a blanket around my shoulders before going out and joining him.

"What are you even watching?" I said quietly as I sat on the empty portion of the couch by his feet.

"Why are you awake?"

"Why are you? You said you were fine sleeping out here."

"I am fine with it. I just can't sleep. So much adrenaline flowing from the win."

"Are you rubbing it in my face, Mr. Hayes?"

"No, why would I do that?" He gave me a big smile."

I shook my head and told him I was going to try and go back to sleep.

He stopped me before I could walk away. "Hey El, I'm glad you're here."

---

It was 9:30 before I finally woke back up. I heard one of the the girls open the door and head out to the kitchen where Kevin was making breakfast.

"Oh, you are as cute as she said you were," Kae said as she took a seat on one of the stools at the breakfast bar. "I'm Kaelyn, by the way. Sorry for intruding."

I jumped out of bed and rushed to the doorway to listen.

"No biggie. I'm Kevin, but I'm sure you figured that out."

"Ah, yes. The bachelor of this pad," she laughed. "What's for breakfast?"

"Pancakes and bacon or I can make something else."

"No sir, pancakes are just as fine as you are."

I covered my mouth to keep me from shouting. Rae joined me in the hallway. "What's going on?"

"Kae's hitting on Kevin as he makes us breakfast."

"Breakfast? Perfect!" She rushed to the kitchen. I followed her.

"Mmm those smell so good," Rae said as she sat next to her sister.

I walked up next to Kevin, who's back was turned to the girls, and whispered in his ear to not jump when he turns around.

Turning around he yelped, "Shit, there's two of you."

Rae put her hand out to shake his. "Hi, I'm Raelyn, Kae's twin."

"I think I just figured that out. Nice to meet you too." He held up the skillet and spatula that were in his hands gesturing he was unable to shake her hand.

He served us our breakfast and ate quickly so we could get ready for the day. The girls parted and went back to the guest room and I just sat at the breakfast bar, smiling and staring at Kevin as he finished eating.

He caught me looking at him. "What?"

"I heard you and Kae talking." I smiled.

"So?"

I just continued to smile at him.

"Ellie, did you put her up to that because of...?" He stopped.

"Because of what? And I did not! I swear! She came out on her own. She asked me about you last night."

"What did you tell her?" He get up from his stool and put his plate in the sink.

"That you were single."

He turned around and frowned a little.

"Oh come on, Kevin. When's the last time you went out on a date? With a girl." I snorted.

"Fine, but if things don't go right, don't get mad at me."

I held my hands up in defense.

"I'll ask her out later, I promise."

"Perfect." I skipped off to get ready for the day.

---

We met everyone at Starbucks just around the corner from Kleinfeld's. I greeted Liv, her mom, Mats and Malin all with hugs. I introduced everyone to anyone who didn't know Kae and Rae. Then we made our way to the bridal shop.

"Guys, I'm so excited! Going to Kleinfeld's has always been my dream and I'm about to live it!" I shouted as I skipped down the sidewalk.

As we approached the front doors I insisted on taking a photo with my girls in front of it. We grouped together and Mats, Kevin, and Liv's mom all snapped photos.

I started to get all jittery as Mats and Kevin opened the doors. Warm air welcomed us as we walked in.

"Hi, welcome to Kleinfeld's! How may we assist you?" The receptionist was very chipper.

"I'm Ellie Dobson... I'm here to find my dream dress!" I smiled big, along with everyone around me.

"Okay, let's see here," the receptionist looked around for a consultant to help us. "Ah yes, Camille. This is Ellie."

"Hi, Ellie. Nice to meet you!" Camille gestured for all of us to follow her.

We all took a seat on the couch and chairs that were made available for us.

"So Ellie, what brings you to Kleinfeld's today?"

"I'm looking for my dream dress! I like the sweetheart neckline and lace and I love the look of floral designs."

"Who do you have with you today?"

"My matron of honor, Malin; my maid of honor and life-long best friend, Olivia and her mom; two of my bridesmaids, Kaelyn and Raelyn; and two of my best guy friends, Mats and Kevin."

"Welcome everyone! Thanks for coming in support of Ellie finding her dress. Come on, Ellie, let's get started!" She expressed.

I followed Camille back to a dressing room where she sat me down to talk about my fiancé and when and where the wedding was.

"You might know him actually... he used to play for the New York Rangers... Derick Brassard? Now an Ottawa Senator."

She was amazed and asked how we met.

"It's funny actually. We met in a bar in Pittsburgh, where I'm from. I had gone off the edge a little bit with my life and he kind of just happened to be there. I was in a bad relationship with someone else at the time and it was hard for me to get out of." I started to tear up. "I finally got out of it and then on the day my best friend was set to get married, Derick texted me out of the blue saying he missed me. Then it went on from there. I moved to New York with him, and now Ottawa, where we will be getting married at Le Belvedere in July."

"Sounds like he was in the right place at the right time," Camille added.

I nodded and told her what my budget was. "Unlimited."

She told me to sit tight while she went off to find some great dresses.

I sat nervously in the dressing room waiting for her to return.

She knocked on the door so she wouldn't startle me when she came back in. She came back with five different dresses.

I picked out the three I really liked best and tried those on first.

The first was a satin dress with a lacy halter neckline. What I loved most about this one was all the little details on the dress.

Camille zipped me in and we headed out to where my entourage was. I walked with my head down so I wouldn't step on the dress and trip and fell.

Heads turned and I heard a familiar voice. One that wasn't part of my entourage when we walked in the front door.

"Look at my little sister!" The voice said.

I looked up and shouted, "OH MY GOD!"

Shane got up from the couch and came over and gave me a big hug. "You look so damn beautiful. I still can't believe you're getting married before I am." He laughed.

Tears started to fall down my face. "Shane, what are you doing here?! I thought you were in San Antonio?!"

"You don't think I would miss this special day for my little sister?"

I wiped the tears from my face and gave him another big hug. "I just can't believe you're actually here."

After I pulled myself together, I stepped up onto the platform so everyone could see the dress.

"I like it but then again I think you'd make any dress look good," Shane said from behind me.

"I agree," Kevin added.

"Me too," Mats said with a smile.

I turned around and gave Kevin and Mats a look. Really?

I was nervous to hear the ladies' opinions.

"Du ser snygg ut, älskling," Malin commented.

Kae and Rae almost always had the same opinion. Must have been some sort of twin telepathy or something.

"I like it," Rae commented.

Kae shrugged. "I think it could be better."

I saw Kevin sit forward and look her direction.

"El, you're so stunning!" Liv exclaimed.

"I like this one but I don't love it," I played with the bottom of the dress before stepping down and walking back to the room.

The next dress was a gorgeous Stella York lace dress. I loved the look of the lace. All the floral details were just enough for me.

"I think this might be the one. I feel like a bride in this one."

"It's perfect for that summer wedding too."

I made my way back out to the platform where I got back up on it. I looked at myself and thought, 'oh my god, I'm actually getting married!'

I turned around and everyone's head snapped to attention.

"You look..." Kae started.

"Stunning? Beautiful? Sexy?" Rae finished.

"Yes that!"

"All of that," I heard Kevin mumble under his breath.

I threw a small smile his way and caught Shane elbowing him in his side. "Watch it."

Kevin put his hands up on defense.

"I agree though," Mats added.

"Det här är den!" Malin exclaimed. Her words have always been encouraging to me, even in Swedish. No one else knew what she was saying but all that mattered was I knew.

Liv and her mom were distracted in their own conversation. "Olivia, why hasn't he proposed to you yet?! You're carrying his baby and he hasn't proposed?!"

Kevin snapped forward and toward Liv. "Liv, you're pregnant?!"

"I'm surprised Ellie didn't tell you," she rolled her eyes.

"Can we talk about this some other time?" Shane interrupted. "This is supposed to be Ellie's day."

The entourage fell silent and Camille asked me about this dress.

"I love this dress. I feel like a bride in it. Like I have that 'holy crap I'm getting married' feeling with this on."

"You look absolutely beautiful," Liv's mom said.

Her opinion really matters to me. She's been my second mother since I was ten. Really the only mother I had the last sixteen years.

"Can we jack her up to see what she looks like?" Rae insisted.

Camille stepped aside to get some different headpieces. She came back with a couple veils and some headbands.

"I don't think I want a veil. I mean it's just more I have to wear on a hot summer day."

Camille placed one of the headbands on my head with my hair did up.

I turned around to see what it looked like.

I instantly started to get teary-eyed. Shane got up from his seat and approached me and took my hands.

"You are absolutely, and I mean absolutely, beautiful. The most beautiful I've ever seen you."

I hugged him so tight.