NHL Imagines

Matt Duchene (CA)

For @MrsMattDuchene

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*HIS POV*
It was summer in beautiful Colorado, where I had spent 6 years with my beautiful girlfriend of 9 years, Katy. I still remember the day I asked her on a date when we were both 15. It's amazing how time flies, but now I've decided I want a new memory; I want Katy to not only be mine, but to be mine until fate decides so.

I've talked with my mom over and over about this, and Katy is truly the girl for me. Her beautiful eyes and wonderful smile light up my life. She can make anyone hooked with her laugh, the most peaceful sound to my ears... I'm surprised Gabe hasn't tried to snatch her from me, but they would be voiding man code.

Next Saturday the boys and I have decided to have a bbq over at Nathan's with all the wives and girlfriends, so I think that's when I'm going to propose. In front of everyone I consider to be my best friends and Katy's as well. I've had the ring for months , but I was scared she would say no, but it's worth the shot.

------a week later------

Katy's in the kitchen making salads for the bbq over at Nates, and here I am. Fiddling with the ring in my hands in our shared bedroom. I've never been so nervous in my life so I decided to call Gabe.
"hey dude, what's up?" Gabe says on the other line.
"It's this whole proposal thing, I'm nervous as hell man. I don't know if I can do it." I manage to say through the voice cracks.
"Hey hey just stay calm Matt, it'll be okay I know it. She's going to say yes and you know that. You have nothing to worry about. Trust me."
"I hope so, anyways I gotta get ready, see you there and thanks."

I hung up the phone just in time to slide the box in a drawer before Katy gets up the stairs. We get ready and head over to Nate's and I'm shaking with nerves.

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"Yo man glad you could make it!" Nate yells while holding a beer, Katy following a few of the girls inside.
"How you feeling?" Alex asks, he's been through it of course, he knows how I feel, right?
"uh I'm okay I guess." I lie, I'm freaking out.

A few of the guys go barbecue, while Gabe and I go inside to talk. I told him I'm more nervous than my first playoff game, and he laughed to kill himself.

After the bbq, we just lounge around with drinks and I realize some of the guys are soon going to go. I stand up and walk over to Gabe.
"I'm doing this" I tell him, earning a thumbs up and a smile.

"Can I have your attention please-" I swallow a lump in my throat and walk over to Katy.
"Katy, we've spent many wonderful years together. Through the graduation, the draft, getting used to my schedule, I really thought I was going to lose the best thing that's ever happened to me." I slowly make my way onto one knee, glancing over to a smiling Gabe.
"You've become so much more to me than I could've ever imagined. You've not only been my best friend, to my girlfriend, and to what I'm hoping will now be my fiancée. So please, let's add many more years to the 9 we already have. Katy, will you do me the honour of marrying me?" I look up at the most beautiful woman in the world and notice she's crying. Did I say something wrong?
"Yes Matt, I thought this day would never come" she responds, seconds after I thought all was lost.
I let out a deep breath, placing the ring on her finger and embracing her in a big bear hug. I hear cheers from all the guys and girls, and now, after 9 years, I have a new memory of us.