Carrie was sitting on the edge of a bathtub, looking at a pregnancy test. A positive one, in fact. And fifth pregnancy test she has taken. Fifth positive test. She smiles and wipes a small tear of happiness from the corner of her eye. Kris and her have been talking about having a baby and starting a family together for so long, have been trying for quite some time. Her mother had to go through the same issues and Carrie remembers how she was telling her how happy she was upon finding out about her pregnancy. Now Carrie understands. She understands tears of joy she has seen gather in her mother's eyes whenever she was telling her how much her only daughter means to her parents.
With shaky hands, she picks up the phone and rings her parent's number. As soon as she hears her mom's voice, always concerned about her daughter and happy at the same time to heat Carrie's voice, she breaks down: "Mom, I-I have s-somethi-ing to tell y-you."
"Carrie, honey, what's wrong?"
"N-Nothing...I...Mom, I am p-pregnant," she whispers and grasps the phone tightly. For a second the other side of the line is quiet, but then her mother actually squeals of excitement: "Oh, honey, that's the best news I have ever received! Have you told Kris?"
"Not yet...it has to be something special....Especially since it's Valentine's Day."
"Honey, don't complicate too much. When I told your father about you, I kept it simple."
"I want it to be special, mom. Kris and I have wanted a baby for so long and it has been close to impossible for us to have a bit alone time. And it's Valentine's Day."
"Baby... okay, let me know how it goes."
She hears hesitation in her mom's voice, something she has never heard before. Her mother was never shy to share her opinion loud and clear with anyone.
"Mom, is there something wrong?"
"No, sweetie. We will talk about it later. When the time is right. Say hi to Kris for me, will ya?"
"I will, mom. But we have to talk about it soon, okay? I am worried, you never sound hesitant."
"Sweetie, don't let the thought of that cloud your mind. I am happy for the both of you. What do you have planned for today?"
"Kris is out, they have pregame meeting. When he gets home, we will probably just rest for a bit and then head out for a pregame meal."
"Oh, of course, the game is tonight, right? Your father mentioned it. Who are they playing against?"
"Uh, Winnipeg Jets. And Sidney is chasing the record of 1000th point."
"That's impressive! He deserves is, I remember meeting him last year at the parade. A remarkable young man."
She chuckles – her mom's youthful affection towards Sidney Crosby can be ridiculous sometimes, but at least she is interested in hockey because of him. Actually, Sidney always asks her how her mother is doing.
~~
"Carrie! Baby, I am home!" Kris' voice echoes through their apartment. When he gets no answer, he quickly kicks the shoes off his feet, rushing to find his girlfriend. Well, after Valentine's Day hopefully something more...
"Carrie?" he peeks in their bedroom and finds his girlfriend sleeping. Her mouth is slightly parted and her hair is somehow messy as she is hugging a pillow, but he finds her the most beautiful person that has ever walked the Earth. He softly smiles at the sight and closes the door, not wanting to wake her up or disturb her nap, eventhough he would love to just lay down next to her and wrap his arms around her. She scrunches her nose in her sleep and rolls on her other hip, taking the pillow with her. His heart flutters at the sight of her. Maybe it's his growing wish to start a family with her or maybe it's the way she is clutching the pillow to he, but something is telling him that will be her one day, holding their son or daughter. He imagines him laying next to two of the most important people in his life, holding them close to him, keeping them safe and sound. With a serene smile on his face, he slowly closes the door and heads to the kitchen. With a bottle of ice cold Isostar, he sits down on one of the bar stools at their kitchen isle. He takes a few slow sips, enjoying the coldness of the liquid cooling his body. Sleeping loyal girlfriend and safe shelter of their home, a happy family being together is exactly how he pictures their future. A child or two and perhaps a pet, and their home would be filled with loud sounds of happy family and serenity at night.
~~
The next day, he decides to attend optional pre-game practice. Before he leaves their apartment, he kisses his girlfriend goodbye and gently holds her chin. Her eyes glimmer and she rests her hands on his shoulders, gently pecking the corner of his mouth.
"See you at the game, right?"
"I wouldn't miss it for a thing. Enjoy your pregame drink with the guys."
"You know," he holds her hips, gently swaying side to side with her in his arms, "you are a saint for not breathing down my neck the whole time."
"You want me to? Should I be breathing down your neck the whole time?"
He laughs at her questions, pressing a soft kiss to the tip of her nose. She furrows her eyebrows, making him grin even wider as he shakes his head: "You have nothing to worry about. Just telling you how much I appreciate it."
"Okay, what's on your mind?" she looks at him sternly, but the flutter in the corners of her lips is giving her away.
"Nothing, I swear. Just...I know some girls would rather see their man spend time with them before the games than his teammates."
"Well, I am not some girls and I will never come between you and your teammates. And you better remember that, Kristopher."
"I will remember your words. But are you sure ..."
"Yes! Now go, I will see you at the game. I love you."
"I love you more, cinnamon roll."
"Did you just call me a cinnamon roll?"
"You are sweet and cute, just like a cinnamon roll."
"You are so cheesy. Come on, you are going to be late."
Before the game, the team was unusually anxious and Carrie knew it would be best not to see her game-ready boyfriend before the puck dropped.
Along with other girlfriends and wives, she now sits in the WAGs' section, watching the game. The Pens are up 1:0 against the Jets and the game continues in Jets' third. Carrie nervously bites her nail as Kris takes a shot, but it's poked away with a stick. Sidney battles for the possession and ends up winning the cold rubber. He passes the puck to Kunitz, who buries an one-timer for 2-to-0 lead. The arena goes crazy; not only their home team has 2-goal-advantage, their favorite forward recorded his 1000th career point on his 757th NHL game. The 12th fastest player in the NHL history to achieve something like that. Kris quickly hugs his best friend and pats his buddy's hip while they exchange a few words. Going by their wide smiles, their usual friendly chirping whenever they achieve something or are just pleased with each other's game. Carrie has seen it so many times, yet it still warms her heart to see her boyfriend so happy and welcomed on his team.
Soon after that, he is sent off the ice and into the locker room. Despite knowing about his repetitive issues with neck pains, Carrie's heart freezes in fear. Was getting dressed and on the ice a mistake? Last time she wishes is to see her man in pain from surgery, when they should be happy and celebrate the new life they created together. Conor Sheary's fiancée, Jordan, puts her hand on Carrie's shoulder, trying to calm her friend down: "He will be okay. Team doctors can do miracles and Kris is tough."
"I-I know... just..." Carrie lowers her voice, not wanting anyone else to hear "I don't to see him suffer through the injury while we should be celebrating..."
"Are you...?" Jordan's eyes grow wide and her face lights up in the expectation of hearing exciting news. Carrie slowly nods, barely holding back a smile. Jordan squeals excitedly at the news, clapping her hands. The pair of girls gets a couple odd glances, but Jordan shakes them off. Carrie puts her hand on Jordan's: "People are looking at us."
Jordan flips her hair back and shrugs: "Let them. I am so happy for you! For both of you. Have you told him yet?"
"Not yet...I think Valentine's Day would be perfect... but I don't know how to do it."
"Kris is a major sweettooth, isn't he?"
"Yes..."
"And you love to bake. Plus tomorrow is Valentine's Day."
"I should bake something for him and announce the pregnancy in that way? That's a pretty good idea."
"I would go with red velvet. And perhaps not a cake or cupcakes, but cake pops. Small bites, pretty cute."
"Jordan, you are a genius. But I don't know how to get Kris out of the apartment. Or to get enough time to execute the announcement perfectly..."
"That's what friends are for. I will get Conor out of the house and we will visit you. Then Conor will take him for a drink or something."
"What are you going to tell Conor? He is going to have some questions."
"Don't worry about it. Hey, Kath," Jordan turns to Kathryn Lautner, Sidney's girlfriend. Captain's sweetheart leans in: "What are you two plotting?"
"Something special for Tanger. And we could use some help."
"Special for Tanger, huh? What for?"
Jordan looks at Carrie, who is still smiling softly. Carrie looks at Kathryn: "Okay, you are the last one to know this, Kris will be a dad."
Kathryn covers her mouth, concealing the squeaks, but her face lights up, just like Jordan's did.
"And you need help planning an announcement?"
"Just getting Kris out of the apartment. And maybe my best friends' help with baking."
"I will get Conor to help. Could you get Sidney to go with a flow? But he can't know anything, you know how fast the news travel among those boys."
~~~
The next day, in the early morning, Kris wakes up before his girlfriend. His neck is stiff and he has been feeling worse since yesterday's game. He stretches out his arm to feel his girlfriend next to him, but the doorbell interrupts him. For a few moments, he doesn't move, not wanting to deal with visitors, but the doorbell rings again.
"Can you get this?" she groans, pulling the pillow over her head. He looks at her once again, but crawls out of bed nonetheless. On his way to the door, he puts on his bathrobe.
"Sid? What are you doing here? And Conor? And both Kathy and Jordan?"
"Jordie and Kath came to check on Carrie. She hasn't been feeling well yesterday during the game. Conor and I are here to see how your neck is doing."
"It's eight in the morning, couldn't this wait?"
"No. Because yesterday my car died...and I realized I need a new one," Conor explains the reason behind an early-morning visit. Kris glares at him: "You realized it this morning?"
"It's not convenient, but I could use your help. And a small men's hangout."
Sidney puts his hand on his best friend's shoulder: "Come on. I reached a great milestone yesterday, I want to celebrate it with my best friend."
"It's morning, Sid, I think that's a bit early to get wasted."
"Not wasted. Okay, Letang, be grumpy all you want, but be grumpy when you are dressed and out of the apartment. And I give you ten minutes."
Fifteen minutes later, three players finally leave, dragging grumpy Letang away from his apartment and his girlfriend. As soon as the car leaves, Jordan and Kathryn sit on Kris' side of their king sized bed. Kathryn smiles: "This was fun, I thought we would have to drag him out..."
"He was resisting like his life depended on it. But they are gone now, we can start preparing. If you are ready."
"Of course I am. Let's get to work."
Three girls in the kitchen...there's a lot of laughing, playful chirping (after all, living with a hockey player has to have some consequences) and even more gossiping. Kitchen counters are full of flour, baking powder, drops of food coloring, but the girls are having too much fun baking and preparing the surprise for Kris. Even though the preparation should take thirty minutes, it takes almost an hour to put all the ingredients together and pour them into a pan. When they put the pan in the oven, they are covered in flour and cocoa.
"Should we watch something while we wait?" Jordan recommends. Three friends head to Kris and Carrie's living room and turn on the TV, getting lost in the show, playing on Investigation Discovery, until the forty minutes are up.
It takes another three hours to get the small velvet cake pops refrigerated and ready. After dipping them in melted white chocolate chips, girls put them on the tray and cover them with red sugar and small hearts. Then they take six small deserts and add a letter on each of them. After putting them together, the small cakes form two words: DAD and MOM.
"Do you think he will get it?"
"If he doesn't, he is not the brightest."
"I hope he will like it...and that he wants to have a family."
"Sid told me that's all he has been talking about. Starting a family with you."
"Conor says the same thing. Also that it drives guys in the locker room insane..."
"Still..."
"He will love it. Should we call them back? Don't worry, we will leave you alone. After all, you deserve to be alone when he finds out."
"Thank you again so much, girls. I don't know how I could have done it without the two of you."
"Good luck, sweetie. Call us afterwards."
"If you won't be too busy," Kathy grins.
It doesn't take long for the guys to come back and thanks to Kathy and Jordan, they are gone pretty fast, leaving Kris alone with very nervous Carrie.
"Well, this was weird... hey, are you okay? You really don't look great."
"Thanks. I think that's what every girl wants to hear from her boyfriend."
"I meant, you look ill. Are you okay?" he wraps his arms around her, squishing her figure against him. She leans her head on his chest and mumbles: "Yes. Especially since I can be with you on Valentine's Day."
"I brought you something... wait, let me get it."
He kisses her lips before dashing to their bedroom. While he is gone, Carrie quickly runs to the kitchen and grabs a plate of cake pops. The look on his face when he sees her holding the tray, is priceless.
"Is that why you wanted me out of the apartment?"
"Kinda... maybe you should go first," she suggests, feeling of nervousness growing inside of her. He hears her voice tremble and he gets nervous. She has been acting odd and he is growing very concerned about her. What is she hiding?
"Honey...is there something wrong?"
"N... I don't think so. Want to go out tonight? For Valentine's Day dinner?"
"Maybe we should stay in. Call food delivery and enjoy the romanticism of our home?"
"That sounds even better. Want some wine?"
Carrie pour some red wine into his glass and take your glass, which she previously and secretly filled with black currant juice.
"You know I can't say no to a glass of good wine." He sits down on the couch, holding his Valentine's present close to him. As soon she sits down, he hands her the parcel: "Carrie, you made my life something better than I ever imagined. And when you agreed to move in with me...you brought us a step closer to the dreams I have had since I met you. And for which I hope you want to share with me. A dream of having our own little family one day... of seeing little us growing up. I know this gift can't express everything I feel about you, but I hope it expresses the love and appreciation I have for you as a person and as my better half."
When she unwraps the paper, she feels tears gather in her eyes. He probably spent a small fortune on her gift and she knows she shouldn't have expressed her admiration for Piaget watches...
"Kris... this is too much, I don't know if I can..."
"You can. It's meant for you."
"But there's no way I can beat this..."
"It's not a competition. This watch was meant for you. It is you."
She looks at him through tears as he gently takes her hand in his and slides the watch on her wrist. Her lack of words and admiring glimmer in her eyes are enough for him to know his gift was a spot on.
"So, now it's your turn..."
"I baked you something...uh, here it is," she points at the tray. He can't hide a hint of surprise in his eyes when he stretches over to a tray. His hand seems frozen in the air as he turns to Carrie. She takes a sharp breath: "Kris... I have something to tell you."
"Carrie...is this...it's not a joke?"
"No..."
"We are going to be parents? Carrie, are we having a baby?"
"We are going to be parents, Kris. It's not a joke."
He takes three cake pops with D-A-D letters in his hands and holds him gently, staring at the letters. He looks up at Carrie with tears in his eyes and whispers: "I am going to be a father."
"We are going to have a family, Kris," Carrie's voice is shaky from all the feelings and her heart fills with love when she sees how excited Kris is. He puts down the cake pops and buries his face in his palms, sobbing softly. She has never seen him so emotional to actually see him cry of happiness.
"You just made me the luckiest man alive. Carrie, this is the best Valentine's Day gift I could ever ask for."