SC - I Do [ch 2]

It was a gorgeous fall day in Cleveland when we all gathered for Sidney and Natale's wedding. We met at her house in Lakewood right on the outskirts of the city. The groomsmen and Sidney waited outside for the limo to arrive. We were having the ceremony in Natale's church. The groomsmen were Gino, Max, Kris, and myself.
"Who is ready to party?!" Max asked. He was definitely the partier.
"Didn't you party enough at the bachelor party last night!?" I asked. That shut him up. Hmmm... Did something happen that wasn't suppose to happen? I am not sure I left the party early because I had a headache. And wanted to be rested for today. I know Lys had a good time, she was a bit hungover this morning. She just took a couple of tylenol and drank some water. I saw Lys and Alex walk outside in their pastel pink bridesmaids dresses. Lys had her fancy camera in hand.
"Hey boys! Get together to please, I want a picture!" I shook my head. Lys the photographer. "Come on Jordan!!!" I stood with the boys under the tall oak tree. She snapped a few pictures. "Okay 1,2,3 JUMP!" We just stared at her and only Max jumped. "Aw come on! Try again! 1,2,3 JUMP!" This time we all jumped.
"That was so cool." exclaimed Alex looking at the picture. Lys nodded in agreement and made her way over to me. I gave her a kiss. "The limo should be here shortly." As soon as Alex stated that we saw the vehicle driving down the street. "Or it is here." We all laughed. And started to walk to the sidewalk stopping right before the tree lawn.
"See you at the church!" Lys exclaimed. Her and Alex waved goodbye to us.
"So what all happened last night after I left?" I asked no one in particular. I saw Max's eyes dart to Sidney's.
"Nothing much, we just drank a bit more before we turned it in." Sidney replied. Okay something definitely happened! Max is hiding something. I just get this weird vibe from him. But I am not going to press him. This is Sidney's day! We approached the church to see some guests had already arrived. I immediately started helping people to their seats.
"Bride or Groom?" I asked them. I offered the women my arm and walked them down the aisle. "Hey Flower!" I shook his hand then turned to his girlfriend Janelle and gave her a hug. "How are you guys?" I asked them.
"We are well thank you!" Janelle smiled.
"Great to hear." I offered her my arm and led them down the aisle and the groom side of church. "Enjoy yourselves. See you at the reception." I retreated back to the main hall and saw more of the team. "Hey guys! Glad you all could make it!" There was Kris and his girlfriend Lexi, Tyler with his girl Anna, Ben Lovejoy with his wife, Craig Adams and his family, James Neal with his date Ashley, and many more people! It was great that the whole team came out to support his wedding! I even spotted the Lemieux family in the crowd. Thank goodness Sidney hired one reporter to cover his wedding. He doesn't like the limelight but he figured it would be better this way than having a bunch of people trying to get glimpses and in return ruin the wedding. It would break his heart if Natale didn't have her perfect day. I saw Sidney escort his grandmothers down the aisle then took his place in front of the altar. Troy and Trina followed behind their son. Then Max escorted Mrs. Neubert down the aisle. I turned and saw all the girls in narthex. The bridesmaids included Lys, Alex, Sidney's sister Taylor and Natale's sister Clare as maid of honor. All the girls looked radiant in their short sleeveless pastel pink dresses. We then got in line to walk down the aisle. I was paired with Lys, the newlyweds were together, Kris and Taylor were together and finally Clare would be escorted by Max. Soft music started to play and we started our down the aisle.
The ceremony was your traditional catholic ceremony. Everything turned out smoothly. We took some pictures inside the church with the bridal party and families. Now, we were sitting in the limo on our way to the reception.
"I don't understand why you have to take communion! It's a wedding for pete sakes!" Lys commented. Most the people rolled their eyes and ignored her comment expect Max.
"I don't get it either Lys." she just nodded in agreement.
"Hey guys we are going to get a few more photos when we reach the docks." Natale informed us. Her reception was to going to be on a boat on lake Erie. When we arrived the photographer was already waiting for us! We took some photos in front of the ship, Nautica Queen. Then we took some pictures with the Cleveland skyline behind us. Once we boarded the ship we waited outside the dining hall for our names to be announced.
"Alex Malkin escorted by her husband Evgeni Malkin." the crowd cheered for the them. "Alyssa Trunzo escorted by her fiancé Jordan Staal" We were greeted with cheers upon entering the room. "Next we have Taylor Crosby escorted by Kris Letang." They were applauded as well. "Finally we have the maid honor Clare Neubert escorted by the best man Max Talbot" Max and Clare bounced in the area with smiling faces. "Now the moment you all have been waiting, I am proud to introduced...Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Crosby!" everyone cheered and whistled for the newlyweds. They then took their place on the dance floor and Norah Jones voice flooded the speakers!
"Come away with me in the night/Come away with me/And I will write you a song..." while the couple danced we retreated to the head table to take our places. After that the newlyweds went to cut the cake. Then joined us and the toasts began.
"I was really honored when Sidney asked me to be his best man. We have had some great times throughout the years. You gave me support when I decided to leave Pittsburgh. You were there for me when I had one too many drinks at Mario's or when I had stupid prank ideas. I am so grateful to be here for you as your best man. You and Natale make a great couple. I couldn't be happier for you! I wish you all the best! Let 's raise our glasses to Natale and Sidney!" We raised our champagne glasses and took a sip. Next up was Clare.
"Big sister I couldn't be more honored to be at your side on your wedding day. We have been through our fair share of sisterly fights and annoyed each other to no end but we will always be there for each other. I knew from the moment you brought Sidney home for thanksgiving dinner three years ago that one day he would be my brother-in-law. I couldn't be more thrilled for your wonderful future together. Congratulations!" She raised her glass as did everyone else and took one more sip of champagne. Just then Mr. Neubert stood up.
"I can't believe my girl is all grown up. I wouldn't have given you away if were any other man. Take care of her or else!" We all laughed. "Thank you all for joining us for this special occasion. We hope that you enjoy the food, the music and company. Now for the blessing." then the priest from the ceremony blessed the food we were about to receive. The waiters brought out our salads first then the entrees and cake for dessert. I noticed Lys get up when her cake was set down. I know she doesn't like it but I wondered where she was going so I followed.
"Hey where ya headed?" I asked when I caught up to her.
"The cookie table." she smirked. I continued to follow her. There was all kind of goodies on the table! Lots of Italian desserts. She loaded up her plate and headed back to the table. When we returned Nat and Sid were getting up to go meet and greet with the guests. Just then fun. "We are Young" started to play.
"Oh I love Nat for playing this song! Let's dance!" Lys dragged my arm onto the dance floor. "I know I gave it to you months ago/I know you're trying to forget/but between the drinks and subtle things/the holes in my apology, you know/ I'm trying hard to it back!" Lys sang very loud and off key. Soon Max joined her in singing. Why don't I know this song? As the song ended more up beat tunes started and more people joined us. "I need a drink."
"Me too." Lys hesitated but she let him follow. I ventured back to the head table to rest for a bit because if I know Lys- and I do- she is going to dance the night away. I glanced over to the bar and noticed that Lys and Max were having some words. Lys didn't look too happy. I started to get up and go over to her but they started to come back to the dance floor. I quickly resumed my dancing position acting like I didn't see anything. Lys kissed me. We danced to a few more but then were cleared off the dance floor for the father daughter dance. Natale chose Daughters by John Mayer. Tears were both present in their eyes as they danced. Then the announcer called Sidney and Trina onto the floor. The Perfect Fan by The Backstreet Boys came out of the speakers. Trina had tears streaming down her face as Sidney swept them across the dance floor.
"Hey what song were you thinking of dancing with your mommy?" Lys asked me.
"I really haven't given it much thought." I shrugged. "What about you?"
"Yes." of course she has! "I was thinking Brown-eyed Girl or Stealing Cinderella." she replied. But I didn't have a chance to reply because the mother son dance ended and dancing music was blasting through the speakers. "I am grabbing another drink. Meet you on the dance floor." she smirked at me before heading to the bar. I wasn't in the mood to drink a lot tonight. I'll grab a beer soon. I noticed Max was at the bar when she arrived. What has gotten into them two? But my thoughts were interrupted when Tom Brady and his wife Giselle danced passed me.
"Hey Jordan!" he greeted me and we shook hands.
"Hey Tom, enjoying yourself?" I asked him.
"I am. Everything turned out-"
"-spectacular." his wife finished his sentence and smiled. They continued dancing as they passed and I noticed Lys and Max were right behind them. She walked over to me and put her arms on my shoulders and started to sway her hips back and forth. I love when she does this but can't get this image of her and Max together out of my head. We danced a little longer before the floor was cleared so that the bouquet can be tossed and garter thrown. And guess who won Alyssa and Max. Go figure! But Lys is technically next to get married so it kinda worked out. When he started to put the garter on he used only his teeth to slide up almost her entire thigh. She turned beat red. Hope someone took a picture or captured it on film. Then after that was all said and done Max kissed her on the lips. I mean full on the lips and she kissed back too. That's what broke my heart. At that moment I wished Natale's reception was not on a boat! I just wanted to get away. Far, far away. When they pulled away I just stared at her. She walked over to me and pulled outside to the top of the boat. After stumbling up the stairs I pondered how many drinks did she have?
"Jordan I am sorry. But there is something I need to tell you." she started. These are never good. My immediate thought was that she is breaking off the wedding and marrying Max. "I made out with Max last night at the bachelor party. We didn't have sex just some heavy kissing." she paused. "I am so sorry but I came looking for you so that we could do it. And then the boys bought me a drink and couple shots and I was way over my happy spot. I know it shouldn't have happened. I wish I could take it back but I can't. Again I am so sorry. I wanted to tell you this morning but I couldn't let it ruin your day. I love you so much." I just stared back at her. I couldn't believe she cheated on me with one of my good friends. I didn't have any words to say to her. I knew she didn't mean for it to happen but it did and by the looks of it Max wanted more. I needed not to see her. I just wanted to be done with the reception and go home. "Jordan please say something." I shook my head no and turned and walked away. I heard her sniffle and I knew I made her cry but I did not care at that moment. I walked into the dance hall and heard them playing a few slow songs.
"Hey Jordan where is Lys?" Max asked. The nerve of him.
"Why so you can fuck her this time?" I spat at him and continued my walk to the bar. But my walk was interrupted by Alex this time.
"Lys didn't mean to do anything with Max. I should have stop her. Blame me." sweet Alex told me.
"Sorry Alex this is not your fault at all. Excuse me." I finally reached the bar and ordered myself two beers. I walked back to the head table and sat there and drank the first one in five minutes. Then the Dj stated that it was time to start the bridal dance. I reached into my pockets. All I had was a ten and a twenty. I'll give them the twenty. I downed my second beer and got two more before getting in line to dance. I noticed Max brought Alyssa down from the top of the boat. Her eyes where all bloodshot and her nose was running. How dare he comfort her. How dare he kiss and touch her! She is my fiancé! I put my "dollar" in the bag and took a shot of whiskey. Then danced with Natale. "You look so gorgeous!"
"Aw thank you Jordan! And thank you for your continued love and support. Sid greatly appreciates it as do I!" We danced a bit more then I went to get beers number four and five.
When the boat docked I managed to have nine beers, I didn't see Lys for the rest of the night and finished an entire tray of cookies off. I finally saw her crawl into the limo with Max right behind her. I don't understand it. He even has a girlfriend! Dineen would be so upset if she knew what Lys and him did. And Alyssa and her are suppose to be good friends too. They have known each other since middle school. I didn't speak to anyone on the drive back to the hotel and once there Lys approach me.
"I am spending the night in Alex's room. See you tomorrow. I still love you." she turned and walked into the hotel with Alex and Gino. Max wasn't too far behind. I sulked back to the hotel room. I undid my tie and got undressed throwing the tuxedo over one of the chairs. I brushed my teeth and climbed into bed. My head was spinning. I knew I drank too much and thankfully passed out before I could replay the events again in my head.
In the morning I noticed some movement in the room.
"Sorry I woke you. I was just gathering my things. Alex said they would take me home. I left you a bottle of water and Advil on the nightstand. Have a safe travel back home." she told me. This is stupid. I love this girl and she made a mistake. She got drunk and kissed another guy. I know how she gets when she is vulnerable like that.
"Wait Lys don't go." she stopped to look at me. "I forgive you." I told her. She just stared at me.
"You do?"
"Yes, I know how you get when you are drunk but it was a mistake. A mistake that will never happen again." she shook her head.
"I promise to never do that again. I felt so horrible about the whole situation." then she started to cry.
"Baby, don't cry. It's over and done with. It's in the past. Let's just move on." I got up and kissed her passionately on the lips. I love this girl so much and I am not going to let one stupid mistake jeopardize what we have. We deepened the kiss and whatever she had in her hand fell to the floor as she out her arms around my neck. I put my arms around her lower back and lifted her to lay down on the bed. We made out a bit longer before making love. Afterward I held her in my arms just thinking about our future together when I heard a cellphone go off.
"Oh that's me. It's Alex." She climbed out of bed to retrieve her phone and chatted with her best friend. "She wanted to know if we were going to the luncheon."
"Oh shit I forgot." I completely lost track of time. "Let's go!" We quickly dressed and raced to the restaurant in the hotel.
"Glad you could join us." Malkin teased us as we sat down at the long table. Lys just blushed. We chatted about the wedding and other things before Natale and Sidney left to go on their honeymoon. They were taking a mediterranean cruise visiting Italy, Greece and Turkey just to name a few countries. Lys and I are debating where to go on ours.
"Be safe and have fun!" Lys said and gave both of them a hug. "Take pictures too!"
"Enjoy yourselves." I told them. We all started to say goodbye when Max pulled me aside.
"Jordan I just want to apologize for getting involved with Lys. It was wrong for me to make out with her but even more wrong to kiss her in front of everyone. I am sorry." he told me. I forgave Lys so I should forgive him?
"Okay, thank you for your apology." I can't forgive him just yet. He did come onto my fiancé. I turned to continue my goodbyes. Lys and I went back to the room to gather our luggage before heading home.
"Too bad I don't have time to visit my cousins."
"Babe you have relatives everywhere." I told her.
"I know! And just you wait till you meet all of them! They are great." I smiled at her. I smiled at her. I couldn't believe we were getting in just a short with months. Still a lot of planning to do but end result will be perfect. I love this woman and cannot wait to spend the rest or my life with her.

EM - I Do [ch 1] (sequel to She Has My Heart)

Gino and Alex’s wedding was here before we knew it. The wedding was held in Alex’s hometown of Arlington, VA. Her sister, Emmy, was the maid of honor and then Lys and Natale as bridesmaids. Gino had his brother as his best man and Sidney and I as groomsmen. We got ready in the nearby hotel that we all were staying. The ceremony would be in her church that she grew up in and the reception back in the L’Enfant Plaza hotel. Pink was her theme. We wore black tuxes with light pink lapels. It matched the bridesmaid’s dresses. They were strapless dress that hit knee length then became longer in the back. Lys looked very nice in it. We were all waiting for the limo to ride over in the church. It was about one-o-clock. The ceremony started in an hour. Lys was making sure we were gone before Alex came down to the lobby.
“You look gorgeous.” I whispered in my fiancé’s ear then kissed her cheek. She blushed.
“Thank you but you guys need to go!” She ushered us out of the hotel room and down to the waiting limo. The limo would drop us off at the church then come back for the girls. “Oh Gino, you look so handsome!” Lys gushed and kissed him on the cheek. We all climbed into the elevator. I could tell Lys was holding back tears and I just pulled her close to me. The elevator dinged letting us know that we were on the first floor. Lys walked us outside. “You all look so happy and handsome! Knock em dead!” We piled in and drove away to the church. It was a short distance to the church. We soon met up with everyone else and started to escort people down the aisle. I saw Cathy and Jay and immediately went to offer her my arm.
“Hello Jordan, how are you?” She hugged me and I shook Jay’s hand. “You look handsome.” She now took my arm and we walked down the aisle.
“Thank you. I am doing well…did you guys have a nice drive?” They drove down last night after they both got off work.
“It wasn’t bad at all, just hit the cruise control.” Jay explained. We reached the pew on the bride’s side.
“Thank you Jordan.” I nodded and walked back down the aisle to escort another guest. I saw the limo pull up about quarter til two. I looked down the aisle and saw that Gino was escorting his mother and father down the aisle. Then his brother, Denis, escorted Alex’s mother down the aisle to her seat. He then took his place next to his brother by the altar. Stationed up there was a Russian translator for Gino's family. He would repeat after the priest. The doors closed and I turned around to see the girls climbing out of the limo. I walked down with Sidney to meet our girls. We then helped Alex out of the limo. She looked so radiant. Her dress was strapless. The fabric pulled and tugged at the bodice then filled out in the skirt. It wasn’t poofy but flared nicely away from the body leaving a nice train behind her. There were little beads throughout the bodice all meeting on the side to form jeweled design. Gino would fall in love all over again with her. I wonder what Lys picked for her dress. I bet its something princessy. I could picture her in something like that. Although I think something form fitting would look nice too. Her dad escorted both of his girls up to the church. We were all positioned in front of the door. Alex and her dad were off to the side for now. Natale and Sidney walked down first, then it was Lys and I and Emmy to follow. They closed the doors once more. The bridal march started to play and everyone stood up. They opened the door to reveal Alex and her dad. I glanced back at Gino. He had the biggest smile on his face. He was truly happy and content to be marrying her.
After the ceremony we took pictures in front of the altar and then some outside of the church before getting into the limo and heading back to the L’Enfant Plaza. We were all laughing and joking around.
“Alex thank goodness you didn’t burn the your dress while lighting the unity candle.” Lys commented.
“I know I was praying that I wouldn’t”
“Would be funny if he caught jacket on fire.” Denis commented. And his brother just shook his head and laughed.
“Let’s have a quick toast!” Emmy suggested and passed out glasses of champagne. “To a perfect reception just like the ceremony!”
“Salut!” the Italians chimed. “Cheers” Said everyone else. “Nice driveway!” stated Lys. Everyone looked at her.
“What?” but Lys didn’t have time to explain because the limo came to a halt at the hotel. The couples climbed out to the limo and went inside. We lined up and waited for our names to be called as we walked into the dining hall.
“Alyssa Trunzo escorted by Jordan Staal.” We walked out did a little spin then took to our spots at the bridal table. “And now, give it up for Mr. and Mrs. Evegni Malkin!” the whole crowd stood up and applauded. “The couple would like to share their first dance.”
“It’s Big and Rich ‘Lost in this moment,’” Lys whispered in my ear. “It was between this and a Taylor Swift song. But this suits them.” I kissed her on the lips. “So thankful that we got the room situation under control.” She stated again. What she is referring to, is that they hotel booked the wrong room for the reception. It would have been interesting squishing 400 people into a 250 space. But fortunately we fixed the problem in time. We sat down and the food started to arrive. The whole reception was nice. We partied till about 11 then retreated up to the hotel room.
“I can’t wait until our wedding.” Lys cooed in my ear. “I can’t wait to be called Mrs. Jordan Staal!”
“I can’t wait for you to be Mrs. Staal!” I kissed her lips and we made love the rest of the night.

In the morning we woke up early to see Alex and Gino off. They were going to Hawaii for their honeymoon. Lys and I still haven’t figured out where we are going. She wants to go to Taiwan. I think it would be nice to go to the Bahamas. We got dressed and headed down to the restaurant in the hotel. Natale and Sidney greeted us.
“Morning!” the girls hugged while Sidney and I exchanged handshakes.
“What’s good?” Lys asked while she pulled up a seat.
“Oh I am just getting some eggs and toast.” Natale stated. We both looked over the menu while they got their food. Lys ended getting French toast and I order pancakes. After we ordered the newlyweds appeared.
“Hey Mr. and Mrs. Malkin!" We greeted them. Alex was just beaming! You could tell that she was ecstatic. We all enjoyed breakfast with the newlyweds. We exchanged stories of last night!
"The father daughter dance was adorable!" Natale commented. Pretty soon more people started gathering for breakfast, including the families! Mommy Malkin looked so happy. Lys went over to sit with her parents after she finished eating.
"Yinz leaving today?" she asked them.
"Yes. We are going to stop and the see kids on the way home." her mom replied. Those kids she was referring to was her adorable little cousins. Well they are not so little. Cody is 12 and Cydney is 9.
"Aww give them hugs and kisses from me!" she told her parents. " I really wish I could have gotten more time off of work. I miss them."
"Will do." her mom replied. Cydney and Cody were both going to be in our wedding.
"Alright we are heading out after we finish our breakfast." her dad stated.
"Aww okay. You are not staying for the goodbye luncheon?"
"No, sorry toots."
"It's okay I know yinz wanna see the kids and get home at a reasonable time." she gave her parents a hug goodbye. I said goodbye and wished them a safe travel. Lys and I retreated back to the hotel room before slipping into something more appropriate for the goodbye luncheon. Lys wore a cute yellow sundress with high heel brown sandals. I threw on khaki pants and a powder blue top.
"That brings out the color in your eyes." she told me and kissed me on the cheek as we made our way to the reception hall. It was the smaller one of the two and I noticed most of the team had stayed. It was great to see new and old players like Max Talbot. He signed a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers about a year ago.
"Max!" Lys called out his name. "How are you!? I am sorry I missed you last night!"
"That's because you were too busy eyeing up your fiancé to notice me!" Lys turned 10 shades of red. It was cute. I shook his hand.
"It's good to see you again. How's Philly treating you?"
"Not too shabby but I definitely miss playing with you guys!" he said.
"I so want a Philly cheesesteak now!"
"You are more than welcome to visit anytime!"
"Oh really, Max?" Lys cooed. "I would love to visit you in the city! I have only been there one other time, my freshman year of college for Panic! at the Disco concert." I shook my head. My girl is crazy about concerts. She slapped my arm lightly. Just then Gino waved us to the head table.
"Chat later Max." We walked over there and sat down. Soon the room was silenced and Gino stood up to say a speech.
"I just want to say a thank you for everyone who came to celebrate with my beautiful wife and I. We appreciate at it greatly. We so wonderful to have friends and family as yourselves. We hope you enjoy yourself. Thank you." he sat down them quickly stood back up. "oh enjoy food." he laughed. Just then coach Bylsma stood up and started saying something about Gino. Before we knew it turned into a little bit of a roast told him. Then Lys stood up and said something about Alex.
"Alex, I didn't want you to be left out but Gino never let her be in charge of the directions. This one time we were looking at the monuments in DC and she got us lost in the Reagan airport using a GPS." Alex just pouted and then her sister turned stood up. It was a funny lunch. The newlyweds were such good sports about it. As lunch came to a close we started to say our goodbyes. Alex and Gino were on the evening flight out and Lys and I had a drive back. "Safe travels. Love you! You best text me when yinz land!!!!!" she told her person. I gave them both a hug goodbye. Lys and I walked back up to our hotel room. We gathered our luggage and checked out the room. "Want me to drive back?" she asked as we were loading my car.
"No I'll drive."
"But you drove down."
"I know but you have work tomorrow and if you need a little nap you can take it." she kissed me on the lips.
"You are so thoughtful! I love you!"
"I love you." We got situated in the car and made our way back to Pittsburgh.
"Just think this time next year I will Mrs. Staal!"
"You are correct! I can't wait!" I beamed at her. She looked so radiant in the glistening sunlight. We drove on as we talked about our wedding plans. Next up will be Sidney and Natale's wedding.