JN - With You Around - See Me Smiling

The sun comes up and you are all over my mind

You're in my brain before I can open my eyes

"What are you talking about Mark?"

"You were caught making out with that girl from the signing." He told me.

"Stella broke up with me today." He didn't say anything for a moment on the other line.

"Is she your rebound girl? Do I have to be prepared to make statements?" God what is with everyone thinking like that? I wanted to rip his head off but I thought what Em had said.

"She is not. I do actually like her. She's the first girl to stand up to me. And I found that attractive. She's like a challenge for me." I responded calmly.

"That's good James. Someone needs to challenge you. I'm glad you found someone who does." I could tell he was sincere. It was a nice feeling. "Have a good night. Good luck tomorrow." I smiled into the phone before driving off toward home.

Hey sleepyhead! Just wanted to let you know I'm on my way. Should take about 4 hours. Good luck today!

I woke up to Emmaleigh's text. That made me smile. I glanced at the time and looked when she sent it. She would be halfway there by now. I texted her back to have a safe trip then I jumped in the shower. I was bummed not to have a text from her but reminded myself that she is driving. I continued my morning routine and took a stroll over to my good friend and neighbor Paul Martin's house for breakfast. He makes a mean omelette.

"Morning Paul." I called as I let myself into the house.

"Morning," he called from the kitchen. I could smell the bacon on the skillet.

"Smells good!" He nodded and I poured myself a glass of orange juice.

"How was the signing?" He asked.

"It was good. I met a girl."

"What about Stella?"

"She broke up with me. She did cheat on me like I expected."

"Sorry to hear that man." He set my plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. "So tell me about this new girl."

"Her name is Emmaleigh, she is 25. She works on the North Shore and does some freelance photography on the side. She is short has long brown hair and light brown eyes. I could get lost in those eyes." Paul then took a seat next to me on the counter.

"So how exactly did you meet her at the signing?"

"She called me out on my attitude." He choked on his orange juice. "I know and I was so in shock too that I couldn't explain anything to her that moment so I made Mark get her after she left." He nodded as he stuffed a piece of bacon in his mouth. "She wasn't happy but I convinced her to talk so then I took her out to dinner. She is gorgeous. I can't wait for you to meet her on Tuesday!"

"Where will she be on Tuesday?"

"Her and her uncle are attending the game so I offered to upgrade her seats. Also they coming to the locker room afterward."

"That was nice of you man." He smiled at me. I felt a vibration in my pocket and took out my phone hoping it was Em but it wasn't. Just then I heard Paul's phone beep as well. "TK?" He asked and I nodded. Too bad Em was away and couldn't attend the board game night we were having at Tyler's that evening. Paul and I finished our breakfast talking about the afternoon game we had against the Rangers. We talked about Marc Staal's injury and how it was a shame it happened. "See you down there!"

"Thanks for breakfast." I walked the short distance back to my house and continued the routine. I made sure my hair was in place before I left the house. I was in the middle of putting on my gear when I heard my phone buzz across the wooden seat.

Hey I arrived safely. I'm taking my cousins bowling so I won't be able to watch the game. I know you'll kick some butt though! :) 

A smiled appeared wide across my face when I read her text. I was bummed that she wasn't able to watch but she knew I would kick some butt! She is too cute!

"Nealer why you smiling so wide?" Team captain Sidney Crosby asked as he approached his locker next to mine. "Did Stella say something dirty?" He laughed.

"Stella broke up with me yesterday. This is Emmaleigh." I told him. "She is great! You'll get meet her Tuesday."

"Glad you got rid of Stella. She was no good for you man." I nodded not knowing why I didn't break up with her a long time ago. I texted Em back and finished getting ready for the game! The crowd was insane and we beat the rangers 3-0. Fleury now holds the records for most shutouts in the franchise

I texted her after I was showered and ready to leave. I told her we won and I really wish to see her before Tuesday. I was just waiting for Tyler to finish getting his shoes on before I followed him back to his house to set up for game night. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket.

I'll let you know because my uncle will be up for a few days. And I don't get to see him often. 

I was bummed that it wasn't a definite yes but she should spend time with her uncle. "Ready to go?" Tyler asked me. I nodded and followed him out of the locker room.

"Boardwalk!" Screamed Sidney. He was so happy now that he owned that whole side of the board. Including myself and Tyler, Marc, Sidney, Brandon and Matt were present. We were on our second game of the night. I texted Em. She should join us for the next game night!

“Come on Nealer! It’s your turn!” Sid told me. I looked where I was on the game board. I was on waterworks and needed a 12 to get through all of the property Sid owned.

“Come 12!” I exclaimed while shaking the dice in my hands. I blew on them before letting them roll onto the game board! “Alright!” I stated and made my way to GO!

“You got lucky that time.” He stated. Marc passed me $200 and I felt my phone vibrate.

Ah! I love game nights! I'm watching the Lorax with my cousins. 

I watched the Lorax with my cousins this pass Christmas. It was a good movie. I replied back to her that I really enjoyed it and was a cute movie.

“Dammit.” I heard Matt breathe. I looked up from my phone to see him land on Pennsylvania Ave.

“That would be $150." He told him with a giant grin. Matt handed over the money and frowned. Sidney was definitely going to win this game. I felt my phone buzz.

It is! Unfortunately I have to cut my trip short due the weather so I'll be back in time for your game. 

I smiled. She'll get to see me play! Well I know she's seen me play but now I can play my best for her.

"Earth to Nealer!" Marc yelled as he waved his hand in front of my face. "What has gotten into you?"

"You never looked like that when you were with Stella." Concluded Sid.

"Wait when did you and Stella break up?" Asked Matt. So I quickly told the guys about what happened. Then took my turn and finished my text to her. I hope I could see her tomorrow after the game. My phone buzzed during Brandon's turn.

I'll let you know. I'll most likely be with my uncle. Sorry :( 

I was bummed but I know she wanted to see her uncle. It made me think about my family back home and how much I missed them. I thought about Rebecca. My baby sister was growing up too fast. Thank goodness my other brothers are looking out for her! "James! Take your turn man!" This time it was Matt who yelled at me.

"This girl must have some kind of spell over you." Brandon concluded.

"She challenges me." I smiled at them and rolled a seven. "Alright Chance." I picked up the card and my face dropped. My teammates looked at me awaiting the result of my card. "Take a walk on the Boardwalk..." Was all I had to say before everyone but Sidney laughed at my misfortune.

"That will be $200 sir." He had his hand out ready to take my last two hundred dollars. We decided to call it quits soon after that because Sid was monopolizing the game!

Good morning! I'm on the road again. Following my uncle. Text you when I'm back in the burgh :)

I smiled as I read her text when I woke up. I texted her back before I started to get ready for the game. She was sweet for letting me know she was okay and back on the road. I couldn't wait to see her again. Today we were playing the Boston Bruins. They were a good tough team to play. I finished up at home and headed to the arena. There I kept checking my phone to see if Em texted me that she got home safe. I was starting to worry but then remembered she's with her Uncle and she would be fine. I checked my phone one last time before I suited up and headed onto the ice for the game.

JN - With You Around - Awakening

And all my life, I looked for you
For arms that I could fall into

"Who do you think you are?"
"Excuse me?" I stared at this girl in a nice pink short dress and cowboy boots.
"I just was making a joke and you took it the complete wrong way. Besides your body language is all standoffish, so who do you think you are?" She repeated the last question to me. I stared at her shocked that she noticed. Do I love my fans? Of course!Did I hate signings? Yes. I hated all the fake people saying they love me when they don't really know me. It's flattering but annoying that's all they can say to me! 'I love you James, can I have your babies?' Gross! Leave me alone! I'd much rather have this in a more personal setting anyways. There is just way to many people in this line! I looked back up at this girl, she was the first one to call me out on my attitude and posture. I was stunned. I didn't know how to reply. She quickly was pushed along to talk to Kris. I noticed how they interacted. They laughed and joked. She seemed nice. Even Duper laughed with her. I continued to sign and not really talk to anyone. I was thinking about that girl and what she said. I took out my phone and started to text my good friend on the team. Then I looked up and I saw her. She was standing on the second level looking down at me. I wanted to talk to her. I needed to talk to her. I motioned for my agent to come closer.
"I need to talk to that girl in the pink dress." I motioned toward the second level. "Bring her to me." He gave me questionable look but nodded. I looked up at her again. This time we made eye contact. Someone else approached the table but I kept glancing up toward the railing. I saw Mark approach her and she looked down on me again. I nodded. I saw her follow him; she didn't look too happy. Okay now that I have her coming down here, what do I say? How do I answer her question with everyone here?
I concentrated on signing and taking a couple photos when I noticed she was on the stage with Mark. Oh geez now what. "Hi"
"Hello." She stated cooly.
"Can we talk after I'm done signing?" She looked shocked but nodded. "Meet me by the JC Penny's at 830." She nodded again and walked off the stage.

I quickly raced to the department store as soon as the last person left the stage. I prayed that she would still be there. Relief swept over me when I saw her sitting on the bench with her legs crossed. She stood up as I approached her.
"You're late. The mall is closing in 15 minutes. This better be quick." She told me. I felt bad for being late and she made it worse. But I still felt like I owed her an explanation.
"Let's talk in my car."
"Or mine." She stated.
"Or yours, where are you parked?"
"The center of the mall."
"I'm right here." I tugged her arm and pulled her down the corridor to the exit. Once outside she broke free of my embrace.
"You don't have to be so rough, I'm not going anywhere." I gave an apologetic look and continued to my car. She followed. I opened her passenger door before climbing in the driver seat. "So Mr. Neal what is that you want to talk about?"
"Mr. Neal? You can't be that much younger me."
"How old do I look?"
"22-23." I replied. She had such a baby face and it looked soft too. I saw a smile appear across her luscious lips. What was this girl doing to me?
"Thanks but I'm 25."
"Same as me." She definitely didn't look her age. I was glad that we were the same age. Then I spilled everything about my horrendous day. "I'm sorry for being an ass today. It's been rough. I was running late for practice. I was off on my drills. My girlfriend broke up with me, my car wouldn't start and I was at her house. That's why I was late. She had to take me home to get another vehicle. And I hit traffic." I told her. She didn't look too phased.
"Well, you shouldn't have taken it out on your fans. They paid good money to see and converse with you. They are a huge part of your success. If it wasn't for them buying your jersey and coming out to meet you your career wouldn't be where it's at today." She was absolutely right. "And texting on your phone is just rude! How could you not pay attention to the fans? What could have been so important tha-" I leaned over and kissed her. I don't know why she was turning me on by scolding me but it was hot. At first I could tell she was stunned but then her body started to react. Her lips kissed mine back. But she abruptly stopped me. "What are you doing?"
"Kissing you."
"Yes but why?"
"You're turning me on."
"You're just looking for a rebound Mr. Neal and it’s not going to be me!" She reached for the handle. But I locked the door.
"Please don't go. I'm sorry. Are you hungry? Can I take you out to dinner?" She slowly turned around in the passenger seat.
"Why are you doing this?"
"You're the first person to call me out on my actions and you're incredibly attractive." I saw her expression soften.
"I am quite hungry, what did you have in mind?" What came to mind were dirty proactive thoughts that shouldn't be discussed at this point.
"Is there a TGIFriday's or Applebee's in the area?" I asked.
"TGIFriday's is down the waterfront so Applebee's is closer. There's also a Chili's, Eat N Park, Buffalo Wild Wings..."
"Chili's sound okay?" She nodded and gave me the directions from the mall to the restaurant. She hopped out of the car before I could open the door. But I put my arm around her shoulders as we walked through the doors. Thankfully she didn't pull away.
"Hi, just two tonight?" I nodded to the waitress and looked down at her. She fit perfectly in my arms. She was the right height. We followed the waitress to our table and I pulled out the chair for her. I heard a soft thanks escape her lips and it took all might not to kiss her again.
"So Jimmy, why did your girlfriend break up with you?"
"Oh am I Jimmy now?" I laughed at her. She was starting to show her sweet, playful side and I was falling hard and fast over her. "I haven't been called that since I was in grade school." Not that the name bothered but I just preferred James. "Why Stella broke up with me was because she couldn't handle my lifestyle."
"Is it truly that or something else?"
"That is part of it." It blew my mind that she could read more into that sentence after barely knowing me. "She cheated on me while I was on the road. And you know when she told me I didn't care. I had fallen out of love with her. And her cheating proved to be the icing on the cake."
"But you're playing the victim, why were you so upset that she broke up with you when you weren't in love with her?"
"Regardless, wouldn't you be upset that you got dumped?" She bit her lip and looked deep in thought. "I was more frustrated that my car broke down than her dumping me." When I finished the server came by to take our orders. "But yes I tend to be an ass. I don't know how else to act.”
"Well, start by not thinking the world revolves around you. You give off the aroma and you seem very standoffish." She didn't tip toe around my feelings. But she had a point. "Did you let the fame go to your head?"
"Yes, I think I did."
"It's okay it happens to the best of people." She smiled at me. Her smile just made her more gorgeous and irresistible. Her hand was resting on the table and I reached over to grab it. I saw her blush at our touch.
"Can you help me?"
"With what?"
"Be a better person." She smiled at me.
"Only you can really change. But yes I will help you if you like."
"I would really appreciate your help."
"Well how bout start by asking my name!" I stared at her. I can't believe I didn't ask her name sooner. I felt so stupid for not asking for it.
"What's your name?"
"Emmaleigh."
"That's so pretty." She thanked me and took a sip of her water. "So can I call ya Em or Lee?"
"Actually some people call me Emma because of the way it's spelled." She then told me the unique way her parents spelled her name. Quite pretty. "But you can call me Em if you like."
"Okay, Em." We talked a bit more about her life; about her work, family, and friends. She told me her passion is photography. And I recalled the photo she had me sign. "You really are a good photographer. I liked that photo of me."
"Thanks. I love trying to capture players in motion. I am actually attending Tuesday’s game with my uncle."
"Where are your seats?"
"Uh 215 I think."
"So high! Did you want to sit closer?"
"Of course. One of my goals is to sit on the glass. But these are someone's season tickets." She explained.
"I can get you ice seats."
"For Tuesday?"
"No not Tuesday. I can get you a box at least if you want to take them."
"You don't have to do that."
"I want to do that, Em. I like you. Please let me upgrade your seats." She looked at me with her deep brown eyes as she thought about my offer. Just then the server brought our food. She ordered the chicken tacos and I ordered a steak.
"Okay James. I'll let you upgrade our seats to the box." She smiled at me. I know there is something special about her and I wasn't going to let her go. "My Uncle and I are going to try to get autographs after the game."
"Where?"
"Outside."
"So I should stop and sign autographs after the game?"
"I think it wouldn't hurt."
"How bout I save your toes and hands, and you just meet the players in the locker room?"
"James!"
"What?"
"I think my uncle would die!"
"Well what about you?"
"Of course, I think I'll turn into Jello." She laughed.
"So box seats and I'll have someone escort you down after the game. Got it." I smiled at her.
"Being nice to a fan is a start. But think about being nice to everyone who cares about you. Think where that will lead." She beamed at me.
"Emmaleigh, you are truly and amazing person. Thanks for standing up to me tonight. I am excited to get to know you more. We should go out again." I spilled to her. Her eyes darted around the room.
"James this is nice but don't you think it's too soon? You're girlfriend just broke up with you and like I said I am not going to be your rebound."
"Em you're not! I'm so over Stella. I was considering breaking things off with her anyway."
"Just give it some time please." She told me. "You're not the only one dealing with a break-up."
"Who broke your heart? I'll kick his ass."
"James! That won't solve anything." She stated. "You're supposed to be nicer to people."
"Not people who has broken the girl you like heart." she nodded but didn't say anything. "What happened?"
"I fell in love with him but he didn't feel the same way. He broke up with me."
"Bastard, how could someone not love you?"
"Well... I can be a bit moody, I like things my way, I can be a -" I didn't let her finish because I leaned over the table and all the food to kiss her again. And this time it didn't take her that long to react. The kiss left us breathless. "James." She breathed. I like the sound of my name rolling off her tongue like that. I am pretty sure her mouth and tongue would be good elsewhere. I had to stop thinking like that before I got too excited and hiked her dress up right here before indulging myself deep inside.
"What are you thinking about?" She asked me. God I wanted to tell her the details in my head but I just said you. "What about me?" She pushed the issue. I was thinking about how good you would look on your knees in front of me or bent over this table taking you from behind.
"Just you." She frowned a little not happy with the vague response. "If I tell you I'll be moving two steps forward." She studied my face for a moment and then had that aha moment.
"Oh James." She stated and it made me wonder if she was also thinking the same thing. "How did we end up here?" I gave her a quizzical look. "I was so turned off by your attitude toward me this evening and we are thinking about another date and possibly more." She said possibly more which means she probably was thinking about us in the sexual manor. Alright, we are on the same page!
"Why don't you come back to my house?"
"Oh I'm sorry I can't. I'm going down to see my cousin for his birthday tomorrow morning."
"That's fine. Where does he live?"
"His family lives in VA near DC. That's the same uncle is coming up for the game."
"That's pretty sweet. Are you and your family flying?"
"Nope. I'm driving and it's just me going."
"You're driving by yourself?" She nodded. "I don't like it. What if something happens to you?"
"James, I've driven this way numerous times. I'll be fine."
"I just don't like the thought of you on a highway by yourself. You better text me when you arrive."
"I would if I had your number," she smirked at me. We then exchanged numbers. The bill arrived and she offered to pay for her portion but I declined. "Thank you for dinner James." She told me as we made our way out to the car hand in hand.
"You're welcome Emmaleigh." I held her hand as I drove the way back down to her car.
"I'm the little blue Saturn." She told me and I drove to the only car in the parking lot. "Well, I’ll see you Tuesday." She turned and got out of the car. I opened my door.
"Wait a min Em." She walked over to me and I pulled her into a kiss. We stood there for awhile just kissing. She ran her fingers though my hair and my hand started to hike her dress up her thigh.
"James, we should stop before we do something we regret."
"I won't regret it." I pulled her body back to me and crushed my lips onto hers. She kissed me back before pulling away.
"Goodnight James." She gave me a peck on the cheek and walked around to her driver’s side.
"Goodnight Em." I sat back in the driver set and just smiled. She was a remarkable woman and I couldn't wait to show her off to the guys on Tuesday! I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I looked down and saw it was my agent. "Hello." What he could possibly want at 11 pm?
"What did you do to Stella?" He asked.

***
The inspiration for this story after actually meeting James Neal about two weeks. He must have been having a bad day because he was very rude and standoffish. His whole body language was off too and he was texting during the signing. But then I met him again just last night and he seemed happier. He told me it was nice to meet me. So that but him back on my good side!
Enjoy the story!

JS - I Do [Ch 3]

Here is the last installment of the wedding series! Enjoy :)
***

It was June 25th, my wedding day. Today I was marrying the love of my life. I couldn't be more excited and nervous at the same time. I had all my whole family here with me, my brothers were in the wedding. We had a ginormous wedding party. The biggest out the three friends. Our groomsmen included Mark, Eric, Jared, Sidney, Gino, and Cody. My nephew Parker is the ring bearer. Cydney is our flower girl. Lys' bridesmaids were Alex, Natale, Anna, Holly, Dineen, and Kaitlyn. Our theme was purple gold and black. I rolled out bed and glanced at the clock. The guys should be over here in about a half hour. I ventured to the bathroom and stepped into the shower. I thought of Lys. She and the girls should be getting their hair done at her hair dresser, Chrissy's salon. Lys told me she has been going to this lady for years. Chrissy gave Lys her first haircut. I just couldn't be more happy to marry her today! I finished washing up and stepped onto the bathroom rug. Then I heard the doorbell ring. I tightened my towel and went downstairs to answer the door.
"Hey little bro!" It was my brother Mark, my best man. Eric and Jared followed behind him.
"Hey guys." I told them.
"Mom and Dad said they would be over around 11." Jared informed me. I just nodded.
"There's some breakfast in the kitchen if you are hungry. I am going to get dressed."
"Nah I think you should get married in your birthday suit." Eric joked with me. I just laughed and ventured upstairs. I threw on a pair of underpants, shorts and a white tee before bounding down the stairs. When I reached the kitchen I noticed that Sidney and Gino had arrived. There was also a dozen of donuts in the middle of the island.
"Hey Jordan, Alex told me to bring us some donuts." Alex is always taking care of us. She is the mom out of the group. I reached for a glazed donut.
"That ones not yours!" I glanced over the box. Alex had each of the donuts customized. The filled donuts had little tuxes on the and glazed ones looked liked rings.
"She thinks of everything!" I concluded. Then took the designated groom donut. I glanced at the clock and heard the door bell. "That's probably mom." I walked to open the door and sure enough my parents stood on the other side.
"Hey sweetie. Why aren't you dressed?" Mom hugged me.
"Because the limo doesn't get here until 12." I replied. Her and dad were already dressed. I glanced over to the kitchen and noticed that most of my groomsmen were indeed dressed and ready to go. My mother gave me a stern look and I retreated upstairs to finish getting ready. When I came downstairs mother had her camera out and ready. All the groomsmen wore black tuxedos with a purple vest with a gold trimming.
"Big smiles everyone!" Mom took a few pictures with my brothers then with my friends and before we knew it we were in the limo on our way to the church. We were getting married in her church. This is the one where she was baptized, confirmed and raised. We pulled up in front of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Duquesne. Lys and her bridesmaid should already be here. They were using the parsonage to get ready. We walked into the church to see most of the church members welcoming people to their home.
"Hello Jordan!" Barbara, the church secretary, gave me a hug. "It's so nice to see you, is this your family?" I nodded and introduced my family to the church family. Everyone started to mingle and I went to go stand in the office with my best man. All the other groomsmen started to usher people down the aisle. Lys wasn't kidding when she said her church is gets hot in the summer. The 100 year old building doesn't have air conditioning. So Lys and I made some fans for everyone. I was sweating just standing still but I think it could be because of the nerves.
"Where you this nervous at your wedding?" I asked Mark.
"Nervous but excited." he replied. Just then reverend Posta came into the office.
"Hello hello!" he greeted us by shaking our hands. "Follow me." We did what we were told. We followed him down stairs, through the social hall to the back of the stage. He led us through a side door and up some more stairs. When we stopped we were in a room off to the side of the altar.
"That was pretty neat." Mark whispered in my ear. I heard the organist start to play soft tunes and I knew it was almost time to take my place at the altar. Lys had asked one of her friends from childhood, Matt, to play her wedding. Her mother is the normal organist of the church but she can't play and watch! Mark and I followed Rev out the door and stood in front of the altar. Jared escorted mom down the aisle with Dad close behind. Then Eric escorted Cathy. She took the seat next to Lys' grandmothers. That side of the church was completely filled. My side of the church was a bit different. I had about half the people in attendance than Lys had. I come from a big family but boy, she has me beat. Just then the doors opened and out walked Kaitlyn and Cody. They looked so adorable! Next was Dineen escorted Gino followed by Anna and Sidney, Holly and Jared, Natale and Eric. Alex, her matron of honor walked down next. Our flower girl and ring bearer, Cydney and Parker were adorable walking down the aisle. Finally the moment I have been waiting for...the music changed to the bridal march, everyone stood up. Then my heart stopped. Lys looked radiant. Jay looked happy too, carrying his daughter down the aisle. She looked absolutely stunning in her gown. It had crystal beading intricately designed on the bodice and had a full skirt on the bottom. She even had a lace shrug on her shoulders. She looked like a princess and her tiara was placed perfectly in her brown curls. When she reached me I was speechless. Jay gave her my hand then went to join Cathy. We proceeded up one more step to be in front of Rev. He started his welcome speech, then a little sermon after that it was vow time. I pulled out my little piece of paper.
"Alyssa, you are my better half. Before I met you I knew you were the one that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I promise to take care of you when you are sick, make you laugh when you are mad and comfort you in all other situations. I will support you and any wild dreams that you have because I believe in you. I love you with all my heart." As I said my vows I saw the tears in her eyes start to form and trickled down her beautiful skin. She sniffled before she started her vows.
"Jordan you are my rock. You are always there for me when I need you. I promise to always be there for you. I promise to support you through what ever changes may occur. I will be by your side always. I will take care of you when your ill, attempt to make you chicken noodle soup." I laughed. "Standby you if you were to be injured again. Hug you everyday. Kiss you unexpectedly. Hold you in my arms. I will love you everyday of my life, through all good and bad times. You bring out the best of me and through you I want to be a better person. I am thrilled to become your other half and walk this journey of life with you. I love you." Wow I don't think there was a dry seat in the house. Lys' vows were absolutely beautiful. I saw Rev even wipe away a tear. We then asked Parker for the rings and exchanged promises.
"I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride!" I pulled Lys to me and laid one on her. The whole congregation cheered. We whispered I love you's before walking down the aisle as man and wife! We stopped outside on the landing and waited for everyone to pass. Everyone was congratulating us and Lys was trying to introduce me, and I her, but it really wasn't working. Mostly people wanted to get out of the hot church! I was glad to be outside. There was a little breeze. After everyone was outside I grabbed Lys' hand and walked through the crowd as they blew bubbles at us! We did a little spin and walked back into the church.
"Please everyone is invited down stairs for some coffee and snacks before leaving for the reception hall." Mark addressed the crowd. We made our way to the alter to take photos. Lys allowed herself 3 hours for picture taking. I know she is crazy about pictures. We decided to have a coffee hour so that way the guests weren't sitting at the reception hall for hours on end. So while everyone ate downstairs we were taking photos upstairs. Lys thought of every combination and she made things go smoothly. We took all of my family photos first. Starting with Mom and Dad then the brothers. Then grandparents. Then the brothers and family. My mom and dad stayed while her's got on the altar and it was the parents picture. Then it was just her family. She wanted one with all her first cousins. And then a photo with just her and her grandmas. That one looked so cute! I am sure it will be on display in our home. After families we took the bridal party pictures. Now the families can enjoy something to eat before we go.
"Where is Anna?" Lys asked.
"I think she is still eating." replied Dineen. Lys just laughed. That's typical Anna for you.
"I will go get her" Jared stated and raced back down stairs. They returned shortly and we got on with the pictures. Then we made our way outside to the party bus! The rest of our immediate families will take the limo. Lys had a stop along the way to the venue to get pictures. She wanted the Pittsburgh skyline in photos. So we stopped across the river and took some gorgeous pictures with the skyline behind us. We were there for about 20 mins before finally making our way to the venue. We decided to have it at Consol Energy Center. Saved us a bit of money since we rented the banquet room at a discount.
"Oh boys not so fast! I have a surprise for you!" Lys lead us to ice instead of the banquet hall. In the center of the rink stood the Stanley cup! I can't believe Lord Stanley will be apart of my wedding photos. I just pulled her into a kiss! This was an awesome surprise. It was so great to win the cup again! We all got our skates on and ventured to the center of the ice. The photographer was there ready to take some pictures.
"Oh you know I love you Lys!" Holly stated hanging onto to her partner Jared for dear life! We took a few photos with the entire bridal party surrounding the cup! Then we took a few photos of just Lys and I.
"You should lift it in the air." she told him and I did. She then came and kissed me on the cheek. I bet that picture turns out cute. We did various different shots on the ice. I am sure the photographer got a lot of candid skating shots! I can't wait to see how this turn out. We ventured off the ice. And put our shoes back on before making our grand entrance. I looked at the clock. It was almost 6! Lys couldn't have timed that better.
We made our big entrance and everybody cheered for us! It felt great having Lys introduced as Mrs. Jordan Staal. We walked out onto the dance floor with rest of the bridal party. When the cheers died down the DJ announced it was our first dance. Lys and I picked Sand In Your Shoes. Only it was my turn to surprise her. The music started and Dan came out and started singing on the stage. Gavin, David and Andy soon joined him. Her face was priceless. She couldn't believe one her favorite bands was here. I was happy to make the day more special. We finished the song and took our seats. This Providence would play more songs after dinner. Soft Rat Pack music started to pour through the speakers as dinner was served. Lys hated wedding food so she made the food choices simple. Guests could choose from a pasta dish, chicken, steak and fish. We also had a long cookie table. A bunch of her family members baked cookies for months on end! After we ate we started to make our rounds to talk to each table and take a photo with them. Lys loved her photography. We are going to have a large wedding album. We even had a photo booth with props. I glanced over at it; it seemed to be popular. I noticed her little cousins over there.
"Jordan these are my cousins, Bobby & Beth. There children Amanda her husband Chris, Rachel and her husband Pat, and Zack with his fiancée Shelby." She introduced me. It was nice to meet her family. I was happy to introduce her to my cousins as well. They all seemed to love her. And who wouldn't? After our rounds it was the father daughter dance. She chose "Brown-eyed Girl". It was so cute. Then it was my turn to take my mom for a spin on the floor. I chose "You Raise Me Up" the Josh Groban version. It was a beautiful dance and mom cried. She was the best! Then This Providence came back on the stage.
"Hey David!"
"Hey Alyssa. How are you?" I forgot how many musicians she knows. "Congratulations." He said and he smiled at her. They played about 5 or 6 upbeat songs. Then the DJ came back on so we could do the bouquet and and garter toss. Lys threw her bouquet in the air and it was caught by Anna! Then my brother Jared caught the garter. They would make a cute couple. We danced a set of slow songs. Lys wanted to dance with her grandmothers so in the set she played Neil Diamond’s “Forever in Blue Jeans” and Frank Sinatra’s version of “Moon River.” She ended the set with a Dean Martin favorite “That’s Amore.” She had her whole family on the floor as we got ready for the bridal dance. We gave out shots of whiskey or peach schnapps.
"Alex!" Lys stated. I currently was dancing with my cousin Sam when I glanced over to see Ovechkin dancing with my wife. She was smiling then changed to Backstrom. He kissed her on the cheek when they were done. I was happy to see her cousin Cydney dance with her next.
The next thing I knew Lys was grabbing her mom and grandma to come up on the dance floor. "Sweet Caroline...bum bum bum...Good times never seemed so good. so good so good so good! I've been inclined...bum bum bum..." They sang to the Neil Diamond tune. It was comical! I finally had my wife in my arms again. We started dancing to a slow set. "I love you." She whispered in my ear. "Today has been amazing. Thank you."
"Thank you. Your surprise Stanley cup photo shoot blew me away."
"You inviting This Providence to sing our wedding song was breathe taking." I smiled at her and kissed her beautiful lips. We finished the last set of songs before I lifted Lys into my arms. Everyone cheered as we headed to the elevator and down to the limo. We made out the entire ride home. Once the limo stopped in front of our house I picked her up in my arms again and carried her through the front door. This would now be our home. And once we get back from our honeymoon Lys plans on moving the rest of her things. I didn't set her down til I laid her across our bed upstairs. We made love the first time as husband and wife.
"Good morning Mrs. Staal." I kissed her forehead. I was thrilled that she was my wife. She completes me.
"Good morning Mr. Staal," she leaned up and kissed my lips. "What time is it?" I rolled over to see the clock on the night stand.
"9:43" I turned back to face her.
“Mr. Staal why are we up so early after our wedding?” she asked me and kissed me on the cheek.
“The reason, Mrs. Staal, is that we leave for our honeymoon today!” she smiled and kissed me full on the lips which turned into a little more than making out. By the time we were done making love we were running late to our own luncheon. We were having it at one of Lys’ favorite Italian restaurants Buca DiBeppo! Everyone was in the banquet room when we showed up.
“Nice of you to join us.” My brother Eric teased me. He knew what was going on. Lys and I took our seats at the table with our parents. They were just talking about how everything went smoothly yesterday. We only had a few minor problems but they were easily over looked. I looked over at my wife. She had this glow about her. She was as happy as I was to be married with her. After we all ate, Lys wanted more photos! Of course she did! We took a bunch more.
“Didn’t you take enough yesterday?” Alex asked her. And he reply was ‘no.’ Typical Lys.
“Have a safe flight to Taiwan!” Holly hugged us on her way out when the photo taking was over. Lys and I were headed to Taiwan for a few days then to Hong Kong, to see the Great Wall of China and last to Tokyo, Japan. We would be gone for a total of 3 weeks. She was excited to go and she showed me all these cool attractions that convinced me to go!
“Thank you for everyone who came out to spend this magical day with us!!! See you in a few weeks!” she stated to whom was left at the luncheon before we said good to our families. We hugged and kissed everyone goodbye before we headed back to the house to finish up the packing.
“I love you Mr. Staal.” She kissed me.
“I love you Mrs. Staal.” This was going to the beginning of a great future!

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