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starshine-hockey-girl · 6 months

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At Last- Never Ever Have I - The Wedding Chapter

Summary- Well folx, it has all been leading up to this- the wedding chapter.

Length- 14.2K words

Warnings- smut, slight discussions of BDSM/collars and a copious amount of fluff. Seriously, the fluff abounds but there is a bit of angst sprinkled in.

Tags- @pattiemac1, @penstxgal1968, @pensfan5871, @heatherloves87, @fallinallincurls, @cellythefloshie, @newlibrary, @princessphilly, @fallinallincurls, @juuuuuse, @laurenairay

Presidential Suite-December 6th- Fairmont hotel- Pittsburgh, PA

Penthouse Suite-December 6th- Fairmont Hotel- Pittsburgh, PA

Sidney paced by the window in the Presidential Suite while Evie put on the finishing touches on her make-up. "Explain to me again why I am being banished from the suite tonight," Sidney whined even though he already knew the answer. He walked around the suite that had over the course of the afternoon slowly turned into bride central. Evie's wedding dress hung from a hook near the ceiling. It was carefully shrouded by a sheet with a sign with the phrase “NO PEEKING SIDNEY” written in large letters. Her accessories were carefully laid out on the dining room table.

Evie walked out of the bathroom, holding her shoes in her hand. “Do you want the long or short answer?” she said as she crossed to him, turned around and waited for him to button her sheer, beaded blouse.

Evie grinned as she leaned back into his body and he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Short answer is because I said so,” she hummed as he continued his kisses.

“And the long answer?” he whispered into her ear.

She quickly turned around and sighed, “Don’t laugh.” He laughed at the sight of her slight pout, then saw the expression in her eyes and then nodded solemnly. “We started as a hook-up. It was solely about lust and sexual chemistry," she began. He began to interject a comment about the lust he was currently feeling, but the look in her eyes told him that it would be a bad idea. "I know that we have grown beyond that. I know that we have a love that is strong and true.” She stepped forward and intertwined her fingers with his before she continued, “There is something about it that is so honest and pure about our love." Sidney's face lit up in agreement. "I just want to honor that by doing the traditional thing…." her voice cracked and trailed off, “I know it’s silly because clearly we have fucked….A LOT…. but I don’t know, it just seems like the right thing to do.”

Sidney held up his hand, "Okay, no argument from me." He placed his hand on her cheek. "Whatever you want," he said gently before he kissed her, "For the next day, you get whatever you want because you are the bride. You are MY bride."

ver you want because you are the bride. You are MY bride."

Evie leaned her cheek into his hand and sighed in contentment. Their tender moment was halted abruptly when the duo of bridesmaids and Mateo loudly entered the room. Taylor bellowed, "Out, Sid, out!" Together Sidney and Evie turned to her. "Save the mush for the wedding," she ordered before she added, "Evie's bachelorette party starts now. No boys allowed." Sidney turned to Mateo who shrugged his shoulders. "No groom allowed," she corrected, "Out!"

The day before Evie had been informed that she was going to have a bachelorette party with or without her consent. She could either agree to the low key dinner and drinks or be subjected to the phallic themed event Adriana and Mateo were dying to plan. Evie chose the low key dinner and limited the guest list to her “three amigos” posse. Sidney gave Evie a long, smoldering kiss that drew the ire of his sister. "Be safe," he whispered, "I am going to find Nate and Geno. They have a bachelor party planned for me. Text me when you get back to the suite tonight." Evie took his hand and walked him to the door.

She pulled him back for a kiss before he left, “Enjoy your bachelor party. Remember our rule.”

“No strippers,” Sidney smiled, “I will try to let Nate down easy on that one. Besides, there is only one woman in the world I want to see naked.” Sidney tried to mask the need in his voice, but it was evident to anyone with ears.

“Ewwww, Sid!” Taylor yelled.

Sid looked up and laughed, “So the thought of me getting lap dances is better, Tay?”

Evie started to push him out the door, “Beso, go ahead and quit antagonizing your sister. She is only going to take it out on me.” Sidney snuck another kiss before leaving. “I love you, Beso- be safe,” Evie called as he walked down the hall. Sidney turned and put his hands to heart and grinned.

Evie turned back to face the smirks on the faces of Adriana, Taylor and Mateo. “What?” she asked as her cheeks flushed.

“Quit mooning over Gringo Boy and let's get wasted,” Adriana smiled.

“Are you ever going to call him by his name?” Evie asked as she gathered her stuff, “He has a perfectly good name.”

“Only when he is in trouble,” Adriana laughed, “Besides you never call him that either.”

Later at the restaurant, Adriana and Mateo were doubled over in laughter as Evie spoke. During the course of conversation, the subject of Sidney’s competitive nature came up. Their mouths dropped when Evie told them how Sidney had hit her with a wayward puck while playing air hockey against Nate. She then followed up with the detailed description of the secret plan to learn to skate before the outdoor game. Adriana giggled, “Wait, Gringo Boy caught you red-skated on the ice and you tried to deny it?”

“I would have gotten away with it too if it weren’t for that pesky Guentzel kid,” Evie retorted.

“Wait, so Sid knew before you challenged him to the face-off?” Taylor questioned. Evie went on to explain that he knew about the skating lessons, but not about the face-offs. Taylor groaned when Evie explained how she weaseled out of the locker room in the most delicate of terms. “What I want to know is what did you whisper to him before the third face-off? What got him so rattled,” Taylor inquired.When Evie explained that she told him that she wasn’t wearing panties, Taylor groaned. “Oh My God,” she huffed, “Is everything about THAT between you two?”

“Basically,” Adriana chirped.

Evie grinned, “I can’t help it if I have a good coochie that he likes.”

“Stop it- I am going to be sick,” Taylor screamed before breaking down into giggles.

The gigglefest continued as they left the restaurant and walked down the street. Evie paused when they walked past the tattoo parlor. She turned around and walked back and eyed the neon sign. “Hey Bridey,” Adriana, “The hotel is this way. You can’t be that drunk.”

“No, I am tipsy, but not drunk,” she called back. The three amigos shared a look as Evie opened the door to the tattoo parlor and walked in.

Evie tossed in the large, king sized bed. Although it was the same size as her bed at the house she shared with Sidney, his absence made it feel larger. She finally fell into a deep slumber.

The sound of the prelude music wafted into the foyer space of the Knox Ballroom. Taylor and Adriana adjusted Evie’s veil before taking their positions for their entrance Evie smiled and took a deep breath. As the doors closed behind the duo, she went to move into position for her entrance, or at least she attempted to move. She tried to lift her right foot and it would not budge. She lifted her dress and saw her pearl encrusted shoes encased in an invisible substance. “Oh no,” she thought to herself as she bent down to release the shoe. “Come on, come on,” she panicked, “Come on shoe.” She looked up at the door that had begun to open. “Come on you fucking shoe,” she said in a huff.

“Evelyn Rose,” the calm voice chided, “Is that any way to talk right before you walk down the aisle?”

Evie’s head popped up to see her father standing before her. He was dressed in a tuxedo, complete with boutonniere to match the wedding party. “Papa?” Evie gasped, “Papa?”

“Yes baby,” he walked toward her. He bent down and released the shoe from its imaginary captor. He stood up and smiled as he grabbed her hand.

“What are you doing here?” Evie asked quietly, “Are you really here or is it a…..”

“Dream?” he answered before she could finish her thought. Evie looked dejected. “I would give anything in the world to be here right now, my darling girl, but it’s a dream,” he replied. “I begged and pleaded to have this moment with you. I pleaded with Them to let me walk you down the aisle one last time.” Evie smiled and offered her arm to him. Suddenly the doors opened and they began the slow walk. She kept her head turned to focus on her father’s face. Pride radiated from it. The rest of the world was an out of focus blur, but each of his features was in sharp focus. At the end of the aisle, they turned to each other. He dramatically lifted her veil and kissed her cheek. His voice trembled as he whispered, “Thank you, Lord. Thank you.” He stood up and clapped his hands together, “Now let’s try it with just you.”

Evie’s head tilted in confusion, “You aren’t staying?”

“No, Mija,” he sighed, “You have to make this walk alone. I can’t do it with you.”

Together they walked back to the foyer. She took her spot and he adjusted her veil. He stepped back and gazed at her in her mother’s wedding dress. “You’re just as beautiful as she was on our wedding day,” he declared, “You’re going to take his breath away.”

Evie’s head turned to the music that was playing. It was almost time for her cue. Her father turned his head as well. “He’s waiting for you, Mija,” her father said softly, “We don’t have much time.”

“You like him, Papa?” she asked hesitantly, “You approve?”

He stepped toward her, “He is everything that I wanted for you. I don’t have to worry about you anymore.”

“You worried about me? After you left?” she asked.

“Yes, every day I worried about who would love you and take care of you. I worried about who would bring you peace. Then you met Sidney and all of that worry went away,” he went on to explain, “Now I can rest in peace.” He gently kissed her cheek and turned to walk away.

“Please stay Papa. I need you to stay with me,” she pleaded.

“Bonita Mija, you don’t need me anymore. You have your Beso,” he smiled.

“I will always need you, Papa. I miss you everyday. I try to pretend that I don’t, but I need you every day,” she cried.

“I know my Evie,” he pulled her into a hug, “But I am here with you always. I will be with you later when you wake up.”

“Noooooo,” Evie begged, “Please stay, please. ”

“Papa stay!” Evie screamed as she woke up with a start. It took a moment to get her bearings. She was at the hotel and it was the night before her wedding. Instinctively she reached for Sidney, who was not there. She sat up and hugged her knees into her chest. Suddenly, her phone vibrated and she reached over for it.

Sidney: Evie? Are you okay?

Evie cried: No…

Sidney: Do you need me?

Evie: Yes

Sidney: I am coming to you.

He hung up before she could properly process the conversation. She had barely made it to the suite entrance when she heard his footsteps pounding on the floor. He was running to get to her. Evie opened the door just as he arrived. He held out his arms and she jumped into them. Her body molded around him like a baby koala bear. Sidney instinctively began to rub her back as she cried into his neck. “Shhhhh,” he soothed, “I’m here, Evie, I’m here.”

“How did you know?” she asked as he carried her into the bedroom.

“I can’t explain it,” he said as he sat down on the bed with her firmly still attached. “I was asleep, then I felt a nudge. I think I mumbled something and rolled over,” he described, “Then I heard a voice that said ‘Evie needs you.’ I woke up and called you. When you said you needed me, I came running to you.”

Evie’s eyes grew wide and she leaned back to look into Sidney’s eyes, “Really? You are not making that up?”

He nodded his head, “Why would I make that up?”

Evie put her face into the crook of Sidney’s neck and whispered, “Thank you Papa. Thank you.” A look of confusion spread across Sidney’s face. “Will you stay the rest of night?” she asked quietly.

“But what about the tradition?” he answered as she crawled beneath the covers. He quickly stripped down to his boxers and then wrapped his body around hers then pulled her tight against his chest.

“I don’t care about the tradition anymore. I need you tonight just like I do every other night. I won’t sleep with you in the other room,” she blurted out.

“Whatever you want, my bride, whatever you want,” he kissed her ear as they both fell back asleep.

The following morning Sidney and Evie snuggled in bed and discussed the schedule for the day. They decided to forego the idea of not seeing each other for the rest of the day. The anxiety the separation would cause was not offset by the idea of clinging to an outdated tradition. After Sidney walked back to his room to get dressed for the day, he sent her a text.

Penthouse Suite- That evening after the big announcement

Evie rushed into the suite with Taylor and Adriana hot on her heels. Evie yelled to her “glam squad” who were waiting patiently, “It’s go time. We need to transform me into a bride.” Rachel stepped to assist Evie by unzipping her short white dress.

Evie stepped out of it and into her white satin robe. The words “Mrs. Crosby est. 12-7-19” were embroidered on the back. Her first name was written on the front left chest. She walked over to the director’s chair to allow the team to begin their transformation. Taylor and Adriana adjourned to the bathroom to switch out of their party dresses into their bridesmaids dresses.

Rachel smiled, “I have something for you before we start.”

Evie looked at her with a confused look, “Okay?”

Rachel smiled and retrieved a beautifully wrapped gift and card. “These were delivered for you after you went downstairs. I can only assume who they are from,” she smiled. “Knowing him, I figured that you need to open them now in case we need to correct any tear stains.”

Evie took the card and gift and felt the tears forming immediately, “Good call.” She turned to Adriana and Taylor, “Card or gift first?”

“Gift,” they said simultaneously.

Evie fingered the gold paper and tag that read “Always and Forever” and smiled. Of course, Sidney would have the gift wrapped perfectly. She gingerly unwrapped the paper to reveal a large framed print.

Evie examined the frame that held a star print of the night sky from the date they had met at that fateful Penguins team party. Her fingers slid over their names and the words “Our Love was Born” as the tears began to escape. She turned to look at her bridesmaids and held it up to show them. “It’s from the night we met,” she gushed, “It’s the star chart from that night.” Her voice trailed off before she swallowed, “Maybe I should have started with the card instead.” She placed the frame down on the floor as the group collectively wiped their tears. Then she opened the envelope that bore Sidney’s distinctively masculine handwriting. She slid the card out and read.

Her brows furrowed at the song change. They had spent an entire evening debating and selecting each piece of music for the ceremony and reception. "Who knew that Sidney was so passionate about music?" she questioned as she remembered the intense discussion. Then she remembered how that passion had spilled over into their bedroom that night and felt her cheeks flush. Then she felt the tears threatening to spill over. Evie took the card and fanned her face, “OMG, OMG, OMG….” Then she looked at the glam team in a panic, “I am sorry. Did I ruin it? Did I ruin the make-up?”

Rachel started to scramble, gently dabbing Evie’s tears as they fell. “Evie, don’t worry about it. I used waterproof mascara. It’s not going anywhere. I may have a word or two for your groom about sending mushy notes though. Can I see it?”

Evie handed over the card and the group gathered over Rachel’s shoulder to read. They responded with collective “Awwwww”

Taylor, the ever practical one, spoke first, “Okay, enough of this mush. We have seven minutes to get downstairs. I can already imagine that Sid’s pacing the floor. He will lose his mind if she is late. Let’s go.”

Quick work was made of Evie’s make-up touch ups as her tiara was placed on her head. Adriana passed out the bouquets as the photographer snapped pictures. Evie went into the bedroom with the glam team to get dressed. When the doors opened and Evie began to walk out, Taylor and Adriana gasped.

Evie looked at them nervously as their jaws dropped.

“It’s perfect, Evita,” Adriana said finally before she started to fan her eyes.

Taylor grinned, “He’s going to die when he sees you- absolutely die.”

Downstairs-true to Taylor’s prediction, Sidney paced behind the curtains that served as a backdrop to the make-shift ceremony altar. Mike and Nate grinned as Sidney checked his watch again. He looked up and asked, “What?”

“Nothing, Sid,” Nate laughed, “Are you worried that she isn’t going to show up? You saw her less than fifteen minutes ago.”

Sidney pressed his lips together. His face bore the same expression he wore during the final moments during a pre-game. His eyes intense and his jaw set tight. He didn’t respond to Nate, but continued his pacing.

In the suite, Taylor handed Evie her bouquet. “Let’s get this show on the road,” Adriana instructed, “It’s time to get you hitched. The trio left the suite and onto the elevator. The photographer continued to snap candid photos. When Evie started humming “Going to the Chapel” the entire crew burst into giggles. When they stepped out, they were greeted by the squeal of a little girl.

Evie turned to find the source and her grin grew even wider. “Princess Evie, is that you?” Caroline exclaimed. Evie nodded and stepped towards the munchkin that she met on Valentine’s Day. “Wow,” the adorable brunette said, “You look like a princess bride.”

Evie crouched down and grabbed Caroline’s hands as the photographer snapped away. “That’s because I AM a princess bride. I am going to marry my prince right now.”

“Is it your Prince Charming from before?” Caroline asked.

“Yes, it is,” Evie beamed, “I should go before he thinks I’ve been kidnapped by the Dread Pirate Roberts.”

Caroline looked confused by the reference. Her mother stepped forward, “We will watch the Princess Bride tonight. You’ll understand then.” Evie gave the girl a hug and continued toward the ballroom. The lobby of the hotel and ballroom halls were crowded with hotel guests. Each of them stopped and stared as Evie walked by. Whispers of “Who’s that?” ran through the crowd, “Is that a celebrity? She looks familiar.”

Evie was blissfully unaware as she walked with a mission to get to Sidney. However, as she approached the ballroom antespace, her pace slowed. Ahead she saw the doors that had been decorated with Christmas wreaths that matched the floral decor inside. Reality began to sink in. She was moments away from her trip down the aisle and suddenly her heart ached. She thought of her father and her dream from the night before. She blinked slowly as she remembered that she would be making the walk alone and not on the arm of her father. She looked up to heaven and whispered, “Papa, help me. I don’t think I can do it without your help.”

“Dad?” Taylor’s voice interrupted Evie’s thoughts. Evie looked up to see Troy Crosby standing in front of the double doors. He rocked back and forth on his feet and Evie smiled as she thought about how he resembled Sidney during pre-game anthems. “What are you doing out here?” Taylor asked, “You are supposed to be in your seat.”

“I need to talk to Evie for just a moment,” he replied. He walked up to his future daughter-in-law and smiled. “Wow, Sid is going to lose it when he sees you. You look gorgeous,” he gushed. Evie blushed as Taylor and Adriana stepped away to give them a bit of privacy. Troy rubbed his hands nervously as Evie looked on. “Ummmm, I just wanted to check on you before it all begins,” he said with hesitation. She smiled as he continued, “I was just thinking about your entrance. Normally your father would walk you down the aisle, but he isn’t here. I just wanted to check that you were okay doing it alone.”

The conversation that Sidney and he had back in Philadelphia had been pressing on his mind all day. He remembered that he had made light of her distress during the outdoor game and Sidney’s disappointment and frustration. He also remembered his promise to Sidney that he would look out for her in the future. When Evie didn’t immediately respond, he continued, “I know that I am no substitute for your father, but if you need me to walk you down the aisle, it would be my honor.”

Evie stammered, “You would do that? Walk me down the aisle to Sidney?”

Inside the ballroom, Sidney heard the cue for his group to take their positions. Nate entered first, followed by Mike and then Sidney. Once at his mark, he turned around to face the crowd. His eyes scanned the room to take in the scene. He felt his heart rate increase. Instinctively, he searched for Evie but obviously did not see her. In her absence, his eyes sought his parents. Trina sat in the front row, beautifully dressed in her emerald green chiffon dress. Her smile was wide as she watched her baby boy take his position as groom. Sidney’s eyebrows furrowed as he noticed the empty chair next to his mother. He mouthed to his mother, “Where’s Dad?”

She leaned forward and whispered, “He went to check on Evie.”

Sidney tilted his head in confusion before the empty chairs on the other side of the aisle grabbed his attention. The row was empty with the exception of the two chairs closest to the aisle. In those seats, two signs hung

“Of course,” he thought to himself, “Of course he went to check on her.”

Out in the ante space, Troy responded to Evie’s question, “I think that it’s what Sidney would want me to do. What do you say?” Evie turned to Taylor who nodded her approval.

Evie whispered, “I would be so thankful.” Troy stepped to her side and held out his arm. She slid in her hand in the crook of his elbow.

Suddenly the doors opened and the sounds of Christmas Canon-https://open.spotify.com/track/0O4vuJynWVVdyvoHvZtnk3?si=adef532b356c4c89 floated out of the ballroom.

Taylor looked back and then turned to begin her walk down the aisle. The crowd turned to face her. She made eye contact with her brother and they both looked up as the emotions began. She then shared a smile with her mother. When she approached the altar, she took a step to the right to give her brother an unscripted hug. “Just wait until you see her Sid,” she whispered, “It’s everything that you dreamed about.”

"Thanks Tay. You look beautiful," he whispered back before she took her spot. Sidney turned to see Adriana walk down the aisle. She was the picture of poise as she glided down the aisle. Then Sidney’s eyes widened and then the biggest smile spread across his face. Trina and others noticed and turned to see the cause. Evie’s head peeked around the corner as she watched her best friend walk down the aisle. When the congregation began to turn, her hand went to her mouth in surprise. Then she made eye contact with Sidney and all of the breath left her body. She mouthed the words “I love you Beso” and pulled back around the corner. A chorus of laughter went through the crowd as Sidney leaned to catch a glimpse of her as she moved back.

Mike nudged Sidney, “You have to get it together, Darryl”

Sidney laughed, “Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Did you see her? I am going to lose it. I am going to completely lose it.”

“And absolutely no one will be surprised,” Mike smiled. Sidney rolled his eyes and began his rocking again.

The double doors to the ballroom closed and the wedding coordinator moved Evie and Troy to their marks. She bent down to fully extend Evie’s train.

Troy turned to look at her, “Ready?”

“I’ve been ready since Sidney told me that he wanted to marry me at Christmas last year,” she grinned.

The song that Sidney selected began and Evie turned to face the door. The coordinator held a finger up to hold them in place. https://open.spotify.com/track/440H25G5ApUQu9YIRnGh6L?si=6848c743f0004a8b Evie smiled when the lyrics began and listened intently. Inside the ballroom, Sidney mouthed the words to himself.

It was you when we first met eyes

It was you in the city lights

It was you when I almost lost control

It was you through the darkest times

It was you that would make me shine

It was you that I hold on tight

It's always been you

So let the doors just open wide

'Cause standing there is my whole life

I've waited long enough to finally say, "I do"

And let the people on both sides

See you there and all arise

See us hand in hand

I swear I always knew

It's always been you

Evie whispered to herself, "It's always been you, Beso- always." The doors opened and Evie got her first full glimpse of the ceremony decor. She inhaled sharply and tried to remember to exhale. It was almost overwhelming until her eyes landed on Sidney. He smiled and she felt her knees buckle slightly. Troy provided support and they began their journey down the aisle.

Now it's you walking down that aisle

Now it's you, I can't help but smile

Now it's you staring back at me

Forever to be

Now it's you I see my whole world

Now it's you never been more sure

Now it's you, it's always been you

So let the doors just open wide

'Cause standing there is my whole life

I've waited long enough to finally say, "I do"

And let the people on both sides

See you there and all arise

See us hand in hand

I swear I always knew

It's always been you

It's always been you, oh

So let the doors just open wide

'Cause standing there is my whole life

I've waited long enough to finally say, "I do"

It's always been you

Sidney's mind raced as he watched her walk. "Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry," he repeated to himself. As if on command, his eyes filled with tears. He forced himself to look at his mother who was dabbing tears and looking back and forth between Sidney and Evie. He looked up and wiped his tears before looking back and making eye contact with Evie. His mind went back to Valentine’s night and the last time he lost it watching her approach. When she flashed a smile, he bent over and pressed his hands to his knees. Then he lifted his head to watch her walk. Mike reached over and patted his back, “Breathe, Darryl, breathe.” Sidney inhaled deeply and stood up straight.

Troy felt a tug on his arm. Evie pulled him with her as her pace sped up and she raced toward her beloved.

Evie’s eyes filled with tears as she walked to her love. Sidney shifted his weight from side to side as the tears flowed down his cheeks. Suddenly, Evie felt a hand on her arm and she stopped. Her eyes went to the source and followed the hand to the arm to the shoulder and finally to the face of Geno. She whispered, “Hi Geno, what’s up?” Sidney craned his neck to see the interaction.

“Give these to Sid. Tell him that I said that I cry too when I marry Anna,” Geno leaned forward and whispered into her ear. Beside him, Anna playfully rolled her eyes. Evie took the package of tissues and continued her walk. Smiles spread across the room as Evie practically sprinted down the aisle.

Troy and Evie stopped at the end of the aisle and the wedding officiant motioned for the crowd to sit down. Sidney stood motionless, eyes fixed on Evie as she bent down slightly to allow Troy lift her veil over her head. Sidney’s tears flowed and he no longer wiped them away. Evie wore a smile bright enough to light up the strip in Vegas. She mouthed the words, "Beso- I love you." He inhaled deeply and wiped the tears and whispered back, "Love you the most."

Nate laughed, "You can't lose at anything, can you?" The quip was picked up by the microphone and laughter erupted in the room.

The minister cleared his throat and began the ceremony with authority.

Welcome, all of you. We are gathered here today for one of the happiest occasions in all human life, to celebrate before God the marriage of a man and woman who love each other. Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and Instituted by God, signifying unto us the mystical union, which also exists between Christ and the Church; so too may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love.

The minister smiled at Evie and Troy. He was thrown for a loop by Troy’s presence. He had been told the bride would walk in alone and called an audible. “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” he asked boldly. Evie visibly flinched and Sidney’s eyes grew wide. He had specifically discussed skipping this part of the ceremony with the minister in the multiple planning meetings leading up to today. Troy’s eyes darted from the minister to Sidney and finally to Evie. Her jaw clenched almost imperceptibly.

The brief moment seemed to stretch out for eternity until Troy spoke in response. “Evie gives herself to be married to this man. She is an independent woman who is no one’s possession. However, I speak for her father, Mark, and her mother, Vanessa,” he said with conviction. Evie turned her head at the mention of her parent’s names. Troy continued, “They… they would give anything to be here to support their daughter as she chooses to marry my very lucky son. His mother, Trina, his sister, Taylor, and I support their marriage as does everyone in this room.” Troy bent down and kissed her cheek, “I meant every word. Now go make my son the happiest man on earth.”

Evie grinned up at Troy and they shared a moment before she felt Adriana gingerly take her bouquet from her hand. Troy took Evie’s hand and they took a step forward. Sidney stepped toward her as Troy placed Evie’s hand in Sidney’s hand. Their eyes met and Sidney felt the breath leave his body. It was only after Evie whispered, “Beso, you have to breathe or you’ll pass out.” that he remembered to inhale. She handed the package of tissues to Sidney and whispered, “Geno sent these for you. He said it’s okay. He cried at his wedding too.”

Sidney found Geno in the crowd, held up the tissues and called out, “Thanks Buddy!” “Mon Etoile, you found her dress. I can’t believe that you found her dress,” he gushed.Impulsively, he pulled Evie towards him and kissed her firmly before stepping back. Evie grinned and said, “I think we are supposed to wait, Beso. We aren’t to that part.”

He stepped forward and placed a hand on each of her cheeks. “One more,” he said teasingly before leaning down to kiss her with passion and determination. “You’re everything I dreamed you would be,” he whispered, “Mon Etoile, you are a dream come true.”

Mike Sullivan’s voice boomed from the middle of the room, “Sid- During the game, cellies come after you put the puck in the back of the net. At a wedding, kisses come after the vows, not before.”

Sidney and Evie turned to face the crowd with a look of surprise on their faces. “Yes, Sully,” Sid grinned before kissing Evie again as the crowd giggled.

Twenty years into the future, the minister would question the nurses in his well-appointed nursing home, “Did I ever tell you that I married Sidney Crosby? I mean, I didn't marry him, but I performed his wedding ceremony.” The nurses would feign surprise at the story they had heard countless times. “Let me tell you,” he would say wistfully, “In all of the weddings I performed, there were never two people more clearly in love than those two.” He grinned, “No, Sidney and his Evie- they were straight out of a fairy tale.” He would smile and nod before fading back into the memory of this night.

Sidney and Evie regained their composure as Mateo made his way to the podium after being introduced by the minister. They stood, side by side, watched Mateo as readied himself.

Mateo spoke into the microphone, "Sidney and Evie, I want you to turn around and face your friends and family." Sidney tilted his head and shook it slowly. He had given Mateo free reign in selecting the reading for the ceremony. His only condition being that reading not be "cliche". Now he was beginning to doubt his decision. However, the radiant couple turned to face the crowd.

Evie gripped Sidney's hand as her gaze swept across the room. She laughed as she noticed the door to the service hallway opened slightly. In the small crack, she saw the smiling faces of her co-workers that were working the wedding. She inhaled deeply. Not just a wedding- HER wedding. She looked at Sidney and corrected herself- THEIR wedding.

Mateo began speaking.

Evie wiped tears and Sidney kissed the top of her head. He whispered into her hair, "I love you, I love you, I love you. I am going to wear out the words ‘I love you’ today."

As instructed they turned to face each other. Their hands clung together and they grinned like fools. The minister turned to Evie. While the minister spoke, Evie alternated between rocking back and forth on her heels and bouncing up and down.

Evie, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him all the days of your life?

She squeezed Sidney’s hands tightly and shouted, "I WILL!" Her enthusiastic response elicited laughter from the crowd.

Adriana giggled, "Evita, I think they heard you in Dallas AND Nova Scotia." Evie simply shrugged her shoulders.

The celebrant turned to Sidney. He immediately answered, "I will."

"Sidney, I have to ask the question first, then you answer," the minister replied.

"That's my answer," Sidney shot back before the minister spoke again.

“Indulge me and let me officially ask the question,” the minister smiled. It was Sidney’s turn to shrug his shoulders. Again, laughter spread through the crowd.

Sidney, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health;and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her all the days of your life?

Sidney waited for a beat for dramatic effect as crowd laughed at delay, "I will. I will. I will."

The minister grinned at the crowd, “Let’s see if they let me get through this passage before they start reciting their vows on their own.” He read from 1 John 4.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

The minister smiled knowingly, "Sidney, let’s see if you have more patience with the vows- please repeat after me." Sidney glanced at his parents before returning his attention to Evie. He inhaled deeply.

I, Sidney Patrick Crosby, take you, Evelyn Rose Montgomery, to be my wife to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, all the days of my life: according to God’s holy ordinance, this is my solemn vow.

His mind was flooded with the memories of their relationship until that moment. The memories of how these vows reflected the actions that they lived every day. He threw his head back as his eyes filled with tears. Honestly, he was relieved that he was able to recite the vows without his voice cracking. He inhaled and exhaled deeply.

In the audience, Anna playfully nudged Geno who dabbed his eyes. "Zhenya,darling," she whispered in his ear, "What's the matter? Happy for Sid? So happy that you cry?"

He shook his head defiantly, "Too much dust in the air." She smiled, "Of course."

Sidney felt the emotions subside and looked to Evie. Silent tears streamed down her face. His thumbs moved to wipe her tears. All sense of decorum left Sidney’s thoughts and the need to comfort her took over. He leaned forward and kissed her tear stained face which caused her to laugh. "Beso, we aren't to the kissing part yet," she joked as he showered her face with kisses. The minister cleared his throat loudly which caused Sidney to retreat.

"Evie, it's your turn," the minister began. She did not wait for the cues and started loudly.

"I, Evelyn Rose Montgomery," she paused. It dawned on her that it would no longer be her name. She was about to officially become Crosby. She smiled, took a breath and continued, "take you, Sidney Patrick Crosby." Her voice cracked but she pushed on, "to be my husband." Sidney squeezed her hands and willed her to continue. She inhaled deeply and said in rapid fire succession "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, all the days of my life: according to God’s holy ordinance, this is my solemn vow." She grinned at Sidney who nodded his approval. He mouthed the words, "Good girl," which caused her to blush.

The minister turned to Adriana and held out his hand. She took the platinum band off of her thumb and placed it in the outstretched hand. He then turned to Mike who turned over the diamond ring to the minister. He prayed:

Bless, O Lord, these rings to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Evie took the plain platinum band and placed it on Sidney's ring finger. She looked into his eyes and said confidently, "With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee worship." A sly grin spread across Sidney's face. A mental image of how Evie worshiped him with her body flashed in his imagination. Evie bit her bottom lip and continued "and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sidney turned to the minister and gently picked up the large diamond ring. Evie’s eyes drifted to the ring, and she exclaimed, “Beso, it’s so big!” Her mind registered what she just said, and her hand went to her mouth to cover her embarrassment. “I meant the ring,” she continued while the giggles surfaced, “The ring is so big.” Sidney shook his head and placed the ring on her left ring finger.

“With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship," he paused and grinned. Taylor groaned loudly and Sidney shrugged his shoulders. "And with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen" he said confidently as he slid the diamond into place.

Evie looked from the ring to Sidney’s face and back to the ring. He silently waited for a reaction. She contemplated voicing an objection but silenced herself. The ring was a physical representation of his love for her. It made perfect sense that it was big and bold like his love. It was absolutely perfect and her face beamed. "I love it, Beso," she whispered.

Sidney exhaled a breath that he didn't even realize he was holding in. The emotions were beginning to get the better of him. Evie tilted her head and whispered,"It's almost over Beso. It's almost over."

They turned to face the minister who began his prayer.

Let us pray.

Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author ofsalvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon theworld you have made, and for which your Son gave his life,and especially upon this man and this woman whom youmake one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Amen. Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of theircommon life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, acounselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companionin joy. Amen.

Sidney leaned over and whispered in her ear, “You give me so much joy.” Evie giggled and whispered back, “Beso, pay attention. We are supposed to be praying.”

Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will,and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in loveand peace with you and one another all the days of their life.Amen.

Sidney leaned over again, “I should have asked for the short wedding ceremony. I don’t think he is ever going to shut up.” Evie elbowed his side and shushed him.

Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize andacknowledge their fault, and to seek each other's forgivenessand yours. Amen.

Evie squirmed and tried to keep focus. Sidney was right. The ceremony was dragging out. The minister’s voice had begun to take on the “blah, blah, blah, blah” tone of Charlie Brown’s teacher. How much longer was there to go?

Make their life together a sign of Christ's love to this sinfuland broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement,forgiveness heals guilt, and joy conquers despair. Amen.

Sidney rocked back and forth impatiently. From their seats, his teammates recognized his body language. He seemingly appeared calm and peaceful, but he was ready to spring into action.

Bestow on them, if it is your will, the gift and heritage ofchildren, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love you,and to serve you. Amen.

Sidney whispered,“Oh, I am going to put a baby in you. Going to do it tonight.” Both of them giggled and tried to restrain themselves.

Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that theymay reach out in love and concern for others. Amen.

“Fulfillment of mutual affection,” Evie whispered, “You got that? MUTUAL.”

“You haven’t had any complaints so far, Mon Etoile,” Sidney responded.

Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed. Amen.

Troy leaned over and kissed Trina on the cheek. She smiled softly. He whispered, “Always and Forever, babe.”

Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all your children are united one to another, and the living to the dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your.Son and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity, now and forever. Amen.

Evie looked over at Sidney, “I think he’s done. I think he’s done.” Sidney nodded in affirmation. The minister shook his head, leaned forward and whispered, “Yes, I am almost done. You two are incorrigible. Now turn and hold hands.”

They suppressed their giggles and followed instructions. Sidney and Evie looked at each other. Pure, unadulterated love and joy radiated from them. Subconsciously their bodies began to shake with anticipation. Sidney laughed as Evie began to bounce up and down. She looked from the minister to Sidney and back again. Her eyes focused on the minister and willed him to say the words.

Sidney and Evie, you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife. You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more. But today the feeling is new. Today, your kiss is a promise. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become one and can now seal the agreement with a kiss.

Sidney stepped forward and took Evie into his arms. Her hands went to his face to draw him into her. “I thought he would never shut up,” Sidney grinned as pressed his lips into Evie’s lips. The kiss began as firm yet chaste, yet the excitement and anticipation took over. He pulled her closer into his body, as close as they could get with her crinolines in the way. “We did it, Evie,” he murmured into her mouth, “We did it.”

The minister tapped Sidney on the shoulder and said, “We’re not done.” Sidney and Evie groaned in unison.

The minister continued- “God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure and divine honor that I introduce for the first time- Evie and Sidney Crosby. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.”

Suddenly a loud sound erupted and Sidney paused to look up. “Is that?” he questioned and looked at Evie, She nodded her head yes and they laughed. The Pittsburgh Penguins goal horn and song blared from the speakers. (23) Pittsburgh Penguins 2019 Goal Horn - YouTube Sidney held Evie with one arm and thrust the other into the air in celebration. “It’s perfect,” he laughed before kissing her again, “It’s absolutely perfect.” From their chairs, Sidney’s teammates chanted their names.

Adriana kissed Evie on the cheek as she handed Evie her bouquet, “Best wedding ever.” Evie grinned as Sidney grabbed her hand and led back up the aisle. They danced up the aisle, singing along to the song “Party Hard”.

Outside the ballroom, Sidney and Evie stood, unsure what to do next. In the absence of direction, Sidney pulled her into an embrace. The wedding coordinator peeked from around the corner, “The photographer wants to get some photos before Evie changes again. Come this way.” They followed her instructions and spent the next few minutes obediently posing for photos. At the end, their cheeks ached from smiling but they could not stop for some reason.

"Hey Crosbys!" Evie turned with a grin. "You have thirty minutes until your reception starts," the wedding coordinator called out,"Evie, don't make me come chase you down."

Sidney turned to Evie with a question in his eyes. She could see the wheels turning in his brain. "Thirty minutes?" He said with a sly grin.

Evie stepped back, "Yes, I have to change into outfit number three of the night. You know….. the sexy reception dress for booty shaking."

"Evie…." Sidney growled, "How long will it take for you to change?"

"Catch me and find out " she laughed as she hiked up her dress, stepped out of her shoes and began a sprint to the elevator. He stood, stunned, for a moment before he chased after her. Evie paced in the elevator lobby as he caught up with her. They dissolved into giggles as he playfully pushed her into the elevator when the doors opened. “Ohhhhh,is my husband in a hurry?” she laughed as he pressed her against the back wall of the elevator.

“Say it again,” he growled into her ear as he nibbled her neck.

“Say what again?” she asked as she watched the floor numbers ascend until they arrived at their penthouse suite.

“What’s my name?” he demanded as hands went down below her ass and drew her into him.

“Mr. Crosby, you are my husband now,” she teased.

“Say it again,” he pressed into her.

“Husband, husband, husband,” she repeated as he bent down and lifted her over his shoulder and carried her to the door. He handed her the room card to unlock the door. When they entered the room, Evie’s glam team looked up in surprise.

Sidney placed her down and moaned in her ear, “Evie….”

She turned to him,”Beso, give me a minute.”

He began to pace like a caged animal as she directed the team to help remove her dress. Their fingers worked frantically to unzip the dress. Evie stepped out of the dress and turned to her team. “Give us ten minutes,” she requested, “We just need to ummmm, discuss some reception details.”

“Evie,” Rachel smiled, “We are used to dealing with newlyweds. Text me when you are ready for us to come back.” Evie blushed and nodded. “Try not to be on bottom,” Rachel whispered, “You’ll mess up your hair.”

Evie laughed, which caught Sidney’s attention, “I’ll try.”

The door had barely shut when Sidney approached her. His hand unbuttoning his pants and letting them drop to the floor. He guided her into the bathroom until she was pressed into the counter. It was only then that he took a look at her white boy shorts. Baby blue thread neatly spelling out “Mrs. Crosby- You may now fuck the bride" across her ass. As he reached for them, she made eye contact in the mirror. “Pull them down- don't tear them, Beso,” she insisted, “I need them for the reception.”

He nodded and pulled them down her legs. He inhaled her scent as he stood back up. “Mmmm, is my wife ready for me?” he moaned into her shoulder as he spread her legs with his massive thigh..

Evie placed her hands on the counter top and looked back over her shoulder. “I have been waiting my whole life to be fucked by my husband,” she growled, “I can’t wait anymore.” It was just the encouragement he needed.

Sidney moaned as he thrust into her, “Fuck…..you feel amazing, Mon Etoile. I missed being inside your pussy. It’s so warm and wet for me.” He began a frantic pace of thrusting while placing open mouth kisses on her back. “Oh God,” he cried out, “My wife- I am fucking my WIFE.” They both raced to the edge of the pleasure. The results of the three week sex ban heightened the intensity but also ensured that the journey to their mutual orgasms would be short. The cacophony of moans, groans and random screams of pleasure created a symphony of love. When they were done, they were both bent over the bathroom counter, panting and out of breath. Sidney gently kissed her back, “Evie, are you okay? I wasn’t too rough was I? I was a little out of control.”

“Mmmmmm no, it was just right,” she said with a smile, “It’s only fitting that the first fuck as husband and wife be as hot and intense as our first fuck.”

Sidney retrieved his boxers and pants and brought Evie’s white satin robe to her. “I love the panties by the way,” he smiled as she pulled her boyshorts up over her bottom.

As she pulled on the robe, he instructed her to close her eyes. “I have a surprise for you,” he joked as he stood behind her and pulled a diamond necklace out of his tuxedo jacket. He wrapped the necklace around her neck and she felt the weight of the stones. “Now open your eyes,” he ordered as he clasped it together.

Her eyes fluttered open to see the large diamond tennis necklace around her neck. Her fingers immediately went to touch it. “Beso,” she said in shock, “These are cubic zirconia, right? These are not actual diamonds. Beso, right?” He stared into her eyes in the reflection and shook his head no.

Evie’s eyes widened as she examined the necklace in the mirror. “Beso,” she whispered, “I am going to have to put you in spoiling time-out soon.”

“This was on the yellow list. I hope that you don’t mind that I got you one without us discussing it first,” he said tentatively.

“Is this…..” she spoke softly, “Is this a collar? A collar to show that I belong to you?”

Their relationship danced on the edge of the BDSM lifestyle. Beyond their initial conversation, Sidney and Evie had never discussed the more traditional requirements like contracts and collars. In “the lifestyle”, collars were an outward symbol of submission within a relationship. Both of them had placed the concept of a collar in the yellow zone simply because it was an idea that carried a weight of permanence that was inconceivable to discuss, much less place, on the green list at the time. However, if you had pressed either one of them, they would have confessed a desire for a collar but more importantly for a relationship that would warrant a collar. Still, it had not been discussed and Sidney had taken a risk in purchasing such an extravagant example of one.

“Do you like it? Will you wear it?” he quizzed softly.

“All the time?” she asked.

“When we are playing or whenever you want to wear it,” he said. All of the sudden he doubted his gift to her and it began to overwhelm him. “If you don’t want it, you don’t have to wear it at all,” he said suddenly. His hands moved to take it off of her neck.

“Don’t you dare take it off of me, Mr. Crosby,” she said with authority, “I want to wear it. I want the world to know how much you love your princess. I will wear it with pride.”

“You will?” his eyes met hers in the mirror reflection.

“Of course,” she smiled, “Thank you for my gift, Mr. Crosby. I adore it.”

“Quit calling me, Mr. Crosby or we will never make it downstairs,” he laughed.

“Can I wear it tonight at the reception?" she asked.

"Of course," he answered.

"Good- now let me get ready," she joked as she pushed him away.

"Yes, my beautiful wife," he kissed her ear.

The newlyweds appeared before the coordinator with seconds to spare before their appointed deadline. "Evie," the coordinator commented, "You are right on time."

"No thanks to my husband," Evie replied. To the casual eye, they appeared calmed and relaxed. However, Evie's cheeks were flushed and she clung to Sidney for support. Her legs were shaky after their unexpected second round which occurred when Sidney saw how the reception dress hugged her curves.

The cocktail hour was in full swing still but the wedding coordinator escorted them into the ballroom where their reception would be held. The doors opened with a flourish and they both gasped.

"Oh, it’s perfect,” Evie gushed as they stepped into the beautifully decorated room. Red floral centerpieces highlighted the tables. Accents of green and gold added to the festive holiday spirit. Sidney and Evie held hands as they walked through and examined the details that she had painstakingly selected. Sidney marveled at the magic that Evie was able to create. It solidified their decision to get married that day instead of waiting until the summer.

They were then ushered out of the room while their guests moved from the cocktail hour into the reception. They stood together and greeted each guest as they entered the room. The next hour was a blur of hugs and laughter. Each of Sidney’s teammates good naturedly teased him about his emotional response to Evie’s entrance. Kelsey Rust hugged Evie and gushed, “I guess you got your dream holiday wedding after all. I am so happy that it worked out for you.” As their guests ate their dinner, Sidney and Evie made their way throughout the room. They posed for pictures while they laughed and joked. Eventually, the wedding coordinator gave them the signal to make their exit for the wedding party introductions.

Standing in a side hallway, they stood with their arms wrapped around each, bodies pressed together. They rocked from side to side and allowed the joy of the moment to envelope them while the others watched them in bemused silence. When Sidney saw the signal from the coordinator, he whispered into her ear, “Mon Etoile- my princess…. It’s time to go into our party.”

She looked into his eyes and smiled, “Can’t wait Beso.”

The music pumped as the wedding emcee announced each person. Nate twirled Taylor around as they entered to the upbeat song. Mike and Adriana followed with Adriana leading him in “Ladies and gentleman, here they come. For the first time as husband and wife, Mr and Mrs. Crosby.” Sidney and Evie entered the room to thunderous applause. They walked the circumference of the dance floor and fist bumped the crowd before taking their spots at the top of the dance floor. The wedding emcee then announced Mike for his best man’s speech.

Mike nervously stepped to the microphone and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He looked at Sidney who smiled and nodded. He knew that Mike was not a public speaker. He had even offered Mike a free pass on giving a speech. “Nate Dogg can do it if you don’t want to speak in front of everyone,” Sidney had offered. The offer was politely and firmly declined by Mike. After everything Sidney had done for him in his life, giving a best man’s speech was a small gift to give in return. He unfolded the paper and began to speak into the microphone.

“My name is Mike Chiasson and Darryl has been my best friend since kindergarten,” he paused and furrowed his brow, “I’m sorry- Sid has been my best friend since kindergarten. I don’t think I have to tell anyone in this room what an honor it has been to be his friend. I also don’t think I have to tell anyone in this room how much Sid loves the game of hockey. He loves everything about it. He loves to watch it. He loves to talk about it and study it. More importantly, he loves to play it. On school holidays, when everyone else wanted to sleep in, Sidney made the rounds through the neighborhood to get enough guys together to play some street hockey. It’s just been the way it has been the entire time I’ve known him. Now we all know that his love of hockey has been rewarded with untold success, but you would never know it when you meet him. He is humble and kind. There is no superstar attitude. There is no sense of entitlement. Isn’t that right boys?” Mike paused and looked up at the men in the room who had shared the ice and locker rooms with Sidney. He was met with nods of agreement.

“I remember an interview that Sid gave when he was, I don’t know, maybe fourteen years old. Troy/Trina- correct me if I am wrong. Sid gave the most quintessential Sid quote ever, “I eat, sleep and drink hockey. I mean it’s amazing. It’s my life pretty much.” Evie squeezed Sidney’s hand and rested her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her waist. “For almost twenty years, that quote was entirely accurate. Sid’s world revolved around hockey. Sure, he made time for his friends and family but there was no mistaking what was Sidney’s priority. It was hockey- plain and simple. But as we all know that changed last year and we all know who was the catalyst for that change- Miss Evie Montgomery.”

“That’s Mrs. Crosby now,” Sidney shouted out.

“Yes, we know Sid- she’s Mrs. Crosby,” Mike laughed, ”Everyone take a shot.” Sidney and Evie looked at each other in confusion. Mike laughed, "Oh, you didn't hear about the new drinking game? Take a shot every time Sidney says Mrs. Crosby or my wife."

"I'm pretty sure we're all going to die of alcohol poisoning," Nate yelled from the other side of the dance floor.

Mike pulled out his phone and pulled up a screenshot of a text. “I’d like to read a text that I received in September of last year.”

Sidney- Hey, you busy?

Mike- Not really. What’s up buddy?

Sidney- I met a woman.

Mike- Oh? Tell me more

Mike looked up and grinned, “You all know how private Sid is. In twenty five years of friendship, it was the first time that he had initiated a conversation about a girl or woman. You can imagine my surprise when he led off a conversation like that.”

Sidney- I met her at a team party. She is gorgeous and amazing. I’ve never met anyone like her. I can’t stop thinking about her.

Mike- You should probably ask her out.

Sidney- What if she says no?

Mike- What if she says yes?

Sidney- If she says yes, I am pretty sure that I am done. She’s the one.

Evie looked up at Sidney in surprise. “Wait, was this before the night you came to my apartment after the Taylor thing?” she questioned. Sidney blushed and shrugged his shoulders.

Mike continued, “Three days later I got another text from him that simply said ‘I asked her out. She said yes. Best date of my life. Introducing her to the team Wednesday night.” Next thing I know, Sid is texting less and less. I ask where he has been and the answer is always….”

“I’m with Evie,” Letang shouted out to complete the sentence.

Mike gave a knowing nod and continued, “Two months later, he told me that we need to get our bucket list trip scheduled for the summer. When I asked why, he responded ‘I am going to ask Evie to marry me and I can’t travel to Europe with you after I marry her.’ Fast forward to summer and our trip. Have you ever traveled with a lovesick man? Sidney talked so much about Evie that she might as well have been on the trip. I wish she had been so I didn’t have to listen to the constant conversation of ‘Do you think Evie would like this restaurant? I should buy Evie a gift. We have to get back to the hotel. It’s almost time for Evie to call.”

Evie stood on her tiptoes and kissed Sidney’s cheek. “Never again,” she whispered into his ear, “Never again will we be separated that long.” Sidney squeezed her tight and nodded in agreement.

“The new reality of Sid’s world became apparent at the end of summer. Evie moved to Nova Scotia. Suddenly the man who is always first on the ice and last off of the ice is the last one on and first one off the ice. No more hanging to shoot the breeze after a workout. Nope, he had to get back to the woman - the woman who replaced hockey as number one in Sid’s life. He had to get back to Evie. He might not admit it, but the quote has changed. It’s now, ‘I eat, sleep and drink Evie. She is amazing. She is my life pretty much.” Evie’s eyes welled up with tears. To hear Sidney’s best friend make such a bold claim humbled her. She looked around the room and saw their friends and families looking back with knowing looks.

“Evie,” Mike smiled, “Thank you. Thank you for showing Sid a world beyond hockey. He was remarkable before you. Now with you by his side, he is going to be unstoppable. I have never seen him more alive than he is with you. You bring out the best in him and that is saying a lot. Thank you. Now Sid- all I have to say is that you are one lucky man. Thank your lucky stars you snagged that one.”

“Every day,” Sidney called back, “I am so lucky she is my wife.”

“Drink up,” Nate shouted out as the group raised their glasses and toasted Sidney and Evie.

Then Adriana walked up to the microphone. Evie took one look at her face and braced herself for her speech. She imagined the cutting remarks and jokes that Adriana could make about herself or Sidney. Adriana’s voice was soft when she began speaking. “My name is Adriana and I have known Evie for five years. We met in the first year of grad school and became inseparable ever since. When I met her, she was smart and funny. She had a way about her that made me feel at home and completely safe. I had never met anyone like her.” She paused and inhaled deeply. “Then the unthinkable happened and her parents died.” Evie flinched and Sidney drew her closer into his body. “Evie’s foundation was ripped from underneath and something in her fundamentally changed. She handled herself with such grace and poise, but her magic was gone. She behaved the same and if you had not met her prior then, you would have seen nothing but a beautiful and gracious woman succeeding at life. I knew though, I knew. Her magic was gone and she was going through the motions. She was a shell of who she was before.”

Sidney’s heart ached at the thought of Evie’s pain. It was a part of herself that she kept tucked away. He caught glimpses every once and a while, but the magnitude of her pain hit him like a ton of bricks. His eyes watered and he lowered his head as Adriana continued, “But that changed last September. She went to a party and came into the office Monday morning with a smile on her face that I hadn’t seen in years. It was a glimmer of the magic she had before. Then they went on their first date and there was more of it. Every day with Sidney has brought more of it back to Evie. She is back to being the woman I first met- the woman who was and will always be my best friend. You did that Sidney. Not only you, but your family that embraced her as one of their own from the beginning.” Sidney glanced over to his parents and Taylor who wiped tears from their eyes. “Gringo Boy,” Adriana smiled at Sidney, “You know that I have given you a hard time at every opportunity. I will continue to give you a hard time at every opportunity. But today I say thank you. Thank you for bringing back the light in Evie with your unwavering love. Thank you for giving her the fairy tale because I can’t think of anyone more deserving of it than you Evie. You are my best friend, my sister from another mister and I love you more than you will ever know.” Everyone began to raise their glass. Adriana continued, “and Gringo Boy if you hurt her, I will make you wish for the day that you took a puck to the face. Believe me, I will make you hurt so much worse. Got me?”

Sidney laughed at first, then saw the serious expression on her face. He nodded solemnly, “Yes ma’am- you have my word.”

She smiled, “See Gringo Boy, I knew that you were smarter than you looked. Raise a toast to Sidney and Evie- a real life fairy tale.”

The wedding emcee spoke as everyone took their sip of champagne. “Now it’s time for the bride and groom to take to the dance floor,” he said excitedly, “I present to you, for their first dance as husband and wife, Evie and Sidney Crosby.”

The wedding band began to play and the female singer started to sing, “At last, my love has come along.” Sidney wrapped Evie in his arms and led her around the dance floor. She lifted her head and smiled at him. “We did it, Beso. It’s all a party from here.”

“Well, one more emotional thing, then we have the party,” he answered. When her eyebrows knitted together in confusion, he added, “I have my dance with my mother.” She nodded in understanding. During the planning stages, Evie had suggested to Sidney that they replace the father-daughter dance with a mother-son dance and he had quickly agreed. They smiled as they glided across the floor, looking every bit the picture of a princess and her prince. They ended the song with a dramatic dip and kiss. Sidney kissed Evie again before going to the microphone. Trina and Troy looked at each other in confusion. He spoke into the microphone, “Now is traditionally the time for the bride to dance with the father of the bride. Evie thought it might be a good idea for me to dance with the first woman I loved since her father isn’t here. So Mom.” Sidney held out his hand to Trina. “Would you do me the honor to dance with your baby boy one more time?” he smiled at his mother as she crossed the dance floor to him.

The band started playing “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart as Sidney wrapped his arms around his mother. She smiled and looked up into his eyes, “You remembered!” When Sid was a baby, Trina would dance around the living room with him in her arms singing the song to him. His little cherubic face would look up with wonder. She carried on the tradition until he was too big to lift in her arms any more. It became their “thing” to celebrate important life moments. They danced after victorious (and some unvictorious) hockey tournaments. When Pittsburgh won the draft lottery in 2005, they danced again in their living room. Their living room was replaced by Penguin locker rooms for dances to celebrate Sidney’s three Stanley Cup wins.

“Of course, I remembered,” Sidney smiled back at her. “It’s our celebration song.” He bent down and hugged her tight. “You’ve always been there for me. I wouldn’t be me without you,” he whispered into her ear, “I love you Mom.”

Trina choked back tears, “I am so proud of you Sid. You found a true gem in Evie. You are going to make her so happy.”

“She is going to make me so happy. She already does,” he glanced over at Evie who stood watching dabbing tears from her eyes despite the smile on her face. Sidney started to step in her direction when he saw his father and sister crowd gather around her. Trina looked back and smiled before looking into Sidney’s face. Tears threatened to form as Sidney sighed, partly in frustration at the intensity of emotions he had felt all day. The frustration was superseded by the joy of watching his family embrace Evie truly as one of their own. It was official now, but it had been that way since the beginning. “Thank you Mom,” Sidney said softly, “Thank you for loving her as much as you love Tay and me. It means the world to me. She means the world to me.”

Mateo watched from the other side of the dance floor with Vincent by his side. Finally, he handed his drink to his boyfriend and marched to Evie. “Hey,” he said softly as she greeted him with a hug, “I know I am not your dad, but I feel like someone from your family should dance with you. I know that Abuleo and my dad hurt you, but you are the closest thing I have to a sister.” Evie looked at him, kissed his cheek and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. Sidney’s eyebrows raised when he saw them begin to dance. A huge smile spread across his face as he saw the joy written all over Evie’s expression. The band transitioned from the slow ballad of “Forever Young” to the disco classic “We Are Family.” The two couples separated and created a small circle to dance. Evie was the first to break the circle to go grab Taylor and Troy to bring them into the circle. Sidney went to go grab Adriana. The action continued through the wedding party and guests until almost everyone was out on the dance floor. The band began to play “Uptown Funk” and the party kicked into the next level.

The next three hours were a blur to Sidney and Evie. Occasionally, they would get pulled in different directions. Within minutes, Sidney would shout into the crowd, “Where’s MY WIFE?” and hunt her down. Each time he found her, he would exclaim, “Mrs. Crosby- there you are!” Then he would scoop her up and spin her around while she squealed with delight.

When it came time to cut the cake, Sidney reacted in horror to the rowdy chants of “smash it, smash it,” as he went to feed Evie. Instead choosing to gently feed her and follow it with a kiss. Evie, on the hand, was slightly more cheeky by dabbing frosting on his nose and licking/kissing it off.

By the time that the band played “Wobble”, the crowd was liquored up and ready to shake their collective asses. Everyone pulled out their phones to video the usually button-ed up and reserved captain dropping low and wobbling with the crowd.

When the wedding coordinator approached Sidney and Evie to let them know it was time to start saying their goodbyes before their exit, their friends loudly protested that it was too soon to shut down the party. The coordinator looked to Sidney and Evie who said in unison, “Keep it going. We’re going to leave, but if they want to keep partying, then keep it going.”

“All right,” she said mentally calculating the additional cost.

Sidney read her mind, “I don’t care about the extra money. Keep the party going until they want to stop.” Then he looked down at Evie, “But I am taking my wife to bed.”

“Sid,” Geno joked, “I beg you. I can’t take any more shots.”

Sidney looked over and smiled a lopsided smile, “I’m sorry, Geno, what did you say? I was too busy looking at MY WIFE.” Geno playfully punched him and went to the bar.

The band announced that while the party was continuing, it was time to line up for the bride and groom’s exit. As the crowd exited the ballroom, Sidney took Evie’s hand and led her to the dance floor for one last dance. He pulled into his arms as the song began.

Taking You Home-Don Henley https://open.spotify.com/track/7AoJXxRBfLVF2Dpx75lcg9?si=fdb2e86a80d9433a

Evie rested her forehead against Sidney’s chest as they swayed slowly. The many shots and drinks were catching up with them and they clung to each other for support.

Sidney surveyed the room and sighed, “It was a great party- wasn’t it?”

Evie nodded her head, “The best party ever.”

Sidney looked at her and kissed her forehead, “Was it as good you dreamed it would be?”

“Better than my dreams,” she smiled up at him.

“Mmmmm,” he half-hummed, “I have one more surprise for you, Mon Etoile.”

“You do?” she grinned, “I have one more for you too.”

“Let’s go see your surprise,” he kissed her gently before leading from the dance floor.

At the door, she turned around for one last look. “Beso, I’ll remember this night forever.”

He pulled her hand and said, “Wait, there is more.”

Together they walked through the banquet area to the outdoor patio where their guests had gathered. The wedding coordinator handed Sidney a faux fur wrap that he placed around her bare shoulders. He then led to the edge of the patio and subtly gave the signal. A loud whistle sounded as a firework streaked up into night sky and exploded loudly. Evie's eyes widened and she shrieked with joy. “Beso, what did you do?” She asked.

“I wanted the night to end with a bang,” he laughed as the night sky lit up with colorful explosions. Sidney moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He spent half of the time watching her face, full of delight.

She looked back at him, “This is the bang we are ending with?”

“Sorry- the party end with a bang,” he corrected himself.

“Mmmmm, better answer,” she kissed his cheek quickly and returned her attention to the firework display. As the show end approached, the wedding coordinator lined up the guests in anticipation of the sparkler send off.

Sidney guided Evie to where the wedding party gathered along with his parents. Hugs and goodbyes were exchanged. Adriana playfully poked Sidney in the chest and sloppily asked, “Did you enjoy your surprise, Gringo Boy?

Sidney’s eyebrows shot up, “Surprise? What surprise?”

Adriana shouted at Evie, “You haven't shown him the surprise yet? Why not?”

Evie shot her a look and hissed, “Shhhhhh, not yet.”

Adriana covered her face in embarrassment, “I am sorry, Evita.” She looked over at Sidney who was trying to follow the coded conversation. It was proving to be a difficult task given his current sobriety level. Adriana shouted to him, “Forget I said anything, Gringo Boy. I am drunk as fuck from all the shots.” Sidney was pretty sure that there was something that he needed to investigate but decided to simply smile and nod.

At their signal, Sidney grabbed her hand and led her through the archway of long sparklers and into the awaiting horse drawn carriage. They turned and waved before the horses started walking slowly. The carriage turned at the end of the block and made the short walk to the hotel loading dock. An open door waited for them. Evie took Sidney’s hand and led him through the winding hall to the service elevator. They collapsed against the back wall of the elevator as it made its ascent to the penthouse. When they entered the room, almost all signs of the glam team had been removed from the suite. Her ceremony and engagement party dresses were hung carefully in the closet. Sidney’s gift and card leaned on the bar top.

The only remnant that remained was the large packet of makeup removers that sat on the bathroom counter along with a small clear box to hold the bobby pins from her hair.

Evie took off her heels and groaned in relief as her bare feet hit the carpet. “Oh God, my feet hurt so bad,” she whined as Sidney unzipped her dress and handed her robe. He grinned as he read the back of her boy shorts again. Evie slowly walked top less through the suite into the bathroom as Sidney hung up her dress. He then undressed slowly, repeating her groans of relief as his shoes came off. He then joined her in the bathroom and observed as her hands searched for the dozens of bobby pins that held her updo in place.

“Here,” he waved her off, “Let me do this. You do the make-up.” She nodded silently and began her assigned task. They worked in quiet contentment. Every once in a while Sidney would bend down and kiss the top of her head or her bare shoulder. “You look beautiful, Mon Etoile, my wife.” She would turn her head to find his face and he would reward her with a soft kiss.

She laughed as she heard his stomach rumbling. “Hungry?” She yawned. He nodded yes. She thought for a moment and grabbed her phone. Based on the time, the hotel kitchen would have just closed for service. Her face scrunched up. She was sure that they could call and they would oblige her request. She decided on an Ubereats order when there was a loud knock on the door. Sidney looked at her for an answer. When she shrugged her shoulders, he handed her the robe and headed toward the door.

He opened it slowly when Adriana and a team from the hotel entered the room with several carts. Sidney and Evie stood in silent surprise as the carts of food were unloaded onto the table. All of the food from the wedding was laid out, including multiple pieces of cake. Adriana smiled,”I figured you didn't eat much at the party so I had them set food aside for you to eat.”

Evie suddenly burst into tears, “A- thank you. We just realized how hungry we are. This is the best surprise.”

Adriana pulled her best friend into a tight hug, “Anything for you, Evita. Go wash your face and get ready to eat.”

She turned to face Sidney, “Walk me out?”

He nodded his affirmative answer and they walked out together. He whispered, “Everything set for tomorrow morning?” It was her turn to nod yes. “Great, what time do we need to be down there?” He asked.

“Aim for 10:00 but definitely by 10:30,” she responded. She paused at the door and smiled at him.

“Thank you Adriana,” he said quietly, “We couldn't have done it without you. Can you make sure everyone gets their gratituities tonight or morning? Crap, I guess it is morning. Just make sure they get them.”

He saw Evie reappear from the bathroom, wearing her robe. Adriana made her exit. Evie made a plate, stacked high with food as Sidney poured her a glass of sparkling moscato. She took it from him as he made his plate. Evie then took her plate and made a makeshift picnic on the large king bed. Sidney followed and they sat facing each other. It was quiet other than the soft moans of appreciation as they ate. The food was unpretentious, yet delicious.

Their eating slowed and the yawns began. Evie took the plates and placed them in the other room. When she returned, Sidney had curled into a ball. His eyes fluttered open and shut. Evie took off her robe, revealing the white satin baby doll nightgown. She crawled next to Sidney and backed herself into his embrace.

“I thought the night was going to end with a bang, Beso? she teased.

“Technically, it’s morning,” he quipped as he pulled her into his body. “Thanks for the surprise by the way.”

“Oh that was Adriana's surprise, not mine,” she yawned.

“I want my surprise, wifey,” Sidney nipped at her ear.

“You'll get your surprise in the morning when you bang me, hubby” she wiggled away from him.

“We're officially a boring old married couple, Evie,” he yawned, “I am too drunk and tired to properly consummate our marriage.”

“Mr. Crosby, we consummated twice before the reception. I think we are good and consummated” she yawned in return. “Besides we have a lifetime now. You belong to me and I belong to you.”

“Absolutely,” he kissed her cheek, “I love you, Mrs. Crosby.”

“Love you most, Mr. Crosby,” she said as she drifted into dreamland.

#never ever have i #sidney crosby fic #sidney crosby smut #nhl romance #nhl fanfiction #nhl fic #sidney crosby fanfiction #sidney crosby x oc #nhl fiction

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callmebrycelee · 1 year

Text

9-1-1: LONE STAR REACTION

This reaction is for the season 4, seventh episode "Tommy Dearest" which originally aired March 7, 2023. This episode was written by Bob Goodman and Jamie Kessler and directed by Scott White. Spoilers ahead!

***LAST TIME ON 9-1-1: LONE STAR***Captain Owen Strand and the 118 prevent all of Austin from being blown to kingdom calm.

Now that we're all caught up, let's talk about episode seven - TOMMY DEAREST.

We begin the episode at the firehouse. Owen catches Paul chatting with "an old friend from Chicago". Owen talks to Paul about helping TK and Carlos with their wedding. Meanwhile, Paul's phone is blowing up with text after text. Paul slips up and mentions that the "old friend from Chicago" is a *she* which gets Owen's attention. Owen asks if this *she* is more than a friend but Paul tells him that's not like that. Owen encourages Paul to go after her, whoever she is. I love seeing Owen and Paul hanging out. We rarely get to see these two interact and I love how fatherly Owen can be in these moments.

Their late-night chat is interrupted when a man named Jerry (Marcus Terrell Smith) wheels his wife Hannah (Abigail Bhimani) into the firehouse on a refrigerator dolly. Jerry tells Owen and Paul that his wife is having a medical emergency and if she is turned right-side up, she will die ... again. The rest of the 126 arrive and we learn that Hannah and Jerry were doing the horizontal mambo when she "died" the first time. Tommy says she needs to lie Hannah back to check her vitals but this causes Hannah to flatline. When they move her upside down again, her heartbeat returns to normal. Jerry mentions that Hannah has a pacemaker which is probably something he should have mentioned up front and Tommy theorizes that the pacemaker wire has become dislodged from Hannah's ventricle. Hannah needs to be taken to the hospital ASAP but since transporting her flat is not an option, they place her on the back of the rig upside down.

Title card!

We then head over to Casa de Vega and see Tommy and Trevor (DB Woodside) making lasagna together ... and that's not a euphemism. I want to point out how amazing Tommy looks in this scene. Trevor is super nervous about telling the girls he and Tommy are an item and Tommy does some breathing exercises with him to help him relax. They hear the girls - Isabella, Evie, and Melody (Bella Blanding) playing together in the next room. During dinner, Tommy and Trevor let the girls know they are dating and the girls seem okay with this news. When Trevor, Isabella, and Evie go into the kitchen to get ice cream, Melody tells Tommy she needs to break up with Trevor. DEMON CHILD!!!!

We then head over to the Ryders' house where we see Tommy tell Grace and Judd about Melody. Judd calls her a "bad seed". Tommy tries to sympathize with Melody because she remembers what it was like when her own parents divorced. Tommy tels them she is going to cancel her date with Trevor and Grace tells her not to do that. Grace tells Tommy she should tell Trevor about Melody.

Back at the firehouse, Asha Fulton (Amanda Payton) returns to close out the case concerning Marjan. Apparently the couple who were trying to extort her have dropped their case against Marjan. Imagine that. Nancy, Mateo and TK think this is great news and can't wait to let Marjan know. Paul lets them know he's already told her. The others pick up on Paul's awkward behavior in front of Asha and figure out that he's interested in her. TK says he felt sparks between the two. Paul lets them know that he and Asha went to school together in Chicago and they have been reconnecting via text. Nancy, Mateo, and TK think Paul should ask her out.

In our next scene, we see a pizza delivery man named Lance (Greg Hess) arriving at the home of a shut-in. He rings the doorbell multiple times and when the owner doesn't come to the door, he looks through the window and sees her on the floor having what appears to be a seizure. Lance calls 9-1-1 and of course he gets Grace on the line. Grace figures out that the owner of the house has a medic alert bracelet due to being diabetic. She tells Lance to break into her house. Lance manages to mule kick the door in and tends to the owner whose name is Valerie (Cheryl Lynn Bowers). He finds her insulin pen and injects her. When she comes to, she freaks out and tases Lance twice which stops his heart. Valerie calls 9-1-1 and gets Grace's coworker Bree (Nina Concepcion). Both Grace and Bree realize their callers are at the same scene. Thankfully Tommy, Nancy, and TK arrive on the scene and they are able to revive him. As Lance is being loaded into the ambulance, Valerie takes a step out of her house for the first time and asks him on a date. What a cute little meet-cute. Hope it works out between these two!

Later that day, Tommy arrives at Trevor's house and is shocked to see Grace there. Grace tells her she will be babysitting Melody while Tommy and Trevor are on their date. Trevor and Melody come out to the main room and Melody gushes over how beautiful Tommy looks. Tommy looked sexy as hell in this scene! Gina Torres is a knockout! Grace and Trevor leave the room which gives Melody a chance to tell Tommy that her dress is inappropriate. Tommy tells her she is not breaking up with Trevor. When Grace and Trevor come back into the room, Melody hugs her father and shoots Tommy a death stare. Methinks this little girl is a total psychopath. We then see Paul and Asha on a date and it looks like the two of them are really hitting it off. Things take an awkward turn when Asha takes out their middle school yearbook. Asha seems to revel in the memories but Paul looks visibly uncomfortable. I imagine it must not be easy for him to see photos of himself pre-transition.

Speaking of dates, Tommy and Trevor have dinner at a pretty snazzy restaurant. Tommy goes to broach the topic of Melody with Trevor but Trevor gets a call from Grace. The two of them head back to Trevor's place and see Melody "sick" on the sofa. Grace apologizes to Tommy for calling during their date. Tommy offers to take a look at Melody and makes up for an illness which I thought was hilarious. Something about juvenile gastro-something. She tells Trevor that the cure for this juvenile gastro-something is milk with pickle juice, horseradish (seriously who has horseradish at home), minced garlic, a raw egg, soy sauce, and tobasco sauce. Grace and Trevor leave the room to make Tommy's abuela's remedy and Tommy tells Melody to cut the act. When they return with the drink, Melody calls Tommy's bluff and drinks the nasty drink. Tommy is horrified by this and honestly so am I!

Over at the firehouse, TK, Nancy and Mateo see Paul working out in the gym. They ask him about how his date with Asha went. Paul tells them he doesn't think things will work between him and Asha. Paul then lashes out at the three of them and Owen overhears him. Owen asks to speak with Paul in his office. Owen asks Paul what's going on and Paul tells him about Asha. Paul says the problem with Asha is that she already knows everything about him, including him being trans and during their date Asha wanted to revisit old memories. Paul tells Owen he used to play basketball before he transitioned. He then says he gave up a lot of things so he could become the person he is today. He calls it a survival mechanism. I really like this scene because it's just a reminder of what trans people have to go through in order to live authentically. The fact that a trans actor is saying this through a trans character made this scene even more powerful for me and I'm so glad that Owen just listened which is what most marginalized folks need from their allies.

Meanwhile, Judd teases Tommy about the nasty drink she gave to Melody. Tommy says she was only following Judd's advice. Judd calls her Tommy Dearest which I thought was hilarious. Melody shows up at the firehouse, without her dad, and tells Tommy she needs to speak with her. Melody says she Googled the illness Tommy said she had the night before and it does not exist. Tommy tries to make a truce with the 12-year-old but Melody says they are just getting to the fun part. Melody mentions Tommy's brother-in-law, Julius, and records Tommy talking about her intimate relationship with Julius. Melody threatens to blackmail Tommy if she doesn't break up with Trevor. Seriously, this kid is a sociopath! She should be checked out by a professional.

Tommy heads over to the dispatch center to have some girl talk with Grace. Grace learns about Tommy's fling with Julius but isn't judgmental about it. She even asks Tommy how it was. Grace!!! I'm clutching my pearls over here. Tommy tells Grace she overheard Evie and Isabella talking about Melody having a secret Tik-Tok and suggests blackmailing her back. Grace thinks this is ridiculous and tells Tommy again she should just talk to Trevor.

Tommy heads over to Trevor's and finds him in the middle of writing his sermon. He asks Tommy what's wrong and she says she thinks they jumped the gun by telling the girls about their relationship. Tommy tells Trevor she slept with her deceased husband's brother and Trevor, like Grace, is not judgmental. Trevor suspects that Melody has said something to Tommy but she lies and says no. She then tells him it's best they break up now before someone gets hurt. Trevor tells her it's too late for that. Melody comes out of her room and says she's hurting. Tommy thinks she's crying wolf but this time Melody is being serious. Tommy checks her out and figures out immediately what's going on. The two of them go to Melody's room.

Turns out Melody got her period and Tommy is there to help her through this pivotal moment in her young ife. Melody starts to cry and says she wishes her mom were there. Tommy tells Melody she can talk to her. Melody finally apologizes to Tommy for all the messed up stuff she's been doing. She says that Tommy's the first person her dad has dated since divorcing her mom. Tommy is so amazing in this moment as she comforts Melody. Melody asks if Tommy can un-dump her father and Tommy says she won't do it alone.

Back at the firehouse, Owen tosses a basketball at Paul. He then shows Paul the basketball goal he's set up. The two of them start playing a game of one-on-one. Paul looked so happy in this moment. Nancy, Judd, Mateo, and TK show up and Owen suggests they play three-on-three. Paul is really good at basketball and a part of me wonders if Brian Michael Smith is good at basketball in real life.

We then see Tommy and Trevor having ice cream with the girls. Tommy and Melody seem to be getting along quite well. The five of them look really good together and it would be so nice if Tommy and Trevor do end up together and they have a blended family.

So, that's it for "Tommy Dearest"! This episode was a nice palate cleanser after last week's resolution to the big terrorist plot. We got a few emergencies, none of which were super serious. Both emergencies were also hilarious in hindsight, even though poor Hannah died twice. I love that we got to focus on Tommy this episode. We got introduced to Trevor back in episode one and we haven't really gotten a chance to spend time with him and Tommy until this episode. I love how supportive Grace and Judd are with Tommy. I love their friendship. I really like Trevor as a love interest for Tommy because the whole dalliance with her dead husband's brother was not a good look.

I also like that we also got to spend some time with Paul. We haven't really seen Paul date since season one and it's so refreshing to see that Asha is fine with Paul just the way he is. I was worried his being trans was going to be an obstacle for them and I'm so glad the writers decided not to go in that direction. I hope we get to see more of Asha and I hope we get to see her date Paul. Paul deserves to have a partner much like TK and Carlos and Judd and Grace and Tommy and Trevor.

Lastly, to all the Owen haters out there, you got your wish. Owen was in the background much of this episode and when he was in a scene, he didn't dominate. I like that we stepped back a bit from Owen, TK, and Carlos. I find it funny that people talk about how much Owen dominates the show but turn a blind eye to all the screen time TK and Carlos get. Hopefully this is a sign we will be focusing on the other characters. I need a Nancy-centric episode ASAP. Hopefully the writers give me what I need! Until next time ...

#911 lone star reaction #tv reaction #tv reaction 2023 #911 lone star reaction 2023 #911 lone star #fox 911 lone star #blw reactions #blw reactions 2023 #911 ls 4x07 #911 ls s4 #rob lowe #gina torres #sierra mcclain #jim parrack #brian michael smith #db woodside

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