Chapter 49

- Current -

(or at least it was current when I started writing this story! LOLthe actual date implied by 'current' would be December 31st, 2010)

"Happy New Year's babe," Sid smiled, pressing his lips to Avery's.

"Happy New Year's," Avery purred into his mouth, feeling his arms wrap tightly around her waist.

"Starting now, right now, there will be no more drama. After the game tomorrow, everything will normal out and we can just concentrate on building our future. No HBO, no Olympic prep, no new nothing," Sid explained, pulling his face back from Avery's just enough to see her beautiful blue eyes shining up at him. Avery smiled softly and leaned in to lay her head on his broad shoulder. He buried his face into her hair and kissed her head softly.

"Oh before I forget… here," Sid sat up and reached into his bedside table. "I bought this for you a couple years back. I want you to wear it around your neck. It'll be my good luck charm."

"Okay, sure…" Avery offered hesitantly, not seeing what Sid had reached for. He opened his hand and revealed a thin chain with a 4 carat diamond ring dangling from it. "Does this mean what I think you think this means?"

"No..." Sid shook his head, clumsily attempting to undo the clasp on the chain. "I'll ask you all proper like, don't panic. I'm not gonna lame out on asking you to marry me this time. I want to do things right for you. I want you to be sure, not pressure and for all the right reasons. I heard what the therapist said and I want things to be right for both of us..."

"Oh, okay… good," Avery teased. Sid looked at her with a concerned expression. "Not that I wouldn't say yes… it's just that…"

"No, no! Don't worry. I get it. I do. I mean, you didn't have to look so relieved," He nodded, lifting the chain up and over her head, while Avery reached up to move her hair out of the way. She felt the cold metal fall on her chest and looked down at the shiny object with a content smile. She flopped back against Sid's chest and nuzzled in under his chin.

"We should get to sleep. Big game tomorrow or I guess today," She offered, pulling the sheets up tightly under her arm.

"A big year starts tomorrow… or today… or whatever," Sid corrected her.

"Right now," Avery offered, tilting her face up to his.

"Right now," He agreed, lowering his lips to hers for a soft goodnight kiss. Sid reached over and flicked off the lamp, pushing down into bed and adjusting Avery under his arm. "2011 is going to be perfect…" he sighed. He finally had everything he wanted, what could possibly go wrong?

-fin-

*Thanks for reading everyone! I have really appreciated all your comments! I have another story set to start soon. I think the title will be "Something About Her" but I'm not 100% sold on the title… watch for it hopefully within the next week!