February 20, 1980 USA Vs. West Germany

I was standing behind the bench watching my boys in the game that would qualify us for the medal round. Strobel just made a great check!

"Way to go Eric, stay with them, stay with them!" I yelled out to him on the ice.

"I should've hired you as assistant coach instead of a consultant." Herb joked.

Ramsey passed the puck to Verchota and Verchota skated across the blue line. He took a shot and scored!

"That's a boy Verchota!" I yelled while clapping.

When Verchota came back to the bench I grabbed him and kissed both his cheeks! He hugged me and we turned back to the game.

USA won 4-2 over West Germany. When the final buzzer sounded, I jumped in a pile of players that were hugging and celebrating. We had qualified for the medal round! I got squished between Marrow and Baker but I didn't care.

When the boys skated off to their locker room, I hugged my dad. "We made it to the medal round! I am so excited." I told him.

"I am so proud of these boys." Dad said.

Herb walked over to us. "Hey Craig, I am sending you to the press conference tomorrow when they announce the pairings for the medal round." Herb said.

"Why? You're the head coach." Dad said to him.

"A reporter accused me of trying to keep the spotlight on myself. Besides, I need to be working on things for the medal round. I need to check with Doc about OC, and I'd like to spend some time with Patti and the kids." Herb said.

"Okay, Herb I'll go to the press conference, but what am I supposed to say?" dad asked.

"Just tell the truth." Herb said and walked away.

"I'll go with you for moral support." I told him.

"Ready to face the media?" he asked me knowing that I hated this part of the Olympics.

We started out through the hallway towards the locker room. There were only a few reporters as most of them were chasing Herb.

"Coach Patrick, your thoughts on making it to the medal round?"

"I am proud of the hard work and dedication of this team." Dad said. "No further comments."

We walked quickly and stepped into the locker room. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything. I went to get a cup of coffee. 'We are in the medal round. The team they said was a long shot for a medal is in the medal round.' I thought. It was just sinking in.

Later I was watching TV with Rizzo. He was on cloud #9 and I was happy for him. I was lost in thought about the upcoming press conference and the medal round.

"You in there?" Rizzo asked me pulling me from my thoughts.

"Yeah, I was just thinking about everything. You know what one of the first things Herb told my dad way back in June?" I asked.

"What?" Rizzo said.

"Herb said that during his interview with the USOC, they told him we were a long shot for a medal." I said. "Now here we are in the medal round. I am just so proud of this team."

"It's been amazing." Rizzo said.

"From here on out, no matter what happens, I am so proud of this team. You've already done so much better than anyone expected." I said and kissed him.

"I just can't believe how much attention we are getting." Rizzo said

"Well I am going with dad to the press conference tomorrow. Do you want to spend the evening together?" I asked him.

"Sounds great." Rizzo said then turned the TV off.

"Why did you do that?" I asked him.

"Well, OC isn't here and we just won a game." Rizzo said and pushed me back on the couch.

"You know, OC deserves something for being so nice to us the past several months. Giving us time alone without ever once complaining. Letting me stay in your room and never kicking me out or fighting with you about it." I said as Rizzo gently kissed my neck.

"Don't let him fool you, he is just hoping to catch a glimpse of you naked." Rizzo said but I could tell he was joking.

"I still think we should do something for him." I said as Rizzo ran a hand over my stomach.

"We'll name our firstborn son Jack." Rizzo said sliding his hand under the edge of my sweater to caress my tummy.

I giggled and pulled Rizzo up till his mouth met mine.

Emador- Do that homework girl! LOL I enjoyed your review, I had never considered reporters seeing them as a possibility.

meadow567- I don't know much about NSYNC so I didn't completely understand your review! But tell Marie to relax men are always in the mood so she won't have to work too hard!

Nikkd03- LOL I totally love your reviews. I guess no matter how much we love Rizzo he is still a man! LOL