Disclaimer - I do not own anything even remotely related to The Mighty Ducks. I only wish I had thought of them first…

Italics indicate character thought.

"So, it looks like we are both going to have a pretty amazing month, huh?" Beau was sorting through Charlie's closet, holding up different ties and shirts with his one good suit. "Can you believe that as of tomorrow night you are going to be signed to an NHL team?" She looked over at him, her eyes big.

He pointed a stern finger at her. "Might be signed to an NHL team. Don't jinx it."

She rolled her eyes and shoved a french blue shirt and tie with multi colored blue diagonal stripes on it in his general direction. "Every hockey analyst that is talking about the draft is calling for both you and Adam to go in the first round. Don't be such a pessimist." She grimaced when he shoved the shirt and tie into his suitcase and swatted him away, carefully hanging both pieces of clothing and starting to repack everything for him.

He sat back, happy to let her take care of making sure he was well dressed for ESPN. "I'm not being a pessimist. I'm being a realist. You never know what could happen."

She zipped up a hanging garment bag and pulled her hair into a pony-tail as she sat down on the bed, her knees against Charlie's, facing him. "Are you nervous?"

He laughed. "You know me. Whatever happens, happens." She just looked at him, complete disbelief in her eyes. She let the silence drag on and finally he covered his eyes with the heels of his hand, letting out a shaky sigh. "I'm terrified." He looked at her, his voice soft. "What if this doesn't happen for me? I only know hockey."

Beau trailed her fingers up and down the seams of his jeans, figuring how best to put into words what she was thinking. "Charlie, hockey is not all there is to you as a person." She toyed with his fingers. "It's the biggest part of you, but if for whatever reason it doesn't work out, there are a million things that you can and will be."

He leaned in, kissing her. "I hope you're right." He kissed her again, more urgently this time. "And I'm glad you're going to be there tomorrow."

Of all of the Ducks, and the Wolfpack for that matter, only Charlie, Adam, Fulton, and Guy entered themselves into draft eligibility. There was a lot of talk surrounding Charlie and Adam, but as to Guy and Fulton getting signed…that was anybody's guess. It would be a long weekend of waiting and worrying, and hopefully celebrating. Beau was feeling the pressure of being the only female support there for Charlie and Guy. Connie had a post-season game on Saturday and wouldn't be able to make it in until very late that night. The saving grace in that situation was that Guy was not expected to be drafted until Sunday in a final round.

Adam's parents were both in attendance, as was Fulton's mother. Beau had met all three of the adults and was glad to have them there. There was a definite tension associated with the fact that Casey and Guy's parents were not there and had not been invited by their sons. Beau and the others were trying their best to be positive, upbeat, and not to be too obvious as they tapped their feet in nervousness underneath the table.

Players and their families sat in a huge conference room at tables draped in white linen with food and drinks in abundance. It was the most boring thing that Beau had ever sat though as each team took their full time to discuss and bargain and then discuss some more. The tension in the room was so thick you could taste it and she finally had to get up and get her five hundredth glass of ice water. As she stood by the window, looking out over the New York skyline she heard a familiar name announced through the loud speaker. "The Anaheim Ducks choose as their first round pick, Adam Banks." Oh my, God. Adam was the number two all around pick. Number two.

She spun around, making it across the room in a heartbeat. There was a camera following Adam as he hugged his parents and then Fulton and Guy. He and Charlie shared a long embrace. Beau could see Charlie saying something to his best friend, but she could only fathom the weight of the words of congratulations that he was offering. She knew in her heart that even if Charlie's dreams of playing hockey professionally were dashed today, he would still hold some modicum of happiness in his heart for Adam. When Beau got her chance to give him a quick hug before he made his way to the stage to accept his jersey, she whispered a few quick words. "A Duck for life. How perfect."

As two more teams made their first round decisions, Beau could feel Charlie's tension building. He kept grabbing her hand under the table, worrying her big silver ring with his rough finger pads and then dropping her hand and crossing his arms over his chest. Fulton and Guy were less nervous, knowing they probably still had a day to wait. The Detroit Red Wings were fifth to choose, and they took every single second of their fifteen minutes to decide. Beau felt her hands grow clammy. It was widely known that Detroit was looking for a good puck handler that was versatile and could play right or left wing. It was a great description of Charlie's playing style and though he hadn't ever said it for fear of 'jinxing' himself, Charlie was a huge Red Wings fan and would die to play there.

When their owner stepped to the podium to speak, Beau felt the energy vibrating off of Charlie and she laid a hand on his shoulder in anticipation. Adam was in another room with his family, but Fulton and Guy both had their hands clasped and were on the edge of their respective seats.

"The Detroit Red Wings choose…" the man paused. He actually paused, letting the anticipation build. All four friends sat holding their breaths. Say it, dammit! Beau was screaming it in her head. "…Charlie Conway as their first round pick."

Beau felt the breath rush out of her lungs and she looked over at Charlie. His head was bowed and she was unsure that he had heard, although it was impossible to imagine with the racket that Guy and Fulton had made jumping to their feet. She said his name softly. "Charlie."

He looked up at her and she detected a faint sheen of tears before he blinked them away. She was beaming and after a brief second of what she could only think was disbelief, he smiled back at her and stood up slowly. She stood as well and when they hugged Charlie squeezed her tight. "I knew this would happen for you, Conway. I am so proud of you."

He tightened his arms around her and kissed her cheek, setting her back on the floor. "I love you."

She stayed in the room, her eyes fixed on the large projection of the television broadcast on the huge wall in front of her. As she watched Charlie walk onto the stage, she smiled at his odd portrayal of half pride and half awkward shyness. She saw him unconsciously tug at his tie as he shook hands with, essentially, his new boss. Her eyes were filling with tears and she hated herself for being such a typical girl. Guy stepped up beside her, snaking his arm around her waist. She reached down, covering his hand with her own, in part to accept his support, but also to reassure him. This would happen for him to. As they stood their watching, Charlie's smile turned into a full beam as he held the red and white jersey up in front of his chest, his dream coming true.

"How is Guy holding up?" Gordon Bombay had called on Saturday to congratulate Charlie and Beau realized that night that Bombay was Charlie's father, in nearly ever sense of the word. She had known they were close and that he was important to her boyfriend, but the look of pride on Charlie's face when Bombay called just seconds after Charlie signed his preliminary contract…it had said volumes.

But now that Bombay was calling to check on another of his former players, Beau knew she was falling in love with him too. What a good man.

Two hours ago the draft had ended. Fulton had gone in the very last round to the Carolina Hurricanes and Guy had not been picked…by any team. They were all truly shocked and it was hard to find words of comfort when someone's life path had just been altered. Like Charlie, Guy felt that hockey was his way out of going home after college and ever having to rely on his family again. Now that was gone. It had been heart wrenching to watch the last round go on and on and with each team and each player picked see Guy's face fall. Connie had been the picture of support, whispering to him, holding his hand, but when all was said and done Guy had accepted a long hug from Beau and some quick words from Charlie and had retired to his room, Connie trailing behind him.

After a pause, considering, Charlie answered. "To be honest, Coach, Guy will be fine no matter what happens in his life, but I think that he was surprised. I mean, we all were. Guy is such a good athlete, we thought for sure…" he trailed off and looked at Beau helplessly. She walked over to stand by his side, holding his hand.

"Charlie, there are good athletes all over the country - the world - who aren't playing professionally. I know it's hard for you guys because you care about Guy, but he'll be just fine. Tell him to call me, would you?"

"Yeah, I definitely will. He'll be glad to hear you called."

"Take care, Charlie. Tell Beau hello for me."

Charlie smiled. "Will do. Night." He disconnected and pulled Beau to stand in front of him, resting his chin on her head. "Coach Bombay says hello."

She smiled, pleased. "I dig that Coach Bombay of yours."

He pulled her closer, needing the contact. "He digs you too."

Author note: So, I have no idea how the NHL draft works. I am basing this solely on my knowledge of the NFL draft and my obsession with all things college football. I apologize to anyone who is more knowledgeable than me and who was annoyed by all the incorrect things going on here! -Punkteacher

Cc: I'm glad you like Fulton and Rachel together. There will definitely be a little bit more of them together what with Fulton on his way to the Hurricanes. I'm not sure how much I'll delve into Cole and Beau as roommates, but I just liked the idea of it as an afterthought.

antiIrony: Hope this chapter is answer enough to your chanting! Ralph is my favorite cartoon character ever. Second only to Stewie on Family Guy. Too funny.

curbsidepuke: Thanks!

BellaLou: I'm so glad you didn't feel like it was rushed. I was super unsure about it, but I'm glad at least you think it worked. I don't want to butcher the hockey stuff, you know?

OreoLine00: Yeah, NASCAR. Kahne is my favorite…if he could STOP WRECKING HIS CAR every single freakin' race…poor guy. I'll have to admit that I'm NOT a Dale Jr. fan, but I can accept that you are! Haha Glad you like the story.

duckfluff: I'm glad you're still enjoying and that you like the non-hockey stuff. I appreciate the reviews!