Disclaimer : I don't own anything so there!

CASNYL21 : Thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!

HOCKEY-GIRL90 : Thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!

XSARAH : It'll be Christmas and thanksgiving before you know it, trust me lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!

PACEYANDJOEY4EVERANDALWAYS : Thank you very much :) To be totally honest, the only reason I even tried writing my first Connie/Adam ages ago, was because I too was fed up with Connie/Guy and Julie/Adam, plus I LOVE Adam, and prefer Connie rather than Julie so thought I'd give it a go lol. I like Connie/Charlie too though. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!

CAKEEATER : Yeah they totally rocked lol. Oh of course you prefer Connie and Guy, I mean I'm not that good lol, but I'm still working on it lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!

Chapter 8

"I Adam Matthew Banks, do take thee, Connie Anne Moreau"… He began his wedding vows, a gentle smile playing on his lips. I never thought I could love anyone as much as I did him…

After thanksgiving, things slowly returned to the steady pace. For some reason, I seemed to cope better with the college demands than I had in New York. I don't know whether it was because most of my classes I had at least one other duck to accompany me, of which we then helped each other with the work, or whether it was simply because I didn't spend my time missing, emailing or calling the other ducks. Whatever the reason, I continued getting good grades, and settling easily into everything.

Hockey was going great. In all the games I'd played in, we hadn't had a single defeat. Most of the ducks made my games, and the favor was always returned. I especially made most effort to get to Julie's games, since she was my fellow female duck. Adam was doing excellently in hockey, not that there was much doubt he wouldn't.

Christmas soon came and went, nothing remotely interesting really happened over the vacation, except maybe that I got to spend even more time with Adam. For Christmas he had bought me a silver birth stone ring and a silver photo frame. Because we weren't seeing each other over Christmas, all the Minnesota ducks spent Christmas Eve at our place, having a make shift Christmas day. Because all the ducks had done a secret Santa, we each had at the very least one present to open, but for some odd reason, the whole secret Santa thing hadn't worked, as we had each bought everyone something small. Thinking about it, we had each spent about $10 on 12 people, with exceptions of myself, Adam, Charlie and Julie who had spent that little bit more on our significant others. Luckily I had been saving up all year for this.

At first when we each opened our gifts from each other, Adam had bought me a silver photo frame with a picture of us both inside, it was beautiful, and I found myself staring at it nearly all day. But that night, as I walked him out to his car, he turned around to face me. We gazed into each others eyes, as we held hands. Looking back, I have no idea how I didn't notice, but as he was saying something to me, he had pushed the ring gently onto my finger. When I realized, I stood on the sidewalk staring at my hand then up at Adam, then leapt into his arms.

For New year, we had a big party at the house. All the ducks were present, as after Christmas, the out of town ducks, had flown back, so we could see in the New Year together. Thankfully, this party I actually got to enjoy instead of chasing Julie all over the place. When the clock was near midnight, we all grouped around the TV screen, awaiting the ball dropping in times square. When it did, I turned in Adam's arms, and kissed him, before wishing him happy New Year. Bar Charlie, non of the other guys had anyone to kiss, however me and Julie had both commented on that earlier, and had decided unless any of them hooked up with someone at the party, we would kiss them. So we divided the guys up between us. I got Averman, Dwayne, Goldberg, Portman and Fulton, and Julie got Guy, Russ, Ken and Luis. After kissing Adam, I pecked each of them on the cheek before giving them a huge hug and wishing them a happy new year. About 1am the party dwindled to a stop. When the last guest had left, we just sat around the living room, telling each other of our new year resolutions or what we wanted to achieve for ourselves this year.

We had some pretty weird resolutions, like Portman said he wanted peace on Earth, but I think he was slightly drunk, and trying to act like he was in a beauty pageant, since he had toilet paper wrapped around his torso like a sash. Luis said her wanted to calm down dating and settle down. Other than that, we just had general, I want to be a healthier person, I want to concentrate and keep my grades up. You know the usual stuff. When it was my turn, I just said I wanted this year to better than the last, not to fight with any team mates whilst looking directly at Guy, then cracking out laughing, and I wanted to have more duck fun.

Sometime after hearing each others resolutions, we all fell asleep, the music still playing, albeit quietly. The following morning, I awoke to smell Portman and Fulton cooking. Everyone else was still fast asleep. I slowly got to my feet, and followed my nose, to where I could smell bacon, eggs and sausages frying. I was actually surprised at how nice it smelt and looked.

"It's not like you two to be up this early". I said, trying to remain a little quiet so as not to wake the others.

They both jumped sky high. Fulton nearly threw the frying pan up in the air in shock. Portman grasped the work surface as if it were his only life line. They both looked at me wide eyed, then continued cooking up their storm.

"Goldberg was snoring". Fulton answered.

I pushed myself up into a seated position on the only available bit of work surface. I watched them, intrigued at what I was seeing. To be honest, in all the years I'd known these guys, I had never seen them cook. I suppose I just presumed they ate take outs a lot. They looked like a couple of master chefs working in a top restaurant, though I was pretty sure that top chefs didn't leave as much mess behind in their wake.

"You didn't think either of us could cook, did ya"? Portman asked. He had obviously noticed the surprised expression, I'm sure was crossing my face. I shook my head, as I smiled gently.

"Here, try these"? Fulton walked over to me, spoon in hand with scrambled eggs on.

I eyed him carefully, trying to decide whether he'd just put something on them as a prank. Then deciding he hadn't, took a nibble from the spoon. I watched his expression suspiciously at first. After a few seconds, I realized he'd definitely done nothing to the eggs. They tasted great to be honest, they were light, and had a creamy texture to them.

"Wow"!. I stated simply.

Within 15 minutes, Fulton had woken everyone up, and they both served breakfast, much to the surprise of everyone. Unsurprisingly though, everyone loved it, and had more than one helping of everything. Portman and Fulton sat with proud smiles on their faces.

After breakfast, all the Minnesota based Ducks watched on, as the others used the phone to call home. It was quite sad as I listened to bits of each of their conversations. Though none of us had spent, New Year with our families, there was a big difference between being able to, but not and being unable to, spend it with them. I felt my heart go out to both Dwayne and Julie in particular as they were very family orientated people. I had originally planned to pop in and see my folks, but after feeling the slight guilt, I decided I'd join the out of state ducks and called them instead. I think the Minnesota ducks caught on to what I was doing and too took the decision to just call.

2 hours later, we all headed toward the old pond, for a little game, well a little game turned into a pretty big and long one. It was just like old times again. It was the perfect way to start the year, and as I meant to carry on. By the time we had finished, my jaw was killing from the amount of smiling and laughing I had done. About half an hour before the game finally ended, I bailed on the game, feeling slightly worn out from the night before. A few minutes later, Julie joined me, and we sat, watching the guys antics.

When the guys had finally ended the game, we had to wait another 5 minutes whilst they changed into street shoes, before setting off back to the house. We hadn't even got out of the park before I was jumping onto Adam's back. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and leant into him, purposely breathing my warm breath behind his ear. His hands tightened around my legs, holding me even firmer next to him.

2 weeks later, it was a day away from our 1 year anniversary. We had talked about it, and had decided that neither of us would get each other any extravagant gifts, as we were still recovering from the cost of Christmas. It had taken me a long time to pick out his gift. He wasn't exactly the easiest guy to buy for. As a joke, I had bought him a little trophy that was engraved with 'worlds best boyfriend'. His main gift, though a little more costly than planned, were 2 season tickets for the Minnesota Wilds. He had only ever been to a few games, but followed every single game on TV. I couldn't wait to see him face when he opened them. I had originally planned on only getting him the one, but then he'd have to either go alone, or buy a ticket in advance for whoever he was planning on taking, but this way, he could take whoever, whenever.

"I can't believe you guys have been together a year". Julie stated, as we walked around the mall, looking for that perfect dress I needed or should I say wanted for the romantic meal, I was having with Adam, the following evening. "It only seems like yesterday, he was almost dragging you into the Eden hall common room, and announcing it to us".

"I know, it seems to have just flown by, doesn't it. But I've loved every second of our year together, and can't wait to start counting down to our two year anniversary". I gushed, a small laugh escaping.

"Man, you really have got it bad, haven't you"? She laughed gently.

"I really have". I admitted, laughing even harder, but meaning every syllable. "But you can't tell me, you don't feel the same about Charlie"?

"I do. But I don't think we've gotten to the stage you two are at just yet". She told me. "But trust me, there's time, I mean we've only been together 6 months".

"And what stage is that then"?

"The stage where, you can't get enough of each other, but are like an old married couple at the same time".

"An old married couple, huh"?

"Yeah. I mean you're practically married now, except for the legal part". She giggled.

"Honestly, say the law was to change, and marriage was to be thrown out of the window by such a date, I'd be dragging Adam down the aisle". I admitted.

"What are you saying, you're ready to settle down and get married"?

"No, but I want to get married to him one day. And if the law was to stop marriages, then I'd marry him now, because I want to be his wife. But am I, in no way ready just yet, but I know when I am ready, I want it to be to Adam".

"Wow". Was all she said.

After a full day shopping, I had found the perfect dress. A strapless, black cocktail dress that fell to mid thigh, it hugged my body in all the right places, and had a slight slit up my left thigh, allowing slightly more movement of my upper legs. During the search for my dress, Julie had almost decided for me, she'd come over and do my hair and make up for me, so I'd look just perfect. After the dress, came shoes, and though Julie insisted a pair of pumps would look great, I preferred the black wedge sandals with the laces that ran around the leg until just slightly above the ankle. Of course once I'd tried them on, Julie fell in love with them and demanded that I buy those, even though I was planning on doing so anyway.

That evening, when we got back to the house, we were greeted by, none other than silence. Usually there'd have been at least a few of the guys in, but there was no-one. After a few seconds, I shrugged my shoulders, and headed into the living room. I put my bags down, noticing a big sheet of paper stuck the TV screen.

"Hi girls. Gone out for pizza and a few beers, be back later tonight. As a consolation we've left you a bottle of wine and few beers in the refrigerator. See you later. The Guys". I read aloud.

"As a consolation. Do they not think we can go out and have fun without them"? Julie fumed.

"How about we show them, we didn't need that bottle of wine"? I smiled mischievously at her.

"Do I sense a plan"? She clicked immediately.

20 minutes later, I was re-writing the note to the guys, and putting it exactly where they'd left there's. I'd put, 'Guys, we've gone out, don't know what time we'll be back, don't wait up. Love the girls'. I giggled infectiously along with Julie as we made our way out of the door. We'd decided to go to a club for the night, play the guys at their own game.

We returned home at turned about 1.30am, after leaving the house at around 6.30pm, 7pm. I don't deny we weren't a little worse for wear, but we weren't that drunk that we didn't notice that the guys had attempted at waiting up for us. A few of the small lamps were on, and they were all sat around the living room. I turned to Julie behind me and placed my finger on my lips, suggesting for her to remain quiet. I tip toed over to the end table at the side of the couch, and lifted the radio remote control. I turned and saw Julie giggling silently, trying her hardest to suppress any noise. With the touch of a button the CD player flicked on, as loud as it would go, the song 'I see you baby' by Groove Armada, blasted out.

"I see you baby, shakin' that ass". Me and Julie sang along as we would you believe shook our ass'.

The guys all jumped up shocked at the sudden noise. Charlie actually fell over with his lack of balance at getting up so quick. All me and Julie could do was giggle and continue dancing, until Ken reached over and unplugged the radio. Julie scowled at him, but continued dancing to silence.

"What time do you call this? Huh"? Portman demanded to know.

"Didn't your mommy teach to tell the time". Julie stuck her tongue out at him.

"Don't mess with me Gaffney". Portman tried to be serious.

"What's the big deal here"? I asked, stopping the two from any further argument. "We went out to a few clubs, big deal, we're big girls".

"We were just worried, that's all". Charlie answered.

"About"? Julie pursued.

"You two". Ken added.

"Ok, we're sorry, you were worried. But why shouldn't we go out, you guys did. It wasn't as though you couldn't have gotten hold of us, we'd both got our cells on us". I told them. When they realized they wouldn't win the argument, they caved and fell silent. "I'm pretty beat, I'm gonna go up to bed". I told them.

I knew the guys would just crash here, as it was too late to even contemplate going home or back to the dorms. I made my way up to my room, changing into my PJ's and washing my face to rid it of the make up. 10 minutes later, just as I was throwing the clothes I had worn that evening into my dirty laundry basket, Adam walked in silently. I looked at him and flashed him a gentle smile.

"You angry at me or something"? I asked, a few seconds later.

"No. Why would you think that"? He retorted.

"You're just kind of quiet".

"I thought you were mad at me".

"Why would I be mad with you"? I asked, as I crawled across the bed, where he stood looking at me.

"Because I went out tonight with the guys". He answered, sitting down with his back towards me, as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

"Adam, I love you". I told him. "But I don't own you. You're free to do anything you want whenever you want". I informed him.

"Anything"? He gave me a sideways glance.

"Yeah". I replied. "Except if it's something like cheating on me or wh"… I began, then suddenly he pulled me forward, so my upper torso was sat on his lap, then leant forward and kissed me.

"I love you too". He told me, when he pulled away.

The next morning, the morning of our 1 year anniversary. I awoke, to find, not Adam, but the bed covered in white rose petals. On Adam's pillow was a note the shape of a heart, resting there. I picked it up and read it. 'Morning, come down stairs, I have a surprise waiting for you', was all it said. Curious,. I climbed carefully out of the bed, trying to keep the majority of the petals on the bed and not the floor.

I made my way down the stairs, slowly smelling the aroma of home cooking. I slowly walked around the corner, toward the dining room and kitchen. He had set the table as though it was an expensive restaurant, complete with the best china wear we'd got, which wasn't exactly the best, but I didn't care. I headed toward the kitchen, when suddenly Adam popped his head around the door, soon followed by his body, making me jump sky high.

"Happy Anniversary". He told me, kissing me gently.

"Happy Anniversary". I replied, kissing him back. "What you doing"? I asked curiously, trying to look over his shoulders.

"It's a surprise". He moved his body, blocking my view.

"I know, but"… I began to argue.

"I know but nothing". He turned me around, and lead me to the dining room table, where he pulled out a chair for me, placed my napkin over my lap and poured me a glass of orange juice. "I'll be 10 minutes, ok"? He leant forward, kissed me softly, then dashed back into the kitchen.

As promised, 10 minutes later, he reappeared with his surprise. A tray with different breakfast foods on. There was a plate with bacon, sausage, eggs, fried bread and beans on, another with pancakes with strawberry's placed to make them look like smiley faces, a bowl of porridge, toast, croissants and then a mug of coffee. I sat there gaping at it all, shocked that he'd gone to so much trouble over something as simple as breakfast.

"I know it's a lot, I just wanted everything to be special". Adam told me, as he noticed my deer in headlights look, I had going.

"It's perfect". I responded, getting up from my chair, and walking around the table to him. He turned into my embrace. "And so are you". I whispered into his neck as he held me close to his body.

After breakfast, I got to wondering exactly where the others were. When I questioned Adam about it, he said they'd gone out for the day, so we could have the place to ourselves. But I also knew Julie and Adam would have teamed up against them to get them out of the house. No matter what, I was grateful for the space they'd given us. When we'd cleared the dishes, which we were both in two minds whether or not to leave, we went back upstairs, to spend the rest of the morning in each others arms.

An hour later, I sat staring into space, Adam's arms tightly embracing me. I turned over to look him in the eye. His sky blue eyes bore down on me, washing over me like a huge wave. I could stare into those eyes for hours on end. Before long, Adam broke the stare, by leaning forward and caressing my lips with his own.

"Gifts"? I questioned, ready to give him, what I'd bought.

"Sure". He replied as we both leant over our own sides of the bed, retrieving the gifts.

"Here". I pushed my gift, that I'd disguised in a shoe box filled with tissues and the tickets, into his hands along with another square box that held his trophy.

I watched eagerly as he began opening them, a look of curiosity on his face. Immediately he opened the small box, revealing the trophy. When he saw it, he laughed gently, before leaning forward and giving me a gentle kiss. He then opened the plain gold gift wrap, revealing the shoe box. He looked at me suspiciously at first, as though once he lifted the lid, something would pop up at him. I simply smiled at him, and he turned his attention back to opening it. He lifted the lid carefully, revealing it filled with tissue paper, and in the middle the two tickets sat.

"They're brilliant, thanks". He leant over and kissed me again. "But they're a little more expensive than we agreed".

"I know, but I really wanted you to have them". I declared.

He then pushed his gift into my hands. I slowly opened it, more intrigued by the look on his face as I was doing so. He looked more like a kid on Christmas morning, than a boyfriend giving his girlfriend an anniversary gift. When I got the wrapping off, there was a red suede box in my hands. I opened it carefully, revealing a silver locket. It was engraved with my initials and had a few small diamonds stuck into the small stars that were engraved into the other side. It was absolutely gorgeous and I knew immediately it had cost a bomb.

"Adam". I began, still trying to tear my eyes away from it.

"If you don't like it, I can take it back". He said immediately.

"I love it". I finally managed to look at him. "And I love you". I leant forward and gave him a huge kiss.

Later on that afternoon, we finally dragged ourselves out of bed, might I add just before the guys came back. When they'd been back about half an hour, Adam, left, so he could go get ready for tonight, telling me he'd be back to pick me up about 6.30pm. With it being 3pm now, I dashed off upstairs to get myself ready. When I'd showered, Julie came upstairs on my call, and did my hair and make up. It took longer than I imagined, as she tried that many looks on me, trying to get everything to match my outfit and more than twice, did she get me to wash my face and dampen my hair down so she could restart. By 6pm, she'd finally finished, and deemed me perfect before leaving me in peace to get changed.

As promised 6.30pm came, and Adam appeared. He stood at the bottom of the stairs, awaiting me. I came down the stairs, hopefully looking like one of the women from the old black and white films, as they glide gracefully down the stairs.

"You look beautiful". Adam whispered, when I reached him.

"Ditto". I replied.

I laughed when I noticed the guys, trying to sneak peeks at us around the door frame, trying and failing at going unseen. When they knew we'd seen them, they appeared in full, making a few comments and jokes about having me home by a certain hour, as though they were my parents.

"Don't wait up guys, we might not get home by late". I shouted to them as I slipped on a jacket and made my way out of the door.

When I got on the doorstep. A white limo was soon brought to my attention. The chauffer was stood holding the door open for us. I stood completely frozen. My hand holding Adam's tightly. He tugged me gently, and I followed in response. I couldn't believe he'd hired a limo for us. When I commented on it, he told me, he hadn't, it was his parents, who wanted us to have a special night.

We were taken, to the same restaurant, where we had our very first date. We hadn't been there since, and as soon as we stepped inside, it was like we'd gone back in time to that night. We were sat at the exact same table. We were given our menu's, of which we ordered straight away. Neither of us spoke, we just held each others gaze, and held hands across the table. To onlookers we'd probably have looked just like any other young couple on a date, but tonight was about so much more to us.

We spoke a little over dinner, but silence just felt more comfortable, that and the regularly gaze at each other. During our stay at the restaurant, Adam bought me a rose, and requested a song for us to dance too. As we stepped slowly on the small dance floor, among other couples, I could feel the heat between us. He touch sent tingles throughout my body, but he was always capable of making me feel that way. I was almost constantly weak in the knee's when he was close.

After dinner, we climbed back in the limo, that was apparently ours for the night. I had no idea where we were going, but I truly didn't care. I was in Adam's arms, and that was all that mattered. Long before I was ready for the journey to end, the limo stopped, and a few seconds later, the door was opened. Adam climbed out first, then took my hand. I knew immediately where I was. I was lead through the same tree's I had a year ago, right to the same dock. Though this time, there was quiet music playing in the background, and the dock had been lit my what looked like a million tear light candles. We walked to the end of the dock, where Adam turned to face me.

"I wanted today to be perfect for us. And the only thing I could think of, was our first date. I think I fell in love with you that night, and my love has only grown since". He almost whispered.

"Everything about today has been perfect, especially you". I gave his hand a squeeze. "I love you too". I stood on my tip toes and brushed my lips against his.

"You wanna dance"? He asked gently. I nodded in response.

The song that had been playing ended, and the next began. It was Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt's all my life. We stepped slowly in time with the music. After a few seconds, I laid my head on Adam's shoulder and closed my eyes, willing myself to remember everything about this night.

Am I really here in your arms
Its just like I dreamed it would be
I feel like we're frozen in time
And you're the only one I can see

Hey, I've looked all my life for you
And now you're here
Hey, I've spent all my life with you
All my life

I could hear the crashes of the water on the dock and banks of the lake. I held Adam a little more tightly, trying to savor the moment.

And I never really knew how to love
I just hoped somehow I'd see
Asked for a little help from above
Send that angel down to me

Hey, I've looked all my life for you
And now you're here
Hey, I've spent all my life with you
All my life

I pulled away from him slightly, looking up into his face. He only had to move no less than an inch, before our lips touched gently.

I never thought that I could feel a love so tender
I never thought I could let those feelings show
But now my heart is on my sleeve
And this love will never leave
I know
I know

Hey, I've looked all my life for you
And now you're here
Hey, I've spent all my life with you
All my life
All my life

When we pulled away from each other, almost at the same instance, we both mouth 'I love you' to each other. We smiled gently, laughter forming on our lips. I put my head back on his shoulder, feeling his body move along with the music in near perfect rhythm to my own.

Hey, I've looked all my life for you
And now you're here
Hey, I've spent all my life with you
All my life

Listening to the song, made me think how right it was. I had spent my life looking for someone as perfect as he was. I loved him more than words can express, and I was planning on never letting him go.

So what do you think? PLEASE R&R!