Emador- I am glad you don't have to run around like Kylah did. Thanks for your help!

Lia06- I love cats too. I have two that are my pride and joy! A Siamese cat and a callsic tabby/calico.

Meadow567- LOL, poor Jimmy. But Craig will come around…sort of! Hope you're happy now that the Superbowl is almost over.

Flowersc781- You have no idea how right you are. I know what you mean about Coxie. I get misty eyed writing that chapter every time.

Jolena- Yay, a new reviewer. I know it's hard to see Craig as flirty. It took me a while to get it myself, but he was who Kylah needed. Thanks for your review. I appreciate all the compliments.

Prettypinkcheer5- I just want Bo and Coy! LOL And I am so glad you figured out the Penguins part.

Strangexbutxtrue- I have a lot of plans for the Olympics. I am glad that you're looking forward to them. Sorry about the Capitals.

XX- You write the best reviews. And quit slacking off, LOL JK. Poor Rammer, maybe he'll get a girl someday. And I can't comment on the BU girl right now. ;-) And I love that you included more lines. Love your reviews, keep them coming!

February 9, 1980
New York City

"Kylah, you're doing a wonderful job handling questions." Walter told me as I waited outside the boys' locker room for them to take to the ice.

"Thank you. It's been hectic. I just want everything tonight to go smoothly and head to Lake Placid." I said.

The doors to the locker room opened and the boys starting filing out towards the ice. Here was the 20 that had made the team. When Craig walked out, I jumped beside him and walked out to the bench area. Herb was off in his own world.

The boys lined up on the ice for the singing of the national anthem. I looked at the Soviet team. They looked so much older and meaner than our boys.

"You nervous?" I whispered to Craig.

"A little. I'm anxious to see how the boys perform this close to the Olympics." Craig said.

The national anthem played through, and the boys started back off the ice. Boris Mikhailov went to his bench and got the trophy the Soviets had won against the NHL and started skating around with it. Needless to say the crowd in MSG was not pleased.

I sat down on the end of the bench for the beginning of the game. I watched the boys take to the ice for the face-off.

Once the opening whistle blew, I was sorry I was watching. The Soviets were scoring left and right. Jimmy was frustrated, and then pulled out of the game. The Soviets were skating circles around us. The boys were showing signs of frustration up and down the bench. Craig wasn't saying much.

Just when thing couldn't get much worse, OC went down on the ice, clutching his knee. Doc went to check on him and immediately motioned to take him to the back. I sighed and put my head in my hands.

"I am going to speak with Doc, get news on OC's injury. I know reporters are going to be asking." I told Craig and left for the back.

I hurried to the back and into the locker room. "Doc?"

"In here Kylah." I heard him answer. I walked into the next room. Doc was wrapping ice around OC's knee.

"OC, how are you feeling?" I asked him.

"My knee is throbbing." OC said and looked away.

I reached down and took his hand. "Doc, how is he really? The media is going to be all over this."

"I don't know the extent of the damage yet. X-rays will show if he has torn or stretched the ligaments in his knee." Doc said. "I need to go find Herb."

Doc walked out of the room. I knew I'd have to leave in a few minutes myself at the end of the game to answer questions. I looked at OC who was obviously holding back tears.

"OC, it'll be okay. Doc is going to take great care of you." I told him and squeezed his hand.

"Herb will send me home. We have Sweden in three days." OC said.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. Just wait and see what's wrong with your knee." I said. "Just stay here and relax until Doc comes back for you."

I squeezed his hand again and walked out into the hall, where the media was gathering as the game ended. Members of the USOC were already being bombarded.

"Miss Jenkins, what is Jack O'Callahan's condition?"

"I just spoke with the team doctor. He said he is not sure of the extent of damage done to Jack's knee. X-rays will be needed before we know anything for sure." I said.

"Will Herb Brooks be bringing in a replacement player?"

"Again, we don't know the extent of O'Callahan's injury, and I can't speak for Coach Brooks." I said. The boys were walking into the locker room and I could see Herb surrounded by media down the hall.

"How will Team USA bounce back from this loss to face Sweden in three days?"

"These boys have worked hard for many months now, and I am sure they will use tonight as a learning experience and be ready to face Sweden." I said.

"What if Team USA has to face the Soviets again at Lake Placid?"

"We don't pick our opponents. Team USA will face head on whoever we draw. Tonight was one game, that's all." I said.

"How do you think Team USA will place at the Olympics?"

"I have every faith and confidence in these boys. I am proud of them and if I stood here and talked about how much I care about them and what they mean to me, we'd be here noon tomorrow." I told them. "I'll take more questions later; right now I wish to speak with Coach Brooks."

I saw Herb break away from the media that surrounded him and was quickly walking towards me with Doc and Walter.

"The kid's made the team. He's busted his ass for me for seven months now I gotta send him home, that the deal!" Herb yelled and walked into the locker room.

"What's Herb say about OC?" I asked Walter.

"That stubborn…….he doesn't want to send him home, we don't know the extent of the injury…and we just lost 10-3, we have Sweden in three days…." Walter said and walked away.

I stood for a moment, wondering when had everything got so crazy. Suddenly Craig was beside me.

"Hey, where you been?" I asked.

"Talking with the boys. Trying to encourage them. Telling them it was only one game, to put it behind them kind of thing." Craig said. "Come on."

"Where we going?" I said as I followed Craig into the locker room and to the back where the food was kept.

Craig sat down and pulled me into his lap.

"Craig, are you okay?" I asked him.

"I just wanted a few minutes with you and didn't think we needed to be in front of cameras and reporters from all over the world." Craig said.

"That's true." I said and hugged him. "Are you okay, I mean about the game and all?"

"I don't think this game was a good idea. I never did, and I don't think it's done a thing to get us ready for Lake Placid." Craig sighed.

"Now we just have to put it behind us. We leave for Lake Placid soon." I said.

Craig hugged me tighter. "Yeah…I should probably get back to the boys."

"I need to answer some more questions from reporters." I said and stood up.

Craig stood and leaned down and kissed me.

"I'll come find you when I am done with questions." I said.

Craig looked down and smiled. "You look so pretty tonight."

"Thanks." I smiled.

Craig ran his knuckles along my cheek, then leaned down and kissed me again.

"I'll see you later." Craig said and walked out.

I smiled and walked into the hall myself. I climbed the stairs and went to the media room. There were several reporters hanging around.

"Miss Jenkins, any new information?"

"At this time the team doctor is on his way to the hospital with Jack O'Callahan so that X-rays can be taken of Jack's knee. Herb Brooks has made no comment himself about Jack's injury." I said.

"How is the team reacting to their injured team mate and tonight's loss?"

"The team is concerned for their friend and teammate, but like the rest of us is waiting for more information. They are doing their best to put tonight's game behind them and look forward to Sweden at Lake Placid." I said.

"Does Herb Brooks now regret scheduling this game so close to the start of the Olympics?"

"Coach Brooks has not indicated any such feelings to me at this time. I cannot speak for Coach Brooks." I answered.

"What is Team USA's feelings on drawing Sweden first?"

"The boys are excited to compete at the Olympics. They know Sweden will be a tough challenge, but it's what they've trained for." I said. "Thank you for your time, I will release statements as soon as more information becomes available."

I walked out of the room and headed for the stairs to go back to the locker room. Herb met me at the top of the stairs.

"Kylah, I am thinking of sitting Jimmy down." Herb said.

"Really? Well Janny is a great goalie." I said.

"Actually, if anyone asks you about the goalie situation, don't comment on it." Herb said. "I told Jimmy I was sitting him down. I'm hoping it'll kick him in the ass and make him bring up his game."

"So are you sitting Jimmy down or not?" I was confused.

"We'll see how he reacts." Herb said. "Have a goodnight Kylah."

Herb walked away. I felt a bit confused. And I wondered when had everything got so complicated. OC injured, Jimmy might be on the bench, the Soviets just cleaned our clocks……I shook my head and took down the stairs.

XXXXxxxxXXXXxxxx

Our bus pulled up in front of our hotel. The boys were quiet, but had started talking a bit more on the ride from Madison Square Gardens. Craig and I sat and watched the boys file off the bus.

"Want to go for a walk?" Craig asked.

"It's cold and I'm in a dress." I said.

"Okay, we'll go change and then go for a walk through Central Park." Craig smiled.

"Central Park?" I asked.

"I know you've never been there. And the city is all lit up…just you and me." Craig smiled.

"Sounds great." I said and stood. "It'll only take me a few minutes to change."

Craig and I walked into the hotel and rode the elevator up to our floor. I hurried into my room to change. Despite the long night, I had a lot of energy and was anxious to go with Craig.

I quickly changed clothes and touched up my make-up. I could hear Craig in the hall talking to one of the boys. I opened my door and saw Craig was talking to Johnson. I wondered how Craig had changed so fast.

"Hey, I'm not interrupting am I?" I asked.

"No, we were just chatting while I was waiting for you." Craig said.

"I'm going to my room anyways." Johnson said. He waved goodbye to us and walked on down the hall.

"You ready to go?" Craig asked.

I nodded. Craig took my hand and led me to the elevator.

Once outside the hotel we headed down the street towards Central Park. I looked around at everything lit up.

"What made you want to take a walk through Central Park?" I asked Craig.

"I wanted to do something special with you." Craig smiled.

I leaned close to him. It didn't take us long to reach Central Park.

"Craig, the city is so pretty. It's all lit up and bright." I said, looking around.

"It is quite a sight…but I'm looking at you." Craig said.

"Have you been taking Verchota's advice about lines that will help get you in a girl's pants?" I giggled.

"No….did it work?" Craig winked.

I laughed. "You're very cute."

"I always like walking through Central Park when I am in New York." Craig said.

"You've seen much of the world playing hockey, being in the NHL, and now coaching in the Olympics." I said.

"I have, but even with all that…the past few months have been the best I can remember." Craig said.

I smiled. We kept walking. Somehow the stress of the evening lifted a bit.

"That's the Dakota building." Craig said, pointing to a large building rising high above the trees. "John Lennon and Yoko Ono live there."

"Find me where Waylon Jennings lives and I'll be more impressed." I giggled.

"Oh right, I forgot." Craig chuckled. "When all this Olympics is over, I promise I am taking you to Nashville."

"I'll hold you to that." I said.

"There are some benches; would you like to sit for awhile? Are you too cold?" Craig asked.

"I'd love to." I said and walked with Craig over to one of the benches.

I sat down and curled against Craig. He wrapped his arm around me.

"You feel better now? You were kinda down after the game." I said.

"Yeah. I tried hard to get the boys to not let this get them down. I don't want them getting discouraged this close to the opening ceremonies." Craig said.

"I'm sure everything will work out. Those boys will be ready in three days." I said.

"When you say it, I believe it." Craig smiled. "You better? You were tense at the Garden."

"I'm still worried about OC…but I feel a lot better." I said.

"I'm glad because I like it when you smile." Craig said. "And no I didn't get that line from any of the boys."

I giggled, and leaned my head on Craig shoulder. It felt good just being near him. I took a deep breath.

"Craig?"

"Hmmm?"

I sat up and looked at him. "There is something I need to tell you."

"Kylah, is everything okay?" Craig asked.

"Everything is fine. It's just…well the Olympics are coming up soon, and after that we'll be apart a lot and before that happens….I just wanted to tell you……you've been the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. You've made me happier than I've ever been and….I love you."

Craig looked up at me. Before I could say anything else, he leaned in and kissed me.

"You mean that?" Craig asked when he pulled back. I nodded. "I love you too. I've been trying to say it for weeks. I think I've loved you since you asked me to dance with you wearing your mother's dress. The longer I am with you…the feeling just gets stronger."

"I know how you feel…I feel the same way about you." I said.

Craig leaned over and kissed me again. I felt like I was floating. I couldn't remember being happier.

"What took you so long to tell me?" I asked him.

"I don't know. I was afraid it'd scare you off. I didn't know how you felt. And I didn't want you to think I was just trying to seduce you." Craig said. "I tried so many times to tell you. I wanted to tell you so much."

"I am so glad you did. I've wanted to hear that more than anything." I said and kissed Craig.

"It's pretty cold. You wanna get some hot chocolate? There are usually stands selling it all along the streets during the winter." Craig said.

"That'd be nice." I said. Craig helped me up.

xxxXXXXxxxXXX

Craig and I walked back into our hotel. After getting hot chocolate we had walked around for another hour. But we decided to head back because it was getting late. When we got back up to our floor, it was quiet. The boys must've crashed or were involved in quiet activities.

"You want to come in for awhile?" I asked.

"Sure." Craig smiled and followed me into my room.

I called the front desk to check for messages. Still no word from Doc about OC, and Herb hadn't left any messages stating that he had heard different. I hung up the phone and joined Craig on the small couch in my room.

"Still no word on OC." I said.

"God I hope that kid is okay." Craig sighed.

"Me too. Saying goodbye to Coxie was hard enough. I couldn't bear to say goodbye to OC right now……I am dreading the end of the Olympics when we all go home." I said.

"If Jimmy gets signed by the Flames, he'll be kinda close." Craig said.

I nodded. I looked over where Smokey was asleep on the bed. He was doing better traveling than I thought he would.

"I'm more tired than I thought." I yawned.

Craig pulled me towards him. I snuggled on his shoulder. I kissed his cheek. He put his fingers under my chin and lifted my face to his. I moved closer to him. Craig reached up and undid the top button of my blouse. I pulled back.

"I'm sorry, it's just…."

"It's okay Kylah, I understand. I was just so happy because you said you love me, I just thought I'd try something." Craig said.

"Craig, I do love you. And I trust you more than I've trusted any man…other than my daddy and Jake. I'm just not quite ready yet…I'm still a little scared." I said.

Craig took my hands in his. "Kylah, I love you and I understand. And when you're ready, I promise I'll be as gentle as possible. I want you to be comfortable and enjoy being with me."

"Thank you…for understanding." I said.

Craig nodded. "You ready for bed? I'd like to stay if you don't mind. I promise, I'll behave." Craig smiled.

"I'd really like that." I said and hugged Craig.

"Me too…..will you at least change in front of me?" Craig asked, I could see his eyes sparkling.

"Craig Lynn Patrick!" I pretended to be indignant.

"I said I wouldn't do anything to you…I didn't say I wouldn't look!" Craig laughed.

I laughed and shook my head, and headed for my suitcase. "I'm changing in the bathroom."