We beat Norway.

The three days that followed were hectic. I had interviews with the New York Rangers, who had also talked to Silky, and the Boston Bruins. The owners and coaches were really nice. I talked to Herb after each interview and asked him what he thought. He gave me his honest opinion but in the end it was my decision.

None of the guys said anything about it. Jack wanted to, but I was more or less focused on getting his knee back into shape for the medal round. He and I had spent many mornings working. We would talk only when I told him to do something and he told me how bad it hurt.

Silky and I didn't talk of it because we already knew we were going to make it. It was just a matter of time before either one of us decided which team we wanted to work for. He was so supportive I thought if I ever lost that ma, I'd probably die. I knew it wasn't practical, but love does funny things to a person's head.

Buzz was the only one that really wanted to talk to me about it. It was a big change for us. It meant I'd have to leave Minnesota if I took two of the three jobs. It meant being away from my family, my security blanket. I felt that I leaned on him too much, especially after he got married. In the end we leaned on each other too much. We always had and I knew we always would. We would always be family but our time together was drawing to an end and that was a scaring thought.

I ventured out on my own the day after the Norwegian win. I was tired of being cooped up and hanging with the guys. I loved the guys but there were sometimes when I just wanted to be me, not part of the team which I was ultimately. I walked around the village in shear wonder. I loved New York. It was beautiful.

The shops were teaming with life as people browsed between events. I had gone with Buzz four years ago when he joined the Olympic team and the place wasn't nearly as big as this. It was the only thing that kept me going. I got to shop while the others had to relax. They were undoubtedly hanging out with friends who had come to see them play.

As I was shopping, I thought I felt the presence of someone following me. Thinking it was John from the restaurant, I took to the crowds. The feeling kept on going even as I moved from shop to shop. I decided not to let it bother me and continued with little knickknacks.

I found a decent pair of shoes and warm mittens that I got for a steal. There were numerous candies that I bought because I have a sweet tooth and I knew another man who would help me devour them. I bought a new knit hat that had many different colors wrapped into it. I didn't shop often so to have this time to myself where no one was bossing me around or asking questions was lovely.

My favorite item I bought was for Silky. I had just finished eating a corndog when I walked by a booth that was selling jewelry. I'm a girl so anything that sparkles catches my eye. As I was looking over some of the jewelry for ladies, I found ring that I truly loved. It was thin and silver and had the word Minnesota etched in the surface. I liked it so much I bought it. It made my heart swell to know that I bought my boyfriend his first present for no reason. But then I found a woman's ring that had the word Boston etched into it. After buying them, I tossed the boxes into my bag and headed on down the street.

"Minni?"

I turned around and met the face of my brother. "Matthew?"

He had grown his hair out the last I saw him, which was at my father's funeral three years ago, which meant I had lied to Jack about that. I didn't even realize it. He looked ragged and worn and I felt sorry for him.

He came towards me and hugged me. "How have you been?"

"Good. Were you following me?"

"I had to make sure it was you. You've grown up beautifully."

"Thanks."

He looked at me with the same eyes my father had looked at me with the day he sent me to live with Buzz. "Is there any way we can talk?"

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"Hey, Minni, you been shopping?" Baker asked as I walked into the coffee shop they were sitting in.

"Yeah, and I brought you guys some fudge." I sat the big bag on the table and moved away as they jumped at it. I walked over to Buzz. "I need to talk to you."

He turned around in his seat. "What's up?"

"I saw Matthew."

The smile he had had on his face a moment before fell. "What? Where? Did he do anything?"

"In the village when I was shopping. He came up to me but no he didn't do anything. He says he's coming to watch you play in the medal round." Buzz closed his eyes and sighed. "Buzz, he's changed."

"You said that when your father died and three days later he was out on the street selling drugs. I wouldn't believe him so soon because I don't want you hurt again because you think he's coming back to you."

"I was just letting you know." I turned around and walked out the door, not even bothering to look back when Jack called to me.

I wasn't mad. I learned long ago not to be mad when it came to Matthew. He had let me down a long time ago. But I could tell he looked better. His face had fewer pock marks and his eyes were bright. He looked good, better than three years ago when his eyes were blood shot and his face was sunken in.

I didn't let what Buzz said bother me. I continued my day to myself as I would any other time.

By the time dinner rolled around, my bag was heavy and I was tired. Not to mention I was itching to give Silky his gift. I had already slipped the Boston band onto my right ring finger and was getting used to the sterling silver.

I made it back to my dorm in one piece. When I opened the door, Silky was stepping out of the shower. A broad smile was suddenly plastered on my face as he walked into the room rubbing his head with a towel. The other towel that was wrapped around his hips was slung low that left nothing to the imagination, not that I hadn't see it all anyway.

His face reddened as it did every time and I had to laugh. He was such a gentleman it wasn't even funny. He was also very shy and very quiet. Before I came along, I doubt he had any girl give him so much attention when he stepped out of the shower. The guys were one story. They were a team and just didn't care. I was his girlfriend and it seemed that mattered.

He grabbed a pair of underwear and pajama pants before disappearing back into the bathroom to change. I was unpacking all my goodies when he returned, this time wrapping his arms around my middle and holding me snuggly while being nosy. I could feel the water droplets that were still clinging to his body press into the back of my shirt.

"I got you something." I said.

His chin came off my shoulder as he looked at the side of my head. "You didn't have to do that."

"Yeah, I did." I tapped his arms. When he let go, I picked up the little black box and handed it to him. "Here."

He looked at me before he took the box and opened it. His green eyes showed wonder and surprise. He didn't say anything as he looked at the silver band in the box. I thought the worst at first until in pulled it out and read the inscription. "Minnesota." He looked at me. "Does this by any chance have anything to do with the state?"

I shrugged. "It means whatever you want it to mean. This one means I'm in love with a Boston boy." I held up my right hand.

He took it and read the ring, his smile reaching his eyes second later. "You're not proposing to me, are you?"

"No."

"Good, because that would be a serious breach of the man code." I laughed. Then he slid the ring over his right ring finger and looked at it. He looked back at me. "Minnesota on the ring is for a special person in my life."

I smiled, threw my arms around his neck, and kissed him. He held me tightly as he returned everything.

"Whoops. Sorry." We looked over as Buzz walked in. "Next time put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door. I won't intrude if I see that."

"It's nothing big, Buzz." I replied.

"Silky's not wearing a shirt."

"He just got out of the shower." He gave me a look that I quelled instantly by throwing his gift to him." Here. Take it and be quiet."