Flowersc781: That's okay. Glad you're caught up though and I'm glad you like the story. Thanks for reviewing and enjoy the chapter!
Meadow567: Yeah, first time parents do tend to worry. Thanks for the review and I'm glad you liked it. Hope you like this chapter too! There's a lot of father daughter moments.
Nelliebly413672: Thanks for the review. Jack's going to be adorable again this chapter. Lots of daddy moments, lol. Hope you like it.
Emador: Glad you liked it! You'll find out what happened with the nurse this chapter, lol. Enjoy and thanks for the review!
A/N: Sorry this took so long to get up. School has been sooo busy! Enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 24
The morning after the new family of three got home from the hospital, Jack woke up with his new alarm clock, Isabelle. Maddie woke up too and started to get out of bed.
"I'll get her," Jack told her, getting up.
"I can do it. You can go back to sleep."
"I have to get up for practice soon anyway. I'll get her. Besides, you got her in the middle of the night. It's my turn."
"Thanks, baby," Maddie said, relieved she was able to sleep a little longer. Jack walked over to Izzy's crib and picked her up.
"Hey pumpkin. Are you hungry?" Izzy kept crying. "Okay, okay, let's get a bottle." Jack carried the baby to the kitchen and got a bottle out. He warmed it and as soon as he put the bottle near Izzy's mouth, she immediately began drinking it.
"You're hungry this morning. But I do have to say, we need to work on the alarm bit. I need to wake up at seven, not six." Izzy continued drinking as Jack talked to her. Once she was done, Jack burped her and then put her in the swing while he got ready. By the time he was dressed and ready for practice, the baby was sleeping in the swing. Jack turned the TV on and watched last night's sports highlights while he ate breakfast. Every couple minutes, his attention would drift from the TV as he watched Izzy sleep.
"She's sleeping again already?" Maddie said walking over to the couch. She sat next to Jack and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah, apparently she was still tired." Jack wrapped his arm around Maddie and kissed the top of her head. "Are you coming to practice today?"
"Yeah. I miss being there."
"I'm sure the guys will want to see Izzy again too."
Jack and Maddie talked for a while until Jack had to leave for practice. Maddie was going a little later. Shortly after Jack left Izzy woke up. Maddie waited for her to start crying, but she didn't. Izzy just sat in her swing, staring at Maddie with her big, blue eyes.
"Hi, Izzy. How are you this morning?" Maddie asked. "Want to go see daddy play hockey?" Maddie got up and began getting the baby ready to leave. She dressed her in a cute pink outfit, one warm enough so Izzy wouldn't be cold so close to the ice. Maddie then took a quick shower and got dressed too. She put a few bottles and diapers in a bag and put Izzy in her carrier.
When Maddie got to the rink, some of the guys were already out on the ice. The rest were on the bench, and noticed Maddie and Izzy right away.
"Hey Izzy," Buzz said, rubbing her cheek. The other guys surrounded the baby too, and totally focused on Izzy.
"It's good to know I'm still loved," Maddie joked.
"Oh yeah, hi Maddie," Bah said, and then turned his attention back to the baby. Maddie laughed. A few other guys said hi to her too, but they were all excited to see Izzy. After a minute of everyone crowding around Izzy, she started crying. The guys immediately backed away, thinking it was their fault.
"I didn't do it," Silky said.
"It's okay," Maddie said, picking up the baby to get her to stop crying. "Babies get overwhelmed when a lot of people are around. It takes time for them to get used to it." Craig's whistle then interrupted Maddie.
"Guys, get on the line. Time to start." They all obliged, leaving Maddie and the baby, and skating over to the line. Throughout the practice, the baby was incredibly quiet. Maddie only had to leave the bench once because Izzy was crying. After practice, Jack came over and gave both Maddie and the baby a kiss before he went to shower.
Some of the guys wanted massages after practice, so while Maddie was giving them massages, the remainder of the guys fought over watching the baby. They all wanted to hold her and soon she was being passed around to everyone. Izzy started getting fussy, and that was Maddie's cue to leave. The guys complained a little, but Maddie promised they could see her later.
"We're going to the bar later. Wanna come?" Buzz asked Maddie. She looked at him like he was crazy
"Is Jack going?"
"Yeah, we all are."
"Okay sure. I'll just leave Izzy home by herself. Hopefully she won't start a fire in the kitchen trying to warm her bottle," Maddie said sarcastically.
"You can't leave Izzy at home. She can come too," Buzz said, and Phil nodded in agreement behind him.
"I'm not bringing my baby to a bar."
"Just for dinner?"
"No."
"What if we go somewhere for dinner first. Will you come for dinner?"
"Where are you going?"
"I don't know. I'll think of something and let you know."
"Okay."
"Wait, what can she eat?" Phil asked.
"Baby food," Maddie responded in a 'duh' tone.
"Where do they sell it?"
"At grocery stores," Maddie said again in a tone.
"But we can't eat at a grocery store."
"Maddie will bring something to the restaurant for Izzy to eat," Buzz informed Phil.
"Oh okay."
Later that night, Maddie joined the guys for dinner, then went back home. Gail and Laura went too, and instead of going to the bar with the guys, they went with Maddie and Izzy.
"Our girlfriends ditched us for a baby," Mac told Buzz, joking with him.
"I know. That says something about us. When they would rather change diapers than hang out with us, things are really bad."
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"So how are you and Jack liking parenthood?" Gail asked when the three girls were back in Maddie's room.
"I love it. And Jack's been really great too. He loves Izzy so much. She's definitely her daddy's little girl. He's so good with her too. When I see Jack with the baby, compared to him on the ice, it's almost like he's two completely different people."
"That's so cute," Laura said, looking down at Izzy, who she was holding. "I can't wait to have kids someday. Seeing you and Jack with Izzy makes me want a baby so bad."
"Well, how are things going with you and Robbie?" Gail asked.
"Good, I guess. I mean, I this has been the longest we've been together without braking up, so I think it's a good sign. I'm sort of afraid to tell him how I really feel, because if we're not on the same level, things will go badly. They have before."
"Laura, you should really talk to him. Holding your feelings in doesn't do any good," Maddie said. "Especially if he feels the same way."
"Well, we say we love each other, and I know he means it . . . but, well . . . I don't know. We said it before and broke up, and even though this time is different, what if it's really not." Laura sighed in frustration. "I don't know. Let's talk about something else."
"Okay," Maddie started. "How about you? Any problems with Buzz?"
"Personally, I think the baby thing is getting to him too. Lately, he's been talking about starting a family a lot. Last night, we had a little fight over something really stupid. I don't even really remember what it was about anymore, but that's not the part that matters anyway. It ended with us making up and deciding to try to get pregnant," Gail said, smiling.
"Congratulations," Maddie said.
"Well, I'm not pregnant yet."
"But it's a start," said Laura. She looked over at Izzy, who was contently sitting in Gail's arms, staring up at the girls. "You're lucky you don't have any guy problems to worry about yet."
"And she won't for a long time," said Maddie. "This afternoon, I heard Jack having a little heart to heart with her. He told her that she wasn't allowed to date until she's at least 35, because, and I quote, 'All guys are jack asses and only think about one thing.' Jack even included himself as being a typical guy. But of course, Jack changed. And Izzy shouldn't think that all guys will change like he did, because most don't."
"He said all that to Izzy?" asked Laura.
"Yep. Daddy protecting his little girl. He didn't know I heard the whole conversation." Maddie then corrected herself. "One-sided conversation, that is."
"That is adorable though," said Gail, and Laura nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, maybe it's cute. But it's also very amusing to watch, right Izzy?" Maddie said.
The girls went on talking, and passing around the baby. Maddie was telling them how she wasn't stressed out at all with the baby and being a mom like the nurses said she would be. Gail and Laura assured her that it was coming.
"How about next week, we have a girls night," Laura suggested. "By then, I can guarantee you'll want some time without the baby. Just a couple hours. We'll watch a movie and eat ice cream and popcorn. It'll be fun."
"I can't just leave Izzy."
"That's what daddy's are for," Gail reminded her. "Jack can handle her alone for two hours."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"How about next Saturday? It'll be lots of fun," said Gail.
"Sounds great," said Laura. Maddie agreed too, but didn't really think she'd get too stressed out having Izzy around. She was convinced what the nurses were talking about wouldn't happen to her.
The next morning, Maddie woke up at seven, and was surprised Izzy hadn't woke her up yet. She rolled over to find the other side of the bed empty. Maddie got up and walked to the living room and saw Jack watching TV. Izzy was awake in his arms and Jack was talking quietly to her. Maddie stood there and listened for several minutes before Jack knew she was standing there. He was watching highlights from the Bruins game the night before.
"See Izzy. Brad Park shouldn't have let him have that much room to skate. It made it too easy for Don Luce to deke him out and go the other way. That's why they scored. Well, that and the fact that Belanger can't stop the puck," Jack explained. "Why they even put him in is beyond me. And here's another example of Boston making stupid mistakes," Jack started, seeing another play by play. "You have some of the best forwards in the league, and Boston decides to do something fancy, and try out their new defensive play." He looked down at Izzy. "You can't do that when you're playing against decent teams. Save it for the Rockies or the Jets."
Jack watched for another minute, and then began explaining more hockey to Isabelle.
"Boston should have won that game. If they put Cheevers in goal, they probably would have. Buffalo has some great forwards, but if you ask me, they don't have the edge anymore. After trading Robert to the Rockies, they got some sucky defender and ended the French Connection line. That was the best line in hockey, practically unstoppable, and they broke them up. Someday, you're going to play hockey," Jack said. "Now, don't give me that look. Your mom might want you to take dance lessons and wear little tutus like a princess, but you're also going to play hockey. I think you'll be good too. But we can't tell mommy. Not yet anyway."
"Well, all right. But there's still a few things we have to work out," Maddie said, deciding to join Jack and Izzy.
"Hey I didn't know you were up."
"Yeah, I was just listening to you pass on your almighty hockey knowledge to our daughter."
"Well, I think she enjoys hockey. She seems to like watching it." Maddie laughed as she sat down next to Jack.
"I bet she does," was all Maddie said.
"Face it, Maddie. Our daughter is going to play hockey and you know it."
"Maybe."
"Besides, if she gets a few teeth knocked out, guys won't be after her as much. If she has all of her teeth, she'll be too pretty." Maddie laughed. "You said you hope she looks like me, and if you get your wish, we'll need to do something to keep guys away from her."
"Cocky much?" Maddie joked.
"Yeah, and that's one thing you love about me."
"Yeah, but I do think you're sometimes a little too cocky for your own good."
"You may be right. But the cocky, hot-shot, hockey player that I am is what makes me so irresistible," Jack said, half whispering, with a cocky grin.
"Yes it is," Maddie said, leaning in to kiss him. Jack was still holding the baby, but wrapped his free arm around Maddie's waist. He began innocently playing with the bottom of her shirt as Maddie positioned herself to be facing him and put her hand on his chest. They began kissing more passionately, but no sooner did they start, they were interrupted.
Jack and Maddie attempted to sort of ignore Izzy at first, knowing she wanted nothing more than more attention. Her cries became louder and they broke apart, both looking at Izzy.
"Oh stop that," Jack said, serious, but with a light tone. Isabelle almost immediately stopped crying and looked at her parents. Jack and Maddie both started laughing.
"She really knows how to get her way," said Maddie.
"Will we ever be able to enjoy being together again?" Jack said, kidding.
"I happen to enjoy every minute I spend with you," Maddie said, faking hurt.
"You know what I mean."
"Things don't always need to be physical, Jack. But then again, you're a guy and all guys are jack asses," Maddie said with a confident smile, imitating what Jack told Izzy the day before.
"Did you hear that too?" Jack asked.
"Yep."
"Well, I love your presence too, baby. But a guy does need something other than a peck every now and then."
"Trust me. I do too. All I know is that five weeks from now, which puts us in February, February 5th to be exact, Izzy will be six weeks old, and I've already got a babysitter. For all this agony you've been through, I'll definitely make it worth your while."
"I can't wait," Jack said, leaning into kiss Maddie again. He pulled away quickly though, before Maddie could even kiss back.
"Hey," Maddie objected. "That was cheap."
"I had to stop before Izzy started again," Jack explained.
"That's okay. You have to get ready for practice anyway."
When Maddie went in the locker room after practice, she began the massages right away. Izzy was asleep in her carrier, but not for long. The guys started getting loud and she woke up.
"Sorry Maddie," Bah apologized.
"That's okay. I knew she would wake up if I brought her in here. But hopefully she'll just be extra tired tonight and sleep. It seems like she never wants to sleep if we're awake," Maddie said, referring to her and Jack.
"Izzy's smart. She doesn't want to miss anything," Jimmy said.
Maddie began giving Phil a massage next and they started talking. Phil said something which reminded Maddie of his date with the nurse.
"Hey Philly, how was your date with Jessica?"
"Don't go there," Phil said.
"Why not? What happened?" Maddie asked.
"Ask him what didn't happen," Silky joked.
"Let's just say we weren't really on the same page," Phil continued.
"You tried to get her into bed," Maddie concluded.
"Not exactly. More like suggested it. But she took it the wrong way and got all mad. And here, the beginning of the night went so well."
"What did you do?"
"I took her out to eat and to a movie. After the movie, I asked if she wanted to come over for a bit cause it was still early. We went to the dorms and Suter wasn't around. I think I pushed things a little too far then. I'd rather not go into detail, but the night ended with her slapping me and calling me a few choice words I shouldn't say in front of the baby." Amused at his story, Maddie laughed, but still felt sort of bad for Phil. He was a nice guy and all, but his track record with women wasn't great. Sometimes he just acted so stupid when it came to girls and their feelings. He just really didn't understand that girls had feelings too.
"Eventually you'll find a girl Phil," Maddie assured him.
"I have a question for you. If you weren't happily engaged to Jack, would you ever consider dating me." Jack gave him a somewhat warning look. "I mean that completely platonically. Well, not the dating part, but I don't want to date you, but if you were some other girl . . . basically what I mean is . . . " Phil was getting tongue tied and didn't really know what he was asking. Luckily, Maddie sort of got the idea.
"You mean, if I were Jessica for example, what would I or wouldn't I see in you as far as dating and having a relationship."
"Exactly."
"Well, the thing is . . . it'd be hard to date you. You don't date. I don't know what you would call it, or if there's a word that could describe it, but what you do is not dating."
"It's hooking up and having meaningless one night stands," added Pav.
"Right," Maddie said. "But I you were to change, and actually date girls, and maybe put off having sex with them for a while, maybe a girl would be more apt to consider it."
"How long do you think?" asked Phil. "To hold off on sex."
"It depends."
"At least six months," said Jack immediately. "That's how long it took me and Maddie."
"Thank you for telling everyone. Why don't we announce it on a billboard," said Maddie, sarcastically.
"Well, I'm just trying to help him out."
"Phil, wait until she's ready."
"What if I can't wait that long?"
"When you're really in love, it doesn't matter how long it is."
"That's the problem. He never waits long enough to fall in love," interjected Silky.
"Silky, if I were you, I'd stay out of this. You have enough problems with women last time I checked. And this is not a counseling session for Phil."
"If you ask me, many of you could take my advice," Maddie said, looking at Silk, who rolled his eyes. "Well, considering I've given all the advice I have for today, I think I'll be going," Maddie said, leaving the locker room with Izzy.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed it Again, sorry I couldn't get it up sooner. I'm not sure how many chapters are left, but I know it's starting to get close to the end. The Olympics will start in a few chapters. And after that, it's basically over. I might have a few chapters after the Olympics though. I have a few ideas, but I'll have to see what else I come up with. Next chapter will have more drama, but it probably won't be up until next weekend sometime.