Thanks to everyone who continues to read. I appreciate all the effort. Not a lot of Ducks in this chapter but the most important one is here.

Chapter 34: The Wedding

It was a few days after the game that Lizzy was back in Bombay's office. "I don't know how to say this to you. I know you're still coming to terms with my relationship with your aunt," Bombay said as Lizzy plopped down in the chair across from his desk.

"Yeah. Ben and Fulton say that being wary is a good thing. "Watch and see" they say. You seem to be doing good with them and Charlie does look happy," Lizzy answered.

Bombay toyed with an envelope on his desk. "I know. Maybe it's just best this way." He considered it for a few more moments then handed over an envelope with her name on the front.

Lizzy looked at him across the desk. She raised an eyebrow but he only motioned for her to open it. She pulled out the card inside and read it, then looked back at him. "This is a wedding invitation. For two weeks from now. You just—You—" Bombay stood and watched her. He was worried that she was spiraling out of control. She looked down at it again then back up at him and shook her head. "I need to go."

"Liz—" he started but she was already out of the office. She bolted down the hallway and back to the dorms. She stood at the entry door to the boys' floor wondering who she should talk to. Her first instinct like always was Adam but she wasn't sure he'd understand so she went with her second instinct. Last door at the end of the hall on the left. One knock and the door opened. Unfortunately not to the Bash Brother she was looking for.

"Lizzy? You look like you've seen a ghost." He looked concerned, his dark hair falling across his forehead as his hazel eyes focused on her.

"Where's Fult?" she asked.

Portman put a hand on her shoulder and gently ushered her into the room, sitting her down at his desk. "He's out with Aly. What's going on?" Portman answered.

"I—I—Here," Lizzy said and thrust her invitation to him. He read through it and pulled Fulton's chair over to sit in front of her.

"Okay. Talk to me," Portman said. He braced both forearms on his thighs as he watched her.

"He told me less than a week ago that they were engaged. Now he's getting married in two weeks. How does one even plan a wedding in that much time?" She looked panicked.

"It's her third wedding and according to Fulton they've been together since at least Easter. That's a long time to figure out what you want in life."

"Don't defend them."

"Your right," Portman answered. He sat back in the chair letting his left hand rest on his thigh. "How dare she find a man she's finally sure she needs to spend the rest of her life with and plan everything down in less than three weeks? She should at least consider what she's putting everyone through."

Just like he expected, she went off. "Hey, she's my aunt; she has a right to do what makes her happy. So what if it only takes her less than three weeks? She loves him and I'm sure she's got every resource at her disposal and really all she needs is a Justice of the Peace and a form and they'd be technically married since she hasn't been really Catholic since before she married Charlie's dad." Lizzy narrowed her eyes at him.

"Then why are you spinning out of control?" He asked plainly.

"Because I don't have control over anything."

"You do. You really do. I know this is hard, but acceptance is the best thing for you right now. Even if you hate it. Not putting up a fuss or a fight will help when you have time to process."

"Yeah, I guess. You always know what to say." She finally relaxed and Portman flashed her a smile. He was glad she was coming down.

However it wasn't him who came up with what he had said. "Most of that came from Fulton. I was worried about you when we got the invitations. He talked me through a few things to say if you brought it up to me." He handed her the invitation back.

"Invitations? You got invited."

"He invited all the Ducks. You were the last one to be invited."

"I have to go." Lizzy stood up and Portman blocked her exit.

Maybe he blew it. "Please just talk to me, Mav."

"I just—I can't right now." Lizzy glared and he moved out of the way. Though she was trying to push him away and get him to back off, he could tell those blue eyes were hiding a world of heartbreak. He was better off letting her go and letting her calm down. As soon as she got back to her room she flopped down on the bed and called her brother Matt. "Please don't lie to me," she said when he picked up the phone. "I cannot handle another lie."

"Okay. What's the question?" Matt asked.

"How long have Aunt Casey and Bombay been engaged?"

"Three weeks."

"So they both lied to me. They told me that it was looking that way and that they were dating but neither one said they were engaged."

"Gordon Bombay has been in and out of her life for the last six years. They've been dating for 8 months. The proposal was just a formality."

"And their wedding in two weeks, just another formality?"

"No. That is a celebration. One I hope you're going to go to." Matt sighed heavily. "Look, Casey and Gordon may not have handled this well but they do love each other and they'd do anything to try and help you see that. Is there any way, any way at all, that I can help you through this?"

"I don't know. I just feel so out of control. I feel like ever since I broke up with Portman that nothing's been the same and I need something that feels normal."

"I know it's a lot of change but that's part of being a teenager. What's the one thing that you feel like you've always had control over?"

"Hockey."

"Then get out there on that ice and clear your head. Figure it out. You'll be fine."

"Yeah. Thanks, Matt. Are you coming to the wedding?" Lizzy asked.

"Yeah. I'll see you there. Call if you need anything else." Matt answered.

Lizzy put her stuff in her room, dressed warmly, and went back to the locker room. Soon she was flying up and down the ice practicing. At least she was until she noticed the rink door open and Fulton leaning against the frame eating chips. She stopped the puck and skated over to him. "You're missing dinner," Fulton told her.

"I know. Wasn't really hungry. Out there on that ice, everything's right with the world. Right now, when I'm not on that ice, it feels like everything's falling apart."

"Chip?" Fulton asked, offering her the open end of the bag. She tucked her right hand under her left arm then used that to pull off the glove before picking some chips. "You know I'd help if you asked."

"I just don't know what I need." Lizzy shrugged and ate the chips.

"First, you need to finish these chips; I've eaten way too many of them." Lizzy took the chips from him and he grinned.

"And second?" she asked.

"Second, you need to come here so I can hug you."

"That's not going to help with Aunt Casey and Bombay's wedding," Lizzy said.

"No, but it might help make you feel better. You always like my hugs," Fulton answered. She put her glove on top of her stick, leaned the stick against the glass, and wrapped her arms around his waist. He held her close, rubbing her back. "It's going to work out. I promise and if it doesn't work the way you want it to, then I've always got your back and I'll be right here for you."

"Thanks, Fulton, and yeah, your hugs are magic."

"Here any time you need me." He held her for a bit longer before tipping her head up. "Ready to head back to your room?"

"Yeah, I've got homework I need to do." Fulton grabbed her stick and walked with her as she finished the chips and they headed back to the locker room. She ditched the empty bag in the trash and eventually found herself in her room to finish up her homework.

The Sunday before Thanksgiving dawned bright and clear. It wasn't too warm or too cold and there was no chance of snow. Though the wedding would take place in early afternoon Casey asked Lizzy to meet her at the apartment for breakfast. When she sat down across from her aunt she could tell that Casey was in love.

"You really love him, don't you?" Lizzy asked, toying with her pancakes. Casey was only sipping coffee as they sat at the kitchen table.

"The best part of getting married is you find someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, someone you can't see your future without. I finally see that with Gordon. Are you okay with this?" Casey answered.

"Not really. I understand that you're happy and you're in love and I can kind of accept that but part of me is still wary of being let down again and I don't know if I can handle that. Sure, part of me is worried about you being let down and Charlie of course but part of me is worried you're going to have less time for me and I don't like that. I don't expect your entire life to revolve around me but I want to know I'm still important and that you're still going to have time for me."

"Of course I will and one thing I want you and Charlie both to understand it's not about me having less time for both of you it's about you gaining someone else who is going to care for you as deeply as I do."

"I'm still worried but I can understand that. Not sure I believe it, but I understand that you do and maybe Bombay does to."

"Is Fulton helping with that?"

"The best he can but I don't really understand what I need so he can only do so much."

"If you're really this unsettled, I can cancel the wedding."

"Don't you do that. You worked too hard for this. I can't be a brat. I'll figure it out. You deserve to be happy."

"But you deserve to have an aunt you can trust."

Lizzy ate a few more bites of her pancake. Then she looked up and smiled. "I do trust you, Aunt Casey, and I know you're not doing this to hurt me," Lizzy said.

"I would never hurt you. You're certain you don't want me to cancel?" Casey reached across the table and touched Lizzy's hand.

"I'm certain, Aunt Casey. Besides, I'd have to find some other time to give you my gift and I don't want to wait."

"I'm sure I'll love it. Gordon will too." Lizzy smiled and they finished breakfast.

The wedding went off without a hitch and at the reception Lizzy found a spot in the back corner to stay out of the way. She saw her entire family there as well as the Ducks but no one seemed to look her way. She was toying with her mostly empty soda bottle when Matt sat down beside her. "How are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm okay. Really, I'm okay," Lizzy answered. She looked him over and saw he was wearing a green tie that brought out his eyes and a grey suit that fit him to a tee.

"Good."

Lizzy looked away from him out of the dance floor. Her eyes instantly landed on her cousin. "Who's that dancing with Charlie? Is that Ellie?" Lizzy asked.

"His girlfriend I believe. You'll have to ask Ben, they talk more."

"Ads's got a girl too?"

Matt looked around and smiled finding the tall center that was his kid sister's best friend. "That's Christine. He seems to really like her."

Her eyes further searched the floor. A lot of the Ducks looked to be having fun. Most with dates. "See Fulton brought Aly." Matt nodded. "And Port has a date?"

"Not sure he's serious but Fulton says Port likes her."

"And your girl?" Lizzy asked, finally looking back at Matt.

"Dancing with Dad. Speaking of my girl," Matt said. He pulled off his suit jacket and pulled the right sleeve of his short sleeve dress shirt up over his shoulder. He turned so his sister could see it. It was a shooting star with the initials B.A.J. in the center.

"You have a tattoo. Looks new."

"It is. Got it three weeks ago."

"Three weeks? What do the initials stand for? I thought Mom's middle name was Elizabeth?"

"It was. Star's name, Beth Ann."

Lizzy stared in confusion. "I thought her last name was Fisher."

"It is. Probably will be for the next six to eight months but after that ... probably won't be."

"Why wouldn't ..." Lizzy stared at her brother. He quietly watched her. "You proposed. I didn't know—" Lizzy stood and bolted outside. She stood outside trying not to panic but it didn't seem to be working. She pressed a hand to her chest and tried harder to calm down. Arms wrapped around her and the smell could only be one man. She spun and wrapped her arms around Portman's waist. He held her tight. "Why does everything have to change? I can't take any more change." Lizzy cried.

"I got ya. I'm here." He rubbed her back just being there for her. He didn't try to calm her down or tell her anything she already knew but didn't want to acknowledge, he just held her. At least at first he did. Then he realized she needed it.

"I just ..." she let out a low whine and he pulled her closer.

"I know. Change is part of life and I know it hurts but the Mav I know and the Mav I fell in love with is strong and brave and does a lot of good. She can handle it."

"Can I not be brave for a minute?" Those pretty blue eyes blinked up at him so full of tears his heart shattered. It didn't matter what had happened between them, that he had a girl inside, that he had been warned by nearly every Duck to move on and leave her alone, what really mattered in that moment was that she was in his arms and she needed him to be strong and there to catch her. So he did.

"In my arms, you can be whatever you want." Tears poured down her face and Portman continued to hold her. Once she was done crying Portman kissed the top of her head. "Better?"

"I think so," Lizzy answered. Portman kept one arm around her and used the other hand to wipe away the traces of her tears.

"Yeah, lots of things are changing but can you be grateful that other people are happy?"

"What?"

He absolutely hated the confused look on her face so even though he wasn't the most eloquent on the team, he definitely knew how to get through to her. "I know you're upset by new things happening, but look at it the other way. Charlie and Adam have new girlfriends which are going to make them really happy. Your aunt has found someone who can fill her time while Charlie's away and when Charlie goes to college, she won't be alone."

"And Matt?"

For a brief moment, Portman wondered why she brought Matt up and then realized she knew what the rest of his family had known for the past few weeks. About the proposal. It was time to put this in a way that she'd get through it quickly. "I've never seen Star so happy and I've known her for years. Doesn't Matt need some company?"

"Get a puppy!" Lizzy snapped.

Portman glared at her. "When you find someone who really makes you happy, shouldn't everyone be happy for you?"

Lizzy frowned. "Stop making sense."

Portman smirked. He held quiet letting her pull herself back together. Once he could see her confidence building he smiled. "Think you'll be okay to come back?"

"I guess."

"Oh, and in case you didn't see, Dwayne's dating your roommate."

"Of course he is." Lizzy sniffed but she was smiling. "Didn't you bring a date?"

"Girl named Steph; she's quite taken with your brother ... uh ... Seth, right?"

"Yeah." She swallowed and wiped her face. "Thanks, Goose."

"Any time." He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead then dropped his arms and stuffed his hands into his pockets. All he really wanted to do was take her back into his arms and protect her from everything but he knew she'd never allow it, especially since she knew about Steph. Portman led her back inside instead. She walked back over to her table where Matt was now sitting with Star and their father. Lizzy walked up behind Matt and wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind. Portman on the other hand went to find Julie who was sitting at another table talking to Charlie and Goldberg.

"I'm so—I apologize and I'm glad you're happy," Lizzy said then kissed Matt's cheek.

"You sure?" Matt asked, leaning back into her.

"Yeah. I just don't handle change well." Lizzy looked at Star. "You make my brother happy and that's what I want for him."

"He makes me very happy too," Star answered.

Matt lifted a hand and rubbed Lizzy's arm. He squeezed gently. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. So where's Danni and Val? I saw Natasha talking to Bombay but I haven't seen them."

"Danni had a family emergency and Val ... she's worried about things between her and Ben and needed some space," Matt said. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. Really I am," Lizzy said.

"Let's give them some time," Star said, touching Rob's arm. Mr. Jacobs nodded and followed his future daughter-in-law back across the room.

"Matt, I'm really glad you're happy. It is a nice tattoo. Really. I hope it works out for you."

"You know it's not my only one."

"It's not?" Lizzy asked, slipping into a seat next to him. Matt shook his head and untucked the back of his shirt. Lizzy leaned back and spotted the tattoo at the top of his left hip bone on his back. "Is that a ... Frog, in a top hat?"

"It's Michigan Frog from the Merry Melodies Cartoon One Froggy Evening. He also appears as the mascot for a TV channel and there was a sequel, I think. Two years ago, after we won the Stanley Cup for the first time, Brad and I got drunk and he dared me to. So I got it."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. At least now I've got more than the rest of our brothers."

"They have tats too?"

"Yep, so does Dad. Chris has a flaming baseball on his back right shoulder blade, Seth has cross sticks and a puck opposite of Chris, Ben has a fiddle on his right hip, and Dad has a pink rose and the name Becky on his left ankle."

"You got a pen?" Lizzy asked. Matt nodded and pulled one from his suit jacket. Lizzy took it and quickly drew cross hockey sticks with a Duck mask over the intersection on a napkin. Above the mask she wrote Matt and Chris's initials and below it she wrote Seth's and Ben's then to the left she wrote Charlie's. After that she handed the napkin to Matt. "That's mine," Lizzy said.

"Huh. Doesn't Dean Portman have a tat like this?"

"Similar. Are you coming home after the wedding?"

"Wish I could. I have a game on the 25th in Anaheim then on the 27th in Vancouver. I have to miss Thanksgiving. I'm sorry. Maybe for Christmas."

"Oh. Okay."

"Hi, can I borrow her?" Fulton asked, appearing at the table.

"I don't dance," Lizzy said.

"I know. I want you to meet someone." Fulton offered her a hand. Lizzy looked at Matt who nodded. Lizzy slipped her hand into his and he led her across the dance floor. Bombay was talking to a woman that Lizzy didn't know. They waited for a break in the conversation that came quicker than Lizzy expected.

"Fulton, it's so great to see you again," the woman said.

"It's good to see you too. Ms. MacKay, this is my best friend Lizzy Jacobs. Liz, this is the woman who tutored Team USA, Michelle MacKay," Fulton introduced them.

"Nice to meet you. You're Charlie's cousin, right?" Ms. MacKay asked.

"Yeah. It's nice to meet you too," Lizzy answered.

"You're not curious why I'm here?"

"You tutored the Ducks and coached them through one of the games. That makes you a Duck. Once a Duck always a Duck. This is a Duck event, no reason why you wouldn't be here. Heard you did a lot for them. I appreciate that. Fulton says you helped out him and Adam a lot. I can't tell you what that means to me."

"I think I have an idea," Michelle answered.

Lizzy felt a hand on her shoulder. "Oh, this is my dad. The bride's brother," Lizzy said glancing up at him.

"We've met. Would you like to dance?" Rob asked. Michelle nodded and took his outstretched hand. Lizzy watched for a few moments then shrugged.

"You doing okay?" Bombay asked. Lizzy nodded. "Well you two have fun; I'm going to go find my beautiful wife." Bombay slipped away and Lizzy hugged Fulton.

"Glad I came," Lizzy said. Fulton nodded and smiled hugging her tighter.