A/N: Hello, friendly readers! We've got a bit of a time jump from the last chapter, however there will be a few flashbacks to what happened during that time. I know some of you wanted to see the whole conversation, but it felt like the chapter was bogged down by it. I've posted it as a deleted scene on hmerdan's Fiction Spot, and may upload it as an outtake once the main story is complete. However, you'll still get a taste of it here. Also, to any non-Maple Leafs fans reading: there are probably some obvious jokes that will come to mind as you read this chapter. As a Leafs fan, I've already made them all myself. You can't hurt a Leafs fan, they've already done it for you! Sit back and enjoy, we're about a month away from the end of the story, but I may have something brewing to start afterwards. As always, thanks to Kneon for her beta brilliance! Especially when I send something at the last minute while she's travelling.
EPOV
"I can't believe I ran out on you like that," Bella sighed as we sat in front of the fire, legs and hands entwined. "You didn't deserve that."
"The important thing is you came back," I replied, dropping a kiss on her nose. "But how do you know you're not going to get stressed again? We still have seven months left in the season and with you in school. The media's only going to get worse the longer we're together."
"I know that," she insisted. "Leaving didn't make me any less stressed. It just made me stressed and alone. I know that we're stronger together. I also… took some steps I hadn't taken before."
"What kind of steps?"
"Alice," she explained simply. "I had taken her advice on locking down my accounts and how to hide the media from myself, but she and Rose made me realize that letting myself be exposed to that can help me build my strength. She also taught me about the perks of offering crumbs."
"Crumbs?" I chuckled.
"Crumbs," she repeated. "If I completely lock up my social media and post nothing, then everyone will speculate. But if I share the occasional Beau-approved photo of us at, say, the team Hallowe'en party, it gives them a nibble they'll be happy with."
"What about at something like… the team Christmas party?"
"Exactly," she grinned. "Is this your way of inviting me to the team Christmas party?"
"There's no one else I'd rather have with me." I wrapped my arms around her, and pulled her closer to my body, never wanting to let go.
I can't believe we're finally here. For the first time in fifty-seven years, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the Stanley Cup Finals. Not only that, it's the first time in thirty-five years two Canadian teams have made it - we're currently tied three-to-three with the Oilers. Edmonton hadn't made the last few weeks easy for us; after being up three to zero, they'd come back and taken the last three games, now pushing us into game seven. Tonight was for all the marbles. The locker room, while normally rowdy before a game, was almost eerily silent as Coach Cullen entered the room with the rest of the coaching staff.
"Alright, men," he started, breaking the uneasy silence. "We've talked about this moment since the beginning of the season. Hell, for some of you, we've talked about this moment for years! We've trained harder than ever before, we've fought harder than ever before, and we've sacrificed harder than ever before to make it here tonight. Fifty-seven years of hopes and dreams all culminate into history tonight." He began to pace the room with a confident air, although it was clear to see the nerves had grown on him as well. "Think back to the beginning of this journey. I don't mean training camp or even your first draft. I'm talking about the first time you laced up a pair of skates and grabbed a stick. Remember the passion and the drive that brought you all here today. And not just our individual journeys, think about the people who have supported us every step of the way. Our families. The ones who've been there through every practice, every injury, every triumph, and every heartbreak. They're out there tonight, believing in each of you. They are part of this team too, and tonight, we play for them."
I smiled to myself, thinking of the family waiting for me in the stands this year. For the first time in my professional career, I knew my parents were sitting in those stands cheering me on, but it was more than that. It was the family I had acquired over the last year. Charlie and Sue, who had quickly welcomed me into their family. Leah, Sam, and especially Seth had become like siblings I never knew. And of course, my Bella. Sure, we had been seeing each other during last year's playoffs, but she hadn't been ready to make our relationship public and had cheered from afar. Tonight, she was proudly sitting in those stands wearing matching blue satin jackets with every other partner on the team. Sure, we had some struggles, but we made it to the other side stronger, and she had blossomed, not just into an integral part of my life, but an integral part of the team.
"I'm never letting Alice dress me again," Bella muttered as we made our way through the lobby at Hotel X. "These shoes aren't winter-friendly. Or Bella-friendly." She looked at the ground glaring at the knee-high boots Alice had paired with the short grey sweater dress.
"Yeah, but I would say they're Edward-friendly," I replied with a crooked smirk. As we walked onto the elevator and I pushed the button for the twenty-eighth floor, I leaned into her ear. "In fact, I think I'd like to see you in nothing but those boots." I loved that little shiver in her spine, it always let me know the effect my words had on her. "Besides, take the win. You kept Alice on a budget."
"Budget?" Bella scoffed. "Everything still came to almost five hundred dollars."
"Which isn't even a pair of shoes for Alice," I pointed out.
Bella tilted her head thoughtfully and shrugged. "Fair point. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to sit down once we get up there."
"I'm sure there will be seating all around the room. You'll be fine."
She nodded and looked up at the numbers counting up. "How does Kate afford to plan all these parties?" she suddenly asked, then blushed furiously. "I mean, I know Garrett makes a lot, but between the parties, the spa trips, the gifts… it just seems like a lot."
"Well, the WAGs fund pays for it," I answered automatically. Oh shit, I'd never told Bella about the WAGs fund…
"I'm sorry, the what?" She curved an eyebrow, questioning what I had just said.
"Well, you see… there's a fund that all the WAGs chip into at the beginning of the season…" I muttered.
"I don't remember paying into a fund," she retorted.
"Because when Kate mentioned the fifteen-hundred dollar dues, I didn't want you to worry about it and I just paid it," I answered, even though it came out more like a question. I tried giving her an innocent smile to soften the blow. I know how Bella felt about being taken care of. "To be fair, most of the guys do."
Surprisingly, Bella just sighed and shook her head. "Well, we both know that I would have freaked if Kate asked me for the money. Then you would have offered, I would have tried arguing, but you would have won and paid her. Thank you for eliminating all that mess in between." She smiled up at me, and I knew I was forgiven at that moment.
"Thank you for understanding," I replied and leaned down to kiss her gently. "Now, ready to see how hockey players celebrate Christmas?"
"Will I get to sit on Santa's lap?" she snickered.
"The only lap you're sitting on is mine," I growled as the doors opened to the party. Within minutes, I'd lost my girlfriend to the WAGs and the photobooth. I couldn't even be upset, watching that smile on her face was all I needed.
"When you step onto that ice, give everything you've got," Carlisle continued fiercely. "Play with pride, passion, the knowledge that you have everything it takes to win this. Look around this room. Look at your brothers. Every single one of you has bled, sweated, and fought to be here. Trust in each other, trust in the work we've put in and trust in your ability to rise to this challenge. Now, let's go out there and make history. Let's bring the Cup back to Toronto!"
For the first time that evening, the dressing room roared with activity as we cheered and banged our sticks before heading to the tunnel. I stood there shuffling from skate to skate along with all my teammates while we waited for the lights to go low and those words we'd heard hundreds of times to sound through the arena.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME YOUR TOOOOORONTO MAPLE LEAFS!" Mike Ross blared to every corner of Scotiabank Arena as we entered to roars from the crowds; thankfully, more cheers than boos, but Edmonton still had a following in the building tonight.
I pushed off from the boards and made my warmup rounds on the ice, keeping an eye out for Bella as I went. One of the downsides to playing in a city with the most loyal fans was that there was never a section where all the wives sat. Instead, they were spread out in pockets around the arena. Alice was the easiest to spot, as she was sitting behind our net with Peter's wife and kids, along with Jasper's immediate family. No surprise they'd want the best view of their goalie husbands in action. I saw other baby blue jackets dotted around the arena and finally found the one I was looking for sitting towards the back of the gold section behind the Oilers' bench. Directly beside her was Rosalie holding little Henry Armel McCarty in the tiniest jersey I had ever seen. On the other side were Seth, Charlie, and Sue, with Leah, Sam, and my folks directly behind her. So far, Bella had managed to make it to every home game during playoffs, and a number of away games, but the addition of others fluctuated depending on location. So, to finally see my whole family together warmed my heart in a way I never knew.
"So, before we open any gifts, we always start with stockings," Bella explained as we unloaded the back of my SUV at the Swan home on Christmas morning.
"I didn't get any stocking stuffers," I explained, not realizing her family did such a thing. I was sure they'd be happy with the larger gifts Bella and I had picked out, but I didn't know about the little ones.
"You're not supposed to get any," she winked at me. "Stockings are from Santa."
"Right, Santa," I laughed. "And you think the Big Guy knows I'm spending Christmas here?"
"Duh," she teased me. "He knows all. Come on, I can guarantee there's a stocking with your name on it!"
I shook my head with a grin at her adorable enthusiasm and followed her up the stone walkway to the side entrance.
"Merry Christmas!" She called out as we entered the kitchen where Sue was pulling cinnamon rolls out of the oven. The smell was heavenly.
"Good, you made it!" Sue grinned and pulled us both into a hug. "Just leave your coats in the closet over here and grab a coffee. Breakfast will be in the living room."
Once we joined her family, it was obvious why she had insisted that we wear our pyjamas for the car ride and pack something nicer. Everyone was still wearing their sleepwear as they munched on Sue's amazing cinnamon rolls. Although Sam's elf print ones were hilarious, I had a special appreciation for Seth. "Look at you, man! Repping the blue and white even on Christmas!" I laughed as we hugged.
"Gotta represent!" he grinned before Sue took a photo of us.
After breakfast and stockings, which Sue made sure I had one that coordinated with the rest of the family with my name embroidered on top, we handed out gifts. Growing up, I was used to more extravagant Christmases, but I can honestly say I wouldn't trade this one for all the gifts in the world.
Once the National Anthem concluded, I made my way back to the bench while James's line took their places for the puck drop, signalling the start of the game. As soon as that puck left the referee's hand, my mind went into game mode, watching every move the players made on the ice, preparing to jump as soon as Liam was within inches of the boards.
We were moving like a well-oiled machine, with smooth passes and easy changes, and even managed to get on the board first when a pass from Demi seamlessly tipped in a pass from Felix past Skinner, bringing us up one-nothing. However, it wasn't all easy breezy. The Oilers were moving just as well, and soon got a breakaway on Jas, tying up the game. We were still in the first period, though; there was tons of time to take it back. I hadn't felt an intensity like this while playing ever in my life.
"I can't believe I went to a party hosted by Justin Bieber," Bella groaned, splayed out all over my couch in her tiny party dress. She was talented at many things, but holding her liquor was not one of them. "Younger Bella would not be impressed."
"What? Was Younger Bella not a Belieber?" I teased as I took off her heels. "And I was like baby, baby, baby, OH! Like baby, baby, baby, NO!"
"Please, stop," she begged. "I had too many alcohols to listen to that song."
"Wouldn't more alcohol make the song better?"
She shook her head in a way that I was sure made her dizzy. "Uh, noooo… once you get past too many alcohols, it becomes bad again."
"No one told you to drink that much," I snickered.
"That's not true. Alice did," she insisted. "She made me challenge the Ottawa wifeys to a drinking contest." She let out a cute little hiccup and looked at me with glassy eyes. "We finally found a use for Irina. The Russian Queen won that for us." She started giggling at her own joke and toppled over on the couch.
"I'm gonna grab my little lush Gatorade," I said, shaking my head.
"It better be blue!" she called to me, not moving from the couch. "Blue's the best flavour."
"Yes, Bella," I agreed, knowing better than to argue with a drunk over blue not being a flavour. As I was grabbing the drinks from the fridge, a knock at the door surprised me. Who could be showing up at my condo this late at night? Confused, I went to the door and checked the peephole, my surprise growing even more. "Mom! Dad! What are you doing here?"
"Surprise!" Mom said with a smile.
"Did you think we were going to miss you in the All-Star Game?" Dad added. "You knew we had tickets."
"Yeah, but you both had that awful flu," I replied. I was happy to see my parents, just not at three in the morning when my girlfriend was drunk as a skunk on the couch. "I didn't think you were going to make it."
"We powered that nasty bug out of our systems," my mom insisted as she made her way past me. "We missed too much of your career, we weren't going to let some lousy flu keep us away. And we were hoping to see Bella again on better terms."
"Yeah, about that…" I chuckled.
"I heard a Bella," Bella announced, stumbling from the living room. Her eyes widened at the sight of my parents and she let out another hiccup. "Misser and Misses Masen… it's Bieber's fault."
"I'm sure it is, Bella," my mom cooed, putting an arm around her shoulder. "Edward, maybe some fluids and food are in order."
"I'll order something in," I grinned and watched as my parents and Bella all took a seat in the living room. This was going to be an interesting weekend.
The rest of the weekend went fine, and my parents were completely understanding of Thursday night. By the time they left Sunday evening, they absolutely loved her. I wish I could have been there the first time our parents met, but I had bigger fish to fry.
The second period was hard-fought but ended with no change to the scoreboard. Tensions were running high as the third period started. With Charles and Garrett having already switched, I could feel myself getting antsy as I waited for Liam to get back to the gate to join my line.
"Calm down, Masen," Coach murmured, placing a calming hand on my arm. "You jump too soon, we end up with too many men on the ice. Walsh's coming back. Just wait for him to dump the puck and get ready."
I simply nodded and watched Liam shoot the puck away towards Garrett before making his way to the bench. By the time he had one skate off the ice, I had already made my way over and got in position to accept the pass from Nahuel as Alistair and Emmett switched places. Finally, the boys were back together, and we were ready to press the Oilers. There was no way we were letting that puck leave their end. If it did, Alec and Afton would send it right back up to us.
Our passes were crisp and our shots were sure, but Skinner was stopping every one of them. Whether it was getting under his pads or trapped in his glove, we weren't getting many second chances. Finally, we tried faking them out. With the puck on Emmett's stick, he wrapped around the net with Bouchard on his tail. Instead of tipping the puck in like they expected, he quickly passed it to me, and I flipped it into the top shelf before Skinner could react, bringing the score to two to one.
The volume inside Scotiabank Arena was deafening. The sirens were blaring, the music was blasting, and the fans were cheering louder than I'd heard them cheer before. I looked up to where I knew my girl was sitting, now standing and jumping as she hugged our family while my teammates piled on me. We still had a little under five minutes left in the game, but it was ours to hold on to now.
"Toronto goal, scored by number eighteen - Edward Masen!" The deafening cheer repeated as I took a seat on the bench, hoping the rest of the guys could hold off the Oilers for just a few more minutes. "Assist by number thirty-three, Emmett McCarty! Time of goal - fifteen-eleven!"
"Last minute of play in the Stanley Cup finals." Finally! Music to my ears. I made one more change with Liam as the Oilers pulled Skinner from goal and sent on Nugent-Hopkins in an attempt to push this game into overtime. I don't think there was a time in my life I ever skated harder than this game, but after what felt like an eternity, I heard the sound we all wanted to hear. The buzzer sounded and Pursuit of Happiness played through the speakers. We did it. For the first time in fifty-seven years, the Toronto Maple Leafs had won the Stanley Cup.
Our entire bench flooded onto the ice as the Oilers quietly took their leave while gloves, sticks, and helmets went flying.
"Dude!" Emmett yelled, grabbing me in a sweaty hug. "We did it! We're champs!"
"It was all that pass, man!" I grinned as Jasper came flying into us.
"Stanley Cup Champs!" Was all that came out of Jasper's mouth as he tried to bowl us over. Not that we minded, there was nothing that could bring us down from this high.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Garrett and a few other guys head to centre ice to meet with the Oilers for the traditional handshakes and good games. What followed was a blur of hugs, pats on the back, and interviews until the moment when the Cup was brought onto the ice. At some point, a 2024 Stanley Cup Champion hat ended up on my head, and I really didn't care when that happened.
I listened to Bettman give his spiel, wondering how much he hated presenting this to a Canadian team. I'm sure he got used to the idea over the last seven games. "And tonight we present it to a captain who's also a hometown boy. From Uxbridge, Ontario - Garrett Brownrig!" He skated forward, shook hands with the commissioner, and picked up the Cup from its perch as fireworks shot off behind him before starting his victory lap. Once he was done, he passed it off to Jasper, who then passed it off to me. I made sure to skate right by Bella's section and shot her a wink as I raised the Cup over my head. The happy tears in her eyes were evident, even from this distance as Sue and Leah hugged her for support while Seth continued to wave his towel wildly. Once I passed the Cup to Emmett, the rest of the celebration passed in a blur. I was aware of the team taking a photo at some point, but every moment bled into each other. I knew this would be the best night of my life. For now.
A/N: The only way to get the Leafs a Stanley Cup is to write it myself... See? I told you I already thought of it.