Love Game

Chapter Twenty-Nine - Parade

The sun peeked through the curtains of my bedroom, shining bright on my face. I groaned to myself as I rubbed my palms against my eyes, scrunching my nose as I do so. I felt my body being pulled back as I hear a low moan from behind me. I rolled onto my side and slowly opened my eyes, seeing a sleeping Gabriel Landeskog; naked, nonetheless. I placed my left hand against his cheek, pressing my forehead against his. I kissed his lips softly as I felt him start to kiss back slowly.

"Good morning, my Stanley Cup champion," I whisper against his lips.

"Good morning, my beautiful fiancée," he replies, his voice rough and low.

"Time to get ready for the parade, babe." I slowly sit up, covering my naked body with the sheet, only before I felt my body being pulled back quickly.

"We have time," he smirks as he pulls my body on top of his. "Now rock my world, baby girl."

***

The streets of downtown Denver were flooded with Avs fans awaiting to see the most glorified trophy in all of sports. Butterflies escaped from their cage in my stomach as I saw all these people. It was absolutely crazy.

The entire team was stuffed on to one lone motorized vehicle. It looked like a bus, but the top of it was missing, so we could all see out across Denver. Of course I was having a dumb moment, forgetting what the hell those things were called. I only knew them as Duct Tours, from Boston, but in Denver they must have been something different.

We all were on this insane contraption with wheels in our jerseys. My auburn hair was curled, smoky makeup covered my eyes, and I wore a pair of dark blue capris and blue converse to go along with my jersey. I looked over at Gabe, who had the Cup raised over his head as the crowd roared from the streets. I smiled to myself as I watched the love of my life raise the trophy he has worked so hard for.

"Mal, get over here!" Gabe shouts at me.

I make my way towards him and he puts the Cup in my hands. I raise the Cup over my head, feeling an adrenaline rush through my body. I kiss the Cup and I pass it to Duchene.

We arrived at the capital building in Denver, where the governor of Colorado and mayor of Denver were awaiting our arrival. We all walked up the stairs of the building, reaching the podium that was set out for us. Gabe placed the Cup on the table next to the podium, making sure everyone in the city of Denver can see it.

We all took our seats, me sitting next to Gabe. I look down at my left hand and I see my engagement ring. I blush badly when I realize I am marrying this man, the man I love more than anyone and anything. I will be Mrs. Gabriel Landeskog.

"Hey, future Landy," Gabe whispers in my ear. "What are you thinking about?"

"I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with you." I whisper back with a smile on my face.

"As am I, beautiful," he kisses my cheek. "I love you so much."

"I love you, darling," I whisper and hold his hand, giving it a squeeze.

The parade flew by rather quickly. We had the opportunity to meet many fans, take pictures with them and sign autographs. Many Avs fans gave me bear hugs, thanking me for my game winning goal. I felt humbled, but I knew I couldn't do it without the rest of the team.

As we all started to pile back on to the bus, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and I saw Varly towering over me.

"So, we won Cup," he says with his broken English.

"That we did," I gulp, knowing exactly where this is going to lead.

"Remember our deal?" Varly smirks, his eyes scanning my body.

"Yes. I'll meet you at your place tonight. A dance is all you're getting." I whisper in disgust. Why did I promise him this?

"Seven o'clock. Don't be late," he passes by me and takes his seat on the bus.

What am I getting myself into?