Mike's POV:
We ended up beating the NY Rangers in the finals and we won the Stanley Cup! It was so great for the team and me, but Carrie also made it special to me. Once we made it to the finals, she went to all six of the games, three in Ottawa and three in NY. She was there cheering me on and supporting me and I just love that about her. After we won, I took her on vacation to Cabo for two weeks and then she had to get back to recording for the new album that would be coming out in November. It's now mid September and we're about to start getting ready for the new season. I started my career here in Ottawa and have stayed here since, never really thinking of being traded but now I've started thinking about it and I don't think it'd be a bad idea. I haven't mentioned it to Carrie but she knows that I want to be closer to her.
Carrie's POV:
It's November 1st and Play On is released tomorrow and I'm freaking out. Everything is set and ready to be released but I just get nervous, ya know? I'm at CMA practice and Brad comes over to me. "What are you thinking about? You seem pretty out of it?" "Just the album...nerves." "YOU are nervous? You are Carrie Underwood! Everything you touch turns to gold. Your album will be amazing, trust me." Brad said reassuring me. I got up and hugged him. "Thank you Brad, that means a lot." "Believe me Carrie, I don't say that lightly. I know it'll be number 1 in no time. Just the few tracks you played me gave me chills." I started tearing up a little. Brad is always there reassuring me and encouraging me musically and personally. He gets me in a way most people don't. I'm so happy that we've become such great friends because it's great to have someone to talk to about work and other stuff. He's my best guy friend after Mike. I hope they can meet up soon. "Hey Carrie, can I see your phone for a minute, I have to call Kim but my phone's about to die." "Sure," I said as I handed Brad my phone and he then left the room. He came back in a minute later. We went over our skit for a couple minutes and then Mike called me which was a surprise because he should be in practice. "Hey babe, what's going on?" I ask him. "Nothing, just ducked out of practice a little early to talk to you. I wanted to make sure everything's okay with you and tomorrow." "Oh it'll be okay, Brad's trying to calm me down. I can't focus on our lines which I have to memorize in four days." "Baby, call me later okay? I love you." He said to me. "I love you too. Talk to you later, bye." And I hung up. About an hour later Brad and I were done practicing and we left. He picked me up for breakfast like he always does before rehearsals and started to bring me home. Brad looked over at me, "Carrie stop worrying, you will do just fine. Trust me. Who's your best friend?" "Mike," I giggled. "Ouch that hurts. Okay, besides your boyfriend, who's your best "male" friend?" "Well you, duh Brad." "Then trust me. You know I wouldn't lie to you. What are you most nervous about? The song you recorded for Mike?" Brad asked. "No, no of course I'm not nervous about that one," I paused. "Carrie Underwood. I've never even officially met the guy yet but I've seen the way he looks at you in pictures. They way he makes you feel. The things he does for you. He's crazy in love with you. You don't have to worry about his feelings. He loves you. And can you blame him?" He winked and I felt my face turn red instantly. "Oh shut up Brad," I laughed as I hit his arm. He always knows how to calm me down. Before Mike, Brad was my best friend. I have Ivey and other friends but Brad just gets me. But so does Mike. I really hope they get along! They are two of the most important men to me. I'm sure they'll bond over fishing or something. I'm in my own little world and don't even realize where Brad was driving us. "What are we doing here? I'm not really up to dinner; can you bring me home please?" "Carrie, just come inside for a minute." I get out of the car and walk with him inside. We walk up to the hostess, "table for Paisley," he told her. "Right this way Mr. Paisley." And she led us to a table that Kim was sitting at with some guy she was talking to. "Hey baby," Brad said as he walked over to Kim and gave her a kiss. Then the man turns around and that smile made my heart melt. "Mike!" he stands up and I give him a big hug. I've missed him. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in San Jose?" "I am, but being here with you is more important. I knew you were stressing a little and Brad called me before and suggested we all get dinner and meet." I flashed a smile towards Brad and he nodded back to me. Sneaky Paisley.
We had dinner and it was amazing! The food was great and it was so much fun just relaxing with all of them and everyone getting to know each other better. Mike and Brad got to talking and I was catching up with Kim. She was telling me stories about their sons Huck and Jasper and I couldn't believe how great Kim looks six months after having a baby! I hope I look that good after having a child. Babies with Mike crossed my mind once or twice but not seriously until now. I love him and we've been going out over a year and that's the longest I've ever dated someone. I could totally see us getting married and having kids...if he's ready for that..if he wants that. Ugh. Brad was right, I need to stop worrying. I know Mike loves me. I look over at Mike talking to Brad and I can't help but smile and get butterflies.
