It was late when everyone called it a night on the wedding rehearsal festivities. Ryne didn’t want the evening to end so he grabbed Jen’s hand and led her to one of the ATV’s kept in the garage.
From the moment he’d picked her and her grandparents up at the airport, he had a sense that all wasn’t completely right. He wasn’t exactly sure what was troubling her, but he wanted to hash it out before they said their I do’s. He knew she loved him and he loved her so much that his heart ached when they weren’t together. He needed to put his qualms to bed and fully enjoy his wedding without any reservations on her part to speak of.
“Where are you taking me?”
“I’m sure you can guess.” He pulled her beside him, revved up the ATV, and backed out of the garage. He took the long way around the ranch to their special place. The place where he’d asked her to marry him and where they were scheduled to be married in a few short hours.
He slowed the vehicle and eased himself from the seat. He grabbed her hand and pulled her along to the exact location he’d proposed. He knew where it was because there was a little dip in the hillside beside the pond.
Ryne raised his hand to her hair, smoothing it behind her ear. He ran his fingertip alongside her face and rested it against her lips. She started to speak but he pressed his finger against her, shushing her voice.
“I love you,” he said. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He looked longingly into her eyes. “You are my life, Jen.” He removed his finger from her lips and laid his hand against her heart. “You’ve brought so much love and joy into my heart. When I am away from you, I physically ache.”
He dropped his hand and pulled away. “I need to make sure you’re doing what you want to do, and if you say no, then I’ll have to deal with it in my own way.” He cleared his throat unsure how she would take his next words. “I think I’ve loved you since the moment you ran into me.”
“Ryne.”
“Shh, listen to what I have to say first, and then you can speak.” She nodded.
“I know this is a huge adjustment for you. Marrying me and relocating to Canada.” He paused before asking her the question that had been on his mind for days now. “Are you sure you want to do that? Do you really want to marry me?”
She gasped. “Of course, I want to marry you. Why do you think I don’t?”
“I just want to be one hundred percent sure before tomorrow. I plan to only get married once in my lifetime and that’s to you. So if you have any doubts…”
“Why would you think I have doubts? I love you with all of my heart.”
“I know you say you do, but then I see the sadness in your eyes. When I told you about my trade, I saw the uncertainty fall across your face. The Storm is my dream, and I just want to make sure that it’s yours too. I get the feeling it’s not.”
She wrung her hands together, and he could feel her nervousness. She stood slightly turned away from him, gazing across the horizon. “If you want to call it off, let’s do it right here and right now,” he said.
“I don’t,” she whispered.
He reached for her hand and cupped the side of her face. “Then please, tell me what’s troubling you.”
She raised her eyes to his. Holding back tears, she shared with him her conversation with her grandmother shortly after discovering his trade. “Grandmother helped me see the light. I’ll be honest; at first, I was unsure about the trade. In fact, I am still a little overwhelmed with everything. But then I see your loving face and know that I made the right decision when you asked me to be your wife.
“I love you so much that I’m oftentimes consumed with my love for you. I think of you from the moment I wake until I go to sleep. Will this move be difficult for me? Of course it will. But then, I recall Emma when we arrived the other day, and I realize that I’m not losing my family. I’m gaining so much more: You, your parents, your brothers, Olivia, Emma and of course, your Storm family. My life is going to be so full of family.” She smiled.
He chuckled as she described her newfound family. “My life is so much fuller with all of the Fergusons. As Grams reminded me…She can always visit us as often as I wish…”
Ryne groaned.
“Hey, come on.”
“Just kidding. I love Rose and Wilford. They’re welcome anytime.”
She grabbed ahold of his hand. “Once I came to grips with the fact that I wasn’t losing my family, only gaining one, I was okay. I just ask you one thing.”
“And that is…”
“Please have patience with me. I know this is going to be a difficult adjustment for me. I’m going to have to get used to the fact that I can’t visit my grandparents on a whim. I’ll have to set aside quality time for them. I don’t want to lose them.”
“Honey, you won’t. I won’t let you. They’ll always be there for you although just a little further away. They won’t be there to put that physical bandage on your wound, but they’ll always be there by your side, albeit just not around the corner.”
“If you call eighteen hundred miles around the corner.”
“You’re sure?”
“Absolutely.” She inched closer to him and then brushed her fingertips against his lips. “I have to be completely honest with you, though.” She raised her fingers along his brow and chuckled at his expression. “Stop worrying, will you.”
He focused on her every word. “I have to admit I am a tad nervous,” she said.
“Just a tad?”
“Maybe more than a tad. I’m joining your family in just a few short hours, and I have to say it’s a little daunting. I’ll be going from living basically alone to sharing my entire life with you; being able to call Jacques and Jacklynne Mom and Dad. Add in your brothers, Olivia and Emma, and I’m just a little overwrought. Please forgive me if I made you believe that I didn’t want to marry you.
“Marrying you is what’s keeping me sane these days. You’ve guided me to the realization that I needed to refocus my career and live my life doing what I’d originally planned.” She ran her finger along his brow. “Just have patience with me. Be there on those days that I can’t seem to see straight. Hold me when I’m overcome with homesickness.”
He laughed at that.
“No. I’m serious. I know I’m going to have good and bad days as I work through the adjustment to being married and moving away from the only home I’ve ever known. Promise me one thing.”
He nodded as he waited on her.
“Promise that you’ll never give up on me or us. I need you more than anything. You’re my lifeline, and I don’t know what I’d do if you ever gave up on us.”
“Never. I’ve waited a long time to find you. In the one moment when my life flashed before me and I looked into your eyes, I knew you were the one. We were meant to find one another that night on the parking lot. Fate brought us together, and love will keep us together.
“I have to be honest that being a hockey wife isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. I’m on the road at least three months of the year. I get banged up a lot.”
“Like I haven’t noticed.”
“Seriously, it’s a rough sport. So what comes around goes around. I’ll be there for you when you’re experiencing one of your lows, but I expect you to be there on the nights I can barely get off the couch.”
He placed his hands on either side of her face. “We’re in this together. The good and the bad. The ups and downs. That’s what married life is all about, and I can’t wait to experience what life’s got to throw at me. With you by my side…”
She leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. “Together we’ll survive…one day at a time.”
He held her close. “This time tomorrow you’ll be my wife. I can’t wait to call you my wife— Mrs. Ryne Ferguson.”
“And I can’t wait to call you my husband.”
The wedding was everything she imagined. She’d considered both of her grandfathers to escort her down the aisle but instead chose Ed. He was the closest thing to a father she had—being her dad’s best friend. He’d been there since she was a little girl, and after her parents’ deaths, she often sought him out for advice.
When she came down the stairs and met him in the foyer, she noticed the tears in his eyes. “My dear, your father would be so proud of you. You are marrying a wonderful man. He loves you very much.”
“I know and I love him with all of my heart. I’m sorry my parents aren’t here to witness me marrying Ryne, but I am ever thankful that I have you in my life. Getting married has made me realize that even though I haven’t said it, I consider you a second father. You’ve been with me every step of the way since Mom and Dad died. I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me, and I’m ever thankful for the trade you orchestrated bringing Ryne to the Generals. I owe this day to you. I would have never found Ryne if it weren’t for you. Thank you, Ed. You’ve given me so much.”
“Oh sweetheart. I didn’t do a thing. What I see is that fate sealed this day for you. You were meant to run down Ryne on the parking lot, and fall hopelessly in love with him.”
“Neither of you are ever going to let me live that little faux pas down, are you?”
“I don’t see how we can. I can hear it now. I met Mommy when she almost ran me over in the parking lot. What a fantastic story you’ll be able to share with your children. Now, let’s get this show on the road.” Ed pulled her into his arms and kissed her brow. “I can feel your parents here today. They are watching you and smiling, knowing that Ryne is the perfect man for you. This day is going to fly by in the blink of an eye. Take in everything you can.”
On that note, the carriage appeared that would take them out to the pond where she and Ryne would exchange their vows. As promised, the hillsides surrounding the ranch were filled with a multitude of colors as the flowers were at their peak.
As they neared the fabric runner that would lead her to Ryne, she took a deep breath. Her life was about to change. She closed her eyes committing to memory the beauty that surrounded her. The cumulus clouds that blanketed the sky reminded her of her favorite Florida sky. The perfect day all around. When she reopened them, she saw Ryne, dressed in a formal black tux, standing at the end of the white runner. He shifted from foot to foot as he waited for her.
Ed assisted her from the carriage and Lauren straightened her mother’s eight-foot train adorned with hand sewn Swarovski crystals.
As the girls prepared to head down the aisle, Jen was overwhelmed with feelings. In a few short minutes, they would be her sisters, and she couldn’t be happier. When the music began, Emma took one last look at Jen, flashed a bright smile, and winked. Only Emma, Jen thought.
Emma started down the aisle followed by Olivia. Right before Lauren proceeded down the aisle, she turned back to her lifelong friend and whispered, “Be happy.” Jen was more nervous than she’d even been in her entire life. She reached for Ed’s arm and he patted her hand in place, giving her the reassurance that she needed.
As Jen began her way towards her future, she heard the oohs and aahs as everyone recognized the beauty of her dress. The fabric was a gorgeous color of ivory silver lace on ivory tulle and moscato royal organza beaded with the same Swarovski crystals.
The lace detail not only surrounded the skirt just above the hem, but also mirrored the lace edges of the sparkling bodice. Wide straps came across the back, forming an elegant keyhole opening. She looked like a princess in her mother’s dress.
As she moved down the aisle, the sun was at the perfect angle and her dress glittered brightly with each step she took, creating a magical moment. Her whole dress shimmered in the sunshine. As she approached Ryne, she knew he was doing his best to contain his emotions as he gnawed on his lower lip.
Ryne met her and Ed. With tears in her eyes, she brushed a kiss on Ed’s cheek and reached for her future. She clasped Ryne’s hand and gazed into his eyes. The smile that she’d come to love shone brightly on his face. She winked at Ryne, and they turned towards the minister.
As they stood preparing to say their vows, the sun went behind the clouds casting a shadow on the horizon.
She curled her fingers around his hand and tightly held on. When the minister asked ‘Who giveth this woman all eyes turned to Ed.
“Her parents, grandparents, and I,” he responded.
Wilford and Miles stood on either side of Ed. It was definitely a difficult time remembering Jen’s parents. Even though they weren’t present in mind and body, they weren’t forgotten.
As they recited their vows, Ryne became emotional. She knew how much he loved her especially as she watched this proud, powerful center iceman weep at his own wedding.
She cried right alongside Ryne. Once they completed their vows, the clouds parted and the sky was filled with the most beautiful sunbeams she’d ever seen. She squeezed Ryne’s hand and smiled. She felt at peace. All the apprehension that she felt only moments ago had disappeared.
As they started down the aisle, she could finally breathe again. Her life as she once knew it, in so many words, had ceased to exist. Her life now was filled with a family she’d never once turn her back on.
As they neared the carriage that would take them to the barn where the reception was being held, she took one last look back towards the pond. There, flying low across the water, were two Canada Geese. They landed at the water’s edge. Facing them they each lowered their heads almost as a sign to Jen that her parents were nearby.
A tear escaped and ran down her cheek. “Hey, I thought your tears were over.”
“They were, but look.” She pointed at the geese. “Look where they landed…Right in our spot where you asked me to marry you.”
“I see that.”
“Do you think it’s a coincidence?” He looked at her questioningly. “Never mind. It’s just my imagination playing tricks on me.”
In her heart she knew the geese represented her parents.
As the wedding guests made their way to the barn, Ryne and Jen rode around the ranch in the horse drawn carriage. “I wanted to tell you this when you came down the aisle, but I was speechless. Sweetheart, you look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you and you look quite handsome yourself.”
She rested her head on his shoulder as the sun began to sink along the horizon. “I was shocked with how emotional Ed seemed. I’ve never seen him like that. Even when my parents died, he was stoic and never showed one ounce of emotion.”
“He was. I have to believe he knew he needed to be strong for you. It was a nice gesture that he included your parents and grandparents in the ceremony.”
She nodded. “It was and I know they were there in spirit. I could feel them and I know the others did too.”
Throughout the evening friends and family took to the microphone, offering the couple words of wisdom. When dinner was over, Emma decided she needed to say something. Jen watched as Jacques tried to discourage it, but Jacklynne encouraged her since she was over-the-top excited to have Jen as her sister.
Jen wound her fingers through Ryne’s as they listened to Emma.
“Hi! I’m Emma Ferguson and Ryne is my older brother.” Jen looked up at Ryne and burst out laughing.
“Hey, Em’s, I think they know I’m your brother,” Ryne yelled from the table.
“I wasn’t sure,” she added staring her brother down. “Jen, I am so excited to be able to call you my sister. I’ve always wanted an older sister.”
“Hey, what about me,” cried Olivia.
“I said older!”
“I am older.”
“By what, five years? I said older and I mean older—older like Jen older.” Everyone laughed at the exchange between Emma and Olivia. “I’m so happy you are moving here. We can go shopping, have sleepovers…”
“Sleepovers?” Ryne whispered. “What about me?”
“Shhh. You know what she means,” Jen said, elbowing him in the ribs. “Stop so we can hear what she says.”
“Well, that’s all I wanted to say. I love you Jen, and I’m so glad you married my brother.”
Jen pulled away from Ryne and stood as Emma ran towards her. She enveloped her arms around Emma. “Oh Emma. Thank you for that. I love you too! I’m so glad I can call you and Oliva my sisters.” She kissed Emma on the cheek; then Ryne reached for Emma as well, planting a kiss on her forehead.
“Thanks for accepting Jen, Emma. It means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome. Oh and I forgot while I was up there,” she said pointing to the microphone. “I love you too, Ryne.”
“Right back at you, Em’s.”
Next up to the microphone was Rowena. Jen had been so focused on Emma and Ryne’s conversation that she missed her grandmother moving to the stage. As soon as she heard her voice, she groaned, unsure what she was about to say.
“For those of you that don’t know me, I’m Rowena Steele. Jennifer is my granddaughter. I’m not very good at this, but I feel I must say a few words in the absence of her father.” Miles stood beside Rowena as she began her toast or rather speech that she’d all planned out and was reading from.
“Jennifer is my only grandchild. I’m sure most, if not all of you, are aware that her parents were killed the evening of her high school graduation. Jen was going to be a photographer and follow in the footsteps of her renowned father, Marcus Steele. But that evening, she lost her way and gave up on her life’s dream. I have to say that my granddaughter hasn’t been the same since she lost her parents.
“Now, fast forward all these years later. She’s a teacher at a Lakeview Private School where many of the students’ fathers are professional athletes. Not to forget Ed here is the owner of the St. Louis Generals…Jennifer was surrounded by athletes in some way.
“Then, one cold night she runs into Ryne— quite literally. Isn’t that a story?”
“Ah, Rowena, I don’t think we need to go there.” Ryne chimed in.
“Shhh.” Rowena shushed Ryne and continued with her speech. “I thought everyone knew how you two met.” Everyone heard both Ryne and Jennifer groan. Rowena would tell the story. “So you see, fate played a part in these two meeting. I still can’t believe my granddaughter almost ran the star of the team over but enough of that.” Everyone chuckled.
“Miles and I didn’t know Jennifer and Ryne were dating until they came out East for a Black Gold Management party honoring Tony and Ashley Regada. In fact, our family has ties to them.”
“Grandmother,” Jen called out.
“Okay honey, I won’t go into how we know Ashley Regada other than we knew her and her first husband, Morgan Cameron. Suffice it to say, Jennifer brought Ryne to dinner.” Rowena turned back to Miles. “Her grandfather and I weren’t sure what she had gotten herself into. Involved with a hockey player. I thought all hockey players were mean fighting machines. It seems like we always hear of these brutal fights on the ice. Anyway, I took one look at Ryne and I knew he was different.
“For being a defenseman, he didn’t seem like he had a bad bone in his body. He actually was well behaved…”
Everyone could hear Ryne clearing his throat. “If I may Ro, I’m a center iceman not a defenseman.”
She glared at him as he corrected her. “You’re a hockey player, that’s about all I know. Anyway, where was I?” She looked at her notes clearing her throat. “Well, you were well behaved, that’s what I know, and even enjoyed my cooking.”
“Which is very good,” he added.
“See why I like him?” The crowd burst out laughing. “Now to get to my point. Even though I gave Ryne a little bit of trouble, I knew he was the perfect match for our Jennifer. I felt like the Jennifer of old had returned. She was smiling, laughing, and seemed happy. The happiest I’d seen since the day before her high school graduation.
“During dinner, I discovered that she’d returned to photography. I know she was somewhat forced into it because of the fundraiser she was put in charge of, but she was doing what she was meant to do. Not only was she taking the pictures she loved to take, Ryne had talked her into taking sports photographs. From what I’ve seen, you’re going to be quite the sought-after sports photographer, but I digress there.
“In the last year, Miles and I have witnessed the return of our beloved granddaughter. I know, Ryne, you were a little apprehensive about me.” Everyone saw Ryne nod his head in agreement. “And you should have been. I did ask a lot of questions.”
“That you did,” Jen called out.
“I did that because I needed to know what type of man you were involved with. Ryne, dear, you are a perfect gentleman. You are going to be the perfect husband for my granddaughter. I am thrilled to be standing here at your wedding. The one thing I’m not too keen about is your forcing her to move so damn far away from me and Miles, Wilford and Rose. But I guess that’s what a guest room is for, right Jennifer?”
Everyone saw Jennifer roll her eyes. “Now dear, don’t roll your eyes at me.” Again laughter rang out.
“Are you almost done?”
“Almost, dear. Almost. Your grandfather and I will always be here for you if you need us. We’re all proud of you. And most of all, your parents are too.” Rowena reached for the glass that sat in front of her. “So let’s everyone raise your glass in a toast to our couple. To Ryne and Jennifer: May your life be filled with happiness but most of all, love.”
By the time Rowena finished her speech, the tears Jen had been holding at bay let loose and cascaded down her cheek. No matter what happened in her life, Jennifer would always have her grandparents by her side, cheering her on.
Ryne and Jennifer made their way to Rowena where Ryne pulled Rowena into a hug. “Thanks, Rowena. I’m glad you like me so much.”
Rowena slapped him on the shoulder. “Do you think I’d have given you permission to marry her if I didn’t?”
“No, you definitely wouldn’t.”
“Just be true to her. Keep her happy and when she’s sad because she’s missing St. Louis, be an understanding ear to her. That’s all I ask. I know how much you love one another.” Rowena kissed Ryne on the cheek and then hugged her granddaughter.
“Jennifer, be happy. Just be happy. That’s all I want.”
“I am, Grandmother Rowena. I am.”
The rest of the reception was filled with more toasts and dancing. It was late when Ryne and Jennifer snuck away. They’d enjoyed every minute of the day and looked forward to what the future had to offer. Most especially his move to the Storm and his chance at finally becoming a Stanley Cup winner.