With Ryne’s trade happening so close to the wedding and the beginning of the preseason, they had little time to pack and find a home. Still, they wanted a wedding trip. The day after the wedding, they flew to Alaska where they cruised the inside passage and took a road trip around the state exploring the vast nature Alaska offers.
Their honeymoon afforded them the time to relax before having to pack up Jen’s house, and for Ryne to begin the preseason. Their trip went according to plan up until they arrived at the airport to return home. Their schedule was tight as it was, having to travel to St. Louis, but at Anchorage’s airport, they discovered a delay. There was no flight out that day.
Both were annoyed but they decided it wouldn’t put a damper on their special trip.
They contacted Philippe since he was scheduled to be their chauffeur.
“Heads-up, Dad wants to talk to you as soon as you get home.”
“Wonder what he wants?”
“Haven’t a clue. Maybe you should reach out to him.”
“Sounds good,” replied Ryne. “See you tomorrow.”
“What’s wrong?” Jen asked when he ended the call. “Did something happen?”
Ryne shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”
He dialed his father. “Dad, our flight’s delayed and we can’t get out until tomorrow. Philippe said you needed to speak to me.”
“Sorry to hear about that. How was your trip?”
“We had a great time. Oh, and Jen says hi.” She gave him a thumbs up.
“Dad, what’s up?
“It can wait until tomorrow. Enjoy your last day of freedom. You’ve got a lot on the horizon with packing up Jen and the start of training camp.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yep. Nothing to worry about.”
Thankfully their flight was on time and when they pulled up at the house, Jacques and Jacklynne greeted them with open arms.
“Welcome home. You look so happy and relaxed,” Jacklynne exclaimed as she hugged Jen.
“We had the best time,” Jen said. “And I feel relaxed and rested although I’m not looking forward to packing.”
Jacques motioned to Ryne.
“Honey, I’m going to have that chat with my dad.” He brushed a kiss to her cheek. “Why don’t you and Mom catch up?” He smiled and leaned back for another kiss.
“Don’t worry, Ryne. I’ll take good care of her,” Jacklynne said as she slipped her arm through Jen’s and led her to the house.
“Your mom missed her along with Emma. She can’t wait to see her.”
“I guess I’m old meat, huh?” he said, rolling his eyes.
Jacques laughed. “I wouldn’t say that but you’re definitely not the new kid on the block.”
“I understand.”
Jacques led him across the yard where they hopped on the ATV and drove off towards the opposite side of the ranch.
“So, you had a good trip.” Jacques asked as they drove along.
“Yeah, we did. It was nice and relaxing.” Ryne ran his hand through his hair. “Now the tough part. We need to find a place to live, pack, and then move, all within a few weeks’ time. It’s definitely going to be a huge adjustment for Jen, especially with me starting training camp. Luckily, it’s being held at the Sauderhouse Arena and not in some far away hole-in-the-wall town.”
“I remember our training camps were held out of town, making the season seem that much longer. Since they built Sauderhouse, the team has everything at their fingertips. Why travel out of town and have to pack and haul all of the equipment? It makes perfect sense to me.”
“It does. But don’t get me wrong, Dad. I am ever thankful for this trade. I don’t know how it happened so fast. I approached Adam a while ago, but I didn’t think it would come until my contract expired. I have to believe Adam spoke with Ed who made it happen.
“Two years ago, when Anthony moved into the general manger role for the Storm, I even spoke with him, letting him know that I wanted to come home.” He stopped and looked across the fields still full of summer color. “Maybe in Anthony’s own way, it was a wedding gift to us.” He shrugged. “All I know is that I need to stop by his office before training camp begins and thank him— that’s for sure. He made my dream come true. Now we just have to win that Stanley Cup, right?” He paused shaking his head. “Gosh, I hate thinking about moving again. I was just getting settled.”
“About that, son.” As they drove along, Jacques shared with him an idea that he’d been pondering since he discovered Ryne had been traded.
“I know how hard it is with just getting married. It’s going to be a huge adjustment for both of you but especially Jennifer. I have a temporary solution for you.” He stopped and turned to Ryne. “We have the cabin.”
“Yeah, and?”
“And, I’ve fixed it up. I put in all new appliances, added a new furnace. We even painted. What about you and Jen moving in there while you take time to find a place to live? That way, you’re not being pressured into making a decision you’re not ready to make. The cabin’s far enough away from the main house that Emma shouldn’t bother Jennifer too much. And Jennifer will be close enough that if she gets lonely, she can come visit us. Plus, we’ll be close by if she needs anything. We’re not her grandparents, but we are her family now. So, what do you think?”
“Wow, Dad,” he ran his hand along his whiskered jaw pausing in thought. “Thanks for offering it to us. Of course we’ll take you up on it.”
“Don’t you think you should ask your wife?”
“Yeah, definitely, but I don’t think she’ll have to think twice. I know she’ll say yes.”
“Good,” Jacques added.
“Have you completed all of the upgrades that I can take Jen by right now?”
“Yep, it’s all ready for you.”
“Thanks, Dad. This really means a lot. I know how difficult a transition this is going to be for Jen. Being away from the only home she’s ever known, living in a country and a climate that can be brutal during the winter. She’s definitely going to need family, especially when I’m on the road. I love you, Dad.” Ryne threw his arm around Jacques neck and hugged him.
“Thank your Mom. It was really her idea.”
“I will. Mom is going to be the best thing for Jen. I know how much she misses her own, but she’s really come to love you and Mom a great deal. You’ll both look out for her. I love her so much but I worry that all of these changes are going to be unsettling for her, and I won’t be there quite as much as I should.”
“We’ll take care of her, don’t you worry, son.”
They made their way back to the house and found both Jacklynne and Jennifer deep in conversation. They’d already finished a glass of iced tea, and Jen was pouring a second when Ryne and Jacques walked in the door.
Ryne kissed his mom on the cheek and turned to Jen. “Do you think I can steal my wife for a little while?”
Jacques winked at Jacklynne.
“Of course, you can.” Jacklynne reached for her glass with a broad smile plastered across her face.
Ryne led Jen from the house. “Is everything alright?” she asked as he guided her to the ATV.
“Of course, why do you ask?”
“I don’t know. You’re acting strangely.”
“Come on. I need to show you something.”
Ryne led her to the garage and helped her into the ATV. He revved the engine and backed out.
“Where are we going?”
Ryne grinned at her and drove along. “Did you have a good time catching up with Mom?”
“I did. According to her, Emma was bummed out that she and Olivia wouldn’t be here when we arrived. They’re at some hockey clinic.” She placed her hand on his forearm. “Oh, by the way, your parents want to have a meeting with Emma.” Ryne cocked his brow. “Emma won’t like it but I think it makes sense with how excited she is with our relocating to Calgary.”
He cast a sideways glance at her. “What’s this all about?”
She hemmed and hawed and then admitted they wanted to lay down some strict rules concerning Emma.
“Jen, they need to let Emma just be. She’s ten years old. She has an exuberant personality.”
“I realize that but your mom wants to do this for us. Emma needs to learn to respect our privacy and not bother us all the time.”
They drove along for a few minutes when he stopped. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. “Close your eyes and just to make sure you’re not cheating; I’m going to cover them.”
“Ryne, what are you up to?”
“It’s not what I’m up to but what my parents are up to.” He covered her eyes and restarted the engine. They bumped along and then he stopped. “Hold on a second,” he said as he jumped from the vehicle. “I’m going to help you. And keep that blindfold on.”
“Yes, sir,” she snapped back.
He reached for her hand and aided her from the vehicle. “Hold onto me and you shouldn’t have any problems.” They took a few steps. “Okay, now there are a few stairs ahead. I’ll lead you.” He gripped her hand and helped her onto the porch. He turned the doorknob and pushed the door inward. He led her inside, turned, and placed his hands on her shoulders.
“I’m going to take off your blindfold, but keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them.” He untied his handkerchief. “Okay, open your eyes.”
He stepped aside and watched her face as she opened her eyes. They grew as big as saucers. “Where are we?”
“Do you like it?” He watched her as she spun around, taking in the cabin. She made her way farther into the large, expansive room, immediately falling in love with the stone fireplace, the vaulted ceiling, and the multitude of windows that stretched along the back wall. She ran her hand over the back of the couch and strolled towards the opening that led to the kitchen. He heard her gasp when she noticed the new appliances and fully stocked kitchen.
“I don’t understand. Where are we?”
“Our temporary home, if you like it.”
“Like it, I love it. But…”
“Mom and Dad knew how stressed our life is going to be with getting married and having to relocate. They decided to help us out a little, so they redid the cabin for us. We can live here until we have the time to find a place of our own. That way, we won’t be forced into buying something we’re not ready for.”
“I can’t believe they did this for us. I’m….”
“Honey, they wanted to make this transition easier for you. We’ll have our privacy here, but we’ll always be welcome at the house. And if I know Emma, this will be her home away from home.”
“Yeah, probably.”
“And don’t you let her live here. She’s going to need to learn her place, and in time, she will. You being here will become old school soon enough… At least I hope so.” He reached for her fingers. “When I’m gone, you won’t be alone or isolated somewhere especially if we have bad weather. Mom and Dad will always be available so don’t be shy. Reach out to them if you need it.”
“I will. Wow. I can’t believe they did this. I’m speechless.”
“They don’t expect anything other than a simple thank you.” He pulled her into his arms. “Come on, let me show you your new home.” He brushed her brow with a kiss then took her on a tour of the cabin.
It really wasn’t a cabin in her terms. It was a house that contained three bedrooms, an oversized remodeled kitchen, two bathrooms, a laundry, and even a detached garage. “Let me ask, how do we get here?”
“There’s a separate driveway, and we can come and go as we please without bothering anyone. We’re kind of off the beaten path as we’re past my parents’ place, so they’d have to drive out here to even determine if we we’re home.”
She ran her hand along the granite countertop in the kitchen. “We need to do something special for them. They’ve helped us so much. Between the wedding and this house…I have to say finding a place was a weight on our shoulders that they’ve removed. I feel so much better. I wasn’t looking forward to finding something in a short amount of time.”
“They understood our predicament and wanted to lessen our burden. My dad realizes what it’s like to marry and head off to training camp. At least the Storm train at the Sauderhouse Arena and not some far away small-town rink in a remote area. I can come home every night, and it will help us as we ease into married life before the season takes over our lives.”
As they neared the house, Jen pulled out her phone. “Who are you calling now? Not Lauren again.”
She raised her brow.
“Well, didn’t you just speak with her on the drive from the airport?”
“I did and what’s it to you…”
He looked at her as a smile broke out across her lips. “Just so you know, I’m phoning your mom to see if the girls are home.” While she dialed, he placed his hand on her thigh. She glanced his way when Jacklynne answered.
“Are the girls home?” She waited for her response.
“We’re on our way.”
He turned to her. “And when is this so-called meeting?”
She gnawed on her lower lip and raised her brow. “When we get there.”
“Be prepared for a pouty Emma. Not sure how she’ll react to these restrictions. You are her ‘older’ sister and I’m sure she’s going to want an all-access pass.”
“Maybe we should rethink this. I don’t want her upset with me.”
He shook his head. “If my parents think this is best, then I agree. They’re never wrong.”
Changing the subject, Jen slapped at his hand and looked across the horizon. “I can’t believe the flowers are still in bloom,” she sighed. “It is so beautiful here.”
“So you’re okay with moving here?”
“Absolutely. I’d follow you anywhere. I’m not going to say this will be easy, but with you and your family by my side, I think it will be a piece of cake.”
“I like that attitude.”
She reached for his hand as they entered the kitchen.
“I told Emma in a few minutes we were having a family meeting. Are you okay with that?” Jacklynne asked as she wiped down the counter.
“We are,” Ryne said as he grabbed a cookie from the cookie jar. “In fact, I think it’s a fantastic idea to set ground rules with Emma especially since we’ll be living right down the road.”
They gathered as a family: Jacklynne, Jacques, Ryne, Jen, Emma and Olivia.
Jacques led off the discussion. “Your mother and I wanted to set some ground rules now that Ryne and Jen are moving home.”
“Ground rules?”
“That’s right, Emma.” Emma’s eyes grew large and she pushed out her lower lip.
“Jen and Ryne are moving to the ranch.”
Excitedly, Emma clapped her hands. “Really? You’re staying here at the house?”
“No.”
“But where?”
“The cabin,” Jacques added.
Emma raised her brows. “The cabin? Why would you go there? It’s old and dirty. The heat doesn’t even work.”
Everyone laughed at her comment. “Well, it doesn’t.”
“It does now,” Jacques chimed in.
“So, here’s the deal,” said Jacklynne. “You can’t just go over there on a whim. You must call in advance and if Jen says it isn’t a good time, you must respect her. She and Ryne need their privacy and you won’t always be welcome.”
She rolled her eyes. “I get it. I won’t bother you.”
“It’s not that they don’t want you to bother them. She and Ryne have their own life now. Just because they’re living close by doesn’t mean you can disturb them whenever you want. You need to treat it…”
“I know, Dad, I understand. I just love Jen so much.” She paused and added, “Can I have a sleepover?”
Jacklynne chuckled. “We’ll have to talk about that, Emma.”
“I love you as well, Emma.” Jen said as she pulled Emma into a hug.
“I get it, Jen. I promise not to bother you and my brother.” As Jen pulled away Emma added, “But can I help you get settled?”
They all laughed. Only Emma, who could be taken full circle through a lesson, would ask such a silly question. “Not right now, Em’s but maybe you can come by later on. Jen and I need to figure out a few things first.”
“Will we see you for dinner?” Jacklynne asked.
“You bet,” Jen said as she headed out the door.
As they drove the rest of the way to their new home, Jen took in the beauty of the ranch. The last of the flowers were blooming, and she knew all too soon winter would be upon them.
She reached for his hand. “Thank you,” she said as she squeezed it. “Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your family. After today, I certainly know what it’s like to have a sister.”
She knew her life wasn’t going to be easy, but what she hadn’t expected was being able to really feel the closeness of family. Their family meeting brought it all together for her. Before today, she’d felt like a member of the Ferguson family, but now she realized that she was really a part of it.