Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Fifty-Seven

“Happy anniversary baby,” Jordan said walking into the bedroom with breakfast on the morning of August seventeenth.

“You too, two years,” she said with a smile.

“You ready for the trip tomorrow?”

“Yep, I just need to finish packing Scott’s stuff.

The next day everything was packed up, Miriya, Jordan, Scott, Michelle, Sid, and Christiano waited for Colby, Mel, and Jamie to show up. Finally they pulled up and Miriya and Jordan pilled their stuff into the car as neatly as possible. After checking to make sure the front door was locked everyone got into their cars and was on their way.

“Daddy are we there yet?” Jamie asked after about twenty minutes in the car. “No.”

“Are we there yet?”

“No.”

“Are we there yet?”

“No Jamie you’ll know when we get there, just watch the movie.”

“Army?”

“Yea Staalsy?”

“Are we there yet?”

“Actually yes,” he said as they pulled onto the gravel road that led back to Jordan and Miriya’s cabin.

It was an old cabin, but was very nice. The outside was logs and had a decent sized front porch with wooden rocking chairs. There were two bedrooms, but three king sized beds, and the couches in the living room also folded into beds. Outside the back door was a fire pit and a rocky path that lead through the pine trees to the lake. At the lack there was a sandy beach and a few chairs made from smooth rocks. Basically the cabin and the surrounding area was beautiful.

“Mommy I wanna to the lake,” Jamie said pulling on her hand.

“Colby you do want to take your son to the lake?”

“Sure, Jamie go put your swim trunks on.” Jamie ran to the bathroom to change.

“Guys you wanna take the boys down and they can splash in the water a little?” Miriya asked.

“Sure,” Sid said looking over to the boys.

“Be careful baby,” Miriya said hugging Jordan.

“I always am,” he kissed her than picked up his son and started down to the lake with Sid and Colby, Jamie was running ahead of them.

“How long you think they’ll be down there?” Michelle asked.

“Knowing Jamie, a couple of hours,” Mel replied.

“Who wants to get the fire wood?” Michelle asked.

“I’ll do it and set up the fire if you guys want to start cutting the vegetables and stuff.”

“Alright, don’t get lost in the woods,” she said with a laugh.

“Thanks Chelle, I’ll try.

Miriya made her way to the woods path and took a moment to take in the scent of the woods. The path wasn’t completely cleared so every few steps there was a crunch of snap as a twig broke up her foot. After a bout five minutes she came upon a fallen tree and started to chop it into reasonably sized pieces for fire wood. Once it was piled by the fire pit and a decent sized fire built she went into side to help wrap dinner in foil.

As she was taking the last foil ball out of the low fire the boys were coming up the path from the lake. “Jamie go wash your hands!” Colby yelled ahead.

Jamie ran into the cabin. Army put his arm around Mel and in a whisper asked, “Do you want to tell them tonight?”

“Sure,” she said with a smile, “After dinner when we’re just sitting by the fire.”

Dinner was finished and everyone sat around the camp fire talking about everything from the upcoming season to when Miriya and Michelle were in high school. “So guys,” Colby said with a smile.

“We’re gonna have another baby, Jamie you’re going to be a big brother.”

“Arms, Mel I’m so happy for you!” Miriya said standing to hug them. “When did you find out?”

“This morning, I’m a month along. I’m due in late May.”

“Mommy, can I have a marshmallow?”

“Sure Jamie,” she pulled one from the bag, placing it on a stick and handed it to him.

The next morning Jamie woke up to fine pancakes with HAPPY BIRTHDAY written in whipped cream. A smile came to his face as he sat down at the table. “Happy Birthday Jamie!”


Thanks again guys, Mel I know you just don’t like the lake, but Colbs I’ll make it up to you later.”

“Really Staalsy, its fine.”

“No Arms, you take care of Scott so much I’ll make it up to you.”

“Are the boats down by the lake already?” Michelle asked.

“Yep,” Sid said putting his arm around her.

They got down to the beach and there sat two blue kayaks. After putting their life jackets on everyone pushed the boats into the water and jumped in.

“Left, right, left, right, there you go Michelle… bye boys!”

“Kayaking in high school was so much fun.”

“There was that one time junior year they let us go twice in one week.”

“Oh CAPA gym class, good times.”

“There were some good times, that time they tried to make us run to the point, ha."

SPLASH! Sid and Jordan’s boat flipped. Miriya and Michelle made their way over to try to help them. “One, two, three!” And the girls fell out of their boat and into the water.

“Sorry girls couldn’t resist,” Sid said putting the paddles into the boats.

“It’s fine, I would have done the same thing,” Michelle sawn closer to Sid and ran her fingers through his wet curls.

“I love this lake,” Miriya said running her fingers through Jordan’s hair.

“I love you.” He ran his hand along her cheek and his lips met hers.

They spent a little longer swimming and then got back into the boats and kayaked up and down the lake a few times. Having lost track of time they made it back to the cabin around six. Michelle, Sidney and Jordan all showered before sitting down for dinner. Miriya figured that since she would be kayaking with Army later she wouldn’t bother to shower just yet. Dinner was finished around seven, Miriya kissed Jordan, Colby kissed Mel and then they made their way down to the lake.

“Ready?”

“Yep, just so you know you’re getting into a boat with me so this may not turn out so well.”

“Well then we better but our life jackets on, huh?” she asked with a laugh.

Once their life jackets were on they pushed their boat into the water and got in. Everything was in and they watched the sun set. They looked off at the beautiful mix of yellow, red, orange, and purple and with one wrong move by Colby they were in the water. “The second time today,” Miriya said with a laugh.

“Sorry, well while we’re here you wanna swim?”

“Sure.”

The sun was completely gone and had been replaced by the moon when they decided to get back in the boat. Miriya put her seat down so that see could go sit in the back with Colby. They stared at the moon as they sat in the center of the lake. “Arms?

“Staals, you ready to coach this year?”

“I think so, I’m kind of nervous. I mean I’ve been doing coach like things for as long as I can remember, but games never depended on my line combinations.”

“I’ve seen some of your stuff and it Shero thinks you’ve got what it takes then you’ll be fine. All of the guys believe in you.”

“Thanks Arms.”

They made their way back to shore and up to the cabin. Colby pulled her into a hug and she couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks Colby, I really appreciate everything you do for me, and for Jordan.” She kissed him on the cheek, in a friendly way and turned to go to the bedroom.
“Goodnight Army.”

“Night Staalsy.”

“You smell like lake,” Jordan said when she walked into the bedroom.

“Colbs and I fell in.” She sat down next to him. “So I’m gonna shower.” She slowly got up off of the bed and headed to the bathroom. Once the water was at the perfect temperature Jordan’s strong arms wrapped around her from behind. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he spun her around and hips lips found hers for a passionate kiss.

“Could you guys have been any louder last night?” Colby asked at breakfast the next morning.

“First of all it’s my cabin,” Miriya stated with a smile. “And yes we probably could have.”

After a week had passed everyone packed p and hit the road. They had left around six after one last trip down to the lake and stopped at Cracker Barrel for dinner on the way home.
“Thanks guys, I had a good time.”

“No problem Colbs, thanks for the ride.”

“No problem Staalsy, see ya.”

They hauled their stuff into the living room where they found a familiar face.

“Hey guys.”

“Nik!” Miriya said and threw her arms around him.

“Coach, how are you?”

“The season hasn’t started yet and we’re at home, I’m still Staalsy.”

Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Fifty-Six

Hey everyone! My band's gig is over and went really well last night! As for school, it's getting closer and closer to the end, thank God, but I still have a lot to do. As for my boys, they're moving up in the standings and I'm so proud of all of them. I can't wait to play Colby and Johan on Tuesday! =] My Fleury story is coming along, but I'm still pretty far from being ready to put it up. When I am though I'll let you all know. As for Jordan, here's a new chapter that I hope you all enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated!

Fifty-Six

“Baby why am I cleaning the house if you boys are just gonna mess it up tonight?”

“No idea, but we should get going so we can make it to the rehearsal.”

After wrapping up the vacuum cord Miriya grabbed her keys and headed to the car with Jordan. Once they pulled out of their driveway Jordan’s strong hand was on Miriya’s on the gear shift. Twenty minutes later they pulled into the familiar parking lot and walked into the towering church that was St. Sebastian’s. “Hello Miriya.”

“Hi Father, you remember my husband Jordan.”

“Good to see you father,” he shook Father Jim’s hand firmly.

“Ah and the happy couple, Jared, Andrea; are you two ready for the big day?”

“About as ready as I’m going to be,” a smile came to Andrea’s face.

Father laughed lightly, “Shall we start then?”

They ran through the ceremony as it would go the next day, and then made their way to the restaurant for the dinner part of the rehearsal. “Well I don’t want to give any hints on my speech for tomorrow, but Jared not only as your best man, but as your brother; congratulations on finding someone who makes you happy. Here’s to my little brother Jared and his girl.”

As dinner ended everyone filed out of the restaurant and to their cars. Miriya kissed Jordan good-bye before getting into Michelle’s car with Cassie, Leah, and Tanya to go to the party. The party went well, both parties that is, and as is to be expected there was mild drinking.

The morning of the big day came and all of the girls got ready at Michelle’s house. “Miriya, where’s Scotty?” Andrea asked at about nine-thirty while all the girls were doing their hair and make-up.

“He’s at my mom’s; I’m getting him tonight after the reception.”

One o’clock came and everyone awaited the start of the service. Father Jim walked up to the alter with the alter servers who were followed by the groom’s men; Eric, Marc, Sid, Zach Parise, Marty Brodeur, Geno, Colby, and Jared’s best man Jordan. They all stood waiting and looking very handsome in their tuxes. Those tuxes had black jackets, pants, shoes and vest, a white shirt and light blue ties; along with all of these each of the guys had a white rose boutonnière.

The girls anxiously waited in the back of the church until it was there time to walk down the aisle. Cassie, Michelle, Leah, Tanya, Jamie, Beth, Rachel, and the maid of honor, Miriya, slowly walked to the front of the church. They all looked beautiful in light blue, mid-shin, v-neck, spaghetti strap dresses, and each girl had a small bouquet of white roses.

Following the bride’s maids were the flower-girl and ring-bear, Adam and Amanda. Amanda scattered white rose petals down the aisle while Adam carried the rings on a small white, silk pillow. Once the two had made it three-quarters of the way down the aisle the music started and Andrea and her father started down the aisle. She looked absolutely beautiful and Jared couldn't hold back a smile at the front of the church. Her floor-length gown was the same shade as the bride’s maid’s dresses as was the vial that ended just below her shoulders. Her make-up was light as usual, but suited her well, and her dark brown was pulled into a gentle half-ponytail, and all of her hair was in gentle curls.

When she made it to the end of the long aisle her father handed her over to Jared, and hand in hand they walked up the step to the alter, and Father started. When it came time for the vows Andrea spoke first. “Your smile alone sends shivers down my spine. Your touch and kiss send sparks throughout my entire body. From the moment I saw you when you were drafted by the Devils I knew there was something special about you. It wasn’t that you were the fourth Staal brother to make it to the NHL, really it had nothing to do with hockey at all, and I just knew that you were special. When I met you I knew that there was something between us, I’m so glad I’m with you, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you Jared Michael Staal, and I always will.”

A smile came to Jared’s face before he spoke, “Being drafted was the absolute best day of my life, I couldn’t ask for more at that point, that was all that mattered. I was so wrong because you came along and changed my life. You would look at me and me, a professional hockey player would melt like the ice under my skates. My brothers taught me a lot over the years, but nothing could have prepared me for the feelings I have for you. You can’t even begin to understand how much I love you, how much I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, how fantastic you make waking in the morning; even though I really don’t want to. Andrea Lauren Bates marrying you definitely beats my draft.” A huge smile was on both Andrea and Jared’s faces, but also all of the Staals, to include Miriya, Leah, and Tanya.

“Do you Jared take Andrea to be your wife…?”

“I do,” he said and somehow his smile grew.

“Do you Andrea take Jared to be your husband…?”

“I do,” a slight tear came to her eye, but she held it back.

“…May now kiss the bride.” Jared held Andrea’s hands tightly and took a step closer to her. His lips closed down on hers in a passionate kiss from which they quickly pulled away with smiles on their faces.

After pictures everyone went to the reception which was being held where Cassie and Geno had theirs, Blueberry Hill Park. It was set up like the Malkin and Staal’s reception’ candle lit, with many circular tables covered in light blue clothes. There were no chair covers, keeping it semi-low key, there was a friend DJing, and there were blue streamers hanging decoratively from the ceiling. The bridal party sat at a long table facing away from the window with two empty chairs in the middle for the bride and groom.

“Please welcome for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Jared Staal.” Everyone applauded as the happy couple made their way hand in hand to the center of the dance floor. Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith started, Andrea looked into Jared’s eyes and smiled as they started to dance. A few couples made their way to the floor, mostly Devils’ players with their wives and/or girlfriends.

“Babe you wanna dance?” Jordan asked grabbing Miriya’s hand that rested on her thigh.

“Sure,” they made their to the dance floor, Jordan’s hands went to Miriya’s hip, hers to his neck, and her head rested against his chest.

When the song ended everyone returned to their seats and through the buffet line to get dinner.

Miriya and Jordan went to the DJ’s table after putting their forks down and picked up the microphones. “Jared and I have known each other for a very long time. Sure we fought as kids on and off the ice, now we just fight every once in a while at the face-off dot. I don’t remember any times were we got in trouble together, but don’t get me wrong I’m sure there were some. As we got older we got closer and now seeing my little brother so happy, and all because of girl lets me know that he did something right.” Everyone let out a giggle at this. “This leads me to Andrea, from what I can tell you are an amazing girl who makes my brother happier than anything else. You are one of my wife’s best friends and now you really are part of the family. When you two look at each other there’s a sparkle in your eye and a gleam in your smile. I hope you guys can stay this happy forever. Congratulations guys, I love you, and Andrea welcome to the family.”

“Wow Jordan pretty much summed it up, let’s see what I can do; it’s gonna be hard to follow that.,” she paused, took a breath, and started her speech. “Jared and I go way back, I think it was eight years ago that we met on the family farm. I will never forget him asking if I had met mom yet. Well Jared you may be older than me, though not by much, and you’re definitely taller than me, but you will always be little Jay. Andrea and I met when Jordan and I were at a game in Jersey and we got along great. She’s one of my best friends and I’m glad that she found such a great guy who makes her so happy. I love you guys and am so glad you two are together. Congratulations.”

Once the guests were finished with their dinner they made their way to the side table which held cookies and other baked goods. Also on the table sat the beautiful cake, it wasn’t anything too extravagant but was three tier, with white icing and a bride and groom on top.

“Little Jay?” Andrea asked Miriya after sitting down.

She smirked before answering, “The only reason I call him little Jay is because he’s younger than Jordan and Jordan is big Jay. But let me assure you, if he’s anything like his older brother you have nothing to worry about.” Andrea looked over to Jared whose face now held a wide grin, causing her to smile.

Once the party had cleared out the happy couple made their way to the airport. They reached their destination in Glasgow, Scotland that afternoon. This was inspired by the stories of Miriya and Jordan’s when they came back from their honeymoon and its pure beauty. Upon their arrival they dropped their bags at their hotel in Edinburgh then found somewhere to get something to eat.

They walked the Royal Mile and stood at an overlook. Andrea shivered slightly and Jared’s grip tightened. “You wanna head back?”

“Sure.”

They went back to the hotel and Andrea jumped into the warm shower. She had just walked into the bedroom and sat down on the bed next to Jared. He ran his hand up her smooth leg but she grabbed his hand to stop him. “Baby, I just showered.”

“And we’re on our honeymoon in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We should be having… fun,” he said with a wink.

“You’re almost as bad as your brother.”

“Which one?” he asked with a laugh.

“I was thinking Jordan, but now that I think about it all you Staals are very… driven,” she tried to hold back a laugh but a giggle escaped her lips.

“Really, you think so Mrs. Staal?” She nodded and then moved onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her lips were inches from his when he asked, “Given in, eh?”

“Mhm,” her lips pressed against his. She ran her hands to his chest and them there as she briefly pulled away. A smile came to her face but a few seconds later Jared’s lips were pressed firmly against hers. Her shirt was the first to make it to the floor shortly followed by his. Not much later his jeans and the boxers she was wearing as shorts landed somewhere in the room. She let out a small moan as Jared placed kisses on her neck and reached back to unhook her bra. Eventually that and everything else landed somewhere around the room. “Jared!” she screamed loud enough for the entire hotel to hear.

“Shh,” he said placing his finger to her lips.

“No, I’ve waited so long to be with you and I want everyone to know how happy I am.”

Jared smiled and pressed his lips to hers.