Twenty-Five

The summer months passed in a blur, and before they all knew it, they were back in Washington again. It had been anything but easy getting Autumn on the plane, though. She was now very big, and the airport staff were concerned that she might go into labor while they were in the air. After convincing them that she wouldn't give birth for at least another month, they had let them board and fly safely across the ocean. Autumn still remembered how she had almost started crying when Jacob had to translate what the Swedes were telling them, but luckily Nathalie had managed to make sure she got on the plane. The two were now sitting in the chilly arena the Capitals used for practice, watching their boys skate around.

   “So...” Autumn said, following Nicky around the ice with her eyes. “How's everything?”

Nathalie bit her lip, “What do you mean?”

   “Nat...” Autumn sighed. “You know exactly what I mean. Are you two okay?”
   “I'm not sure,” Nathalie sighed. “I mean, we get along fine and everything, but... We haven't done anything since we arrived in Sweden.”

   “WHAT?!” Autumn raised her voice so much people around them were now glaring.

Nathalie turned a deep red and tried to hide her face, “Not so loud...”
   “Sorry...” Autumn lowered her voice. “But what?”

   “We haven't...” Nathalie cleared her throat. “Done it... since June, or something...”
Autumn gasped, “But that's... That's... Nat, that's almost three months.”
   “I know...”

   “What, don't you want to, or...?”
   “I haven't really been in the mood.”

   “Is this still about the baby?”
Nathalie looked at her friend and nodded slowly, “I guess he just doesn't get it, it's a huge deal.”

   “Uh, yeah it is!” Autumn exclaimed. “I'm not ready for this...” She gestured to her stomach. “And you have a choice, which means you need to wait until you're ready.”

   “I know... Having some trouble convincing him, though.”
Autumn sighed, “Look, you guys are great together. No, amazing. But you have to talk to him about this. Because you're not saying no to kids, are you?”
   “No! It's just... I'm so young. I want kids, but in the future. Three or four years, maybe.”

   “So tell him that... I'm serious.” Autumn took her friend's hand in hers and locked eyes with her. “Promise me.”

   “Yeah... I will.”

   “Good,” Autumn saw Jacob get off the ice, followed by Nicky, and she elbowed Nathalie. “Let's go.”

Nathalie sighed, standing up, “Yeah...” She held out her hand to Autumn and helped her to her feet. “It's about time soon, isn't it?”
   “Yeeeah.” Autumn sighed. “I wish he'd just get out already...”
   “He?” Nathalie raised her eyebrows.

   “I just have this feeling. When he kicks, I get the feeling it's a boy.”

Nathalie smiled a little, “That's really nice.”

   “It is...” Autumn said, putting her hand on her stomach. “And it's getting closer, due date isn't that far away.”

   “Oh right... October, is it?”

   “Yes... October, indeed. It's getting ridiculous though, I wouldn't complain if he came out today...”

Nathalie shook her head, “Well he better listen to his mommy and come out soon then, won't he?” She took Autumn's arm and helped her down the stairs.

   “Wouldn't surprise me if he's late...” Autumn groaned. “Jacob's mom said he stayed in as loooong as he could...”

   “Wow...” Nathalie sighed. “Fingers crossed, though!”

   “Heeey,” Jacob smiled widely and kissed Autumn's cheek. “How are we doing?”

   “It's okay... You looked good out there, feeling ready?”

Jacob grinned, “Yeah, it's so good to be back!”

   “Great. Wanna grab lunch?”

   “Yeah, sure, just gotta get my gear off. Meet you outside in ten minutes?”

   “Alright,” Autumn kissed him softly and watched him walk away with Nicky. She turned to Nathalie. “I don't deserve him...” She sighed.

   “Of course you do,” Nathalie rolled her eyes. “Come on, let's go wait for them.”

Autumn looked at her, “You didn't talk to him, did you?”

Nathalie cleared her throat, “Where are you two going to eat? I was thinking-”

   “Nathalie,” Autumn broke off her sentence. “If it's going to be like this, you can't be with him. You're not happy.”

   “I AM happy!” Nathalie exclaimed.

   “Oh yeah, then why didn't you guys even look at each other?”

   “We don't have to. Our love is beyond words.”

   “Pshh, bullshit.” Autumn snapped. “Do you want ME to talk to him?”

   “NO!” Nathalie raised her voice. “It's fine. I'll handle it. Don't do anything.”

Autumn backed away, “Okay... Calm down.”

   “Just let me handle it.” Nathalie sighed and put on a fake smile when she saw Jacob and Nicky coming out of the locker room. “Hey...” She said to them and looked at Nicky. “Do you want to go out or go home and cook?”

   “I'm kind of tired,” Nicky replied. “I want to go home, if it's okay?”

   “Yeah, sure.” Nathalie looked at Autumn and Jacob. “We'll see you tomorrow, alright?”

Autumn nodded, “Yeah, see you.” Jacob put his arm around her and they walked outside, heading towards the closest restaurant.

   “Hey, what's up with them?” Jacob asked in the middle of their lunch.

Autumn raised her eyebrows, “What do you mean?”

   “You know what I mean. They're barely talking and they haven't had sex in three months!”

   “He told you that?”

Jacob shrugged, “Got it out of him the other day. He's afraid of asking now, because she's never in the mood.”

   “Wonder why...” Autumn sighed and finished her water.

Jacob frowned, “What do you mean?”

   “Oh come on, it's the baby thing. He's pressuring her and she's not ready.”

   “Really? Want me to talk to him?”

   “No, I already tried that. She snapped at me, saying she could handle it herself.”

   “Don't feel too bad about it, though,” Jacob said. “She's going through a hard time.”

   “Yeah, I know...” Autumn sighed. “Can we go home?”

   “Of course.” Jacob got up and helped her out of her chair. “You okay?”

   “Yeah, I'm fine...” Autumn replied. “Just tired. I wish he'd come out soon.”

   “He will,” Jacob rubbed her back gently. “Honey, he will.”

-

A month later, it was finally here. Opening night, October 8th, and Autumn and Nathalie were sitting, excited, together in the seats that were to be their regular ones.

   ”This is going to be so much fun!” Nathalie squealed and followed Nicky as he skated around the rink. They had patched things up slightly during the last month, which made things a lot easier for everyone.

Autumn smiled. She was looking at Jacob when he stretched out on the ice, waiting for his turn in the net.

   ”It is,” Autumn said calmly, twisting in her seat. ”Ugh, these seats are uncomfortable...” She sighed.

   ”You think?” Nathalie raised her eyebrows. ”I think they're all right.”

Autumn gave her a look, ”Forgot about this?” She pointed at her stomach. ”Nothing's comfortable to me at this point...”

   ”Oh... Do you want to sit on my jacket?” Nathalie took off the red jacket and held it out to Autumn.

   “No...” She sighed and stood up. “I have to pee again...”

   “Do you want me to come with you?”

   “No, I'll be fine.” Autumn walked past Nathalie and climbed the stairs to the entrance. She turned left and hurried into the girls' bathroom.

After finishing, she walked out to the sinks and looked into the mirror. Her hair was just hanging casually around her face, and she felt uglier than ever before.

Suddenly, she felt something wet running down her thighs, and she looked down to see that her entire lower body was soaking.

At first, she thought that she had had an accident again and she tried her best to clean it up, but a few minutes later, she felt excruciating pain run through her.

   'Oh my god,' She thought. 'Oh my god, not now.'

Shaking, she leaned against the wall and reached for her phone in her pocket, “Nat...” She panted when her friend had answered.

   “Hey, what's wrong?” She heard Nathalie on the other end. “Autumn?”

Autumn took a deep breath, “I think... I think... My water broke.” Autumn groaned as another contraction went through her body.

   “OH MY GOD,” Nathalie stood up in her seat and hurried out of the section. “Where are you?!”

   “The bathroom to the left of our section,” She bit her lip because of the pain. “Please hurry.” And then she hung up, clinging on to the sink.

Two minutes later, Nathalie swung open the door and hurried over to Autumn.

   “NAT!” She cried, her knuckles white from holding on to the sink. “I need... A doctor... Something,” She panted, tears rolling down her cheeks. “And get me Jacob...”

Nathalie's face turned white. She didn't know what to do, “I'll... Call an ambulance...” She whispered, fiddling with her phone.

   “I think it's too late...” Autumn's face was white too, and her face was covered in sweat. “Get. Me. Jacob.”

Nathalie nodded. Leaving her phone on the sink next to Autumn, Nathalie ran all the way down to the players' entrance.

   “Hey, what are you doing?!” One of the security guys said when she grabbed the doorknob.

   “My best friend, and Jacob Markstrom's girlfriend is going into labour, I have to get him!” She said before opening the door and hurrying through the hallway. “Jacob?!” She screamed. He wouldn't hear her, because he was on the ice, but it didn't matter. She arrived at the passage that led to the players' bench and hurried out. Luckily, Nicky was standing right at the bench, so she grabbed his jersey and he turned around.

   “Nat, what are you-”

   “Shut up,” She said quickly. “Get Jacob.”

   “What's going on?!” Nicky said, his eyebrows raised.

   “Autumn's going into labour, GET HIM NOW.” She said with one breath and panted.

The colour drained from Nicky's face and he skated over to Jacob, who was now stopping pucks.

   “Jake, you kind of have to go.” He said, pulling Jacob with him.

   “What are you doing?” Jacob exclaimed.

   “Autumn's in labour, now GO!” Nicky pushed him towards the bench and Jacob staggered out towards the locker room.

   “But where is she?” He turned, but Nicky had already gone back onto the ice. He had to act like nothing was happening. After all, they had a game to play. He skated over to one of the assisting coaches, who was standing behind the bench.

   “Where did Markstrom go?” The assisting coach asked and Nicky swallowed. “His, uh, well his girlfriend is in labour actually.”

   “What?”

   “Yeah, so... He had to go.”

   “Is she at the hospital?”

   “No, they were here... She and Nat. I don't know where she is, Nat didn't tell me.”

   “NICKLAS BÄCKSTRÖM!” Nathalie shouted from the bench and he turned around.

   “Yeah?!”

   “We need a doctor. Where's your team one?”

   “In the back, I think, Nat where is she?”

   “One of the bathrooms, I don't have time to... PLEASE, someone get him for me!”

   “I'll go with you,” The assisting coach hurried out through the corridor with Nathalie and rushed into the doctor's office. “Bob, we have an emergency.”

   “Someone injured?” Bob asked, standing up immediately.

   “No...” Nathalie panted, her face paler than ever. “My... my friend is having her child... in the bathroom... We won't make it to the hospital.”

   “Take me there.” Bob said firmly and Nathalie nodded, hurrying up the stairs.

   “Here,” She pushed the door open, seeing Jacob on the floor next to Autumn, holding her hand. At once, she crashed to the floor and took Autumn's other hand. “It'll be okay, Autumn. I promise.”

   “Have you called an ambulance?” Bob asked, kneeling beside Autumn on the floor.

   “Yeah, I took care of it...” Jacob nodded, letting Autumn squeeze his hand, hard. “Autumn, look at me. And breathe...”

Autumn stared at him, panting as she felt each contraction rush through her tiny body, “I... can't...” She said between breaths.

   “Now, we don't have any of the major drugs used at the hospital during labour, but we'll have to get through this. Or else...”

   “Or else what?” Nathalie said, standing by the door now, making sure no one got in.

   “Or else both Autumn and the baby could die.” Jacob swallowed, feeling Autumn squeeze his hand even tighter.

   “Listen, honey, you'll be fine, okay?” He said, kissing her forehead. “You're a strong girl.”

   “Definitely!” Nathalie said after having to reject yet another girl to enter. “Jesus, I'll be right back okay?”

   “Nathalie, where-” But the door had already swung shut, and Nathalie was now running along the corridors.

   “Er, hi...” She said, rushing into the gift shop.

   “Can I help you?” A saleswoman asked.

   “Um, yeah, I need a piece of paper, a sharpie and some tape...”

   “What for, exactly?”

   “I need to make sure no one gets into the bathroom where my friend is currently giving birth.” Nathalie said in her politest voice ever.

   “Uhh... Well...” The woman started going through some drawers. “Here you go... Do you need us to call the ambulance or something?”

   “No, I think it's too late... And it's already taken care of, thank you!” Nathalie rushed off and burst into the bathroom again. “How's it going, doc?” She said, dropping to the floor, putting the piece of paper down in front of her.

   “She's a tough girl, I'll tell you that...” Bob said, Jacob nodding in agreement.

   “I know she is,” Nathalie smiled and touched Autumn's hand. “I'll just hang this up and we won't be bothered anymore.” She scribbled “NOT IN USE” down on the paper and hung it on the outside of the door.

   “Nat, don't leave me!!!!” Autumn shouted from the floor, panting from the pain. Nathalie got down on her knees next to Autumn.

   “I'm not going anywhere...” She took her hand. “I'm right here.”

The door suddenly swung open, “Figured you'd be in here!” Nicky said, his breath rapid. He had managed to kick off his skates but was still wearing his gear. He remained standing, his eyes growing wide when Autumn screamed.

   “Breathe...” Nathalie said, wincing as Autumn squeezed her hand.

   “I caaaaaan't...” Autumn cried, holding on to both Jacob and Nathalie. She was sweating and had turned red at this point.

   “You have to push, now, Autumn...” The doctor said seriously. “Give it all you've got.”

Autumn pushed hard, and started crying, “I can't push anymore... I can't... I can't...”

   “Autumn look at me,” Jacob said. “Yes, you can. You can do this. You have to do this. For him. Okay?”

   “Okay...” Autumn cried out, pushing once again. “How much longer?” She held on to Jacob's hand so hard it was turning white, and Nathalie looked up at Nicky, who was looking shocked.

   “Just a few more... There's his head, now...”

   “Oh my god...” Autumn panted, trying her best to push her baby out. “It just huuuuurts.”

   “One more now...” The doctor encouraged her, and at last, they heard a cry, but it wasn't from Autumn this time. It was her child, her newborn baby. “It's a boy.” The doctor said, smiling.

Nicky looked out through the door, “The ambulance people are here...” He said. “They'll wanna get you to the hospital just to be safe...”

   “Yeah...” Autumn panted, putting her head down on Jacob's lap. “Let them in...”

-

Half an hour later, Autumn was sound asleep in a hospital bed and the baby was sleeping in a room next doors. Jacob was sitting next to her, watching her sleep, and he leaned over and kissed her forehead. This made her open her eyes and look up at him, “How long have I been asleep?” She asked, looking around the room. “And where am I?”

   “We're at the hospital, sweetheart. You had our son at the arena and they brought us here to be safe.”

   “Oh...” Autumn said. “Can I... Can I see him?”

Jacob smiled, “Of course. I'll ask the nurse to bring him in. Nat and Nicky are in the waiting room, if you want to see them.”

   “Yeah, bring them in here too.” Autumn stroke his hand gently. “I love you, Jacob.”

   “I love you too,” He replied. “I'll be right back.”

   “Okay,” Autumn watched him leave and the second he turned the corner, she wanted him to come back. Luckily, he came back in a matter of minutes, holding a very tiny thing in his arms: their baby. “Oh my god...” She felt her eyes tear up and she held out her arms. “Can I...”

   “Of course,” Jacob handed him to her and she just stared at him. “Isn't he beautiful?”

Autumn bit her lip and nodded, “Yeahh...” She said, feeling tears fall down her cheek. “He is.”

Jacob sat down in his chair and looked at her, “You look amazing, too.”

Autumn chuckled, “Yeah, right.” She smiled at him and gently kissed her son's forehead.

Nathalie and Nicky entered the room a couple of minutes later, and Nathalie squealed when she saw Autumn, “Oh my god...” She said, walking over to her. “Look at that. He's so tiny...”

   “He is...” Autumn smiled. “Do you want to hold him?”

Nathalie blinked, “Really?”

   “Yeah... Do you?”

   “Yes, oh my god, yes.” Nathalie held out her arms and took the baby from Autumn. “Jesus...” She said, holding him gently. “This is incredible.”

   “Have you two decided on a name yet?” Nicky asked, sitting down in the chair next to Jacob.

Autumn chewed on her lip, “No... But...”

Jacob looked at her, “But?”

   “I always liked Jesper,” Autumn said, looking at Jacob. “What do you think?”

Jacob's eyes lit up, “Yes, it's perfect. And... Gabriel, as a middle name.”

Nathalie smiled, looking down on the baby, “It suits him. Jesper Gabriel Markström.”

Jacob looked over at Autumn, “Or Markström-Perreault.”

   “No,” Autumn shook her head. “Not Perreault, just Markström.”

   “Really?” Jacob asked, raising his eyebrows.

   “Yes,” Autumn smiled and held out her hand for him to take. “It sounds better.”

Jacob stood up and kissed her, “Love you.”

   “Love you too. I'm exhausted, though...” She sighed, laying back down.

   “Yeah... We should let you sleep,” Nathalie said, giving Jesper back to Autumn and kissing her forehead. “He's beautiful, and the names are great. I'll see you when you get home. Or tomorrow. I might come by.” She grinned and hugged her with one arm. “Love you, girl.”

   “I love you too, Nat,” Autumn smiled up at her. “Thanks for coming by.”

   “Of course, what kind of friend would I be otherwise?” She winked at her and walked over to the door. “You take care of that boy now, okay?”

Jacob grinned, “Yes ma'am.” Nathalie smiled and took Nicky's hand. The two of them walked out of the hospital together.

   “You sure you don't want one?” He said quietly as they reached the parking lot.

Nathalie frowned, “Not yet... I thought we settled that...”

   “Just asking, relax. I'm not getting ideas.” Nicky said, pulling her closer. The thing was, though, Nathalie knew he was. And it was killing her. 

Twenty-Four

   “We're heeere...” Jacob sang as he pulled up to his house. “Autumn... Wake up.”

   “Hmm, mom I don't want to go to school...” Autumn turned in the backseat and opened her eyes slowly. “Where am I?”

Jacob stepped out of the car and opened the door for her, “My house. We dropped Nathalie and Nicky off ten minutes ago.” He chuckled and took her hand. “Come on... Oh, there's dad”

   ”Jaaaacooooob!” Jacob's father exclaimed and pulled his son into a long hug. ”Good to finally see you, son.” Jacob smiled, stepping aside to show Autumn, who was standing behind him. ”Is this the girlfriend I've heard so much about?”

   ”Yes!” Jacob grinned and pushed her forward. ”This is Autumn, dad.”

   ”Hi...” Autumn smiled slightly and held out her hand for him to shake. Jacob's dad stared at her for a second and smiled a little.

   ”Come here!” He said, stepping forward and hugging her tight. ”You are the cutest thing!” Autumn blushed and looked at Jacob.

   ”Is mom here?” Jacob looked into the house as if he was expecting her to pop out at any second.

   ”Yeah, she's preparing dinner, let's go see how it's going!” Jacob's father led them through the hall and into the kitchen. ”Lena, look who's home!”

Jacob's mother squealed when she had turned around, ”Baby!” She pulled him in and hugged him as if she hadn't seem him in forever.

   ”Heeey, mom... This is Autumn!” Autumn was standing in the doorway, and Jacob's mom looked a little shocked when she saw her.

   “Well, hello dear...” She said in Swedish, smiling at her. Autumn frowned and looked at Jacob.

   “Mom, she's Canadian, she doesn't know what you're saying.”

   “Oh, I'm sorry!” His mom said in a shaky English. “Come...” She held out her arms and Autumn stepped forward into the hug. She felt weirdly uncomfortable with all the hugging: she felt like her stomach was getting in the way. “Do you know the sex yet?”

Jacob shook his head, “No, we want it to be a surprise.” He smiled and put his arm around Autumn, holding her close. “Where's Tim?”

   “Out golfing with some friends, he'll be home in time for dinner.” Jacob's mother said, walking back to the stove. “He can't wait to meet you, Autumn.” She beamed at her and Autumn blushed slightly.

   “Alright, well we should get our bags upstairs and get settled in,” Jacob said, taking Autumn's hand. “It smells amazing, mom.”

   “Take your time, dear, this won't be done for another hour.”

   “You never told me you have a brother...” Autumn said when Jacob had closed the door behind them. She sat down on the bed and looked over at him.

   “Didn't I?” Jacob frowned, putting the bags down on the floor. “Well, his name is Tim and he's four years older than me. There's not much to know, really. He plays soccer... You'll meet him later, though, so don't worry about it.”

   “Right...” Autumn's face suddenly turned pale and she took a few deep breaths.

   “Are you okay?” Jacob hurried over to her and sat on his knees, taking her hand in his.

   “Yeeeah,” Autumn groaned. “He's kicking...” She squeezed his hand and exhaled a sigh of relief when it was over. “I'm never going to get through this...”

   “Of course you will,” Jacob got off his knees and sat down next to her on the bed. “You're a strong girl, it'll be just fine.” He paused. “And 'he'?”

Autumn nodded, “Thanks... And yeah, I don't know...” She kissed him softly, making Jacob smile. “It just feels like a boy.”

   “Alright,” Jacob fell backwards onto the bed, pulling Autumn down so her head was on his chest. “I love this bed.” He sighed, stroking her hair slowly.

   “Your house is huge,” Autumn stated. “And everything is beautiful. I don't think I've seen something like this before.”

   “Shucks,” Jacob smiled. “It's just home to me.”

   “Yeah, I guess... And your parents are lovely. But I wonder what they really think of me...”

   “What are you talking about?”

   “Jacob, I'm pregnant. I'm pretty sure they didn't expect you to bring home a pregnant girl. Yes, it's yours but we're far too young.”

   “You're worrying about nothing,” Jacob said, kissing her head. “I promise you.”

Autumn shook her head, “Nope, it's over. They think I'm a whore.”

Jacob chuckled, “They do not, stop worrying!” He sat back up, watching her. “How would you like a back rub?”
   “Ooh, please?” Autumn's eyes lit up and, with his help, she got to a seating position. “Do you want me to sit or...?”

   “Yeah, sure.” Jacob positioned himself behind her and started up at her shoulders.

   “Oh god, that's nice...” Autumn sighed and closed her eyes as Jacob gently made his way down her back.

   “You're very tense...” He said, kissing the back of her neck. “Got something on your mind?”

Autumn sighed, “No, not really. It's just...”

   “Yeah?” Jacob kneaded through a knot and waited for her to finish her sentence.

   “I've been nervous about meeting your parents and how they would react, you know...”

Jacob smiled a little, “They love you, you can relax.”

   “They don't know meeeeeeee owww.”

   “Sorry!” Jacob took his hands off her. “You want me to stop?”

   “No, it's fine. Keep going.”

   “Okay, and I know they-”

   “Jacob, Autumn, dinner is ready!” Lena called from downstairs, cutting through Jacob's sentence.

Autumn sighed, “Damn, this was just getting good.” Jacob chuckled and helped her off the bed.

   “Let's go,” He took her hand, but she had stopped to look into the mirror. “Hey, you look great...”

   “No, I wanna fix my hair,” Autumn chewed on her lip and let go of Jacob's hand. “It's all over the place.

   “It's not!” Jacob walked up behind her, put his arms around her waist and his head on her shoulder. “It's perfect, just the way I like it.”

Autumn smiled a little, “Thanks...” She put her hands on top of his. “Let's go before they come looking for us.”

   “Yeah,” Jacob took her hand again and helped her get down the stairs. He looked slightly shocked when he saw everything on the table. “God, mom... This is too much!”

Lena beamed at them, “Nothing is too much for my son and his girlfriend.” She pointed to the other end of the table. “I put you two over there, and I gave you the best chair, Autumn. It's important that you're comfortable.”

   “Oh, you didn't have to do that,” Autumn blushed. “I can sit anywhere.”

   “Now, now...” Lena shook her head. “I was pregnant once too, remember? Well, twice actually. I know what you're going through.”

Jacob smiled and pulled out Autumn's chair, “Listen to her, she knows.” Autumn sat down and looked at her hands.

   “Thank you so much,” She said, looking up at Lena. “This all looks amazingly good.”

   “Thank you, dear.” Lena said, looking over at the door. “Oh, he's home. In here, Tim!”

   “Hey,” Tim said, slumping into a chair next to his mother. “Uh... Hello?” He looked straight at Autumn, who avoided eye-contact.

   “Hi...” She said, looking at Jacob instead.

   “This is Autumn,” Lena said to Tim. “Jacob's girlfriend.”

Tim frowned, looking at his brother, “You never told me about her.”

   “Sorry...” Jacob said. “I've had a lot going on.” He looked at Autumn and put his hand on her stomach. “This for example.”

Autumn put her hand on his, “Yeah... Bit of a handful.”

   “She's American?” Tim asked, raising his eyebrows. “I thought you said you didn't like dating Americans.”

   “Canadian, actually...” Autumn swallowed. “I worked in Florida.”

   “Right...” Tim said, obviously in a state of shock. “And when did you meet, exactly?”

   “January, something like that?” Jacob said, looking at Autumn.

   “A bit before that, he kept coming to my workplace to ask me out and I kept saying no.” Autumn smiled at the memories.

   “What can I say, she caught my eye!” Jacob grinned.

Lena nodded, smiling, “Well he's determined, that I know. Used to spend hours at the rink with his dad and always wanted to stay late.”

   “But isn't it a little too early for something like... that?” Tim said, looking at them both. Autumn swallowed and looked down. She wanted to disappear. Why was he so rude?

   “Well, it's...” Jacob said, not knowing how to finish his sentence.

   “So... It was an accident then?”

Autumn looked up at him, “Yes...”

   “Well, it was, but we don't think of it as an accident.” Jacob shot at him.

   “We don't?” Autumn turned her gaze to Jacob.

   “No... At least I don't.” Jacob squeezed her hand under the table.

   “A blessing, that's what it is.” Lena said, nodding.

Tim crossed his arms, “But you're still so young. What about your career?”

   “It will be fine.” Jacob gritted his teeth. He was getting sick of his brother's behavior at this point.

   “My brother's on the team!” Autumn said, changing the subject. “Washington, I mean. His name is Mathieu.”

   “Oh how nice,” Lena said. “He must be glad to have you in the same city.”

   “Perreault?” Tim asked. “You don't look like him.”

   “And I don't look like you.” Jacob snapped.

   “I look like mom, he looks like dad.” Autumn explained. She still hadn't touched her food, but Tim had started eating a few minutes ago.

   “Right...” He said, stuffing his mouth with potatoes. “So what do you do when Jacob's playing?”

   “I usually watch with Nathalie. She's Backstrom's girlfriend, we've become good friends.”

Tim nodded, “Oh yeah, we've met her. But what do you do? Do you study, work, what?”

   “What's with the questioning, Tim?” Jacob raised his eyebrows.

   “What? I want to get to know her. She's carrying my nephew or niece...”

   “Honey, she's pregnant,” Lena said. “She needs to be careful. Especially when it's your first. Now, let me tell you, when I was pregnant with Tim-”

   “We DON'T need to know that, mom!” Tim protested.

   “Whaaaat?” Lena said. “It's good for her to know!”

Tim groaned, “Fine...” He stuffed food into his mouth and looked the other way.

   “Although, Jacob was the more difficult pregnancy,” Lena continued. “He gave me high blood pressure and I was very sick.”

   “And I've never heard the end of it.” Jacob grinned.

Lena gave Jacob a look, “Oh come on now. It was like that until he decided to be born two weeks early. That was a riot. Your poor father, I was in the hospital and he was stuck in Portugal, coaching soccer.”

Autumn blinked, “Oh god, that's awful...”

   “Yeah...” Anders spoke for the first time. “Someone called me and I had to take the first flight home. I couldn't sleep at all.”

   “I wouldn't either...” Autumn said, her eyes wide.

Jacob squeezed her hand under the table, “Don't let her scare you.”

   “Tim...” Lena continued. “Now, he was with his grandmother at the time. I was in labor for about 14 hours. And he had to be turned, was going feet first!”

   “Wow...” Autumn swallowed.

Jacob cleared his throat, “Let's change the subject. How's work, mom?”

   “Oh, the team is good!” Lena lit up. “We had a tough game against Skellefteå, though.”

Autumn looked confused, “Are you talking about hockey?”

Jacob smiled, “No, handball. You know that game Nat plays? You've been to one of her games, right?”

   “Ooohhh... Yes, I have.”

Tim swallowed his food, “Didn't she use to play for Skellefteå?”

   “I think so,” Autumn nodded. “The name sounds familiar. I don't know, though... Swedish is hard.”

   “Yeah,” Jacob winked. “Did Nat teach you something to say, by the way?”

   “Oh, uh... No.” Autumn blushed.

Jacob smiled, “She's embarrassed. You DID say it pretty good, though.”

   “No!” Autumn protested. “It was awful, I swear...” She looked around the table.

Anders beamed at her, “You don't have to if you don't want to.”

   “I'm so bad with languages...”

Tim rolled his eyes, “Aren't all North Americans...” He said under his breath, causing Jacob to glare at him.

   “Well, if I can remember it-”

Tim stood up and grabbed his plate, “Thanks mom, dinner was delicious.” He headed into the kitchen and closed the door behind him.

   “Did I do something wrong?” Autumn asked, looking worriedly at Jacob.

   “No, you didn't...” Jacob got out of his chair. “I'll be right back.” He followed Tim into the kitchen. “Hey, douche bag.”

Tim turned around, looking at Jacob, “What?”

   “Why do you have to be so rude?”

Tim rolled his eyes, “Dude, I never hear from you and then you show up here with some chick you knocked up? Is this supposed to be a joke? If so, it's a real bad one...”

   “I'm not that guy anymore, Tim...” Jacob sighed. “I fell in love with this girl. And we didn't plan this, but it happened and I'm actually starting to get used to it. I know I love her and I'm going to love the child inside her so much...”

   “But you're so young.” Tim said. “How can you afford to be so irresponsible? And better yet, how do you know this girl isn't with you because of your fame and your money?”

   “You don't know her like I do. She desperately wants to get a job, but I said no. I don't want her to feel like she has to. And I'm not the kind of guy to walk away from two people I love.”

   “You've known her for like five months, that's nothing.”

   “Tim, please...” Jacob pleaded. “Just don't be so rude, she hates feeling disliked.”

   “How was I being rude? I was asking questions.”
   “Oh come on, you were judging everything she said.”

   “You're my brother,” Tim said. “I've been looking out for you since you were born. I just don't want some broad to screw you over.”

   “She won't... Just trust me on this one, okay? And don't push her down, I love her.”

   “You have a lot to learn about that, man... But sure, I'll let it slide.”

   “Look, I know you care about me, but don't judge her and put up your wall before she's even tried...”

   “Fine,” Tim sighed. “I'll go easy on her.”

   “Thanks, I appreciate it.” Jacob said. “And I'm sorry, I'll make sure to call more.”

   “Well,” Tim said. “Now that I've seen why you've been so busy, I'll say don't worry about it.”

   “Thank you.” Jacob nodded.

   “No problem,” Tim looked at him. “Although I've heard that pregnant women can be a handful near the end, so you be careful.”

   “Of course,” Jacob smiled a little. “I will be. Why don't we go back out there?”

   “Sure,” Tim walked ahead of him and pushed the door open. “Hey dad...” They both sat down at the table again.

   “I'll help you with the dishes, Lena.” Autumn said, grabbing a bunch of stuff and walking after her into the kitchen.

   “Thank you, dear.” Lena said. “I'm so sorry about Tim, he's tired and I don't think he expected Jacob to have a girl with him.

   “No, I understand.” Autumn put the plates down on the counter. “I'd also be upset if my brother didn't tell me he had a girlfriend.”

   “Yes... They were very close when they both lived here, but then Jacob moved over to the States and the time difference changed things, you know?”

Autumn nodded and put her hand on her stomach, “Yeah, I get it.” She smiled a little. “He's always kicking after I've eaten. He already likes food.” She laughed a little, making Lena smile.

   “You make sure you call us when it's time, we want to be there.”

   “I will, I'm due in early October- OH there he goes again...”

   “It's been so long...” Lena sighed. “Do you mind if I?”

   “Not at all,” Autumn took Lena's hand and placed it on her stomach. “Do you feel it?”

Lena nodded, “Yes...” She smiled widely. “It's incredible. I noticed you said “he”. Do you know it's a boy?”

   “No...” Autumn shook her head. “We want to know at the birth. But I'm starting to think it is. Jacob really wants a boy.”

   “There's something special about not knowing. It's amazing to know it when your child is born. Don't tell anyone, but I actually thought Tim was a girl when I was pregnant with him. I don't know why, but I was positive he was. So you can imagine how shocked I was.”

Autumn smiled, “I won't tell anyone, I promise. This is actually nice... Apart from our friends, you're the only one who's been supportive of this. I really appreciate it.”

   “I'm happy my Jacob settled down. And with someone as wonderful as you. We were starting to think he only wanted to party all his life. Come, let's sit over here.”

   “Okay.” Autumn followed her over to the kitchen table and sat down opposite her.

   “I don't know how much you know about Jacob's past, but he never really had girlfriends before. He didn't seem to be able to get that close to anyone.”

   “What? But he's so... I mean... Throughout all of this he's been so supportive and he's sweet and caring and just... Yeah.”

Lena smiled, “I guess you touched something in there. I've never seen him look at someone like that.”

   “Well,” Autumn blushed. “I am having his baby, something he's very excited about.”

   “Autumn...” Lena reached out for her hand. “That's not all, I promise you. He loves you.”

   “He does...?”

   “I'm his mother, I can tell. Doesn't he tell you that he loves you?”

   “He does...” Autumn swallowed. “But I thought it was just... Maybe just to ease my mind. It's time I said it back to him, then.”

   “Yes... If you feel it, you should. Especially since he's never felt like this before. I think he needs to hear it just as much as you do.”

Autumn nodded, “I will tell him when I get the chance.”

   “Good,” Lena smiled. “You can go, if you want. I've got this.”

   “Thanks,” Autumn said. “For everything.” She walked back to Jacob and went to stand behind him.

   “Hey,” Jacob smiled and looked up at her. “Where have you been?”

   “Just talking to your mom.” Autumn said. “Are you done?”

   “Yeah,” Jacob looked at his dad and brother. “Wanna go upstairs?”

Autumn nodded, “Yes...” She took his hand when he stood up and they made their way to their second floor again.

When they reached their room, Autumn sat down on the bed and leaned against the wall.

   “Your mom is an amazing cook...” She said, watching Jacob. “And I'm tired.” She yawned and he walked over to her, laying down next to her.

   “Do you want to sleep? Take a nap, maybe?”

   “That sounds nice.” Autumn smiled and put her head on his chest. “Will you stay here with me?”

   “Absolutely,” Jacob put his arm around her and kissed her head. “I'm sorry about Tim, he didn't mean to be so rude.”

   “It's okay...” Autumn closed her eyes. “Jacob?”

   “Mhm?” Jacob looked at her.

   “I love you.”