Facing Calgary's Dream

by Anne Stone

  He was glad he’d arranged their trip for this time of year as Philippe’s wedding anniversary was drawing near, and that brought the memories even closer. He rarely spoke of Annabelle to anyone but Ryne. Knowing he was his confidant brought them even closer. He would definitely carve out some alone time for them.

  “What did your brother have to say?”

  “Nothing much. He’s just anxious for us to arrive.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, he can’t wait to meet you.”

  “I’m not buying that, but whatever.”

  “Now why would you question Philippe’s desire to meet the woman of my dreams?”

  “Because he’s a rough and tough defenseman, and I think he couldn’t care less about me.”

  “You’re definitely wrong there.” Changing the subject, he said, “Let’s eat, I’m starved.”

  After they finished their meal, Ryne pulled her to the couch. “I have something for you.”

  “And what’s that?”

  Looking at his watch, he said, “You have a half hour to get ready.”

  “Ready for what?”

  “You have two appointments.”

  “I do?”

  “Yep, the spa and the beauty salon.”

  “You didn’t?”

  “I did. So get ready. I want you to feel relaxed for tonight.”

  She wrapped her arms around him. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”

  “It’s a special night and I want you to…” His thought was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He knew by the ringtone it was his mother. “Sorry, but I have to take this.” He jumped up from the couch and headed straight for his bedroom where he closed the door.

  He hated to walk away after sharing his special treat with her, but he feared what his mother wanted. “Hey there, Mom.”

  “Ryne, have you spoken with your brother?” No helloes, nothing. He knew it must be pretty bad if she didn’t ask how he was.

  “I just got off the phone with him.”

  “How do you think he sounded?”

  “Just like he always does this time of year. He rambled on and on about nothing, and I had to hang-up. Mom, I plan on spending time with him while I’m home. His season ended too soon.”

  “It did.”

  “When he’s on the ice, he’s focused on the game and doesn’t have time to think of her. Now, he’s got endless weeks ahead before he returns to the team. He has too much time on his hands and nothing to really focus his attention on. Working on the ranch helps, but when he’s alone on the range, I know his mind drifts back to their life together. It has to.”

  “Son, I wish there was more I could do.”

  “I think just being there for him when he needs an ear is what he needs. I keep hoping he’ll seek a grief counselor. He tells me he’s fine, but we all know he’s not. Hopefully, our talk will help.”

  “He’s lucky to have you in his corner, Ryne. You’ve been there for him ever since he arrived at the hospital after the accident.”

  “I’m glad I was there. Hey Mom, can we talk about this tomorrow?”

  “Oh sure. I look forward to meeting Jennifer.”

  “I can’t wait until she meets everyone. I know she’s excited.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  After ending his call, he sat on the edge of his bed. Philippe must be pretty bad if she called. What can I do that I haven’t already done for him? One thing I know for sure is I can’t bring Annabelle back.

  He didn’t know how long he sat there when he heard Jen’s knock. “Come in.”

  “Everything okay?” she said leaning into the door.

  “Yeah, it was my mom.” He could tell she didn’t believe him. “She’s worried about my brother.”

  “Which one?”

  “Philippe.”

  “I hope he’s alright.”

  “Yeah, me too, but enough of that. We have to get you off to your masseuse.”

  While Jen enjoyed her day, Ryne spent his time perusing the web, trying to find additional ways to help his brother. Their conversation from earlier bothered him more than normal. He needed to find a way, a way for Philippe to climb out of the hole he’d found himself in after Annabelle’s death.

  He was enthralled in reading an article on grief when he was startled by a hand on his shoulder. “Oh, hey there honey, I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “I know. What’s that you’re reading? I called your name several times, and you didn’t hear.”

  She leaned over his shoulder. He attempted to minimize the window on his computer when she slapped her hand on his. “How to handle grief in a loved one,” was splashed across the screen. Her hand trembled on his as she pulled away. He spun around and reached for her.

  “Why are you reading that? Do you think I have a problem?”

  “No, honey, I don’t.”

  “Then, why are you reading an article on grief?”

  He swiped his hand across his face and sighed. How do I tell her? What do I tell her? She pulled away and moved to the window. He noticed the tension in her back and shoulders. So much for the massage. He walked to her side and ran his hand down her back. Reaching for her hand, he led her to the couch and sat.

  “Honey, I need to tell you something. Something about my brother. Something I wanted to keep from you as long as I could, but I realize that I can’t, especially with your meeting him tomorrow.”

  She licked her lips before she spoke. “Ryne, come on now, it can’t be that bad.”

  He shook his head, acknowledging her comment, but what he had to tell her was a nightmare. One that he’d had to endure for the last five years. One that his brother had lived with every day since that fateful night. He grasped her hands and held on for dear life. “I’ve needed to tell you this for some time, but I held off. In fact, I’ve tried to forget about this but I can’t. It will never, ever go away…”

  He jumped off the couch and began to pace. Running his hand through his hair, he didn’t know where to begin.

  “Just tell me.”

  He could see the look of panic on her face.

  “Honey,” he said as he kneeled in front of her. “It’s not about us. I love you and I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

  “I know you love me and I love you, too. So please, tell me.” In an almost pleading voice, “You can tell me anything, Ryne.”

  Breathing hard, he sat down beside her. She grasped his hand. “It’s about Annabelle.”

  “Annabelle? Who’s Annabelle?”

  “Philippe’s wife.”

  “I didn’t know he was married.”

  “He’s not. That is, any longer.”

  “You’re talking in circles. I don’t understand.”

  “I didn’t want to tell you about her, but I need to, especially after the state of mind I think Philippe is currently in. I hope I’m wrong, but I need to prepare you.”

  “Okay.”

  “Philippe and Annabelle were married five years ago.” He stopped and swallowed feeling the pulse of tension that throbbed in his cheek as he tried to keep his emotions in check. “They were high school sweethearts and so in love. I’ve never seen a couple so perfect. They were— so in tune to one another. She fit right in with the family.” The memories flashed before his eyes. “It was a beautiful wedding. They were married on the ranch. It was a gorgeous day. The hillside was full of color. A day any couple would dream of for their wedding. He was happy, so happy. Happier than I’d ever seen him.”

  Her hand tightened in his as he shared with her that awful night just two weeks later. “I can still remember what I was doing when I received the call. I’d just come off the range after taking a ride to watch the sunset glow off the pond, the end to a gorgeous day. The colors were vivid and lingered in the sky well after sunset. I’d just sat down when my cell phone rang. The caller ID read Philippe. I answered kind of flippantly, but the voice I heard wasn’t my brother’s. It w
as someone from the Calgary Police Service. Philippe had thrown his phone at the officer and asked him to phone me. He and Annabelle had been in an accident on the way home from their honeymoon.” He heard her gasp and immediately saw the tears form in her eyes.

  “Ryne.” He pulled in his lips and shook his head.

  “They were hit by a wrong-way driver. Philippe couldn’t react fast enough. Annabelle was killed on impact.”

  “Oh no,” she cried out and flung herself into his arms. “I’m so sorry. And Philippe, was he injured?”

  “He had a few lacerations and broken ribs but otherwise he was okay.”

  “But he isn’t, is he?” He shook his head.

  “No, he’s not. I’m the only one he seeks comfort with. I was the one to meet the ambulance at the hospital. At the time, he didn’t know about Annabelle. He’d been able to exit the vehicle but it took a lot of work to get her out. When he first saw me, he screamed at me to find her. She needed him. I’ve never, ever seen my brother so upset. He was frightened for his wife and needed to get to her.”

  He stood. “I can still see the look on the paramedic’s face as Philippe screamed for her. I knew right then and there she had died.” He walked over to the mini-fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. Taking a swallow, “I was there when they told him. I can still feel the pain when he learned of Annabelle’s death. He lay there, in his own physical pain, sobbing uncontrollably. I remember holding him and feeling his tears as they soaked my shirt. Never have I seen a person so heartbroken. Here a strong defenseman, who never shied away from his fiercest of competitors, lay in a bundle of tears. He was broken to the core, and I’m afraid he remains there to this today. He puts on a good front, but I know he constantly relives that night.”

  He drew in his lips again, closed his eyes and shook his head. “Losing his heart and the woman of his dreams has forever changed him. I worry about him. Outside of hockey, he’s withdrawn and far from the fun-loving man he once was. I don’t know what to do to help him.”

  “I do.” He looked at her quizzically. “Let me talk to him.”

  “I can’t let you do that.”

  “Why? Who would know better than I what he’s going through? I lost my parents, but he lost his wife.”

  “You’d do that for him, for me? You don’t even know him.”

  “But I know you and I can see how this is tearing you up. I can only imagine what he’s going through. He lost the love of his life. The one person he’d committed to sharing the rest of his life with. The one person with whom he’d make a family.” She went into his arms as his tears began to fall. “I want to help him, or at least try. I’ve been there and I still am there. I have my good and bad days. I can relate to him, you can’t. No one in your family can. So please, let me.”

  He nodded into her shoulder and held onto her. He loved her more now than he did five minutes earlier. He knew how she still grieved and for her to put all of that out there to help his brother— she was one hell of a woman, and he was lucky to have her in his life.

  They sat wrapped in one another’s arms until he felt her pull away. “I need to start getting ready if we’re going to make the party.” As she stood, she remained holding his hand. “Thank you for sharing their story with me.”

  “I don’t want to burden you with his grief.”

  “You’re not. I want to help him. I just hope he’ll let me.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Come on now, you know how I hate to be late.”

  He shook his head. “Well?”

  “I know all too well. Isn’t that how we met in the first place?”

  She slapped at his arm. “You need to let that go.”

  “How can I when that’s the moment I fell in love with you?”

  “I guess you can’t.” She laughed as she headed off to her room. He would never let her forget their initial meeting on the Generals’ parking lot had forever changed their lives.

  As he dressed, he decided he wasn’t going to let Philippe’s troubles ruin his night. Tonight was about introducing Jen to his world. He took a quick shower, shaved, and donned his tux all the while thinking about what she’d offered to do for him and his family. He knew if anyone would be able to get through to his brother it would be her. Before exiting the room, he reached into the side-pocket of his carryon. He’d wanted tonight to be special.

  Sliding the box from his bag, he made his way to the sitting area where she was waiting. One look at her took his breath away. “You look stunning.” She’d dressed in a seafoam green dress that hugged her breasts. It was simple, yet elegant. Sequins ran throughout and sparkled as she moved. He caught the back of her dress as she reached for her bag. The sequined lace draped against her back showed a little more skin than he liked. She wore simple diamond stud earrings but no necklace. He knew she’d love his gift as it would add a lovely accessory to her look.

  He approached her with a grin on his face. “What?”

  “You take my breath away.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the slim box he’d hidden there. “For you.”

  “What’s this?”

  “Open it and you’ll see.”

  “You didn’t need to get me anything.”

  “Will you stop it and just open the box?”

  “Okay, okay.” He watched her face as she slowly removed the jeweler’s box. She looked up and gnawed on her lower lip as she flipped open the lid. “Oh Ryne, it’s beautiful.”

  “Here let me help you.” He pulled the necklace from the box and swept her hair off her shoulder. He fastened the diamond studded necklace in place; then kissed her shoulder. She lifted the bauble to inspect it. “I can’t believe you did this. It’s gorgeous. Thank you so much.” She spun and put her arms around him.

  He placed his hands on either side of her face and rested his forehead against hers. “You’re welcome.” He brushed his lips against her forehead and pulled away. “Let’s go, we can’t be late.”

  “No, we can’t.”

  The party was being held in the second-floor ballroom so they didn’t have far to go. He was excited to introduce her to Adam and everyone at Black Gold. If he had his way, she’d be by his side for a long time to come.

  They walked through the ballroom doors and were immediately greeted by Adam. He thrust his hand out, welcoming his star player. “Glad you could make it.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it. Adam, I’d like to introduce my girlfriend, Jennifer Steele.”

  “Finally, I get to meet the girl behind the smile.” She looked at him strangely. “He hasn’t wiped the smile from his face since you two met.”

  “I don’t know about that.”

  “I do. Ryne’s happier than he’s been in a long, long time.”

  “Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

  Adam was interrupted by one of the hotel staff, so Ryne reached for her hand and led her towards the bar where he ordered them both a glass of wine. Moments later, he heard her gasp. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. There’s Ashley. I need to see her.” Ryne pressed his hand to her lower back and guided her over to the famous couple. Ashley’s back was to her. She took one look at the man at her side and knew it was her husband. He had eyes only for her. He held her fingertips as they spoke to another couple. They approached the Regadas and Jen called out Ashley’s name.

  Ashley slowly turned and immediately recognized her. “Jen,” she exclaimed as she pulled her into a tight embrace. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m with him.” She nodded toward Ryne.

  “I didn’t know you were dating, Jen. Congratulations! I’m so excited to see you. It’s been too long.”

  “It has.” Ashley introduced her to her husband.

  “How are your grandparents? I just love them. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them. I think I scared them off. They didn’t know Tony and I were together.”

  “They’re doing well. I just saw their home for the first time.”

  “And?”


  “I thought they were downsizing.”

  “They didn’t?”

  “Not unless you call downsizing a few less trees.”

  Ashley giggled as she listened to Jen describe in detail her grandparents’ new home.

  “All I got out of her was, ‘I love to entertain.’”

  “She does, that’s for sure,” said Ashley. They were interrupted by Adam who wanted them to take their seats. A special program highlighting both their tennis careers was scheduled before dinner and dancing.

  Surprisingly, although most events of this nature dragged on, the evening flew by. Ryne suppressed a yawn and looked at his watch. He couldn’t believe the time. It was almost one and they needed to rise early for their flight. Thankfully, the airport was less than a half hour drive. “I think we need to call it a night,” he murmured in her ear as they took one last spin on the dance floor.

  “I have to agree. I’ve really enjoyed meeting your friends. I wish we could stay longer.”

  He looked out across the ballroom. “Yeah, but I think everyone’s calling it a night.” They’d just said goodnight to Ashley and Tony and several of the partygoers had already left.

  “We’re one of the last to leave,” she said as he pulled her closer.

  “We are but at least we don’t have far to go.” As the song ended, he ushered her off the dance floor. They’d had a fun time albeit he knew his earlier conversation was still fresh on both their minds. Tomorrow, or better yet, today, was upon them. In a few short hours, she’d be meeting his family, and he couldn’t wait.

  Chapter Twenty

  She woke when the airplane began its descent into Calgary. She was tired. They’d left their hotel shortly before four. By the time they returned to their room, it was almost two, and she decided to forego sleep and instead sleep on the plane.

  Once awake, she sat with her eyes closed wrapped in Ryne’s arms, and her head rested in the crook of his neck. She felt loved. She’d never felt this way before and never wanted the feeling to end. “We should be landing in the next twenty minutes or so,” he whispered.