Het Fic: Finding Family (RPS)
Fic: Finding Family
Authors: Dee and Ginny 2wingsnuts
Warnings: RPS, het
Disclaimer: These are real people. She is married to one of the sexiest underwear models ever (have you seen the new Aramini ad?) and he is dating one of the most beautiful women on the planet. This is made up. Not real.
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Pairing: Henrik Zetterberg/Victoria Beckham
Rating: FRM
Summary: Will they ever get married? Will life’s journeys let them get married?
Author's Notes: For Kathie. Because we love her. And for Mer because we made her like Victoria.
~*~*~
"Hej," Hank greeted softly as he carefully moved the covers back and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"You had a great game," she answered, her voice rough from sleep.
"I wish you could have come," he replied and lay down, pulling her close to him.
"You know we're hiding this," Victoria whispered as she placed her head on his shoulder.
"I'm not hiding you," Hank said gently. "I'm only trying to keep you safe. You know the doctor said you needed to rest. Especially since you're so close to delivering."
"You're sweet," she laughed softly and placed her hand on his chest. "Svetlana came by today with Elizabeth."
"Yeah?" Hank asked as he ran his hand along her stomach, smiling as he felt their child kick toward him. "Did you three have a good time?"
"Of course we did," she answered. "She teased me a bit for refusing to name our child until after it's born."
"Have you even thought about it?"
"No."
"Okay," he said quickly and ran his hands up her back. "It's okay, just relax," he soothed.
"I just don't want to jinx it," she explained. "What if I name it and then something happens? That will just make it worse."
"Vic," Hank whispered and kissed her lips gently. "Relax. Nothing is going to happen to our child. And we'll have a great name for our baby. You'll make the perfect mother. And, when you're ready, you'll make the perfect wife."
"Are you proposing to me again?" she laughed.
"I will every day until you say yes," he answered.
"And if I never do?"
"Then you'll be tired of my asking," he grinned and kissed her again.
"Go to sleep," she laughed. "You have practice early tomorrow."
"It's optional," Hank said but nodded.
"I'm no fun," Victoria smiled. "You should go to practice and enjoy yourself."
"You're lots of fun," Hank promised her.
"I'm about ready to explode with your child," she laughed. "I'm fat, miserable and hot. I think I'll be more fun later, once this is over."
"Okay," he laughed and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well, my beautiful Victoria."
~*~*~
Hank smiled and stepped onto the bench.
"You need to go," Mike whispered, placing his hand on Hank's shoulder. "Svetlana just called. Victoria's in labor."
"But the game just started," Hank said, clearly shocked.
"Get out of here and go to her," Mike said again.
"Thanks," Hank said. He stood, almost moving in slow motion, and walked toward the tunnel. He was about to become a father, he just needed to survive the six hour plane ride back to Detroit.
Carefully, he removed his jersey and slowly changed into his street clothes. He wrote a quick note to Pavel and placed it in his best friend's locker before walking out the door, surprised when he saw the cab waiting for him.
He continued to watch as things moved past him in almost a dream like state and, soon, he found himself standing in front of the hospital. "Vic," he whispered as everything cleared and he rushed through the doors.
"Where's my Victoria?" he demanded, stopping at the information desk. "I mean, labor and delivery? My girlfriend's in labor." He nodded as she told him which floor to go to and turned, running toward the elevator.
He stared at the numbers for each floor, willing them to go faster, barely resisting the urge to close the doors on people when they opened. He continued to bounce impatiently on his heels and bolted out of the elevator as soon as it opened on his floor.
"Victoria," he gasped, stopping at the nurse’s station.
"Excuse me?' the nurse said as she looked up at him. "May I help you?"
"My girlfriend's in labor," Hank panted. "Victoria Adams."
"Do you have identification?" she asked, reaching for a chart.
"Yeah," Hank gasped, reaching for his wallet. He froze and cursed softly when he couldn't find it. "I - it was right here," he stuttered, patting at all of his pockets and breathing a sigh of relief when he found it in his coat. "Here," he said, offering it to her.
She checked his wallet against the piece of paper. "If you'll follow me," she said and stood, starting down the hallway.
"In here," she said, stopping outside of a room. She waited half a second before heading back the way she had come, leaving Hank in front of the door.
Hank stopped and took a deep breath before slowly turning the knob.
"I'm sorry," Victoria whispered as she looked up at him.
Hank swore his heart stopped beating. "Why are you sorry?" he asked, fear filling his voice.
"I tried to wait until you got here," she answered and motioned to the table next to the bed. "Our son. He came thirty minutes ago."
"Our son?" Hank breathed and whooped loudly. "Our son!"
"He's perfect," she smiled. "Wash your hands and hold him. We'll figure out a name together."
"Our son," Hank whispered, gently taking the small baby in his arms. "He's beautiful. He has your nose."
Victoria laughed. "He reminds me of you," she told him. "I love you, Henrik."
"I love you too, Victoria, my Victoria," he smiled, leaning down to give her a quick kiss. "Look at what we created."
"We did good," she agreed. "But let's wait a while before creating another one," she teased and sat up.
Hank laughed and nodded. "What's your name, little one?" he asked his son.
"Erik?" Victoria offered. "Erik Zetterberg?" she added and reached out, placing her hand on Hank's thigh.
Hank smiled brightly at her. "Are you sure?"
"He's your son," she laughed. "What name did you think I was going to request?"
"Yours," he admitted, carefully sitting next to her. "Are you going to take our name too?"
She sighed. "I tell you what, you guys make it to the finals and I'll give you my answer then."
Hank leaned over and kissed her softly. "No matter what your answer is, I'll love you forever."
"I love you too," she promised. "Now I believe you might have a phone call or three to make?" she prompted.
"Sorry," he apologized with a smile. He carefully handed the baby to her and pulled out his cell phone. He paused and looked at her in confusion. "Who do I call first?"
Victoria laughed as she looked down at Erik. "Daddy doesn't seem to want to call your grandparents," she smiled. "And your Uncle Pavel." She looked up at Hank. "It doesn't matter who you call first."
Hank nodded and pressed a number on his speed dial. "I have a son," he greeted.
He looked back over at his family an hour later when he dropped his phone back into is pocket. Smiling, he carefully picked Erik up and placed his son back into the crib before adjusting Victoria's blanket. "I wish you'd marry me," he whispered as he watched her sleep. "Or at least tell me why you won't marry me."
He kissed the side of her cheek and stood up. He looked over at the chair, but knew he was still too excited to sit quietly. He scrawled a quick note and quietly left the room to work off some of his energy.
~*~*~
"Good morning," Victoria greeted as Hank walked into the room the next morning. "Did you get wound down?" she smiled.
He grinned sheepishly and nodded. "I'm all yours now," he told her. "As long as you want me."
"I want you," she promised. "Forever. Did you take a picture to practice?" she asked after checking the clock.
"One or two," he smiled.
"Well then, let's get me checked out and our son home. That way some of your friends can come meet him."
"There are going to be three visitors waiting for us," Hank warned as he handed her, her shoes.
"Pavel?" she grinned. "I'm surprised it's taken him so long to get here."
"You can thank Svetlana," he told her. "But Pav won out and they're making sure everything at home is ready for you."
Victoria stood and waited for the nurse to finish checking them out. "Take us home," she requested as Eirk was placed in her arms.
"My pleasure," Hank smiled. "I'll have you both home before you know it."
"Thank you," she smiled and leaned up onto her toes, kissing Hank softly.
Hank smiled at her and then at their son. "We did good."
"We did very good." She pulled on her coat and sat down in the wheelchair.
~*~*~
"We're home," Hank said softly as he pulled into the driveway.
"Let's go in," she smiled and reached for the car door. "Thank you," she whispered before stepping out of the car.
"No, thank you," he smiled. He grabbed one of the bags before wrapping his arm around her shoulder and leading her to the house. The front door opened before he could reach for it and they were greeted by a smiling Pavel.
"Pavel," Victoria smiled. "I'd like you to meet your nephew." She stepped into the house and moved the blanket. "Erik Zetterberg, meet your Uncle Pavel."
"He beautiful," Pavel said. "Look just like Victoria."
"Thank you," she smiled. "Would you like to hold him?"
"Yes," he grinned, taking the baby from her. "So small."
"Go, relax," Hank encouraged.
"I think I'll go see Svetlana," Victoria smiled at him. "Let you three men have a few minutes together."
"Isn't he wonderful?" Hank asked Pavel.
"You have your future hockey player," Pavel laughed. "She marry you yet?"
"No," he sighed. "She said she'll give me the answer after playoffs."
"No matter what she say, you have a beautiful family, Hank. Don't let go," Pavel advised.
"I won't," he promised. He brushed a finger against his son's cheek. "They're mine."
Pavel smiled and looked back down at Erik. "He amazing," he said again. "You two make beautiful son."
"Thank you," he smiled.
Pavel laughed again when he heard his voice called. "We take Erik to Svetlana before she yell at me," he grinned and started walking though the house.
"How are my favorite girls?" Hank asked, kissing Svetlana's cheek and then Elizabeth's.
"We're good," Svetlana smiled at him. "How are you? Daddy?"
"I'm wonderful," he grinned.
"If you smile much more, you'll hurt yourself," Victoria laughed and carefully sat down.
"I can't help it," Hank laughed. "I'm happier than I've ever been before."
"You've made me happy too," she promised him and took Erik from Pavel. "You look just like your Daddy," she told the small child. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
"It's the hair," Hank said.
She smiled again and carefully stood as Erik whimpered. "I'm going to feed our son," she whispered to Hank. "I'll be right back."
"We'll be here," he promised.
"Don't push," Svetlana told Hank after Victoria walked from the room. "Don't worry about it and just relax."
"About what?" Hank asked, still smiling.
"Her marrying you," she answered.
His smile slipped a bit. "I'm trying not to," he told her. He took a deep breath and asked. "Do you think she will?"
"I think so," she assured him. "She just knows she doesn't need to be married to you for you to know how much she loves you."
Hank nodded. "Thank you," he told her.
"You're welcome," Svetlana replied. "I've got dinner ready for you two tonight and tomorrow. If you two need anything, please call me or Pav."
"We will," he promised. "Thank you."
"Enjoy," Pavel smiled and hugged Hank tightly.
"We will," Hank said again, returning the hug. "We'll see you tomorrow," he said as he followed them to the door. He locked the door and went in search of his family. "Vic? You okay?"
"I'm good," she smiled. "Just admiring our son."
"He's something amazing," he smiled and pulled her close. "Svetlana left us dinner. Let's go eat before he wakes up and you can decide everything I need to do before going to practice tomorrow."
"It's a long list," she teased.
"I'll do as much as I can," he promised and kissed her again.
"How did you know that was the first thing on my list?" she smiled.
"Lucky guess," Hank laughed and leaned down, kissing her neck softly. "Forever," he breathed against her skin.
"Forever," she agreed with a soft smile.
~*~*~
"Hej," Hank greeted as he brushed his hand along Erik's head. "My Victoria," he then said and pulled her close, kissing her softly. "Sorry about the delay. Snow," he explained, even if he knew he didn't have to. "But I'm home now for Christmas," he promised. "We don't have practice until the day after."
She smiled at him. "We'll enjoy every minute we have."
"I could never ask for more," he smiled. "Now, what have I missed in the past week?"
"He's your son," Victoria laughed. "He tried to grab one of your hockey sticks."
Hank laughed loudly. "I'm sure he'll grow up to play hockey and have great taste in clothes," he smiled before picking up Erik. "Hey," he whispered. "Daddy's home."
The infant waved a hand, catching Hank's thumb in a tight grip.
"He's amazing," Hank laughed and kissed Erik's forehead. "You ready for Christmas, my son?" he asked and carried the child though the house.
"Henrik, I thought we agreed we wouldn't spoil him," Victoria stated as she followed behind them.
He looked over his shoulder and grinned at her. "You didn't really believe me, did you?"
"He's not old enough for all that yet," she tried to reason. "He's only four months old."
"He'll grow into it," Hank defended. "Besides, it's not all from me."
Victoria tried to glare at him but couldn't hold back the smile. "We'll be sure to thank them all," she finally said. "Do you want to wait until tomorrow? Or are we going to Nick's house?"
"We're going to go, if you don't mind," he answered.
"I'd love to go," she promised. "Why don't you two open your presents?" she suggested. "And Daddy? I've got a present for you later."
"I can't wait Mommy," he said. He sat with Erik next to the tree. "Should we see what Uncle Pav bought for you?"
He slowly worked his way through the presents before leaning back with a satisfied grin. "Looks like you had a great Christmas," he told Erik.
"Looks like he's already asleep," Victoria laughed.
"Looks like it," he agreed. He pressed a soft kiss to Erik's forehead. "You're going to have a great day tomorrow."
"Of course he is," she said softly and took Erik from Hank. "You're his father; he's going to have a lot of great days."
"Only because he has you as a mother," Hank smiled at her.
"You're cute," she laughed and walked Erik to the nursery. "What time are we expected at Nick's?" she asked as she stepped out of the room, pulling the door almost closed behind her.
"Sometime between noon and one," he answered. "We have the morning to ourselves."
"Sounds good to me," she smiled and stepped closer to Hank. "Merry Christmas, my Henrik."
"Merry Christmas, my Victoria," he echoed.
"Come," she encouraged and took Hank's hand. "Let's go to bed before Erik wakes up."
"Do I get my present yet?" he asked, letting her lead him into the other room.
"I am your present," she said as she turned and pressed tightly against Hank. "Unless you don't want me," she teased and leaned up, kissing him softly.
"You're the only present I want."
She laughed and pulled him into the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind them.
~*~*~
"Sorry we're late," Victoria apologized as Hank closed the door behind them. "We had trouble finding Erik's coat," she tried to explain to Nick.
He laughed and kissed her cheek. "We were late for months after each of our sons was born," he told her.
"You have no idea how much better than makes me feel," she laughed and placed her coat next to the door before lifting Erik out of the car seat.
"There's our winger of the future," Homer greeted them, taking Eric from Victoria.
"Defensemen," Lilja corrected.
"He might grow up to be a goalie," Chris chimed in and carefully helped Homer removed the toddler's coat. "We'll be good to him," he promised, handing the small coat to Victoria.
"If I doubted it, you wouldn't have him," she said calmly.
He grinned. "Let's go see the rest of your uncles," he told Erik.
"He looks more and more like you everyday," Nick told her as he took their coats.
"We're lucky that way," Hank said, smiling at her.
"I just hope he starts to look a bit like Hank," she laughed. "It might be difficult for him to play hockey when he looks like a girl."
"He looks like a masculine version of you," Hank corrected.
Nick laughed and ushered them toward the other room. "I don't think you have to worry about that just yet."
"You kidding?" she laughed. "As soon as Erik takes his first steps, Hank will have him fitted for skates."
"Nick had them fitted before they could walk," Annika laughed.
"I'm not surprised," Victoria smiled. She turned to Hank. "Go, talk to your brothers. I'm going to spend some time with Annika and Svetlana."
"Have fun," he said and disappeared into the other room.
"I really love him," she whispered to his back before turning and smiling at the other women.
"He loves you very much," Jenna told her. "You can see it in the way he looks at you."
"Yes but do you think he'd be happy being married?" she asked, smiling at them. "He told me when we started dating that he wasn't the marrying kind. How can I be sure he's changed his mind? And it has nothing to do with Erik."
"You've been together for a long time now," Annika pointed out. "He's grown up."
Svetlana asked, "When was the first time he asked you to marry him?"
"A few months before I got pregnant," Victoria shrugged. "And almost every day after."
"If he asked you before, he's not asking you just because of Erik," Jenna pointed out reasonably.
"I told him I wanted to give him my answer if they made it into the playoffs," she whispered. "But I don't think I can wait that long." She smiled sadly at the other wives. "He hasn't asked me in four months."
"Then tell him your answer the next time he asks," Svetlana suggested.
"What if he doesn't ask again?" she whispered. "What if I've convinced him that I don't want to marry him?"
"Then you ask him," Jenna suggested.
"When?"
"At tomorrow's game?" Svetlana suggested. "On the big screen."
"If he doesn't ask me today, I'll do it," Victoria said after a few minutes. "You three will help me, right?"
"Of course," Annika smiled.
"We wouldn't miss this," Svetlana grinned.
Victoria laughed. "I'm sure it will blow up greatly in my face."
"It won't," Jenna promised. "He's not going to suspect a thing."
Victoria smiled. "Thank you, all of you." She stood and started toward the door. "Now I just need to see my son," she admitted with a light blush.
The other women laughed in understanding. "Go," Annika told her. "Rescue him from the team."
Victoria laughed and hugged Annika tightly before walking out of the room. "I came for my son," she announced as she walked into the room, smiling brightly.
"Did you hear that?" Kris asked the infant. "Your Mommy thinks we're scary."
"No thinking involved," Victoria smiled softly. "I know you guys are scary. Most of you have spent the night in my house."
Kris handed Erik to her. "You love us anyway."
"I do," she promised and smiled at Hank. "I love you guys very much." She cuddled Erik close and leaned over, kissing Hank's cheek quickly.
He smiled at her. "Do you want me to go with you or are you women going to fawn over him now?"
She smiled at Oz. "Jenna wanted to hold him for a while," she answered. "Said something about wanting a boy."
He laughed. "Anything she wants."
Victoria laughed and kissed Hank again. "You boys have fun. We're going to do women things and fawn over our son."
"Have fun," Nick said. He leaned over and whispered loudly to Hank. "We'll rescue him in a little bit."
She laughed harder and walked out of the room.
"He's so cute," Svetlana smiled. "He has Henrik's eyes."
"But your nose," Annika added.
"You guys are something else," Victoria smiled as Jenna took Erik from her. "He's a beautiful boy and I can't wait to see how much of his father he has in him."
"Wait until you hear his first word," Jenna advised. "Then you'll know."
"Hank's already trying to teach him Swedish," she laughed. "I guess I'll need to break down and learn it myself if he succeeds."
"Probably a good idea," Annika agreed.
Victoria smiled as all the wives in the room took turns holding Erik. Tomorrow, she thought as she glanced down at her bare hands, tomorrow she could propose to Hank on the big screen. She just hoped he was looking up when she did.
~*~*~
Victoria glanced up nervously at the big screen. "When are they going to show it?" she asked the women next to her.
"Soon," Jenna answered and checked her watch. "Any second now," she then promised.
"What if he's not watching?"
"Don't worry," Svetlana soothed. "Pavel, Nick and Chris all know to make him look up."
"Oh God," Victoria groaned as it flashed on the screen and she buried her face in her hands. "What's he doing?" she hissed. "Did he look up?"
She was answered by a loud shout from the bench and forced herself to look up just in time to see Hank jumping up, looking toward where she was sitting.
"Well go down there," Jenna laughed and gave Victoria a gentle shove. She stood and nodded, slowly making her way toward the bench.
"So?" she asked nervously once she got close enough. "Will you?"
She shrieked when he grabbed her and pulled her onto the ice, twirling her around. "Yes," he grinned. "Yes I will."
"Oh Henrik," she breathed and wrapped her arms tightly around him before kissing him softly. "You have no idea how happy you just made me."
"You've made me happier than I've ever dreamed," he told her, the applause around them thundering.
"I thought Erik did that," she teased, her smile bright.
"You completed the dream," he smiled.
"Finish your game," she laughed. "Before Mike comes after me for ruining your concentration."
"We'll celebrate later," he promised. He kissed her softly and helped her off the ice before skating back to the bench, a wide grin on his face.
"And you were worried," Jenna laughed as Victoria sat back down.
"We told you he'd marry you," Annika added.
"Yes," she smiled. "You were right."
"We'll watch Erik tonight," Svetlana offered. "I'm sure you two want to celebrate."
"You don't mind?"
"Of course not. Elizabeth loves when he's over," her friend promised.
Victoria smiled and leaned back, watching her future husband jump over the boards and skate down the ice. "Thank you," she told her friends. "We'll be by late to pick Erik up," she warned.
"I wouldn't expect anything else," she smiled as people around started to congratulate Victoria.
"We have a wedding to plan," Annika smiled.
"Thank you," Victoria promised them and glanced back down at her hands. "Just don't make it too soon, okay?"
Svetlana gave her friend a concerned look but nodded. "You tell us the date; we'll take care of everything."
"I'll talk to Henrik tonight and let you all know tomorrow," Victoria smiled and returned her attention to the game.
Svetlana nodded and squeezed her friend’s hand.
~*~*~
"You're sure?" Victoria asked as Hank's arms wrapped around her waist. "I wasn't too forward?"
"No," Hank promised her, kissing her deeply. "Best surprise of my life .... after finding out about Erik, of course."
"When do you want to get married?" she asked, running her hands up Hank's back.
"On the same day as you," he grinned.
She laughed and kissed him again. "Hank, my Henrik, I love you so much," she whispered into his shoulder.
"I love you more than anything," he told her. "You and Erik."
"What if I told you I might be pregnant again?" she said, almost inaudibly.
He froze before tilting her head up to look into her eyes. "Really?" he asked, smiling. "Erik's going to have a brother or sister?"
"I don't know," she admitted and laughed nervously. "I feel bad for being scared when you look so happy."
"Why are you scared?" he whispered.
"Erik's so small and we're still learning so much about being parents." She brushed a strand of hair from her face and sighed. "I just don't want to mess this up."
"You could never mess it up," he told her sincerely. "You're an amazing mother."
"Hank, my love, please tell me honestly. Do you want another baby right now?" she asked bluntly. "Or would you prefer to give Erik a brother or sister after we're married?"
He pulled back like he'd been slapped. "What are you asking?" he asked, his voice cracking.
"My Henrik," she said quickly. "I'm saying that I don't know if I'm pregnant or not but I was wondering what's going through your head."
"I'm saying that I love you and any and all children we have, no matter when they decide to show up."
"Do you want to find out tonight?" She pressed against him and kissed his neck gently. "Or I can find out tomorrow."
He laughed softly. "I'm not going to sleep until I know," he admitted. "But let's celebrate tonight."
"Good idea," she smiled and ran her hands along his chest. "I'll find out when we're done."
"No matter what the answer is, I love you," he promised her. He placed a hand softly over her belly. "And I'll love any child that we have."
"I know," she promised. "I just always kinda wished I'd be done breast feeding one before having another," she laughed and pulled him down the hallway. "It's not important though. I'll have our children when I'm supposed too and not a second sooner." She smiled up at him before laughing. "Now, let's do some celebrating."
"Let's," he smiled, picking her up and carefully setting her on the bed.
~*~*~
Victoria stared down at the small white plastic and struggled through her emotions. She was happy, really she was, she just couldn't believe this was happening again so soon.
"I guess I'll be marrying your father in a year," she whispered and placed a hand on her stomach. "Now, let's go tell him about you."
"Henrik," she said quietly as she stepped into the room.
"Yes?" he asked as he sat up in the bed. "What's it say?"
"We're either going to through together a wedding in a month or we're going to get married in a year," she laughed and sat down next to him. "I'm pregnant again."
He bounced up and hugged her tightly. "That's wonderful," he said excitedly. "You pick the date."
"As soon as possible," she whispered. "I want your name when I give birth to this one."
He grinned and kissed her again. "Pav and Svetlana will help. I love you."
"I love you too," she said and snuggled closer to him. "But you get to tell Pavel you got me pregnant again and his wife can't plan the perfect wedding with Annika and Jenna."
He laughed. "They'll plan the almost perfect wedding then."
"Exactly." She kissed his neck. "We'll tell them when we pick up Erik tomorrow."
"Until then, we celebrate," he whispered, running his hands up under her shirt.
~*~*~
Four months later…
"Jenna," Victoria whispered softly. "Can you take Erik? I'm not feeling well and want to lay down for a little while."
"Of course," she agreed immediately, taking the baby from her. She took another look at Victoria and called for her oldest daughter. Handing Erik to her she returned to Victoria's side and wrapped an arm around her, leading her to the other room. "What's wrong?"
"I don't think this baby's agreeing with me," Victoria whispered. "I haven't felt right for a while now." She sighed. "That's why we postponed the wedding."
"But that was three months ago."
"I know and it's only gotten worse," Victoria said quietly as she carefully lay down on the bed.
"Vic," Jenna whispered. "We have to take you to the hospital."
"I can't. I can't go and risk losing this baby. Hank's so happy and I can't take that from him," she argued as a tear slid down her cheek. "Besides, I don't even know where they are."
"Vic," she said again. "We need to make sure you and the baby are healthy. That's what Hank wants.
"Hank wants this baby," she said firmly but sighed in frustration. "You're right," she then admitted. "But who will watch Erik?"
"The best way to make sure Hank gets the baby is to make sure nothing is wrong," Jenna pointed out reasonably. "My girls can keep an eye on him until Annika gets here."
"Just, don't call Hank," she begged as she slowly sat back up. "Please?"
"I won't," Jenna promised. She smiled encouragingly at Victoria, even as she worried about the other woman's phrasing. "Stay here, I'm going to get your coat and tell the girls that we're leaving."
"I can walk," she insisted and started toward the door, picking her coat up off of the bed as she walked down the hallway.
Jenna grabbed their coats, talked to her daughters and grabbed her cell phone. She debated calling Chris before calling Annika first. She explained the situation to their friend as she helped Victoria to the car.
"I'm sure it's nothing," Victoria tried to argue. "Just don't call Hank. I don't need him to worry."
"I'm not calling Hank," Jenna promised.
"Tell Annika not to call him either," she ordered fiercely.
"Annika won't call him," Jenna answered and repeated the request into the phone. "Now, let's get you to the hospital and find out what's going on."
"I'm telling you, it's nothing. I'm only doing this so I can be sure Hank will be happy," Victoria said defiantly.
"And I'm doing this to make sure that you're happy," Jenna smiled.
"Fine. Let's just go," she said and closed the car door as Jenna dropped the phone into her pocket. "Please be okay," she whispered. "I don't want to tell your Daddy that you're not."
~*~*~
"I'm going to call Hank now," Jenna whispered and squeezed Victoria's shoulder lightly.
"Fine," Victoria whispered and wrapped her arms around her stomach. "Just leave me alone until he gets here please. I just want to be alone."
Jenna blinked back tears and nodded. "I'll be outside if you want me," she said softly.
"I want Hank," she whispered. "And my kids." She turned and looked at Jenna. "Thank you for being here. It means a lot."
"He'll be here soon," she promised. "Erik too." She brushed a hand over Victoria's hair. "I wouldn't be anywhere else. Svetlana and Annika too."
She nodded and watched her friend walk out of the room. "I'm sorry," she whispered and closed her eyes. She just hoped Hank wasn't mad at her.
~*~*~
Pavel watched closely while Hank talked on his phone. Svetlana had called him earlier and it had been everything he could do not to tell his friend what was going on.
"Hank?" he asked quietly when Hank hung up.
"My Vic," Hank whispered. "I need to go."
"I drive," Pavel told him firmly.
Hank nodded numbly. "Okay." He took a shaky breath and sighed. "I'm just thankful Vic's okay." He turned to Pavel. "We lost the baby."
Pavel hugged Hank tightly. "I sorry," he whispered to his friend.
"I am too," Hank whispered back and returned Pavel's hug. "But I still have Victoria and we can have more kids."
"That what important," Pavel said. "We here for you too," he promised, following Hank to the car.
"Thank you," Hank told him seriously as he got into the car. "Now, what do I say to her?" he asked painfully.
"That you love her," Pavel answered immediately.
Hank nodded. "I do. I love her more than anything. Do I tell her anything else?"
"You not angry," Pavel told him.
Hank nodded again. "I'm not," he agreed. "It wasn't her fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. It just happened." He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Take me to her," he requested. "I need to see her."
Pavel nodded and drove them to the hospital as quickly as he could.
~*~*~
Hank stopped and turned, pulling Jenna into a tight hug. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you for taking care of my family." Ha squeezed her arms gently and quietly walked into the room. "Vic?"
"I'm sorry."
"My Victoria, this wasn't your fault. I'm not angry," he promised. "I love you more than anything and I'm just thankful that you're okay."
"I lost your baby," she whispered.
"No," he said and walked farther into the room. "You didn't do anything to our baby. This wasn't your fault. I'm just glad that you're fine," he said again. "We can have more kids. I can't find another you."
"I'm still sorry," she whispered.
"I am too," Hank promised as he sat down next to her, taking her hand in his. "But we'll have another baby," he smiled softly. "As soon as you're ready. We'll even get married first." He ran his hand over her hair. "I love you so much, Vic. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She gave him a weak smile. "I love you too," she told him, leaning into his touch.
"See? What more do we need?" he smiled again. "We love each other and we have Erik. He's the most perfect son in the world and you did that for me." He brushed his thumb across her cheek. "We'll have a house full of kids," he promised softly.
She nodded. "Just hold me," she requested, her voice muffled against his chest.
"Of course," he said softly and laid down next to her, pulling her carefully into his arms. "My beautiful Victoria," he whispered and kissed the top of her head. "We'll get through this together."
She clung to him and nodded.
~*~*~
Six months later…
"You ready?" Annaka asked as she straightened Victoria's dress.
"Yes," she smiled happily. "I am. I can't believe we're finally getting married."
Annika kissed her cheek. "We're all so happy for you," she told her.
She smiled again and pulled the three women into a tight hug. "Thank you so much for everything. I don't know what I would have done in Detroit without you."
"Been miserable," Jenna teased. She handed her, her flowers. "Svetlana has the rings so Pavel wouldn't lose them. Are you ready?"
"Yes," Victoria laughed. "I am very ready." She took the flowers from Jenna and took a deep breath. "Let's go get me married."
The three women grinned. Annika and Jenna led the way, followed by Svetlana and then, finally, Victoria.
She walked down the aisle and smiled lovingly at Hank as she stopped next to him. Before she knew it, he was kissing her gently as their friends began to clap.
"My sweet Henrik," she whispered in his ear before walking back down the aisle. "Congratulations Daddy."
He stared at her for so long she was afraid he was going to be mad before he swept her off her feet and kissed her again. "I love you," he murmured into her ear.
"I love you too," she smiled. "Now, let's go and tell all your friends."
He smiled and led her to where everyone was waiting for them. He took Erik from Sammy, who had held him during the ceremony and held him in one hand while keeping an arm around Victoria. "We have news," he smiled.
"News?" Pavel grinned. "How much more you going to have happen today?" he teased.
"Not today," Victoria said, glancing back at Hank. "A few months from now."
"I'm gonna be a Daddy again," Hank beamed and kissed Victoria softly before hugging Erik close. "And that means you're going to have another one calling you Uncle Pasha," he teased his friend.
"I love being an uncle," he promised and was the first to reach the two and give Victoria a hug. "Congratulation."
"Thank you," she smiled and hugged Pavel tight. She laughed as Pavel hugged Hank and three sets of arms wrapped around her.
"You should have told us this morning," Jenna teased.
"I hadn't told Hank yet," she told her friends. "I was afraid to jinx things."
"You still should have told us," Svetlana laughed. "We'd die to know something Hank doesn't."
"I'll tell you first next time," she promised them. She looked to Hank, who was surrounded by his teammates. "He looks happy, doesn't he?"
"He does," Annika smiled. "But he looked happy before you told him about the baby."
"He loves me," she smiled in contentment.
"I do," Hank said and pulled her close to him. He placed his hand on her belly and smiled. "Our family. The four of us."
"You'll have your own line soon," Nick teased.
"This one might be a girl," Jenna told him.
"I've seen your girls play," Hank laughed. "Maybe she'll sing like her mother."
"Maybe she'll take over my job," Steve chimed in.
"Maybe our kids will do what they want," Victoria laughed. "After they learn how to skate of course."
"Of course," Svetlana agreed. "Pav bought skates for Elizabeth before she was born."
"Ockey," Erik announced and tugged on Hank's hair with a bright grin.
Victoria and Hank stared at each other for a second before grinning. "Ockey," Hank repeated.
"He's Z's son," Chris laughed. "First word was hockey."
"Ockey," Erik said again and giggled.
"I told you," Hank grinned at Victoria, kissing her softly.
"I had no doubts he was your son," she laughed and turned to Erik. "Mum?"
"Ockey," Erik grinned.
"Mum," she tried again.
"Ockey!" he shrieked and laughed.
"You'll get it eventually," Victoria laughed and hugged Hank and Erik close. "Today's been perfect," she whispered.
He smiled kissed her softly and whispered, "Completely."
"Come," Homer grinned and took Erik from Hank. "Uncle Homer teach you how to annoy goalie while your parents - " He paused and winked at Hank. "Play hockey."
Hank and Victoria laughed and led the way out. "I love you," Hank told her.
"I love you too," she promised and squeezed his hand. "You do know what this means, don't you? You're going to have to teach me how to skate. And Swedish."
He grinned and pulled her close again. "I can't wait."
~*~*~
Twelve years later…
Victoria wrapped both hands around her coffee cup as she watched the two boys skate across the rink.
"You got your two hockey players," Annika laughed.
"And they're playing against your four hockey players," Victoria smiled.
"They're great, aren't they?" Annika grinned.
"Did you ever want a girl?" she asked.
"Are you?"
"No," Victoria interrupted with a laugh. "I was just curious. We've got three boys, you've got four boys - I was only asking."
"Sometimes," Annika admitted. "So I kidnap Jenna's for a while."
"Hank wants a girl," Victoria confided. "He says he'd love to have a miniture version of me running around the house, bossing her three older brothers around."
"So you keep trying until you get one," Annika laughed.
"We could end up with our own hockey team," Victoria laughed. She watched her boys skate the length of the rink again. "But I guess life's not so bad. I've got three miniature Hanks. What's a few more?"
"A good thing," Annika suggested.
"Very good," she agreed and smiled as Hank and Nick sat down next to them.
"What'd we miss?" Hank grinned.
"I think Pavel's been teaching Erik how to deke," Victoria said calmly. "And Homer's been spending way too much time with Viktor. He's driving Adam crazy."
Nick laughed. "Homer has been looking pretty proud of himself recently."
"Goalies everywhere are going to cower in fear," Hank smiled proudly as he watched his two sons. "Do you see any of me out there?" he asked curiously.
Victoria laughed as Erik removed his helmet and took a drink of water. "Your hair," she teased.
Hank laughed. "One of them did."
She laughed more. "Hank, my love, all of them said something about hockey as their first word. They're all yours."
"And they're all great skaters," Nick offered.
"At least they got Victoria's taste in clothes," Annika teased.
"What's wrong with my taste?" Hank pouted.
"Nothing," Annika laughed. "But there's more to life than blue jeans and hockey jerseys."
"Can you believe them?" Hank asked Nick.
"Yes," Nick answered simply.
Victoria laughed and leaned against Hank. "You're cute when you pout," she whispered in his ear.
"Is that the only time?" he smirked, wrapping an arm around her.
"Yes," she laughed. "The rest of the time - well, I don't think Nick wants to hear what I think about you."
"No, thank you," Nick agreed, wrapping his arms around his own wife and pulling her close. "Just imagine our kids on a hockey team, just them."
"We need a goalie," Victoria smiled and looked down at the small child playing in front of them. "You think Liam will be a goalie?"
The boy nodded his head. "Like Uncle Chris," he grinned.
"Like Uncle Chris," Hank laughed and ruffled his son's hair.
"You two gonna have that daughter?" Annika smiled innocently at Hank.
"I'd like to try," Hank said, squeezing Victoria's hand.
"We'll watch them anytime," Nick laughed. "If you guys need the practice," he winked.
Hank waggled his eyebrows at Victoria. "I could always use the practice."
She laughed and leaned close to her husband. "My Henrik, you don't need practice. You're already the best."
"It's how I stay the best," he grinned.
Nick rolled his eyes. "Go," he ordered the two of them. "We'll bring the boys home later."
"Thank you," Victoria smiled at him and moved, hugging Liam tightly. "You listen to Uncle Nick and Aunt Annika. Mummy and Daddy are going out for a bit. They'll bring you and your brothers home."
"Okay Mummy," he said, smiling brightly at her.
"Come," Victoria said and pulled Hank toward her. "Let's go home and practice."
"I'll have you pregnant by the end of the year," Hank grinned.
"I hope so," she laughed and walked toward the door.
Hank grinned at his friends and rushed after his wife. His life was perfect.
~End~
Authors: Dee and Ginny 2wingsnuts
Warnings: RPS, het
Disclaimer: These are real people. She is married to one of the sexiest underwear models ever (have you seen the new Aramini ad?) and he is dating one of the most beautiful women on the planet. This is made up. Not real.
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Pairing: Henrik Zetterberg/Victoria Beckham
Rating: FRM
Summary: Will they ever get married? Will life’s journeys let them get married?
Author's Notes: For Kathie. Because we love her. And for Mer because we made her like Victoria.
~*~*~
"Hej," Hank greeted softly as he carefully moved the covers back and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"You had a great game," she answered, her voice rough from sleep.
"I wish you could have come," he replied and lay down, pulling her close to him.
"You know we're hiding this," Victoria whispered as she placed her head on his shoulder.
"I'm not hiding you," Hank said gently. "I'm only trying to keep you safe. You know the doctor said you needed to rest. Especially since you're so close to delivering."
"You're sweet," she laughed softly and placed her hand on his chest. "Svetlana came by today with Elizabeth."
"Yeah?" Hank asked as he ran his hand along her stomach, smiling as he felt their child kick toward him. "Did you three have a good time?"
"Of course we did," she answered. "She teased me a bit for refusing to name our child until after it's born."
"Have you even thought about it?"
"No."
"Okay," he said quickly and ran his hands up her back. "It's okay, just relax," he soothed.
"I just don't want to jinx it," she explained. "What if I name it and then something happens? That will just make it worse."
"Vic," Hank whispered and kissed her lips gently. "Relax. Nothing is going to happen to our child. And we'll have a great name for our baby. You'll make the perfect mother. And, when you're ready, you'll make the perfect wife."
"Are you proposing to me again?" she laughed.
"I will every day until you say yes," he answered.
"And if I never do?"
"Then you'll be tired of my asking," he grinned and kissed her again.
"Go to sleep," she laughed. "You have practice early tomorrow."
"It's optional," Hank said but nodded.
"I'm no fun," Victoria smiled. "You should go to practice and enjoy yourself."
"You're lots of fun," Hank promised her.
"I'm about ready to explode with your child," she laughed. "I'm fat, miserable and hot. I think I'll be more fun later, once this is over."
"Okay," he laughed and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well, my beautiful Victoria."
~*~*~
Hank smiled and stepped onto the bench.
"You need to go," Mike whispered, placing his hand on Hank's shoulder. "Svetlana just called. Victoria's in labor."
"But the game just started," Hank said, clearly shocked.
"Get out of here and go to her," Mike said again.
"Thanks," Hank said. He stood, almost moving in slow motion, and walked toward the tunnel. He was about to become a father, he just needed to survive the six hour plane ride back to Detroit.
Carefully, he removed his jersey and slowly changed into his street clothes. He wrote a quick note to Pavel and placed it in his best friend's locker before walking out the door, surprised when he saw the cab waiting for him.
He continued to watch as things moved past him in almost a dream like state and, soon, he found himself standing in front of the hospital. "Vic," he whispered as everything cleared and he rushed through the doors.
"Where's my Victoria?" he demanded, stopping at the information desk. "I mean, labor and delivery? My girlfriend's in labor." He nodded as she told him which floor to go to and turned, running toward the elevator.
He stared at the numbers for each floor, willing them to go faster, barely resisting the urge to close the doors on people when they opened. He continued to bounce impatiently on his heels and bolted out of the elevator as soon as it opened on his floor.
"Victoria," he gasped, stopping at the nurse’s station.
"Excuse me?' the nurse said as she looked up at him. "May I help you?"
"My girlfriend's in labor," Hank panted. "Victoria Adams."
"Do you have identification?" she asked, reaching for a chart.
"Yeah," Hank gasped, reaching for his wallet. He froze and cursed softly when he couldn't find it. "I - it was right here," he stuttered, patting at all of his pockets and breathing a sigh of relief when he found it in his coat. "Here," he said, offering it to her.
She checked his wallet against the piece of paper. "If you'll follow me," she said and stood, starting down the hallway.
"In here," she said, stopping outside of a room. She waited half a second before heading back the way she had come, leaving Hank in front of the door.
Hank stopped and took a deep breath before slowly turning the knob.
"I'm sorry," Victoria whispered as she looked up at him.
Hank swore his heart stopped beating. "Why are you sorry?" he asked, fear filling his voice.
"I tried to wait until you got here," she answered and motioned to the table next to the bed. "Our son. He came thirty minutes ago."
"Our son?" Hank breathed and whooped loudly. "Our son!"
"He's perfect," she smiled. "Wash your hands and hold him. We'll figure out a name together."
"Our son," Hank whispered, gently taking the small baby in his arms. "He's beautiful. He has your nose."
Victoria laughed. "He reminds me of you," she told him. "I love you, Henrik."
"I love you too, Victoria, my Victoria," he smiled, leaning down to give her a quick kiss. "Look at what we created."
"We did good," she agreed. "But let's wait a while before creating another one," she teased and sat up.
Hank laughed and nodded. "What's your name, little one?" he asked his son.
"Erik?" Victoria offered. "Erik Zetterberg?" she added and reached out, placing her hand on Hank's thigh.
Hank smiled brightly at her. "Are you sure?"
"He's your son," she laughed. "What name did you think I was going to request?"
"Yours," he admitted, carefully sitting next to her. "Are you going to take our name too?"
She sighed. "I tell you what, you guys make it to the finals and I'll give you my answer then."
Hank leaned over and kissed her softly. "No matter what your answer is, I'll love you forever."
"I love you too," she promised. "Now I believe you might have a phone call or three to make?" she prompted.
"Sorry," he apologized with a smile. He carefully handed the baby to her and pulled out his cell phone. He paused and looked at her in confusion. "Who do I call first?"
Victoria laughed as she looked down at Erik. "Daddy doesn't seem to want to call your grandparents," she smiled. "And your Uncle Pavel." She looked up at Hank. "It doesn't matter who you call first."
Hank nodded and pressed a number on his speed dial. "I have a son," he greeted.
He looked back over at his family an hour later when he dropped his phone back into is pocket. Smiling, he carefully picked Erik up and placed his son back into the crib before adjusting Victoria's blanket. "I wish you'd marry me," he whispered as he watched her sleep. "Or at least tell me why you won't marry me."
He kissed the side of her cheek and stood up. He looked over at the chair, but knew he was still too excited to sit quietly. He scrawled a quick note and quietly left the room to work off some of his energy.
~*~*~
"Good morning," Victoria greeted as Hank walked into the room the next morning. "Did you get wound down?" she smiled.
He grinned sheepishly and nodded. "I'm all yours now," he told her. "As long as you want me."
"I want you," she promised. "Forever. Did you take a picture to practice?" she asked after checking the clock.
"One or two," he smiled.
"Well then, let's get me checked out and our son home. That way some of your friends can come meet him."
"There are going to be three visitors waiting for us," Hank warned as he handed her, her shoes.
"Pavel?" she grinned. "I'm surprised it's taken him so long to get here."
"You can thank Svetlana," he told her. "But Pav won out and they're making sure everything at home is ready for you."
Victoria stood and waited for the nurse to finish checking them out. "Take us home," she requested as Eirk was placed in her arms.
"My pleasure," Hank smiled. "I'll have you both home before you know it."
"Thank you," she smiled and leaned up onto her toes, kissing Hank softly.
Hank smiled at her and then at their son. "We did good."
"We did very good." She pulled on her coat and sat down in the wheelchair.
~*~*~
"We're home," Hank said softly as he pulled into the driveway.
"Let's go in," she smiled and reached for the car door. "Thank you," she whispered before stepping out of the car.
"No, thank you," he smiled. He grabbed one of the bags before wrapping his arm around her shoulder and leading her to the house. The front door opened before he could reach for it and they were greeted by a smiling Pavel.
"Pavel," Victoria smiled. "I'd like you to meet your nephew." She stepped into the house and moved the blanket. "Erik Zetterberg, meet your Uncle Pavel."
"He beautiful," Pavel said. "Look just like Victoria."
"Thank you," she smiled. "Would you like to hold him?"
"Yes," he grinned, taking the baby from her. "So small."
"Go, relax," Hank encouraged.
"I think I'll go see Svetlana," Victoria smiled at him. "Let you three men have a few minutes together."
"Isn't he wonderful?" Hank asked Pavel.
"You have your future hockey player," Pavel laughed. "She marry you yet?"
"No," he sighed. "She said she'll give me the answer after playoffs."
"No matter what she say, you have a beautiful family, Hank. Don't let go," Pavel advised.
"I won't," he promised. He brushed a finger against his son's cheek. "They're mine."
Pavel smiled and looked back down at Erik. "He amazing," he said again. "You two make beautiful son."
"Thank you," he smiled.
Pavel laughed again when he heard his voice called. "We take Erik to Svetlana before she yell at me," he grinned and started walking though the house.
"How are my favorite girls?" Hank asked, kissing Svetlana's cheek and then Elizabeth's.
"We're good," Svetlana smiled at him. "How are you? Daddy?"
"I'm wonderful," he grinned.
"If you smile much more, you'll hurt yourself," Victoria laughed and carefully sat down.
"I can't help it," Hank laughed. "I'm happier than I've ever been before."
"You've made me happy too," she promised him and took Erik from Pavel. "You look just like your Daddy," she told the small child. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
"It's the hair," Hank said.
She smiled again and carefully stood as Erik whimpered. "I'm going to feed our son," she whispered to Hank. "I'll be right back."
"We'll be here," he promised.
"Don't push," Svetlana told Hank after Victoria walked from the room. "Don't worry about it and just relax."
"About what?" Hank asked, still smiling.
"Her marrying you," she answered.
His smile slipped a bit. "I'm trying not to," he told her. He took a deep breath and asked. "Do you think she will?"
"I think so," she assured him. "She just knows she doesn't need to be married to you for you to know how much she loves you."
Hank nodded. "Thank you," he told her.
"You're welcome," Svetlana replied. "I've got dinner ready for you two tonight and tomorrow. If you two need anything, please call me or Pav."
"We will," he promised. "Thank you."
"Enjoy," Pavel smiled and hugged Hank tightly.
"We will," Hank said again, returning the hug. "We'll see you tomorrow," he said as he followed them to the door. He locked the door and went in search of his family. "Vic? You okay?"
"I'm good," she smiled. "Just admiring our son."
"He's something amazing," he smiled and pulled her close. "Svetlana left us dinner. Let's go eat before he wakes up and you can decide everything I need to do before going to practice tomorrow."
"It's a long list," she teased.
"I'll do as much as I can," he promised and kissed her again.
"How did you know that was the first thing on my list?" she smiled.
"Lucky guess," Hank laughed and leaned down, kissing her neck softly. "Forever," he breathed against her skin.
"Forever," she agreed with a soft smile.
~*~*~
"Hej," Hank greeted as he brushed his hand along Erik's head. "My Victoria," he then said and pulled her close, kissing her softly. "Sorry about the delay. Snow," he explained, even if he knew he didn't have to. "But I'm home now for Christmas," he promised. "We don't have practice until the day after."
She smiled at him. "We'll enjoy every minute we have."
"I could never ask for more," he smiled. "Now, what have I missed in the past week?"
"He's your son," Victoria laughed. "He tried to grab one of your hockey sticks."
Hank laughed loudly. "I'm sure he'll grow up to play hockey and have great taste in clothes," he smiled before picking up Erik. "Hey," he whispered. "Daddy's home."
The infant waved a hand, catching Hank's thumb in a tight grip.
"He's amazing," Hank laughed and kissed Erik's forehead. "You ready for Christmas, my son?" he asked and carried the child though the house.
"Henrik, I thought we agreed we wouldn't spoil him," Victoria stated as she followed behind them.
He looked over his shoulder and grinned at her. "You didn't really believe me, did you?"
"He's not old enough for all that yet," she tried to reason. "He's only four months old."
"He'll grow into it," Hank defended. "Besides, it's not all from me."
Victoria tried to glare at him but couldn't hold back the smile. "We'll be sure to thank them all," she finally said. "Do you want to wait until tomorrow? Or are we going to Nick's house?"
"We're going to go, if you don't mind," he answered.
"I'd love to go," she promised. "Why don't you two open your presents?" she suggested. "And Daddy? I've got a present for you later."
"I can't wait Mommy," he said. He sat with Erik next to the tree. "Should we see what Uncle Pav bought for you?"
He slowly worked his way through the presents before leaning back with a satisfied grin. "Looks like you had a great Christmas," he told Erik.
"Looks like he's already asleep," Victoria laughed.
"Looks like it," he agreed. He pressed a soft kiss to Erik's forehead. "You're going to have a great day tomorrow."
"Of course he is," she said softly and took Erik from Hank. "You're his father; he's going to have a lot of great days."
"Only because he has you as a mother," Hank smiled at her.
"You're cute," she laughed and walked Erik to the nursery. "What time are we expected at Nick's?" she asked as she stepped out of the room, pulling the door almost closed behind her.
"Sometime between noon and one," he answered. "We have the morning to ourselves."
"Sounds good to me," she smiled and stepped closer to Hank. "Merry Christmas, my Henrik."
"Merry Christmas, my Victoria," he echoed.
"Come," she encouraged and took Hank's hand. "Let's go to bed before Erik wakes up."
"Do I get my present yet?" he asked, letting her lead him into the other room.
"I am your present," she said as she turned and pressed tightly against Hank. "Unless you don't want me," she teased and leaned up, kissing him softly.
"You're the only present I want."
She laughed and pulled him into the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind them.
~*~*~
"Sorry we're late," Victoria apologized as Hank closed the door behind them. "We had trouble finding Erik's coat," she tried to explain to Nick.
He laughed and kissed her cheek. "We were late for months after each of our sons was born," he told her.
"You have no idea how much better than makes me feel," she laughed and placed her coat next to the door before lifting Erik out of the car seat.
"There's our winger of the future," Homer greeted them, taking Eric from Victoria.
"Defensemen," Lilja corrected.
"He might grow up to be a goalie," Chris chimed in and carefully helped Homer removed the toddler's coat. "We'll be good to him," he promised, handing the small coat to Victoria.
"If I doubted it, you wouldn't have him," she said calmly.
He grinned. "Let's go see the rest of your uncles," he told Erik.
"He looks more and more like you everyday," Nick told her as he took their coats.
"We're lucky that way," Hank said, smiling at her.
"I just hope he starts to look a bit like Hank," she laughed. "It might be difficult for him to play hockey when he looks like a girl."
"He looks like a masculine version of you," Hank corrected.
Nick laughed and ushered them toward the other room. "I don't think you have to worry about that just yet."
"You kidding?" she laughed. "As soon as Erik takes his first steps, Hank will have him fitted for skates."
"Nick had them fitted before they could walk," Annika laughed.
"I'm not surprised," Victoria smiled. She turned to Hank. "Go, talk to your brothers. I'm going to spend some time with Annika and Svetlana."
"Have fun," he said and disappeared into the other room.
"I really love him," she whispered to his back before turning and smiling at the other women.
"He loves you very much," Jenna told her. "You can see it in the way he looks at you."
"Yes but do you think he'd be happy being married?" she asked, smiling at them. "He told me when we started dating that he wasn't the marrying kind. How can I be sure he's changed his mind? And it has nothing to do with Erik."
"You've been together for a long time now," Annika pointed out. "He's grown up."
Svetlana asked, "When was the first time he asked you to marry him?"
"A few months before I got pregnant," Victoria shrugged. "And almost every day after."
"If he asked you before, he's not asking you just because of Erik," Jenna pointed out reasonably.
"I told him I wanted to give him my answer if they made it into the playoffs," she whispered. "But I don't think I can wait that long." She smiled sadly at the other wives. "He hasn't asked me in four months."
"Then tell him your answer the next time he asks," Svetlana suggested.
"What if he doesn't ask again?" she whispered. "What if I've convinced him that I don't want to marry him?"
"Then you ask him," Jenna suggested.
"When?"
"At tomorrow's game?" Svetlana suggested. "On the big screen."
"If he doesn't ask me today, I'll do it," Victoria said after a few minutes. "You three will help me, right?"
"Of course," Annika smiled.
"We wouldn't miss this," Svetlana grinned.
Victoria laughed. "I'm sure it will blow up greatly in my face."
"It won't," Jenna promised. "He's not going to suspect a thing."
Victoria smiled. "Thank you, all of you." She stood and started toward the door. "Now I just need to see my son," she admitted with a light blush.
The other women laughed in understanding. "Go," Annika told her. "Rescue him from the team."
Victoria laughed and hugged Annika tightly before walking out of the room. "I came for my son," she announced as she walked into the room, smiling brightly.
"Did you hear that?" Kris asked the infant. "Your Mommy thinks we're scary."
"No thinking involved," Victoria smiled softly. "I know you guys are scary. Most of you have spent the night in my house."
Kris handed Erik to her. "You love us anyway."
"I do," she promised and smiled at Hank. "I love you guys very much." She cuddled Erik close and leaned over, kissing Hank's cheek quickly.
He smiled at her. "Do you want me to go with you or are you women going to fawn over him now?"
She smiled at Oz. "Jenna wanted to hold him for a while," she answered. "Said something about wanting a boy."
He laughed. "Anything she wants."
Victoria laughed and kissed Hank again. "You boys have fun. We're going to do women things and fawn over our son."
"Have fun," Nick said. He leaned over and whispered loudly to Hank. "We'll rescue him in a little bit."
She laughed harder and walked out of the room.
"He's so cute," Svetlana smiled. "He has Henrik's eyes."
"But your nose," Annika added.
"You guys are something else," Victoria smiled as Jenna took Erik from her. "He's a beautiful boy and I can't wait to see how much of his father he has in him."
"Wait until you hear his first word," Jenna advised. "Then you'll know."
"Hank's already trying to teach him Swedish," she laughed. "I guess I'll need to break down and learn it myself if he succeeds."
"Probably a good idea," Annika agreed.
Victoria smiled as all the wives in the room took turns holding Erik. Tomorrow, she thought as she glanced down at her bare hands, tomorrow she could propose to Hank on the big screen. She just hoped he was looking up when she did.
~*~*~
Victoria glanced up nervously at the big screen. "When are they going to show it?" she asked the women next to her.
"Soon," Jenna answered and checked her watch. "Any second now," she then promised.
"What if he's not watching?"
"Don't worry," Svetlana soothed. "Pavel, Nick and Chris all know to make him look up."
"Oh God," Victoria groaned as it flashed on the screen and she buried her face in her hands. "What's he doing?" she hissed. "Did he look up?"
She was answered by a loud shout from the bench and forced herself to look up just in time to see Hank jumping up, looking toward where she was sitting.
"Well go down there," Jenna laughed and gave Victoria a gentle shove. She stood and nodded, slowly making her way toward the bench.
"So?" she asked nervously once she got close enough. "Will you?"
She shrieked when he grabbed her and pulled her onto the ice, twirling her around. "Yes," he grinned. "Yes I will."
"Oh Henrik," she breathed and wrapped her arms tightly around him before kissing him softly. "You have no idea how happy you just made me."
"You've made me happier than I've ever dreamed," he told her, the applause around them thundering.
"I thought Erik did that," she teased, her smile bright.
"You completed the dream," he smiled.
"Finish your game," she laughed. "Before Mike comes after me for ruining your concentration."
"We'll celebrate later," he promised. He kissed her softly and helped her off the ice before skating back to the bench, a wide grin on his face.
"And you were worried," Jenna laughed as Victoria sat back down.
"We told you he'd marry you," Annika added.
"Yes," she smiled. "You were right."
"We'll watch Erik tonight," Svetlana offered. "I'm sure you two want to celebrate."
"You don't mind?"
"Of course not. Elizabeth loves when he's over," her friend promised.
Victoria smiled and leaned back, watching her future husband jump over the boards and skate down the ice. "Thank you," she told her friends. "We'll be by late to pick Erik up," she warned.
"I wouldn't expect anything else," she smiled as people around started to congratulate Victoria.
"We have a wedding to plan," Annika smiled.
"Thank you," Victoria promised them and glanced back down at her hands. "Just don't make it too soon, okay?"
Svetlana gave her friend a concerned look but nodded. "You tell us the date; we'll take care of everything."
"I'll talk to Henrik tonight and let you all know tomorrow," Victoria smiled and returned her attention to the game.
Svetlana nodded and squeezed her friend’s hand.
~*~*~
"You're sure?" Victoria asked as Hank's arms wrapped around her waist. "I wasn't too forward?"
"No," Hank promised her, kissing her deeply. "Best surprise of my life .... after finding out about Erik, of course."
"When do you want to get married?" she asked, running her hands up Hank's back.
"On the same day as you," he grinned.
She laughed and kissed him again. "Hank, my Henrik, I love you so much," she whispered into his shoulder.
"I love you more than anything," he told her. "You and Erik."
"What if I told you I might be pregnant again?" she said, almost inaudibly.
He froze before tilting her head up to look into her eyes. "Really?" he asked, smiling. "Erik's going to have a brother or sister?"
"I don't know," she admitted and laughed nervously. "I feel bad for being scared when you look so happy."
"Why are you scared?" he whispered.
"Erik's so small and we're still learning so much about being parents." She brushed a strand of hair from her face and sighed. "I just don't want to mess this up."
"You could never mess it up," he told her sincerely. "You're an amazing mother."
"Hank, my love, please tell me honestly. Do you want another baby right now?" she asked bluntly. "Or would you prefer to give Erik a brother or sister after we're married?"
He pulled back like he'd been slapped. "What are you asking?" he asked, his voice cracking.
"My Henrik," she said quickly. "I'm saying that I don't know if I'm pregnant or not but I was wondering what's going through your head."
"I'm saying that I love you and any and all children we have, no matter when they decide to show up."
"Do you want to find out tonight?" She pressed against him and kissed his neck gently. "Or I can find out tomorrow."
He laughed softly. "I'm not going to sleep until I know," he admitted. "But let's celebrate tonight."
"Good idea," she smiled and ran her hands along his chest. "I'll find out when we're done."
"No matter what the answer is, I love you," he promised her. He placed a hand softly over her belly. "And I'll love any child that we have."
"I know," she promised. "I just always kinda wished I'd be done breast feeding one before having another," she laughed and pulled him down the hallway. "It's not important though. I'll have our children when I'm supposed too and not a second sooner." She smiled up at him before laughing. "Now, let's do some celebrating."
"Let's," he smiled, picking her up and carefully setting her on the bed.
~*~*~
Victoria stared down at the small white plastic and struggled through her emotions. She was happy, really she was, she just couldn't believe this was happening again so soon.
"I guess I'll be marrying your father in a year," she whispered and placed a hand on her stomach. "Now, let's go tell him about you."
"Henrik," she said quietly as she stepped into the room.
"Yes?" he asked as he sat up in the bed. "What's it say?"
"We're either going to through together a wedding in a month or we're going to get married in a year," she laughed and sat down next to him. "I'm pregnant again."
He bounced up and hugged her tightly. "That's wonderful," he said excitedly. "You pick the date."
"As soon as possible," she whispered. "I want your name when I give birth to this one."
He grinned and kissed her again. "Pav and Svetlana will help. I love you."
"I love you too," she said and snuggled closer to him. "But you get to tell Pavel you got me pregnant again and his wife can't plan the perfect wedding with Annika and Jenna."
He laughed. "They'll plan the almost perfect wedding then."
"Exactly." She kissed his neck. "We'll tell them when we pick up Erik tomorrow."
"Until then, we celebrate," he whispered, running his hands up under her shirt.
~*~*~
Four months later…
"Jenna," Victoria whispered softly. "Can you take Erik? I'm not feeling well and want to lay down for a little while."
"Of course," she agreed immediately, taking the baby from her. She took another look at Victoria and called for her oldest daughter. Handing Erik to her she returned to Victoria's side and wrapped an arm around her, leading her to the other room. "What's wrong?"
"I don't think this baby's agreeing with me," Victoria whispered. "I haven't felt right for a while now." She sighed. "That's why we postponed the wedding."
"But that was three months ago."
"I know and it's only gotten worse," Victoria said quietly as she carefully lay down on the bed.
"Vic," Jenna whispered. "We have to take you to the hospital."
"I can't. I can't go and risk losing this baby. Hank's so happy and I can't take that from him," she argued as a tear slid down her cheek. "Besides, I don't even know where they are."
"Vic," she said again. "We need to make sure you and the baby are healthy. That's what Hank wants.
"Hank wants this baby," she said firmly but sighed in frustration. "You're right," she then admitted. "But who will watch Erik?"
"The best way to make sure Hank gets the baby is to make sure nothing is wrong," Jenna pointed out reasonably. "My girls can keep an eye on him until Annika gets here."
"Just, don't call Hank," she begged as she slowly sat back up. "Please?"
"I won't," Jenna promised. She smiled encouragingly at Victoria, even as she worried about the other woman's phrasing. "Stay here, I'm going to get your coat and tell the girls that we're leaving."
"I can walk," she insisted and started toward the door, picking her coat up off of the bed as she walked down the hallway.
Jenna grabbed their coats, talked to her daughters and grabbed her cell phone. She debated calling Chris before calling Annika first. She explained the situation to their friend as she helped Victoria to the car.
"I'm sure it's nothing," Victoria tried to argue. "Just don't call Hank. I don't need him to worry."
"I'm not calling Hank," Jenna promised.
"Tell Annika not to call him either," she ordered fiercely.
"Annika won't call him," Jenna answered and repeated the request into the phone. "Now, let's get you to the hospital and find out what's going on."
"I'm telling you, it's nothing. I'm only doing this so I can be sure Hank will be happy," Victoria said defiantly.
"And I'm doing this to make sure that you're happy," Jenna smiled.
"Fine. Let's just go," she said and closed the car door as Jenna dropped the phone into her pocket. "Please be okay," she whispered. "I don't want to tell your Daddy that you're not."
~*~*~
"I'm going to call Hank now," Jenna whispered and squeezed Victoria's shoulder lightly.
"Fine," Victoria whispered and wrapped her arms around her stomach. "Just leave me alone until he gets here please. I just want to be alone."
Jenna blinked back tears and nodded. "I'll be outside if you want me," she said softly.
"I want Hank," she whispered. "And my kids." She turned and looked at Jenna. "Thank you for being here. It means a lot."
"He'll be here soon," she promised. "Erik too." She brushed a hand over Victoria's hair. "I wouldn't be anywhere else. Svetlana and Annika too."
She nodded and watched her friend walk out of the room. "I'm sorry," she whispered and closed her eyes. She just hoped Hank wasn't mad at her.
~*~*~
Pavel watched closely while Hank talked on his phone. Svetlana had called him earlier and it had been everything he could do not to tell his friend what was going on.
"Hank?" he asked quietly when Hank hung up.
"My Vic," Hank whispered. "I need to go."
"I drive," Pavel told him firmly.
Hank nodded numbly. "Okay." He took a shaky breath and sighed. "I'm just thankful Vic's okay." He turned to Pavel. "We lost the baby."
Pavel hugged Hank tightly. "I sorry," he whispered to his friend.
"I am too," Hank whispered back and returned Pavel's hug. "But I still have Victoria and we can have more kids."
"That what important," Pavel said. "We here for you too," he promised, following Hank to the car.
"Thank you," Hank told him seriously as he got into the car. "Now, what do I say to her?" he asked painfully.
"That you love her," Pavel answered immediately.
Hank nodded. "I do. I love her more than anything. Do I tell her anything else?"
"You not angry," Pavel told him.
Hank nodded again. "I'm not," he agreed. "It wasn't her fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. It just happened." He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Take me to her," he requested. "I need to see her."
Pavel nodded and drove them to the hospital as quickly as he could.
~*~*~
Hank stopped and turned, pulling Jenna into a tight hug. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you for taking care of my family." Ha squeezed her arms gently and quietly walked into the room. "Vic?"
"I'm sorry."
"My Victoria, this wasn't your fault. I'm not angry," he promised. "I love you more than anything and I'm just thankful that you're okay."
"I lost your baby," she whispered.
"No," he said and walked farther into the room. "You didn't do anything to our baby. This wasn't your fault. I'm just glad that you're fine," he said again. "We can have more kids. I can't find another you."
"I'm still sorry," she whispered.
"I am too," Hank promised as he sat down next to her, taking her hand in his. "But we'll have another baby," he smiled softly. "As soon as you're ready. We'll even get married first." He ran his hand over her hair. "I love you so much, Vic. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She gave him a weak smile. "I love you too," she told him, leaning into his touch.
"See? What more do we need?" he smiled again. "We love each other and we have Erik. He's the most perfect son in the world and you did that for me." He brushed his thumb across her cheek. "We'll have a house full of kids," he promised softly.
She nodded. "Just hold me," she requested, her voice muffled against his chest.
"Of course," he said softly and laid down next to her, pulling her carefully into his arms. "My beautiful Victoria," he whispered and kissed the top of her head. "We'll get through this together."
She clung to him and nodded.
~*~*~
Six months later…
"You ready?" Annaka asked as she straightened Victoria's dress.
"Yes," she smiled happily. "I am. I can't believe we're finally getting married."
Annika kissed her cheek. "We're all so happy for you," she told her.
She smiled again and pulled the three women into a tight hug. "Thank you so much for everything. I don't know what I would have done in Detroit without you."
"Been miserable," Jenna teased. She handed her, her flowers. "Svetlana has the rings so Pavel wouldn't lose them. Are you ready?"
"Yes," Victoria laughed. "I am very ready." She took the flowers from Jenna and took a deep breath. "Let's go get me married."
The three women grinned. Annika and Jenna led the way, followed by Svetlana and then, finally, Victoria.
She walked down the aisle and smiled lovingly at Hank as she stopped next to him. Before she knew it, he was kissing her gently as their friends began to clap.
"My sweet Henrik," she whispered in his ear before walking back down the aisle. "Congratulations Daddy."
He stared at her for so long she was afraid he was going to be mad before he swept her off her feet and kissed her again. "I love you," he murmured into her ear.
"I love you too," she smiled. "Now, let's go and tell all your friends."
He smiled and led her to where everyone was waiting for them. He took Erik from Sammy, who had held him during the ceremony and held him in one hand while keeping an arm around Victoria. "We have news," he smiled.
"News?" Pavel grinned. "How much more you going to have happen today?" he teased.
"Not today," Victoria said, glancing back at Hank. "A few months from now."
"I'm gonna be a Daddy again," Hank beamed and kissed Victoria softly before hugging Erik close. "And that means you're going to have another one calling you Uncle Pasha," he teased his friend.
"I love being an uncle," he promised and was the first to reach the two and give Victoria a hug. "Congratulation."
"Thank you," she smiled and hugged Pavel tight. She laughed as Pavel hugged Hank and three sets of arms wrapped around her.
"You should have told us this morning," Jenna teased.
"I hadn't told Hank yet," she told her friends. "I was afraid to jinx things."
"You still should have told us," Svetlana laughed. "We'd die to know something Hank doesn't."
"I'll tell you first next time," she promised them. She looked to Hank, who was surrounded by his teammates. "He looks happy, doesn't he?"
"He does," Annika smiled. "But he looked happy before you told him about the baby."
"He loves me," she smiled in contentment.
"I do," Hank said and pulled her close to him. He placed his hand on her belly and smiled. "Our family. The four of us."
"You'll have your own line soon," Nick teased.
"This one might be a girl," Jenna told him.
"I've seen your girls play," Hank laughed. "Maybe she'll sing like her mother."
"Maybe she'll take over my job," Steve chimed in.
"Maybe our kids will do what they want," Victoria laughed. "After they learn how to skate of course."
"Of course," Svetlana agreed. "Pav bought skates for Elizabeth before she was born."
"Ockey," Erik announced and tugged on Hank's hair with a bright grin.
Victoria and Hank stared at each other for a second before grinning. "Ockey," Hank repeated.
"He's Z's son," Chris laughed. "First word was hockey."
"Ockey," Erik said again and giggled.
"I told you," Hank grinned at Victoria, kissing her softly.
"I had no doubts he was your son," she laughed and turned to Erik. "Mum?"
"Ockey," Erik grinned.
"Mum," she tried again.
"Ockey!" he shrieked and laughed.
"You'll get it eventually," Victoria laughed and hugged Hank and Erik close. "Today's been perfect," she whispered.
He smiled kissed her softly and whispered, "Completely."
"Come," Homer grinned and took Erik from Hank. "Uncle Homer teach you how to annoy goalie while your parents - " He paused and winked at Hank. "Play hockey."
Hank and Victoria laughed and led the way out. "I love you," Hank told her.
"I love you too," she promised and squeezed his hand. "You do know what this means, don't you? You're going to have to teach me how to skate. And Swedish."
He grinned and pulled her close again. "I can't wait."
~*~*~
Twelve years later…
Victoria wrapped both hands around her coffee cup as she watched the two boys skate across the rink.
"You got your two hockey players," Annika laughed.
"And they're playing against your four hockey players," Victoria smiled.
"They're great, aren't they?" Annika grinned.
"Did you ever want a girl?" she asked.
"Are you?"
"No," Victoria interrupted with a laugh. "I was just curious. We've got three boys, you've got four boys - I was only asking."
"Sometimes," Annika admitted. "So I kidnap Jenna's for a while."
"Hank wants a girl," Victoria confided. "He says he'd love to have a miniture version of me running around the house, bossing her three older brothers around."
"So you keep trying until you get one," Annika laughed.
"We could end up with our own hockey team," Victoria laughed. She watched her boys skate the length of the rink again. "But I guess life's not so bad. I've got three miniature Hanks. What's a few more?"
"A good thing," Annika suggested.
"Very good," she agreed and smiled as Hank and Nick sat down next to them.
"What'd we miss?" Hank grinned.
"I think Pavel's been teaching Erik how to deke," Victoria said calmly. "And Homer's been spending way too much time with Viktor. He's driving Adam crazy."
Nick laughed. "Homer has been looking pretty proud of himself recently."
"Goalies everywhere are going to cower in fear," Hank smiled proudly as he watched his two sons. "Do you see any of me out there?" he asked curiously.
Victoria laughed as Erik removed his helmet and took a drink of water. "Your hair," she teased.
Hank laughed. "One of them did."
She laughed more. "Hank, my love, all of them said something about hockey as their first word. They're all yours."
"And they're all great skaters," Nick offered.
"At least they got Victoria's taste in clothes," Annika teased.
"What's wrong with my taste?" Hank pouted.
"Nothing," Annika laughed. "But there's more to life than blue jeans and hockey jerseys."
"Can you believe them?" Hank asked Nick.
"Yes," Nick answered simply.
Victoria laughed and leaned against Hank. "You're cute when you pout," she whispered in his ear.
"Is that the only time?" he smirked, wrapping an arm around her.
"Yes," she laughed. "The rest of the time - well, I don't think Nick wants to hear what I think about you."
"No, thank you," Nick agreed, wrapping his arms around his own wife and pulling her close. "Just imagine our kids on a hockey team, just them."
"We need a goalie," Victoria smiled and looked down at the small child playing in front of them. "You think Liam will be a goalie?"
The boy nodded his head. "Like Uncle Chris," he grinned.
"Like Uncle Chris," Hank laughed and ruffled his son's hair.
"You two gonna have that daughter?" Annika smiled innocently at Hank.
"I'd like to try," Hank said, squeezing Victoria's hand.
"We'll watch them anytime," Nick laughed. "If you guys need the practice," he winked.
Hank waggled his eyebrows at Victoria. "I could always use the practice."
She laughed and leaned close to her husband. "My Henrik, you don't need practice. You're already the best."
"It's how I stay the best," he grinned.
Nick rolled his eyes. "Go," he ordered the two of them. "We'll bring the boys home later."
"Thank you," Victoria smiled at him and moved, hugging Liam tightly. "You listen to Uncle Nick and Aunt Annika. Mummy and Daddy are going out for a bit. They'll bring you and your brothers home."
"Okay Mummy," he said, smiling brightly at her.
"Come," Victoria said and pulled Hank toward her. "Let's go home and practice."
"I'll have you pregnant by the end of the year," Hank grinned.
"I hope so," she laughed and walked toward the door.
Hank grinned at his friends and rushed after his wife. His life was perfect.
~End~