30 - Light

The next few days went by smoothly and without any problems between Anna and Ryan. Anna took the liberty of going grocery shopping while Ryan was at the gym, filling the cupboards with good food. It was on this particular she was working on making dinner when Ryan walked in the door.

"Something smells good!" Ryan exclaimed, tossing his gym bag on the floor, "Annie, you cooking?"

Anna blushed upon hearing Ryan's nickname for her, "Yep!"

Ryan walked into the kitchen and stood behind her, looking over her shoulder at the food sizzling on the stove, "Wow, I've never used this thing before. Now I know it works."

"You've got to be kidding me," Anna replied, turning around, "Not once?"

"Derek used it a couple of times, and so did his fiancee when she visited," Ryan shrugged, "I just usually get takeout."

"No wonder you're so skinny!" Anna shoved him playfully.

Ryan pulled her close and went for a kiss. Anna turned around and continued stirring the chopped veggies in the pan. Ryan pouted behind her and went to stand next to the stove.

"So...what are you making us?"

"Homemade spaghetti and meatballs," Anna replied, "Complete with homemade garlic bread and sauce."

Ryan's eyes widened, "Wow, really?"

"Mhmm," Anna nodded, "Of course, if you keep bothering me it will never be ready in time..."

Ryan grinned at her like a little kid, "But I liiiike you."

Anna rolled her eyes, "Ryan, if you really do like me, go be useful and wash the dishes."

Ryan gazed at the sky-high pile of dishes Anna had used to prepare the meal and declined, "I have a better idea."

"If it involves cleaning up the garlic on the counter, then go for it."

Ryan shook his head and took the wooden spoon she was using away from her, "Nope."

Before Anna could protest, Ryan picked her up in his arms bridal-style and carried her upstairs to their bedroom.

"Ryan...the food will burn!"

"I don't care right now."

"You should, I spent the whole afternoon-"

Ryan silenced her with a deep kiss. Anna laid there, dazed, as he started unbuttoning her shirt. She could not argue with him. This was much better than cooking.

"Ryyyyyan," Anna moaned as he planted light kisses along her jawline, "I thought we said we'd take a break from this..."

"Mmmhmm," Ryan whispered, "We've had a break. As soon as I saw you when I walked in the door...damn."

Anna wasn't used to Ryan taking control...but then again, she saw no reason to complain.

As soon as it was over, Anna leaned into Ryan's embrace and sighed, "Perfect."

Ryan snuggled her, "Yeah..."

Of course, the moment was ruined by the high-pitched noise of the smoke alarm. Dinner was ready.




Ryan felt bad about ruining dinner by taking Anna upstairs to make love- so after ordering Thai food and cleaning up the mess together, he asked Anna if he could make it up to her. She knew exactly what she wanted.

"It's like right in the middle, between my shoulder blades," Anna whispered as Ryan started to massage her shoulders, "Yeah, right there..."

Anna sighed. Ryan's thin, nimble fingers were good for something other than gripping a goalie stick, it seemed. As he continued, Anna clicked on the television.

TCM was the station Ryan had it on last. Anna was surprised. She loved old movies; apparently so did he.

"Oh, Charlie Chaplin's The Kid is on!" Ryan said excitedly, "I love that movie."

"Me too..." Anna said quietly. She had never met a man who loved old movies as much as she did.

The two sat together on the couch and watched the black and white film. After they ate, Anna yawned and told Ryan she wanted to lie down on the couch. As the sun set that day, Ryan turned the sound on the TV down so Anna could sleep.

Just as she was about to drift off, she heard Ryan moving around. She then heard something she wasn't expecting. Not in a million years.

"Hi there, baby," Ryan whispered, "I don't know if we've met, but I'm your daddy..."

He must've thought I was asleep, Anna thought. She didn't move a muscle.

"Your mom and I made a few mistakes, but you weren't one of them," Ryan told the child, "I hope you look like her, because she really is very pretty, your mom."

Anna listened as Ryan told the baby that he played hockey, and 'as soon as they could,' the baby would have his or her very own jersey. He talked about his teammates, the coach, and even where he grew up. Anna tried so hard not to cry.

"I just want to be everything I can for you, little baby," Ryan whispered, kissing Anna's belly, "And I will do all I can to take care of you and your mother."