Chapter Two

The noise in the building was deafening. The crowd could be heard chanting all the way from the locker room, as the Pittsburgh Penguins were getting ready to step on the ice for their game against the Washington Capitals. As always, the room was full of laughter and chatter. Sid looked around at his team mates, excited about the game ahead. It was still early in the season, but the boys had already been on fire, winning their last eight games in a row. Sid was on a streak, scoring at least one goal in those games. Averaging 2-3 points every game so far, Sid was hot and he wanted to keep it going as long as he could.


His wife, Diana had told him she'd like to see him beat his streak record of 26 games. He had laughed, and told her he'd do his best. Smiling he thought about his wife and son. The two most important people in his life. They were his world, and he wanted them both to be proud of him. Sidney had always strived to be the best he could, always raising the bar and pushing himself to the max. That became even more important when he married his best friend Diana and she gave birth to Acelin. Instead of just striving to be the best for himself, he strove to be the best for his family. Not just as a hockey player, but as a friend, husband, lover and father.


As the boys headed down the runway to the ice, Sid focused on the work ahead. As always this would be a high octane game. The rivalry between these two teams was legendary. The crowd jumped to their feet and cheered as their Pittsburgh Penguins took to the ice. Sidney looked up and smiled when he saw Diana watching from the VIP holding Acelin in her arms. After the warm-up, they stood silently while the Anthem was sung. With his head bent and eyes closed, Sid thought about the task at hand. 'Let's make it 9 in a row.' He thought to himself as the Anthem was finished and they took their places for the puck drop.


By the end of the second period, the score was tied at 2. Sidney had assisted Jordan Staal on the first goal of the game. As he sat in the locker room, he contemplated the third period. As always the game was fast paced and physical. The Penguins needed to get to their game quickly in the third and try to keep the Capitals at bay. Their biggest advantage was the Caps new goalie. He was young and inexperienced which gave the boys an edge. If they could just keep the Capitals out of the Penguins end, they'd have this game in the bag. Sid guzzled down some water, then began to get his gear back on. They could do this and he was going to go back out there and prove it.


Halfway into the third period, Sid found himself wide open with the puck on his stick. He maneuvered quickly around the Capital trying to block his lane, and shot down the ice. Realizing he was all alone he looked up at the goalie sitting low in his crease. Just as he halted to a stop, Sid released the puck watching as it sailed up over the shoulder of the goaltender and into the back of the net. The crowd went crazy as he and his team celebrated the goal. It was now 3-2 for the Pens. Forty seven seconds later, Sid would surprise the Capital's goalie with a quick release shot through the five hole to make it 4-2.


With just under three minutes to go in the final period, the Capitals were showing their frustration. Alex Ovechkin the captain of that team, picked a fight with Evgeni Malkin. The two scared off and it ended with Alex laying on the ice, Geno's fist held up above his head ready to strike. The fight fueled the crowd, and the Penguins fed of the energy they were putting out. They were keeping the Caps offense at bay, taking away time and space and creating turnovers in the neutral zone. As the clock wound down, the crowd got louder and louder, cheering on their team "LET'S GO PENS! LET'S GO PENS! LET'S GO PENS!" They boys celebrated and hugged each other as the buzzer sounded. A great victory at home in the Consol Energy Center.


Sidney came out of the locker room after showering, changing and talking to the media. He looked up to see his wife and son waiting for him. Smiling he walked up, kissed Diana and picked his son up in his arms. "How's my little man?" He said kissing Acelin's forhead. Acelin squealed and grabbed Sid's nose. "Dadda!" He shouted, smiling. The Crosby's then headed out to the Rover. As Sidney buckled Acelin into his car seat, Diana got into the passenger seat and turned to look at her husband.


"Great game out there hun. You guys played very well! I'm really proud of you." Diana said smiling at her husband as he once again kissed Acelin's forehead. Sidney shut the door then walked around to the driver side. After buckling up and starting the rover, he turned onto the road and headed for home.  "Thank you baby girl. It always means so much to me, that you are proud of our accomplishments."


Reaching across the center console, Sid gently squeezed his wife's hand. Glancing toward her he smiled and winked as she smiled back. He couldn't imagine what he'd do without her. Diana had given him so much happiness. Sidney loved her more and more everyday, and he knew the feeling was mutual. They were soulmates and it was beautiful.

Chapter One

Mario laughed as 8 month old Acelin Crosby grabbed his ear and squealed. He and his wife Natalie were sitting in the living room of Sidney and Diana Crosby, visiting their good friends. Diana looked over and smiled as her son played with his 'uncle' Mario. Everytime he'd grab Mario's lip, Mario would pretend to nibble is fingers causing Acelin to squeal and jump up and down on his lap. He was a happy little boy, with chubby arms and legs and beautiful hazel eyes. Full of energy and crawling everywhere, he kept his parents on their toes.


Diana was sitting on the couch, Sid next to her with his arm around her shoulders. Natalie sat in the armchair chatting with Diana about the new pant suit she had purchased the previous day. Sid was watching his son, enjoying the time at home with his little family. It was in the midst of pre-season and he was excited about the upcoming regular season. They had a good team, and after winning the cup the previous season, they needed to work hard to try and get into the next playoffs and defend their title.


He glanced at his wife and smiled when he saw his second championship ring hanging from a chain around her neck. He had given it to her as a gift after winning the cup. Because it was so large, she had to wear it on a chain. But that didn't seem to matter to her, she loved it and wore it nearly every day. It was a sentimental gift from her husband, which was priceless.


"We really should do a shopping trip sometime, Diana. It's been a while, and I'd love to be able to spend some time with you and little Acelin." Natalie said, watching her husband as he bounced the baby on his knee. Both women smiled, when Mario made faces at Acelin causing him to giggle and coo.


"You are so cute little man! I wish I could take you home with me." Mario said kissing Acelin's forehead. Acelin babbled loudly and grabbed Mario's ear again.


"Be my guest! You're more then welcome to take him off my hands for the night Mario!" Diana laughed, looking over at her son. The other three laughed as well, all of them watching the bouncy baby boy as he pulled on Mario's ears.


"Really? Oh Mario could we? I'd love to have him for the night! Besides I think it'd be good for Sid and Diana to have a night to themselves!" Natalie gushed, turning to her husband a hopeful look on her pretty face. Mario gazed at her for a minute then sighed.


"Alright, we can take him for the night. I have to admit I think I'd like having a baby boy around for a night anyway." Mario stood up and handed Acelin to Sid. "Here, you may as well play with him for a bit before we go."


Sidney smiled and took his son. Acelin squealed and laid his head down on Sid's shoulder, promptly sticking his thumb in his mouth. "I guess you wore him out, Mario." Sid said with a laugh, patting his son's back. He then turned his head and kissed Acelin softly. Sidney was so proud of his little guy. He couldn't have asked for a more precious child.


Sid stayed in the living room with the Lemieux's, while Diana went into the nursery to gather Acelin's things. After packing a few sleepers and other items he'd need in a backpack, she rejoined her husband and friends. Handing the pack to Natalie, she said "His car seat is in the front entrance closet on the floor. There are a few bottles in here with formula you just have to add water, and there are also a couple jars of food and spoons."


Mario nodded, smiling at Diana. He always thought she was a great mom, so caring and always putting her little boy first. He had a lot of love and respect for her. Turning toward Sidney, Mario held his arms out for Acelin. The little boy, stared at him not moving his head off his daddy's shoulder.


"Come on buddy, time to go. You're gonna sleep over at our house tonight and give mommy and daddy a night to themselves." Mario said, taking him from Sid's arms. Sidney kissed his son and patted his head gently.


"Behave yourself little man." He said softly.


After Diana had said her goodbyes and given her son kisses, Mario strapped little Acelin into his car seat and they walked out to their car. Sid and Diana watched them as they drove away, then shut the door and turned to each other. Sid wrapped his arms around his wife and kissed the top of her head. They stood there silently for a couple minutes just holding each other.


Finally Diana looked up at her husband and smiled. "So Mr. Crosby, what do you propose we do with this night to ourselves?"


"Well Mrs. Crosby, how does ordering in some food, opening a bottle of wine and watching a couple movies sound for starters?" Sid smiled as he brushed a strand of hair from Diana's face.


"Sounds wonderful! I'll go pick out a couple movies, while you order the food and grab the wine."


A short time later they were cuddling on the couch, eating and watching a comedy.  It felt really nice to be able to just cuddle and enjoy each other's company without worrying about the little guy. They hadn't had a lot of alone time since he was born so it was a nice treat. Sid leaned back and put his arm around Diana's shoulders as she laid against his chest. She smiled at the sound of his heartbeat. Giving her a gentle squeeze, he kissed her head.


"It's so quiet, I like it." Diana said laughing lightly.


"Yes, it is very quiet. It's nice. I'm enjoying this time with you. We never get this anymore." Sid looked down at his wife as she turned to look up at him. Their lips met in a gentle yet passionate kiss, Sid's arms tightened around Diana and pulled her onto his lap. The movie was forgotten as they made love, their bodies shining in the light from the TV. Then, they lay naked together cuddling and talking.