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.