Pulling a loose thread on the cuff of your husband’s spare Bruins jersey, calmed you as you watched the home game. Your 6 month pregnant belly sat comfortably under the jersey that showed off your husband’s number.
It had been a tough game so far, tensions were at an all time high. The Bruins were losing 3 to 2, and you could tell the players were getting irritated with each other.
Little did you know that the game was about to get even worse.
“Got to say Graham; that woman of yours sure is pretty.” The other teams captain comments.
“Why you think I married her, Larusso?” Garrett asked.
“It’s too bad she’s knocked up and taken; that body could stop traffic.” Larusso whistled.
Garrett’s eyes darkened and his nostrils flared. “What’d you just say?” Garrett growled. “You know what man, Fuck this!” Garrett threw down his stick. “You and me, right here right now!” Garrett said.
“You sure I won’t embarrass you in front of your pregnant slut, Graham?” Larusso egged him on.
Garrett tossed off his gloves, “that’s it…” he said before tackling the asshole to the ice.
You watched on horrified as Garrett wailed his fists against his opponents face. Sure he’s gotten into scuffles before today, but never this intense and never this violent. Something must have set him off down on the ice, because this behavior wasn’t like him… it wasn’t like him at all.
The refs had to pry Garrett off of Larusso. He was fighting their hold, “BRING HIM TO ME!!!” He hollered. He was dragged off the ice, still death-glaring Larusso, heading towards the locker room.
You were already on your feet and immediately beelined for the locker room. Not many women were allowed in the Bruins locker room, but you were a rare exception. As you were the only woman who could calm your husband down when he got like this.
Finding Garrett pacing, nostrils flared like an angered bull, you walked into the room. The assistant coach was with him, keeping an eye on him with you in case he lost control. “Care to explain what happened out there?” You call to Garrett and he looks up at you.
Seeing you holding a hand over your belly made him relive the words Larusso had said. “He deserved it believe me.” He assures you.
Your eyes widened, “really… because I have on good authority to believe that nobody deserves to get their face beaten to a bloody pulp, deserved or otherwise.” You say walking over.
He shook his head at you, “you didn’t hear what this asshole was saying… he slut shamed you, how could I just stand there and do nothing?” He asked you, “he was talking about you like your body was an object.” He said, clenching his fist.
“He was trying to get in your head, Garrett… and you let him.” You explain, “I appreciate you trying to defend my honor and everything, but I don’t enjoy seeing you like this.” You admit. “He could call me every name in the book, but it wouldn’t matter because that wouldn’t change how you see me. Who gives a fuck what the other guy thinks?” You say.
“Look at me…” you ask him and he does eventually meet your eyes.
You move the sweaty pieces of hair from his eyes as he looks at you in awe and regret. “I know your heart was in the right place, Garrett, but this is serious.” You tell him, “this could get way worse than being tossed out for the rest of the game; you could have a lawsuit on your hands.” You remind him.
He looks away from you in shame, “I know… I know that.” He sighs.
“I doubt it will come to a lawsuit.” Assistant Coach Anderson interrupted.
You and Garrett both turn to the coach, “what do you mean Coach, if he sues me, I’m cooked.”
“Given that he was actively provoking you and baiting you, I doubt he’ll sue.” The coach explains, “if he were to sue, he would need to write up exactly what he said leading up to it and from what I just heard, slut-shaming a pregnant woman and objectifying said woman wouldn’t bode well for his reputation.” He said.
“So you think, I’ll be alright?” Garrett asked Anderson.
He nodded, “I reckon so, just keep your composure on the bench for the rest of the game, kid.” He said, “now, I’ll let you and your wife talk for a minute.” He said before leaving.
Garrett let out a sigh he had been holding. Your hands found his at his sides and curled your fingers with his. Garrett quirked a smile as he brought your hands up to kiss the backs of them. “I know you hate when I fight, but I won’t apologize for defending you.” He admits plainly.
You nod, “and you don’t have to… you were defending your family, Garrett… there ain’t no shame in that.” You admit before gasping and clutching your belly.
Garrett immediately grew concerned, “what is it, you alright?”
You nod, “yeah, I just, baby girl’s been kicking a bit harder today than usual.” You say.
Garrett’s hands go to cover your bump before he’s kneeling down to your bumps level. “Hey you, be nice to your momma; you’re lucky to have her.” Garrett tells your bump, before looking up at you, “as am I.” He admits.
You smile as you stroke your fingers through his sweaty curls. “Well momma is very lucky to have your daddy, his impulsive outbursts and all.” You say with a gentle laugh.
Garrett smiles up at you before standing to his full height. He pulled you into his chest as he dipped his head to press his lips to yours. “I love you, (y/n) Graham.” He whispers against your lips.
You reach up and grasp the loose hairs at the base of his neck. His brown irises glimmering under the locker rooms light, “and I love you, Garrett Graham.”