Chapter 5

Greg Peterson, General Manager of the Belleville Falcons, placed his hand on the seatback of Frank Stanton’s chair and leaned to his ear.

“Listening to Jake’s comments has given me an idea. With the loss of our three twenty-year-olds at the end of last season, what positions do you think we need to improve on to make another good, solid run for the Memorial Cup?”

Frank looked at him and said, “Left-wing and left defence.”

“What would you think of pulling off a summer trade and getting Derek Kendall from Oshawa and Pete Kendall from Kingston? They haven’t played this level of hockey on the same team, and I think they’d be good competition for each other and great on the same line.”

“That would be something—all four members of the same extended family on the same team or in the same line. I like it, Greg. We can meet on Monday and go over who we can afford to give up and any draft picks.”

“I’m glad you agree, Frank. I can also tell you, this season will be your last with the Falcons.”

“You’re not going to renew my contract?”

“No, you’re moving up in the hockey world. I’ve been contacted by the Senators, and they’re very interested in you. They’ll have an opening for an assistant coach with their farm team in Binghamton after this upcoming season. You’ve earned a shot at the pros. The job will be yours if you want it.”

“Will Carl become the Falcons new head coach?”

“We’ll look at other candidates, but likely, yes.”

“Thanks, Greg; I’ll gladly accept.” He said this, offering his hand.

“Please keep it to yourself. The Senators will announce the coaching change around Christmas time.”

Dan and Scott talked for a moment, noting that everything seemed to be going smoothly. Karen, Wendy, Tina, and Lisa all looked like models from a magazine. Doug Hayward and Cindy Taylor had been talking almost non-stop. He was trying to be polite, not staring at her available cleavage. She liked this handsome young man with the military haircut and gave him every opportunity to look down her dress. Hanna was sitting between Diane and Brenda, her hands beginning to explore under the tablecloth. Jenny was constantly at Dan’s or Cathy’s side, whispering several times her intended desires.

The DJ came to Brad and Abby, saying he was ready for the dancing when they were.

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends of Abby and Brad, this is their first dance as husband and wife. The song they chose is ‘From This Moment’ by Shania Twain. You may remember that they competed on Canadian Idol. Brad and Abby recorded this song, and their voices are singing it as a duet. Brad and Abby Hayward.”

Applause rang out as Brad escorted Abby to the center of the large dance floor. They embraced as the song began. Abby spoke the words, then began singing alternating lines with Brad, then together in harmony to finish it together, just like in the original version.

From This Moment On, words and music by Shania Twain and John ‘Mutt’ Lange

(I do swear that I’ll always be there. I’d give anything and everything and I will always care. Through weakness and strength, happiness, and sorrow, for better, for worse, I will love you with every beat of my heart.)

From this moment life has begun From this moment you are the one Right beside you is where I belong From this moment on

From this moment I have been blessed I live only for your happiness And for your love, I’d give my last breath From this moment on

I give my hand to you with all my heart Can’t wait to live my life with you, can’t wait to start You and I will never be apart My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I Live I will love you, I promise you this There is nothing I wouldn’t give From this moment on

You’re the reason I believe in love And you’re the answer to my prayers from up above All we need is just the two of us My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live I will love you, I promise you this There is nothing I wouldn’t give From this moment I will love you as long as I live From this moment on