(AN: Another thank you to all of my amazing followers and reviewers, I am so happy that people love this story. Enjoy and Review!)
Chapter Eight: Hannah's Big Night
"Babe did you see my phone?" I called out over the banister from the second landing, hoping my husband would hear me and retrieve it for me.
"Babe, do you know where I put my day planner?"
"Punk, did you remember to pick up your suit?"
"Honey, don't forget to pick up the paint samples for the nursery today."
"Babe?"
"Babe?!"
"Honey, what? I'm right here" Punk said coming out of his home office.
"Did you see my phone, day planner; pick up the paint samples and your suit?" I asked hurriedly.
"Baby, breathe" Punk instructed, putting his hands on my shoulders.
I took several deep breaths and looked up at Punk who let out a breath of relief of his own.
"Now, slow down and ask me again babe."
"Ok, did you see my phone and day planner, I can't find them and I need to call my editor."
"Kitchen table, right next to the laptop. Next."
"Did you pick up your suit and the paint samples for the nursery?"
"Yep. Both in the bedroom. Anything else baby?"
"No, sorry honey, I am just so nervous for tonight."
Punk laughed and smiled. "It's ok babe, I know how big this night is for you. "
"Yeah, this book is sort of my first baby in a way, and I don't want to screw it up" I said looking down.
Punk lifted my chin and looked me in the eye. "You won't screw it up babe, it's going to be amazing."
"You think so?"
Punk nodded. "I know so babe. Do you need help with anything else?"
"No I don't think so, I just need to call Julie at publishing confirm everything for tonight and then get ready for the opening. Will you be ready to go at 7?"
"Yep, no problem babe."
I smiled. "The guys are still coming right?"
"Yeah, they are all so excited. I told them that they better not get wasted tonight at the debut of your book if they don't want to get their asses kicked."
"Aww babe, you would do that for me? That's adorable" I said smiling.
Punk laughed. "Not by me, but by you. I don't want their asses to get kicked by you babe! I've seen how dangerous you can be when you're angry—I still have a bump on the back of my head from when you threw that hair dryer at me and that was years ago. Imagine the damage you can do now."
I laughed. "I didn't hit you that hurt babe."
"The bump on my head begs to differ honey."
"I'm sorry babe" I said kissing him on the cheek. "Better now?"
Punk pouted. "A little bit, I guess, but it still did hurt."
"You'll get over it and live babe. I'm gonna call my office, what were you doing before?"
"Talking about my upcoming schedule with my handlers—the usual crap. I was gonna go for a run, but I promise I will be back in time to shower and get ready to go tonight."
I nodded, kissed him, and Punk disappeared into our bedroom and remerged in workout clothes.
"Bye baby, have a good run."
He nodded and within seconds he was gone. I proceeded to walk back downstairs to the kitchen where I could finally retrieve my much-needed phone and date book. I called and confirmed everything for tonight, and since everything was going smoothly, I decided to relax. I still had some time before I had to get ready to go to the book's debut. I went back upstairs and I was on my way into my bedroom, but I stopped in front of the room that was going to be the baby's room. I opened the door to the soon to be nursery and went inside. The room was bare considering we weren't even six months into the pregnancy and we hadn't bought any furniture yet. I looked around the small room, trying to imagine what it would one day look like when it was finally complete and was the room of our baby.
I saw the shopping bags of new baby clothes that Punk and I had gotten and gathered them all up, with the hopes of washing them for the baby. I walked to the laundry room, put everything into the machine, and decided that a movie or even some crappy reality television sounded perfect right now. The baby clearly agreed because he gave a very nice kick at the thought of kicking back and relaxing for a little. I was flipped through numerous channels until I landed on 'Harry Potter and a Sorcerer's Stone' was on, so I did a little happy dance and decided to watch it. I growingly became more and more tired with each passing minute of the movie and soon enough I was sprawled on the couch, covered in a throw blanket, fast asleep and most likely snoring.
Punk's POV
I jogged up towards the entrance of the house, sweat dripping from every inch of my body. I had really pushed myself today during today's run, and it felt amazing to push my body. I pushed open the door to the house, and peered in looking for some sign of my wife. I was just about to call out her name, when I heard the cutest sound. Coming from underneath a blanket was my wife, snoring away with what sounded like a 'Harry Potter' movie playing in the background. I chuckled quietly to myself, and decided that I unfortunately had to wake her up if we to both get ready on time for her big night.
I walked over to her, pulled down the covers a little, and brushed my lips against her forehead. "Babe, it's time to get up, ok?"
She shifted in her sleep. "Five more minutes, ok?" she asked half-asleep.
I smiled at her adorableness. "Sorry babe, but we both have to shower and get ready to go to the event."
"Well how about you let me sleep a little longer and we can both shower together and then get ready?" she reasoned her eyes closed, trying to get back to sleep.
"As tempting as that is, we both know we will not make it on time if we do that."
She opened her big brown eyes and looked at me. "I guess so babe."
"So are we getting up now babe?"
She nodded her head and reluctantly pulled the blanket off of her now swollen stomach. She looked up at me again and had the most innocent look on her face.
"Babe, will please you carry me, pretty please with sugar on top? The stairs are just so far away."
I laughed her at her plea to get me to help her.
"And why exactly should I do that honey?"
"Well I am carrying your child, so that means you should have to carry me."
"Well who could argue with that logic?" I asked, scooping her into my arms, eliciting a laugh from her.
"Eww babe, you're all sweaty and gross."
I smirked at her. "You've never complained before."
She laughed and curled up into my chest, clinging to my shirt with one fist. I quickly pecked her on the cheek and proceed to bring all three of us—her, myself and of course the baby upstairs. I deposited her on her feet, and she smiled.
"I'm gonna shower really quick babe—can you take out your suit and my dry-cleaning from the closet?"
I nodded at her. "Sure babe, go get into the shower already."
She obliged and I walked over to our closet, pulling out the requested items. I peeled the sweat soaked shirt off of my body, and was just about to sit down on the bed for a quick minute when I heard the dryer go off downstairs. I went to go retrieve the laundry and proceeded to fold them on the bed.
"Well that's certainly a nice surprise" my wife said coming out of the bathroom, running a towel through her hair.
"What is babe? I fold laundry all the time."
"Yeah, but folding laundry shirtless? That's a new one babe. You're supposed to be putting clothes away, not taking them off" she laughed.
"Are you complaining babe?" I asked turning to her.
"No not at all babe. Just pointing out the obvious" she smirked.
I walked over to her side of the bed where she was currently ringing the water out of her hair.
"Well if we are pointing out the obvious, it seems like you have less on than I do babe."
"Not for long though honey. I need to get dressed for tonight and you need to get your cute ass into the shower."
I laughed. "Ok, ok I'm going."
I quickly took my shower and wrapped a towel around my waist. I opened the door letting the steam dissipate from the room and saw my wife sitting at her vanity putting on makeup. I went up behind her and kissed her on the shoulder prompting her to turn around.
"Hi babe."
"Hey. I don't know why you are putting on makeup, it's not like you need it or anything—you're already beautiful babe."
"Stop, you're making me blush."
"It's adorable nonetheless" I replied smiling.
She blushed again. "Can you put this on for me?" she asked, holding up the diamond heart necklace I had gotten for her.
"Sure babe" I said happily obliging.
"Thanks, now go get dressed."
Within a half hour, we were both fully dressed for the occasion—a black suit and gray dress shirt for me, a deep red long-sleeve dress for her. Luckily Hannah had listened to me and decided against wearing heels. I knew she would be nervous as it was, and I didn't know how good her balance was considering she was five months pregnant. Soon enough we both arrived at the venue and we were bombarded by all of the people from her publishing house. My wife was whisked away from me, and I was left at the bar all alone nursing a Pepsi.
"We really do have to stop finding you all alone at a bar Punk—it's starting to become a habit" a familiar voice joked.
I turned around to see Jeff, Randy and Edge walk up to me, all three dressed to impress.
"What can I say? Old habits die hard" I joked, going up to the three men, embracing them all.
"So where's Hannah?" Randy asked.
"Yeah, why are you all alone at the bar?" Edge wondered.
"She got whisked away by her team the second we walked in. It's her big night though so I understand."
"How's she doing? She's not overdoing it, is she?" Jeff asked.
"She and the baby are doing well. I am trying to make her relax more and not stress but the past few days have been hard for her—she's just so damn nervous about tonight. Luckily after tonight, she will be fine."
"What will be fine?" I heard a small voice ask. The guys and I turned around to see my wife standing behind us.
"Hi babe. I was just telling the guys that after tonight, you will really be able to settle down and relax before the baby comes."
She smiled and proceeded to greet each of the guys. "Yeah, tonight's a big night for me—fingers crossed it goes well."
"Don't worry Hannah, it will" Edge reassured her, putting an arm around her shoulders.
She smiled and looked up at me. I nodded, and she visibly relaxed. "Sorry guys, but I have to go back to my team. I will catch up with you boys later." And with a wave of her hand, she was gone.
"So how's everything with the baby otherwise?" Randy asked.
I smiled at the mention of my unborn son, and for a second I diverted my attention away from the guys and looked across the venue and saw my wife and her very visibly pregnant stomach, which brought a smile to my face.
"Perfect. Hannah wants to start the nursery as soon possible, but I want her to wait a little and really enjoy having time off."
"You know that's not going to happen right? We are talking about your wife, Punk. When she has her mind set on something, it's kind of difficult to change it" Jeff said.
The guys and I all laughed, because Jeff's words were so true. We all knew that that weekend Hannah would be up bright and early eager to get the baby's room in order.
"Do you guys know how you are decorating it yet?" Edge asked.
"No, not really. I mean it's obviously going to be boy-themed, but we don't know. We saw two baby crib beddings the other day—one WWE themed and one Chicago Cub themed and I just couldn't decide which one was better, I was ready to buy both" I said with a laugh.
All three guys smiled. "Well since we are going to be in town for a few days, maybe we can help out a little. Make it a surprise for Hannah" Randy suggested.
"That's a great idea Randal. This way she won't have to be involved or worried, and I can actually put you three to good use" I joked.
"What do you mean put us to good use? You are lucky to have us around" Edge said, playfully smacking me on the arm.
"Well technically, Randy is the only actual useful one to have around—considering he can cook and all. But even then, I could live without him."
I then received a smack from both Randy and Jeff. "No, but all kidding aside, I know that Hannah would love for you guys to help us decorate the nursery for the baby."
"It will be great Punk, don't worry" Randy said smiling.
I nodded. "So do you guys have a name picked out for the baby yet?" Jeff asked.
"Yep."
"Yep? That's it? You're naming the baby 'Yep'? I mean it's creative, but not exactly practical" Edge said.
"No. We aren't naming the baby that. We have a name for him—we just aren't sharing. Hannah wasn't exactly thrilled I spilled that we were having a boy to the entire WWE locker. She doesn't want me to tell everyone his name yet."
"Speaking off the WWE locker room, almost everyone's coming, right?" Randy asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, they should all be here soon" I replied, checking my watch.
"Speak of the devils" Edge said, and we all turned to see John walk in to the venue with about half of the WWE locker room all dressed up to support Hannah.
The guys and I walked over to the group and we all exchanged greetings.
"So Punk, where's the Mrs.?" Cena asked.
"She's off doing interviews and getting ready for her speech. Thanks for coming guys, I know it means a lot to her for all of you to be here."
"We wouldn't miss it for the world, right guys?" AJ asked.
Everyone which consisted of John, AJ, Miz and Maryse, Cody, Dolph, Kaitlyn, Alberto, Big Show, Damien, Daniel, Kane, Layla, Kofi, and Sheamus all nodded.
"Well thanks for being here guys."
"Did we miss it?" a familiar voice asked.
The entire group turned and saw Stephanie McMahon with her father and husband in tow. I smiled, I was happy that had shown up and I knew Hannah would be thrilled.
"No, not at all. She is going to go up soon though. Thanks for coming."
"Of course Punk, this is a huge deal for Hannah" Triple H said.
"How is she Punk? She's pretty far through her pregnancy by now, right?" Stephanie asked.
I nodded. "She's doing well, I think she will be happy when tonight's over—she's not used to all of the attention being on her. And yeah, almost six months. I can't believe it."
"Oh believe it Punk. The second that baby comes, your life is going to change forever" Vince said with a smile, looking at his daughter, who returned his gaze.
"Yeah, it won't be long until you're up with a screaming baby all night instead of screaming fans" John piped in.
"It won't be that bad, it will just take some getting used to, that's all. It certainly took me a while to get used to it, but now parenthood is great, I wouldn't change it for the world" Jeff added.
I smiled at him. I was about to reply, but we were all cut off. We all heard someone on stage trying to get everyone's attention, and I soon realized it was the President of my wife's publishing house. The room soon fell silent, and all attention was diverted to the stage.
"At this time, we ask all of you to join us for the debut of what's sure to be the next big literature phenomenon. Would everyone please gather in front?" the President, Mr. Smith asked.
The entire room obliged, and I could see Hannah backstage near the curtain, trying to calm herself down. For as long as I've known her, she would always get nervous when the attention was solely on her, and that in combination with her fear of public speaking was probably making her extremely panicked. While Mr. Smith provided some background on the company, the novel and of course my wife, I snuck backstage and went in search of my worried wife.
"Babe? Are you ok?" I asked, putting my arms around her.
"Yeah, I'm just a little nervous. I just hate talking publicly. And that in combination of my nerves and hormones from being pregnant is making me a little crazy right now, sorry."
"Don't apologize, I completely understand. And normally I would try to help you get out of this or even do it for you myself, but this time I can't babe. This book is your baby and this party is all for you and all of your hard work. Everyone out there is so incredibly proud of you, and we can't wait you to debut the book."
"Ok, ok. I can do this, I can do this."
"Yes you can. Just take a deep breath. I'm going to go back now because you're going to be up in a minute, but just pretend you're talking to me baby. It will be fine, I promise."
She took a deep breath and nodded her head. She looked up at me and smiled.
"Are you ready now?"
"Yeah, I think so. Thanks babe."
"Anytime, love" I said, kissing her forehead.
She smiled and with that I left her backstage. I quickly went back to the group of wrestlers and found Edge, Jeff and Randy.
"Where'd you go?" Jeff asked.
"I went to go calm her down. You know how she gets."
"That was sweet of you" Randy said smiling.
"When did you become a big softie, Randal?"
"You know Punk, we could ask you the same thing" Edge replied.
"You could ask me what?"
"Well you have been a little shall we say— a little mushy, lately" Jeff piped in.
I scoffed. "I have not been mushy."
"Yeah Punk you have been" I heard AJ say.
"What?"
"It's true man. You have turned soft, always talking about the baby's nursery, and doctor's appointments and baby clothes" Kofi said.
"You too Kofi?"
They all laughed. "It's ok Punk. It happens to the best of us" Triple H said putting a hand on my shoulder.
We all heard someone clear their throat on stage, attempting to get the attention of the room.
"And without further ado, Mrs. Hannah Brooks" Mr. Smith announced, and Hannah emerged from backstage, a huge smile on her face.
The crowd broke out in applause and even some whistles, and without looking I knew that was from Edge, Jeff and Randy. Hannah blushed in response and waited for the room to settle down.
"First of all, thanks so much to Mr. Smith, our brilliant President and Editor-in-Chief."
The entire room clapped for Mr. Smith, and then quieted down.
"I would like to thank everyone at the publishing house for their continued love and support on this novel. Without your intense love for this story and extreme work-ethic, I don't know how this book would have ever gotten written. I would still probably be writing at 3 am if it weren't for you guys—and deadlines of course."
The entire room laughed and Hannah continued. "I can't begin to express how grateful I am to my family for their love and support which has guided me through not only the publication of my first novel, but through my entire life. I know they would have loved to have been here, but unfortunately the trip would be too strenuous. Of course, I would love to thank my incredible friends who were always able to make me laugh when this book had me on the verge of tears—thanks for that guys. And lastly, I would like to thank my incredibly wonderful husband."
The whole room turned to me, and I could feel hundreds of eyes bore into me, but all I could focus on was Hannah's eyes looking into mine with so much happiness and joy.
"Punk, I can't begin to tell you how much I love you for supporting me on this journey. You have been by my side through every step of this process—from the late nights where I would stay up furiously typing away, and you would beg me to go to bed but I refused" she began earning a laugh from the crowd.
"To the countless times I made you read and reread the manuscript. Through all of the rejected phone calls from various publishing houses, to the moment where I heard my book was going to be finally be made, and until now. You have been with me this whole time, and I can't thank you enough for everything. I love you so much. Thank you to everyone for their love and support on this novel, your encouragement means everything to me. Thank you" and with that she got off the stage and lunged right into my arms.
I kissed her quickly, not wanting to make a scene, and we heard a collective 'Aww' from the entire room, making us both blush. The rest of the night went off without a hitch, and Hannah was thrilled that everyone had shown up to support her.
"I'm so glad you all came tonight, it means the world to me."
"Of course, we wouldn't have missed the debut of the next J.K. Rowling" Jeff joked.
The whole group laughed. "So now that your book is officially published, what are you going to do now?" Kaitlyn asked.
"Sleep and when I get tired of that, sleep some more" she said.
This cracked everyone up. "Get in all the rest you can now, because once the baby comes you won't sleep until their eighteen—and then you will stay up the whole night wondering if they're ok" Vince said.
"Come on dad, I wasn't that bad, I ended up pretty ok" Stephanie said resting her head on her husband's arm.
"Yeah you did. Don't worry Punk, the baby will be too. He will have all of us around him—what could go wrong?" Vince joked.
A look of worry was soon etched on my face, prompting everyone—including my wife to laugh at me.
"Babe you too?"
"I'm sorry honey—you just look so cute when you're all worried."
Everyone chuckled and some of the guys began to mock my wife and me.
"All joking aside, this baby is going to be really loved and well taken care off" John said.
"Yeah, I can even baby-sit for you guys" Cody said.
We all turned to Cody and laughed. "No offense man, but I don't think you would be the best guy for that job" Kofi said.
"And why not?" Cody asked a look of hurt on his face.
"Well to put it simply, you're kind of a ditz" Miz said.
The whole group laughed again.
"Well I can baby sit for you guys, I have a lot of experience from when I was a teenager" Maryse piped in.
Hannah and I both nodded. "That would be great Maryse" my wife replied with a smile.
"Aww, I can't wait to see which one of you the baby looks like more" Layla cooed.
"I hope for his sake he looks likes Hannah and not Punk" Edge said.
"And why would it be bad if he looked like me—I am his father."
"Touché, but a baby Hannah just seems cuter than a whiny baby Punk" Randy replied earning a laugh from the group.
"Yeah, I guess you're right" I conceded, earning a peck on the cheek from my wife.
"Well I hope the baby looks a little like both of us babe" she said.
"Me too."
"So what are you guys naming him?" Big Show asked.
"You know, Alberto is a good name for a little boy. A strong name he can grow in to" Alberto suggested.
"Yeah, well as great as that would be, you can name him after me—he can be a mini Showoff" Dolph suggested.
"And why would they name their baby after you when they should obviously name him after me?" Daniel asked.
"No, don't name him after Bryan. Lord knows we don't need another one of him running around" Kane said earning a chuckle from the group.
"Guys, are we really having this argument again?" I asked, annoyed that they all just wouldn't take a hint.
"Yes!" the entire group answered in unison.
"Here we go again" I said, leaning my head on my wife's shoulder.
"Damien is a benevolent name for your offspring" Sandow stated.
"I don't care who the name the baby after, as long as I get dibs on holding him first" Jeff said.
"No me first!" Edge replied.
"Edge you can't even go a week without dropping your cell phone, do you really think they are going to let you hold a baby—especially when there is no insurance replacement?" Randy said.
Hannah and I both laughed. "Guys, as fun as this argument is, and it sure is, I think Hannah and I are going to head home for the night, but enjoy beating the crap out of each other. Sheamus, make sure you tape the inevitable fight" I said, patting him on the back.
He nodded. "Bye guys" the whole group replied in unison. I put my hand on the small of my wife's back and led her out of the venue.
"That was a great night, wasn't it?" she asked.
I kissed her forehead. "It was amazing babe, I'm so proud of you. And as crazy as they all are, I'm really happy everyone came tonight."
"Yeah, it was great that everyone showed up" she said yawning.
"Let's get that baby to bed, huh?"
She nodded. I opened the car door for her, and soon enough we were at home. I looked over to the passenger seat and saw her quietly dozing. I couldn't help but laugh. I went over to her side of the car and gently picked her up, trying not to stir her. She shifted slightly in her sleep, prompting me to pause for a minute, and she moved so she was closer to my chest. I smiled and proceeded to carry her up to bed.
"Babe, can you just wake up for a second so you can put on your pajamas?" I asked sweetly.
She nodded her head with her eyes still closed. She unzipped the back of her dress and I handed her a t-shirt and shorts for bed. She opened her eyes long enough to take the clothes, change and then was quickly back in bed. I smiled and decided to take off the monkey suit she had made me wear. I turned off the bedroom light and walked out of the room, keeping the door open ajar.
I walked into my office and sat down at my desk. I took out my cellphone and saw that I had a few unanswered texts from the guys who promised to come over tomorrow and help me get Hannah out of the house long enough so we could decorate the baby's nursery.
I texted some of the divas, and they gladly decided to take her out for a girl's day, giving me and the guys enough time to decorate while she was gone. I soon found myself on a baby store website browsing through the furniture. Hannah and I had talked about the plans for the nursery and she and I both agreed that we wanted dark wood furniture. We knew that we needed a crib, changing table, dresser and some type of rocking chair for the nursery, and I stumbled across a set I knew she would just love. After a quick note of the set, I decided to call the company bright and early to purchase it for the nursery. I silently hoped that Hannah wouldn't be too mad that I picked out the set without her, but I knew she would love it either way. It would be nice for me to do something for her, considering I was always on the road.
I logged off the computer and made my way back to my bedroom. I peered into the room and saw her fast asleep, looking as peaceful as ever. I quietly made my way into the room and carefully folded myself into the bed next to her. I quickly fell asleep, my insomnia not prohibiting me from getting a goodnight's rest and I put my arm around my wife. She snuggled into my embrace and we were both soon asleep.
