Over the next few weeks the weather began to change. The leaves changed colors and fell to the ground. Stephanie's condition was worsening. Her hair was almost completely gone and exposure to any cold air was out of the question. Her lungs were weakening. After walking for fifteen minutes, she would need to sit and catch her breath. Her attitude went from being hopeless in living to becoming optimistic and fighting to survive all thanks to Ryan. Paul had been in contact with several doctors from all over the world hoping that one would have some sort of experimental drug to help her but there was never any luck. He promised her she would live and he made sure that promised was kept.

While Stephanie was fighting for her life, Ryan was too. Unlike her, his condition was not as serious. His body was weakening and without the assistance of a cane or a wheelchair, he was unable to get around much but throughout the entire ordeal, he still managed to remain optimistic and continued to help Stephanie.

On a breezy and sunny weekend, Paul came to visit Stephanie.

"Hey baby. How was your night?" he asked after sitting beside her. "It isn't easy sleeping anymore. My whole body aches. I don't want to complain but I hate this feeling. I just wish I was home." She explained. Paul wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the head. "I know. Listen, I have some news. Don't get your hopes up too high just yet but I contacted a doctor from Switzerland and he finally responded back saying that his hospital is one of the few that has been selected for a drug trial for tumors. I gave your information and he said you are a candidate and would like to begin the trial immediately." He announced.

Her eyes grew wide and shined. Her smile was as big as ever. "So… you mean there's a chance?" she asked. "I'm hoping so. He said it's just a trial. It's a new medical treatment and they want to try it out. Babe, this is better than nothing. I'm still waiting for the response from the doctor but as soon as we get the OK from him, I'm flying you out there and we'll have to pray for the best." He replied.

She buried her face in his chest and weeped softly. "Hey. Why are you crying?" he asked her. She pulled her head away and wiped away her tears. "I just hope this the answer we've been looking for." She answered. "I don't care if it takes forever, Steph. I'm not giving up. Even if it means I have to lose an arm, I'll do whatever I have to to see you happy and healthy." Paul replied and gave her a kiss.

"Visiting hours are almost over. I better get going."

"Okay."

"I'll keep you updated on this. In the meantime, do what you've always been doing: stay strong and keep fighting." He advised. Stephanie smiled and nodded.

After Paul left, Stephanie went to see Ryan but noticed outside his door that he was asleep. She walked away and went back into her room and laid down thinking about everything that she has been through the past several months.

Suddenly, she had an idea and jumped to her feet. She hurried out of her room and went to see the Director who was on the phone with someone. When he saw her, he wrapped up his conversation and welcomed Stephanie inside.

"Ah, Stephanie. So good to see you. How are you?" Michael asked.

"Do you really want to know or should I give you the usual, 'Good and yourself?' remark?" Stephanie joked. Michael laughed as he rose to his feet and helped her to her seat which faced directly across from his table. When he sat back down, he folded his hands and smiled at her. "So, what brings you here?"

"Well, I know you probably are a busy guy. Take it from me, I think I know a thing or two about running a company. Or in your case, a building," she started. Michael laughed and nodded in agreement. "But I actually would like a favor from you."

"A favor? Okay. Well… what is it?"

"Well I have this idea which I would really like if you could help me out with it."

Michael sat back in his chair and gave her his full attention. "I'm listening. What do you have in mind?"

Stephanie went into full details about her idea and before she could even finish, Michael stopped her and gave her the green light.

"You- you mean you're okay with it?" she stammered. Michael nodded. "Stephanie, you have been nothing but a sweet person and a favorite among the patients and the staff. What you just asked from me, how could I say decline? It just defines who you are. I would be more than happy to assist you with this. Just tell me what day and I will get everything done for you."

An excited Stephanie laughed and cheered. Michael stood up as did Stephanie and she gave him a hug.

"Would it be possible to get everything done by tomorrow?" she asked. Michael paused to think about it. He looked through the calendar on his desk to see if anything would interfere with this plan but came up with nothing. "It absolutely is possible. I will get it done for you." He promised. He and Stephanie walked to the door and she reminded him of her requests. He assured that he wouldn't forget and a content Stephanie returned to her room.

The next morning, Stephanie stayed in her room and had a Skype meeting with her daughters who were spending the day with Paul's parents in New Hampshire. Her mother and father in law both spoke to her and asked how she was doing. Stephanie explained that Paul had found a doctor in Switzerland and that it could possibly be the answer they've all been looking for. She continued her Skype conversation with her daughters afterwards for few more minutes before blowing them kisses goodbye and ending the conversation.

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" Ryan asked as he stood by the door.

"No. Not at all. I just spoke to the girls. They're up in New Hampshire. Paul needed to go to Los Angeles for a Board meeting so having a weekend with grandma and grandpa wouldn't hurt."

"Cute. How are feeling?" he asked. "Well, compared to yesterday, no different. How about you?" she asked. "Have my trusty cane. That's all I have to say." He joked. "You look a little better." She noticed. Ryan raised his arms and pretended to flex as if he was a bodybuilder. "Yeah. These guns are definitely returning. Maybe I'll be the next WWE champion."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves." She joked. Ryan's jaw dropped and shook his head. "Way to break my heart. My dreams are crushed!" he said dramatically. Stephanie walked up to him and had an idea. "Hey, I had a heart to heart talk with Michael. I asked if it's possible for you and I to get some dessert at that ice cream shop nearby. He was okay with it. As long as there's a nurse there with us of course. Do you want to come?" she asked. "I don't know, Steph. I'm kind of a big deal here. I'm a busy man. Today I was planning on swooning Mrs. Brady. Her jazz records are quite the collectibles." He answered. "So no?" she asked. "I can make an exception only because it's you. If it was anyone else, I'd decline. I'm choosing you over Mrs. Brady. Be grateful for that." He joked. "Great! So it's a date!" she announced. "Wait, what? A date? Hold on! So does that mean I have to pay for our date or are you paying since you asked me out? You know, I'm not a rich guy. You've got your billions. Can you pay for my $6 dessert today and I get you the next time?" he joked.

Stephanie pressed her lips and played along. She sighed and closed her eyes. "All right," and opened them. "But only this one time." She replied. Ryan laughed and hugged her. "Thanks, pal. I owe you."

"Just be ready in about an hour." She told him. "This really is a date, huh? Picking me up, buying me dessert. Just to let you know, I don't put out on the first date. For you I'll make an exception." Ryan joked again. Stephanie was shocked and laughed hysterically. "Just be ready by then." She replied. "Okay, okay."

Ryan walked back to his room and Stephanie searched for a change of clothes to wear and stay warm.

Right before leaving, Michael passed by and Stephanie informed him that they will be out for a bit for dessert. He told them to enjoy their day out and went about his way.

"My date with Stephanie McMahon. I'm going to email everyone about it." Ryan said with excitement in his voice.

"Don't forget that you were chaperoned." The nurse chimed in.

"Oh come on, Carol. Don't ruin it for me." Ryan whined.

"If you're going to be writing, you better be writing the whole thing and not leaving anything out." Carol joked.

"If Stephanie and I do end up sleeping together, I have to include that too?" Ryan asked.

"Who said I am? That is NOT going to happen." Stephanie immediately said. "I don't think Stephanie will be up for that, Ryan. No matter how adorable you are." She smiled. Ryan put his arm around the middle aged nurse with curly blonde hair and pushed Stephanie aside. "Hey, Carol. Wanna go on a date with me? Steph's paying." He said with as much seduction in his voice as he could.

"Hey!" Stephanie whined. "Sorry, Ryan. I think today you have a date with Stephanie. Don't break her heart. I promise I'll go out with you next time." Carol explained to Ryan. "You know, Ryan… you're such a ladies man." Stephanie joked. "All the ladies want a little bit of Ryan. I can't help it. I'm too irresistible." Ryan said with much pride. Carol and Stephanie laughed at him and continued their walk to the ice cream and dessert shop.

Upon arriving, the two ordered what they wanted. Ryan got a chocolate cake and Stephanie got a red velvet cheesecake.

"Get something, Carol." Stephanie told her. "Oh, no. This is your day. I don't want to ruin your little day." She explained. "Carol. Does it look like we don't want you here? Come on. Get something." Stephanie said. "Yeah, Carol. She's paying anyway." Ryan joked. Stephanie looked at him and looked back at Carol. "I think we should just kick him out and have a girl's day instead. He's getting annoying." She told her. "No! I'm sorry. Please don't stop loving me!" Ryan begged. Everyone laughed and again, Stephanie insisted that Carol get something to eat and join them. Carol did so and the three of them sat and enjoyed their dessert as they spent the next few hours eating dessert and enjoying a cup of coffee.

"Oh, my God it's getting dark. I didn't even notice the time. What time is it?" Stephanie asked Carol. She looked at her watch and told her it was 8:15pm.

"We better get going. We've been here for three hours? I'm sure Michael is wondering what happened to us." Ryan suggested. "Yeah. Carol is it possible to call and tell Michael we are heading back and that I apologize for being out so late?" Stephanie asked her. "I'm sure Michael won't mind. I'll call him right now." She answered. As she was dialing, Ryan and Stephanie cleaned up and began to walk back to the hospice with Carol behind them.

"Oh! Before I forget. There was something I found in the recreation room the other day I thought you might like. It was this vintage guitar and it had sheet music. I completely forgot to tell you about it. When we go in I'll show you. Maybe you can play the music or just look at the guitar. I'm sure you'll like it." Stephanie remembered. "Vintage guitar? Really? I've never come across it and I go there often." Ryan explained. "It was in the closet. Don't you ever look in closets?" Stephanie asked him. "Good point. I never do. Show me when we go in. I want to check it out."

The three entered shortly and Stephanie led the way to the recreation room.

"Where is everyone?" Ryan asked. "Everyone is at lockdown. Nurses are at the office and everyone is in their rooms until Michael is informed that we are back. Nothing to worry about. Just a safety precaution. I'll let him know right now that we are back while you two are heading to the rec room." Carol replied. "Oh. Okay. Thanks, Carol." Ryan said and Carol walked away to go find Michael.

Stephanie and Ryan arrived and turned on the light. Much to Ryan's surprise the recreation room was completely transformed. The fooseball table, pool tables, televisions and couches were replaced by tables and chairs, banners and streamers, and an obvious DJ who waited until the right moment to play. The entire staff, including Michael, and all the patients stood with smiles on their faces dressed in their best clothes.

"What is this, Steph?" Ryan asked. "You said you never went to prom. I brought prom to you. Get to re-live high school all over again for one night."

Ryan was speechless. He never thought that Stephanie would go above and beyond to do such a thing for him. Stephanie held his hand and looked at him with the biggest smile she ever displayed. "Ready to go back and be 18 again?"

With a smile and a nod, he let her lead the way and the party started with songs from 1982, the year he graduated from high school. Everyone danced to the oldies and had a great time.

At the end of the party, Stephanie thanked everyone and Michael for putting all this together in such a short time. The staff stayed behind to clean up and the patients all went back to their rooms to rest after a fun evening.

Stephanie walked with Ryan beside her down the hall and arrived at her room.

"I still can't believe you remembered after all these months and pulled it off." Ryan told her. "You did so much for me since the moment I arrived. This was the least I could do. You deserve it." She replied. "Thanks. I really don't know what else to say. I just still cannot believe you did this for me." Ryan said. "There's one more thing." She said and pulled him into her room. She looked through her playlist on her tablet and played a popular song from 1982.

"I believe I owe you a slow dance." She announced. It took a moment but Ryan finally recognized the song she played: Up Where We Belong. Stephanie extended her arm and Ryan walked over and held her hand. He placed his cane against the wall and the two began to slow dance to the song. To Ryan, he felt as though he was on Cloud 9. He felt weightless as he danced with Stephanie around the room.

After the song was over, Ryan knew it was time to end the night and go to sleep. Stephanie walked the few steps down the hall to his room with Ryan to wish him goodnight.

"Thanks. For everything. You have no idea how much this means to me. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd re-live my senior year and go to my prom. You gave me a second chance." Ryan told her. "Like I said earlier, you deserve it." She said. Ryan touched her shoulder and smiled. "You're a good person with such a big heart."

Stephanie hugged him tightly and proceeded to give him a kiss on the lips. When she pulled away, Ryan looked puzzled. "Never in your wildest dreams did you ever think you'd get a kiss from Stephanie McMahon either."

Ryan blushed and couldn't make any eye contact with her. "Goodnight, Ryan." She said with a smile and walked back to her room. Ryan closed the door behind him and laid in his bed. His smile was impossible to get rid of as he just experienced the most amazing night of his life. He turned off the light on his lamp and slowly fell asleep.