A/N: Taking a week or so off kind of ruined my flow for a bit, but I've got it back! I hope you didn't miss these crazy characters too much. Thank you to all for the fabulous reviews, and thanks to all who hit the favorite & follow buttons. No words can express how much it all means to me.
Slightly related: Bittersweet will be back with an update on Monday. Also, I've realized that it's going to be another part coming after Monday's, so there are two more updates of that to look forward to if you follow the story. Once that's finished, I have several one-shot companion stories waiting to be posted.
Disclaimer: I've never set foot in a Disney park. Any details mentioned that may be wrong are my own fault, but a special thank you to those I messaged here and on Twitter who gave me a little help. :)
Chapter Twelve
The sky had been dark with threatening clouds when Sophia had gotten out of bed. It had grown darker while she waited for her coffeemaker to finish its job, and she had feared that the planned trip to Disney would be ruined by day of steady rain. But, as she took her first sip, looking out the window in her living room, the ominous clouds broke. The first rays of the sun shone through and she felt an immense relief as the clouds rolled off into the distance. Smiling now, she carried her coffee with her into the bathroom to ready herself for the day.
She had just pulled on the Mickey t-shirt when there was a knock at the door. "Hang on!" she called, reaching for a pair of capri-length stretch pants. After yanking them up she headed to the living room, pausing to glance through the peephole before reaching to unfasten the locks. "Hey," she greeted as she opened the door, smiling up at Finn. "Just let me get my shoes on and I'll be ready to go."
"No rush, I know I'm early." Finn stepped inside and closed the door.
"There's coffee if you want a cup," she called over her shoulder, already in her bedroom. She heard his soft reply and, growing excited now, rushed to get her shoes. Assuming they would be doing a lot of walking, she selected a pair of sneakers and, snatching a pair of socks from the top drawer, went into the living room to put them on.
Finn was standing in front of the faux mantel, a mug of coffee in one hand as he perused the handful of framed pictures that were mixed in with the cheesy souvenirs and one houseplant she hadn't yet managed to kill. "You signed to the company at headquarters?"
Without looking, she knew which picture he was indicating. She explained that she'd signed the contract in Regal's office, then had gone up for the grand tour of headquarters in Stamford. Where she'd officially met Vince McMahon, and had several publicity photos taken with Paul. It was one of only a handful of official pictures she had with him, and she'd only recently gotten around to framing it and putting it on the mantel.
"Is this your family?" Finn asked.
Sophia's head jerked up. Seeing the picture he'd taken down, she breathed a soft sigh. "No, that's Charles Smith and his wife Anne." She named the promotion that Charles owned and saw Finn's nod of recognition. "I was finishing up there when I signed on to WWE."
"No family photos?" he asked softly, putting the picture back on the mantel.
"No." Before he could question further, she blurted, "I don't have one. Not since I was sixteen."
Without meaning to, she looked up and met his gaze. It was unwavering, discerning, and she feared his pity. At the same time, though, she looked forward to his reaction.
He took a sip from his mug, glanced down into it, then nodded. "One day," he began gently, meeting her eyes again, "I want to hear that story."
"One day?" she repeated in confusion.
"One day," he confirmed. Setting his empty mug down next to hers on the coffee table, he reached for the envelope containing their tickets. "But not today. Today's a day of fun, lass. You ready for breakfast?"
As if on cue, her stomach gave a loud rumble. "Yes," she answered with a chuckle. "Just let me grab my purse—"
"No purse."
"What?" she croaked.
"You can bring your phone. Nothing else."
"Photo ID?" she suggested, thinking of all the horrific incidents that could occur.
"I suppose," he sighed. He tilted his head. "And you're not wearing makeup, so you don't need a purse."
"But what if—"
"Sophia," he groaned, grabbing her hand and pulling her to her feet. "Phone. ID. Nothing else."
"Permission to bring a tube of lip balm, General?" she chirped, giving him a mock salute.
"Ugh, fine."
"Sunblock—"
"I've got some in the car."
"You're bossy," she announced, wrinkling her nose as she leaned to retrieve her purse from the opposite end of the couch. She pulled out her wallet and rummaged through it for her license, taking her time in the hopes he'd look away long enough for her to sneak some cash out as well. But he didn't, so she couldn't, and she shoved her wallet and purse away with a sigh.
"Is it so difficult, letting someone else take care of you for the day?"
"Yes, it is," she answered honestly, wondering just where she was supposed to put her license. The yoga pants she'd put on had no pockets, save for the tiny one inside the waistband designed to hold little more than a lip balm. Finally, turning her back to him, she reached beneath her shirt and pushed the license into the side of her bra, wriggling it back and forth and until it no longer dug into her flesh. "I've had to fend for myself for too long. Yeah, I've had a few people here and there that helped me along the way, but I learned awfully quickly not to trust anyone. And maybe it comes across as a bit bitchy to others. I don't know—What are you doing?"
She'd turned back just in time to see him digging into her wallet. Without saying a word, he pulled out a couple bills. Her wallet fell back onto her purse and he folded the bills neatly, then held them out to her. Still silent, he gestured for her to take them. She did so, reading the understanding in his eyes. Drawing in a deep breath, she tucked the money into the tiny pocket in her yoga pants.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"I don't understand completely, but I understand enough. And I hope one day you'll find you can trust me when I say I'm not going to leave you stranded."
She did trust him, though. Nodding just the same, she cleared her throat and muttered something about her phone before darting into the bedroom. She threw her hair into a loose ponytail, then unplugged her phone and switched it to silent. Feeling as though the money he'd handed to her were slicing into her hip, she rejoined him in the living room, smiling when she saw he'd taken their cups to the kitchen.
"I turned off your coffee maker." He pulled his keys from the pocket of his pants. "Ready?"
"Lip balm," she mumbled, going to dig a tube out of her purse. Once she had, she clutched it between her teeth while reaching to pull the folded bills from the tiny pocket. She dropped them on the couch and replaced them with the lip balm. "Now I'm ready."
Laughing as Finn practically dragged her along behind him, Sophia hurried to catch up with his longer stride. She had given up on trying to follow the park's map. Finn seemed to know where everything was and only consulted the map to double-check if she asked about a particular ride.
Breathless, she was grateful when he stopped in the dappled shade cast by a grove of trees. She felt as though she'd been running since they'd arrived. Fueled by a hearty breakfast, they had only stopped their zigzag roaming of the park for water and bathroom breaks. Surely it was past lunchtime, she mused as she took advantage of the stop to repair her falling ponytail.
"Where are we going now?" she asked.
"Lunch?" he suggested, glancing to his watch. "It's after twelve. Then we can go look in a few shops."
"You're the boss."
He snorted, and she remembered that she had been the one to request the majority of the rides they'd been on. "What are you in the mood for?"
"Something cool." The temperature was high for mid-January, even by Florida's standards, and she doubted she could handle as robust a meal as they'd had for breakfast. "And light."
"This way." He'd pulled out the map for a quick look.
They walked along, and Sophia breathed in the aromas of the park. She wasn't sure the source of the sweetness she smelled, but was certain it was a flower. It mingled in with the scents of freshly mown grass and sunbaked pavement. She could smell food from the many eateries. And the faint whiff of hand sanitizer. Chocolate. And, closest to her, Finn. It was either aftershave or cologne, she wasn't sure which. But it weaved in and out of the other smells, wrapping up a heady scent that she knew would be burned in her memory forever.
And the sounds. Music. Children's voices. The call of parents whose kids had run too far ahead. The clank and whoosh of roller coasters. Rapid-fire conversations in languages foreign to her. The gentle splatter of water from sprinklers. And again, closest to her, Finn. She doubted he was aware that he tended to hum under his breath when there was no conversation. She tilted her head slightly, trying to catch the melody, and felt her lips twitch.
Trust Finn to hum It's A Small World.
"Are you having fun, lass?" he asked, stepping away from her when a preschooler ran recklessly towards them.
Sophia watched the blur zip between them, followed by a harried-looking father, then glanced back in time to see the father snatch the child up. Smiling as the child's laughter rang in the air, she leaned against Finn once he'd stepped back. "Fun doesn't begin to cover it," she answered honestly. "How can I ever repay you?"
"You having a grand day is all the payment I need." His arm draped over her shoulders, and she followed his guidance towards a building off the main walkway. Bewildered when they entered and she saw a giant menu board along the wall behind the counter, she murmured that she'd trust his judgment in ordering.
They carried their food to the outdoor tables, and she spent several moments of watching fat birds hop between the tables looking for handouts. Finn set her phone on the table before going inside to fetch extra napkins, and she took the moment to check for messages. After replying to a few, she locked the phone and set it aside just as Finn returned.
The grilled chicken salad he'd ordered was delicious, and realized how ravenous she was once she started eating. They ate in relative silence, both amused by the antics of the birds. Sophia finished first and settled back in her chair, admiring the souvenir cup he'd gotten for her.
"Can I ask something?" The question was sudden, and he tilted his head before she could reply. "And don't say that I just did."
Sophia scoffed, not about to admit that she had been about so say exactly that. "Go ahead."
"It's about the boyfriend."
She hesitated. She recognized an offered out when presented with one. But, knowing she could lie with the best of them if need be, she merely motioned for him to continue.
"Why is it complicated?" He speared a piece of chicken with his fork and waved it in her direction. "You said he's in the company. I'm guessing he's on the road with you. So…"
"It's… He…" She picked up her cup and took a sip of the strawberry flavored water inside.
Finn waited quietly, and even though she wasn't looking at him she knew his eyes were understanding.
Eyes on her lap, she drew in a deep breath and released it in a sigh. "It's a dead end," she finally whispered, the words piercing her chest. "I know that it'll never be more than what we have now. I know that I can't have him completely. But…"
"But?" he prodded gently after a moment.
"But I hold onto what I have with him right now. Because I know that soon enough it'll be gone. And…" She saw his hand before it grasped hers in a gentle squeeze. Finally lifting her head, she blinked to fend off the sting of tears, finding the proper words to end her statement. "And I'll need something to hold onto when that happens."
"Why do you stay if you know it's a dead end?"
She longed to crack a joke. Suggest he was putting out feelers so he would know when he could try to get her for himself. Or something – anything – else that would ease the tension and change the subject. But, caught by the empathy in his knowing gaze, she knew that trying to divert would be the wrong thing to do. How could she explain it, though? How could she tell him that she stayed because she loved Paul, that even though she was certain it would end – possibly tragically – she was determined to enjoy every moment of the ride?
"Oh, lass," he sighed. He gave her hand another squeeze.
"Am I being stupid?"
"Isn't everyone when it comes to romance?"
"Point taken." Smiling faintly, she began gathering her trash. "Where to next?"
"Shops," he enthused, taking her trash before she could stand to throw it away.
"Window shopping?" she clarified, squeaking when he braced his hands on the table and leaned in close.
"If you think I'm going to bring you to Disney World and not buy you a pair of mouse ears, you've got another think coming." His voice was deeper than normal, his eyes were narrowed, and his brows drawn close together.
"Oh that was good." She laughed, actually snorting when the serious expression on his face morphed into confusion. "I've always wanted to see the Demon."
He groaned, then joined in her laughter while straightening. "Mouse ears," he said again. "Let's go."
"You know," Sophia began, keeping her voice soft while tracing one finger over her name, which was embroidered on familiar black cap. She and Finn were waiting for his to be finished. "I don't get spoiled often."
"Yes," Finn agreed with a nod.
"However…" She reluctantly handed over the hat to be wrapped and bagged. "After today, I could really get used to it."
He chuckled, reaching for his wallet. "I'll keep that in mind when I make my first million."
She opened her mouth to reply, only to jump in surprise upon hearing a familiar voice.
"Can I get a Princess hat, Daddy?"
Sophia turned while Finn waited to pay for their caps. And, seeing Paul's daughters entering the shop, she gasped in surprise. She'd had no idea that Paul had planned to bring them to the park. Paul was right behind them. She heard him chiding Vaughan to lower her voice. Not wanting to interrupt their quality time, she turned back in time to see the clerk handing Finn the receipt.
"Ready?" he asked, handing over the bag. When she nodded he turned from the counter, and she saw the recognition on his face. With a grin, he headed over to greet Paul.
She followed, surprised when Vaughan and Aurora came towards her with bright greetings. Murphy pulled herself away from a display of hats to greet her as well, and after hearing about their fun-filled morning, she looked to Paul.
He was talking to Finn, but he was watching the girls. When their gazes met she smiled, saw him smile in return. Murphy and Vaughan were talking over each other and she gave up trying to understand the two different topics. She sensed that Finn and Paul would be chatting for a few minutes and squatted down to speak to the girls.
"Why don't we go look at all the different hats?" she suggested, laughing when the question silenced the two chatterboxes. It was a brief silence, though, and as she guided them to the display on the far wall Vaughan launched into a detailed account of the rides she'd been on.
Somehow, looking at the hats morphed into her helping them choose just the right hat for each of them. Before she realized it, Aurora had received her father's permission to get the hats embroidered with their names, and Sophia managed to keep all three girls together during the wait. At the counter, a large arm reached around her to pay. Glancing back and up, she was greeted with Paul's warm smile. He was standing close and she could smell his cologne.
They walked out together. She was ready to say goodbye, because surely Paul and the girls would want to continue spending their day alone. But, to her surprise, she found that they continued on as a group. Somehow, she walked with Aurora and Murphy, keeping a firm hold on their hands. Watching Paul carry Vaughan on his hip, she was struck again by the closeness he had with his daughters. Aurora slipped her hand free and went to walk between her father and Finn. She expected Murphy to do the same, but the girl seemed content to stay with her.
"Is this your first time here?" Sophia asked.
"No. We come here whenever we stay with Daddy for a few days."
Of course. While Murphy didn't quite seem jaded by the park and all it contained, there was an air of someone who'd been there a few times before. She didn't stop to gaze at particular sites. Ahead of them, Vaughan was enthusing over everything. Sophia had detected the previous morning that Murphy was a bit more reserved than her younger sister.
"Are you and Finn going to get married?"
The question caused her to miss a step, and she recovered quickly. "What? No, definitely not. He's just a very good friend."
"He's nice. One time, we were at the NXT show and he painted my face. Daddy!"
"Yeah?" Paul looked back, shifting Vaughan to his other hip.
"Do you have that picture of me when Finn painted my face?"
"You can show me later," Sophia assured with a laugh.
"Princess Sofia!" Vaughan squealed.
It took Sophia a moment to realize that Vaughan was talking about a character. Not recognizing the girl in the purple dress that was waving as they all approached, she was about to ask what movie she was from when Murphy explained about the Disney Junior show. There was a moment's confusion while the girls moved to have their picture taken, and Sophia reached for Paul's phone.
"Go join them," she insisted gently. "I'll take pictures for you."
Before she knew it, the pictures were taken and she was being nudged towards the costumed character. Vaughan insisted she take a picture with Sofia, so she posed and smiled while both Finn and Paul held up their phones to capture the moment.
"Why didn't you tell me there was a Princess Sofia?" she asked Finn once they'd walked on. "I'm a freaking Disney Princess and you didn't tell me!"
"I don't watch the kiddie shows," Finn defended, laughing when she pushed on his shoulder.
"Princess Sophia," Murphy teased.
"Daddy says we're his princesses," Vaughan informed. Walking on her own now, she held onto her father's hand, arm swinging with unnecessary speed. "He's the king!"
"Of kings," Finn added.
"You need a tiara," Aurora suggested.
"Is Sophia your princess too?" Vaughan asked. "You gotta buy her a tiara, Daddy! Just like ours."
"That's really not—"
"All good kings buy their princesses pretty tiaras," Vaughan went on. "She needs one, Daddy!"
Next to her, Finn began to chuckle. "I think you'll be getting a tiara whether you want one or not, lass."
"There's a store! Let's go buy one!" Murphy released Sophia's hand and ran forward to tug on her father's shirt. "Please, Daddy?"
"Okay, okay," Paul finally answered, grinning. He reached for his wallet, then pulled out a crisp bill. Handing it over to Finn, he nodded towards the store. "Do you mind taking them in? I need to talk to Sophia for a minute."
He did? Sophia watched Finn herd the girls into the store, then turned to Paul. "I—"
"Over here," he murmured, motioning to a flower garden tucked between the shop and the next building. A pebbled walkway wound through the flowers, and as they approached she thought she heard the faint splashing of a fountain.
"This is so beautiful," she whispered as the followed the walkway. Tall trees offered bits of shade. They rounded a slight bend and she saw a marble fountain set among rosebushes. She couldn't resist dipping her fingers into the cool water for a brief splash. Turning to look at Paul, she tempted fate and reached for his hand. There was no one around, and they would hear the girls before they got close. "What did you need to talk to me about?"
"This," he whispered before leaning to capture her lips with his.
The magic of the day transcended its earlier levels, and she sank into the gentle kiss, holding onto the front of his shirt for stability. His lips moved to her cheek and she sighed. "I didn't know you'd be here," she whispered. "If you want to be alone with your daughters, I—"
"Good luck trying to pry them off you now," he chuckled. "They adore you."
"Really?" She felt her own silly grin just before his lips found hers again. Once he'd moved to press soft kisses over her cheek again, she sighed. "I adore them, too."
"I know." His lips grazed over hers once more, then he pulled back. "I didn't forget about Tuesday."
She blinked, still reeling from his caressing kisses. "What about… Oh," she breathed, cheeks warming. It had been their anniversary. A full year since that night he'd shown up to her apartment. A year since she'd first tasted heaven. "Paul…"
"I remember everything when it comes to us." He was talking softly, words melding with the splashing in the fountain.
"Everything?" she asked, staring up at him in awe.
"We met on a Friday."
"Yes," she confirmed. Thinking of the invitation to coffee that had turned into two hours in the diner, she smiled.
"Our first night together was a Monday. One year ago."
"You do remember," she mused with a grin.
"I told you."
"Do—" She cut off at the sound of children's laughter, stepping away from Paul. But the laughter faded and it was with a sigh of relief that she turned to him again, keeping her voice at a whisper. "Do you ever regret it?"
"Not at all." He looked at her thoughtfully for a brief moment, then held out his hand. "You?"
"Never," she promised, slipping her hand into his.
"What are you doing Saturday?"
"Uh…" She blanked, and it took her a few seconds to recall her schedule. "Nothing. I might go to the NXT show in Tampa, but I'll probably be packing for next week. Why?"
"The girls are going back home tomorrow." He paused, and she judged by the brief look of disgust that the decision had been made for him. "Anyway, I'd like see you. So we can celebrate."
"Dinner?" she suggested.
"Dinner," he confirmed.
"I'd love to."
"Getting tired?"
Slumped on a bench, Sophia answered Finn's inquiry with a grunt. An afternoon spent in the company of the Levesque girls had practically worn her out. She had fretted a few times that Finn would feel Paul and his daughters had invaded their special day, but the man had given no indication of such. If anything, he'd seemed to enjoy their company. Recalling the way he'd all but chased down Mickey Mouse so Vaughan could have a photo with him, she laughed.
"Oh, she's gotten delirious on me," Finn sighed, flopping down next to her.
"I have not. I'm just wishing I'd videoed you tackling Mickey."
"I didn't tackle him," Finn defended. "I just cornered him."
"The poor man in the suit probably pissed himself, what with you hollering at him." Sophia laughed again and pushed herself upright. "To answer your question, though, yes, I'm tired. But it's a good tired."
"I need you to drum up just a bit more energy." When she glanced at him in confusion, he smiled. "The fireworks will be starting soon. Then we can get you home."
"I'm fine," she assured. "Just getting my second wind."
"That's what you said after Splash Mountain."
"My third wind, then."
"How many winds do you have?" he asked with a chuckle, one hand reaching to the top of her head. "Your tiara's crooked."
She instantly reached to adjust it. "I'd take it off, but the girls were so cute about putting it on me." They'd practically put on a ceremony, rattling off lines and speeches from so many princess movies. "I don't want to hurt their feelings when they get back from the bathroom."
"Oh, admit it, you just like being the King's new princess," Finn teased.
Her cheeks heated and she chose to ignore the statement, heart giving a funny little lurch when she thought of Vaughan insisting Paul give her a kiss. She'd immediately protested, but Paul had smiled indulgently. And although the kiss had been an innocent one, pressed to her cheek, it was the light in his eyes that made her feel as though she walked on clouds.
The chattering of the girls coming from the bathroom pulled her out of her thoughts, and her heart warmed when Vaughan skipped over to climb into her lap.
"Can you fix my hair?" she requested, turning so Sophia could see the unkempt ponytail. "Daddy can't braid."
Sophia sat up for better access and began working her fingers through the long hair. "Maybe we should send Daddy to hair styling school so he can learn?"
"But I like you doing it," Vaughan protested.
About to remind the girl that she couldn't braid her hair every day, Sophia instead remained silent, shifting slightly when Aurora sat next to her. Murphy squeezed between her and Finn, rummaging through the bags to find the one that contained the shirts she'd gotten at one of the stores. Once Vaughan's hair was braided, Sophia secured it and impulsively pressed a kiss to the top of the girl's head.
"Thanks. Is it time for the fireworks yet? Daddy, are we going to see the fireworks? Princess Sophia's never seen them before. She's never been here before, did you know that? This is her first time! So can we take her to the fireworks? And get ice cream? I want ice cream. I'm not too full from supper. Please?"
Sophia snorted on a laugh as she helped Vaughan down. Ice cream sounded nice, but she kept her mouth shut while Vaughan continued bombarding her father with requests. Gathering her bags and trying not to mentally add up how much Finn had spent on her throughout the day, she turned to the quiet man at her side. "Getting tired?"
"Not on your life," he muttered.
The next hour passed in a blur. Sophia could do little but keep up with the others, trying her best not to get sidetracked by the lights and shadows that had come out to play since the sun had gone down. The park, which had seemed magical all day, exuded a dreamlike essence after nightfall. With Aurora holding her hand, she trailed along to what Finn insisted was the best spot to watch the fireworks.
Standing near the fence, she gazed out at the lit-up castle across the water, mindful of the girls just in front of her. Was this how it felt to be a parent? she wondered. She could easily get lost in the experience, she knew, but she found herself constantly checking to make sure all three were where they were supposed to be. She felt silly doing so, for Paul kept them easily in line. Yet even know she reached to catch Vaughan and pull her closer to her sisters, having a feeling that the girl would easily slip away. Aurora and Murphy shuffled, tugged their baby sister in between them, and Sophia breathed a little easier.
She gasped when the first rocket screamed high above, its explosion setting off a shower of twinkling sparks. Sensing someone move closer to her, she tore her gaze from the sky to find Paul next to her. More fireworks flew, their colors lighting up his face, and she thought nothing of it when his hand moved to rest at the small of her back. She turned her attention back to the fireworks, unconsciously leaning against him.
When it was over, she joined in the applause. It drowned out her sigh of regret when Paul's arm fell away. Leaning down to retrieve the bags she'd tucked between her feet, she heard Finn telling Paul that he would see him at the Center the next day. Her day of magic was at an end. She kept a smile on her face, enthusing with the girls over the delightful fireworks as the six of them strolled to the exit. Standing to the side to avoid being in the way, she gave each girl a tight hug, promising to see them soon.
"We're going to Raw," Aurora announced, returning Sophia's embrace. "Daddy promised."
"Then I'll definitely see you Monday." Sophia stepped back.
There was a chorus of goodbyes, then Vaughan tugged impatiently at her father's shirt.
"Daddy, you didn't kiss Princess Sophia goodbye," she protested.
"He doesn't have to—"
"Daddy always kisses princesses," Vaughan insisted.
"I have to, otherwise she'll curse me and turn me into a bear," Paul informed with a chuckle. Stepping forward, he lightly cupped Sophia's shoulder and leaned in to kiss her cheek.
"Good night," she whispered as he pulled away. There was another chorus of goodbyes after they'd exited the park.
As she and Finn headed in the opposite direction, she couldn't help but glance back at Paul and the girls. Her already high spirits lifted even more when Paul looked back as well. She returned the brief smile he offered, then turned her attention ahead of her.
Next to her, Finn was silent as they trekked to where his car was parked. Sophia felt content, buoyant after a magical day in a magical place. Pleasantly exhausted, she looked forward to a hot shower and a good night's sleep. She was sure her dreams would be happy ones. Handing over the shopping bags she carried when Finn opened the trunk, she breathed in the cool night air.
Once inside the car, she accepted her phone from Finn, letting it rest on her leg while she buckled her seatbelt. She drew in a breath to begin wholeheartedly thanking him for a wonderful day, but he spoke first.
"He's the one you want but can never have completely, isn't he?"