*Thank-you for the reviews on the last chapter they were greatly appreciated thank-you all so much*
Joe:
I wake up in the early morning and look over to see Audrey is still fast asleep on our bed. She looks beautiful in my t-shirt with it hanging off her shoulder. One of her arms resting above her perfect little baby bump as she exposes it and the black shorts she's wearing with the t-shirt. Her other hand rest on its back on her pillow, her soft plump lips parted as she breathes and her dark hair sprawled around her with her legs tangled in the sheets. I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life. She is perfect in every way and just as beautiful inside as she is on the outside. I take a few minutes to watch her sleep and admire her beauty. I smile as I place my hand on her growing stomach. I lean over and kiss it softly. "Good morning in there Little Guy," I say with a smile as I rub her stomach softly. "I got to see you yesterday and that made me even more anxious to see you and meet you. I am counting down the days until I can hold you in my arms and kiss that beautiful face of yours. Your mommy and I are thinking you're the perfect mixture of both of us but honestly I hope that you look more like your mom than you do me because your mom is beautiful. She is one of the most beautiful women in the world. I am pretty lucky to be marrying her and you are pretty lucky to have her for a mommy. We went through a lot to get you but it was worth it all and I can't wait until you're here with us so that we can be a completed family. I love you so much already there are no words to describe how much I love you. I promise your mom and I are going to do the best that we can for you to give you the world so that you don't need or want for anything but you are so loved already and we are going to give you all the love in the world. I'm sorry about your brother," I say with tears in my eyes, "but he got his wings before any of us were ready and he now sleeps with the angels but he will always be your angel, watching over you and helping to keep you safe. I know you two probably already formed a bond inside your mommy's tummy and I am sorry that bond was broken but he's always going to be in our hearts. I love you, M. You're everything we have been waiting for but your mommy and I are going to be new at this parenting thing so be patient with us because we are going to be learning as we go like I'm pretty sure your mommy doesn't know how to change a diaper yet because she hasn't had that practice but I know you'll make her a pro me on the other hand I have changed tons of diapers but I never had a baby of my own so being a daddy is something I need to learn to be and I promise I will be the best dad to you that I can be," I say before I kiss her stomach again.
"You're going to be an amazing, Daddy," says Audrey with sleep in her voice and her eyes closed followed by a protesting moan. "And I know how to change a diaper," she says making me smile. "I just don't have as much practice as you do."
"You'll learn," I say with a smile as I stretch up leaving my hand on her stomach to lay next to her. "And you'll be a good mom I know you will," I smile. "I'm sorry if I woke you up."
She lets out a soft sigh and smiles, "it wasn't you that woke me up. The baby woke me up. I don't know what all you said to him or if it was just your voice in general but he is moving up a storm right now. It's like he is flipping everywhere."
"Aww," I say with a smile, "I can't wait to feel him move. Is he active?"
"More so in the morning and the late afternoon, late morning and night time he seems to be asleep I hope that it stays like that after he's born so we can sleep but I doubt it."
"I see," he says, "when did you start feeling him move?"
"A couple days now," she says, "and it is the most beautiful feeling in the world just like knowing you're carrying a life inside of you there is nothing more beautiful. He's a pretty active little guy and I can't wait to meet him. I think he's going to have a lot of hair with your Samoan genes and my Italian genes he's going to have so much hair and if this heartburn is any indication we are going to have a wholly mammoth," she says making me laugh.
"If there is one thing to be said about Anoa'i babies it is they don't lack hair when they are born or ever in their lives," I smile as she runs her hand through my hair.
"You do have beautiful hair," she smiles. "It's so soft and it always smells like coconuts. I just love it. I am jealous at how nice your hair is."
I smile and chuckle, "it's all about those Samoan genes and it's all about the conditioner."
"Shut up," she smiles.
"Facts," I say with a smile before I lean over and kiss her lips. "So were we serious about moving to Pensacola?"
"I am pretty serious about it," she says, "as long as you are. I love Pensacola and I miss it. I thought about raising our son here and while it would be great to do that in this penthouse we could never give him a backyard or a place to play outside. We would always need to go to the playground. It will be nice to come visit but living here I am not exactly thrilled about."
"I see," I say. "I am all for moving back to Pensacola to raise our son where we grew up will be amazing."
"It really will and to have our family all around is even better, you know built in babysitters so that we can have date nights and some time alone," she smiles.
"Mm, alone time to make more babies," I smile.
"You are so funny when M is about 3 years old we can try for another one until then I don't want to think about any more babies," she says.
"Right but we'll be about 37 years old then do you think that's safe to have a baby after 35?"
"I don't know we'll find out," she says, "but right now let's focus on M."
"Deal," I say. I stretch and let out a groan, "I have to call Vince today to tell him about my time off."
"Good luck with that," she says, "I hope that goes well for you."
"One can only hope and I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon that I have to go to so when do you want to tell our parents the news?"
"Before your appointment or after your appointment it's up to you, Joe. What do you think is best?"
"After," I say, "how long do you think your dad and mom will be staying with us?"
"I don't know are you still afraid of my dad?" she asks with a smile.
"A little bit," I say letting out a sigh. "He does seem happy we are getting married though."
"Because he likes you," she says, "and he wants the best for me and they don't get any better than you, Baby," she says.
"That's so true," I smile.
"So humble," she says with a smile.
"Are you hungry, do you want some breakfast?"
"No, I actually think I want to go back to sleep for a little while longer. I'm still exhausted from the last couple days and I just want to catch up on some sleep then I think this afternoon I will take my two week notice to the law office. Will you come with me and help me pack up my office?"
"Of course," I say, "I'll be there. I can meet you there right after my doctor's appointment."
"Okay, what's the appointment for you just went last week to the doctor why do they need to see you again so soon?"
"Just a quick follow up," I say. "It's nothing more than that and I had some tests done last week the doctor just wants to give me the results."
"The only time a doctor wants to give you the results in person usually mean it's something bad are you sure you're okay?"
Not wanting to lie to her I say, "I guess we'll find out this afternoon. I'm going to go get some coffee and then I am going to call Vince to get that out of the way if you need anything from me just let me know."
"All right," she says as I get out of bed. I lean down and kiss her forehead. "Good luck with Vince."
"Thanks," I say with a smile before I make my way out of the bedroom leaving her to rest.
I walk out of the bedroom and make my way to the kitchen. I make a pot of coffee and then once it's done I pour myself a cup of coffee then sit down at the island pulling my cellphone out of pajama pocket and press the home button to see Audrey's smiling face as my wallpaper. I play around with my phone for a little bit thinking about calling Vince and the words I want to say and not only the words I want to say to him but to Audrey. I'm focused on Audrey's picture as my mom comes into the kitchen startling me when she places her hand on my shoulder. "Morning, Joe."
Letting out a breath I say, "Mom you scared me."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. How are you feeling today?" she asks.
"Well, I am a nervous wreck for one. I have my follow up appointment today and I have no idea how that is going to go," I say.
"I'm sure everything is going to be fine. I know it is, Joe. Have you told Audrey yet?"
"No," I say. "I haven't really told anyone but you and Pops. Audrey is already going through so much with losing Jordan and the shooting. She's supposed to be resting and taking it easy. I don't want to burden her with something I don't know yet."
"You two have had a pretty exciting couple of days. You're getting married. Isobel and are so happy for you both, we have waited for this moment. You two make a great couple and you two will make great parents."
"It has been pretty exciting and exhausting as well. I am so exhausted," I say.
"You need to slow down and rest. Where is Audrey?"
"Getting the rest that she needs," I say. "If I didn't have to call Vince or set up a vacation for Audrey and me I would be sleeping a little longer."
"Do you need to call Vince right now?"
"I just want to get it over with, there is never a good time to request a year or over a year off from your job especially now. I know they have so many plans for me but right now I have other things to worry about Audrey and M being the biggest priority."
"And yourself, Joe," she says, "you can't forget about yourself. You need to be healthy for them and you need to take care of yourself so that you can be there for them."
"I know, Mom," I say.
"Are you still going to take all that time off after your appointment today?"
"Yes, Mom. I need a break and I want to be with Audrey and M. I need some downtime to take care of myself and deal with some nagging injuries that I have been putting off and whatever else comes my way. I need this time off for me."
"Good," she says, "so you're taking Audrey on vacation?"
"Yeah we need to get some time away and time in before the baby gets here. I was thinking of taking her to Hawaii for a couple weeks just to enjoy our freedom together, relax and get away from everything but I also thought about taking a cruise with her. I'm thinking the cruise would be better than Hawaii and then save Hawaii for our honeymoon."
"I think Hawaii is better and save the cruise for your honeymoon. You don't need to be on a cruise ship right now where you are in close quarters with others and their germs."
"You're right. It looks like it is going to be Hawaii. I don't mind it. I enjoy the island."
"You always have you could take her to Samoa too."
"No, not yet. Hawaii is easier for us to travel to than Samoa." I say.
"No matter where you two go you are going to have a best time and I agree a vacation is just what you two need especially before that precious little boy comes. I can't wait to meet that little angel."
"Neither can Audrey and neither can I. Can you do me a favor?" I ask.
"Anything," she says.
"Audrey and I are going to be busy today taking care of some things and we want to talk to you, Pops and Audrey's parents do you think you can get us a reservation at a nice restaurant for tonight around 6? Make it under Anoa'i and please try your best to get us private seating so the fans aren't gawking at me and trying to get my autograph and pictures. I don't want it to turn into a circus. I want us to have a nice dinner tonight without interruptions from overzealous fans." I have nothing against my fans, I love all my fans but sometimes it gets overwhelming to enjoy time with my family or time with Audrey when we go out because there are always those that need to take pictures, ask for autographs and just interrupt us or keep watching us. I promise everyone we are no different than a normal person. We still shop at Target and shop at Walmart sometimes and we still check the produce at grocery stores. We are just as normal as anyone else.
"Absolutely," she says. "What are we in the mood for?" she asks.
"How about Mexican? Audrey has been craving Mexican food so let's do Mexican and right now I really need to book this vacation to Hawaii and call Vince before I go to the doctor."
"All right," she says. "I'll take care of the reservations you just take care of you, Joe."
"I will, Mom. Don't worry about me."
"After what happened with your brother I am always going to worry about my baby boy. I love you, Joe," she says with tears in her eyes.
"Mom, don't do that. Don't think negatively just think positively for me okay?"
"Okay," she says. "I love you, Joe."
"I know, Mom. I love you too," I say before she wraps me up in a tight hug as I hug her back. I let out a sigh as she breaks the embrace giving me my privacy to do what I need to do. I pick up my phone and most people would call their boss first to take more time off but not everyone has Vince McMahon as a boss and not everyone is supposed to be the face of a multi-billion dollar company so I decided to call and book our two week vacation to Hawaii set to begin the last weekend of May until the second weekend of June.
I have no other choice as I look at my phone still focusing on Audrey's picture I let out a sigh and click on my contacts. I scroll through them and find Vince's name. I hit the call button and place it on speaker phone just as Audrey comes out of the bedroom as if she knew I needed her support for this phone call. She sat down next to me at the island as Vince answered the phone, "Joe, what can I do for you? Are you ready to come back?"
"Good morning to you too, Vince," I say as Audrey rubs my back softly. "Not exactly but I did want to talk to you about time off."
"All right, how is Audrey doing and the baby? Everything good?" he asks.
"Yes, Audrey is getting better day by day. And the baby is doing great it won't be long before he comes."
"I'm happy to hear it, when do you think we will see you back in the ring?" he asks as Audrey gives me a kiss of strength on my shoulder.
"About that," I say, "There is no easy way to say this, Vince so I am just going to say it. I need more time off. I want to take more time off."
"How much more time are we talking here?" he asks defensively.
"I was hoping on 12-15 months of being out of the ring, to take time off to focus a little more on me and my family," I say wrapping my arm around Audrey.
"12-15 months is a whole hell of a lot of time off, Joe. We have Summerslam coming up and we wanted to put the belt on you at Summerslam," he says. "We have plans for you to face Brock and to get that championship belt. And then we are planning a Shield reunion when Dean comes back in August. We are already planning some great stuff for you and you would hold the championship until at least Mania where you would lose it to either Brock or Braun we haven't decided that yet. We have a good feud in the making for you and Braun, Joe. There is so much to be done in your career you would miss Wrestlemania! You're the face of the company and you want to take 12-15 months off of work? That's crazy. I was all right with giving you this time off to be with Audrey but expected you back in a couple weeks and then giving you time off when your son is born now you don't want to come back for at least 15 months?" he asks. "That's insane."
"Vince, I know it's a lot of time and you have plans for me but there's a lot going on in my personal life I need to deal with and take care of. I am getting burned out from working so much and I haven't had a day off in nearly a year. I worked Christmas for you and gave up time with my family and my girlfriend. I have personal issues I need to deal with and take care of. I can't explain it all right now but I will later this afternoon. Please I'm just asking for 12-15 months off to focus on my health, my family, my fiancée and my son. We just had a terrible loss and my fiancée is still healing from the shooting. I just need time to focus on us. Please, Vince, I wouldn't even be asking you this if it wasn't important to me. Like I said we can talk more this afternoon but right now please just understand I need this time off," I say.
"Joe, we will talk more about this, this afternoon. I just want you to think about your request while I take it into consideration and run it by creative. You're asking for a lot of time off so we need to discuss it and then I can get back to you or you can get back to me this afternoon."
"All right," I say. "I will talk to you later," I say. "Have a good day."
"We'll see," says Vince before he hangs up the phone.
"Well, that went about as well as I thought it would," I say to Audrey.
"Joe, what is going on? You wouldn't just request over a year off of work so what's going on and what's this whole doctor appointment about and getting back to Vince this afternoon? What are you not telling me, Joe," she says.
I let out a sigh and say, "there is just so much going on Audrey. I know you're going through a lot, we're going through a lot and sometimes in life there are a lot of curve balls, a lot of things you don't see coming and this is something I didn't see coming."
"What, Joe," she asks, "what didn't you see coming?"
"Remember when I was 22 years old? Remember when I had leukemia back then?" I ask, "but I was soon in remission."
"I remember," she says with tears in her eyes as I see the realization hitting her. She knows. "It's back isn't it?"
"I don't know, Audrey. I want to say no but honestly I don't know. I haven't been feeling that great and I have been really exhausted lately. I thought it was just the shooting and the stress of losing Jordan but then I started to see other little signs and went to the doctor. They did some tests and they have the results. I just don't want this fight again. I am finally happy for once in my life. We're getting married we're having a baby and we are moving back home. I do not want this in my life right now and everything has been going so good. It's not the time," I say.
"But we don't know anything yet, Joe, so don't get worked up maybe you are just exhausted from everything going on and if it is more than that you've got me Joe, you've got my family and your family that love you and support you. You will not go through it alone," she says, "I promise you."
"Audrey, I don't want to be a burden to you."
"You will NEVER be a burden to me," she says, "NEVER. You're everything to me and the father of my child. If you need to fight you're not fighting alone just know that, Baby."
"I love you," I say hugging her tight.
"I love you too," she says. "so you know you're not going to that doctor's office alone right?"
"I was going to ask you anyway I just didn't know what to tell you and didn't want you to go and find out from the doctor before I told you."
"Yeah, that probably wouldn't have been good," she says, "but we're in this together."
Later that afternoon Audrey and I arrive at the doctor's office. I am beyond nervous as we wait to see the doctor. I can't keep my leg from bouncing and I can't keep myself from fidgeting all around. Audrey tries to calm me by holding my hand but it doesn't help much. I won't be relaxed until I hear the news I want to hear, the news I need to hear. I nearly shoot up from the chair as I am called to the back. Audrey and I make our way to the office where we wait for the doctor. It takes a few minutes before the doctor walks in with his file. He greets us cordially shaking our hands with a serious face before he takes a seat behind the desk. He opens the file and looks up at me. He says, "Joe, the results are in from your tests…."
*A/N: So I have been battling this idea for a couple weeks now debating with myself if I want to go there or not.. it has been a very tough decision and yet my mind is still not made up on what to do or where to go with this. I am counting on your feedback and your opinions to make my final decision. So what do you think? Please review and thank-you for reading.