Okay, ladies and gentlemen, this is officially the last chapter, then the epilogue comes next. I had such a great time writing this piece and let me tell you, it's been one hell of a journey. If you have the time, check out my latest story, 'Tug of War'. It's a really good story and I'm just getting started with it. I promise you, it's gonna be well worth the read.

Now, I thank you for sending me your birthday wishes! I had such a great time turning 28, but reality awaits me. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon, so that's a good thing.

With that out of the way, let's get on with the ending!

Enjoy and happy reading!

Lots of love, hugs and kisses from your resident writer and friend, Nina!

X

Harrington residence

Houston, Texas

March 3, 2011

It was actually pretty warm outside for the month of March; that's because Jalen was lucky enough to live down south and her mother lived in Phoenix. She leaned back against the lawn chair and sighed deeply as she allowed the sun to radiate on her olive toned skin. She closed her green eyes and felt a smile creeping up on her face. For the first time in her life, she was able to be happy for a change.

Ever since Wade was found guilty for what he had done to her and her family, the nightmares she's been having at night has continued to decrease. Last night, she slept soundly in John's arms and all she thought about is the family she's about to have with her knight and shining armor. And having her mother again proved to be an added bonus. The 25 year old never thought in a million years that she'd be able to live, laugh, love and be free again. For so long, she's been the shell of the person she grew accustomed to, and realizing that the only way she could be able to go on is to be dependent on men.

Men who has let her down, used and abused her one too many times.

Not anymore. She has found a man who not only hasn't let her down, but he's been treating her like a princess and saving her from the depths of hell.

Jalen swung her legs over and felt her feet hitting the pavement. She got up and decided to head inside to get a cool drink of water. Along the way, she cut the televison that John installed in the kitchen on and headed towards the refrigerator. The news was on just as she was getting a glass of lemonade.

"Breaking news out of the courthouse today. Stuart Bennett, formerly known as Wade Barrett in the wrestling world, was formerly sentenced today for the murder of Michael Nicholas Harrington and other crimes he was found guilty of. He has been sentenced to death by lethal injection, plus 45 years for attempted murder, breaking and entering and endangering the life of an unborn child without the possibly of parole. In a surprise statement, his lawyer contends that they won't be filing for an appeal; immediately realizing that the appeal process could take up to thirty years.

This has been a trying time for the Harrington family, especially Jalen Jubilee Harrington, who also happens to be pregnant with Barrett's child, stated that all they want to do is move on with their lives. We'll have more on this story as it develops..."

Jalen closed the refrigerator door, then leaned against it with a heavy sigh escaping her lips. Well, now she knows her ex's fate. Closing her eyes, she felt a single tear falling from her eye. She wished that she could go back in time and change all that had transpired. If she hadn't met Wade back at the pub in London, maybe her life would've been a little bit different. She could've salvaged her strained relationship with her father and even took it upon herself to find her mother.

"Honey, what are you doing leaning against the refrigerator? You're supposed to be resting," Kylie scolded lightly when she entered the kitchen a moment later.

"I just went to get a glass of lemonade. I just watched the news. Wade's sentencing went down," Jalen revealed.

"Oh, yeah? So, what happened?" Kylie asked as she went for a glass of lemonade herself.

"He got the death penalty," Jalen said softly.

Kylie looked at her daughter in surprise. "Really? I thought for sure he would get at least life without parole."

"Well, he got the death penalty for killing my father. He also got 45 years for other crimes he committed. Mom, you should know that Texas supports the death penalty. I'm not really surprised he got it," Jalen admitted.

Kylie went over to where her daughter was standing and wrapped her arms around the young woman. Jalen laid her head against her mother's shoulder and let out a sob. After all the emotional turmoil this young woman and her mother went through, they were now able to move on with their heads held high.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me," Jalen sniffed as she wiped her eyes with her fingers.

"Honey, you have hormones. It's perfectly common among pregnant women. Hell, I went through them when I was pregnant with you," Kylie said, wiping her own eyes.

"I know. It's just that, it's over. It's all over. No more will I have to live in fear of Wade. No more will I have to worry about him trying to take my babies away from me. No more will I have to look over my shoulder; wondering if he's gonna come after me. I have John and I have you to thank," Jalen said softly.

"You don't have to thank us for anything. We love you, baby. Now, you need you put your feet up and rest. You still have about a month and a half to go before I get to meet my grandbabies," Kylie said as she pushed her daughter gently out of the kitchen.

"Wait, you mean, you're staying?" Jalen asked, looking at her mother in surprise as she got settled on the couch in the living room.

"Yes, I'm staying. I wouldn't miss seeing my granddaughters for the world. However, I'm going back to Phoenix after you give birth. I've actually made a pretty good life there. Besides, I have a man waiting for me," Kylie reminded her daughter as she sat next to her on the sofa.

"Oh. I thought that you were gonna move back to be closer to me," Jalen said sadly.

Kylie took her daughter's hands into hers. "Baby, I would love nothing more than to move back here, but my life's in Phoenix now. I have a job there. I have a boyfriend there. Houston brought me so many bad memories that I don't wanna come back here to live. However, knowing that I found you again, I'm gonna come visit all the time. You and I will never be apart again. I'm gonna be here for you always and forever and no one can take that away from me," Kylie explained with a huge smile on her face.

"I guess you're right. I'm glad you're sticking around, though," Jalen replied with a grin on her face.

Kylie leaned over and planted a searing kiss on her daughter's forehead gently. "I'm glad I'm sticking around, too, little girl."

X

Harrington residence

Houston, Texas

May 10, 2011

John came home after an overseas tour in Europe and Asia and Jalen couldn't wait to see her boyfriend again. Being at home turned out to be a major bore, even though Kylie was staying at the house with her to keep things running. However, the moment John came through the front door with his bags, Jalen jumped up and wobbled her way straight to his arms. She kept her arms around him even as they made their way over to the sofa to sit down. Jalen was just so happy to see him again.

So much has changed within the five months of the year. Jalen was now due any day now and from the way she looked, she was definitely getting ready to pop right now. Carrying twins has proven to be a major hassle, but, for the most part, it's also been a major joy. Just to feel her twins moving around inside of her was overwhelming and she couldn't be happier. It won't be long now before she gets the chance to hold them in her arms.

Wade no longer invades her thoughts and dreams. Although she still carries the scars of being with him and even had to endure his uncontrollable wrath for almost a year, he has become a distant memory to her. She no longer has nightmares about him. She's been able to sleep at night and that's something she looks forward to. Now, with her loving boyfriend by her side and her mother back in her life, everything was finally falling into place.

"How are you doing?" John whispered in her ear as they held each other close on the sofa.

Jalen just smiled. "Fine. I'm just so glad to see you again."

"Same here. Everyone on RAW misses you so much," he replied.

"Well, I miss them, too. Being at home has been somewhat of a bore; even though I have to thank you and Mom for keeping me company. I'll make sure to show my baby pictures after I give birth," she explained.

"Are you coming back to work?" he asked, looking confused.

Jalen has been thinking about what's gonna happen after she give birth to her twins. She's been thinking about the direction of her life ever since the trial ended and she came to a realization. She knew it's gonna devastate John, but this is something she wants to do.

"John, I've been about some things and I came up with a logical solution: I'm done with wrestling," she announced.

"What? Really? What made you decide to leave wrestling altogether?" he asked, looking perplexed.

"Well, with everything that's been happening, and after having a deep conversation with Mom about making up for lost time, I don't wanna miss a second of my children's lives. I wanna be there for them and for me to continue traveling around the world would definitely put a damper on things. I've already talked to Vince and he completely understands. I wanna do something different," she explained softly.

"Hey, I understand your reasoning, baby. So, what are your new plans?" he asked, getting more interested.

"Well, I'm planning on going back to school for one. Then, I'm also thinking about becoming an advocate for woman who're in abusive relationships. It's much more rampant now; especially with our young girls being victimized. I want to be able to connect with them and tell them that I've been there, done that, found the courage to leave and then being able to survive. And I had some major help," she explained.

He leaned over and planted a searing kiss on her forehead. "I'm so proud of you, J. But, everyone at the WWE will miss you."

"I'll miss them, too. But, it's time for me to move on. Speaking of moving on, I need to go lay down," Jalen replied, trying to get up from the sofa using her hands.

"No, no. There's no need for you to get up, anyway. Just stay here. I'll bring a blanket," John said as he got up from the sofa, reached down and propped her feet up on the coffee table. He went upstairs to grab a blanket and some pillows out of the bedroom while Jalen just sat there; contemplating about her newfound future.

The soon to be 26-year-old was happy for the first time in her life. She was alive, about to become a mother, has a loving, caring boyfriend, her mother's back in her life, her ex was now behind bars where he belongs and she couldn't be much more happier. Jalen placed her hand on her swollen belly and felt her babies kicking hard against her stomach. She couldn't wait another day to meet them. Her babies continued to kick hard just as John came back downstairs armed with the blanket and pillows.

"How are we doing?" he asked as he sat the item down on the floor.

"Fine. Babies going full frontal on my kidneys, but I'm fine," she replied with a smile on her face.

"Okay, then. Anything else you need?" John asked as he was about to place the blanket over her legs.

"Actually, there's something you can do for me," she said as she tried to get comfortable on the sofa, only to realize that it's not about to happen, especially since she felt something trickling between her legs.

"What is it? Are you okay?" he asked, getting concerned.

"No," she cried, trying to get up from the sofa, and in the process, went into labor pains.

"Why don't you sit down and we'll see what's the problem," he suggested as he went over to assist her back down on the sofa.

"No, John. I can't sit down because my water broke. I need you take me to the hospital. My babies are coming right now!"

X

Houston General Hospital

Houston, Texas

May 11, 2011

After over 20 hours of being in labor, Jalen gave birth to her twin girls with very little problems. John immediately called Kylie (who was on a date with her boyfriend, who also came to visit her) and she showed up at the hospital within 15 minutes of the call. Now, John, Kylie and her boyfriend Nathan gasped in awe at the sight of the twins sleeping peacefully in their respective nursery cribs. Jalen fell asleep in her hospital room, so the trio didn't wanna disturb her right away. They were too busy oohing and ahhing at the sight of the new additions of the Harrington family.

"Aren't they so precious?" Kylie asked, placing her hand on John's shoulder.

John couldn't stop smiling, even if he tried. "I still can't believe they're here. And, they don't look anything like Wade."

"That's a good thing, right?" Nate asked, wrapping his arms around Kylie and planting a searing kiss on her forehead.

"Yes, it's a very good thing. They look like Jalen with a little bit of me, too," Kylie beamed, smiling brightly.

"Well, why don't we go visit Jalen? I'm sure she's woken up by now," John said. The trio ended up going into Jalen's hospital room and, sure enough, Jalen was sitting up in bed; looking tired, but overjoyed when the three most important people in her life walk in.

"How are my girls?" she asked right away.

John pulled up a chair right beside the bed, grabbed her hand and kissed it gently. "They're doing absolutely great, baby. They look amazing as well."

"Good. By the way, I came up with names for them. You're gonna be intrigued to know who they are, since they are identical," Jalen announced with a grin on her face.

"Well, honey, don't keep us in suspense. Tell us," Kylie encouraged.

"Okay, the names of my babies are Treasure Faith and Eternity Hope Harrington," Jalen revealed, smiling.

"Treasure Faith and Eternity Hope? I love it," John said, kissing her hand again.

"I agree with John. Those names actually have a special meaning," Kylie replied, tears forming in her green eyes.

"I'm so glad you love them. With everything that's been happening, those names gave me a new lease on life. And I have you both to thank for everything you've done for me," Jalen said, tears forming in her eyes now.

"No, baby. I have to thank you for allowing me to love you the way you should be loved. And I wanna continue loving you for the rest of my life," John said as he got up from the chair and got down on one knee.

"Oh, my God," Jalen breathed, not believing her man was about to do what she thinks he's about to do. More tears started falling from her eyes when he reached inside his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box and opened it; revealing a beautiful, sparking 24 carat diamond engagement ring.

"Jalen, from the moment we first met, I knew I was gonna love you for the rest of my life. You're beautiful, smart, sexy, talented and a true survivor. I love you more than I could ever love someone and now, we have two beautiful daughters that's gonna make our family come together. No matter what happens, through the good and the bad, as long as we stick together, nothing can't stand in our way. So, right now, as I give my heart to you unconditionally, will you do me the honor of being my wife? Will you marry me?" John asked.

Jalen couldn't even speak. All she could do is nod her head as he slid the beautiful engagement ring on her finger, then he leaned over and kissed her passionately. Kylie and Nate was so happy to see her daughter getting engaged to someone who's been so loving and supporting throughout her tumultuous life.

"Welcome to the family, John. I'm so happy for you. But, know this: if you hurt my baby in any way, I will hurt you," Kylie warned, even as she went over and hugged her future son-in-law.

"Mom, you don't have to worry about a thing. Jalen's in good hands and I will take good care of her and our babies," John assured his future mother-in-law as he leaned over and kissed her cheek lightly.

Speaking of babies, the nurse brought in the twins about an hour later, sleeping peacefully and awaiting to be in their mother's arms. Kylie and Nate had left then, promising to stop back by later before they head back home to Phoenix to continue their lives together. Jalen was holding Treasure while John was holding Eternity. The new family was laying together in the bed and basking in the glow of being together with their babies.

"I'm so happy right now," Jalen beamed as she looked down at Treasure with a huge smile on her face.

"I am, too. I never thought we could be like this," John replied, smiling at his new fiancee.

"I love you, John. So much," she told him.

He leaned over and kissed her soundly. "I love you, too, baby."

As they continued to hold their babies and gazing at each other lovingly, Jalen knew that there is such thing as being happy again. She never thought in a million years that she would be able to experience it, but now that she has, she's never gonna let it go to waste.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

Coming up in the next chapter: The epilogue. Stay tuned!

Please review!