A Second Chance at Love
Claire sat in the limousine at the arena waiting for Jon to get done with his match. The Shield started the show and they were also scheduled in the main event so Claire had at least another hour to wait, not including shower time. That was OK though. This gave her time to think and calm down from her earlier fight with her father. It didn't go as well as she was hoping. He was not happy with her for numerous reasons which some she understood but some he was just going to have to live with, namely Jon and her pregnancy.
Thankfully she wasn't feeling sick, so she was happy about that but she wanted a latte right now, desperately. I guess I will have to start drinking decaf now and all that sweet syrup isn't good for me either. Claire grabbed bottled water instead. This will have to do.
She glanced back at the screen and a diva's match was on. It was a tag team match with Alicia Fox and Aksana vs. The bellas. It was pretty boring in her opinion but she never watched a lot of wrestling so she wasn't that into it anyways. At least it did distract her for a bit from her problems and she smiled. People loved entertainment because it gave them a distraction from their daily lives and she was no exception. But she knew that you could only hide from your problems for only so long before they caught up with you.
Right now that was what she needed, a distraction but her mind wandered waywardly back to her earlier argument with her dad. At first it all went well. Yeah, her father was mad because she didn't come to him a long time ago about how Robert was treating her but she was hoping to deal with it herself. She was a married woman, she needed to try and fix the problems she had with Robert on her own, but now she knew that was impossible. She was a little embarrassed as well since she argued with her father so much just to be with Robert.
Her father never liked Robert and she knew deep down a lot of it had to do with her being daddy's little girl and he didn't want to accept the fact that she was growing up and moving on. But now she realized Robert was never really interested in her and her father had been right about him all along. He was ambitious, smart, and had aspirations of the white house one day. Daddy must have realized that as well. Claire felt that Robert could have gotten there by himself one day but marrying Mitchell Rothschild's daughter could have gotten him there a lot sooner and he was ready to fulfill his dreams no matter what. Unfortunately for Robert that was never going to happen now.
Claire sighed. Daddy was also mad that I didn't go straight home when I caught Robert cheating. She tried to explain she was worried about the publicity but her father didn't want to hear it. He had always told her to come to him whenever there was a problem and he would help her with it. Probably as a father he felt that was his duty to take care of his child and she did understand that. She hoped that the kids would trust her enough to come to her about anything they were having trouble with. Claire had just wanted to try and be independent and take care of it herself but she had been in way over her head, she just didn't know it.
Which lead to biggest argument of all, her relationship with Jon and the pregnancy. Apparently her father had did some research on all members of the Shield following the WWE match where they had stepped in and saved her from Jack Swagger. Roman and Seth were golden but Jon was the bad apple in the bunch.
Roman came from a prestigious wrestling family dynasty that included The Rock, one of the best entertainers in the world on a global scale. Seth came from a quaint family in Iowa. Not rich or glamorous but he had a good, strong family upbringing. Jon on the other hand had a mother who he described as a corner street junkie who had brought her boyfriends over and they would knock him around. His father was in prison. He had little to no communication with his family to this day. He lived mostly on the streets growing up but somehow managed to graduate from high school and pursued wrestling training even before he was old enough to train. He did have a history of drugs, booze, and partying. His earlier wrestling career was violent and hardcore which is how he was able to make a name for himself.
Claire tried to explain that was all when he was younger, now that he was in the WWE, they were very strict and Jon said they have been working so hard the past year, they had become the work horses of the WWE which left little time for anything but training and working. Her father was not happy about that either. So that means he is going to be gone and you will be raising that baby by yourself, even more so then when you were with Robert. At least you could go on the campaign trail with Robert, but taking the kids to those arenas around those people was not safe. Claire could tell her father had no respect for the wrestling industry.
Claire explained how Jon had saved her from being raped on an elevator from a total sleaze ball who also wanted to extort money from the crime. Her father couldn't argue too much with the good deed but her father did tell her that was no reason to jump into bed with him. Oh yeah, she told her father about that too. Every girl's dream is to discuss having sex and sexual partners with her father. Her father then accused Jon of being a predator for exploiting her when she was most vulnerable. She still couldn't get the look her father gave her out of her mind when she said that Jon in no way took advantage of her. She was more than willing to have sex with Jon that night, that his body was incredible and that she was so sexually deprived because Robert wouldn't touch her.
"Maybe it was a mercy fuck on his part, maybe he felt bad for me." She thought for sure her father was going to explode; his face was redder then a tomato. She had never been so blunt with her father in her whole life but she wasn't going to stand by and let him trash Jon and everything he had done for her.
Then there was the question about how safe was it to be pregnant and how was it going to affect Madison and Robbie. Claire was not sure how safe was this for her and she made an appointment in the morning with her doctor to discuss those issues. As for the kids, she hoped they would be happy but she knew that was dreaming on her part. This was all going to be a huge shock for them. Hopefully they won't hate her too much. She had finally gave up on talking to her father, it was too upsetting too her. She felt like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. He reluctantly agreed to let Jon come home with them when she threatened to take a regular flight in coach back to Georgia with Jon and then they would just go to her home instead of her dad's home.
Claire looked back at the TV screen when she saw the members of the Shield coming down the aisle. Fans were touching them and patting them. That must be annoying trying to concentrate going down the stairs while fans kept trying to touch them and still stay in character but they did it effortlessly. Jon had his usual angry stern expression until they jumped over the barricade and then he did his famous smirk while they looked at their opponent in the ring. This seemed to be a 3 on 1 match and she felt sorry for the small blonde guy in the ring. She missed his name because her green eyes were too focused in on Jon. Well I guess this she should think of him as Dean in the ring.
He was so impressive in the ring. His facial expressions were priceless. His smirk, his snarl, he was able to contort in his facial expressions so easily; he definitely was the most complex character out of the Shield members. His strut, his taunts, she was hooked on just watching Dean Ambrose and barely noticed the other wrestlers in the ring. She couldn't believe she never had noticed how incredible his ass looked. Somehow those black pants just really emphasized what a well shaped ass he possessed and she blushed. She just wanted to grab it. He was just so gorgeous and she couldn't believe that he was interested in her.
He was just so James Dean, rebel without a cause, in her opinion. She wondered how he would react if she compared him to James Dean? A definite bad boy! Was it possible for a bad boy to be a good father or husband? She didn't even know where he stood on marriage. She knew he was open to children because he didn't shy away when she mentioned she could be pregnant, he even stepped up and wanted to be there. That was a good sign. What about being a husband? It was probably too early to even think about that yet. She knew they were doing things backwards but she tried to do things the right way the first time and that didn't turn out so well, so maybe this way will work better. She felt like she was gambling and the stakes were high. She was putting her whole future on the line for a man she admitted she really didn't know.
Her thoughts had distracted her again and she realized the match was already over. She decided she would go look for Jon. He had text her directions to the Shield locker room earlier hoping she would go hang out with him then. It was a ways to walk but she found the door that Jon had told her to go into. Since the show was over security wasn't as strict but she informed the security she was there to see a friend and they were nice and let her on back. One of the guards even knew who she was which is what helped her get in without hassle.
Claire followed the hall when she heard Jon's distinctive raspy voice. That was easy enough she thought and then she heard a woman's voice as well that had a British accent. Claire slowly turned the corner not sure what she was going to find but all she saw was Jon standing there with a pretty dark haired girl talking. They were both clad in black. The girl with the long dark hair was pretty and Claire felt a little jealous watching Jon smile at her. She cleared her throat to announce her arrival and when Jon saw her, his smile got even bigger and he went over to her and hugged her. "HEY! I was hoping to see you earlier."
He hugged Claire not noticing how stiff her body was because she was too busy staring at the pretty dark haired girl curiously. She didn't like feeling jealous but her insecurity was kicking into overdrive or maybe I am just being hormonal. Claire thought as Jon took her hand walked her over to the young girl.
"Claire, this is my friend Paige, Paige this is Claire." Jon realized he couldn't introduce her as his girlfriend since they haven't quite established what their relationship is but they were definitely more than friends. "Paige is in NXT." Claire looked confused. "That is WWE's developmental program."
"Hi!" Claire said shaking Paige's hand. Claire felt out of place since Jon and Paige were still in there ring gear. Paige wore black top and black trunks that showed off her perfect, young body. They looked like they matched to Claire's dismay while she was wearing tan slacks, baby blue sweater with brown boots.
Paige was definitely staring Claire up and down. She never thought Jon to be into the snobby/preppy type but things had changed for him since he moved up to the main roster. They had lost contact when Jon had been promoted to superstar status. Now he was hanging out with the big stars and he forgot about her over the past year. She had been so happy to be here tonight hoping they could change that but Paige could tell that Jon liked this woman. The way he was looking at her was how he use to look at me, Paige thought sadly. Paige then recognized the pretty blonde woman. She was the senator's wife that Jack Swagger had attacked and the Shield came to her rescue. If she was married, why was she with Jon? Paige wondered. She wondered if this woman was using Jon since her husband looked like some prude. She had known a lot of preppy girls that went for the bad boys to spice up their lives.
"Aren't you Senator Langston's wife?" Paige asked.
Claire felt uncomfortable. "It's a long story." She didn't feel like getting into her life story with a woman she didn't know but Claire could tell that she had a thing for Jon.
"Claire, why don't you go see Roman and Seth, they are in the locker room."
"They are dressed, right?"
"Yes, I will be in there in just a minute."
"Okay!"
Claire went a little further down the hall to the lock room and knocked on the door.
"Come in!"
Claire entered the locker room and saw Seth and Roman sitting on some chairs. They saw her and Seth smiled. He went over to her and gave her a big hug. Roman wasn't quite as friendly but he was always so serious.
"Congratulations Mama Bear!" Seth said excitedly.
Claire was confused at first but then it registered that he knew she was pregnant. "How do you know…?" Claire then realized that Gabby must have told him. "You haven't said anything to Jon yet, have you?"
"No Gabby swore me to secrecy, well, at least from Jon." Seth said as he looked at Roman. "But Jon did mention to us that you may be pregnant and not knowing for sure has been eating him alive all day but I didn't say anything, I promise." Seth held up his hand and id a Boy Scout sign Claire recognized because Robbie was in the boy scouts and she smiled feeling relieved that she was still the one to break the news to Jon.
"How do you think he is going to take the news?" Claire was still a little worried about Jon's reaction. They thought she was but it being official seemed more concrete and she didn't want to walk into a wall blindsided.
"Believe it or not he is excited about it. I haven't seen him this excited since he moved up to the main roaster."
Claire felt a little relieved but she knew there was still plenty of obstacles that was in there way.
"Roman, what do you think?"
Roman took a deep breath first before answering. "I think it's a little sudden considering your still married but I can tell Jon likes you a lot. You just need to hurry up and resolve your problems because Jon doesn't need a lot of hassle. He has had a hard life and doesn't need to be jerked around. He's worked really hard to get here; I don't want this to derail his progress here in the WWE."
Claire appreciated Roman's honesty and she smiled at him. She could tell he cared a lot about Jon and he was just trying to look out for him. "I just want you to know that my marriage is over in all ways that count. Right now, it is in name only. I just want to get Robert healthy again for his kids. Jon and I have a lot of decisions to make but I do love him and I don't want to hurt him."
Roman nodded and pulled her into a big bear hug and she smiled.
"I call dibs on being the godfather." Seth said excitedly but they all became quiet as soon as Jon walked into his locker room. He looked at each one of their guilty faces as they tried to act inconspicuous.
"Ok, what is going on?" Jon asked.
"Nothing, we were just heading down to catering to see what was left over. We will see you in a bit." Roman grabbed Seth and dragged him out of the locker room to give them some privacy.
"You're not ready." Claire knew she was stating the obvious but she was a little nervous. Dean on the other hand looked relaxed.
"Sorry, I guess I was talking to Paige a little longer then I thought." Dean was at his locker getting his shower accessories together.
"Okay."
Dean didn't like the way Claire had said okay. He couldn't put his finger on it but he could tell something was bothering her. He turned to look at her and he could see that she looked nervous. He cocked his head to one side trying to figure Claire out.
"You're not upset because I was talking to Paige, are you? Because she is just a friend that I haven't seen in 6 months and we were just catching up. Nothing more."
Claire felt stupid for feeling jealous but she couldn't help it. Seeing Dean talking to that young, beautiful dark haired girl made her feel insecure. She couldn't help it. That girl was young and Claire was definitely not and now that she was pregnant she was going to be fat too. Claire felt like her stocks were plummeting by the second.
"You don't owe me an explanation." Claire was biting on her lip again. She tried not to but it was impossible.
"I know I don't owe you an explanation. I want you to know what is going on so that you know I am being honest with you." Dean said as he grabbed her hands and they sat down on the chairs. "I know that we said that we would talk about everything later and I know there is not a lot of time but I am pretty outspoken which I hope you will learn because I want you to know that my feelings for you have not changed. I love you. .."
"Jonathan..."
"No please, I just want you to know how I feel…"
"Jon, I am pregnant!" Claire had not meant to blurt that out but the nervousness got too much for her and then the anticipation of his response had been driving her crazy, she cracked.
Jon blinked a few times digesting the news and then he broke into a huge smile and pulled her onto his lap. "Really?" Dean asked and he kissed Claire's lips softly.
"Yes, the doctor confirmed it this morning." She stared into his ice blue eyes. His hair was almost dry from drenching himself with water before his match and so it was a wild mess but she loved his wild, messy hair.
"Were you worried how I would react?"
"Yes, I wasn't sure if you changed your mind."
Dean raised his eyebrow. "About you or a baby?"
"Both." She admitted.
"I admit that we probably should have thought more on the baby thing but I wouldn't change this for the world and I Love you, I would never change my mind on you."
"I just hope you know what you are getting into."
"It's a little late to say that don't you think."
Claire did not like that response and she went to get up but Jon wouldn't let her.
"I honestly am not sure what I am getting into but who does the first time. You have kids so you know what to expect and I don't but I want to do this. You were honest about the birth control and I willingly had unprotected sex with you so I wanted this." Jon kissed her again softly. "I want you Claire!" Jon whispered against her lips and she kissed him back.
"I love you too Jonathan!" They kissed passionately. Claire ran her fingers threw his dirty blonde hair. She could feel his hands on her waist. His touch was so strong yet so gentle. She loved him so much that's why she dreaded having to tell him that her father didn't approve of him but he had to know what he was walking into.
Claire couldn't help but look into his pale blue eyes. "I hate to tell you this but my dad doesn't approve of you." Jon didn't look too surprised.
"Yeah, I figured he wouldn't be thrilled about me. Hell, if you were my daughter I wouldn't approve of me either."
"You shouldn't say that, you are a wonderful man."
"I maybe now but I have done a lot of crazy things in my life, some I am not so proud of but I am more mature now." Jon said and he had to add this. "Sometimes." He said winking at Claire. "All that matters to me is how you feel about me and about us."
Claire nodded in agreement. "I love you and we are going to have a baby together so we owe it to each other to see where this goes."
Jon smiled at her and kissed her again enjoying the taste of her mouth and he moaned.
Roman and Seth made sure to make as much noise as they could coming back to give Claire and Jon the heads up that they were heading back to the locker room. When the door opened Claire jumped up and blushed. "We're back!" Seth announced with a smile. "Claire I got you some grapes since you are eating for two." Seth announced happily. Claire put her head in her hands. "You did tell him right? Please tell me I just didn't fuck up?" Seth asked looking at both Jon and Claire.
"Yes, I told him Godfather! If it's okay with Jon."
"Oh NO!" Jon said when he realized what Seth was going to do.
"YES! YES! YES! YES!" Seth said happily running around the room.
"Is he okay?" Claire was worried.
"He is fine; he is just pulling a Daniel Bryan!"
"Who?" Claire was puzzled.
"Ok first things first, she is going to have to start watching more wrestling." Roman announced.
"Can't I just watch you guys in the ring?" Claire asked.
"NOPE!" The members of the Shield announced and all started laughing except Claire who was still puzzled.
"Okay, enough playing, daddy is waiting so go take a shower and hurry." Claire said sitting down eating the grapes Seth brought her while Jon grabbed his stuff and ran to the showers.
"Well, I must go. I am going home to see my baby." Roman said with a huge smile, a rarity for him.
"I bet she is adorable like her daddy." Claire said and of course, Roman popped out a few pictures of his daughter and girlfriend. "She is a cutie!" Claire said with a smile.
"Yeah I haven't seen her in a while so I can't wait to get home." Claire and Seth gave him a hug goodbye. Seth hung around to keep Claire company until Jon got out.
When Jon came in the main room he heard Seth trying to convince Claire that Colby would be a great name for the baby.
"That isn't happening Rollins." Jon said as he came out and picked up his gym bad and his luggage.
"I am just saying think about it Claire. Colby would be a great baby name for a boy or girl." Claire giggled at Seth. He was too cute trying to convince her to name the baby after him. They left the locker room and headed down the hall toward the exit.
"I am partial to Jonathan if it's a boy." Claire said.
"No, I am not into that naming their kids after their parent's thing. I want him or her to have their own personality and be unlike me as possible." Jon said.
"Well we have plenty of time to think about baby names. Maybe once we learn the sex." Claire stated as they walked out the door.
"When will that be?' Jon asked curiously.
"Not until I am about 5 to 6 months along."
"That is too long of a wait." Jon grumbled.
The three had been so wrapped up in their conversation that they had not noticed Paige standing in the corner they walked by. She stood there in disbelief. Jon is going to have a baby, Paige thought heartbrokenly. She had never really gotten over Jon; she thought they would reconnect once she made it to the main roster which was taking longer than she had expected. Paige leaned up against the wall and sat down. She could feel the tears coming on and she tried to blink them away but that seem to make it worse. "Oh Jon!" Paige cried in the silent hallway.