On Friday, Shawn arranged to rent a pickup truck from the KOA. He and Adam drove to Crest Foods. The grocery store had been highly recommended by the KOA staff.
Adam pushed the cart, to the Deli Department. "We need potato salad, Cole slaw, fruit salad, and a Jello salad. French bread or dinner rolls?" He read from the list he'd made of things to get for tomorrow's barbecue.
Shawn scratched his chin. "French bread, we can crisp it up on the grill. What do you think, three pounds of each? I mean six wrestlers plus the two of us? Big appetites?"
Adam laughed. "Maybe five pounds? At least of potato and fruit salad. Heath will eat a pound of fruit alone. Okay, you order here, I'll go get the bread. It's light to carry." Shawn was strict with the no lifting rule, to Adam's chagrin.
"Okay. Besides it's only four feet to the bakery. Look at desserts too. I'll be there in a minute." Shawn winked as the deli lady came to help.
Adam ordered a dozen loaves of French bread. With a bit of a flirtatious grin to the young man behind the counter, Adam got fresh out of the oven bread. The couple got a chocolate cake, a peach cobbler and Shawn got a tray of four dozen, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.
Next the couple picked up chips, peanuts and pretzels for when they played games. Adam also got four things of jiffy pop popcorn. Jason had loved jiffy pop since they were kids.
Adam chuckled at Shawn's expression when he put the popcorn pans in the cart. "We often ate a pan of jiffy pop for supper when we first started wrestling. It was all we could afford at times." Adam's tone held a bit of a wistful quality thinking back to the old days.
Shawn chuckled. "Our poor wrestlers meal was Cracker Jack. Marty and I always fought for the prize. If fans only knew the suffering and starvation that occurred back then."
Adam chuckled. "The boys today don't know that struggle. Now they have gyms and the performance center. I think we were better because we truly starved to wrestle. Hell, once I even paid to wrestle. I earned sixty dollars and our license to wrestle cost eighty dollars. Oh well, I wouldn't trade our way for anything." He sighed with the memory.
Shawn put a variety of canned sodas, iced tea, fruit punch, and sports drinks into the cart. "Me either, darlin'. However, I don't miss the starvation while trying to work out and wrestle. It's a wonder our bodies didn't rebel." He expounded as he put in two six packs of bottled water for their private stock into the cart.
"I can't push the cart, too heavy now..." Adam paused as Shawn took over. Adam then continued. "Maybe our bodies did rebel. Your back, my neck, who knows. Anyway, to the steaks!" Adam stated happily. He loved party shopping.
Shawn grunted. "You were right, good boy for not pushing the cart, it is too heavy for you. Guess we'd better pick up some extra steaks. Someone might forget to bring theirs. We can always freeze what we don't eat." He put a large family pack of very nice rib eye steaks in the cart.
They got a few types of sauces and a set of Good Ole JR's sauce, and the steak seasoning, Shawn never grilled without it. Adam got some vanilla ice cream and a big jar of hot fudge sauce. Staples like laundry soap, dryer sheets, toilet paper, body wash, shampoo and other items along with paper plates, napkins, plastic cups, paper towels and several bags of crushed ice found their way into the cart. Adam finally got a second cart for lighter things.
Shawn and Adam left the store several hundred dollars poorer, but now they were totally stocked up. Shawn had picked up four cheap, foam coolers. They iced down the ice cream, salads and meat. The weather had turned boiling hot and the ice cream would be soup by the time they got back to the KOA.
Jim had come to the coach to get a new book to read. Shawn and Adam had just returned from the store. Jim stayed and helped Shawn while Adam went with the dogs to the KOA Doggie Camp. Shawn gave Jim two steaks and a loaf of French bread for helping.
Shawn walked to the dog park after returning the truck to the office. He was sweating by the time he found Adam and the dogs.
"Whew, it sure turned hot. I wonder if we'll see one of those Oklahoma tornadoes." Shawn asked as he and Adam slowly walked back to their coach. Adam carried Branny, it was just too hot for the elder statesman of their canine family.
"I hope not. I hate storms. There is a shelter here isn't there?" Adam's voice had an edge to it as they walked up the steps of the coach.
Shawn unsnapped the leashes from the dog's collars. He took Branny from Adam and set him down. The dogs made a bee line for their water bowls.
"Yes, several in fact. We can take the dogs to this one." Shawn handed Adam the campground map that was also their receipt.
"Good. Still want to check the grill tonight?" Adam asked as he collapsed on the couch. It was cool and comfortable in the coach.
Shawn nodded. "Yeah, I do. It's just hot dogs. They won't take long. Better to test it now than screw up tomorrow. I should of thought of it sooner. Oh well." He handed Adam a sports drink and sat down in his recliner.
They turned on the TV and relaxed. The dogs laid on the cooler tiles of the kitchen floor.
Early on Saturday morning, Carl drove the coach to the Century Link Center. It was an 18,975 seat arena in the heart of Oklahoma City. A Hilton Hotel adjoined the arena property, it was where Cal and Jim were going to stay. Cal had reserved a honeymoon suite as a surprise.
It was getting quicker for Shawn, Cal and Jim to set up the coach. It only took an hour and everything was ready. The side sliders were expanded, the dog run and house were ready, the steps, awning, tables and chairs were all set up. It was the first time two of the tables and six of the chairs had been used. They had still been in their protective plastic wrap. Shawn gave every thing a good wipe down, then he pulled out the barbecue grill.
Calvin and James were off until Tuesday as they bid Shawn and Adam goodbye. It was if they couldn't get to the hotel fast enough. Adam couldn't help but be a little envious, he was quite sure Jim was in for a weekend of fucking. Adam hadn't been aware of the sigh that had escaped over his lips.
Shawn had just put the charcoal in the grill. "You alright, darlin'? That was some sigh." He wasn't sure if he should be worried or not, was it pain or something else that bothered his boy?
"I did?" Adam looked at Shawn with an arched brow.
Shawn nodded. "Yeah, you did. Are you hurting?" He still wasn't sure what it was all about.
Adam gave Shawn a rather sheepish look. "Just... well... I shouldn't feel this way, and I know it's wrong... and I don't know if it will make you feel bad or not." This time he let out a conscious sigh.
Shawn went over to Adam and wrapped his arms around his boy. "You can tell me anything. I doubt if you can make me feel bad. I'll ask again, are you hurting and afraid I will call off the barbecue?" Adam had never been this difficult to read before.
Adam looked down. "No, Shawnnie Bear, I am not hurting. I'm just... a little envious of Jim and Cal. I know their gonna... do what we can't. I know, I am being childish. I certainly know our relationship is so much more than sex, but damn it. I am gonna marry the Heartbreak Kid, the sexy boy and I can't..." Adam turned away from Shawn; he felt so silly.
"My poor baby. Don't worry, it's only six weeks. Then we will be married. I think this abstinence is good for us. We get a chance to explore other aspects of our relationship. But, I feel the same. I have the G rated version of the Rated R Superstar." Shawn turned Adam around and kissed him softly.
As they kissed the dogs began to whine. It was their I see a friend sound. "Hey, Adam can't do that yet!" Jason's voice called out. He and Heath had arrived early to help with the barbecue.
Adam and Shawn broke their kiss. Both men's cheeks were lightly dusted pink. "Hey, I can kiss Shawn any time I want to." Adam retorted and stuck his tongue out at his brother from another mother.
Heath laughed and gently hugged Adam. "You tell him, bro. So how are you? Did you hear about that huge wreck in Kansas? Vince was so glad SmackDown wasn't affected."
Shawn and Adam looked at each other, then burst out in laughter. "Oh yeah, we were in it. We were stuck about six hours. It was a mess. Lucky though, no one was seriously hurt, except about a million eggs, thousands of gallons of milk, oil and tons of shredded paper." Adam exaggerated the amounts, but not by much.
"Wow, that alone would be worth having one of these." Jason nodded toward the coach. He and Heath were still considering buying one.
Adam nodded. "Yeah. I felt a bit guilty, being so comfortable and able to eat a good meal. Was even able to walk the dogs. Well, Heath, come on in. You can do my lifting while these two do whatever it is grill masters do." He opened the coach door for Heath.
Heath rolled his eyes. "Jason will explain, in detail, why you stack the coals to start them. Jay Jay, you behave now, it is not your grill." Heath stuck his tongue out at Jason and followed Adam inside.
Adam sat down at the kitchen table. He opened a paper bag and pulled out several one time serving bowls. Heath sat next to Adam and helped take the plastic wrappers off. Adam started telling Heath about the Brown family.
"... So, they are going to have a great time. I just hope Roman will do it." Adam finished his explanation. They had unwrapped all the bowls and were just talking.
"You guys are amazing. I hope this new treatment will help Kelly. You know Roman, he's a teddy bear with kids. Now, should I fill these?" Heath nodded to the empty serving bowls.
Adam nodded. "Bring the salads here. I can dish up too. Oh and the plastic wrap is in the third drawer down, left of the dishwasher.
Heath was amazed at the amount of food the fridge held. He thought it was small, but once opened it was deep, deeper than the average fridge. He pulled out the big containers of salads, and got the plastic wrap as well.
Adam pulled out a set of disposable, plastic serving spoons from the bag. "I know the plastic utensils are a waste, but Shawn insisted. Clean up will be easier. Heath Wallace! Stop picking the grapes out of the fruit salad!" He gently smacked Heath's fingers.
Heath pouted at Adam, but stopped picking out the grapes. "It's what I do. So, how are you, really?" He wanted to be there if Adam needed him.
Adam smiled. "I'm really okay. I can put my socks on now. Almost ready for shoes. I just... want..." He quickly shut his mouth. He didn't want to give any fuel for a teasing.
Heath nodded." Hot sex? Adam, I wouldn't make fun of that. I'd be miserable in your shoes. It won't be long now."
Adam gave a grateful smile. "Just put it all in the fridge. Now, we need to get the bread sliced, buttered and wrapped. Say, where is your meat for the grill?"
"In a cooler. Jay will take care of it. Oh, the others are here." Heath exclaimed as he put the bread on the table.
There was a bit of chaos as Shawn brought Dean, Roman, Seth and Hunter in to show them coach. Everyone was friendly and were proud for Adam and Shawn. After things settled, Seth stayed to help Adam and Heath. The others had gone back outside to visit. It wasn't quite as hot as it had been.
After a bit, Roman returned. He sat down at the table. He picked up a butter knife and began to help butter the bread. "Adam, I just want to assure you, I will show Kelly a great time. Okay... um... that sounded creepy. You know what I mean though. Shawn said you did a drawing of her. Could you show me?" Roman spoke with a soft smile that Adam had never seen before.
Adam returned the smile. "I'm glad, Roman. I knew you would. Yes, I'll show you the drawing when this is done and hands are washed. I don't want to get butter grease on it. Oh Roman, she is so sweet. It breaks my heart. Shawn and I are going to see her in the hospital Tuesday evening, after she gets settled." Adam told Roman, Seth and Heath the latest plan he and Shawn had made.
"Could I go with you? Dean has to stay for TV, but I have nothing planned. He won't mind if I go. Feel free to say no, I don't want to step on your toes." Roman buttered bread rapidly as Adam sliced it. Heath stacked it and Seth wrapped it in foil packets for the grill.
"Of course you can go. Can you drive? Save us an Uber or rental? That's the only draw back to the coach, no car. I'm going to get my bike next time we go to Asheville." Adam really missed riding his mountain bike, and it would be good exercise.
"My great pleasure, Adam. I owe you so much. I feel honored to help Kelly. Oh, um... Heath, Seth, could you give us five minutes please?" Roman asked the two younger men with a smile.
"Sure. I need to go get all the steaks, you can help me Seth. Just knock on the window if you need anything." Heath kissed Adam's cheek and gave Roman's shoulder a pat. Seth smiled with a nod and followed Heath out of the coach.
Adam looked at Roman. "You aren't going to say sorry again, are you? If so, I am gonna plug my ears." Adam teased.
Roman gave a small chuckle. He then turned serious. "This is something only Dean knows. I ask you to respect that, don't even tell Shawn, please?" He looked at Adam with tear filled eyes. Roman looked sadder than Adam had ever seen. He knew then, this had nothing to do with spear Roman had hit him with.
Adam bit his lip. Was it okay to keep secrets from Shawn? He decided, yes, it was no different than a lawyer or Priest. A friend's request for privacy was just as important.
"Count on me, Roman. I swear, my mouth is sealed." Adam assured the Islander.
Roman nodded. "See, before I realized I was really gay, I had a girlfriend. Well, we had a baby girl, Joanne. Oh Adam, she was so beautiful. She could have been a beauty queen. Raven black hair, caramel skin tone, but, she had the clearest blue eyes. She had the sweetest temperament. Well, even though we had broken up before Joanne was born, Galina let me be her father." Roman paused and took a deep breath to calm his trembling hands.
When Roman steadied himself he continued. "When Joanne was four, she began to lose a lot of weight, rapidly. She got several nosebleeds and her general development slowed down. Adam... she... she... died... of Juvenile Leukemia within six months of being diagnosed. Nothing helped her. I watched my beautiful princess fade away. You must have some kind of idea how it feels. Adam, I held my little girl as the life left her... body..." Roman finally let the held in tears flow. Tears fell from Adam's hazel eyes at an equal rate.
Roman wiped has eyes and blew his nose on a paper towel. He took a deep breath and reached for his wallet. He pulled out a folded bit of paper. "Dean and I wanted to give you this, personally. Not as a brag, far from it. I'm doing it in person, because I want to do it anonymously. I know, as the head of the Foundation, you can do it. This check is made out to you. Cash it, then give it to the Foundation. Please? I only wish it were more." Roman held out the folded check. His eyes were filled with deep concern.
Adam took the check. "I will be glad to do that Roman. But, why don't you want your princess' name on the In Memory Of page on the Foundation web site?" He looked at Roman in return, his brow arched in question.
"Fair question. I know how the dirt sheets can be, so do you. I don't care if my name gets smeared, but I won't do that to Joanne or Dean. I won't do it to Galina either, she is happily married with four step-children. I'll know in my heart, my princess is helping children like Kelly. Thank you, for doing this my way. Keeping it secret, and for creating the Foundation. You are a good man, Adam. Bret is smiling down on you, just like Princess Joanne smiles on me. I'll send Heath back in... I need... Dean."
Roman stood. He bent down and kissed Adam's damp cheek. Adam grabbed Roman's wrist. "I am so sorry Roman, so very sorry. Thank you for telling me. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to who understands. Um... better go wash your face first." Adam gave Roman a smile and a nod toward the bathroom.
Adam had a sudden thought. "Wait. Roman, are you sure, about Kelly? It won't be... to much for you?"
Roman stopped at the bathroom door. "I'll be alright. Joanne would be hurt if I didn't help make Kelly smile." He went into the bathroom and shut the door.
Adam swore he heard heart wracking sobs, then the running water. He took Roman's absence to look at the check. Adam's eyes popped even more than that famously shocked fan at Mania when Mark's streak was ended by Brock. Adam forgot how to breathe. The check was for five hundred thousand dollars. Adam could not believe it.
Roman came out of the bathroom. All evidence of his earlier tears were gone. He'd been a tad nosy and found a bottle of eye drops in the medicine cabinet. They really did remove redness.
Roman stopped, Adam looked to be... frozen. "Adam? Are you alright?" He shook the older blond very gently.
Adam finally blinked. "Oh... Roman... This is... so generous... but... can you afford it? I mean, you haven't had the years to save..." He looked at the Big Dog.
Roman nodded with a soft smile. "Yeah, it's our Mania pay. Dean gave half. Besides, we are really careful. We never spend money just to spend it. We felt it was worth a bit of sacrifice. Don't worry, we're okay. Now, I'd better get, Shawn and Dean will start to wonder. I'm just … oh, wait the picture. They will just have to wonder." He laughed a bit to lighten the mood.
"No, you go. I'll bring it out in a minute." Adam assured Roman with a smile. Roman nodded and went to join the others outside.
Adam went to the bedroom. He put the check in his jewelry box, in a hidden drawer. Adam closed the drawer and got his sketchbook. When he got back to the kitchen, Heath was finishing up with the bread. Several containers of meat were by the kitchen sink.
Adam spoke to Heath. "I'll be right back. We got so involved in talking about Kelly, I forgot to show him the drawing." He gave the planned excuse.
"Okay. Shawn said the grill is nearly ready. Just stay outside. I have things in hand. Seth is going to help me. Go, be a good host." Heath was insistent. Adam went with a kiss of thanks to Heath's cheek.
Hunter and Shawn chatted by the grill. They were indeed better at being friends than husbands. Jason, Dean and Roman sat at one of the tables and also talked. Seth had played a round of fetch with Tundra, but now went in to help Heath as promised.
Adam sat in his usual chair. Shawn had fixed the cushions to fit his lower back. Roman sat across from Adam. "Here is the picture, just... I'm not a real portrait artist. Shawn said it's good, but he might be biased. He opened his sketchbook to his drawing of Kelly.
Dean and Jason got up to look over Roman's shoulder. "She is adorable. Adam, this is incredible. It looks like a picture." Roman spoke in a quiet tone. He fought hard not to think of his little princess.
Dean laid a hand on Roman's shoulder. He knew what was on Roman's mind. "She's cute. Roman is right, Adam. You are a fantastic artist." He gave Adam a knowing smile.
Hunter came over to see the drawing. "Shawn was right, you are a wonderful artist. That reminds me. Let Carrano know what titles you want, he will have them ready, plates engraved. I can't wait to meet her." He wore the same soft smile the others wore.
Shawn beamed proudly. "See darlin', I told you the picture was fantastic. Okay, let's get to cookin'!" He clapped his hands in anticipation.
By the late afternoon, the complexion of the salads, bread, meat and desserts had changed. There was hardly anything left. Everyone was stuffed full and content.
"We ate five pounds of potato salad. Never thought the container would be licked clean. Anyone want anything?" Adam asked as good host should.
Everyone groaned and rubbed their tight bellies, no one wanted anything more to eat. Hunter and Roman had even loosened their belts. The talk was about work, but it was mostly backstage banter. The younger men loved to listen to the vets, they paid attention and learned. They knew the key to being on top, was to never stop learning.
Hunter, Dean, Roman and Seth started a poker game, while Adam, Shawn, Jason and Heath played a game of Yahtzee. The dogs happily chewed on the bones of the steaks some had brought. Adam didn't allow it often, but beef bone marrow was good for them, and he kept a careful eye on them.
The last thing the couples did was to curl up in the living room and watch the latest NXT Takeover pay-per-view, from the week before. One thing, they may have been or were all at the top of the wrestling business, they were all fans first. That never stopped, and they enjoyed watching the new up and coming talent.
"Hunter, you have done a fantastic job with NXT. We're going to have some fierce competition. I think the days of long running championships and being at the top are numbered. That's not really a bad thing." Adam noted thoughtfully as he sat on the floor. His body rested between Shawn's legs as his fiancé sat in his recliner.
Hunter nodded. "I agree, to a point. However, there will always be a handful of guys, who will be at the top for a while, like you and Shawn, or Cena and Jericho. It's the competition for those spots that will create great matches. I love Vince, and none of us would be here without him. However, if he just lets me lead NXT my way, the future of the business will be safe. He is a bit stuck in the old ways." There was a tinge of frustration to Hunter's voice.
No one argued with Hunter's point. Shawn finally spoke up. "Vince is never going to change. He loves what you're doing, he isn't gonna stop you. Everything you said is true, and I want you to know, I support you, as do a lot of guys in creative and management. You're doing so well. I've said for years, you and Adam have the best minds in the business, both in and out of the ring. You know me Hunter, I don't say that lightly." He spoke firmly, his hands on Adam's shoulders.
Hunter and Adam both looked sheepish as the others wholeheartedly agreed with HBK. There was nothing more that could be said. It was time for the party to break up. Jason and Heath stayed to help clean up and they made quick work of it. Shawn even allowed Adam to help, just a little. It made Adam feel useful for the first time in weeks.
On Sunday, after Shawn's Bible Study, he and Adam spent a lazy day, not something they often did. They lay curled up on the couch and watched a marathon of James Bond movies. Even the dogs barely moved. It had grow extremely hot again, too hot to sit outside. They even called for a pizza to be delivered. It was a wonderful day.
On Monday, Adam and Shawn were dressed and at the arena by nine in the morning. Hunter greeted them and gave Shawn and Adam their red folders. Adam told Hunter what titles they had decided to give the Brown family later. Hunter assured him it would be done.
"Also, I'll have bags of merch for them from their favorites. I've even got one of my Mania crowns for Billy. Should I give him a sledgehammer too?" Hunter asked with a bit of pride. It was nice to still be a fan favorite.
Shawn laughed and Adam slapped his forehead. Shawn laid a hand on his former husbands shoulder. "No, I do not think that would be a good idea. Not with six year old, very precocious twins. The crown is good though. I'm putting you in charge of Roman, Enzo and Cass. I'll text you when we go to meet the Brown's. Now, we've got promos to cut. Thanks for everything." Shawn took Adam by the hand.
"Okay. Don't worry, Shawn. I won't let you down. Oh Adam, I'll put that in the office if you want." Hunter pointed at the framed picture in Adam's hand. It was the 8 x 10 drawing of Kelly. Adam had found a frame in the bottom of one his "junk" boxes, but the plain silver frame, set the picture off perfectly.
"Thanks, Hunter. I just found this frame this morning. Could you ask one of the girls to wrap it, please?" Adam asked as he gave the picture to Hunter as Shawn led him away. They were running late for promo taping.
Adam and Shawn were so busy, they both jumped when Shawn's cell phone text alert buzzed. The couple were in catering having a late lunch or early supper. Luckily, they had just finished their meal.
Shawn sent two texts, one to Hunter the other to the Box Office. He told the Box Office to tell the Brown's they were on the way.
Adam suddenly remembered his talk with Roman on Saturday. "I can't believe I forgot to tell you. Roman is driving us to the hospital tomorrow. He wanted to go with us."
"Oh, that's fine. He has really taken an interest. Never knew he liked kids so much. Now, darlin', smile. Remember, we want Kelly to have the night of her life." Shawn stopped just outside the door, behind which the Brown's waited.
Adam grinned. "Damn right we will. Look what I found for Mitch." Adam pulled out a pair of sunglasses. They were the kind Bret always handed to a fan, usually a lucky child.
"He will flip! Okay, here we go." Shawn stated as he pushed the door open.
All four Brown children screamed at once. They hugged Adam and Shawn. Adam so wanted to pick Kelly up, but he just couldn't. He was pleased when Shawn did. Adam briefly explained he couldn't when Elijah held his arms up for Adam to pick him up.
Mitch picked his son up. "Edge has four bad ouchies on his back. It would hurt him to pick up a big boy like you."
"I sowwy, Edge. Bad ouchies." Elijah patted Adam's face as the blond bent down and kissed the top of his head.
"Now, remember what momma told you. Behave, mind Edge and HBK or we go home." Louise spoke firmly, mostly to her twin boys. She had that, 'I mean it' look that only a mother could have.
Adam almost said 'yes ma'am' along with the Brown children. With Billy in the lead, next to Adam, the family were on their way to the night of their lives.
Hunter had arranged for Shawn and Adam to bring the Brown family to a private room, next to his office at the arena. It was better and easier, and less chaotic for Kelly.
Adam stopped at the closed door. "You'd better knock, Miss Kelly, make sure we have the right room."
Shawn set Kelly down. The frail girl boldly knocked on the door. Kelly didn't have timid bone in her worn out little body.
Kelly screamed with joy when Roman opened the door. Roman lifted her into his muscular arms. He was gentle, like Kelly was the most delicate and rarest of butterflies.
Elijah and Tim stared up at Big Cass. Enzo Amore bent down to the twins. "Whatta we have here? A coupla twinkies, coupla twinkies?" Enzo spoke in his overly exaggerated, heavily accented ring voice. The twins laughed. Enzo tousled their hair playfully.
Tim squealed and Elijah whooped when Cass lifted the twins up to set one on each shoulder.
Billy and Triple H shook hands and talked like adults. Hunter happily answered all of the boys questions.
Adam went over to Mitch. He and Louise just watched their happy children with smiles on their care worn faces. "I have something for you, Mitch..." Adam paused and pulled out the pair of sunglasses. "These are from Bret's personal collection." He handed them to the man.
Mitch took the pink sunglasses with reverence. "Oh Adam, I will treasure them. I'm going to have them framed. I know the answer, but are you sure? They aren't the last pair are they?" His brow arched.
Adam smiled. "Since you know, I won't answer. No, I wouldn't have given you the last pair. I still have them, I promise. Louise, I didn't forget you..." Adam got the now wrapped drawing when Hunter pointed it out. Adam picked it up and handed it to Louise.
Louise carefully opened the silver foil wrapped picture. She let out a loud gasp. "Oh Adam, how? It's... like a picture..." She looked closer and saw Adam's tiny signature at the bottom. "You did this? You... did... this?" Louise had tears in her pretty eyes.
Adam looked down, his cheeks dusted with pink. "Yeah. I'm glad you like it. It was my pleasure and my honor. It was easy to draw such a sweet subject."
Louise stood on tip toe and kissed Adam's cheek. She leaned in and whispered in his ear. "Thank you. It means so much to me."
Adam didn't have time to reply, the squeals of their children drew their parents attention. The children had just received huge bags from each of their chosen Superstars. As shirts, caps, arm bands and other things were admired, Mark Carrano and his two assistants entered the room.
Words couldn't express the excitement as each child was give a real title belt. They weren't the replicas the fans could buy. These were the actual ones given to wrestlers when they won a Championship.
Bill got the Intercontinental Title. Elijah and Tim each got a tag team title, and Kelly, much to her delight got the WWE title. The belts were too heavy for the smaller kids, so their Superstars helped them hold their titles while pictures were snapped. Bill wore his title over his shoulder with pride.
Shawn then presented Mitch with the Big Gold Title of the World Heavyweight Championship. Adam gave Louise the new Women's Championship. Both parents were speechless, they had thought tonight was just for the kids.
Hunter handed bags to Mitch and Louise. "You two have to be decked out too!"
The parents bags were also filled with merch from HBK, Edge and Triple H. It was all Mitch and Louise could do not to squeal with delight as their children had done.
Kelly and Roman were inseparable. He held her in his arms the entire time. They talked about what their favorite things were, from food to colors.
Enzo, Cass, Roman, Hunter, Shawn and Adam signed each of the titles with a sliver pen. Carrano finally had to break it up. It was an hour and half before RAW would begin.
"Okay, sorry, but these guys have to get ready for the show. You can leave everything in here. We will bring you back after the show. Wait in your seats and we will come get you. Oh and remember, you get to keep your chairs as well. Come on, I will escort you to your seats." Mark Carrano took over the care of the Brown family.
"Win for me Roman!" Kelly kissed Roman's cheek as he moved to put her down.
"I will Princess." Roman fought hard to keep the emotion from his voices and the tears from his eyes.
Kelly beamed. "I'm Roman's Princess, I'm Roman's Princess." She sang the words as the family left the room.
Roman and Adam exchanged a look that went unnoticed by the others. Both men were on the verge of tears as they all left the room.
When the Brown's got to their VIP ringside seats, they found even more surprises. On each seat was a large drawstring bag with the WWE logo emblazoned on it.
Inside the bags, they found that year's autograph book, a WWE snapback cap, a WWE VIP water bottle and an autographed picture of their Superstar.
While the kids were excited, they were quiet, but only because their mouths were filled with hot dogs, popcorn or cotton candy. They also had bottles of water to drink. Shawn and Adam decided the family would be spoiled the entire evening, with as much to eat and drink as they wanted. The Brown's even had a runner who would go fetch whatever someone wanted, or clear the way for anyone who needed to the use the restroom. It was true VIP treatment.
When Shawn made his entrance into the arena, he made sure to slap hands of the family as did Adam.
When Enzo and Big Cass came out for their match, they made sure to wave to Tim and Elijah. After they won their match, Enzo and Cass high fived the twins. On commentary, Edge mentioned their special VIP guests.
Edge was once again in the center of the ring. He'd been given a five minute spot to promote The Hart Foundation. He did not point out Kelly, but He spoke of Juvenile Leukemia as one of the things he hoped would one day be cured. He gave the family a nod as he left the ring.
Roman came down down through the crowd for his match with Kevin Owens. Roman high fived Kelly and said he would win for her, as he quickly passed the Brown family before he jumped over the "wall".
Adam looked over at the Brown's. He saw they were being crowded by rowdy fans. The rowdy fans saw the family was getting a lot of attention from the Superstars. They thought if they crowded in, they too would get attention. Some of the fans were a bit drunk. Adam saw that little Elijah was very upset. Mitch and Louise looked highly stressed, just what he and Shawn had not wanted.
Adam switched his headset so he could talk to Vince at the Gorilla. He briefly explained what was going on. In a matter of seconds a group of WWE security surrounded the Brown family from the rear and sides. Vince thought it better to send their own security team in, they could handle rowdy fans better than the part time arena security.
A while later, Adm looked over at the Brown's. Mitch caught his eye and gave Adam a very grateful thumbs up. Edge went back to his match commentary banter with Shawn.
If you listened to their commentary, you would have thought HBK and Edge hated each other. Sometimes Michael Cole had a hard time not laughing at Edge and HBK's antics. The fans loved it.
Roman had a hard fought match with Kevin Owens, but the Superman Punch, Spear combination secured Roman's win. While there were still a lot of boos, there were a lot of cheers. No one cheered louder or clapped harder than Kelly Brown. Roman gave her a hug when left the ring. Kelly hugged back, not caring one bit Roman was laced with sweat.
Mark Carrano, himself went to bring the family backstage. He also arranged for the Brown's chairs to be wrapped and brought to the limo. The Brown children were tired but still excited. Kelly was especially excited because Roman had promised to come say goodbye.
Tim looked at his sister as they sat on the floor and played. They used their action figures to recreate some of what they had seen during RAW. Tim sighed. "Mommy, Kelly's noses is bweeding." He knew it wasn't good, but he didn't understand why it happened so often.
Louise picked Kelly up and grabbed one of the old cloth diapers out her bag. She held it up to Kelly's nose. "Mitch, we'd better leave." She looked at her husband with side eyes.
Kelly pushed the rag away so she could talk. "No! I wanna see Roman, Edge and Shawn Michaels. Please, momma, please!" Kelly begged with tear filled eyes. She didn't cry from pain, she cried out of fear of not seeing her new friends again.
Mark Carrano had hurried out of the room when Kelly's nosebleed had started. Now he returned with Adam, Shawn and a very fresh out of the shower Roman Reigns. Roman went right to Kelly.
"I'm sorry, Princess Kelly. I wanted to take a shower first so I didn't smell like a dirty old bear. Come here, baby." Roman gently lifted Kelly up in his arms. He held her so that her body was laying in his arms. Her head rested in the crook of his arm. Kelly still held the rag to her nose.
Shawn got down on the floor and distracted the boys by playing wrestling with them and their figures. Adam went to Mitch and put a friendly arm around the man's shoulders. Adam felt the tremble in Mitch's body. It tore at Adam's heart.
The door opened again, Dean came into the room. He looked at Roman. He could see the pain in his lover's eyes. Dean gave Roman a nod and a smile. Dean's look said I'm here, baby. Roman's return look said thank you.
Hunter also came into the room. Two assistants followed him. Each assistant carried Money in the Bank cases, still wrapped in their protective plastic wrappers. The two assistants put the boxes on the table and unwrapped them. When they finished they left the room.
Hunter spoke to Mitch. "You can put your things in them. They hold a lot more than you think. I had all your belts wrapped, boxed and sent to the limo with your chairs." He could see the strain on Mitch's face.
"I can't seem to stop saying thank you. That traffic accident stop was the best thing that ever happened to us. Edge... Adam, thank you for not mentioning Kelly during your promo. I don't want anyone teasing Bill at school. You got special treatment cause your sister is sick. You know what I mean." Mitch cast Adam a grateful look.
Adam smiled. "I didn't want you to think I was using Kelly. We truly wanted you to have a wonderful time." He tightened his grip on Mitch's shoulder.
"I'm so grateful. Thanks too, for getting rid of those drunks. I just..." Mitch was cut off by Adam.
"You said enough. I'm glad you had a good time." Adam gave Mitch a very brotherly kiss on the cheek.
Roman lifted the rag from Kelly's nose. "All better, Princess. Let's go wash that pretty face of yours." He carried Kelly over to the counter. He set her down, opened a bottle of water and with a clean cloth from Louise, began to wash Kelly's face.
Louise smiled as Roman gently worked. "You look like you've done this before. Thank you, she behaves for you. Don't you, my little monkey." Louise gave her daughter's knee a pat.
Kelly and Roman giggled. "Well, in our line of work, you learn these kinds of things. Now, clean as a whistle. Dean did you get it?" Roman looked over at his beloved boy.
Dean nodded. "Here you go, sweetheart." Dean placed a small teddy bear, that was dressed to look like Roman, into Kelly's hands.
Kelly hugged the bear tightly. "He even has your hair. Thank you, Dean." She held her arms out to Dean.
Dean hesitated for a moment, usually kids were afraid of him. He hugged Kelly close. Dean's heart immediately melted, his eyes filled with tears. Roman's heart also melted as his love for Dean grew even deeper.
"Glad you like it, honey. I hope he makes you smile. You are our little princess." Dean Ambrose had totally fallen, hook, line and sinker for Kelly Brown.
"Mommy, can Roman Bear go to the hospital with me?" Kelly asked as she hugged the bear tightly.
"Of course, baby." Louise gave Kelly a soft smile, then turned to her boys. "Boys, it's time to pack your new boxes from Triple H. Shawn, you're a good soul." Louise gave Shawn a tired smile as the man got to his feet with a grunt, after playing with the boys.
The boys chatted with excitement as they packed their Money in the Bank boxes. All their Superstar merch fit, after mom's help by rolling the shirts instead of folding them.
When everyone was packed up, Adam, Shawn, Hunter, Roman and Dean walked the Brown family out to the limo that waited at the back door of the arena.
No one mentioned going to see Kelly at the hospital. They didn't want to disappoint her just in case visitors weren't allowed. Often visitors weren't welcome on the children's ward, famous or not. At least not with out a lot of red tape and trouble.
Last hugs and kisses were exchanged as well as many heartfelt thank yous. The WWE men waved as the Brown family drove away. Roman held tight to Dean's hand.
"Now, I understand." Dean whispered with tear filled eyes. He'd always felt bad about Roman's daughter, but until now, he hadn't really understood.
Roman kissed his boy. "I'm glad, because I am gonna lose it in about a minute. Get me outta here, now, please." Roman whispered in return.
Dean took Roman's hand and started to walk away. "Roman, we'll go to the hospital around six. Come pick us up at five-thirty, please." Adam called out to the retreating couple.
Roman turned to look at Adam. "Sure. Gotta go, see you then." Roman turned back to Dean. They hurried off toward the Hilton.
Adam could tell that Roman was about to lose it. He found himself asking the Lord to calm Roman's heart and for Dean to be a strong comfort to him. Adam jumped when he felt arms snake around his waist. He calmed when Shawn's scent filled his nostrils.
"Darlin', you were a million miles away. Has all this made you think of losing Bret?" Shawn asked softly. He kissed Adam's cheek.
Adam leaned back against Shawn. "A bit, then I feel guilty. But, I know you understand and aren't jealous. It's all so... emotional. I just want that sweet little girl to get better." Adam sighed deeply and clung to Shawn's love.
Shawn took Adam's hand in his. They started across the parking lot towards their coach. "It would never occur to me to be jealous. I'd have been worried if you hadn't thought of him. All we can do for Kelly is pray." Shawn let out a sigh of his own.
When they got back to their home, the couple put their dogs out in the run. Shawn went in and got their food ready while Adam sat outside to watch his dogs run and play.
Adam couldn't get his mind off the sadness in Roman's eyes. It must have been a bit how he, himself looked during Bret's funeral. No wonder everyone had felt so sorry for him. The one thing that gave Adam comfort was that Dean was there and could give Roman the support no one else could, just like Shawn did for him. That revelation made his love for Shawn grow even deeper.
Shawn came out and sat down next to Adam. He had a piece of paper in his hand. "Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta then home to Asheville for a certain event." He read from the paper the four Monday Night RAW cities that were on the next loop. Hunter had given Shawn the schedule earlier that day.
Adam grinned. "Five weeks. I only have to wait five weeks! Wait... five weeks! Ah! I have so much to do! I need something to wear! I've got to order a cake! Make sure Jay and Heath are off!" He began to make frantic notes on an app on his cell phone.
Shawn laughed. "Calm down. Jay and Heath are off. Just order the cake on line tomorrow and we can shop in Nashville. My favorite store is there. Come on, I am tired." Shawn stood up. He helped Adam to stand. Together they took the dogs inside.
Shawn locked the coach down while Adam took a shower. Shawn showered after Adam. While he waited for Shawn, Adam did his evening exercises. When Shawn joined him, they did their nighttime DDP yoga routine. Adam was getting better and stronger. He could now put his socks on without a drop of sweat or a bit of strain to his back or hips.
Shawn and Adam fell into their bed, mentally and physically drained. They held hands as Shawn prayed for Kelly and the Brown family. Adam added his own silent prayer for Roman.
Tuesday, while Adam looked at wedding cakes at his favorite bakery in Asheville, Shawn did his own work. Shawn made their next KOA reservations for the mid-south loop. It was so much cheaper and easier with the coach.
Because he rented a premium hook up site for the coach, Shawn got a great discount on the cabins he rented for Calvin and James. The hardest part was the huge amount of money it took fill the fuel tanks. Shawn felt better when Adam pointed out it was still cheaper than a two nights stay in a first class hotel and car rental.
At five-thirty, Roman pulled up in his and Dean's rental car. Adam thought Roman looked a lot better. Like he was more mentally prepared. Traffic was a lot heavier than Adam had guessed it would be. He was glad he hadn't told the Brown's they were coming.
It was six-thirty by the time the three men arrived. Roman had brought his newest action figure, that had just been released. He'd autographed the package for Kelly. Shawn and Adam had brought a huge bag full of coloring books and the biggest box of Crayons they could find.
The trio stopped at the front desk and asked if they could visit Kelly Brown in the Children's Cancer Ward. The clerk checked. The parents didn't have any visitor restrictions, so she gave them each a pass that read: VISITOR. She told them Kelly Brown was in room 225.
When Roman, Adam and Shawn got to the Children's Ward, they were struck by one thing; the silence. Even the play area by the nurse's station was empty. They also didn't see any nurses, so Shawn took the lead down the hall that would lead to Kelly's room.
They saw the Brown boys first. The were sitting on the floor in the corner of the hallway. They were playing quietly with their WWE action figures.
Just as they started to open the door of Kelly's room, Mitch opened it. His face was tear stained, his skin abnormally pale. When Mitch saw the three WWE Superstars, he nearly cracked in half.
When Mitch spoke, it sounded more like a robot, than a man. "You're... too... late... she's... gone."