Those few days back home in Houston went far too quickly and I soon found myself stood alongside Mark, waiting for the boarding call to start our European tour. Amber sat in his arms, head tucked into his shoulder as it was far too early for her to be anywhere near functional. After glancing for what must have been the tenth time at the flight information monitors I stretched and sighed, turning to Mark.

"You'd think I'd be used to waiting around in airports now."

"I sure don't miss it." With a gentle touch he moved a strand of hair out of my face. "Gonna miss you though."

My head tipped towards his hand as I made the most of his touch. "Me too. It's not so long before you're back with us for a while though."

He nodded slowly in reply. "True..." Shifting Amber more comfortably on his hip he looked around the terminal. "I don't know if I'm gonna miss it or not." Softly he stroked Amber's hair to quiet her as she grumbled sleepily at being disturbed. "I wouldn't miss this for the world though." The smile on his faced was tinged with a little sadness.

"It'll be yours for good soon. And mine when I'm home."

His smile brightened. "And you'll be mine too." Leaning over he kissed me. "All mine."

I rested the back of my hand against his cheek. "Wherever I am, I'm always all yours."

Despite my reassuring words he gave a non-committal grunt but pulled me to him, hugging me tight to him. "God I wish you didn't have to go."

Carefully I rested my forehead on the opposite shoulder to where Amber dozed. "This is what I do big guy."

"I know..." he sighed. "This is how we met but that doesn't mean I have to like you goin off without me. You won't even have Glen pal around with this trip."

A quiet laugh came from me at that. "That's going to be weird. I've got so used to being with him that it's almost like going into it new all over again."

"Call me anytime. I don't care about the time difference. You need me, you call me. Okay?"

Smiling, I went up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "I will."

A chuckle rumbled deep in his chest as he pulled me to him again. "Ya know, I never had this problem leavin Sara..."

"It's easier to leave than be the one left behind I guess. Although I'm nowhere near as keen as I used to be to get on the road, especially so far away from home."

I felt him shudder as he stifled another chuckle. "Least you have your family."

A grimace crossed my face at his amusement. "Yeah, I can sit and listen to them talk about the middle aged thug I live with." It was my turn to fight a giggle.

"You tell em this middle-aged thug loves you more than life and if they've got anything to say about it, I can arrange a trip for them." A devious look that I didn't trust an inch came into his eyes, making me burst out laughing.

"I don't trust that face at all. No plotting against my family while I'm gone."

"I'll plot on whoever I wanna plot on woman." He smiled broadly. "You can't stop me from thinkin yet. Ain't even married and she's training me..." Playfully he rolled his eyes.

Responding to his lighter tone I shoved at him lightly. "Yeah yeah... like I could ever get you trained."

"You know what they say about old dogs little girl..."

"I like your tricks just fine the way they are."

Amber's head suddenly shot up. "Daddy... I have to go to the bathroom..."

"Can ya wait til we get Jade on the plane sweet pea?"

She looked at him insistently. "Now..."

Quickly I glanced up at the board to check on progress. "Go on... there's a while yet."

Setting her down on her feet he rolled his eyes. "Alright, c'mon ya monster..." Swivelling his head around to look for a restroom sign he started to move away. "Be right back."

Smiling I waved them away, going to lean against the wall and wait. The movement of a large figure near the check in desk caught my eye as it always did through force of habit by then and I looked over to see Dave checking in. Shouldering his carry on bag when he was done he looked around and spotted me over by the wall, giving me a wave. Grinning I waved back and watched him walk over.

"So you're back huh?"

"Yeah... the time off for good behaviour is over. Besides, who else can keep you lot in line in Europe?"

Chuckling he shoved his hands in his pockets. "Karen has been pulling her hair out and cursing your very existence since you left. I think she might just need the help."

My head ducked as I laughed. "My name has been mud huh?"

"In her mind at least." Shifting his bag on his shoulder he smiled down at me. "It's been... lonely without you around Jade."

"No one to terrorise the roster with you?" An answering smile crossed my face.

The look he gave me seemed almost faraway. "No one to talk to..."

I patted him on the shoulder. "Well, I'm back now."

The million dollar smile appeared on his face again as he pulled me in for a hug. "I'm not the only one who's missed you."

"I missed you guys as well."

Sighing he stepped back and grinned. "Yep, the cruiserweights don't have anywhere near as much fun torturing Karen. She just gets frustrated and cries."

Indignantly I planted my fists on my hips. "I can see I'm going to have to whip them back into shape..."

"Of course you are. I think they're doing it deliberately just so you'll have your work cut out for you when you get back."

Laughing I shook my head. "You'd think they'd have learned by now that they'll never get the better of me."

Dave burst into a full throated laugh. "I dunno, they had you goin pretty good before when..."

"Jade?" Mark's voice came from behind me suddenly.

Quickly I turned round. "Hey... that was quick." A smile was on my face but it felt strained, unnatural. Even though I wasn't really doing anything wrong, just talking to one of my charges, the effects of what had happened could be clearly felt there in that airport terminal.

Mark looked us both over then hugged Amber close to his leg. "She wants to be able to say g'bye to you as much as I do."

Nodding I turned back to Dave. "I'll see you on the plane. Need to do the goodbye thing."

"Yeah..." Dave looked at Mark. "So you'll be around after the UK tour huh?"

"Yep..." Although he answered Dave civilly enough I could see him staring hard, tension written clearly in his body language.

I glanced from one man to the other then looked to Dave again. "I'll catch you later..."

"Uh... yeah... See you there." He held out his hand to Mark. "I promise, you have nothing to worry about... from either of us..."

Mark looked sceptical but shook his hand. "Have a good trip man." Dave nodded and headed off leaving me sighing a little and staring at the floor, hating the awkwardness of the situation. He spotted a vending machine a few feet away and gave Amber a dollar. "Why don't you go get yourself somethin to munch on sweet pea... I can see ya from here." As she grabbed the money and bounded off I dragged my eyes up to meet his. "I'm not worried..." His voice didn't sound the slightest bit convincing.

"I know I've done nothing to deserve it but this is only going to work if you trust me Mark."

"I know..." He sighed again. "I know baby girl... It's just..." It seemed that he couldn't finish his thought.

"Damn near impossible?" Awkwardly I shifted on my feet.

Mark seemed to deflate a bit and pulled me hard to him. "I love you beautiful. You have no idea how much. You might think you do but you don't. I'm just afraid you're gonna realize I'm not what you want and disappear forever." As he reached the end of the sentence he seemed to almost choke up.

"Mark, you're temperamental, abrasive and judgemental but you're mine and that's all I want, now and always. There is no one else for me now." I waved a hand to take in the terminal around us. "Not here, not anywhere."

Closing his eyes he buried his face in my hair. "It's scary Jade... for me... and that's not somethin I'm good at admitting."

Softly I rested a hand on the back of his neck. "What can I do to let you know I'm always going to be here? In spirit, even if not in body."

Mark shook his head and stood back up, trying to wipe nonchalantly at his eyes. "Nothin you can do. This is just me and something I'm gonna have to get over."

"All the while I have this job I'm going to have to do this but whenever I can I'll be home. Even if it's only for a day or two I'll be home."

Looking over, he saw Amber still agonizing over her choice of candy then turned back to me. "When this tour is over, I'll be here waiting. No question about that."

"And then you're with us for a while. For the last hurrah." I grimaced at the idea. "You know, the fan in me hates that... a lot." I smiled sadly. "The rest of me is a little sad that I'm going to have to get used to doing this."

He chuckled. "The 20 year old kid in me hates it too." "When I got into that class way back when I was sure I'd be doin it til I dropped over dead in the ring."

"I used to think you would too. But... both me and your daughter like you in one piece..." Rubbing at his hip absently he grumbled. Growling playfully I hugged in close to him, grinning. "I especially like you in working order."

His gaze became a leer as he caught my meaning. "For you, I'll always work... Always..."

Just as he leant in to kiss me Amber jumped onto his leg. "DADDY! Look what I got!!"

Mark rolled his eyes at her timing and crouched down. "Ooh, chocolate. Looks like we're gonna be busy today." Looking up at me he grimaced.

I was forced to fight an enormous grin. "Good luck with the sugar hyped kiddo..." Glancing at the board again I sighed hard. "Nearly out of time."

Mark's smile faded as he got back to his feet. "Yeah, I know. I was just pretending..."

"I'll call as soon as we're sorted at the other end."

"Yeah, good. I'll be waiting." A frown came over his face as the boarding call for my flight was announced. "Better get on..."

Sighing again I leaned up to kiss him. "Yeah, I'd better go."

Amber wormed her way in to the hug as well. "Don't be gone long... I love you Jade!"

Wrapping my arms around both of them tightly I nodded. "Yeah, I love you too shortstuff." The second boarding call came far too quickly for my liking. "Okay... I really do have to go now."

Mark kissed me one last time, his thumb trailing down over my cheek. "Yeah, ya do. See you soon okay?"

Smiling, I turned my head to kiss his hand. "I'll call the second I'm free."

"Can't wait..." Reaching down he handed me my carry on. Once I had taken it I turned to head for the gate, knowing that if I waited any longer it would make it damn near impossible to go. Just before I was about to go out of sight I turned to look back, seeing Mark watching me sadly. As I waved he blew me a kiss then collected up Amber and turned away towards the exit, leaving me to go and get on the plane.

It seemed to be one of those flights where stuff wanted to go wrong. Two lots of baggage were lost when we reached the other end and one talent was most definitely the worse for wear, having drunk almost constantly on the flight and, from the looks of him, indulging in some other substance as well. Somehow we managed to get him off the plane and safely into the hotel without too much attention being drawn to him but it was most assuredly not one of my better days on the job. That was compounded by the paperwork mountain I had to face and I settled myself to it as soon as I reached my hotel room just to make sure it would all get done on time. It did get done eventually and I was just triple checking through it all when there was a knock on my room door and I jumped up to answer it.

"Hey... problem?"

Dave shook his head and held up a six-pack. "Not really, no. I just... didn't get to talk to you much on the flight... or in the airport... or when we got to the hotel..." He let his meaning trail off with the words.

I snorted and smiled a little as I stepped back to let him in. "Yeah, I'm a workaholic..."

"Is that it then?" Nudging the door shut behind him he dropped the beer down on the table.

"What else would it be?" I asked, shuffling the paperwork into a pile so I didn't lose any of it.

Shrugging, he popped two beers off the little plastic rings before tossing one to me and dropping into a chair. "I had the thought that maybe Mark told you not to talk to me, or you just didn't want to."

"Mark wouldn't tell me not to talk to you. He may not like it but he's not going to try and stop me. As for not wanting to... that's never been the case. I just..." Sighing I opened the beer and took a drink. "Today was really tough on me."

Dave nodded. "I know... I should've known but... we haven't talked, really talked in so long..."

I dropped to sit on the edge of the bed. "Not since the basement."

"And I wouldn't call that talking..."

I grimaced. "No, that was a pretty fucked up time."

"I've been worried about you. Really worried."

Surprised I glanced up at him. "Why? I'm off the drugs, don't drink anything stronger than beer... I'm doing pretty good."

"There's always a chance Jade... and after what I saw of Mark... what he's capable of." He blew out a deep breath. "Not that I think for a second that he'd ever hurt you but seeing it with my own eyes does tend to leave one leery." Thoughtfully he rubbed at the side of his jaw that Mark had nearly broken in that fight.

Vigorously I shook my head. "He'd never lay a finger on me, Dave. Never. You don't have to worry about that." A heavy sigh escaped me. "He doesn't even get angry with me, although God knows I deserve that at least."

A slightly sad smile appeared on his face. "Good. That was my biggest fear. I thought for sure he'd hold it against you. I've known him a long time and I know damn well how vindictive he's capable of being."

"He's really trying to let it go but it all gets to him from time to time."

Dave looked at me. "Does it get to you?"

"I hate to see what I've done to him. That nearly kills me. The drinking, the drugs... that was all bad enough but I nearly broke him and I know that, I live with that every day."

"I sure didn't help any. I lost a good friend. I kept one too, I hope."

I smiled a little at him, trying to reassure him. "You kept me as one. It may not have seemed much like it but I still regard you as my friend."

Dave took a long drink from his beer and leaned forward to look at me. "You've always been my friend, Jade. I missed you. When you came back before, I was sure we'd be able to work it out but Glen kept you on a pretty tight leash." He sighed. "I was afraid it was too late now."

I nodded slowly. "Glen's been looking out for Mark. But it's not too late, I promise."

He finally seemed to relax somewhat. "Thank God... After what we... Well, you know. I was so afraid it would be weird."

Drinking deep I drained my beer. "It's strange - it's like I'm almost not connected to the person that did all of those things any more. It still jumps up and bites me in the ass from time to time though."

Dave chuckled. "So you're you again then?" He smirked over at me a little.

An answering chuckle came from me. "I think I am finally, yes."

He grinned wider and drained his beer before setting the empty can aside. "Good." Standing quickly he ploughed me over onto the bed before wriggling around to get comfortable and reaching for the TV remote. "Then I've got my best friend back." Patting the pillow next to him he started to flip through the channels.

Laughing, I shook my head and moved to sit beside him. "What crap are you going to make me watch then?"

He stopped on the preview channel and looked over at me questioningly. "Uh... The Sopranos is on."

"Go on then... I could do with a nap anyway..."

Dave rolled his eyes and went back to channel hopping. "Fine, no Sopranos. You just go ahead and yell when something catches your eye."

"Oohhh... CSI..."

He grimaced but stopped anyway. "You like this?"

Embarrassed suddenly I ducked my head. "I like Gary Sinise."

He gave me a very weird look. "The legless guy from Forrest Gump? "You are a weird little person, Jade." Setting the remote to one side he started watching. "What the hell are they doing?"

Indignantly I jabbed him in the ribs. "I am not weird. I just spend a lot of time with meatheads," I laughed. "They are gathering trace evidence."

"As one of the meatheads you hang out with I can say this with a fair amount of certainty. You're weird." He squinted at the screen. "Looks like they're rubbing tape on a dead body to me."

Again I rolled my eyes at him. "That's how they gather the evidence. It sticks to the tape."

"Yes... because dandruff is evidence..."

"It's skin cells, so yes it is... Not that you'd know about dandruff Mr metrosexual..." I chuckled.

Dave gave a horrified gasp. "Metrosexual! I should so beat you up for that!"

"It's an accurate description."

"I am not a metrosexual. I don't go for manicures or pedicures or facials. I don't pay some crazy woman to rip my eyebrows off my face. I just have good taste is all."

"And more skin products in your luggage than I own in total..."

His mouth snapped until he seemed to work it out in his head. "I'm Greek, we get... blotchy if we're not careful."

I had to fight a grin. "Good cover... Still, it seems to work for you by the number of women trying to throw themselves at you."

"I can't help it they've got good taste too."

"I see the ego hasn't shrunk any..."

He smiled good naturedly. "Absolutely not."

Curiously I looked up at him. "Anyone on the horizon?"

Dave blew out a deep breath. "Well, there is one woman in wardrobe. I sort of got close to her when Glen was dragging you all over. She's...nice. I don't know about dating though."

Softly I patted him on the arm. "Maybe you should try it. Get back out there."

He shrugged. "I don't know if I've got it in me right now..."

"Still sore over the divorce?"

He thought it over briefly before answering. "A little I guess. It's just that I don't have the time. With this program coming up with Mark and all the build up and the appearances and photo shoots, it's not fair to anyone."

"So caught up in the job you don't have time for a life... But if there's this woman in the company she'll be around on the road so it might not be as bad as you think." I shrugged slightly. "Your life though."

Shifting himself a little he looked over at me. "Maybe you could meet her. I'd love your opinion..."

"Want to see if I think she'd keep up with the Animal?" I asked with a cheeky grin.

Dave rolled his eyes and swatted my shoulder. "We already know no one can keep up with the Animal. But if she can put up with Dave there might be a shot."

Smiling I nodded at him. "Of course I'll meet her. Can't have just anyone messing with my boy." Dave chuckled happily and went back to flipping channels, bored with CSI.

The thought of him with another woman caused a twinge of jealousy in me; I'd have been lying to have said anything else. I had Mark and that was really all I needed and more. There was just something about my relationship with Dave however. If Mark hadn't been there? I knew deep in my heart of hearts that if that had been the case I could have fallen in love with Dave very easily and very quickly. I already loved him dearly in my way. I had a sneaking suspicion that his feelings for me also went deeper than either of us dared to admit with all that had gone on in the past. But… it was important to me to see him happy and if this woman could do that? She'd be alright with me if she could keep him smiling.

All in all it was far later than I had planned when I managed to ring home. Mark must have been nearly sitting on the phone as he picked it up on the second ring.

"Jade?"

"Yeah, it's me."

He chuckled and yawned down the line. "I was startin to worry... Get in okay?"

"No problems at all, but the paperwork got me," I chuckled.

"Mmm... you'd think you'd use your first free hours to get some sleep or somethin but you go right back into the paperwork."

"Hey, I'm a workaholic. Everyone knows that."

"Just take it easy over there. You've been out of the game for a little bit. Don't make yourself crazy. That's what I'm here for."

"I'm fine. Just crashed out in front of the TV." It would have served no purpose at all to let him know it had been with Dave. There was no need to make him worry what with me being so far away. I did feel better that things had been brought out in the open between me and Dave. We could finally move on and put that disastrous time behind us, get back to something approximating the friendship we had known in the past. I still regarded him as my best friend out on the road and it felt so good to have him back as that.

Mark's voice dragged me back from my thoughts. "Amber tried to stay up and wait for you to call but she dropped about three hours ago. She misses ya already."

Feeling guilty I sighed. "I'm sorry. I completely lost track of the time."

"The time difference doesn't help either. No problem, beautiful. I'm just glad to hear you're safe. Those transatlantic flights used to give me nightmares."

"I am feeling just how used I am to US time." Chuckling I curled up on the bed with the phone. "Still, it's only for a few days and I think I'm in better shape than some of the guys. They looked fit to drop when we got off the plane."

"I remember..." he chuckled. "I don't envy you darlin."

I laughed outright. "I daren't show weakness either. The cruiserweights are circling like sharks."

Mark also burst out laughing. "Damn that London! He's the ringleader, ya know that right? If you're gonna take em out, start with him and the rest will scatter like cats in a thunderstorm."

"I'd thought as much but now you've confirmed it." My chuckling now had an evil tinge to it. "Armed with that information they're doomed."

"Make sure you tell em where you got that info too. They'll turn into girls in no time."

"And there's the Big Evil we all know and love."

"I ain't retired yet. It's still my yard darlin." A happy rumbling came over the phone.

"I have a sneaking suspicion it always will be in one way or another."

He made a considering noise in his throat. "I may have to show my face once in a while to remind em."

"When the first stars are coming from your school at the very least..."

"My school..." He sighed happily. "I think I do like the sound of that."

"They'd be queuing up to be trained by you and you know it. "It's got to be worth a shot Mark. You know you don't want to leave the business behind altogether."

"No I don't. I want my little girl to see these amazing people I work with... worked with and see that her daddy's not really as big a weirdo as her momma told her."

"I don't think you need to worry about what Sara told her. She adores you completely and utterly, anyone can see that."

He made a contented sound. "Yeah she does. D'you know she goes on more about missin you than she does her mother?"

That made me snort a bit. "That's pretty sad actually. I'm just her daddy's girlfriend."

"Yeah, but she knows you ain't goin anywhere."

"I miss her too. It's altogether too quiet sat here alone in a hotel room." Suddenly I had to stifle a yawn. "I should probably sleep. There are signings way too early tomorrow. "Hopefully I'll be more with it tomorrow and call a bit earlier. If I call right after the show it should work pretty well."

"That'll work nicely. Then the kiddo can say hi too."

"Alright then, I'll do that. I love you." I sighed softly after saying that, feeling the distance acutely all of a sudden.

"Love you too baby girl. Take care of yourself over there."

As we had a show in London I didn't dare go that close to home without driving the sixty miles or so down to see my family. Deciding to leave it as a surprise I simply turned up late one afternoon, parking up and sticking my head in the front door.

"Any welcome for the prodigal daughter?"

Mum's voice floated through from the kitchen. "Jade?" She sounded totally shocked as she poked her head through the door. "OH JADE!" She hurried towards me.

Giving her a huge hug I laughed. "Surprise..."

"Yes! Yes it is!" Holding me away from her she looked at me. "What are you doing here?"

"We're on another European tour and were in London so I couldn't come this close without coming home."

Again she nearly strangled me. "I'm so happy to see you and you're just in time. I'm just cooking dinner."

"Home cooked food that isn't going to burn my throat out? I'm so there..." I laughed.

Mum cocked her head at me. "Aren't you eating well dear?" She pinched at my arm as if checking for malnutrition.

I wriggled away from her prying fingers. "I'm fine, just taking a little while to get used to Mark's cooking. The chilli is, well... rather hot."

Mum wrinkled her nose. "That's no way to eat Jade..." She bustled off towards the kitchen, leaving me to follow in her wake. As soon as I reached the room I was handed a spoon and pointed in the direction of a pot on the stove. "Well, we can't have you getting high and mighty on us now can we?" she chuckled.

"I have a large entourage of men and some women that make sure of that on a pretty much daily basis."

She clucked her tongue. "You'll put them right, I'm sure..." Smiling she leaned in in search of gossip. "Like a big group of teenagers are they?"

I waved my free hand in the air. "That sums them up just about perfectly... especially the cruiserweights. They like to try and wind me up."

"Well dear, it doesn't take much does it?"

Sighing I turned back to my simmering pot. "A little more now than it did. I've grown up some since I was here last time. Amazing I know but true."

Mum couldn't resist hugging me again. "I knew you would..."

"It's not just about me any more or Mark either. He got custody of his daughter and she lives with him now. It changes things a little."

"You're taking care of his daughter too?" She blew out a breath. "There goes my hope for grandchildren." There was an undertone to her voice but I couldn't work out if it was sadness at her last statement or if it was to do with how I had changed since she had last seen me.

"He takes care of his daughter. I just live there when I'm home. She's a great kid though. I adore her already." A warm smile appeared on my face as I talked about Amber.

"And Mark is a good father?"

"I'm not sure I'd have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes but he is an amazing father. There's a lot more to him than I even ever suspected."

She continued with getting the meal ready. "He's not with you?"

I sighed. "Not this time. He has meetings to go to in Connecticut to get ready for his last stint before he retires."

"He really is retiring then?" There was no mistaking the sad tone of her voice in that question.

I smiled slightly. "I know... doesn't really bear thinking about does it? He is though. He can't keep going forever, as much as the fans would like him to."

"Won't be much worth watching for will there?" Chuckling to herself slightly she took over stirring duties.

"Glen will still be around... and Dave of course. There are one or two decent guys coming up but a big chunk of it will be gone, yeah."

"Ah well... such is the nature of life." A buzzer sounded suddenly. "Would you get those rolls out of the oven?" As I went to do as she asked she continued speaking. "You've become quite close to them haven't you?

My head shook slightly as I thought it over. "It's a funny little community I live in now. Of course I love Mark with all my heart, and some of the guys are almost like my family now."

It was Mum's turn to shake her head as she moved to the refrigerator. "I just can't imagine it..."

Her consternation made me laugh out loud. "Yeah, I have some interesting friends... particularly the best one of them."

"You mean Mark dear?" she asked without removing her head from the ice box.

"Mark is the man I share my life with. My best friend on the road is Dave Batista. We make quite a pair."

Mum emerged rapidly, nearly dropping the butter. "Batista! Really?"

I smiled at her reaction. "Yeah. Even last night we were drinking beer and crashed in front of the TV."

Mum laughed to herself. "I just can't imagine it."

My smile turned sadder. "He got me through the tough times with Mark... when there was all the stuff with Sara. He helped pull me out of the hole I got myself into then."

Setting down the items she had taken from the fridge Mum took my hand in a very motherly way. "Nothing could make me happier than to know you've got someone you can depend on so far from home." She kissed me on the cheek.

Touched, I hugged her briefly. "Maybe I should have brought him with me," I grinned.

Mum fanned herself playfully. "Oh yes you should've..."

I burst out laughing helplessly. "Calm down Mum... I think you'd probably jump him if I brought him here."

She looked at me incredulously. "Now that you've taken the Undertaker out of the running what else would you have me do hmmm?" She fought a smile.

"Well, if you put it that way Dave would be the next best option." Smiling I turned to sort through the stuff she had put down.

"Then you'll have to bring him to dinner next time you pop in so unexpectedly."

"Mum, you know I love you but I suspect he'd break you in half."

My mother suddenly came over totally girly, giggling like crazy. "But what a way to go..."

Again I was helpless to fight laughter at her antics. "Oh yeah, I know."

She stopped giggling immediately and looked at me expectantly. "And just what is that supposed to mean?"

Warily I stopped and looked at her. "Just agreeing with you..."

"You just keep to your own behemoth and leave something for the rest of us single women," she commented, swatting my shoulder with a spoon and laughing as she turned back to preparing the abnormally large amount of food.

"What's going on?"

"Oh, didn't I tell you? You've shown up on the perfect evening. Everyone is coming tonight." Smiling happily she went back to fussing.

"The whole UK clan huh?"

Mum nodded. "I did call your brother earlier today though to let him know what he was missing. Someone has to guilt him into bringing my grandchildren to visit though."

"Yeah, I haven't been up there in a while either." Stretching lazily I stole some food. "Ellie took to Mark pretty well when we were there last. She was terrified at first but he brought her round."

"He is quite something isn't he?" As she spoke she got out an armload of plates. "I have to admit, I was quite... leery about this relationship at first Jade..."

"I'll be honest, it's been no picnic but we've come through a hell of a lot and we're still going."

Mum patted my cheek lovingly. "I'm so glad. You've had your share of excitement in regards to your partners. Perhaps this could be the one then?" She smiled at the thought.

"All the while he wants me with him I'll be there."

Suddenly there was an almost giddy look in her eyes. "Does this mean I'll be receiving a plane ticket? For a wedding perhaps?"

Quickly I shook my head even though I was laughing. "That's not on the horizon. Neither of us has really been divorced that long and I'm not sure it's something either of us wants to do again. Amber certainly wants us to though."

I was treated to the vaguely ridiculous sight of my mother pouting. "You should listen to that little girl. It seems to me as if she's very smart."

"You just want to see me respectably married again."

"Is that so wrong for a mother?" Chuckling she turned away as there was a knock at the front door.

"Which member of the family knocks now?"

Her face went slightly pale. "Uh well... none per se..." Uneasily she glanced towards the door then back to me. "Ben is coming..."

A heavy sigh escaped me as I looked at her. "And you chose not to tell me that while I could still escape."

"It slipped my mind! In all the excitement of your showing up, it didn't seem that important." The shrug she gave me did look genuinely sorry as she bustled off towards the door, leaving me leaning against the counter and lighting a cigarette. Mum looked even more pale as she came back into the kitchen.

I looked up, straight into the eyes of my ex-husband. "Ben..."

His eyes widened. "Jade... What are you doing here?"

"We were in London so I dropped down as I was so close."

At that moment a very young looking blonde walked into the room. "Benny, I've just put our coats in the other... Oh... hello."

Mum actually cringed as I looked from the girl to Ben. "Benny?"

Ben glanced around each of us in turn before answering. "Ah Jade, this is my fiancée Jenny."

Nettled by her sudden appearance in my family home I looked back to her. She was almost the complete opposite to me – very delicate looking. "Ah, my replacement..."

Ben winced. "C'mon now Jade. It's not like that. And even if it was, it's not like you don't have your own bit waiting in the States."

I snorted at his tone. "He's a little more than a 'bit' Ben."

"You know what I mean..."

Jenny tried to force a smile, clearly feeling the tension. "I've heard so much about you." Politely she held out a hand to me.

Plastering on a smile I grasped her hand and shook it as if she was one of the guys, feeling her wince just a little at my grip. "Not much of it good I suspect."

Her smile faltered slightly. "Not as much as you'd think."

Ben ushered her away from me a little nervously. "Don't be like this... please. We just came to have a nice evening with your wonderful mother."

Sighing I nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll behave." Deciding to try and be civil I looked to Jenny again as I remembered a phone call from Ben the last time I'd been in England. "So... when are you guys getting married?"

She jumped as I spoke to her and leaned on Ben, wrapping both of her arms around his. "Benny wants to wait until I've graduated University. From then, it's anybody's guess. Isn't that right Benny?" He simply cleared his throat and nodded.

"Well yeah, you want to finish university first..." She was sounding younger by the minute.

"We just want to make sure we've got all our ducks in a row." Ben sounded as if he was trying to convince himself as much as anyone.

"Of course... getting married is a big step, especially when you've been there before and it went wrong."

Mum inserted herself between us and shoved a handful of plates at me. "Could you be a dear and set the table for me?"

Ben followed me as I went to do as I was told, leaning himself in the doorway as I slammed the plates on the tabletop. "We can be civil about this can't we?"

Heaving a heavy sigh I turned to face him. "Look, you being here was sprung on me just as much as I was you."

"So it's nobody's fault... right?"

I thought about it and then nodded my agreement. "Right..." Glancing towards the kitchen I voiced my thoughts. "She's very young Ben."

He shrugged. "She loves me."

Slightly incredulous I leaned against the table. "She loves you? Aren't you supposed to be telling me you love her?"

"Oh I do but she... really loves me." Coming fully into the room he started to deal with the silverware as I placed plates. "Speaking of... where is Mark anyway?"

"Back in Houston. He's not on this tour."

Nodding he continued working for a while. "Stop it Jade. I know your mind is coming up with all sorts of twisted scenarios as to how Jenny and I met." He looked pointedly at me. "I assure you, none of it is what you think."

I shook my head briskly at him. "It's your business not mine. I have enough going on not to have to worry about how the two of you met."

Just then Jenny came in with a basket of rolls. "Playing nice I hope?" Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Ben.

"Yeah, we're good in here. Ben was just asking where my man is."

"Oh Jade! I'm sorry. I'm sure someone will come along. Benny's told me what a wonderful person you are." She patted me on the shoulder.

A snort of laughter greeted her words. "Not at all, he's back home in Houston at his place."

Clearly confused she stopped, thinking. "Oh... well then." She turned to Ben. "I thought you said she was still on her own."

His face went red. "You must have misunderstood me darling..."

"No, I live with someone." Digging in my pocket I grabbed my phone and checked for messages out of habit. "You know, I worry when they leave me in peace for this long."

"Your Neanderthals?" Ben asked.

My eyes rolled and I looked at Jenny. "He has a very low opinion of my charges. Not into wrestling at all are you?"

Ben's head dropped as Jenny replied. "Wrestling? Yes! I am actually why?"

"Did he tell you I'm a road agent for the WWE?"

"NO! He didn't! How exciting! You'll have to tell me all the backstage gossip..." She laughed happily.

Her expression made me laugh with her. "If you have any questions ask away and I'll tell you what I know. Who are your favourites?" I couldn't help grinning at Ben.

Jenny sidled over to me and leaned in to whisper conspiratorially. "Benny hates it but I do have a thing for Batista."

I had to chuckle. "Yeah, Dave is one of a kind."

Playfully she swooned and giggled. "Yes he is." Ben pointedly ignored us as she glanced over at him. "I never was much of a fan of the Undertaker though." Exaggeratedly she shuddered. "When I was young he positively scared me."

I bit my lip hard. "Oh... he's not so bad. His bark is worse than his bite mostly." It was a real struggle not to laugh.

Ben decided to join in the conversation. "Jade, isn't that who you've taken up with?"

Jenny's mouth fell open in a little 'o'. "NO! How could you? He's so..."

"Cro-Magnon?" Ben interjected.

"If we could not rip holes in the man I live with I'd appreciate it," I retorted.

"Sorry... uncalled for..."

I nodded to Ben to show him he was forgiven for that one. "Mark is... just Mark. And when you see him with his daughter you almost forget about Taker."

Jenny shook her head slightly. "I just can't picture it. The man on my TV couldn't possibly have children..." Giggling she rushed back towards the kitchen.

"So very very young..." I observed.

"She's twenty-three Jade. She's not that young."

"And you're thirty-four."

"And how old is Mark?" he asked, folding his arms and leaning against the wall.

"Yes, he's ten years older than me but it makes a little less difference at thirty."

Ben shrugged. "Which would you rather be Jade, the pot or the kettle?"

Sighing I echoed his pose, crossing my own arms. "Look... if she makes you happy that's great."

"And she does," he stated flatly.

"Then that's all that matters."

"And Mark makes you happy too so we shouldn't even be having this conversation."

"I agree." A sudden quiet chuckle came from my throat. "I guess it's force of habit."

"So you're often called into account for your relationship?" he asked, part curious and part still defensive.

Another sigh burst from me. "I've been through a tough time recently. It makes me a little defensive."

Ben echoed my sigh and his eyes softened. "I'm sorry... Care to talk about it? I know we aren't as close as we once were but I'd like to think there's still a way for us to be friends."

I took a deep breath. "I did a few things I'm ashamed of and I need to get past them now. It's left a few problems but I'm hoping they're going to come good."

He set down a stack of napkins on the table and walked over to squeeze my shoulder. "You're an amazing woman Jade... if anyone can come through it, it's you." His head dropped slightly and he headed back for the kitchen.

Wanting to be alone for a few minutes I finished the table and dropped into a chair, thinking. Suddenly it felt as if a chapter of my life was finally dealt with and completed.