CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
DANNY
Trixie had been home for nearly a week. They'd initially stayed with Cayla and Danny's mother, but after a couple of days, they'd moved back into their house. It was strange to be back there, but at least the house no longer felt empty.
Trixie kissed him and Danny focused only on her. She started to move her hands over his body, but when she reached for his zipper, he hesitated. "Trix... Wait," he said.
"I think we've both waited long enough," Trixie said.
"I don't know if you can handle-"
"Danny, my doctors all agree I'm healed. My brain is still recovering a bit, but my body is completely fine. I'm okay."
"I just don't want to hurt you."
"You won't... But I need this, Danny. I need you. After everything that's happened, I need to know we're still us."
"We are."
"Then make love to me... Please, Danny."
He saw the pain in her eyes. He knew she was afraid he'd reject her. "I love you," he told her before kissing her and allowing her to take the lead. He wanted her more than she could ever know, but he was terrified of hurting her. He'd almost lost her...
She climbed into his lap, reconnecting with him. She wasn't shy now, but hungry. She needed this, and the more he focused on her, the more he realized how much he needed it, too. He'd almost lost her... But she was here now. She'd come back to him. That was the only thing that mattered now.
TWO DAYS LATER...
MOLLY
Although Shane had done the bulk of the work, Molly had helped him plan the Hall of Fame ceremony. Cayla had come partially back to work and insisted on putting together the video montages for everyone so Molly had one less thing to do. She'd arrived at her hotel earlier and would be arriving here shortly and Molly was looking forward to seeing her. She hadn't had a hug from Cayla since Marco's funeral. That had been three months earlier, and that was far too long.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Keith asked.
"I'm just trying to get through tonight," Molly replied. "This part's harder."
"Harder than a ladder match against the man who made them famous?"
"It's a dream match, but it's wrestling. That's what I do. Fancy ceremonies are not my thing." She shifted the light blue dress the staff had selected for her and stared at her combat boots. They made her feel more like herself. This dress was alien. It offended her very soul, but she was stuck with it now.
"You look beautiful." He gently stroked her cheek."I love the boots."
"You're not so bad yourself, handsome," Molly replied, kissing him. She had to admit, Keith looked insanely hot in a tux. At least he was dressed up for something good this time, and not for another funeral.
Nicky and Lucas arrived with Riley behind them. Lucas looked at Molly and shook his head. "Here," he said, handing her a garment bag. "I think you'll be more comfortable in this."
Molly opened it and saw a gothic black dress with a corset laced up in red ribbon. It was far more appealing than her current dress. "God bless you, Lucas," she said, pulling him into a hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Come on, I'll help you change out of that thing," Riley said. "We can fork it and burn it if you like."
Molly laughed. "You guys get me." She followed Riley away to a dressing room.
"You look great, Riles," Molly said.
Riley looked at her reflection briefly. She wore a simple black dress and black ballet-style shoes. She'd decided heels were a bad idea for a pregnant woman. Her hair was in a really nice up-do that Molly was certain Lucas had put together.
"I look pregnant," Riley said nervously. She hadn't announced it to the world yet. She'd only announced she was taking time off for personal reasons. The rumor mills had tried to suggest she was back on drugs, but Molly and Shane had made it clear that was not the case. Riley was staying out of the public eye, and this was going to be her first appearance since the night Marco died.
"Pregnant, but beautiful." Molly took her hands in her own. "You don't have to do this, Riley."
"It's time to stop hiding," Riley replied. "I don't have anything to be ashamed of. I loved him. As messed up as we both were, this baby was made from love."
Molly allowed Riley to help her out of the offending dress before putting on the new one. She studied her own reflection. "Now, that's me," she said with approval. Riley began helping Molly fix her hair. When it was done, Molly took her hand.
"Come on, Riley," she said. "It's time." Tonight was going to be an emotional one, but she was as ready as she'd ever be.
GINNY
She stood backstage and took a deep breath. Her emotions were out of control, but Ginny needed to be strong for Faye. That had always been her job, and it was true again tonight. She also knew she needed to hold it together for their mother, who was already looking like she was going to break.
Randy stood on stage. He looked out at the crowd as Ginny watched from backstage. They'd finally stopped cheering for him. He took a breath and said, "We're starting the night with a man I knew a very long time ago would one day be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Cody Rhodes was born to one of the biggest names in WWE's history, Dusty Rhodes." He paused as people cheered. "Even though Cody was born into wrestling, he never forgot that he was the grandson of a plumber. He remained humble and professional in all he did. That's why, when he started wrestling with Hardcore Holly, I knew he needed to do something more. I came up with the idea for Legacy, and when I pitched it to Triple H, he loved it. As soon as he asked who I wanted by my side in the stable, I told him Cody. The kid was still green, but I knew he could do it. Triple H believed in me when I was green, and Evolution launched my wrestling career straight into the big leagues. I wanted to do that for Cody. So, Cody, Teddy, and I had our fun, but it was over all too soon and we moved on. It didn't matter that the stable ended, however, because Cody was my brother. He remained one of my best friends until the day that we lost him." Randy paused. Ginny knew he was struggling to stay composed, which happened so rarely that it shocked her.
Randy took a breath and continued. "Cody worked through every horrible gimmick they gave him, and he embraced them all. He was such a professional that he could take any idea and make the fans love him. Whether he was the sidekick of a hardcore legend, the lackey of a third-generation superstar, a man in a mask who made everyone wear paper bags over their heads, a man with a very dashing mustache, an intellectual who betrayed his partner by throwing his sacred Money in the Bank briefcase in the water, a loving little brother, or... Well, Stardust!" Randy actually said it in character, with her father's dramatic hand gestures and all. Ginny laughed backstage. Faye and her mother both smiled sadly. "He made every crazy character someone we could fall in love with. When he ran away to explore life on the indies and even joined the Bullet Club, it left a hole in the WWE that no one was able to fill until he returned. And when routine knee surgery went terribly wrong, the whole world was left with a hole that will never be filled. Cody Rhodes is irreplaceable, unforgettable, and loved by every single person who ever had the good fortune to meet him. It is my honor to induct him into this year's class of the WWE Hall of Fame."
They rolled a video tribute and that was when Ginny saw Faye and her mother lose it. They both started to cry. Ginny stayed strong, doing what she always did. She could cry later, in private. Right now, she watched her father up on the screen, smiling, laughing, wrestling, hugging fans, granting wishes... They showed him with the boy he'd called Drax, a Make-A-Wish kid whose death had genuinely broken his heart shortly before Ginny had been born. They showed all of his gimmicks. They showed him with his father and brother, with her mother, with Ginny and Faye when they were much younger... There were so many memories pulling at her heart. She took a very deep breath and calmed herself. She missed him so much, but tonight, she needed to keep it together.
"Are we on?" A voice asked.
Ginny spun, startled to hear him. "Uncle Dustin!" Faye cried out, flinging her arms around his neck. "You came! You said you couldn't make it."
Dustin looked too old now, and had since her father had died. It had broken him. He hadn't appeared in public since, but now he was dressed in full Goldust gear. He hugged Faye, her mother, and Ginny before he said, "I decided I owed it to your dad to be here."
"I'm glad you came," Ginny said. Her mother had seemingly been struck mute, but she nodded in agreement.
As the video ended, Randy said, "Here to accept this honor on Cody's behalf is his family... His wife, Eden, and his daughters, Persephone and Faythe." Randy paused as Dustin followed them out. He recovered quickly and added, "And his brother, Goldust!" The fans began applauding for them.
Her mother tried to take the microphone. "Thank you," she began. "Cody was..." Her voice cracked. She started to cry. "I'm sorry," she said quickly.
Ginny took the microphone from her. She knew what her mother had been planning to say, so she started there and expanded. "My father loved each and every one of you. You were his family as much as we were. He was the strongest person I've ever met. He was the greatest father my sister and I could have ever asked for." Faye began sobbing beside her, but Ginny maintained her composure and kept going. "I know he's watching everything we do, and I just really hope we've made him proud." She paused. "Faye? Do you want to say anything?" She asked softly.
Faye nodded. She wiped the tears from her eyes. Ginny was mildly surprised. Faye had been too emotion to speak at the funeral. She'd expected that to happen again today. "My father was an incredible man, father, husband, friend, and wrestler. I miss him every single day," Faye said. She took a breath and added, "I love you, Daddy! You will always be my hero."
Dustin gently took the microphone. "At first, Cody was a pest. I didn't know what to do with him... But when he got a bit taller, we started to bond. I am honored and blessed to have shared a ring with him. Tagging with my brother was my favorite time as a wrestler. Cody... Brother... I know you're up there with Dad now, dropping elbows from the top rope. I love you both so much... You made it into the Hall of Fame before I did, and I always knew you would. I couldn't be more proud." Dustin handed the microphone to her mother, but she shook her head. She passed it to Ginny.
"Thank you all for the love you've always given my father. Please know how much he appreciated it, and how much we still do," Ginny said.
With that, it was over. They headed backstage. Ginny quickly excused herself. She had too much on her mind and she needed to be alone for a bit to sort it all out.
KEITH
He was fidgeting nervously when they gave him his cue. Keith had sobbed like a baby during Cody's induction. He and Molly had gone outside for some air and he was calmer now. Nicky stood beside him looking very nervous. Keith put on a brave face for his brother. He took a deep breath and headed out as his music played, with Nicky right behind him. He smiled grandly at the audience of fans and wrestlers past and present. The event was nearly over. He could do this.
Nicky squeezed his hand briefly before flipping his own switch and going into professional mode. "Tonight's final inductee is very special to all of us," Keith said. "This is especially true for my brother and I."
"Here to introduce her is our aunt, Cayla Casey," Nicky added. Cayla's music began to play as she walked out onto the stage. The fans began cheering. Cayla hadn't made a public appearance since the accident. She smiled sadly as she joined her nephews on stage.
"As you all know, Paige was a lot of things. She was an infamous wrestler, the anti-Diva, the rebellious, crazy, wild one who broke through every wall she encountered. She was a mentor to the next generation. She saved NXT when no one thought it would survive. She was talented, funny, and beautiful. She was my wife, and our daughter's mum..." Cayla's voice shook slightly. It was barely noticeable, but Keith caught it. He subtly moved closer to her to take her hand as she continued. "Her legacy speaks for itself."
With that, the video montage began to play. Keith could see his friends in the audience, subtly crying. Molly had decided to sit in the audience for this. She looked into his eyes and he understood her choice as he suddenly found the strength to stay strong. She'd known somehow that he'd need to see her there, looking back at him. Nicky was crying, but he didn't seem broken. Keith put his free hand on Nicky's arm, hoping to comfort him.
When it was over, Cayla said, "Here to accept this honor on Paige's behalf in addition to myself is someone else who's very special to my heart."
That was when they played Trixie's entrance music. The fans were more than excited now. Trixie was a bit unsteady on her feet and she was shaking. Danny helped her out to the podium. Keith smiled at his cousin encouragingly, hoping she could handle this.
TRIXIE
She was still shaking as her mom hugged her. Keith and Nicky followed suit. Nicky didn't let go for a minute. "Are you good?" He whispered. He must have noticed the trembling. Trixie nodded, although she wasn't sure what she felt. It was amazing to be back in front of the fans, but it had been hard to watch that video. She missed her mum more than she could express.
"Hi guys," Trixie said warmly into the microphone.
The fans and wrestlers alike began chanting, "Welcome back!" Trixie struggled not to cry.
"I am hon...honored to be here to-today to re...repre...represent my mum, Paige." She stuttered more when upset or nervous. She forced herself to speak more slowly. It was embarrassing, but everyone waited patiently. They knew what she'd been through. They knew she was still recovering. It stunned her to feel the love flowing from the crowd. She'd been gone for a long time, but they hadn't forgotten her.
"Mum's legacy is going to last forever," Trixie said slowly. "She touched the lives of ev...everyone here at WWE. I know she would be honored to be included in this year's Hall of Fame class, and I know how much she loved each and every one of you." Trixie could feel tears falling down her cheeks. "I love you, Mum," she said before burying her face in her mom's shoulder. The hug helped.
It was the most she could say. It was a short speech, but no one seemed to care. Instead, they applauded as Trixie accepted the Hall of Fame ring for her mum.
"You did great," Danny told her as he and her mom helped her backstage. "I'm really proud of you."
She nodded and hugged him, still at a loss for words. Her mum was gone, but the entire WWE Universe had just said a proper goodbye to her. For Trixie, this was the closest she'd get to being able to attend her mum's funeral, and it helped to have so many people grieving and celebrating her mum's life with her.
That was lovely, my Little Duck, her mum said. Trixie didn't see her so much anymore now that she'd recovered, but sometimes, she could still hear her. She no longer questioned if it was real. It was comforting to think her mum was still watching over her, and she knew in her heart it was the truth.
GINNY
The Hall of Fame had been too emotional that night. It got Ginny thinking about death and how it could come at any time. "Gabe... If I wanted to do something absolutely insane, would you be on board?" She asked.
"Gin, you know I'll follow you anywhere. I always have," Gabe replied. He paused, waiting for her to speak. Ginny hesitated, so he took a sip of his water.
"Marry me," Ginny said suddenly.
Gabe spit out the water, making Ginny laugh. "Did... Did you just...?" He tried to ask.
"Propose? Yes."
Gabe pulled her closer to him. "I'd marry you any day you were ready, Gin."
"What about tonight?"
"Wait... Seriously?"
"What are we waiting for, Gabe? Any minute, anything could happen, and I don't want to be stuck with regret."
Gabe looked down at himself. "Well..." He began. "I am already in a tux."
Ginny laughed, looking at her own red dress. "I never was a getting married in white kind of girl."
"So... We're doing this?"
"We're doing this."
Gabe smiled. "I need one thing from the hotel first."
Ginny was puzzled, but she indulged him. If that was his only request, she was happy to grant it to him. She had one of her own, and it was significantly bigger. "Can it just be us?"
"You don't want to bring anyone? Your sister? My sister? Keith and Molly? Trixie and Danny?" Gabe asked. He didn't sound upset, just curious.
"The truth is... Gabe, I just want it to be us. I thought about my wedding as a kid, and my dad was always there... The venue, the dress, the decorations, the ceremony, the guy…That stuff always changed, but the one thing that didn't was my dad, standing by my side. It was the only detail that was consistent." She sighed. "When he died, I decided I didn't want a wedding at all... I had no intention on ever getting married. But I want to be your wife. More than anything... And I like the idea of a completely private ceremony, just me, you, the ordained person, a witness who doesn't know us, and my dad... Because I know he's watching." She paused. "Are you mad?"
"Mad? Ginny, you want to marry me! I'm thrilled. For all these years, I would have married you in the sandbox with a dog in a priest costume officiating the ceremony if it meant you were my wife. I love you. The only thing that matters is that we're together."
"Eloping is better than some crazy wedding that stresses us out... Randy and Corri did it, and look how well it worked for them."
"Excellent point, Gin." Gabe kissed her as they arrived at the hotel. "Wait here. I'll be right back." He ran upstairs to get whatever was so important.
Ginny had never been overly impulsive, but lately, that had changed. She knew in her heart this was the right move, even if it was crazy. Even if one of them died tomorrow, they could have this one night of happiness together. If that was all they got, at least it was something.
GABE
He returned to Ginny with the essential item in his pocket. They drove for a bit until they found a chapel that specialized in quick weddings. He'd figured Atlantic City, which was two towns away from the hotel, would be the safest bet. It was a small space and the only people present were the minister and the woman who worked at the front desk. She was more than happy to serve as their witness.
As the ceremony began, Gabe clutched the item in his pocket. They'd opted for the simplest ceremony. Ginny didn't want anything elaborate and he simply wanted Ginny. Nothing else mattered.
"Do you, Virginia Runnels, take this man, Gabriel Fatu, to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The minister asked.
"I do," Ginny replied. Gabe stopped breathing for a split second. She'd said it. They were actually going to do this. Ginny smiled at him nervously and he smiled back reassuringly.
"And do you, Gabriel Fatu, take Virginia Runnels to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Gabe pulled the sacred item out of his pocket. Ginny's eyes went wide at the sight of the ring. He smiled at the minister. "You bet I do!" He replied.
"How the hell do you have a ring for me?" Ginny asked.
"It was in the hotel room. I bought this with my first paycheck from NXT because I knew that, no matter how hard you tried to push me away, someday we'd end up getting married. Virginia Runnels, you are the most beautiful, amazing, smart, funny, passionate person I know. I started telling anyone who'd listen from the time we were three that I was going to marry you one day, and I knew I might only get one chance, so I kept the ring on me everywhere we went just in case." He paused. "I love you, Ginny, and nothing could possibly make me happier than this exact moment."
Ginny stared at him as the witness actually wiped a tear from her eye. "Can I re-do my vows? I wasn't aware we'd be cutting promos tonight," Ginny said with a laugh. She pulled him closer to her. "I love you," she added.
"I love you, too," Gabe replied.
"Well then," the minister said with a grin, "by the power invested in me by God and the Great State of New Jersey, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife... You may kiss the bride."
"Every day for the rest of our lives," Gabe said before pulling Ginny even closer and kissing her.
"Congratulations!" The witness said. She looked at Ginny and added, "This one's a keeper!"
Ginny laughed. "It took me a while to realize that," she said, "but I'm really happy that I finally did."
When they got outside of the chapel, Ginny looked at him. "So that's what it feels like," she whispered.
"What do you mean?" Gabe asked.
"Being happy. I haven't felt anything close to it since I was twelve... A single day destroyed that in me, and then after I lost Dad, it just kept getting worse. Every day, even when I smiled, my heart broke a little bit more... But tonight... Here, with you... I feel like that little girl who didn't always see the down side of everything might not have been completely stupid... Don't get me wrong. I was never bubbly and perky like Trixie or my sister, and I never will be, but I was happier, Gabe... And being with you gives me that feeling. Nothing else can do that. Life sucks most of the time, and I know bad things will continue to happen, but you know what? They suck less with you around, and you always find a way to make me smile through it. That means more to me than you'll ever understand."
Gabe kissed her again. "You just blew my little promo out of the water," he said with a grin.
"Duh. I always do," Ginny said, sounding much more like herself. "I'm just naturally better at cutting promos, Uso. And by the way, I'm getting you a ring in the morning."
"Awesome. And what about right now?"
"Right now, we're going back to our hotel room, and I'm going to carry you over the threshold."
"Isn't that my job?"
"That job should go to whoever's more dominant. Clearly that's me." She grinned and he laughed. They rode back to the hotel and Ginny kept her word, somehow lifting him up and carrying him into the room. They were both laughing as she put him down.
"I love you, Ms. Virginia Runnels-Fatu," Gabe said. Of course Ginny had hyphenated their names. That had never even been a question. "Welcome to the rest of our lives."
