Sorry for the late post! Life is nuts! Hope you guys like this one. And thank you to those who reviewed the last one! Much appreciated! Lastly, I do not own anything but my character Madison :)
/
A tired but very awake Madison sprawled out onto the day bed on the porch, overlooking the pool and beautiful swirl of yellowish glow beginning to fill the darkness in the sky; the beginning of a new day.
To be upstairs sharing the same bed as Finn and waking up to his handsome face was an ideal situation, but Madison had a more pressing matter that weighed on her shoulders all night long... After her reconciliation with Finn.
It was early when she woke, close to 5am. Finn was sound asleep and so peaceful as Madison tip toed out of the room and down the staircase. A while after Finn fell sleep, Madison had the urge to talk to Sasha and find some closure of her own after getting some rest.
Madison knew it was early, but she couldn't keep herself from dialling Sasha's number she'd gotten from Finn the night before... Before he erased the number for good. A few rings in, Madison figured Sasha was asleep, as anyone else at 5 in the morning. But she answered on the other end, surprising Madison with her not so tired sounding voice.
"Hello?" Sasha answered.
"Uh, hey... It's Madison..."
"Oh... Hi... Um, is everything okay?"
It was awkward, no doubt; calling a fiancee's ex out of the blue at such a ridiculous hour...
"Yeah, everything is fine... I just want to talk."
"Talk?"
"Yeah... Just talk," Madison reassured her, assuming Sasha was expecting Madison to ream her out, "Don't worry, Sasha... I didn't call to scream at you."
"You found out everything that happened, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Then why wouldn't you scream your lungs out at me?" Sasha asked, unsure why Madison seemed so calm about it. It may have been the guilt plaguing Sasha but she did expect some kind of karma.
"I did so much wrong, Madison..."
"Sasha, it's not about that to me," Madison explained, "I didn't call to get my revenge or anything like that... I actually called to thank you."
"Thank me?" Sasha gasped that for a moment it almost sounded as though she choked.
"Yes. I know it wasn't easy to open up about your past to Finn... And to relieve every single piece of it. I want to commend you for it."
"W-What?" Sasha was still in shock, "Why?"
"Because I'm human, Sasha," she explained, "I understand the history you had with Finn and I can understand why what happened did happen."
"But it doesn't make it right," Sasha disagrees.
"I know it doesn't. But I'm not going to go about the rest of my life holding a grudge when I can forgive."
"So... You forgive me?" Sasha hesitated.
"Yes Sasha. I forgive you," Madison's words slipped from her lips so easily, just like that.
"Well... I honestly didn't expect this... And I really don't think I deserve any of it... But you do deserve an apology after everything I've done and put you through... Madison, I'm really sorry," Sasha sincerely and whole heartedly apologized, "I was selfish and I didn't think of anyone else but myself... It just isn't the two of you anymore... You guys are about to have a baby and get married... I feel stupid for almost breaking you two up."
"I appreciate the apology, Sasha. I do... But if anything, I do think this has made us stronger... Sometimes you need to go through the hardest of obstacles to realize how much you really love someone... Or how much it hurts when their gone and when you're only holding onto the very last bit that is left of your relationship..."
"I can relate to that," Sasha whispered, "I may have been this disgustingly selfish, jealous bitch throughout this all, but in a way, it's made me realize what I already have and almost lost... And that's my husband... It took me awhile, but I've seen what it was like on the other side... Im just, there isn't enough time in the world for me to go on and on with how sorry I truly am."
"It's okay, Sasha... Just know that you're forgiven... And we all move forward from this day... That's all I can ask."
"Consider it already done... But thank you for calling."
"I apologize for it being so early, though..."
Sasha could be heard chuckling from her end. "Don't worry about it, Madison... I'm just happy we can bury the hatchet of such a miserable mess for us all... I'm glad we talked. I hope you don't think the obvious of me..."
"Not at all, Sasha," Madison reassured, "If anything, my impression of you had just been misunderstood this entire time... I know you're a good person, Sasha... And you deserve to be happy with someone who can reciprocate despite it all."
"You're wise, Madison... Finn is lucky to have you... I better go and let you sleep... But before I do, I wanna wish you nothing but the best, for you, for Finn and your baby."
"Thank you Sasha. I appreciate it."
"Bye Madison."
"Bye Sasha."
As soon as Madison pressed her finger to end the call, she exhaled a heavy breath which felt like every ounce of negative energy escaped with it, for good. It was over with; the incident with Sasha and Finn was put to rest and both Madison and Sasha were comfortable with the closure they received. There wasn't any anger towards Sasha or about what took place, like Madison made clear of before. Only the future to look forward to now...
Madison easily sunk into the day bed she climbed onto and lay back, pulling a blanket over her and taking in the beauty of the backyard. Gazing upon the greenery and admiring the birds and creatures chirping had such a calming effect on Madison since she had such a clear mind. She was at peace and it felt right... Enough for Madison to close her eyes and succumb to slumber for a while until the sun was close to rising and shining.
"Baby?" Finn whispered, stroking Madison's cheek with his fingers. He had walked his groggy self around the house, peering into every room and calling out Madison's name. But once he saw her from the patio door where he stood, he could breath a little easier. Waking up to an empty bed had been a little terrifying.
After awhile, Madison slowly opened her eyes to see Finn's handsome face which suddenly popped her lips into a small smile.
"What were you doin' out here, love?" He asked.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to wake you... You looked way too peaceful," Madison yawned, "I thought it would be relaxing out here and well I guess it was... I fell asleep almost instantaneously."
"You're so cold, love," Finn mumbled, yawning too.
"Come lay with me. The sun is about to come up," Madison proposed.
Finn liked the sound of curling up beside Madison and holding her as close to his body as he could as the sun would soon join them. He climbed into the day bed and Madison immediately snuggled up to him, placing the blanket over top of her and Finn for added warmth.
"So... Did you talk to her?" He asked, figuring it was really the reason why Madison was awake so early.
"Yeah," she nodded, "I did... I needed to say what I needed to say and so did Sasha..."
"Everythin' okay?"
"Yeah," Madison reassured him, "Everything's good, I promise."
Finn nodded and left it as is... Sasha was now, officially, a closed chapter for the both of them and literally it was only clear skies ahead.
"You know... This sort of reminds me of when we were in London, watching the sunrise that morning you proposed to me," Madison remembered, feeling for her ring on her finger. Finn snaked his hand to hers and felt the diamond between his fingers.
"Ive noticed you've had your ring on this entire time..."
"I never took it off... And it wasn't because I needed to pretend like everything was okay for everyone else's sake... Deep down, I still loved you and wanted to marry you and be with you, so of course, I kept it on," she explained, "Besides it's so beautiful, how could I have taken it off..."
"I'm so lucky to have you," Finn whispered into ear, pressing his lips to her temple, "Beyond lucky, if that's even possible... Goddamn, I've messed up so much and every time I thought I've lost you for good, for some reason I don't..."
"That's love... Thats our love," Madison cooed, "Unbreakable... Living the rest of my life without you is just something I am not physically or mentally capable of doing."
Finn smiled, kissing his way across her cheek. "I love you so much."
"And I love you... And this little kicker stomping my ribs to a pulp," Madison hissed, grabbing at her side.
Finn immediately placed his hand on her stomach, hoping to feel his son and he did. "Wow..."
"At least he stops for you... He may be a daddy's boy after all."
"I'm looking forward to that," Finn chuckled, "So how has his room been comin' along?"
"Well, before we all left, Sami painted Callum's room. Mom said she would take care of the rest before I'd come back," Madison sighed, "If there's even a home to come back to..."
"It'll be okay, love... Don't stress yourself out over it..."
"I know... It's just a lot to deal with while we're so far away... This is our first house and I just want everything to be perfect before Callum is born... I'm acting like a basket case, aren't I?" Madison asked, rolling her eyes at herself.
"Not at all," Finn begged to differ, "You want our son to have a safe and sound home... That's normal, love."
"I'll just be a little more at peace once we're back home in a couple days..."
"Wait, wait, does this mean I get to come back home?" Finn wondered out loud.
Madison smiled and a sweet giggle seeped from her lips. "Definitely... It's been far too lonely without you... I don't know how I've survived without any sleep because I don't even sleep well without you beside me."
"It's crazy how that is, isn't it?" He asked, squinting a little as the shinny bright rays of the sun were blinding, "We literally can't live properly without one another... I've been lacking sleep too. I've felt like a zombie all this time, runnin' on two or three hours of sleep if I'm lucky."
"Is this how it's going to feel when Callum arrives?" Madison chuckled, running her hand overtop her belly, "No different than what it's felt like the last couple weeks for the both of us?"
"Yes," Finn simply answered, "But on the bright side, we'll be in Ireland for the first few weeks."
"I think that's what I'm most excited for... I'm really hoping Ireland's cool and relaxing vibe rubs off on me and I'm finally at peace... The wedding is one thing I can conquer without any fears, but becoming a mom in less than two months is so surreal it's scary."
"You're going to be a wonderful mom," Finn encouraged, "Callum will one day know how lucky he is to have you as I am to have you."
"You're sweet, Finn... And don't you say it!" Madison teased.
"It's kind of my thing, remember? But I really won't say it..." Finn laughed before he threw up his "too sweet" hand sign.
Madison couldn't fully disregard how cute Finn was being. She took it for what it was worth and snuggled as close as humanly possible; warmed by his touch and personality she so dearly had missed.
"So what would you like to do today, my love?" Finn questioned, "I figured we'd need to keep busy in order for us to keep our minds off of Florida..."
"Did you have anything in mind?" Madison asked.
Finn shrugged his shoulders as he didn't have a clue. "I can't think of anything but lying beside you all day... I guess I've just been keeping myself as occupied as I could that now I can't think of much."
She ran her hand through Finn's short hair, earning a comfortable sigh. "What have you been doing?"
"Seemed like I was at the gym every single hour of the day when I wasn't wrestlin'."
"Yeah... Well, it shows."
A bit of a smirk rose at Finn's lips. "You'll always be my biggest supporter, wont ya?"
"Mhmmm," Madison nodded, curling up to his arm, "I'll always be your biggest fan... I'm part of your club forever, remember?"
Both Finn and Madison smiled and it felt so good to be so carefree and loving with one another again. "I have an idea for tonight. How about like old times, we rent a car and go out to dinner?"
"It does sound like old times, although I don't think I'll fit into anything in that closet," Madison huffed.
"Sounds like we're goin' shoppin' then," Finn chuckled. Many men couldn't be bothered accompanying their wives or girlfriends in and around shopping malls but Finn was all for it. He could comfortably walk around whichever store with Madison, browsing just about anything, if it meant spending time with her.
Finn's suggestion sparked a smile from Madison. "That does sound pretty tempting... And it'll probably be one of the last times I get to dress up and go out on the town before the baby gets here."
"So is that a yes?" Finn asked.
She nodded, resting her head against Finn's shoulder as he squeezed her gently. "A pretty firm yes... But first, why don't we get some sleep? I really have been dying to wake up next to you properly."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rolling up to the familiar restaurant Finn and Madison usually frequented in Birmingham definitely felt like old times... It felt just as romantic as it did their very first date. The place hadn't changed one bit and it was perfect. Madison is as expecting a table in the downstairs quarters, maybe by the glass fireplace, that she was quite surprised once Finn gave his name and they were quickly whisked away to the top floor... Just like old times, indeed.
Once the hostess left, Finn turned around to Madison with her hands on her hips and a smirk painted on her lips. "You know, deep down, I didn't expect anything but this..."
"It's not too much, is it?"
"No, not at all. It's perfect," Madison cooed, gravitating towards her love. Placing her hands on his chest, she stared into those beautiful blues and lost her breath momentarily.
He smiled so sweetly, willingly sinking her heart into her stomach. "I thought this could be the dawn of our fresh start," Finn explained, "Just you and I in our usual spot for a night on the town in good ol' Birmingham."
"You did well," she commented, "I can't believe it's been a year since we had our first ever date here..."
"It does seem like ages. Although I think about it every now and then and how great of a decision it was to become a professional wrestler and risk my well being... 'Cause then I got to meet you."
"Finn..." Madison whispered, lowering her head. That blush of pink swept across her cheeks that Finn loved so much. He placed his finger underneath her chin to lift her head.
"You're doing that thing that I love," he said.
"Blushing?" She smiled.
Finn nodded his head. "I'll never get tired of it, never... Goes to show you've been placed in my life for a reason."
"Fate," Madison whispered back, "But what if Hunter asked another therapist to come and spend those six months with you? Maybe you were meant to fall in love all along, but to think of it all in a different light is quite terrifying..."
"I don't think I would have fallen in love with anyone if it hadn't been you, to be quite honest."
And Finn was being honest.
"That feeling had always been numb inside of me, as though I could never truly feel what it felt like until I had you..."
"How is it possible that you make everything seem like this really rare fairytale?" Madison was so mesmerized.
"I can't say... The fairytale part is something I just don't know much about, given my history, love..."
"You're literally the man of my dreams, Finn... Before, during and now. You give me a reason to wake up every morning, longing for one of your smiles or just to hear the sound of your voice... That'll never change because of your past... Or ours together... It's the future we have together that I'm more interested in, handsome."
Finn's hands found Madison's, positioned as if they were sharing a dance together. "I've counted... 55 days and then it'll be the real thing; sharing our first dance together as husband and wife."
"Impressive, Finn," Madison commented, "And in a mere what? Approximately 80 days we'll be mom and dad."
"You know, the last little while I've had some time to think about my life; mainly fatherhood and our relationship... And I've also thought about the first time you were pregnant... I was so happy about havin' a son or daughter then, as I am now. But when I lost you the second time, it was just as bad as the pain I felt when we found out our first child just wasn't meant to be... I guess what I'm tryin' to say is that I've felt the most incredible of highs when you told me we were having Callum. And then I felt the most unbearable of pains that we're losing mine and my son's reason for livin' because of my actions... I've never been more ready to finally become a father and prove myself as the husband you so rightfully deserve, my love. And I cannot wait to say my vows out loud, for every single person in attendance to hear... I cannot wait to have our son in Ireland... And more so, I cannot wait to begin our lives together as a married couple," Finn so sweetly concluded.
He reached for the engagement ring on Madison's finger, slowly sliding it off. Lowering to one knee, he held both of Madison's hands in his and continued.
"I was so fortunate to have you walk into my life a year ago under such an unusual circumstance we came to embrace. As quick as our relationship developed, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I had fallen in love with you the moment I saw you... And again after we spoke... And made love... And each and every day that continues to follow... We've opened our lives to one another and prospered in times when others would not... You're the mother to my first born and the more to come... And you'll always be the love of my life and beyond my last and final day... I'll never get tired of askin' but now feels like the perfect time to ask once more... Madison Elisabeth Reed, I'm honoured to even know you, let alone about to welcome our son into the world in two months time... Marry me, my love? Marry me, my life."
"Baby," Madison breathed, so taken with each and every single word that seeped from Finn's beautiful lips. He finally stood back on his feet and satisfied his and her craving and planted his lips on hers in the most passionate kiss. Madison's arms draped over his shoulders, palms resting firmly against the back of neck. Finn slowly swirling her around as he continued to kiss her.
"I hope you're not expecting us to have a usual sit down dinner," Madison mumbled in between kisses. He fought his animalistic urge to caress every inch of her body. He was mad with lust, his heart running on the purest of love. Madison was content again, in his embrace. It felt quite different than the evening before, even a few hours back. Like their romantic spot unlocked a whole new, but familiar, level of love for them both to experience once more. Now it felt like months ago, when Madison and Finn didn't have a care in the world besides their powerful feelings for one another. It was normal now... They we're finally back to normal.
"Not at the slightest," Finn chuckled his answer to Madison's question, slipping the ring back onto her finger. They swayed together again, slowly and so lovingly in the middle of empty upstairs with nothing but the beautiful sound of a piano player in the background.
"I'm quite content as I am... With you back in my life and in my arms and our impending son, nothing else's matters... Absolutely nothing, my love... My one."
