Chapter Fifty Nine:
"Lauren, its Jon."
It was silent on the phone. Jon couldn't help but feel his heart race. What if she had changed her mind and didn't want to see him anymore. He couldn't blame her by the way he treated her at the car rental place. His fear however went away when he heard her talk again.
"Oh um, hi. I didn't expect a call to soon."
Jon could hear the nerves in her voice. At least he wasn't the only one who was nervous.
"Yea" he said awkwardly before they fell into silence again.
"So um, what's up" she asked.
"I uh, I thought I should call. You know, so we could talk."
"What made you change your mind? You were very adamant that you didn't have a sister earlier."
Jon made out the hurt in her voice. He knew he deserved it for being a jerk. He swallowed the lump in his throat before talking.
"I'm sorry about that. I know that I was a jerk, its just I haven't had the best family experiences in my life."
"Apology accepted. I guess I understand where you're coming from. Its not everyday you have someone come up to you and say that she's your sister."
Jon smiled a little. There was a brief pause between the siblings before Jon resumed the conversation.
"Thank you for understanding. Listen, I know its late so I won't keep you up any longer. I called to ask if maybe you wanted to meet up tomorrow. I don't know, maybe get lunch and get to know each other?" Lauren took a minute to think about his proposal.
"Yea, sure. How about we meet at Joyce's Cafe. Do you know where that is?"
"No but I can find it. Say around noon?"
"Sure. Good night Jon."
"Night Lauren." Jon hung up and headed back to the bedroom. He placed his phone down on the nightstand. He walked over to the pack and play to check on the twins and he smiled at what he saw.
J.J and Amelia were facing each other, the back of Mia's right hand resting on the opened left hand of J.J. He kissed his fingertips and lightly touched their cheeks before climbing into bed.
Like she knew he was there, Brooklyn rolled over and snuggled close to him. Jon laid on his side and wrapped an arm around her waist. He kissed her forehead before closing his eyes, joining his family in sleep.
/*/
(Hours earlier)
Sarah stepped out of her shower, wrapping a fluffy purple towel around her as the cold air hit. She made sure the towel was secure before stepping out. Grabbing the other towel, she ran it through her hair to stop it from dripping.
Satisfied, she dropped both towels and started getting dressed. She pulled on her white bra and panties before her black leggings, and white long sleeved shirt.
"Make up, no make up" she mused to herself. She knew if she put on make up she would just have to wash her face again later that night and she really didn't want to.
"Well, looks like he gets to see me without." Running a brush through her hair, she parted it the way she wanted it.
Checking herself in the mirror, she nodded and grabbed her dirty towels before heading out to her room. She tossed the towels in the hamper and made her way to her closet.
"Black or tan, Thor" she asked the pup who was laying by her bed. Thor looked at her and paid his head back down.
"Thor, you're supposed to help mommy, not ignore her." Thor just closed his eyes making her giggle. She decided on the tan leather jacket. She slipped it on followed by the matching over the knee, flat heeled tan boots.
"Okay Thor, mommy's gonna go get Colby." Thor popped up and ran over to her.
"Oh sure, you get up to when I say that but you won't help me with my jacket." Thor just panted.
"Did you want to come with?" Thor ran out of the room.
"I'll take that as a yes." She grabbed her purse and phone before following. She giggled when she saw him waiting by the front door.
"I think you're more excited then me." She grabbed his leash and hooked it on before they left. Sarah and Thor made their way out of the apartment and down to Sarah's car. Pulling her keys out of her purse, she unlocked it before sliding in. Thor sat happily in the passenger's seat next to Sarah's purse.
Buckling her seat belt, she started the car. Looking in her rear view mirror, she slowly and carefully backed out before starting her journey to the airport.
Not even ten minutes later, Sarah arrived at Hartford-Brainard airport. She parked close to the door so Colby wouldn't have to walk far. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text telling Colby to meet her outside.
While she waited, she decided to see what was going on with her family. She opened her Facebook and stared to scroll down when something caught her eye. It was a picture from her brother's account. It was of him, Cheyenne and their parents all smiling with the caption "There is only one person missing. Miss you sis! P.S- Dad said I could have your room."
Sarah giggled at the last part but couldn't help but feel a little sad. It was things like this that made her realize just how much she missed being home.
She was so caught up she didn't realize there was someone standing next to her car until she heard a tap on the window. Jumping, she scowled and turned seeing Colby standing there, laughing.
He stepped back when she opened her door and got out.
"Did I scare you" he asked with a teasing smirk. Sarah rolled her eyes.
"No." Colby just laughed. Sarah heard a bark coming from him. It was then she noticed he was holding what looked like a dog carrier.
"What's that?" Colby smiled and walked around to place the carrier on the trunk. Sarah watched as he opened it, pulling out a small Yorkie.
"Aww! He is so cute!" Colby smiled when she started to pet him.
"Thank you. Sarah, meet Kevin. Kevin, meet Sarah."
"So this is Kevin. You are so beautiful" she cooed. Kevin sniffed her hand before nuzzling it. Sarah and Colby both smiled.
"I hope you don't mind I brought him. I just haven't been able to see him a lot." Sarah shook her head.
"No, you're fine. I think him and Thor will get along just fine." Colby smiled and placed Kevin back in his crate. They threw his bags in the back before shutting the trunk. Colby placed Kevin back on top before pulling Sarah into a tight hug. Despite it being only a week since he last saw her, it felt like a lifetime for him. He was just happy she was back in his arms.
"I missed you sweetheart" he whispered into her hair. Sarah smiled.
"I missed you too."
Pulling back slightly, Colby lent down and lightly kissed her lips. Her sadness from earlier disappearing just by being in his arms. They shared one more kiss before deciding to get in. Colby grabbed Kevin and walked around to the passenger seat. Opening the door, he laughed when Thor jumped out and started to run around his feet.
"Hey buddy" he chuckled. Thor stood by his feet. He bent down and picked him up as well before sliding in the car. Ignoring the new addition, Thor stood up on his back paws and started to lick Colby's face.
"See I told you that he'd get used to you. I swear he loves you more then me." She pouted playfully. Colby laughed.
"I don't think so. You love your mommy don't you buddy?" Thor just barked.
"That is a yes." Sarah giggled and started her car. On the ride over, Thor finally saw the carrier in Colby's lap.
When they got back to Sarah's apartment, Colby set the carrier down and opened it, smiling when Kevin stepped out. Thor squirmed in Sarah's arms. She set him down and they both watched to see what would happen. Both dogs looked at each other, then sniffed each other before they started to play.
Both Sarah and Colby let out sighs of relief.
"Now I know they'll be good when we leave." Sarah furrowed her eyebrows.
"Where are we going?" Colby looked down at her and smiled.
"I thought we could go out for dinner. Unless you don't want to." Sarah gave a soft smile.
"You just got in. How about I cook for us instead."
Colby smiled.
"Okay." Sarah smiled and shrugged her jacket off.
"Why don't you go unpack and I will start. Anything special you want?" Colby shook his head.
"Surprise me." He lightly pecked her lips before taking his bags and heading back to her room. Sarah smiled and picked her jacket up and hung it by the front door. She turned around and looked down to see Thor and Kevin looking at her, wagging their tails.
"Come on guys, lets go cook." She walked into the kitchen, the pups following. She rolled up her sleeves on her lace, white, long sleeved shirt before throwing her hair up into a ponytail and securing it with the black hair tie that was behind her wrist.
"Now what to make" she said to herself. She opened her fridge and looked at her contents, not seeing much which meant she had to go to the store soon. She finally decided on homemade chicken alfredo.
Pulling out everything she would need, she set it on her black granite counter.
"Music" she thought out loud. Sarah loved listening to music while she cooked. She walked over to her I-Pod that was resting on the dock to her speakers. Turning it on, she looked through for a song to play. After a few minutes, she decided on her favorite band, A Day To Remember. She turned the volume up when one of her favorite songs, Have Faith In Me started to play.
Thor and Kevin settled by the counter and laid down to watch Sarah as she started prepping for the meal. She cut the chicken and seasoned it with salt and pepper. After washing her hands, she pulled out a skillet and put it on the stove. She put some oil in before throwing the chicken in, hearing a satisfying sizzle.
She pulled a pot out to start the sauce in when Colby suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Need any help sweetheart?"
Thor raised his head and saw his friend was back. He popped up and charged over to Colby, starting to circle the Architect's feet again.
Sarah turned around so she was facing her boyfriend. She bit her lip to stop from laughing. Colby looked down and smiled at Thor who was soon joined by Kevin.
"Seriously guys? I can't catch a break can I?" Sarah let out a little giggle that time.
"I think our two babies are cocking blocking you there stud." Colby rolled his eyes as the pups continued to circle him.
"Guys, go lay down" he commanded but it didn't stop them.
Sarah smiled and looked down at the dogs.
"Thor, Kevin, go lay down" she said softly. Colby's eyes widened when they ran off to the living room.
"What?" Sarah laughed and checked the chicken before putting the pot on for the sauce.
"They're like actual babies. You have to use soft voices with them." Colby shook his head and watched as she pulled out the flour, milk, and cheese she would need for the sauce.
"Do you need any help?" Sarah smiled at him.
"Sure. Can you get the big pasta pan out and start boiling the water please." Colby nodded and kissed her cheek. Twenty minutes later, the house smelled delicious as Sarah dished up their dinner and they sat at the table.
"So how were the shows?" Colby shrugged as he spun some noodle on his fork.
"They were good. We're getting all set up for the Randy feud. Funny thing, I told Steph and Paul you were my plus one for the Hall Of Fame and stuff and Randy was standing there. I don't think I have ever seen him tense up so bad." Sarah smirked.
"Good. The jackass deserves to. I can't wait till I actually see him. He'll probably pee." Colby laughed.
"Oh that would be great. Please do that." Sarah giggled.
"What about you? How was work?" The conversation with her boss came back to her mind.
"It was, okay" she finished. Colby furrowed his eyebrows.
"Why did you say it like that?" Sarah shrugged, looking down at her plate. Colby put his fork down and put his hand on top of hers.
"Hey, Sar, what's wrong? Did that Holland guy bother you again cause I can kill him." Sarah looked up at him and giggled a little.
"No, no its not that."
Colby nodded.
"Then what?" Sarah sighed.
"My boss, Mr. Clark, called me into his office earlier today. He was telling me about how he was planning on retiring soon and he needed someone he could depend on to take over the WWE's account. He uh, he asked me to do it." Colby's eyes widened.
"Wow. Really?" Sarah nodded. Colby smiled brightly.
"Sweetheart, that's great! Congratulations. What did you say?"
"That I would think about it." Colby furrowed his eyebrows.
"Why think about it?"
"Because the job comes with I can stay here in Hartford or I can travel on the road with you guys."
"So? What's wrong with that?" Sarah sighed again.
"Baby? Come on, you can tell me." Sarah locked eyes with him.
"I'm just scared." Colby's eyes softened.
"About what?"
"W-what if I mess up? What if I screw up a big contract or something. And what if I start traveling with you and we get sick of each other." Colby sighed and shook his head.
"Come here." He pulled her up and into his lap.
"Hey" he said, lifting her chin so they could look at each other.
"Sarah, you are an amazing lawyer. Everyone knows it. Your boss wouldn't have offered the job to you if he didn't believe you could do it. You can do it Sar and as for us getting sick of each other, I don't see that happening and do you know why?"
Sarah shook her head, unable to look away from his brown eyes.
"Because I have never felt the way for someone the way I feel for you. If anyone would get sick of someone, it might be you of me."
"No. I don't think I would." Colby smiled.
"See. And its not like you would have to travel all the time, even though I might want you to. You can always split it up." Sarah let out a soft sigh.
"You're right."
"I know" he said teasingly, earning a slap to the chest.
"This is an amazing opportunity Sarah. You will do amazing with it, I know you will." Sarah smiled.
"You think?"
"I don't think, I know. So, what are you gonna tell your boss?"
Sarah chewed on her bottom lip. Colby had a lot of good points and she knew Alexander wouldn't have asked her if he didn't believe in her.
"I think" she started, locking eyes with him again, "I'm gonna say yes."
/*/
Jon let out a soft sigh as he started to wake up. He stretched out his legs before cracking his eyes open. The sun was streaming through the window and the birds were chirping.
Looking to his left, he expected to see J.J, Amelia and Brooklyn all still sleeping but J.J was wide awake, looking up at the ceiling.
"Morning little man" Jon said, scooping him up and laying him on his chest. J.J immediately snuggled and gripped Jon's shirt in his little hand. After they had gotten up the third time last night, Brooklyn and Jon kept the babies in bed with them. Jon could imagine they were so fussy because they didn't have their cribs. He felt the mattress that came with the pack and play and it wasn't as soft as the ones back home.
"Daddy will look for a new mattress for you guys." J.J just cooed when he heard his father's voice. Jon smiled and kissed his head. It was still so real to him that he had children now. And a wife. When he was younger he never imagined having either. He knew the life he came from and never imagined finding someone who would understand but he found Brooklyn. He would never stop thanking God for giving him Brooklyn and the babies. He actually had a family now.
Family.
Just that word took him to think about Lauren. He would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous to meet her. For one, he was a complete ass to her the last time they saw each other, and two, they hadn't seen each other in over twenty five years.
He sighed and kissed his sons head again.
"Jay, do you wanna go meet her for me?" J.J lifted his hand and hit Jon's chest..
"I'll take that as a no. Thanks anyway." J.J gave a toothless smile, making Jon smile.
Jon turned his head to the left again when he heard a small whine. He saw Mia was moving around, her face scrunching up as another whine left her mouth.
"Pretty girl, what's the matter?" He made sure J.J was still on his chest before he reached over and grabbed Amelia, placing her next to her brother.
He patted her back for a few minutes.
"Morning pretty girl" he cooed softly. That was another change. Not once had he ever changed the tone of his voice for anyone but with his babies, he talked much softer.
Amelia heard the voice of her father and the whining stopped. Like J.J, she grabbed his shirt in her little hand.
"Careful guys. Mommy is the only one who gets to rip my shirts" he joked. Both babies just snuggled into their fathers chest. When they caught sight of each other, they started doing their baby talk.
"One of these days, mommy and daddy are gonna figure out what you guys are saying."
Brooklyn let out a soft groan as she started to wake up.
"Speaking of mommy" she heard a familiar raspy voice say. Cracking her eyes open, she saw Jon laying next to her, the twins laying on his chest.
"Morning" she said softly. Sitting up, she stretched out and pushed a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Morning darlin. I think they liked sleeping with us last night." Brooklyn smiled and stroked Amelia's back.
"Maybe we should make it a permanent thing. What do you guys think, wanna sleep with mommy and daddy at night?" Jon shook his head.
"I don't think so. They have you during the day. The bed means I get my mommy time." Brooklyn smirked and took Amelia from him.
"Oh does it? I remember saying I would make you wait. Consider it me fulfilling my promise." Jon growled and J.J started to fuss. Soothing his son, he grabbed onto Jon's shirt.
"Your mommy is mean" he said, kissing his head. Brooklyn rolled her eyes and rubbed Amelia's back.
"Daddy can't take a joke Mia." Jon chuckled. The family stayed in bed for a few more minutes before heading down to the kitchen. When they walked in, they were surprised to see JoJo sitting at the table with a glass of juice and her coloring book in front of her.
"Morning Jo. Where's your mom and dad" Jon asked, fixing J.J in his arms. JoJo looked up at her aunt and uncle.
"Their upstairs. When I woke up, I heard weird noises coming from their room."
Jon and Brooklyn looked at the seven year old trying not to laugh. It was obvious to the adults what they were doing but they definitely were not going to explain it to JoJo.
"What were they doing uncle Jon" she asked innocently.
Jon was about to say something when Brooklyn cut him a look telling him to watch what he said or he was dead.
"They were just, um, wrestling. Yea, that's it. They were wrestling" he lied smoothly.
"Like me and daddy wrestle sometimes?" Jon bit his lip and looked at Brooklyn to take this one. Brooklyn knew he was using every once of power to control himself.
"Kind of sweetie but this is wrestling for adults." JoJo just nodded.
"Okay."
They both let out sighs of relief and joined JoJo at the table. A few minutes later, Joe and Gal came down.
"Good morning guys" Gal greeted, kissing her daughter's head.
"Morning mommy. Did you win?" Gal and Joe looked at their daughter weird while Brooklyn and Jon looked down and tried not to laugh.
"What?"
"I heard you guys wrestling this morning. Aunt Brooklyn said it was something adults do. Did you win mommy?" Their eyes widened in horror. Brooklyn and Jon couldn't help themselves and started laughing.
"Well did you" the little girl pushed. Joe and Gal looked at each other.
"Um yea, baby, I did." JoJo smiled and clapped.
"Good job mommy. Better luck next time daddy." Jon couldn't help it and started laughing out loud, harder then anyone had heard him before. He laid his head on Brooklyn's shoulder, crying from laughing.
"Jo, why don't you go watch cartoons in the living room while we get breakfast ready." JoJo nodded and ran off to the living room. Jon sat back up straight, holding J.J with one arm while he wiped his eyes.
"Oh god. That was great." Brooklyn giggled.
"Shut up." Brooklyn shook her head.
"You know we're gonna make fun of you right. Kind like how you guys make fun of us all the time."
"Okay but this was one time. How many times have we heard you."
"Well Gal, none."
"But what about me?"
"Hey man, we try to be quiet. Not my fault we're that good and can't. We like it loud and proud." Joe and Gal just rolled their eyes while Brooklyn just giggled. He wasn't wrong.
"Well thank you for covering for us." They just nodded.
"And at least you guys get to wrestle" Brooklyn chimed in.
"Four more days, baby. Four more days." Jon wrapped an arm around her and kissed the side of her head while she leaned into him and J.J.
"You're counting down?"
"Duh. I have been since she told me when it would be up."
"And we're the animals" Gal said as she started breakfast.
They just shook their heads as Brooklyn took Amelia back from Joe before he took J.J from Jon.
"So what do you guys want to do today?"
"Well, I know Nikki is dying to see us so I thought we'd go over there quick and Gal, I was gonna see if you wanted to help us start planning for the wedding." Gal smiled.
"Really?"
"Yea. Joe said you were good at planning and we'd could use the help. I'll pay you of course." Gal smiled and scrambled the eggs.
"I would be honored to." Brooklyn smiled.
"You're gonna have to go see them by yourself." Jon remarked. Brooklyn furrowed her eyebrows and looked at him.
"Why?"
"Because, I uh, called Lauren last night and we're gonna meet up to talk." Joe, Gal, and Brooklyn's eyes all widened.
"What made you call her? I thought you were taking some time to think?"
"I know and I did. Like you said Joe, if we are related, we both deserve to know each other and since we are, I figured we should while we're here." Brooklyn smiled. She was happy that Jon had decided to call her. She just hoped Lauren wasn't playing Jon because the last thing he needed was for another family member to hurt him.
"Where are you meeting her" she asked. Jon looked at his wife, seeing a smile on her face. He had to admit, without the support from Joe, Gal, and mainly Brook, then he probably would have never even given this girl a second thought.
"Joyce's Cafe. I have no idea where that is."
"Its just down the street. Go down this street and take a left, you'll see it on the right hand side. We walk there all the time for breakfast."
"I'll make a mental note."
"Brook if you don't want to go alone, JoJo and I can tag along." Brooklyn smiled.
"Thank you." Gal smiled back before turning back to the stove.
Gal finished breakfast and Joe called JoJo, who skipped back in to join her parents and aunt and uncle. They all sat around the table, eating in a comfortable silence. Once they were finished, they helped Joe and Gal clean up before heading back to their room to get ready for the day.
Jon decided he would change the twins by himself so Brooklyn could get ready.
"Are you sure?" Jon nodded.
"Positive. Guys, tell mommy to go get ready." The babies cooed, making Brooklyn giggle.
"Okay." She kissed all their cheeks before grabbing her clothes and heading into the bathroom. Jon looked down at the babies in his arms.
"Alright guys, lets do this." He placed both babies on the bed.
"Okay buddy. I'm gonna take your onesie off and change your diaper. Try not to piss on me again and I will buy you a new binky. Deal?" J.J looked at his father, their matching blue eyes locking. He waved his arms and kicked his feet while gurgling.
"I have no clue what you just said but I'll take that as a yes." He made quick and careful work unsnapping J.J's onesie and changing his diaper. After, he changed him into the clothes Brooklyn picked out. He snapped the onesie on before slipping the little pair of baby shorts on his son.
"There we go Jay. Good job bud and thanks for not pissing on me. New binky coming up." J.J gave a toothless smile and raised his fist which happened to connect with Jon's.
"Look at you. Only a month old and given fist pounds. That's my boy."
He turned his head when Amelia started crying he stepped over to her, making sure J.J was safely in the middle of the bed.
"Don't worry my little princess, daddy didn't forget you." He picked her up and rocked her to soothe her. The little girls cry seemed to stop as soon as she was in Jon's arms, making him chuckle. Someone liked attention.
"Your like your mommy aren't you? You love the attention." He looked to the door to see it still closed.
"Don't tell her I said that." Amelia cooed and Jon chuckled.
"Yes, there will be anew binky for you too." Like her brother, she gave a toothless grin.
"One month old and we're already making deals." He just laughed and laid her back down next to her J.J. Like with him, he quickly and carefully unsnapped her onesie and pulled it off before changing her diaper and slipping her new one on her along with a pair of white baby shorts.
"There we go Mia. Don't you look pretty." Mia cooed and kicked her feet.
"You're definitely going to be breaking hearts. Just promise daddy, no dating until your forty."
Brooklyn smiled from her place against the door frame while she watched Jon talking to the twins. Her heart glowed as she silently watched him with them. He really was a natural.
"Don't try and corrupt our daughter."
Jon jumped making Brooklyn giggle as he turned to her. She pushed off the door frame and walked over to the bed. She smiled down at her babies who smiled back at seeing their mother.
"I'm not corrupting her. I'm just asking her to do her daddy a favor" he retorted with a grin. Brooklyn giggled and looked down at her daughter.
"You know it won't work right? As soon as she's old enough, she will be around boys." She heard him mumble something under his breath. She swore she heard 'no the hell she won't. I lock her up.'
She smirked and decided to tease him a little more about it.
"Especially when she's got help from me and Sarah. We can teach her some tricks." She grinned while Jon scowled.
"You wouldn't dare" he challenged. Brooklyn giggled and looked down at the twins who were just kicking their feet and gurgling, oblivious to their parents conversation.
"Oh, I would. Between Sarah and I, we know all the tricks to sneaking out."
Jon smirked.
"Really? You two goody two shoes use to sneak out of the house?" He challenged, amused.
"Don't underestimate us just because we may look innocent." Jon shook his head.
"Oh I don't but come on, lets be honest. You, I can see sneaking out, but Sarah?"
Brooklyn giggled. Everyone said that. They always thought Brooklyn was the more likely of the two to be rebellious, even though she hated getting in trouble. But Sarah had quite the rebellious streak herself.
"Well its true. I remember one time, uncle Shawn told her she couldn't date this one boy because he saw them kissing. She snuck out anyway to go see him."
"What did Shawn do?"
"Waited in her room and caught her climbing back in the window." Jon laughed.
"See, we know all the tricks for Mia when she's older."
Jon growled when an idea popped in his head. He looked at her and smirked.
"Fine, you teach her and I'll teach Jay." Brooklyn's eyes widened.
"Oh no. From the stories I heard from Drake and Sami, you're not teaching him a thing." Jon just smirked.
"Its only fair." Brooklyn sighed.
"How about a deal. I won't teach Mia anything as long as you don't teach Jay anything." Jon smiled.
"Deal." They shook hands. They fell into a comfortable silence. Brooklyn crawled on the bed to sit in between the babies while Jon just stood in front of them.
"So what are you gonna say to Lauren" she asked, breaking the silence. Jon sighed as she took his hand in hers for comfort.
"I mean there is a lot I want to know. Like why didn't she try to contact me sooner? Why did she leave with my dad? Why I didn't get to go with them?" Brooklyn gave him a sad smile.
She knew that he had a lot of questions that he needed answers to. This meeting would hopefully give him these answers.
"If you want, I can tell Nicole and Brie that I can't come today so I can go with you."
Jon shook his head. Normally he would kill to have Brooklyn with him, but he didn't want to ruin her plans. Besides, Nicole and Brie would probably hunt him down and kill him.
"Don't do that Brook. You already had these plans and Nikki and Brie are excited to see the babies. I'm a big boy, I can do it by myself." Brooklyn nodded a little.
"If your sure." Jon nodded and lent down to place his hands on her bare knees.
"I'm positive." Brooklyn smiled and lent forward to brush her lips against him. Jon kissed back and rubbed circles on her knees with his thumbs.
"On another note, I love whatever these are that you've been wearing." Brooklyn smiled. She was wearing her spaghetti strap, black lace, romper.
"They're called rompers. I forgot I had most of them until I started packing."
"I'm gonna buy you more." Brooklyn giggled and looped her arms around his neck. He kissed her again but they broke apart when the babies started crying. Jon pulled away and groaned.
"They hate me." Brooklyn rolled her eyes as they each grabbed a baby.
"Tell him sorry daddy but we're number one now" she said in a baby voice as J.J laid in Jon's arms and she had Amelia.
"Yea well wait until March seventh, mommy will be all mine again and there is nothing you two can do about it."
J.J and Amelia didn't like that and started crying again.
"Great Jon, way to go." Jon rolled his eyes as they soothed the babies. They walked back downstairs and spent time with Joe and Gal before they got ready to go.
"Are you sure you don't want me there?" Jon shook his head as he put the car seats in Gal's car.
"I'm sure babe. I will call you when I get done." Brooklyn nodded and leaned up on her tippy toes to kiss him.
"Have an open mind okay. I love you."
"I love you too." They shared one more kiss before he helped her in the car and shut her door. Brooklyn blew him a kiss as Gal started out of the driveway and heading off. Jon sighed and went to the Range Rover. Getting in, he shut the door and slid the key into the ignition. Taking a deep breath, he looked in the rear view mirror.
"Lets do this."
/*/
"Ah!" Brooklyn giggled as Brie and Nikki surrounded her and the babies.
"Oh look how cute you guys are! I'm your auntie Breezy."
"Guys, these things are a little heavy." Nikki and Brie looked up at their friend.
"Oh sorry. Here follow us. Hey Gal, Hi Miss. JoJo." JoJo smiled.
"Hi guys." Nikki and Brie smiled before leading them into the kitchen where Bryan and John were.
"Told you they were here. Five bucks" Bryan said.
"How did you know?"
"Girls only squeal like that when there are babies, someone is pregnant, or someone got engaged. And I thought you were the ladies man." John rolled his eyes as they sat the car seats down.
Brooklyn unbuckled both.
"Who wants who?"
"I just want one" Nikki said, the excitement evident in her voice. Brooklyn smiled and gave her Amelia before giving Brie J.J.
"Hello beautiful girl. Don't you look just like your mommy!"
"Not as much as this handsome guy looks like his daddy. You're gonna be a ladies man aren't you?"
"No he isn't." Everyone laughed at Brooklyn as the men went to their ladies side.
"They're beautiful Brook." Brooklyn smiled.
"Thanks Bryan." Bryan nodded as he gave J.J his finger. She noticed John just standing next to Nikki, doing nothing.
"You know she won't bite, right" Gal said. John looked at her.
"I know. I'm just not uh-."
"He's not big on babies" Nikki said, her voice falling a little.
"Not big on babies? You're one of the top people in the company and are constantly surrounded by kids."
"I know but those are like four or five year olds. Not little babies." Brooklyn rolled her eyes and took Amelia from Nikki and put him in John's arms.
John tensed as the little girl looked up at him.
"Um, hi" he said flatly. Amelia just kept looking up at him as if she was staring into his soul.
"Look at that. Mr. You Can't See Me is struck with fear thanks to a one month old baby." Bryan teased only to get an elbow to the ribs.
"Bryan, leave him alone. He's not use to babies" Brie admonished.
"I'm not scared. I'm just not sure what to do" he said, embarrassed.
Nikki and Brooklyn rolled their eyes before Nikki stepped in to help him.
"Just slowly rock her and talk to her normally." Jon followed his girlfriend's instructions. He was starting to feel a little more comfortable and apparently so was Mia since she smiled.
"You know this isn't so bad" he said with a smile.
"See, you're a natural" Brooklyn teased.
Just then, Amelia started crying.
"I didn't do anything, I swear." Brooklyn giggled and took Mia. She felt her diaper and nodded.
"No, she just needs a diaper and I'm assuming mister J.J will too."
"Well that's definitely not my thing."
"Super Cena afraid of a messy diaper?"
"We'll help you Brook" the twins offered.
"Okay."
"You can use the guest room." Brooklyn nodded and all the girls walked off and upstairs.
"Can I change one Brook" Brie asked with a smile. She had baby fever before but now seeing Brooklyn have babies with the love of her life made her want to do the same.
"Yes of course. You can have Mia. Nik, want J.J?"
"No I'm okay." Brooklyn rolled her eyes as he and Brie changed the babies diapers.
"So where is Jon" Nikki asked as they decided to just hang out in the room. Brooklyn looked up and looked at Gal before looking at twins.
"He and Joe went to the gym."
"Yea, we tried to get them to come but you know how guys are with working out."
The twins nodded. Brooklyn wanted to tell them but she knew Jon wanted to keep it under wraps for now and only wanted a few people to know.
Her cell phone started to ring.
"Speak of the devil" she said when she pulled it out and saw Jon.
"Gal can you take her?" Gal nodded and took Amelia before Brooklyn headed out to the hallway.
She pushed the answer button and held the phone to her ear.
"Hey. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I just got to the cafe and I just, I just um."
"Just what babe?"
"Need some words of encouragement." Brooklyn smiled softly.
"Baby I know you're nervous but just take a few deep breaths. I'm sure Lauren is just as nervous as you. Just go in there with an open mind and just relax a little okay?"
"Okay. I love you." Brooklyn smiled.
"I love you too. I'll see you later okay. Remember, deep breaths."
"Okay. Bye babe."
"Bye cowboy." She hung up and held her phone to her chest. She was just as nervous for him. She hoped with all hope this went good for him. Sighing, she went back into the room.
/*/
Jon hung up and looked down at his screen. He saw a picture of Brooklyn, J.J, and Amelia looking back at him. It was one he had taken at Sarah's birthday party. He saw the time change to noon and knew he had to get out. Taking a deep breath, he opened the car door and stepped into the humid Tampa weather. Shutting the door, he made sure the car was locked before heading inside. He spotted Lauren in the back and made his way over.
His nerves picked up again, his heart beating fast as he got to the table. Lauren looked up from her phone when he stopped.
"Hey."
"Hi. Sorry if I um late." Lauren shook her head as he sat down across from her.
"No you're good. Are you hungry or something?" Jon shook his head.
"No but I could go for some water. I haven't been in the heat for a while so I'm a little hot." Lauren laughed and waved the waitress over. After they ordered, they lapsed into an awkward silence.
"So" Lauren started, making Jon look away from his nails and to her., "was that your wife with you at the car place?"
Jon nodded.
"Yea."
"And your babies?" He nodded again.
"Well congratulations. How long have you guys been together?"
"Almost a year. We actually met at work." Lauren nodded.
"How about you. Married or anything?"
Lauren shook her head.
"No but I do have a boyfriend. He is actually a fan of yours." Jon chuckled awkwardly. They lapsed into another silence that was only broken when the waitress brought their drinks over.
"So I'm sure you have a lot of questions." Jon looked at her and nodded.
"Go ahead, shoot." Jon chuckled at her forwardness. It reminded him of Brooklyn.
"I don't even know where to start. I guess with the obvious one, what happened to you?" Lauren smiled sadly.
"When I was two, mom and dad must have gotten into a big fight. Dad said it was over her drinking and he was tired of it. So, he took me and we left."
"And left me?"
Lauren shook her head.
"Dad went back for you but that bitch threatened to call the cops on him. And since he was on probation, he couldn't risk it. He took all the pictures she had though. Would show them to me all the time. You guys look alike you know."
Jon furrowed his eyebrows.
"Who?"
"You and dad. You have the same eyes." Jon nodded.
"Is he um, is he still around?" Lauren nodded.
"Yea. I go see him a couple days a week. He lives here too. What did mom tell you about us?"
"Well there was that he left and has been in and out of prison the whole time-." He was cut off by Lauren laughing.
"What?" Lauren waved her hand.
"He bet she would say that. Jon, dad has only been to jail once and it was a few months after I was born because he stole diapers and clothes from a store for us." Jon furrowed his eyebrows.
"Seriously?" Lauren nodded. Jon clenched his jaw and shook his head.
"She told me that he was a dead beat and was in and out of jail." Lauren shook her head.
"Nope. Only once."
"That bitch" he growled. Lauren nodded.
"She never said anything about us?" He shook his head.
"The only thing I can remember is I used to go around the house looking for a LaLa and she would yell at me telling me to stop talking about imaginary people. Even beat it into me a couple times."
"Dad said that's what you used to call me because you couldn't pronounce Lauren." Jon nodded.
"I'm sorry she lied to you."
"Don't be. She is nothing more then an alcoholic bitch."
"No arguments here. I um, I'm sorry I never tried to contact you sooner. I tried once when I was eighteen but couldn't find you then imagine my surprise when one day I'm flipping channels and I see you wrestling on television. How long have you been wrestling?"
"I started when I was around eighteen so eleven years. I've been in WWE for about three years now." Lauren nodded.
"Congratulations. Dad was really proud. He said he remembered when you and him would wrestle when you were little."
Jon nodded but he couldn't remember anything she was saying. He had to wonder just how many things he thought were just made up scenarios because his mother made him believe it. How much did he actually miss?
"Thank you. What about you? Have you always worked in the car rental business." Lauren laughed and shook her head.
"No. I am a make up artist but since I don't get a lot of business, I work there to make money."
"You and Brooklyn would get along good then. She loves make up."
"Well I hope I get to meet her someday and those babies."
"I um, I have a picture if you'd like to see it." Lauren smiled.
"I'd love to." Jon nodded and pulled his phone out. He pulled the picture up before turning it around so she could see.
"Aw they're beautiful and so is she."
Jon smiled.
"Thank you."
"How old are the babies?"
"One month." Lauren smiled as he put his phone away.
"I liked the Bengals onesies." Jon looked up at her.
"You like the Bengals?" Lauren nodded.
"Gotta represent the home town." Jon smiled. For another hour, they talked about their likes and dislikes.
They both laughed after talking about one of Jon's most memorable matches. Lauren looked down at her watch and sighed.
"I'm sorry to have to cut this short but I have to go pick up my boyfriend from work. If you're interested, I can introduce you to dad." Jon sucked in a breath and shook his head.
"Not right now. I just found out about you and I'd like to get to know you better first." Lauren nodded.
"I completely understand. Well if you guys are in town for a little longer, I would love to get to know you more and maybe even Brooklyn and the babies." Jon gave a small smile.
"That sounds good." Lauren nodded and they both stood up. Lauren bit her lip for a minute before leaning forward and wrapped her arms around Jon in a hug. Jon's eyes widened in surprise. Lauren let out a content sigh and gave one last squeeze before pulling away but was stopped when Jon hugged her back.
He closed his eyes for a minute as it all sunk in. Right here, in his arms, was his baby sister. And out there somewhere around town was his father.
They pulled away and Lauren smiled.
She wiped some tears away and gave a little laugh.
"Sorry. I'm a cry baby." Jon shook his head. He felt his own tears form when he hugged her but pushed them away.
"Don't worry about it." Lauren smiled and looked at her phone again.
"I really should get going. Call me or text me anytime you want." Jon nodded and they hugged again.
"Bye Jon."
"Bye Lauren." She waved before walking out of the cafe. Jon sat back down and sighed. Pulling his phone out, he dialed Brook's number.
"Hello?" Jon smiled hearing her voice.
"Hi darlin."
"Hey, how did it go?" Jon looked out the window and saw Lauren pulling away. He felt a small smile form on his face.
"Good. It went really good."