Sheamus looked over at his girlfriend as he drove the SUV through the Colorado countryside. Kimber was visibly nervous as she peered out the side window, her fingers locking and unlocking in her lap.
The wrestler reached out and took one of her hands, bringing it up to place a kiss against each digit. Kimber turned to him, her frown perking up into at least a small smile.
"It'll be all right." he tried to reassure her.
"Yeah." the reporter answered, trying to appear confident but not quite pulling it off.
"And if it's not," Sheamus added, a mischievous twinkle in his light blue eyes, "You can always come live wit' me."
"Funny, O'Shaunessy." Kimber rolled her eyes, "Very funny."
"Ah thought so." the Celtic Warrior gave her boyish grin.
It wasn't much longer until they reached the spacious, two story log cabin where her parents resided.
As they pulled into the long drive and began to make their way towards the house Kimber felt the butterflies in her stomach turn into bats. She didn't know if she could do this. What would they think? What would they say? Would they be thrilled? Disappointed?
She had never disappointed her parents before and the idea of doing so now frightened her more than she could say.
Sheamus stopped the SUV and Kimber hopped out. As he went to retrieve their bags she began to make her way up the porch and to the front door.
It was opened before she could knock, her father, Brian, stepping outside.
"Mud pie!" he greeted her warmly, arms wrapping around her for a big hug.
"Daddy." Kimber whispered, blinking back tears. Despite how worried she was, she was so glad to see him.
Her dad eventually pulled back and that's when she realized her mother was standing behind him.
"Hi, Mom." Kimber went to her mother, giving her a hug, as well.
"Hello, sweetheart." Elise Gentry greeted her daughter warmly.
"Sheamus." her father reached out, shaking the Irishman's hand as he approached, "Did you get in all right?"
"Just fine." Sheamus answered, "Traffic was actually not bad."
"Good, Good." Brian slipped an arm around Kimber's shoulders, the pair leading the way inside.
Sheamus followed after, setting the bags down by the door. Once that was finished he turned to Elise, offering her his hand.
"It's good to see you again, Elise." he told her politely.
"Sheamus." Elise shook his hand before moving to join her husband and daughter in the living room.
The Irishman inhaled and followed after. He joined Kimber on the couch, his hand going to her knee. He noticed Elise watching his hand, but he kept it where it was. She was his girlfriend after all. He had nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
"So we have you all set up in the guesthouse." Brian told the pair, "We thought you'd like your privacy."
"Yes." Elise offered a small smile, "And I, um, have made reservations at Tuscany for about seven.
"Sheamus, I hope you like Italian." she added.
"He likes food." Kimber laughed, leaning closer to him.
"You got that right." Sheamus chuckled, giving his girlfriend's knee a squeeze.
"Well then." Elise rose to her feet, "I think I'll go freshen up and change."
"Sure." Kimber and Sheamus also stood, "We should get settled into the guest house and do the same."
"Well see you in about an hour?" the Celtic Warrior arched an eyebrow in question to Brian.
"An hour it is." Brian offered him a grin before following his wife out of the room.
"Lead the way, angel." the wrestler told the reporter as they stepped out into the hallway and he gathered their bags.
"You know I can take some of those, right?" Kimber threw him a grin over her shoulder as she led the way towards the kitchen and the back door.
"No you don'." her boyfriend's mind was made up, "Ah've got it."
"Are you going to be like this the whole time," her voice dropped to a whisper, "I'm pregnant."
"Yes." he stated, voice equally low, a smirk dancing on his lips.
"That's going to get pretty old, O'Shaunessy." Kimber told him as they exited through the back door and made their way down the small path to the guesthouse.
"Deal wit' it, Gentry."
She didn't have to turn around to know that he was grinning roguishly.
She led the way inside, looking around with a happy smile. It was small, but spacious with a tiny kitchen, living room and two doors that lead to the bathroom and bedroom respectively.
"I guess I should figure out what I'm going to wear and start getting ready." she stated as she walked over to her suitcases.
She began to kneel down when she felt Sheamus' hand on her elbow, raising her back up,. She was turned around and found herself in his arms, getting one of his trademark tight hugs.
She grinned against his chest, snuggling closer to him. How did he know that that was exactly what she needed at the moment?
"Ah love you." he told her before pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "And it's goin' to be all right."
"Yeah." Kimber nodded, but she didn't feel completely convinced.
An hour later they had gotten ready, joined her parents and were making their way to the lovely Italian restaurant.
As they took a seat and passed around the menus Brian asked them about work.
"Um, good." Kimber glanced at Sheamus before answering, "One Week With. . .is in it's second season and doing well. They're thinking of taking it off YouTube, though, and putting it on WWE's new network. "
"That's wonderful." Elise beamed at her daughter, "I'm so happy for you."
"And commentating?" Brain inquired, "Think we'll hear your voice at Wrestlemania sometime soon?"
The four laughed and the reporter shook her head, "No, not that soon."
"But someday." Sheamus gave her a wink, grinning.
"And, Sheamus, how are you, son?" Brian asked, the older man growing a bit serious, "I, uh, I've seen you've had a bit of run in with Mark Henry."
The Irishman's smile faded away. The hand sitting on the table began to clench into a fist, the knuckles going even whiter. Kimber took notice and laid her hand over his, stroking the knuckles soothingly.
Sheamus took a few seconds to check his temper, but it was hard. The subject of Henry was definitely a sore one for him.
"He's challenged me for my title." he stated, eyes on his menu and voice quiet, "Ah've accepted."
It was clear he wasn't going to elaborate and an awkward silence filled the table. Elise sent Brian a knowing look, one that wasn't lost on Kimber. She arched an eyebrow at that but chose not to question it. At least, not then and there at the restaurant.
The reporter looked over at her boyfriend, noting that his temper seemed to be cooling. He caught her eye and gave her a wink, squeezing her hand. Kimber nodded, building up her courage as she turned back to her parents.
"Mom, Daddy-" she began.
"Hello, everyone." the waitress suddenly materialized in front of them, setting out glasses of water, "My name is Jenny and I'll be your waitress this evening. I'll just give you a minute to look over the menu. . ."
Kimber slumped in her seat, blowing out a deep breath. In a way, she was kind of relieved for the distraction.
They placed their orders and had more small talk as they waited for their meals. While they waited Kimber and Sheamus kept exchanging questioning glances.
Brian finally noticed, setting down his glass of wine, "Okay, you two, something's going on. Come on, out with it."
"Kimber?" Elise asked in confusion, "Is something the matter, sweetheart?"
"I. . ." Kimber turned to Sheamus. He regarded her lovingly, nodding.
She turned back to her parents and took a deep breath before launching in, "Um, Dylan's going to have a little cousin in about seven and a half months. I, um. . .I'm pregnant."
Sheamus slipped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her closer to him for support as her parents took in the news. Kimber watched them anxiously, fingers knotted in her lap.
Elise looked stunned, eyes wide and vacant. Brian seemed to processing the news a little bit quicker.
Her father slowly began to smile as the realization hit. He turned to Kimber and laughed, "My little mud pie is going to be a mom?!"
Kimber and Sheamus began to laugh, relieved that he seemed to be all right with the news.
"Yeah." Kimber glanced over at Sheamus and giggled, "I'm up the pole."
"Oh, sweetheart!" her father reached over and took her hand, giving it a squeeze, "Oh, this is wonderful news!"
He sat back in his seat, chest puffed out, "To think I get to be a grandpa again."
Sheamus blew out a breath, more than a little relieved that he was happy with the news. The truth was, he had been having nightmares that Brian would punch him out, try to get him deported or something equally terrible.
Kimber felt a huge weight beginning to lift from her chest. This had gone even better than she had hoped.
"Yes, this is wonderful news." came a soft tone.
All eyes turned to Elise. She was looking down at the table, brows knit and a frown on her face. To say she was less than thrilled was an understatement.
Mrs. Gentry turned her attention to the couple, asking quietly, "So what are your plans?"
Kimber's back went rigid, "I'm going to have the baby and we're going to raise it."
"What about work?"
"I've already talked to Stephanie and Triple H about it." her daughter answered evenly, "And they're willing to accommodate me. Stephanie has all ready gone over WWE's maternity leave with me.
"They're very happy for me." she added softly.
Sheamus' thumb rubbed across the top of her hand. He wanted to say something, anything, but he knew now wasn't the time.
"Are you sure the timing is right?" Elise pressed, "I mean you just got rehired, Kimber. What if the company doesn't think-"
"They understand." the Irishman did speak up then, noticing how much Elise's words were affecting Kimber, "Like Kember said, they're more than willing to accommodate her. Her position with the company is rock solid."
Elise regarded him mutely, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Well at least that's not a problem."
And by the evil eye she was giving him, it was clear to him that she thought he was the problem. Well too damned bad, because he wasn't going anywhere.
The waitress soon returned with their orders and the rest of the meal proceeded awkwardly.
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The four eventually returned to the Gentry home, Kimber and Sheamus filing in behind her parents. As she entered the living room something within the reporter snapped.
She pulled away from her boyfriend, calling to her mother's back, "Are you really so unhappy about this, Mom?"
Elise's back stiffened and for a moment she didn't move. Then, slowly, she turned around and looked her daughter in the eye.
"I think this is a bad idea." she stated coolly, "Kimber, your career is just taking off. You are finally getting to do commentary; something you've dreamed about doing since you were a little girl. If you take time off do you honestly think they'll just invite you back with open arms?
"No." she said with a shake of her head, "No, they'll just move on to the next big thing and I'm afraid you'll get thrown by the wayside."
"As if I'd let that happen." Kimber pressed when her mother scoffed, "I have worked so hard for this. I'm not going to throw it away-"
"But you are!" Elise snapped, her anger finally coming to light, "You are throwing everything away! And for what?!"
"Elise," Brian tried to interject but she continued on.
"And what about marriage?" the older Gentry woman demanded, "Hmm? And if you do get married, what if you get divorced?"
"We're not getting married right now." Kimber informed her.
"Hmm, I see." Elise looked pointedly at Sheamus.
"Ah'd marry yer daughter right now if that's what she wanted." Sheamus replied, "But she doesn'. And Ah respect her decision."
"Well that just works out perfectly for you, doesn't it?" Elise smiled coldly at him.
Before the Irishman could retort Kimber jumped in, "How can you be so negative about this?"
"I have a reason to be!" Elise yelled at her daughter, "This, all of this, is just asking for trouble."
She turned away, throwing her hands up in the air in disgust, "My god, Kimber, you haven't even known this man long! How in the world could you allow yourself to get pregnant by him?!"
"We've known each other for five months, twelve days and thirty-two hours." Sheamus said quietly, "And Ah've loved her for nearly that long.
He looked her square in the eye, "And as for how she allowed it to happen, Ah was there, too. Ah'd say Ah share the blame but then that would mean that we had done somethin' wrong. And we didn'. And the truth is Ah wouldn' change that night for anythin' in the world, Elise. Not even for you."
Kimber looked up at him with watery eyes. He noticed and took her hand, drawing her to his side. There he wrapped an arm around her, holding her close to him.
"And what do your parents have to say about all of this?" Elise questioned, some of her anger diminishing.
"Ah have their support." Sheamus told her pointedly.
Kimber's mother slowly sank onto the couch. She looked around the room with a sad shake of her head.
"I just think this is all a big mistake." she murmured.
"Then it's our mistake to make." Kimber said, fighting to hold back her tears.
She couldn't stand being there another second and she turned, fleeing through the house to the back door.
Sheamus watched after her for a few moments before turning his attention back to Elise. He fought to control his temper, but it was hard. She was Kimber's mother, after all, and because of that alone he believed he owed her some respect.
But his girlfriend was now crying her eyes out and that brought out his protective streak.
"You want to know how it happened? Ah'll tell you." he expressed, "Kember came to Ireland because she wanted to tell me she loved me. And if you know what happened to her, then you know just how hard of a thing that was for her to do.
"And so she did tell me." a small smile found it's way to his lips as he thought back on that time, "It was the first time she had ever said those words to me. Ever allowed herself to get close to another person after what that bastard did to her.
"And, yeah, Ah'll admit that puttin' on a rubber was the last thing on my mind." he cleared his throat, adverting his eyes for a second, "Excuse me crudeness, Ah apologize."
He turned back to Elise, "But Ah won' apologize for lovin' yer daughter. And Ah won' apologize for the child that came from that night.
"Kember would love for you to be a part of this." he sighed, scratching the back of his head, "She's scared right now, despite the brave face she's puttin' on for the world. And Ah think that right now what she really needs is her mother's love and support."
"I do love my daughter." Elise told him and he could see tears shining in her eyes.
"Ah hope you do." Sheamus nodded, "Ah really do, Elise. But Ah won' have you upsettin' her. And if all yer goin' to do is disapprove and argue wit' her, then Ah'd rather you not be around her.
"Ah love her and Ah won' have her hurt." his expression turned solemn, "Jaysus knows she's had enough of that all ready."
And with that he turned and made his way through the kitchen, exiting out the backdoor. He continued on in the night, making his way over the little path and to the guesthouse.
As he entered he found Kimber sitting on the couch in the living room, head buried in her hands. Her shoulders were shaking and he could hear the sobs coming from her. Just the sounds of them caused a pain to go through his heart.
Inhaling, the Celtic Warrior made his way over to the couch and sat down, pulling her into his lap. There Kimber clung to him, crying her heart out against his chest. He simply held her tightly, silently offering her his support. He pressed his lips to the top of her head, keeping them there as he closed his eyes.
They stayed like that for several minutes until the reporter's weeping finally subsided down to a few hiccups.
At long last she looked up at him, her usual beautiful green eyes full of misery. The wrestler regarded her tenderly, his large hand coming out to brush the moisture on her cheeks away.
"Ah'm sorry yer ma isn't more receptive." he said gently, leaning over to kiss her tears away, "But for what it's worth, Ah think she loves you. She's just in shock right now, is all. She'll come around. Just give her time."
"I'm so sorry for the things she said to you." Kimber sniffled, "You didn't deserve it. Not any of it."
"She's just angry and needed to lash out at someone." he shrugged, giving her a smirk, "Ah'm not sayin' Ah don' wish she would have done it to someone else, though."
"I love you." Kimber cupped his face, leaning up to kiss him, "I love you so much."
"Ah love you, too, angel." he murmured in between kisses.
He deepened the embrace, his arms tightening around her. Kimber clutched at his shoulders, as desperate for him as he seemed to be for her.
His lips blazed a trail from her lips, to her jaw and finally settling on her neck. He alternated between nipping and licking the flesh there.
"Make love to me. Please." Kimber's gentle voice reached his ear, giving the Irishman pause.
He pulled back and looked down at her with uncertainty. She was earnest and he could see just how much she needed him right now.
"You sure?" his hand went to her stomach, knuckles gently brushing against it, "It won' hurt the baby, will it?"
Kimber gave him a loving smile as she reached out and stroked his cheek, "It's all right. It won't hurt the baby."
She ducked her head, her cheeks beginning to warm as she murmured, "I've, um, been doing research on it."
That caused the Irishman to grin. He leaned down until his lips were a few inches from hers.
"Well as long as you've done the research." his tone feinted a seriousness he was definitely not feeling.
Kimber giggled, though it soon ended as his lips once again claimed hers. She practically clung to him.
One of Sheamus' arms slipped under her knees as his other came around her waist. He rose effortlessly to his feet, continuing to kiss her as he made his way towards the bedroom.
He entered the room, kicking the door closed behind him. He went to the foot of the bed, only then setting her on her feet. But he kept his arms around her, the kiss going on. He cradled the back of her head against his forearm, his tongue plunging in and out of her mouth.
Kimber gripped at his red spikes, keeping him to her, as she pressed her body against his. She could feel his growing erection against her stomach and she practically purred at the contact. She wanted him so much. Needed him so much.
He eventually pulled back, panting as he looked down at her with equal parts love and lust. He saw the same emotions mirrored in her eyes and it only seemed to make him want her more.
The wrestler's hands went to the back of her dress, scaling down her zipper. He could feel Kimber leaning into him, her breasts pressed against his chest, her lips pressed against his throat, and he practically growled in response.
The zipper was down in seconds. He seized the material as he pulled it down her body. He followed after, kneeling before her. She gazed down at him, green eyes full of heat. He leaned in close, pressing kisses against her belly.
Kimber's fingers again went to his hair, holding him to her as he continued to taste her flesh. As his lips trailed over her stomach he reached down, removing first one high heel and then the other. Her underwear soon followed and then she was standing completely bare before him.
He gazed up at her with hooded eyes and rumbled, "Yer so bleedin' beautiful."
The reporter offered a throaty laugh, "You say that now, but wait a few months when I'm as big as a house."
"Ah'll still think it." he muttered as he rose to his feet. His hands buried in her hair and he once again ravaged her lips.
Kimber whimpered against his mouth, needing to feel his skin against her own. Her fingers went to his tie, loosening it before they started to undo the buttons of his dress shirt.
She had them undone in moments and pressed her body against his. He rumbled deep in his throat in approval and the next thing she knew he was lifting her into his arms and laying her on the bed.
Sheamus shrugged out of his jacket, tossed his tie over his shoulder and quickly removed his shirt. He kicked off his shoes and was soon joining her on the bed, pressing her back against the mattress as he kissed her hungrily.
His hands found their way to her breasts, kneading the warm, smooth flesh and causing the reporter to moan in response. His mouth soon joined his hands, lips pulling at her nipples before teeth and tongue began to make love to the pointed buds.
Kimber arched into him, hands running over his strong back and broad shoulders. One of her thighs came around his hip, pulling him tighter against her.
He could feel her need, and he shared it, but he wasn't finished tasting her. All of her. His mouth blazed a wet trail from her breasts to her stomach, pressing a few more kisses against it, before he came off the foot of the bed.
He eased her down to the end of the bed, hands running up and down her thighs before lifting them onto his shoulders. His gaze locked with hers as he leaned down, placing slow kisses against the insides of her thighs. Then, never breaking eye contact, he turned and inhaled her scent.
Kimber shivered as the eroticism of the act and her breath caught as his mouth descended. He parted her folds, lips and tongue finding her sensitive nub.
The reporter felt her heart speed up and a tempo beginning to beat in the pit of her stomach. It began to grow taunt, the pressure building, as he continued to nip and lick at her.
"Sheamus." she gasped as she began to make her climb, "Sheamus, please."
He murmured in response, his ministrations continuing as he feasted on her. He wanted her to shatter. Now.
His finger found her wet channel, entering and stroking her inner walls. Kimber cried out in response, her hips bucking against him. His other arm came around to hold her down as he slipped another finger inside, working them in and out of her.
Kimber whimpered and moaned as the sweet torture as she continued to rise higher and higher. Close. So very close. . .
She felt him nip at her bud and that was all it took to send her over the edge. She cried out her release, body shaking as spasm after spasm rocked her. Fireworks went off behind her closed lids as she shattered.
Only when her shaking finally subsided did he pull away. His expression was practically scorching as he rose up and removed his socks, dress pants and underwear.
When he came back to her, his mouth crashed against hers and she could taste herself on him. She hummed in response and the Irishman growled in comment.
"Ah want you now." he told her as he pulled back, blue eyes blazing.
"Yes." Kimber gasped, reaching for him once more.
But he moved to his side, taking her with him. As he turned Kimber found herself on top, gazing down at him with love and desire.
She sat up, taking hold of his long, hard length in her small hands. The Celtic Warrior hissed at the contact and it was all he could do to keep from coming then and there. He was past ready.
Kimber seemed to be, too, as she rose up, positioning him at her opening. Keeping her gaze locked with his, she lowered herself onto him. The wrestler let out a cuss, hands going to her hips. Kimber gasped, head going back at the sensation of him being inside of her.
They stayed like that for a few moments, enjoying the feeling of being joined. Soon her hands were braced on his chest and she began to rise and lower herself on him. Again and again.
His hands tightened on her hips as they found their tempo, moving together as though they were one body. Sheamus could feel it wouldn't be long now, his movements becoming more erratic.
He reached out, fingers once again finding her sensitive flesh and Kimber suddenly cried out, erupting once more. Her inner muscles began to milk him and that was all he needed to find his own release.
The Celtic Warrior groaned, thrusting into her a few more times before his body grew lax and he felt sated. Kimber fell across his chest, gasping against it, and his arms instantly found their way around her, holding her tightly to him.
He slowly opened his eyes, panting as he stared up at the ceiling. Absently he began to run his hand through her hair and over her back, the myriad of emotions running through leaving him silent in their wake.
Above all was the absolute love he felt for the woman in his arms. He had meant it when he told her mother he wanted to marry her. And he still did. Now more than ever.
But he knew she wasn't ready yet. 'Yet' being the optimal word. But it would happen. He would do everything in his power to see to it.
He felt her lips ghost over his chest and he began to smile, holding her tighter. She looked up at him, smiling and feeling happier than she had been all day.
Knowing that, at that moment, she was made him feel like a hero.
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The pair stood in the driveway that next morning, Sheamus placing their bags into the back of the SUV.
They had decided last night that it would be best for them to leave. That was, only after Sheamus had tried unsuccessfully to get Kimber to stay and try and work things out with her mother.
Kimber's mind had been made up and the wrestler knew it would be almost impossible to get her to change it.
The front door opened, Brain slipping outside. Kimber looked up at him a frown. She was ready to argue if he had any objects.
But he didn't. He simply opened his arms to her. She went to him at once, holding on to him tightly. Suddenly she felt like a little girl again, needing her father's love and support.
Brian held her close, pressing a kiss against her temple. He looked over her head, to Sheamus, and offered the larger man a sad smile. One the Irishman returned.
"Give your mother time, mud pie." Brian murmured down to his daughter, "She's just in shock right now. She'll come around, I promise you."
Sheamus had said as much, but Kimber still had her doubts. It was like her mother absolutely refused to accept him as a part of her life and she just couldn't understand why. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
The front door opened once more and the pair pulled back, watching as Elise made her way outside. Her eyes were red and it was clear she had been crying.
She frowned at her daughter, appearing as thought she wanted to speak but was unable to find the right words.
Kimber let out a shaky breath and surprised everyone when she hugged her mother fiercely. Elise's eyes widened in surprise, her arms coming around her daughter.
"I love you, Mom." Kimber told the older woman, "I only wish I could have your support."
She pulled back to see her mother sniffling back tears. And yet she still remained silent.
Blinking back her own tears, Kimber released her and turned, making her way down the steps and towards her boyfriend.
Sheamus reached out, taking her hand and holding it firmly as the pair began to make their way towards the SUV.
Kimber forced herself not to look back as she climbed in. She wiped at her eyes as she got herself situated, buckling her seatbelt.
Sheamus made his way to the driver's side of the car. He turned back to find her parents still standing on the porch, Brian with his arm around Elise. Kimber's father looked torn, her mother heartbroken.
The Celtic Warrior exhaled before climbing into the car and starting it up. He was soon making his way down the driveway and towards the road.
As he drove he suddenly found Kimber's hand over his. He looked over to see her leaning back against the seat, looking out the window sadly.
His hand clasped hers, giving it a squeeze. One she promptly returned.
"I love you." she said at last, sounding tired.
"Is tú mo ghrá."