Okay… I noticed a slight slip in reviews for this past chapter.. Not what I've gotten used too. So, we can do better, yeah? Please? Lol

Oh, and Randy was so very sexy on this past Raw.. his "pre-RKO" pounding fist move to scare Sheamus away… mmmmm lol

Chapter 7- A Family Thing

"So, what are your choices for the wedding colors?" Elaine asked, driving her car through the downtown streets of Memphis. Though, they actually lived in a city outside Memphis, Bartlett, there was no where to really shop in the small town. It was Wednesday afternoon, and we were out picking up the rest of the items we would need for the wedding in less than two weeks. The resort in California couldn't do the December eleventh option like I had wanted. So we had to move the date up a week, so we could have it there; the new date was the fourth of December. I was actually starting to get worried that we wouldn't have everything ready in time, but I shouldn't have bothered myself so much. All that was left for me to do was pick up my wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the flower girl dress. I couldn't hurt Zoey's feeling by not having Odera as the flower girl. Besides, I didn't mind at all. I nodded towards Randy's mother.

"I thought white and a light turquoise would be pretty. The colors go well with all my bridesmaids, and it wouldn't clash with my hair," I laughed. It was hard to choose colors that would go with my hair, colors that I liked anyway. I loved my red hair; it was unique, but so very hard for color coordinating.

"It sounds lovely, dear," Elaine smiled. I was enjoying the time alone I was spending with Randy's parents. I wanted to be as close as possible to them before the wedding. I didn't want either Bob or Elaine to have any doubts about me. "But, if you don't mind me asking, I noticed that you and Nathan were on speaking terms this morning during breakfast; what happened?"

"He apologized to me last night. And we're okay," I smiled, thinking that I finally had the approval of Randy's brother. But then frowned when I thought that the struggle wasn't over yet. "But I don't know about Randy yet. He held so much against him for what Nathan had said. And I want Randy to be happy, and he's not when he's at odds with Nathan. That makes it worse, is knowing that it's my fault."

"Lora, don't do that to yourself," Elaine said sternly. "This isn't the first time Randy and Nate have had a fight, and Lord knows it won't be the last. I've have seen this happen way too many times to not know that it will work itself out."

I sighed, hoping that she was right. After all, she was the mother of both, and should be an expert at predicting their actions. Elaine pulled into the bridal shop that sat in a small shopping center off the highway. I wrapped my coat closer to me, and followed Elaine as she headed into the shop. The store was packed with wall-to-wall white dresses, with the colorful bridesmaids dresses in the back. I flagged the clerk down, gave her my last name, and she led us to the back, so I could try on my ordered dress. I handed Elaine all of my belongings, and went into a dressing stall.

I slipped in on over my head, and let it fall to my feet. It was elegant in its Greek white style. The top was a simple silk spaghetti strap, with a band of crepe material on either side that fell off the shoulders. The chest was made of the same silky material as the straps, and the light crepe material criss-crossed over my chest. The under-layer of the dress was light layer of white silk covered by more crepe material giving it a flowing motion. A sash of more crepe tied at my waist to one side. I twirled slowly in front of the mirror, admiring the look it gave me. You could still tell that I was pregnant, but it wasn't as obvious. I opened the door to the dressing stall, and went back to Elaine. I held my arms out, spinning in a circle for her to get a complete view.

"Oh my, Lora," she said, roaming her eyes over my dress. "You look positively stunning. Randy'll not know what hit him when he sees this."

I blushed at her words, hoping that she was right again about her son. I wanted to look perfect for him. I have to admit, I didn't grow up dreaming about getting married and being pregnant at the same time. Seriously, what girl's dreams start out like that? But, standing in front of this mirror, I knew that I wouldn't have it any other way now. To be marrying someone that I love with all my heart, and to be pregnant all at once, was an amazing ride for me. I didn't want to take the dress off. I felt beautiful in it, which was something that came sparingly these days. With your stomach growing more every day, it was hard to feel pretty.

"Can I keep this at your house until the wedding?"I asked when I had changed out of it, and back into its traveling bag. "I don't want to carry it on the road with us until the fourth."

"That and you don't want Randy to see it?" Elaine countered with a smile on her face. I giggled softly, knowing I had been caught. It was true that I didn't want him to see it until the actual wedding day. I wanted to keep some of the traditions of weddings intact. "It's perfectly alright. I'll hide it in my closet."

oo

When we got back to the house, I only had three more hours until Randy arrived. And I was counting the minutes. Elaine and I hid my dress, and then I sat in the kitchen with her while she began cooking for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I was a little sad that I wasn't spending it with my own family. This would be the first one I would miss. But I had to get used to sharing the holidays with my soon to be in-laws. And I was one lucky girl, to be getting the mother and father-in-law that I was.

"What are you girls doing?" Bob said, joining us in the kitchen. He draped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me in for a small hug. I smiled up at him.

"I'm sitting here, banned from helping her cook," I complained. I was pregnant, not crippled. Everyone seemed to be afraid to ask me to do too much. I didn't feel as fragile as everyone thought I was. Bob laughed softly, looking to his wife.

"Then you won't mind if I steal her away for a while?" he asked, and Elaine shook her head. I stood up from my seat, and followed behind him. He led me down a flight of stairs behind a door that I didn't know existed. He held my hand down each step, making sure I was steady. I couldn't help but smile at his attentiveness. The stairwell broke into a large, cream-carpeted room. And I nearly gasped. This must be his career memorabilia room; because the walls were covered in pictures of him and many different wrestlers. Some I didn't recognize, but others I did, like Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, and to my delight, Sting. Several bookcases were constructed around the room, holding awards, books and other memorabilia. And, hanging on a floor-standing rack, was his infamous Cowboy hat.

"Oh wow," I said, trying to take in all of these priceless memories. I couldn't stop myself as I drifted towards the picture of Bob and Sting. I smiled at one of my all time favorites. "You really knew Sting?"

"Nice man," Bob said, smiling. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, trying to wrap my head around all of this. I found everything in this room so fascinating. I turned and saw that Bob was heading for one of the brown leather couches that sat around the middle of the room. I went behind him, sitting at the end of the couch he was on. There were several pictures on the coffee table, but one in particular caught my eye and I laughed.

"Is this Randy?" I asked, picking up a frame of an infant child. I would recognize those ears anywhere. I was happy for him that his head grew into his ears. The picture was a little faded, from time, but I could still make out his bright blue eyes, and a head full of dark brown hair. Bob chuckled softly.

"That's him. His Uncle Barry used to say that he might fly away with those ears," he said, regaling old times. I covered my mouth as I laughed at the shared memory. I replaced the picture, making a note to myself to ask Elaine for a copy of that later. I heard Bob clear his throat, and I turned my attention back to him. "So, when is the little guy getting here?"

"Well," I started, thinking back to my second obstetrician appointment, "my due date in early in March. I have to go on maternity leave one month before hand. I have to move my stuff into Randy's place before the baby comes. So, I'll be in Missouri when he comes."

"When are we going to get to see him?" he asked.

"Well, if it wasn't too much trouble, I was hoping you and Elaine would come out for the birth. I know my Mom is coming, and I would want you two to be there as well," I commented. Randy would need them when our son was born. He would want them there, to share that moment with them. And to be honest, I wanted them both there as well. I cared for both of them dearly. Bob thought about that, and smiled softly; a chuckle slipping from his lips. "What?"

Bob waved me off with his hand. "Oh it's nothing. I was just thinking that I was glad Randy didn't choose anyone other than you."

My heart stretched against my ribcage. I knew that his parents' approved of me, but to say something like that, just put me over the moon. I swallowed back the lump of emotion in my throat, smiling back at him. "And I'm glad that you will the grandfather of my son."

Bob first smiled, and then he frowned. And I knew what he was thinking about. I gathered from his expression that Randy must have told him about my own father. "I was sorry to here about your father's passing."

And before I could say anything, he had me in a hug. A strong fatherly hug. I breathed deep, taking in his smell of aftershave and firewood. I relaxed completely in his grasp, and didn't miss my father as strongly as before. I didn't let go immediately, still being comforted by Bob's hug, but then I heard a noise from upstairs. I strong voice calling out into the house. I jumped out of Bob's arms, staring up at the ceiling. I heard Bob laughed again as I quickly made my way to the stairs. I took them at a good steady pace, not chancing a trip backwards. I yanked the door out of my way and hurried into the living room. I saw him standing behind the couch, and I smiled brightly when he looked at me. I went as fast as I dared across the room, and fell into Randy's waiting arms.

"Randy," I breathed into his ear. I didn't know I had missed him as much as I did until I saw him. And it felt like I hadn't seen him in weeks. I grabbed his face in my hands, and pulled him to me, taking his lips with mine. I didn't care that I knew his dad was behind us, and that his mother wasn't far behind. My stomach was evidence that they knew this wasn't the worst we had done. I sighed into his mouth and he smiled against my lips.

"I'm taking it you missed me?" he whispered against my hair, after we had parted the kiss. I hugged him closer to my body. Making muscle memory of his form. I could smell him Armani cologne and I wanted to take him upstairs. But, I was sure, that would inappropriate. "I missed you too."

"Well, at least we know they aren't going to get pregnant in your house, Mom," a female voice said. I shot from Randy's arms like a bolt. Randy seemed dazed for a moment, still trying to figure out what had happened. But then a smirk came across his face, and turned towards the voice.

"Yes, but they still have to worry about you," Randy countered. I looked around his body and saw a woman who was about Elaine's height with blond hair that followed down and stopped halfway down her back. She had her mother's brown eyes. But I could tell in an instant who she was, just by her nose and the smile on her face. "Lora, this is my sister, Becky. Becky, my Lora."

I blushed a little when he introduced me to his sister. He was becoming more and more comfortable claiming me as his own. Something that made my heart beat fast. Becky walked over to me, and wrapped her arms around me. Something that I wasn't prepared for. And neither was the baby. He kicked hard against my stomach, causing me grunt in discomfort and Becky to release me. She looked down at my stomach and back up to me, laughing. "I guess that was my nephew saying 'hey'."

I smiled through my own laughter. Elaine told Randy to take his things upstairs to our room, and get settled in before dinner. I went with him, having spent excessively much time without him. He sat his bags next to mine as I closed the door behind him, locking it; just in case. I wrapped my arms around him from the back, snuggling closer to him. I felt his back move with each breath he took. He walked us both to the bed, and I released him, laying on the side I had claimed as my own. Randy stretched out next to me, resting his head on my chest, his cheek pressed against the top of my belly bump. I ran my fingers over the only hair that was buzzed to his skull. I leaned down, kissing his cheek.

"So, what have you been doing?" he asked, pulling himself closer to me. I smiled at his actions. I loved it when he was affectionate with me.

"Nothing really. Just bonding with your parents," I laughed, and told him about the things Elaine and I have done, then his father's overprotective behavior with me. Randy couldn't quite believe that man he grew up with, the strict father, was fixing my meals and taking my shoes off. I waited for him to stop laughing before I told him what I figured he didn't know. Finally, I took a deep breath. "And, Nathan is here."

I felt Randy tense against me. I sighed, knowing this was going to be a hard battle. He sat up off me, and looked me in the eyes. I saw the harden feelings for Nathan, and the worry for me. "What has he said?"

I held my hands out to warn him to stop. "It's not like that Randy. He… he apologized to me," I watched the disbelief set in his eyes. I took one of Randy's hands in my own, hearing the words that Elaine said this afternoon, and I hoped that she was on target. "You need to let him talk to you. Because, I invited him to the wedding."

"Why? Why would you do that, after what he said to you?" Randy said, staring at me as if I had two heads. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his uncanny stubborn streak.

"Nathan apologized to me, Randy. And I accepted it. I invited him for many reasons; one, because he's soon going to be my brother-in-law, and I don't want any harsh feelings between us. And second, because you need him. You want him there, and you know it. So, please, for me drop this stubborn act, and make nice with him."

And finally, I watched as his eyes went from unwilling and unyielding, to open and agreeable. I smiled at him softly, caressing his cheek with my hand. Randy sighed, leaning into my touch. "What would I do without you?"

I laughed softly, smirking at his words. I leaned over, and brushed my lips against his. Then I put my lips to his ear. "You'll never have to find out."

oo

The next day started off the same way the others have been, only that today was Thanksgiving. I woke up next to Randy, and I smiled. I missed waking up next to him. I eased out of bed, and gathered my things for a shower. I slipped into the bathroom that was part of Randy's room. The warm water beating down on my back really helped with the back pain. I felt immensely better after the shower, and changed into my shirt and a pair of pants so that I could begin getting ready for the evening. I opened the door back into the bedroom, and noticed that Randy was waking up, slowing sitting up in the bed. I smiled, and walked over next to him. I leaned down, pressing my lips hard against his. He moaned softly into my mouth.

"Good morning," he said, pulling back away from me. I laughed softly when he licked his lips, and I was thankful I had already brushed my teeth.

Then he left me to get his own shower. I watched him go, paying close attention to his thighs. Heat flooded my body, and I had to quickly think of something else. It didn't help when I blow-dried my hair, adding more heat to my already flushed body. Randy walked back into the room when I began to put on my make-up. I tried not to watch him get dressed while I finished my face, and then moved to flat iron my hair. He was already ready before I had even had a chance to change my clothes. He kissed my cheek, telling me he'd meet me downstairs. Then I was alone. I sighed, trying to reign in my emotions. Once I was dressed, I looked at myself in the floor length mirror. My dress, that Randy had bought for me, was so cute; the top half was a solid black, quarter length sleeve, with a scoop neck that ended right above the belly bump. The skirt was patterned of two shades of gray plaid, with a black shiny thin belt separating the skirt from the top. My legs were covered in the maternity black tights and I had on my comfortable black flats.

I left the room, and carefully headed down the stairs. The scene I saw in the living room made me smile. Becky and her husband, Ryan, sat on the couch with their two daughters, Lainey and Suzie, were playing on the floor. Bob was sitting in his recliner, watching some sports channel. But what really made me happy, was seeing Randy and Nathan, sitting on the leather loveseat, talking to themselves. Maybe, just maybe, they had straightened things out. I made my presence known as I walked in the main seating area. Bob looked up, and he stood up from his chair.

"Here Lora, you can sit here," he said, motioning towards the chair. I smiled at him softly, and took him up on his offer. The chair was so very comfortable. Bob had it broken in just right. I wiggled until I got into a comfortable position and placed my hands around my stomach. The girls distraction me momentarily as they ran into the kitchen. Then, I saw Randy giving his father an odd look.

"Who are you, and what have you done with my father?" Randy asked incredulously. I rolled my eyes, knowing he was talking about the treatment I was receiving from his father. Bob laughed softly.

"Randy, leave him alone," I joked, raising my eyebrow at him, causing the rest of the room to laugh. Just then, the oldest girl, Lainey, ran into the room.

"Mamma said it's time to eat!" Lainey exclaimed, before running back into the kitchen. I giggled as I tried to get out of the chair. After a few tries of my own to get out of the chair, I groaned and reached out for Randy. He chuckled softly, grabbing both of my arms, and gently pulled me up. I sighed, and straightened my dress.

"'Mamma'?" I whispered to Randy. He turned shining eyes towards me, smiling. He nodded.

"'Mamma' is what the girls call my Mom. And they call my Dad 'Papa'," he informed me. And as I thought about it, the names grew on me. And I'm glad they did, because that's what our child would be calling them.

The food was already set out around the table, the turkey already carved up, and each place setting already set up. I sat between Bob and Randy, watching everyone else. I was glad that I felt very welcome among this family. Because in a few short days, they would be family. The nine of us set around the table, eating, laughing and sharing stories. I could remove the smile from my face. Although I missed my own family, I felt like I was at home here as well. I grabbed Randy's hand under the table, squeezing it softly. He leaned over and planted a kiss on the temple of my head.

"Lora, can I talk to you?" Bob asked, leaning over to me. I was a little shocked that he had to ask, but I nodded anyways. He wasn't talking loud, but not soft enough that everyone else couldn't hear him. "We all know that you are marrying my son in less than two weeks. And you will become apart of this family legally. And I know that day will be hard on you, missing a key person in your life," I didn't know where he was going with this, but I knew what he was talking about. "So, I was wondering, and this is all up to you, if you wanted someone to walk you down?"

I felt my mouth drop open. Everyone in the room got quiet as they watched the scene. I couldn't believe my ears. Randy's father was asking if I wanted him to walk me down the aisle. My heart clinched painfully as moisture sprung up in my eyes. This has been a sore subject for me, that I didn't even want to talk to Randy about. And Bob was offering to fill that spot.

"You want to walk me down the aisle?" I whispered past the lump of emotion lodged in my throat. When he nodded, my bottom lip quivered softly; I felt ridiculous getting this emotion. It's all the pregnancy's fault. My thoughts swam wildly around in my head. Images of me walking by myself and then an image of Bob giving me away. I knew, without a doubt, which one I preferred. I stood from my seat, and wrapped my arms around the man's neck. Bob returned the gesture, holding me tightly. The first tear leaked out of my eye. "Yes, thank you."

I felt him laugh against me and I pulled away. I foolishly swiped at my tears, not wanting to cry at the Thanksgiving dinner table. I took my seat, and felt Randy's hand on my knee. I looked up at him, but he wasn't looking at me. He was staring at his father with such shock and adoration. It seemed to be the same look on the rest of the table's occupants. And at this moment, wedding or no wedding, marriage or no marriage, I knew that these people were my family.

A/N

Aww wasn't that sweet? I kind of teared up a little writing it. I don't know if it was just that sweet, or if I was still feeling the after affects from Moulin Rouge (that movie gets me everytime!) Okay, now pleeeeeease REVIEW! Please please please!

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