Chapter 24
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It was almost eight, when all the girls got back to the hotel with bags in tow.
Sherri had a craving for dessert, so they went into the hotel restaurant.
"What are you having Machelle?" Sherri asked, as she sat down. "You want to split, a pice of cheesecake?"
"I don't know, if I want anything." Machelle said, looking over the menu. "I have heartburn, from dinner. I'm burping garlic, and it doesn't taste good the second time around."
"Mint tea, will help that." Patty said. "I told Roman, to tell you weeks ago. He told me you were having trouble, with heartburn."
"I told him these kids, better come out with a full head of hair." Machelle laughed. "I will try the tea, and maybe a piece of coconut pie."
"So, what time are we leaving tomorrow?" Summer asked.
"Check out is 11 so, I'm guessing around that time." Machelle said. "We should be home by dinner, we could have a BBQ. Maybe, stop on the way home and grab somethings."
"Sounds good, to me." Summer said.
They sat and chatted a bit, then went back to their rooms.
Meanwhile at the basketball game
"Did you call Betty for the Baby-moon?" Sika asked Roman. "I got, my end arranged. Summer and Vanessa, are each taking the boys at night. The rest of us have them, in the day time."
"Thanks Dad." Roman smiled. "I did call, and made reservations for two nights. Betty called last night, and cancelled on me. So, I had to go to plan B."
"Which is?" Sika smiled.
"We are going to the cabin, for one night." Roman said. "I know it should be longer but, she has a list of things to do. I don't, want to sleep on the couch for this."
"Your Mom has it." Sika smiled. "Sherri took it, and the girls split it up. So, she has nothing to worry about."
"You try telling my wife, not to worry about it." Roman laughed.
Okay I will." Sika smiled. "It's about time, I played the Father in Law Card. I have waited, a year and a half to play it. She has done, way to much. She is pregnant, and we don't want her sick."
All the guys laughed.
Even Afa laughed, and he didn't know Machelle as well as the others did.
The next morning Machelle woke up, to quiet.
She rolled over, and saw it was 10:30.
Then panic set in, that she had over slept. Now she would have to get the boys all packed, and out in half an hour.
She threw the covers back swearing, and got out of bed as fast as her body would allow.
She was going to put her suitcase on it, to pack her clothes. When Roman came in, from the bathroom.
"Morning, did you sleep good?" Roman said, coming over and hugging her. He kissed her forehead. "I came in last night, and you were fast asleep."
"That massage felt so good, and I was so tired after. Then we ate, and I got some energy back. You should have woke me, this morning though." Machelle said. "Our check out time is soon, and now we have to scramble to get out."
"You needed the sleep, Machelle. Besides Dean got a late check out time, for us all." Roman said. "He thought you girls, would want to stay a couple hours later to shop."
Machelle let a breath out, that she didn't have to scramble.
"I think, we did enough last night." Machelle smiled. "We got dresses and shirts for you, and the boys for the party. We got a whole lot of baby clothes, for Sherri and for us."
"You girls are so bad, with my Sister's and Mom." Roman smiled. "You hungry, everyone is down stairs in the restaurant?"
"Starving but, I need to pack up before we go." Machelle said.
"Nope, I packed everything up and brought it to the bus all ready." Roman said. "I left some clothes, for you in the bathroom."
"Thanks." Machelle said, and kissed him. "How did it go last night?"
Then went into the bathroom to brush her teethe. She came out with her clothes, and got dressed.
"All the kids had so much fun, last night. The boys hung off of Seth, most of the night." Roman said, sitting on the bed. "They met, Shaquille O' Neil. He gave them all autographs, and took pictures with each and every one of them. He also introduced them, to both teams. All in all, it was a great night."
"I am so glad, you guys had fun." Machelle smiled, and laid on the bed. Roman, put his arm around her. "We did too. Do we have any plans, for our Anniversary? I'm asking because Sherri and your Sister's, are planning on asking Malcolm and Christian to babysit. I said, we were going to stay home with the boy's. Not like I can go or do anything fun, looking like a beached whale."
"You make a beautiful beached whale, and I would help you back to sea. Maybe, even come with you." Roman smiled, and kissed her. "We could get married, in the sea. Maybe, ask King Titian to marry us.
"Thank you." Machelle smiled and rolled her eyes. "I appreciate that, Jerk."
"I thought, that was pretty good." Roman smiled. "We, could do that if you want. I did, make plans. I thought for sure, Vanessa would of said something. She's the one, that gave me the idea. I would tell you but, we might still do it. I want to surprise you so, you have to wait."
"Now that I think of it, she didn't say a word." Machelle said, then smiled. "What plans, did you make?"
"It's a surprise, I said." Roman smiled, and kissed her. "Come on we need to get you fed, before the Monster comes out."
Roman smiled, and helped her up.
They both did a second check of the rooms, to make sure they didn't forget anything.
Then walked out, and met the rest of the family down stairs.
On the way back to Tampa, they stopped and got things to BBQ.
The next morning Roman got up, and got the boy's breakfast. While Machelle, was getting ready.
Just as he was about to give the boy's their breakfast, the door bell rang.
"Uncle Dean." JJ yelled.
"No, it's Uncle Seth." Jake said.
"Why don't you come with me to answer the door, and see who it is?" Roman smiled, and helped them both down. "I do believe, you are both wrong. My guess, is it's Papa and Uncle Afa."
JJ, El Torrito, Jake and Roman went to the door.
"Papa, Uncle Afa." Both the boys, yelled.
El Torrito waged his tail, and was barking.
Trying to say his hello's to Sika but, The boys were in the way. So, he said hello to Afa instead.
"Daddy, wins." Jake smiled, and gave Sika a hug. While JJ, gave Afa hugs.
"You want coffee, guys?" Roman asked. "There is french toast, if your hungry."
"Yes, They need to have some french toast." JJ said, running into the kitchen.
Jake, was right behind him.
"Guess, we are having french toast." Sika laughed, and walked towards the kitchen. "Your Mother sent us, to give you the stuff she bought for the surprise. We are here to babysit, if Machelle asks."
Roman nodded, and smiled.
Patty had bought some clothes for Machelle, and the rest of the family. While they were shopping, in Miami.
Roman had arranged to have a photo shoot, to take pictures of them. It was a secret, Machelle didn't know a thing.
"Why would Machelle, ask why you guys are here?" Machelle said, coming into the kitchen. "You both are welcome here anytime, and you know that. As I have said that, many many times."
Roman, JJ, and Jake were all laughing.
"That we do know but, I am here on my wife's orders. To babysit, for you guys." Sika smiled. "Roman said, you were going to get someone else to babysit. I couldn't let that happen, now could I?"
"I don't believe you but, I will let it slide." Machelle said, and smiled.
"What my brother is trying to say Machelle is, we are two hours late." Afa smiled. "We were supposed, to be here at nine, not 11. We went to the golf course instead."
"Thank you, Afa." Machelle said, and kissed his cheek, then did the same to Sika. "What time, are your sister and Patty's coming on Friday?"
"Tao is coming in at Noon. Summer is picking her up, at the airport." Sika said. "Valentina is coming at two. Mikila and Mason are meeting her. They come in at 1:30 from L.A. They are waiting for her, and dropping her off at Vanessa's. Then coming here, why?"
"Okay, no reason. I thought, you were picking them up." Machelle said, and stole a piece of french toast from JJ. "Sherri, Tia and I were going to take Patty out. Maybe ask her to lunch but, if you aren't picking them up that is okay."
Roman got a plate out, and gave it to Machelle.
"You guys, can totally do that." Sika smiled. "Gives me more time at the golf course, with Afa. Roman is picking up Matt."
"Dad Matt comes in on Thursday morning, remember." Roman smiled.
"Oh he remembers, he told your Mom five on Friday." Afa said. "Then we still get to golf late. We will kick their butt, and they will come here and bug you guys. Letting us, golf late."
"You two, are so bad." Machelle smiled. "I bet if you told her the truth, she would love to get you out of the house."
"Where, is the fun in that? I bet, Summer told her anyway." Sika laughed. "This is a tradition, Machelle. Not the lying part but, the challenge. You need to understand, this tradition. Matt and Dwayne, think they are the best golfers. They win, almost every year. This year, we will win. We have been practising, everyday."
Machelle shook her head, and went to get her shoes.
"Daddy, where are you going?" Jake asked. "Can I, come with you."
"No bud, you and JJ are staying with Papa and Uncle Afa." Roman said.
Jake started to cry but, Roman wasn't upset. He just picked him up, and tried to comfort him. Jake put his head on Roman's shoulder, and put his thumb in his mouth.
He knew the boys were very close, to Machelle. Her being pregnant, just made it worse than usual. They wanted to be with her, all the time now.
"Jake, we can go and get some things to build." Sika said. "How about we build Mommy, some flower boxes?"
Jake, shook his head.
"How about we go to the park?" Afa said. "We always, have fun there."
Jake shook his head again, and cried even harder.
"Oh Jake, don't cry." Machelle smiled. "Daddy and I, won't be long. Why don't you and JJ, show Uncle Afa what you guys did last week? He hasn't seen it, yet. Maybe, he can help you guys work on it. Or maybe he has some Awesome ideas to put on it."
Jake finally agreed, and stopped crying.
Machelle dried his eyes, and Roman put him down.
They both ran, and got their shoes on.
"Sorry, about that." Machelle said. "He has gotten so attached to me, in the last couple months. JJ is bad but, not as much as Jake."
"Machelle, don't worry about it." Afa smiled. "You are here all the time, it makes sense that they want to be with you all the time. I bet they do it to Roman, when he leaves."
"They do, just not as theatrical as when Mommy leaves." Roman smiled. "You guys need anything, while we are out?"
"Just, the keys to Machelle's car." Sika said. "We can go out and have some lunch, or get a game of golf in. If we are not home, when you guys come back. We will be back by Five, that okay?"
Sika winked at Roman.
That meant all of them were up to no good. Roman nodded and winked back.
"Come on Uncle Afa, you should see our tree house. It will be Awesome, when it is done." JJ said, excitedly. "We are going to finish it, when Papa gets back from his vacation. We almost, have all the stuff to finish it."
JJ grabbed Afa's hand, and pulled him towards the back yard.
Jake and Sika, followed them.
"You know boys, Uncle Afa might be able to help us start it." Sika said. "He built his guest house, with Mikila and Mason."
Roman and Machelle, took that as a sign to leave.
"Was your Dad serious, about not telling your Mom?" Machelle asked, as they drove down the street.
"Mom knows. Like he said, this is a tradition." Roman smiled. "All the guys in the Family get together, and challenge each other. It's usually at the reunions. But, because everyone is coming here for the Anniversary party. It's happening, this Thursday and Friday. Then on Saturday, the winners play each other for a trophy. The winners will probably, brag on Sunday at the party. Is that my shirt, your wearing?"
"How come, I have just heard about this?" Machelle said. "I mean for Five years, we have been married. You never go or say, a thing about it. Yes it is, sorry my shirts don't fit anymore. I think the boys moved into a different position. I don't have a bum, on my bladder anymore."
Roman put his hand on her stomach, and laughed.
"I think your right, they have moved. Anyway that's because, I don't like to golf." Roman said, grabbing Machelle's hand and kissed the back. "Yes I do play but, I find it very boring hitting little balls. I just go with Dad and Afa, to spend time with them. Besides, I like staying home with you and the boys."
Machelle, was quiet for a bit.
"What's wrong?" Roman said, looking at her.
"Nothing, I was thinking." Machelle smiled. "Is this golfing thing, for the Guys Only?"
"I don't know, why you want to play?" Roman smiled. "I bet, they would love to have you."
"I don't know, if I want to play a whole game." Machelle laughed. "But, I would like to play at least one hole. I find it really boring too but, I used to play with Jamie. We had great conversations, back then. Maybe, I should start a tradition with the girls. Is shopping, a sport?"
"With all the fighting to get that one thing that every one wants. I guess it could be a sport, at a sale." Roman smiled. "What do you really want to do, for Our Anniversary?"
"Honestly, as long as we are together it doesn't matter." Machelle said. "The going out part was a great idea because, we will be with our friends and family. You know me, I would be happy just eating KFC on the beach. Like we used to do, before kids."
Roman smiled, and pulled into a parking space.
"Come on lets get this done, and go for Sushi." Roman smiled, and got out of the car.
He went to Machelle's side, and helped her out.
"You know, I think maybe chicken nuggets sound better." Machelle smiled.
"That will change, by the time we get out. You do know that, right?"
"Yup, I do know that." Roman laughed, and held her hand as they walked into Dr Lee's office.
Little did Machelle know, Roman had plans after their visit.
Sika, Afa, and the boys were standing in the backyard.
Sika, had part of the tree house ready to put up. But, Afa was the expert in this kind of thing.
"Uncle Afa, what else can we do to our tree house?" JJ asked.
"I think you need bumper pads, on the ground." Afa smiled. "So your Mom and Mo Ma, won't freak out when you jump from the top. Papa, told me you guys like to jump."
"Mommy jumped out of her chair, and said she almost had a heart attack." JJ laughed.
"I bet she did." Afa smiled. "So, why don't we make your fort on the ground and bigger. So, you guys can each have your own side. The tree can be used for shade, and you could still climb it. Maybe, even put your tire swing in it. What do you think?"
JJ and Jake looked at each other, and Yelled 'YEAH'.
"That sounds really cool." Jake said excitedly. "Can I have a slide on my side, and a bridge to go see JJ?"
"Of course you can." Afa said. "We just need, to make some plans first."
"I brought you paper, Afa." Sika smiled. "I knew, you could fix this mess."
"It's not a mess." Afa smiled "But, we are going to need more things. Boys do you have tool belts, because you are going to help?"
"Papa, got us some for our birthday." Jake smiled. "They aren't real tools because, Mommy said we would hit each other with them."
"I can see that, your Mommy is very smart." Afa smiled. "Okay let's start a list, we need more wood, nails, some chain and a slide. I think, I have an idea for the wood. So, it won't be as expensive."
Once Afa got his plans drawn, and supplies he would need. The boys and Sika got into Machelle's car, and Afa in his truck. So they could put all the things, in the back.
Then they were off, to Home Depot.
A couple hours later, Afa backed his truck into the driveway.
Sika drove the car into the garage, and helped the boys out.
Dean, Ares, Seth and the kids, were just coming back from the beach. They saw the truck backing up, and wondered what was going on.
So, they walked up the driveway.
"Uncle Dean, Uncle Seth." JJ yelled. "We are making, a huge house."
Sika and Afa, started to laugh.
"Afa, has a plan to make the Fort bigger and better." Sika said. "We just went, and got all the wood for it. You guys, can help if you want?"
"I'm in." Dean smiled.
"Me too." Seth said. "Just tell us what to do, boss."
Roman and Machelle were just walking out of Dr Lee's office, when Roman got a text from Dean.
Machelle went to the washroom. So, Roman called Dean.
"What's going on?" Roman asked. "Everything, okay?"
"Of course it is, we got this. I just called to say, everything is ready. Sherri and Tia, went and got everything done." Dean said. "The hotel called, and said they will credit your card for the room. They are also sending you a gift card, for another time."
"I have been thinking, maybe this was a bad idea." Roman said. "She-"
"Ro, this is a great idea." Dean interrupted. "She needs this, and you know it. Sherri said the make-up artist, will be there at 11. The photographer, will be there around noon. I know it's only one night but, just relax. Seth and I are bringing the boys, in the morning. We will bring food, for breakfast and Lunch. Sherri and Tia are shopping, for it now."
"I know she needs this but, this might be the wrong time." Roman said.
There was talking in the back ground, and then Sika got on the phone.
"I will make sure, everything is done on the list." Sika said. "Make sure, you tell her that. Tell her The Father In Law Card, is being played. If she doesn't rest, I will kick her Butt."
Then Sika handed the phone, back to Dean.
"Oh gotta go, keep me informed." Roman said. "Thank you all, for helping me do this."
"You guys deserve, one night by yourselves." Dean said. "Okay, I will call if we need you."
Then Dean, hung up the phone.
"You, ready for lunch now?" Roman asked, when Machelle returned.
"Yeah I guess but, we should go get the boys." Machelle said. "I know they are safe but, I feel bad the way we left them. I hate it, when they cry."
"I just checked in, and they are doing great." Roman smiled. "They are just going for lunch, and then to the park. You know, Dad can handle them."
"I know, you are right." Machelle smiled.
"How did that taste, knowing I am right?" Roman laughed.
"Like drinking Vinegar right from the bottle." Machelle smiled. "Don't get used to it, Mister."
Roman laughed and unlocked the car, then helped her in.
"Did I tell you the good news about, John?" Machelle said, when Roman got in the car. "He is getting in contact with Steve Mom's old boss, for a ring for Nikki."
"No, when did this happen?" Roman said, starting the car. "I don't know why, he is being such an ass about marriage and kids. It's a great thing."
"Good answer. Can we go for, pizza instead of sushi?" Machelle said. "He's scared, Sam just wanted the fame. She took him, for everything he had. I have been chatting, with him for ages about this. He loves Nikki but, says he is scared it will happen again. I said Nikki makes her own money, and doesn't need his. Sam, didn't even work."
"I know, you talk with him." Roman said, stopping at a red light. "He told me, he thought I would be jealous. I told him I wasn't, I trust you. He was really surprised, I wasn't mad."
"Thank you, for trusting me." Machelle smiled, and squeezed his hand. "I think when I first started working for WWE, Nikki was jealous of me. But, I told her that we just talk. She came walking into the bus one day pissed off thinking something was going on. She saw we were sitting at the table chatting and eating muffins. That's when she knew, we were just friends. He's kinda like Dean and Seth, easy to talk with. We have great conversations. Hey, I thought we were going to Toni's pizza?"
"Nope I am kidnapping you, for the night." Roman smiled, and squeezed her hand. "Don't ask where, just sit back and relax. We have about an hour, before we get there. The boys, are in very good hands."
Machelle, looked at him a few minutes. Then relaxed, as they drove past the city.
"You okay?" Roman said, after a few minutes. "Don't worry, I will stop for food. It just won't be, Toni's Pizza."
"Yeah, I'm fine." Machelle smiled. "I was just wondering, how I missed the signs on you surprising me. I usually can tell, when your up to something. I knew there was something up, when your Dad was talking this morning."
Roman laughed but, didn't say a word.
An hour later, Roman pulled up to a gate.
He reached into the glove box, and grabbed what looked like a garage door opener. When the gate opened, he drove up to the house.
The house, it self was like a huge log cabin. Nothing fancy but, very rustic from the outside.
It had a big veranda at the front, that wrapped around to the back.
There were windows, all around the front of the house. Machelle guessed, you could see the sunset from anywhere.
There were flowers growing, everywhere around the yard.
"Who did you kill, to get this place?" Machelle asked. "It's beautiful."
"Mikila, bought it a couple years ago. You should of seen it before, he worked on it." Roman smiled. "Mikila, uses it as his get away house. This is where we go camping, with Dad and Afa. The fishing, is great."
"I don't have any clothes or any-" Machelle started.
Roman got out of the car, and came to her side.
Once Machelle was out he opened the back of the truck, and got out two bags.
"Relax, I packed for you." Roman smiled. "The boys are fine. Everyone, is looking after them. So, we have this time for us."
"Ro, this is the wrong time though." Machelle said, tears threatening to fall. "Your brother and family, are going to be here in two days. We should-"
Roman put his hand up, before she could finish.
"Everything is fine at home, I got it all covered. Our families are looking after your list. Sherri found it and stole it, then gave it to Mom." Roman said, he put the bags down, and held her. "You need to rest, this is time for you. It's only for one night. You can take the sleeping pill, and have a good sleep and then we can start fresh tomorrow."
"That's where the dam list went. I looked everywhere, for it." Machelle smiled, and dried the tears. "Okay you win, again. I did say, I only needed one good nights sleep. So, what do you have planned?"
"For starters, let's go inside." Roman smiled, and started walking up the stairs. "Dad said if you were mad, he was going to play the Father in Law Card."
"What a bugger, your Dad is." Machelle smiled. "Figures your Dad would get me back for telling him the same thing when he hurt his back, last year. I told him, I was using my Daughter in Law Card. I'm not mad anyway. What's for dinner, I am starving?"
Roman laughed, and opened the door.
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