Chapter 54

A few months later:

"You guys are getting pretty big almost overnight," Brian chattered to the twins. "Now I know neither of you old enough to eventually remember this day, but you are about to witness, for the very first time, your papa in action by hearing my voice and seeing me wrestle right out there in that ring. It's not often you two and Mama come along on a trip, so consider this the luckiest day of your lives."

Both twins looked up at him, smiling, Bella attempting to pull herself up. We don't know what you're saying, Dad, but we'll laugh in case it's supposed to be funny.

"And what are you two smiling about?" he chuckled down at them just as Briana had come into the room

"Brian, save your promos for the real audience," she teased.

"What, I can't practice on the kids?" he teased back. "By the way, I think Bella's trying to stand up."

"Already?" Briana was shocked.

"What do you mean 'already'? They're almost a year old; it's only a matter of time before she and Brett start having foot races."

"Yeah, it seems just yesterday they were just born," Briana answered, watching both now crawling around to explore their new surroundings. "Now it won't be long before we start toilet training them."

"Whoa, let's just concentrate on the present," Brian said, "besides, that part won't be for at least another year."

"Well, at the present time, could you keep an eye on them for a little while longer?"

"Sure, I don't get much time with the sprouts as it is, so every opportunity is great. Where are you headed anyway?"

"A couple of the other wives wanted to grab a quick dinner before the show and invited me along."

"Making friends already, huh?" Brian grinned with pride.

"I guess so," she smiled back. "Want me to bring you anything?"

"Nah, I can grab something later. Not a good idea to do a match on a full stomach."

"All right, but be sure to drink a lot of water. It's hot tonight," she cautioned before getting ready to leave.

"Right, and don't worry, I have someone that will watch the twins during my match if you aren't back in time."

"Good." Briana playfully pinched his ass. "See you later, stud," she giggled.

Later:

Brian had lost to Sheamus, but it was already being praised as one of the night's best matches. He had come back into the room to shower and change, one of the security people had smiled at him, Bella in her lap.

"How were the kids?" Brian asked, dropping his jacket carelessly on a sofa.

"Pretty good," the woman said. "I never sat with twins before. "They were actually pretty quiet."

Bella had begun to fuss, and was placed on the floor, where she began to crawl away. "Oh," the woman continued, "both have had their bottles and I've also changed them. You should be good for awhile."

Brian nodded appreciatively. "Thanks again, Karen."

"Sure, hit me up any time. Your wife should be back in about twenty minutes."

Great. It would give him enough time to shower and dress in his street clothes.

"All right, guys," Brian said, picking up Brett and setting him in the playpen. "I know you guys aren't crazy about this thing, but I have no other option until Mama's back."

Brett scowled from his new position as Brian picked up Bella and placed her in. "I promise it will only be a few minutes," he smiled down at them, positioning the playpen in front of the bathroom.

Brian finished his shower about ten minutes later, dressing in jeans and the shirt Briana had gotten him for his birthday. He then took the twins out of the playpen, letting them free to crawl, and at times, Bella trying to pull herself up on the sofa.

He had thought nothing more of it, making a couple of calls and just finishing up his business when Briana returned.

"Hey, beautiful," he grinned. "I thought you forgot about us."

"Never," she said, giving a quick kiss.

"How was your night out?"

"Perfect. Were the twins all right?"

"You kidding? I think half the roster is in love with them."

Briana looked around, spying only Brett. "Brian, where's Bella?"

"Huh?"

"Bella. Your daughter."

"I know who she is, Bree, and she was just here a couple of minutes ago."

"Well, she's gone now!"

"Don't panic; the door's closed and the kid couldn't have gone too far. Hold Brett while I look for her."

Nadine had popped into the room. "Close the door, quick!" Briana gasped.

"Why, what's the matter?"

"Bella's missing."

"What! Where could she have gone? She isn't even walking yet."

"Somewhere in this room, I'm telling you, " Brian said, looking behind a chair. "Come on, Princess, not the time to go into hiding. Mama's having a stroke here."

Briana joined the search, trying to hide her panic while clutching Brett at the same time. "Bella? Where are you, honey?"

Nadine spotted something on the couch. "Uh….guys?"

"Nadine, not now, please," Briana said.

"Seriously, you have to see this," Nadine pressed.

"Seriously, not now," Brian replied. "Jesus, how hard can it be to find a baby in here."

"You tell me," Briana answered. "You're the one that lost her."

"Guys," Nadine cut in again.

"For the love of Christ, what is it?" Brian asked, annoyed.

"Your jacket is moving," Nadine replied, pointing to it.

"Very funny, Nadine. You've been hanging with Paul too long."

"I'm serious, you two. Look."

Brian rolled his eyes, going to lift the jacket, to find Bella staring back at him.

"Hey, shorty!" he said, relieved, scooping her up. "There you are! See? I knew you couldn't have gone too far. You got Mama all upset for nothing."

Bella laughed, patting his face, as Briana sighed with relief.

"I'm glad you think that was funny, kid," Brian grinned back at her. "But you better not pull that too often. Your mama and I aren't getting any younger, you know."