A/N: Here it is, finally, the final chapter, the end of my story. I procrastinated about that one for so long, because I did not want to say goodbye. I planned to have many more chapters, more drama, but then I thought against it. If there was ever a time for a fluffy happy ending, this is it J
And I also have been up to my neck in wedding planning stuff; my mother is getting married in a couple weeks, so I've been spending hours everyday on the phone with her helping out. (She lives like 10 hours away from me) I have also been working my butt off on a Toast for the reception, so my mind has been filled with thoughts about love and all. So naturally this story came back to life in my mind J
Final Chapter.
18 MONTHS LATER…..
It was the night of Summerslam, a warm, beautiful August summer night, the whole extended Cena family had gathered around the pool. The proud John Sr was grilling burgers and hot dogs, with a giant grin on his face. Friends and neighbors, and all the kids were present to celebrate John's accomplishment, a major match in one of the biggest PPV of the year.
Everybody was in a good mood, especially Catherine, who kept telling anyone who'd listen that Sean finally came home last night, this time for good. Everyone was slowly settling down, starting families, for the joy of John and Catherine who couldn't be happier to be Grand-Parents.
About 6 months ago, Matt had married his long-time girlfriend Karen, who was now expecting, Sean was looking to find a place of his own in the neighborhood, and Dan had just proposed to Kelly a few weeks ago and they would be trying for kids after the wedding.
Same was going around for their childhood friends, Kevin's Mary was pregnant, Steve was madly in love with Sanya and thinking of proposing, Eric had just started up his internet company and was very successful, actively looking for love. Although all the girls kept setting him up with friends and family, he was still looking for "the" one. And Steve and Krista were expecting their twins by the end of the summer.
As I was lounging by the pool, sipping a cold glass of iced tea and absent-mindedly patting my belly, I couldn't help smiling. I was proud of my family. I was proud to be part of thisfamily. We have been through so much. I have been through so much. But because of everyone gathered here, I was happy now. Thinking of my parents still hurt of course, I still missed them a lot. But the hurt and pain had mostly been filled with love. I had made a life and a family of my own.
After a couple of weeks, helped by my John, I finally started to put my life back in order. I decided to move back in the family home, refurnishing and re-arranging it to my taste. Living around everyone I loved was just perfect for the kind of life I wanted. I got a lot of quiet time for me, to write, which was what I'd always wanted to do in the first place. I was putting the final touch on my first novel, and my editor was pressing me to start another one. And I was still taking on a few free-lance translating jobs.
John was home as often as he could; my house was his house too, although we would also spend a lot of time at his parent's whenever he was in town. We were happy and in love, relieved to finally be in a healthy relationship.
My "brothers" and "sisters" were always dropping by when he was away, to keep an eye on me and make sure I didn't need anything. Of course I had Wolfie to keep me company too. But I had a feeling that I was now second in my big old dog's heart.
As to confirm my thoughts, a light giggle pierced the quietness around me, and Wolfie immediately raised his head and licked the tiny hand that was reaching for him.
I grinned, looking proudly at my little Kaysee, while she was grabbing handfuls of fur, babbling at Wolfie. My little princess was about to be 9 months-old and she was the love of my life. She was also the reason I had stopped traveling with John, I wanted her to have a stable environment. At first I had been worried that father and daughter would grow estranged, but no need to worry, those two absolutely adored each other.
When we first realized I was pregnant, we were so happy, it only brought us closer. Even though things were moving a little bit fast, I mean, we weren't officially living together yet and we haven't made any future project yet. But it didn't matter, we knew we were meant to be together, that we would get married and have a family, it was the way it was supposed to be. We both wanted a big family anyways.
I have to admit that I was a bit thrown off when I learned I was going to have a girl. I always thought my first born would be a son. Being a tomboy myself, it only seems fitting that I was to be raising sons. It scared me, although I would never admit it to John. Catherine helped me a lot; she really is like a mom to me. So we had our future all planned, the house, the kids, getting married (I kept waiting for John to finally get down on his knee) both our careers. Everything was perfect.
Soon enough, we all settled inside to watch John's match on the giant screen he proudly bought his parents for such occasions. I can barely remember the night; everybody was so excited, including my little Kaysee pointing at her dad whenever he was on TV. We had to watch her closely, because she would crawl to the TV to get a closer look at her daddy.
Of course, like I suspected, this was a big night for my John, and he finally won a big championship of some sort. I swear I try to keep track of the names, but it is not easy. We all cheered and clapped after it was done and then John grabbed a microphone and tried to silence the crowd to say something. I never saw the knowing look that passed between his parents.
"Alright, alright, alright guys. I need to get serious here. I want to say HI to all my family back home, I know they're watching. But most importantly, I have two special ladies waiting for me and I want to say something."
I held my breath as he took a deep breath himself and stared at the camera, I felt as if he was really here, talking to me.
"Alex, before I say what I have to say, I need you to do something for me OK?"
I nodded, forgetting he couldn't see me. I heard a few chuckles in the living-room and held Kaysee closer to me as she kept trying to touch the TV screen.
"Ok, sweetheart, I know you're not going to be happy with me because of this, but this is necessary. Turn around my Xandra"
As I turned around to see all my family grinning at me, I saw the camera crew who were making their way in the already crowded living room. I sighed and bit my lips, but couldn't help smiling at Kaysee's excitement. And John's face just lit up when he got a glance at us. I could deal with this for a little while.
Of course there was the cheering of the crowd as he introduced us and waved at his daughter. But then my man got his "serious" look on his face and I braced myself. He wouldn't announce anything bad on national TV, would he? Not without preparing me first if this was anything to do with his career. I put my nervous smile on and hugged Kaysee closer, as she kept babbling and waving at the TV.
"Babygirl, don't be nervous, trust me, we love each other, and nothing bad's going to happen. I promised myself I would do this as soon as I won the title. I want us to be a family, in every possible way."
My eyes filled with tears and I forgot about the camera watching my every move with the love of my life got down on his knee and the crowd erupted. Was he really about to ask what I thought he was? As he just stared at me, waiting for the crowd to calm down, I could tell he was as nervous as I was, and I smiled at him, tilting my head to the side. Everything was going to be fine, just like he said, we loved each other and we were already a family, in more ways than one.
"Alex?"
"Yes, John?" I barely breathed the words.
"Before I say what I want to say, my father has something to give you."
I looked around me, where a black velvet box was handed to me. A very ancient velvet box. This couldn't be?
I looked at John, scared to open it, and Catherine took the opportunity to steal my baby from my shaky arms. I breathed a sigh of relief. John kept staring at the screen.
"Yes sweetie, you know what this is already, open it"
I lifted the cover, to find old Mrs. Cena's engagement ring, the famous family heirloom I've heard about all my life. Every Cena woman for the past 5 generations has been offered this ring, and although this family had many boys, I was the one to get it? I didn't even notice when the tears started running down my cheeks.
"Honey, we chose you to have the ring, because you have always been part of our family, we just want to make it official, finally. So here it goes: I promise to love you all my life and cherish our children and to protect you until my last breath and to tie you to your second family, to make it truly your own, for as long as you should live. Xandra, my love, will you marry me?"
My parents and brothers all circled me, when all I could do was nod, and several hands helped me put the ring on my finger, amazed that it would fit so perfectly. I took a deep breath and smiled with all my heart at the man that changed my life.
"Yes honey, I should be honored to marry you." Smirking at his somewhat relieved smile, and ignoring the roars of the crowd in the background.
"There is only one thing though, I'd like to have the wedding next summer, if you can hold on for that long."
"Anything you want Sweetie, but why? I can't wait for you to be Mrs. Cena?"
"Well, I thought you might want your son to be part of the ceremony, he could keep Kaysee company…"
Everyone in the room gasped, except Catherine of course, who had be eyeing me knowingly for a couple of weeks already.
"Whaaaat? Do you mean that? You're pregnant? Oh my god!"
"Yes, John, you're going to be a dad again, and it's a boy."
The end….
A/n: Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read this little story. I know it took forever, but I did promise to finish it, with a happy ending too :) And remember, reviews keep me alive ;) I'll go work on the next few chapters of Trouble in babysitting now, if anyone still cares...
Milou