It's Christmas Day already, and we're all in Vegas because that's where Aly is to finish out her pregnancy. She and Mike are at their place, while Alex and I are finally settled in ours, which isn't far from theirs. In their house, they're still in bed. She's completely asleep still, curled up with her body pillow. Mike's just waking up, stretching and looking around with tired eyes. He glances over and sees Aly still asleep, one hand resting on her belly protectively. He smiles and leans over, kissing her head. A small smiles tugs at her lips and she snuggles more into the pillow.
"Merry Christmas." He says quietly.
"Merry Christmas to you too." He says to her stomach, moving down to kiss it gently.
Then he carefully moves from the bed, to go cook the food that they both got for today. A little bit later, the smell of food causes her to wake up. She sleepily gets up and puts on some christmas pajamas since she's been wearing little to bed due to being warmer while pregnant. She puts on her glasses and after a bathroom trip, she heads out to the kitchen.
"Morning sleepyhead." Mike greets.
"Mmm...morning." She replies.
"Everything smells good." She adds.
"I know."
"Merry Christmas." She kisses right by his lips.
"Merry Christmas." He repeats, smiling.
"Our last Christmas just us. Next year we'll have a little one."
"Her first Christmas."
"Yep." Aly nods.
"Gonna be spoiled that's for sure."
"Mmhmm." She nods, sitting on a barstool.
"Excited to see what I got you? And Savvy?"
"Of course I am."
"Have to wait for Alex and Carly though."
"Awww."
"I know, the wait is killing you. I told them to be here about 9."
"Okay." She nods.
"They got an hour...I think you can last an hour."
"True."
"Don't forget the gifts from me." She adds.
"I know. I can't wait to open those."
"But for now, here...have a muffin. I'm sure you're hungry." He adds.
"As usual." She laughs lightly, taking the muffin.
In the meantime at me and Alex's house, I wake up to the shower running in the bathroom. I know it's Alex in there, but I'm too lazy at the moment to get up. I just lay there and rub my stomach. Then the water shuts off.
"Daddy will be back out soon." I say to Liyah quietly.
A few minutes later Alex walks out and he smiles when he sees that I'm awake.
"Morning."
"Morning."
"You're up a bit early."
"It's Christmas." He chuckles.
"I know."
"Merry Christmas Love." He leans over and kisses me.
"Merry Christmas." I say back, smiling.
Alex leans down and kisses my stomach.
"Merry Christmas to you too Baby love."
"Next year she'll be here and we'll be celebrating as a family."
"That's going to be amazing."
"It will be." I nod in agreement.
"How are you feeling today?" Alex asks.
"I'm feeling okay."
"Good. Mike invited us over for 9."
"What time is it now?"
"8:15."
"I should probably start getting up now huh?"
"Probably, but don't rush yourself."
I nod and start to sit up, before swinging my legs around and getting out of tugs me into his arms and gives me a sweet kiss.
"Love you."
"Love you too."
Then he lets me go so I can get changed. Alex gets dressed himself. After changing, I just brush my hair and put on jewelry, deciding to leave the makeup off for one day. We both head to the kitchen for some breakfast.
"Hmmm...what to have."
Alex makes a suggestion and I agree. I sit at the counter as he makes it.
"Thank you." I say when he sets the plate in front of me.
"You're welcome." He smiles.
Then while I eat, he goes into the living room and grabs all the gifts from under the tree, so that we can open them up at Mike and Aly's place.
"Yay, presents."
"There's one for Liyah here too."
"Oooh."
"It goes along with one of yours."
"Hmm. Interesting."
"You'll love it."
"I'm sure I will."
"Same with the gifts I got you." I add.
"Can't wait."
"Yeah just have to get them from the bedroom before we leave."
"Okay."
"Didn't want to put them under the tree because you would probably go snooping."
Alex chuckles.
"Snooper." I snicker.
"Can't help it."
"Oh of course not."
"I'm excited."
"Of course you are."
I kiss his cheek, giggling. After I finish eating, I put my dishes in the sink, and then head to the bedroom so that I can get the gifts I have for Alex. I grab them and walk out. Alex and I get our coats on and everything before heading out the door. Since it's not that far from where we live, we walk down the street, knocking on the door when we get there. Mike answers the door.
"Hey guys. Merry Christmas."
We say the same thing back and walk in, heading into the living room where Aly's waiting.
"Merry Christmas." Aly smiles.
"Same to you."
She smiles more and then takes a sip of her peppermint hot chocolate.
"I got a gift for youuuu."
"Ooh?"
"You'll get it when the gift opening starts."
"Okay."
"Which we can start any time." Mike says.
"I'm not moving, sorry. I finally got comfortable." Aly says.
"That's okay, I can hand you your gifts, and you can point out which ones of mine I should open." Mike suggests.
"Okay."
"Alright first, here's yours from me." I say, taking out a cookie tin with a bow on top, handing it to her.
"Oooh." She smiles as she sets her drink aside.
She opens the tin to see it full of brownies.
"Yayyyy brownies!"
"And I made those one special for you. Double chocolate...chocolate chips on the inside."
"Oooooh, thank you."
"You're welcome."
"That one is yours." She says, pointing to it.
"Want me to get it?" Alex asks.
"I got it, but thank you for offering." I say, getting up and grabbing the gift.
I sit back down and open it.
"I wonder what it could be."
"You'll like it." She giggles.
"Of course I will."
I find a thing full of a variety of cookies her family always makes at Christmas.
"Oooooh cookies."
"I made them when you guys weren't here. Mel helped me."
"Awww."
"I had to have help. This make things difficult." She says, patting her belly.
"Right, of course. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Alright this is for you..." I say to Alex, taking out a small box and handing it to him.
Alex kisses my cheek and opens it. Inside is a ring/band with both ours and Liyah's names around the outside and 'No Matter What' on the inside.
"Oh wow. I love this."
"Had it specially made."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Mike, those two are yours...they go together." Aly points two gifts out to Mike.
He picks them up, looking excited. The first one he opens are a few ties with hand/feet prints and other significances towards Savvy.
"Some of those will have to wait until she's born when we can do her real prints." Aly explains.
He nods.
"I love it."
She smiles.
"I'm glad."
The second gift he opens is a single tie, and Aly points out that there's a spot on the back where notes can be hidden.
"I put some in there already."
"Ah, clever." He chuckles, finding the spot on the back and the notes that she left.
"I thought it was. It was like the notes you used to leave in my bag and stuff."
"Well I'll have to check this tie for notes when I wear it." He smiles.
"Mmhmm." She smiles back.
"I love it too, thank you." He leans over and kisses her.
"You're welcome." She says, once he pulls away.
Then he grabs a few gifts from under the tree and hands them to her.
"These all go together."
"Oooh." She smiles.
She opens each one to find little outfits and such of his awesome shirts, and a little hoodie like his awesome one.
"Awwww. These are so cute!"
"Now Savannah can look like her daddy." I giggle.
"Exactly." Mike grins.
"She'll love them." She smiles.
"She says thank you daddy." She adds.
"You're welcome." He says to her stomach, kissing it.
She kicks and Aly laughs.
"Your turn." Alex says to me, picking up a big box with a little box on top of it off of the floor.
I look at it curiously before opening it. I find a black and white version of his varsity jacket, with the sleeves.
"Wow..." I say, taking it out of the box.
"I'm debuting that jacket soon and I wanted you to have the first one." Alex explains.
"Awwww." I smile.
"DC, that's awesome." Aly comments.
"Thanks." He chuckles.
"When are you debuting it?" She asks.
"I'm heading back to NXT next week. Bringing back the Varsity Villain for one night."
"Oooh. Fun."
I set down my jacket to open the smaller box, finding a smaller version of the jacket.
"Oh my gosh...it's so cute!"
"Awwwww!" Aly exclaims.
"Looks like someone else is gonna look like her daddy." She adds.
"Yeah." I laugh.
I set both aside and immediately turn and press my lips to Alex's. He kisses back, and Aly giggles.
"We both thank you." I say, after pulling away.
"You're both welcome."
I smile before grabbing another cookie tin and handing it to Mike.
"For you."
"Brownies?" He questions hopefully.
"Of course." I nod.
"Yes!" He cheers.
"You seem more excited than I was." Aly laughs.
"She makes awesome brownies."
"Why thank you." I laugh.
Aly laughs too before eating a brownie. Then Mike grabs a few boxes and hands them to me.
"Couldn't forget about you."
"Aw, thanks."
I open each of them, and just like Aly, they were little outfits and the hoodie of his awesome merchandise.
"Aww. Now the girls can match." Aly smiles.
"Thinking about the twin thing Mike?" I laugh.
"Yeah." He laughs.
I thank him before setting everything aside. Aly points out a gift under the tree for Mike, and he grabs it opening it. He finds a collage of pictures of the two of them. She smiles as he stays quiet, looking over all the pictures.
"Did you put this together yourself?" He asks.
"Mmhmm." She blushes.
"It's amazing, I absolutely love it."
"Good."
"And now for you..." He holds out a box.
She takes it from him and takes a sio from her cup before opening it. Inside is a square-ish necklace that's pink with heart shapes on it.
"Ohh...this is pretty."
"I thought so...and it's pink so there's some significance to Savvy."
"Right. I love it. Thank you."
"You're very welcome." He smiles.
"And this is for you." I say to Alex, handing him a cookie tin as well.
"Yesssss. Brownies." He grins.
"It's a miracle I hid them from you."
"Yes it is." Aly laughs.
He sets the tin aside and hands me a box. I open it to find a charm bracelet with all kinds of baby charms on it.
"Awww. Cute!"
"Mike helped pick out most of the charms."
"Thank you both."
The next gift Aly points out to Mike, and he opens it, finding cufflinks with his initials on the outside. Aly points out that he can open them to find a picture.
"I put mine for now, we can put Savvy later."
"Right." He smiles.
She giggles as he kisses her.
"Now for your last gift." He smiles, after pulling away and handing her a small box.
"Ohhh...wow." She breathes.
What she finds is a garnet and diamond ring.
"Now I know it won't fit your finger right now, but you can always wear it on a necklace or something until rings fit again."
She nods silently and sets the box down. She grabs him and pulls him into a kiss.
"Awww." I giggle.
She finally lets Mike go.
"It's beautiful. Thank you."
"You deserve the very best." He smiles.
She kisses his cheek in reply and then rubs her stomach.
"Okay, this last one is for you." I hand Alex another box.
Alex kisses my hand as he takes the box and then he opens it. Inside is a set of dog tags, one of them having our names and the day we got married, the other just Liyah's name.
"We can get the day she's born engraved later."
"I love this. It's perfect." He smiles, kissing me.
"I knew it would be." I smile after pulling away.
"Aww." Aly smiles.
"And I got one more thing for you...until we go back home later." He says, handing me another box.
I kiss his cheek and look inside the box.
"Awww." I smile, pulling out a necklace that has footprints on it, and says 'Baby Love'.
"I saw it and couldn't resist." Alex chuckles.
"Of course." I laugh.
"Thank you." I add.
"You're welcome."
"And last but not least...that's yours." Aly says, pointing out Mike's last gift.
Mike smiles and picks up the box. He opens it to find a stainless steel cable id bracelet. He smiles instantly when he sees the engraving say 'daddy'.
"I think I'll wear this now." He smiles, putting it on.
"I'm glad you lke it."
"I don't like it...I love it."
"Good."
"This has been a great Christmas so far."
"Definitely."
"I can check on the food now." Mike says, getting up and heading to the kitchen.
Aly leans back into her pillows and rubs her stomach.
"And how are you doing today?" I ask her.
"I'm alright. Tired, a bit of a backache, but okay I guess."
"Well that's good at least. The final stretch for you."
"Yeah. The doctor said I'm already a centimeter dialated. Doesn't mean Savvy will come soon though, I could stay at one centimeter for weeks."
"Right...she decides when she comes."
"Exactly." She nods.
"How are you doing?" She asks me.
"I'm okay."
"Good."
"I think I'm better now that I have the cookies." I laugh.
"Glad I could help. Craving?" She giggles.
"Just a bit, yeah."
"I'm craving cake pops."
"I got that covered..." Mike says from the kitchen.
"I love you!"
"I know." He chuckles.
He walks out, holding a thing of cake pops.
"Ooooh." She reaches out for them.
"Thank youuuuu."
"You're welcome." Mike laughs.
She takes out one of the cake pope and takes a bite, sighing in content.
"Mmm, so good."
"There's plenty so of course you can have as many as you want."
"Yayyyy."
He smiles and kisses her head before heading back to the kitchen. She hums happily, eating.
"You don't need any help in there do you Mike?" I ask.
"Nah, I'm good. But thanks though."
"Should be done in a few hours anyway." He adds.
"Alright."
"So I'm assuming my last gift is big since I have to wait until we go back home." I say to Alex.
"Yes."
"Hints? Or no?"
"Nope." He chuckles.
"Awww, darn."
"You'll live."
"I can try."
"I know you can do it."
"It's only about 7 hours or so."
"Right."
"Still a long time though." I add.
"It'll be worth it."
"Listen to him, it's gonna be worth it for sure." Aly comments.
"I saw it. You're going to love it." She adds.
"Must be really good then."
"It is."
"You did good DC." She adds.
"Thanks Windy."
"7 hours...time better fly." I sigh, cuddling into Alex's side.
Alex and Aly laugh. He kisses my head and holds me close.
"Someone's awake." I say quietly.
"I know. I feel her kicking." Alex smiles.
"You missed the presents." I say to her.
She kicks in response to my voice.
"She finally decides to wake up though."
"Yeah." Alex chuckles.
"But she was just getting her sleep. I'm sure Mommy appreciates you giving her a break when she woke up this morning." He says to my stomach.
"Yes I do." I agree as Liyah kicks again.
"Especially since I was up all night with her." I add.
"I know."
"It was a rough night huh?" Aly asks.
"Yeah, she just wouldn't calm down."
"Awww."
"I got this thing that plays whatever music you want. It's got a strap that goes over your belly and one that goes under. That might help soothe her."
"Really? I guess I can try it."
"Want it now?"
"Nah, you're comfortable right now, and she's not acting like she was last night."
"Alright."
"I think she was just excited for Christmas last night."
"Maybe." She giggles.
"This time next year both Liyah and Savannah are gonna be here."
"That will be so fun."
"I can't wait. So many firsts to come."
"I know."
"Definitely gonna be a crazy year ahead."
"Oh yeah."
"I'm hoping to eventually get back to work after...from what's been going on...things aren't getting better."
"I know. I hope so too, but I'm just going to take it a day at a time."
"Right."
"Babies are top priority."
"Of course."
"I do hope we get to though."
"I do too."
"Time will tell."
"Mike did suggest we get a bus and use that to travel after, instead of the planes." She adds.
"That would be good." I nod.
"It'll take longer to get places, but it's smoother than planes."
"Easier on the babies."
"Except when we have those overseas shows. You may be staying behind." Alex comments.
"Of course. But maybe one or twice, we could make a family trip. It is easier to travel when they're little because they sleep so much."
"I agree with her, family trips sound good."
"We'll try."
I then start eating the cookies that Aly gave me to satisfy myself and Liyah.
"Mmm, theses are so good."
"Thanks."
"Liyah agrees." I smile.
"Aww." Aly smiles.
"She loves the cookies." I say, looking down at my stomach and seeing one of her kicks.
"And that's her way of thanking you."
"You're welcome sweetie."
"I'm expecting a response from Savvy about your brownies too." She adds.
"But right now the cake pops have my attention." She laughs.
"I can see that." I giggle.
"They're sooo good."
"I bet."
"Mike, are you okay out there?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"
"Just asking. You've been pretty quiet."
"Just keeping an eye on the food."
"Okay."
"Come relax, you're working too hard."
"The food will be fine. Come sit with me." She adds.
"..kay." He says, checking real quick again before coming back out into the living room.
He sits by her and she snuggles into him. We both sit there snuggling with our husbands, until the food is all set, and we get up, getting our own plates. We return to the lving room and eat.
"Mike I have to say, you did a great job with the food."
"Thanks."
"What're we gonna do for the rest of the day? Besides napping because I know we will." I say, referring to Aly and I.
"Oh yeah." Aly nods.
"We could go swimming. The indoor pool is up and running." Mike suggests.
"That sounds like fun. Would just need to go home and get a swimsuit."
"I can run home and grab one for you." Alex offers.
"Please?"
"Of course. I'll be right back."
"Okay." I nod.
Alex goes to do what he said. In the meantime, I rest after finishing eating. Mike takes our plates once we're done.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
"Should probably go find a suit." Aly says, shifting to get up.
"Right." I nod.
She sighs before heaving herself up.
"Uh-uh...I'll find one for you." Mike offers.
"Could've said that before I got up babe." She says dryly.
"Well then I'll help you find one."
"Suit yourself."
"Will you be okay by yourself for a bit?" Aly asks me.
"Yeah of course."
"Just yell if you need anything."
"Okay." I nod.
Mike and Aly head to their bedroom. They get to their room. She starts to get undressed while Mike looks for a swimsuit.
"What about this?" Mike asks.
She looks over to see him with a blue polka dot maternity bikini.
"Sure."
"I know how much you love polka dots." He grins.
"I do." She giggles as she puts it on, taking her time so she doesn't end up falling or anything.
"And blue's a good color on you."
She smiles and kisses his cheek.
"Why thank you."
"You're very welcome." Mike says, as he secures the ties for her.
Then he starts to get changed himself. They grab the towels and when he's ready, they head out to the living room. Just as they walk into the living room, Alex walks back in with a swimsuit for me in hand. Alex and I go change, and we head to where the pool is.
"Wow, this is amazing." I say as we walk in.
"Isn't it? This was one of the things that definitely clinched the fact that this was the right place for us." Aly smiles.
"I can see why."
"I've been using it practically every day. It takes the pressure off my back."
"Right." I nod.
The guys help us in and we float around.
"So much lighter." Aly murmurs, holding onto Mike.
He smiles and kisses her quickly. She makes a noise of content as he rubs her back.
"And I'm helping you feel much better."
"Mmhmm." She agrees.
"Thank you...as always." She adds.
"Anything for you."
She smiles and kisses him softly.
"How are you feeling?" Alex asks.
"Better now. When you left my back started to hurt but it feels better now."
"Good."
Alex kisses my head. Then I wrap my arms around his neck, lay my head against his shoulder and bury my face in his neck as we float around the pool.
"Love you."
"Love you too."
"And yes I know you love me too." He says to Liyah, still feeling her kick.
"Daddy love you too." He tells her.
"Awww." I mumble into his neck.
Alex chuckles and kisses my head.
"Even in there she's a water bug." He adds.
"Yeah." I laugh.
"Takes after me." I add.
Alex smiles.
"Plus, remember that the babies' enviornment is liquid." Aly remarks.
"Right, that too."
"So yes, the girls are waterbugs." She says amusedly.
"You know what? I wish they would start selling your first t-shirt." I say to Alex.
"I know."
"When do I get the first one? I mean you have one."
"It should be here soon. I had them make it special because you're pregnant."
"Yayy."
"And I'm getting one for you too." He says to Aly.
"And ordered regular sizes too for after the babeies." He adds.
"DC, you're awesome."
"Thanks Windy." He chuckles.
"Also when my new action figure comes out, you both get one of those too."
"Sweet."
"You're on a roll with everything. T-shirt, action figure, NXT...next step is back on tv."
"I know."
"Speaking of...there's gonna be a bit of a surprise on Raw January 2nd." Mike comments.
"Really? Interesting."
"You'll have to wait and see because I promised not to say anything."
"Aw."
"No hints?"
"Nope."
"Awww."
"It's not that far away. You can make it."
"Yeah, it's just a week from tomorrow." I add.
"True."
"Speaking of, I hate that you have to leave tomorrow."
"I know. Me too. But it's just one day. I'll be back Tuesday."
"I know. I just don't like you being gone."
"I don't like being gone either."
"Plus I'm just nervous. I'm already dialating so I could go at any time. I'm scared that you'll miss her being born." She says quietly.
"You know that I'm just a phone call away and I can get right on a plane and be here for you."
"I know, but I'm just scared."
"I know, but you won't be completely alone because after New Year's my mom's coming to stay with you."
"Really? Aww. That's really nice of her."
"Yeah, she offered to help take care of you when I can't be here."
"Aww."
"But I promise to make some time and come back and check on you."
"I know you will."
"Love you."
"I love you too."
"And I love you too Savvy."
"Oof." Aly says as Savannah kicks hard.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, she's just saying she loves you too."
"Very much daddy." She adds.
He smiles as he rubs her stomach. She snuggles into him the best she can. Alex and I relax against the wall of the pool, with me snuggling back into him. His hands rest on my stomach while mine rest on the edge of the pool. After a while, Aly starts dozing off.
"Lyssa?"
She barely makes a noise, super out of it.
"Alright, time to get you out of the pool." He says, starting to move towards the stairs.
"Fell asleep?" Alex asks.
"Yeah, she's out."
"Nice." He chuckles.
"We may have to get out soon ourselves...I'm getting to the point she's at." I say.
"Okay."
"I think it would be a good idea to get dried off after we get out, get changed and head home too. I wanna see that big gift you have for me."
"Alright." Alex smiles.
Mike makes it to the stairs, helping Aly walk up them with him. He's mostly supporting her as she's still really out of it and not much help.
"Need help?" Alex asks.
"I think I've got her now."
"Alright." He nods.
Mike gets her over to the table where the towels are and starts to dry her off a bit. Once she's dried off, he quickly dries himself off before helping her to the bedroom. He stops in the hall as Alex and I come out mostly dry.
"Hey, thanks guys. Today's been great. Merry Christmas." He says.
"Same to you. See you early tomorrow morning."
"See you."
Mike heads to the bedroom with Aly, while Alex and I go get changed before grabbing our gifts and heading home. Mike gets Aly in their room and carefully lays her on the bed. He gets her swimsuit off and lays it in the bathroom before getting her somewhat dressed. He then gets changed himself before climbing onto the bed and cuddles with her. She snuggles into his arms unconsciously.
"Love you." He says, kissing her head.
"And you." He rubs her belly.
He feels her move slightly in response and smiles.
"Time to rest now. Mommy's very tired."
He continues to rub her stomach to calm Savannah down. She stops and they all rest. After Alex and I get home, we put our gifts in the bedroom, before heading down the hall.
"Alright close your eyes."
I do so and Alex leads me into a room.
"Okay. Open your eyes."
I open them.
"...Alex..."
"You like it?"
"Like it? I love it. When did you...how did you..." I trail off, just at a loss for words.
"I'm glad you love it." He smiles, kissing my cheek.
"This has to be the best Christmas gift ever."
"Good."
I walk further into the nursery to get a better view of it.
"Oh Alex. This is so perfect. She'll love it."
"I thought so." He smiles.
I turn around and walk back over to him, immediately pressing my lips to his, but pulling away before he could even respond.
"I'm happy that you love it so much."
"I can't wait to see the others."
"They're being worked on."
"You're just on top of things aren't you?"
"Of course."
"Within the next couple months, we'll go see the rest of them before you have to stay home." He adds.
"Sounds good."
"But I am ready to nap now." I add.
"Alright." Alex nods, the two of us leaving the nursery to go to our bedroom.
I climb onto the bed along with Alex, and I snuggle into him.
"Love you."
"Love you too."
I close my eyes and shortly fall asleep.