A/N: Thank you to too much drama 1225, Imagineer1392, ghunter182003, LuxuriaVanitas, ChelleLew, ItsGbruhh, Cougar3371, CFierce116, Alisi824, nikki1335, Bharm, Tammy, Guest, ItReignsJustice-619, B.J., demonicseer, IRENELOVE83, DeeMarie426, justkimmy, benova13, Olivia Reigns, Sasha, princessreigns, Shield316, corbettluv and illionaire for the lovely reviews! Luxuria, girl, your taste in music is awesome.

Based on some reviews and PMs I received following the last update, Ambrose fangirls stay hilarious. Get over it, is all I've got to say.

Enjoy 34!

The sizeable backyard of Reggie Hernandez's home bustled with activity as the Reggie's Bar and Grill owner's birthday celebration was in full swing. The smell of burgers, sausages and chicken being cooked over the grill permeated the warm Tampa Bay air. An outdoor cookout was the perfect party idea and the fabulous Florida weather helped matters. It was also perfect timing for Joe and the Fatu twins, who had just returned from their fortnight-long tour of Europe and were able to make the festivities.

Pam came to the party with Elgin, and Jon, Colby, Lauren, Jonny, Trinity and her friend Ariane were also invited. Jonny's twin Josh came with his girlfriend Gianna and their newborn son. Their father Solofa, famously known as Rikishi and a good friend of Reggie's also showed up. Nick and Wayne, the Grill's bouncers came along, as well as Amber and a couple of her friends. Also around were Pam's work colleagues Brandy, Gretchen and Scott. T.K. invited his friend Steve, who looked like he was in Dreamland at the sight of so many WWE Superstars around. Reggie helped flip burgers on the grill, proudly donning a neon green 'Birthday Boy' apron. As the celebrant he should have been relaxing and leaving the work to someone else but he was determined to be involved, like he always was. His wife Cheryl and their twins Gabby and Regina all wore white t-shirts with Reggie's face emblazoned on the front and 'Birthday Boy's Girl' on the back. There were about fifty people in all, with younger kids running around playing while the adults mingled in small scattered groups enjoying the festal ambience.

"Serious question, Sash," Pam said, her fabulous body stretched along a beach chair. "How the hell did we get such delicious, bodacious hunks for boyfriends?" she asked, the two women watching their men talk animatedly next to one of the many food tables. Probably about workout techniques, if they were betting women. Elgin was a gym buff just like Joe and even if the man didn't watch wrestling, he still respected their athleticism and dedication to their craft, and never hesitated to swap fitness experiences with Joe.

Sasha tore her eyes away from Joe and feigning arrogance, replied, "Do you even have to ask? Look at us, girl. We're total goddesses."

Pam laughed. "Damn straight. And speaking of, you have been absolutely glowing. Don't think I ain't notice you're looking trimmer now, and I know it's not just because of the yoga."

"Look who's talkin'. You're the one who's been all lovey-dovey. It's always 'Gin this' and 'Gin that'. I've never seen you this strung out on a man before. You, my friend, are in love." She wiggled her eyebrows at the other woman, her smile widening when Pam hid her face shyly behind the rim of her cup of Pina Colada.

"I am," she said. Sasha couldn't have been happier for her. It was so nice to see her like this, and with a gem of a man too. Much like Joe did with Sasha, Elgin treated Pam like a queen, spoiled her rotten, and unlike Sasha, Pam had no problem accepting the lavish gifts he showered her with. Elgin's calm collected nature was the soothing balm to Pam's bubbly fire and the two of them just worked. For the first time, the mother of two saw her best friend's relationship going the distance. "So when are you two gonna start poppin' out little Pams and Elgins, or is it too soon for that?" she joked.

Pam snorted. "Nah, Gin's said he's not sure about kids. Which is fine with me because I think that aspect of my life has passed me by anyway. I might be too old now."

"Pamela, you're only fourteen months older than me. It's not too late for you. You love kids. The way you treat T.K., Mia and your dance kids is proof. You're in great shape and our bodies are different. The fact that I went through what I did with Mia doesn't mean you'll go through the same thing, if that's what you're worried about."

Seemingly contemplating Sasha's words, Pam shrugged. "We'll see how it goes. We're just enjoying each other right now."

"Okay." Sasha wiped up some spilt liquor on her playsuit with a napkin before gazing at Pam. "You are happy though, right?"

The pensive expression was quickly replaced with a giddy smile. "Ecstatic," the petite woman responded, "And so are you."

"I haven't been this happy in a long time, babe," Sasha admitted.

"Well you deserve it. We both do. It's about time we were treated like the queens that we are." Pam raised her plastic red cup. "Here's to us. To fabulous, drama-free, long-lasting relationships with our sinfully smokin' other halves, filled with lots and lots of great sex."

Sasha held up her own cup. "Sensational sex," she added.

"Mind-blowing, earth-shattering, eyes-roll-back sex," declared Pam, "Because we deserve nothing less."

"Hear hear, trick." Sasha clinked their cups together and took a sip of her Margarita. "Looks like you're feeling better about the food poisoning thing."

"Still recovering," said Pam, grunting irritably. "Like I'm still dizzy and shit which is pissin' me off. I got my regular doctor's appointment in a few days so I'll get checked out. Ever since Elgin took me to that damn seafood restaurant last week I haven't been the same. I've told him if he ever makes me eat oysters again I'll fuckin' kick his ass."

They lounged about for a couple more minutes, both of them laughing as they watched Pam's friend Scott flirt outrageously with Joe. Of course, the big man was his usual courteous self, smiling at whatever Scott was saying but Sasha could see that he was trying hard not to make a run for it. A little later she met up with Cheryl to see if she needed any help. Reggie handed her his brand new Nikon camera as she was the only one he could trust with his camera and to take good photos. Obliging him, she milled around, precious valuable camera in hand, taking pictures of the kids playing around, of Reggie working the grill, Lauren feeding Colby cake as she sat on his lap, Pam's friend Brandy giving Jon Good rabbit ears behind his head, among others. A few of Amber's friends and some of the other women at the party kept scampering around for pictures with all of the wrestlers. A few of them spent an uncomfortably long time with Joe, and Sasha valiantly fought the urge to whack the camera upside each of their pretty little heads. She wandered over to the back porch where Josh's girlfriend Gianna and his dad Rikishi sat away from the sun fawning over her baby. She held up the camera, snapping the tender moment between three generations, and smiled when Rikishi looked up. "Uh oh, busted," she joked.

"It's all good, Sash," the former WWE wrestler said, his grin as bright as his trademark blond hair. "Have you met my grandson?"

"Not yet, there was a super-long line of people waiting to see him," said Sasha. "What's his name?"

"Brandon," Gianna answered, as Sasha sat next to the new mother. "Brandon, that's a great name," she commented, staring down at the baby.

"Wanna hold him?" asked Gianna.

"Sure." Handing Rikishi the camera, Sasha took the baby carefully into her arms. "Hi Brandon," she cooed. He was so tiny, only a month old. His eyes were closed, fast asleep and oblivious to the party going on around him. He was dressed in a tiny t-shirt and a pair of shorts and was barefoot. He already had a full head of hair and the lovely olive skin tone his fellow Polynesians all seemed to have. Sasha smiled at Gianna. "Honey, he's gorgeous."

Gianna preened. "Thanks. He looks just like his daddy, doesn't he?"

"He's more handsome than his daddy." Sasha shifted him so that he was resting on her chest and curled up under her chin. The smell of baby powder took her back, reminding her of the very first time she held Mia in her arms and T.K. before that. No matter how many times she'd done it, there was no sweeter feeling than a newborn snuggling against your skin.

Feeling eyes on her, she looked up and immediately locked gazes with Joe. He was watching her intently, his expression unreadable. She flashed him a warm smile, and his grey eyes softened. Brandon awoke, squirmed and made a mewling sound, recapturing Sasha's attention. Bouncing him a little, she grabbed the pacifier attached to his shirt and gently plugged it into his mouth, and he sucked it greedily. "He's probably hungry," Sasha offered.

"I fed him fifteen minutes ago. He's always hungry," Gianna laughed. "He's just like his dad. Always eating."

"He's definitely one of us then." The three of them looked up to see Joe standing next to Sasha, smiling down at his nephew. "Look at that. He's already got his dad's big ears."

"Don't be mean, Joseph," Gianna scolded.

"I'ma tell Josh you said that," Rikishi said to Joe, laughing.

"He already knows."

Sasha looked over at Joe, his gaze somewhat wistful as he ran the back of his index finger down Brandon's cheek. His finger looked so big on his chubby little cheek, and she felt her heart flip. Clearing her throat, she said to Gianna with a smile, "Well, let me not hog him." She carefully gave Brandon back to her, and the new mother was instantly swarmed by a group of women cooing over the baby. Sasha retrieved Reggie's camera from Rikishi and stood up to face Joe. "I see you finally escaped from Scott," she quipped.

"Yeeeah," Joe drawled, cringing. "I've never been hit on by a guy before. I don't wanna say it was weird, but it was weird." He stopped abruptly, pouting at Sasha trying to hide her laughter. "Don't laugh at me."

"Look, you've gone all red. It's so adorable. Like...wait, come back!" She followed him as he started walking away from her, laughing when he turned around and stuck out his tongue. "Yeah, real mature, you big baby."

Shaking his head, he returned to his girlfriend's side. "Have you had anything to eat?" he asked.

Sasha groaned. "Babe, I'm stuffed. If I eat anymore my ass will explode. It's already fat enough as it is."

Joe's eyes blazed as he glared at her. "What have I told you about putting yourself down, Sasha?"

She frowned and glanced down at her sandals. "Sorry. It just slipped out."

"Yeah, well, that needs to stop," he retorted, the harshness of his tone causing Sasha to look back up in surprise. "I really need you to quit talking like that or thinking like that. I don't know how many times I have to tell you that I love your body before you realize I mean it. Hell, I want to grope you right here right now in plain sight of everyone but there's kids here, and T.K. will probably kill me."

And just like that, he'd managed to make her feel chastened and turned on at the same time. Damn.

Before she could reply they heard a commotion, and the two turned to where a small crowd had circled around Mia and Regina in the middle of the backyard as the two girls danced in perfect sync to the David Guetta song booming from the speakers, the scene made comical with Jonny Fatu beside them trying to copy their moves and failing woefully. Sasha turned to Joe, seizing the chance to change the subject. "You know, you've never danced for me."

He snorted at the statement, raising his plastic cup to his lips. "You know I'm too big to dance."

Sasha scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Dude. If those hips of yours can move the way they do in bed then you'll be just fine." Noting he was standing right behind her, she began to move her own hips to the beat of the song, subtly grinding her ass against him, and smiled when his large hand splayed over her stomach and pulled her body flush against his. The thin fabric of her playsuit brought him in intimate contact with every outline and curve of her body. She plucked his cup out of his hands and feigned accidentally dropping it on the grass beneath their feet. Crouching down to pick it up, she slowly, sexily made her way back to her full height, ensuring her butt rolled directly against his crotch in the process.

Still holding on tightly to her, Joe bent down, nipped her earlobe and growled, "If you think for one second that I won't throw you over my shoulder, take you back to the car and fuck the shit out of you, you're gravely mistaken."

Oh wow.

"Get a room, y'all," Trinity stated as she walked by.

Chuckling, Sasha stepped away from Joe, who casually adjusted himself in his shorts. "This ain't over, nani," he asserted, his eyes dark.

She smiled seductively. "Of course not," she answered, and with a parting wink, she sauntered over to rejoin Pam, feeling his eyes on her the whole time.

Somehow, Joe ended up spending the night in her home. Mia had made the suggestion out of the blue, and to Sasha's surprise, T.K. had no problem with it. She'd stayed the night at Joe's place only a handful of times since they first got together but he had never stayed at hers, mainly out of respect for the children. To be fair to him, he had taken her aside right before they left the party and offered to go home if she wasn't comfortable with it, but Sasha couldn't bring herself to do that to her kids, nor did she really want him to go home. It was good, really good, to have him around, to have another adult to talk to. And she really wanted to be with him as much as she could, since they were kept apart for so long thanks to his work.

Since they had brought back so much food from Reggie's party there was no need to make dinner, thankfully. Spending the rest of the evening indoors, they munched on leftovers with T.K. and Joe still gloating about the impromptu football game that took place at the party in which their side won, while Mia sat in the kitchen with her mother watching the newest Step Up movie on Joe's iPad. It seemed surreal, seeing him in her apartment beyond nine p.m., but it was fabulous to see her babies enjoying themselves around him. It did all sorts of interesting things to her heart seeing Joe laughing and joking and continuing to prove to be an all-around great guy. Things were so much more different only a month ago, when they thought it was over between them.

Sasha knew it was bedtime when Mia fell asleep on Joe's lap. T.K. picked her up and bid the adults goodnight, but not before dispensing some heartfelt advice. "Goodnight mom. Joe. Kindly keep any possible shenanigans on the down low, if you can. Thanks in advance." He wiggled his eyebrows playfully before carrying his little sister into his bedroom.

Sasha covered her flaming face, mortified. "I'm gonna kill that boy."

Joe laughed and put his arm around her. "He's just playing around. Come on, let's go inside."

Back in her room, he lay in bed stripped down to his boxer shorts and watched Sasha walk out of the bathroom wearing an oversized t-shirt and a pair of boy shorts. She turned off the lights in the room, the only source of illumination emanating from the streetlight outside. She approached the bed, taking his extended hand and letting him pull her on top of him.

"You should be naked," Joe pointed out, wrapping his arms around his girlfriend.

Sasha giggled at his pouting expression. "Hmm, maybe later, big boy." Framing his face with her hands, she swept her lips over his, melting into him like always as he kissed her back tenderly. "I love you," she whispered.

"I'll never get tired of hearing you say that, baby girl." They made out some more until he turned his head to release a loud yawn. "I should punish you for teasing me earlier today but I'm so fuckin' tired," he said.

"It's okay. We can just cuddle." She slid over to his right side and wound her arms around his big body. She placed her nose at his throat and drank him in, her toes wiggling against his shin like always, her feet never quite able to reach his own. "Good day?" she asked him.

"Great day," Joe nodded, his own arm winding underneath her body so that his hand rested on her butt. "It's always awesome to hang out with friends and family."

"I lost count of how many women were drooling over you today," she whispered, a frown crossing her features.

He pulled back, and even in the dim room she could see the gleam in his eye. "Why, Miss Morgan, were you jealous?"

Sasha shrugged. "A little."

Joe smiled proudly at her. "I like that you get jealous even though you know I'm all yours."

"Damn right you're all mine," she hissed, swinging her leg across his body as though marking her territory. Chuckling, the Samoan patted her thigh, shutting his eyes as the fatigue from the long day gradually descended upon them.

"So...Brandon's a little cutie, isn't he?" he heard Sasha say, her voice tentative.

A couple of seconds passed before he replied, rigidly, "He is."

"What were you thinking when you were looking at him?"

Almost instantly, she felt him stiffen. "What do you mean?"

She shot him a 'don't play dumb' look, but her features softened when she took in his coy, almost embarrassed expression. "Baby it's okay. Talk to me. Don't hide from me. I'm just curious." Stroking his cheek gently, she met his eyes dead on. "Were you thinking about your baby?"

He stared back at her, a tinge of sorrow in his gorgeous eyes. When his voice broke the awkward silence once more, it was flat and dull. "Yeah," he sighed. "I thought about him. What he would look like now. If it was even a boy. Brandon woulda had another big brother or sister to grow up with by now. I think about it all the time." Turning his head, he focused his gaze on the weathered, peeling ceiling. "I didn't want to say anything about it so I won't creep you out or scare you away. I wish I could stop thinking about it, I really do. But I just can't seem to."

"You're not scaring me," Sasha assured him, "It's perfectly understandable and I'm truly sorry about what happened. I wish I could take the pain away for you. You just know this. You're gonna get what you want, Joe. You're young and strong and healthy, and when you're good and ready it will happen. Don't worry."

His gaze softened at her words, silently wondering how he had coped without this woman in his life. "Thanks for that, baby girl." Kissing the top of her head, he snickered. "You know, we've been dating for over six months and this is the first time I'm sleeping over at yours. It's cool though, I get why. You didn't want the kids to feel uncomfortable or awkward."

"I actually wasn't sure if it was ever going to happen," she said, laughing a little. "I was surprised when Mia came up to me and even more shocked when T.K. said he didn't mind. I have no idea why they had that thought in the first place." She gazed up at him, her hand idly caressing his chest. "Whatever it was, I'm really happy that you're here. It feels great to cuddle with someone other than an eight-year-old at night."

"Same here. I'll admit it's not much fun being in a big-ass house all by myself sometimes. It feels pretty empty when I'm there alone. I didn't notice it all that much before we got together 'cause I was used to it I guess. Now I feel it big time when you're not around. That's why I'm always trying to get you to stay longer when you come over."

"And nine times out of ten, you succeed." She smiled softly as she drew her finger along his goatee. "You're welcome to sleep over anytime. There might not be all that much room here, but you're welcome nonetheless."

He smiled. "I'll take it. And right back at ya, baby." Unbeknownst to her, he'd thought about much more than just sleeping over. More than once he'd imagined asking her to move in with him, her and the kids. They would have all the space they were lacking here, she would never have to worry about paying the rent and he wouldn't come home to an empty house. But he didn't dare mention it to her, knowing very well that she would freak out, tell him that it was way too soon for such a big step. That's if she even wanted to take that step in the first place. He wouldn't risk it just yet, deciding to wait a while longer before he broached the subject to her.

Wordlessly, he drew her smaller frame closer and kissed her forehead. He heard her content sigh when his lips found the tip of her nose and then her mouth, in a gentle, tender kiss. Sasha snuggled up to him, resting her head on his shoulder. Their collective breathing soon slowed as they settled into a deep, comfortable sleep.

School's back and I've got dissertation to think about now, so my time is going to split some more. But I'll keep updating when I can, I promise.

I got a new story up called You Consume Me. Care to read and hopefully review? *puppy dog eyes*

*rolls up sleeves for the next chapter*

Thoughts on the update?!