"So," Alicia says quietly. "One week into the new year." She peers up at her husband as Ricardo winds his arms around her and the two of them stand over the cribs, watching their twin daughters sleep, one peaceful and still, the other twitching and grasping at something that only she could sense in her dreams.
"Yeah," he murmurs back, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck.
"How are we feeling so far about 2023?" she wonders, shivering under his ministrations.
"I think we're feeling pretty good," he says, hands trailing lazily over her arms. "I mean, we have these three beautiful children, my wrestling school is... well, I have so many plans rattling around in my head that I'm not even sure where to begin with implementing them all. I feel like it's going to be a fun year."
Alicia hums. "You know, I think so too," she agrees, lacing her fingers with Ricardo's. She hesitates for a moment, then turns in his arms and rests her hands on his shoulders, searching his face. "What do you think if I was in the rumble this year?"
He frowns at her. "Do you think it's a little soon after the babies for something like that?"
She shrugs. "I'd discuss it with my doctor, of course, but I was able to compete pretty quickly after having Andre, so I don't see why not, really. There were no complications with the actual labor, and I probably wouldn't be in the match for too long."
Ricardo stares at her, then exhales. "If your doctor says it's ok, and you feel alright doing it, then, I mean, I guess you'll be fine. But you'll be careful, and take care of yourself, right?"
She's reminded again of how stressful the pregnancy with the twins were for him, how protective he was while she was on bedrest. She nods, smiling. "Yes, Ricardo. I promise I will take care of myself."
He exhales, nodding back. "Then yes, I think if it's something you want to do again, then you should do it."
She smiles at him, kissing him sweetly. "Thank you. If it works out, it'll be awesome to see everyone backstage again. I love the rumble."
He smiles a little. "I know you do. I do too."
She offers him another kiss, then turns back to their children. "Someday, maybe these two will be competing in one too."
Ricardo huffs a laugh. "Thankfully," he says, pressing another kiss to the back of her neck, "we have plenty of time before we have to start considering that."