Ch 10
19 years later
The energy in the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh was electric as Armageddon 2007 was about to begin. Rose guided her children, Amanda and Alex, backstage before the show started to see their Dad before his triple threat match against Edge and Batista. At 18, Amanda was a spitting image of her mother, with long blonde curly hair and sparkling blue eyes, though her strong-willed personality often reminded Rose of Mark. At 14, Alex was already taller than his sister, with dark auburn hair and a shy demeanor that mirrored his Uncle Kane's.
"Mom, this never gets old. I love coming to the shows," Alex said, his voice filled with awe.
Rose smiled. "I'm happy to bring you guys whenever it doesn't interfere with school. I love traveling with your Dad."
They turned a corner and ran into Cody Rhodes, who grinned as he spotted them. Cody had been a part of their lives for years, thanks to his father Dusty friendship with Mark.
"Well, if it isn't Amanda and Alex," Cody said, his tone playful. "Alex, you're going to outgrow your dad and uncle soon."
Alex laughed nervously. "I'm trying. I would love to wrestle like them one day."
"And Amanda," Cody continued, turning to her with a smile. "You look amazing, as always."
"Thanks, Cody," Amanda replied, rolling her eyes slightly but smiling back.
Rose watched the interaction with a knowing look. She had seen Cody flirt with Amanda lately, but Amanda always brushed it off. Mark, however, was less amused by Cody's attention to his daughter.
As if on cue, Mark appeared from the locker room. His towering presence instantly commanded respect, and Cody quickly straightened up.
"Cody, do I need to remind you again to leave my daughter alone?" Mark said in his deep, rumbling voice. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Sorry sir. I was just catching up with your family," Cody said with a nervous tone backing down the hallway. "Good to see you, sir."
Mark's piercing gaze followed Cody as he excused himself and walked away. Then he turned to Amanda.
"Is he bothering you?" Mark asked.
"No, Dad," Amanda said with a sigh. "He's just being Cody. I can handle him. I don't need your help with every guy that gives me attention especially someone like Cody. You have to trust me and stop embarrassing me every time a guy flirts with me, Dad."
Mark grunted, his protective instincts still on high alert. He was about to say something when Rose interrupted.
"You two go to your seats. I'll be right there," Rose ushered their children along before turning to her husband giving him a concerned look.
"Darling, don't even say it. She is my little girl I won't tolerate anyone hitting on her especially another wrestler," he looked in the direction their kids had gone then back down into his wife's eyes.
"You and I both know she can handle herself."
"She can but doesn't mean I can turn off my worrying about her. Thankfully I have you to keep me from embarrassing our daughter too much," his tone softened as he reached out wrapping his arms around Rose pulling her close. "Thank you for bringing the kids tonight. I've missed you. I can't wait till this is over and we can head back home. We need some alone time," he whispered in her ear making her smile.
"We definitely do," she caressed his face as he leaned down kissing her deeply. "Good luck with your match. I'll see you after. I love you handsome."
"I love you darling," he slowly let her go as she headed to join their children and he went to get ready for his match.
After the event, the family returned to the hotel where many of the wrestlers and their families were staying. Amanda couldn't sleep, so she wandered into the lobby, where she spotted Roman Reigns sitting on one of the couches.
Though she'd seen him numerous times over the years supporting his cousins, The Rock and Rikishi and other family members, they had never really talked to one another. Tonight, something about him drew her in and she decided to go try to talk to him.
"Hey," Roman said as she approached, his warm smile lighting up his face. "Amanda, right? We've crossed paths a few times."
"That's me," Amanda replied blushing, sitting across from him. "And you're Roman, right? I've seen you a few times when Rock and Rikishi have matches."
"Yeah, that's my blood," Roman said with pride. "I try to support my family when I have time. Tonight we came as a family to see the show even though none of our family is wrestling. What about you? Just came to watch your Dad's triple threat title shot match against Batista and Edge?"
Amanda laughed. "Pretty much. We try to make it for all the pay per view events. Sometimes Mom won't let us if we have stuff going on or my Grandma needs help with her bakery."
"Tell me more about this bakery. Oatmeal cookies with raisins are my favorite," Roman laughed, making Amanda smile and start telling Roman more about her family life.
The conversation flowed easily between them, and Amanda found herself captivated by Roman's charm and sincerity. Roman, in turn, admired her sharp wit and easygoing nature. Hours passed, and they barely noticed the time.
Unbeknownst to them, Rose had come down to check on her daughter. She paused when she saw Amanda and Roman talking, their laughter and ease with one another unmistakable. A warm smile spread across Rose's face as she watched them, quietly retreating to let them enjoy the moment.
A few days later, back in their hometown, Rose and Amanda took a walk to the town square. Snow blanketed the ground, and volunteers were setting up the snowflake tree for the annual Christmas Eve tradition.
Rose stopped, gazing at the tree with a fond smile. "You know, Amanda, this tree means everything to your dad and me. It's where we found our matching snowflakes. It's where our story began."
Amanda looked at her mom, her blue eyes softening. "I know, Mom. You tell us every year for as long as I can remember how special this tree is. You and Dad are the reason I believe in all of this. I truly believe what grandma keeps saying about this town has Christmas magic."
Rose put an arm around her daughter, pulling her close. "Someday, I hope you and Alex find your matches too. It's not just about the snowflakes—it's about believing in love, in destiny."
Amanda smiled, though a wistfulness crept into her expression. "Do you think there is still magic left in any of the snowflakes? I've seen many couples try to match over the years and never do. Uncle Kane hasn't had any luck matching with anyone. He married Ruby's mom even though they didn't match and you see that ended in divorce," Amanda paused thinking of her 15 year old cousin that she rarely ever saw. "Now Uncle Kane only sees Ruby on her birthdays and a few holidays."
Rose kissed her daughter's cheek. "I will always believe in true love. Uncle Kane will eventually find true love. You will find your soul mate and you'll know. It's up to you if you decide to pick a snowflake ornament and see if the Christmas magic works. As for me and your Dad, we will always believe in it. Come on, let's get back home."
When they returned home, Mark was waiting in the living room, two mugs of hot cocoa sitting on the table near him as he relaxed in his favorite chair near the fireplace.
"How was the walk?" he asked, pulling Rose onto his lap as Amanda headed upstairs.
"It was good. Amanda asked me if I believe in destiny and magic. I told her of course I do thanks to our lives since finding the matching snowflakes. She is worried the snowflakes don't have anymore magic," Rose said, resting her head on his chest.
Mark looked thoughtful. "I believe in Christmas magic too, darling. The snowflakes work in their own magic way when they want to. I hope our children find the same happiness we have in their futures."
Rose smiled, her voice filled with quiet certainty. "They will. They've seen what love can be. They'll know it when it's right."
Mark nodded in agreement. "I just want them to be happy."
"They will be," Rose said. "It may sound crazy but I have a feeling our children will see first hand one day how magically those snowflakes are."
"I hope they do, darling," Mark said pulling her closer against him cherishing his time with her.
As the snow fell outside, Mark and Rose sat together, their love as strong as ever. They knew the future was bright, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, their family was ready to face them—together.
************************The End**********************************************