Things return to something near normalcy after that. Yes, NXT guys are still lurking, looking for their taste of fame, but everyone's back safely from Saudi Arabia and Mike feels like he can breathe again. He sighs and rocks George quietly in his arms, thinking. He has nothing set for this week's Smackdown, no MizTV, no matches, nothing of consequence, and that's fine. He's perfectly content to stay at home and spend time with AJ and the kids. Sara's going to be starting school soon, and George is already getting so big.
Mike smiles slightly when AJ pads into the room, resting a hand on his shoulder while leaning over to kiss George gently on the forehead. "There are my two favorite guys," she says quietly. "You good, husband?"
"Yeah," he sighs. "Just felt like taking a minute to think about things."
"Ooh, that's always dangerous," she teases him and he smirks up at her. "Anything in particular?"
He shrugs. "I guess just... thinking about all of those guys stuck in Saudi Arabia last week. I'd be losing my mind if I couldn't get back home to you guys, and being stuck over there for so long." He takes her hand and kisses her knuckles.
"I would have been too," AJ says, shaking her head at the pure thought of it. "Please never do something like that to me." She leans in and kisses him, slow and sweet, and he sighs.
"I'll do my best not to," he swears to her, before turning adoring eyes to the little boy still dozing peacefully in his arms. "Isn't that right, George? Daddy will always do everything he can to come back home, safe and healthy, to you and your sister and Mommy."
AJ grips the back of Mike's chair, careful not to jostle the baby as she leans in and kisses him. "I love you," she breathes, eyes shut tightly as he kisses her back. "So much."
"I love you too," he tells her. "Always and forever. No matter what."
She smiles tearfully at him and he carefully stands, brushing past her. Once he has George settled, he takes her hand and draws her in close to him. "C'mon, let's go get some sleep. It's been a long few days."
"Yes, it has been," she agrees, resting her head on his chest and allowing him to guide the way to their room, only stopping for a moment to peek in at Sara, who is peacefully sleeping in her room.
They both smile at the little girl, sleeping heavily with her thumb pressing against her lips, before continuing on their way, fingers laced tightly together as Mike tucks AJ in and lays down next to her, wrapping her up in his arms. "Forever and ever," he whispers to her and she echoes the words, smiling at him.