~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One

~~~~~~~~~~~

After retrieving his bags from the trunk of the car, Chris walked up to the front door and unlocked it. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him, sighing with content as he set his bags down in the foyer. It was good to be home. He wasn't surprised to find the house mostly dark and quiet. It was still fairly early in the morning and he had no doubt that Calliope would still be sleeping.

Walking to the bedroom, Chris stopped in the doorway, gazing at Calliope as she slept. His heart swelled with love and wanted nothing more than to wake her, but he didn't.

Being only one week away from her due date, Chris knew that Calliope needed as much rest as she could get. She'd only begun leave from work and traveling with him a week ago. He'd wanted to come home when she had, but Calliope insisted that he waited another week, pointing out that the longer he waited, the more time that he could spend with the baby when it was born.

Smiling lightly, Chris began stripping off his clothes as he walked across the room to the master bathroom to take a shower. After letting the water warm up, he stepped in. Tipping his head back, a soft groan rumbled through his chest as the hot water ran over his face and down his body, leaving his muscles completely relaxed.

"Hey, enough room in there for me?" Calliope poked her head in and asked.

Hearing her soft, sleepy voice, Chris turned around and smiled at Calliope. "Of course." He replied as he held his hand out to help her step in. He immediatly pulled her under the spray of water and into his arms.

"How are you two doing?" Chris asked as he tenderly ran his hand over her swollen belly. "Hey I felt that!" He exclaimed, his blue eyes gleaming with happiness when he felt his child's movements against his hand. Chris shook his head in disbelief, never ceasing to be amazed by the tiny miracle growing within her.

"I think that someone is happy that you're home." Calliope said as she tipped her head back and looked up into his handsome face.

"I am too." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around his neck and tangled her fingers through his hair. Standing up on her toes, Calliope urged his head down until his lips met hers in a burning kiss.

***

"When are Adam and Chase getting here?" Calliope asked later while she and Chris were having breakfast.

"Tomorrow afternoon sometime. Adam is calling later with the exact time that their flight comes in." Chris answered as he got up to refill his coffee cup.

"Good. I can't wait to see them." Although it had only been a week since she'd last seen Adam and Chase, she missed them terribly after being used to seeing them nearly every day.

"So what have you got planned for today? Or do we get to spend all day in bed?" Chris asked with a teasing grin.

Calliope smiled back. "Well, apart from a doctor appointment in two hours, I'm free. They're going to do another sonogram. Can you make it?"

Chris' handsome features softened even more at the thought of being able to see his child again. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." He answered sincerely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Two

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Her arms full, and running late, Chase hurried through the crowded halls of the arena. She smiled absently at the people around her, nodding her head when she heard someone say hello. Being in a rush herself, and being backstage where a live show was currently in action, it was mad chaos, and Chase was feeling a little stressed.

Her eyes brightened when she saw the figure she had been searching frantically for the past fifteen minutes.

�Stephanie!� she called out, trying to gain the youngest McMahon�s attention. She frowned when Stephanie disappeared around the corner, never even once looking back.

�Damn.� She swore under her breath as she hurried to catch the brunette. She and Stephanie were supposed to get together before she and Adam left for two weeks to be with Calliope and Chris.

With Calliope out on maternity leave, Chase was taking on PR responsibilities for both Chris and Adam. It wasn�t nearly as hard on her as she had first expected it to be, with Chris being out right now as well. But he would be back before Calliope, and to make things a little easier on Chase, Stephanie had been coming up with a new angle for Chris when he came back, pairing him with Adam, even if only for a short time until Calliope returned. She may not be on TV any longer, but Stephanie McMahon was still the head writer for the WWE.

�Hey, Steph, wait up!� Chase called out as she rounded the corner. �Ah!� she exclaimed as she slammed into someone, sending all the papers in her arms in the air. She looked up at them helplessly, glaring as they fluttered down to the ground, scattered everywhere.

�Oops.�

Chase�s head snapped up at the man�s voice, and her eyes narrowed when she took in his grin.

�Oops?� she repeated, trying to keep her voice calm. �That�s all you have to say?�

He shrugged, then added reluctantly. �How�s sorry?�

She sighed and rolled her eyes. �Forget it, Angle. Nice hair by the way.� She snorted as she squatted down and started gathering up all the paper. She barely spared him a glance when he too bent down and started helping her, so she missed the look that passed across his face when she mentioned his �hair�.

Kurt Angle had always been a pretty good friend, but they hadn�t spent a lot of time together, up until now. Since he was put in the angle with Adam, they saw each other all the time. The feud with Angle and Edge was hot and the fans were eating it up.

Chase shuddered inwardly when she thought about the �Hair vs. Hair� match that had taken place at the last PPV. The loser of the match had to shave their head bald then and there. Thank god Adam had won. And there wouldn�t be another�she had made sure of that. She had basically threatened her husband with everything she could think of, including his life, if he ever agreed to that kind of a match again.

It wasn�t that she didn�t think he would be handsome bald�it was just the fact that she never wanted to find out. She had never been one of those women to find bald men attractive. Not that she would ever say that around certain people. Like Kurt, or Steve Austin. She almost couldn�t blame Kurt for going around since the PPV wearing the hideous brown wig.

She straightened and smiled a little as she reached for the stack of papers Angle was holding out for her.

�Thanks.� She said. �Sorry about being such a bitch earlier, things are just hectic today.� She explained.

Kurt shrugged. �Not a problem. Busy huh?� he asked.

�That�s an understatement.� She laughed. �I�m trying to get everything situated and finalized before Adam and I leave tomorrow.�

She was practically bouncing on her feet with excitement at seeing Calliope. It may have only been a week since she left, but Chase was missing her desperately. And Chris too, although he�d just left earlier that day. She loved working one on one with her husband, but professionally, she and Chris were just in tune with each other. Just as Calliope and Adam were.

�Oh that�s right, you two are gonna be gone for a couple weeks�with Chris and Calliope right?�

She nodded. �Hopefully we�ll be there when the baby�s born.� She crossed her fingers. Vince had been generous enough to grant she and Adam two weeks off, but firmly told them that they were to be back at the end of those two weeks�no excuses!

�So when is Chris gonna make an honest woman out of her? They�ve been engaged for how many months?� Kurt asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Chase grinned, her eyes lightning up with excitement. �Actually, that�s why Adam and I are leaving tomorrow morning. Calliope doesn�t know it yet, but there will be a wedding tomorrow night.�

�Really?� Kurt asked intrigued. He genuinely liked Calliope and Chris, and wished them both the best.

�Callie really wanted to get married before the baby was born, but it just always seemed that with all the testing and doctors appointments to make sure the baby was okay, there was never any time to get married. But Chris knew how badly she wanted to get married before the baby. So, for the past month and a half, he and I have been secretly planning the wedding. Everything is done, and all that needs to happen, is for Callie to show up at the church.� She grinned, nearly bubbling over with excitement and anticipation for her friend.

�Man, she�s really in for a surprise! I hope you don�t send her into early labor!� Kurt laughed.

�As long as we get through the ceremony, that will be fine.� Chase giggled. Then at least she would be there when the baby was born!

Her smile faltered slightly when she saw Kurt look over her shoulder, his eyes darkening slightly, while his grin faded. She forgot all about it as soon as she glanced over her shoulder, her heart fluttering in her chest as the sight of her husband walking towards them in his wrestling gear.

She had seen him in his gear more times than she could count, but every time sent her heart racing and feeling like she was going to hyperventilate. Especially when he gave her his patented �Edge� grin. Much like he was doing right then.

�Hey, baby.� She greeted when he stepped up to her, pulling her close and dropping a quick, but hot kiss on her lips.

�Mmm, hey.� He replied, then looked over at Kurt. �I�ve been looking for you. We need to go over the game plan for the match tonight.�

Kurt was silent for a moment, staring intently at the tall blond before him. �Sure, no problem.� He finally answered, his voice sounding a little strange to both Adam and Chase.

Chase looked back and forth between the two men. �You two aren�t still planning on the steel cage match are you?� she asked, the worry written on her face. She wasn�t one of those wives who fretted around in the back until their husband�s matches were over. Quite frankly she knew Adam could handle himself in the ring, and had been around long enough to know the kind of matches he liked to get into. He liked to live dangerously.

But the steel cage matches and Hell In A Cell were the only ones that terrified the hell out of her.

�Hell yeah we are!� Kurt exclaimed, sounding somewhat like the old Stone Cold. �You should watch, Chase! You�ll get to see me kick your husband�s ass all over that steel cage.� He grinned.

�Ha!� Adam laughed. �There�s gonna be ass kicked, that�s for sure. But it won�t be mine.�

Chase rolled her eyes good-naturedly. �Alright, boys. Just please be careful out there.� She said seriously, to both of them.

�Don�t worry, Chase. I won�t hurt him.� Kurt promised, then turned to walk away, but paused. �Much.� He added in at the last moment.

Adam shook his hand after the other man, then looked down at his wife. �I better go catch up with him so we can discuss the match. What about you?� he asked as he gently rubbed his hands up and down her arms. He knew how she felt about the match coming up, and although she would never try and talk him out of a match, aside from another Hair match, he knew she was worried.

�I�ve got to meet with Stephanie. She�s got the outline for yours and Chris� angle when he gets back. She wants me to look over it, share the ideas with you two, and see if we have any ideas to add.� She said, looking down the hallway, where Stephanie had disappeared earlier.

She looked back where Kurt had last been seen a frown on her face. �Is anything wrong with him?� she asked.

�How do you mean?� Adam asked. He gotten a feeling something was slightly off with Kurt, and had gotten that feeling since the match at the PPV. But he really hadn�t given it too much thought, deciding if he were in Kurt�s place, he wouldn�t be to happy about loosing his hair either.

�I�m not sure really. He just seemed�I don�t know, off.� She shrugged, trying to explain.

�Honey, that�s Kurt Angle you�re talking about. He�s always a little off.� Adam teased, grinning when she giggled and swatted his arm lightly.

�That�s not what I meant, and you know it. I guess he�s just concentrating on the coming up match.� She shrugged, dismissing it from her mind.

�You gonna watch the match?� he asked softly.

�I honestly don�t know, Adam. Maybe. Depends on how long I�m in with Steph. If I get out before the match starts, I�ll be in your dressing room�watching.� She assured him.

He smiled and bent down to kiss her, hugging her tight before pulling back. �I�ll meet you there after the match.�

She nodded, following him with her eyes as he started down the hall. �Adam!� she called, waiting until he turned around to face her. �I love you.�

His eyes softened and his smile grew. �I love you too, and I promise to be careful.�

Feeling better, she turned and started down the hallway towards where she knew Stephanie�s makeshift office was. She sighed tiredly as she glanced at her watch, seeing they weren�t even half way through the taping for the night.

�I can not wait for this vacation!� she muttered to herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Three

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh my God!" Chase gasped in shock and horror as she walked into Adam's dressing room and glanced at the TV monitor mounted on the wall in the corner of the room. She had gotten out of her meeting with Stephanie in time to catch the tail end of Adam's match and now she wasn't so sure that she wanted to see it. Her eyes went wide with dread when she saw the blood staining Adam's hair and covering his face. This was not the way that this match was supposed to be going at all.

Chase gasped again, her world tilting crazily when the TV camera focused on Angle for a moment. The crazed, maniacal look in his eyes was frightening. Had her feeling of trepidation from earlier been justified? Should she have been more assertive when Adam tried to brush off her worries about Angle's behavior as of late?

Chase felt her stomach churn as she watched Adam stagger drunkenly to his feet, blood dripping rapidly from the gash on his forehead. He had a distant look in his eyes that told that he wasn't all there.

Unable to stand seeing Adam like that, Chase turned her back to the monitor as she nervously bit on her bottom lip. She felt completely helpless and she hated that. But there really wasn't a damn thing that she could do until the match was ended.

Glancing back over her shoulder, Chase looked quickly at the television screen again. She sighed slightly with relief when she saw that Hogan had finally gotten out to the ring. That meant that the match was nearly over...Or it was supposed to be anyway.

Setting her purse and briefcase down on the bench, Chase left the room and headed to the arena entrance. She wanted to be there when Adam came through.

***

"Hello?" Chris quickly picked up the phone after the first ring, not wanting it to awaken Calliope. He glanced up at the clock, wondering who would be calling at close to eleven o' clock at night.

"Hey Chris...I'm sorry to be calling at this hour." Chase began, already feeling better after just hearing his voice. "How are you and Callie doing?"

"We're great. She had another doctor appointment today and they checked the baby again. Everything looks absolutely perfect."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Chase exclaimed, feeling genuinely happy for Chris and Calliope.

"She was having some contractions earlier, but they seemed to have stopped for now. But the doctor said that she is more than ready to have the baby anytime now." Chris said as he looked into the bedroom. A smile of pure happiness curved his lips as he watched her sleeping.

"Oh my god...Chris! Don't you dare let her have that baby until we get there and get you two married!" Chase teased.

"I'll do my best." Chris promised with a laugh. "So what's up?" He knew that Chase wasn't calling at that time of the night just for casual chitchat...especially when she and Adam were going to be there the next day. He could sense something under the happiness in her voice.

Chris' question caught Chase off guard and for a moment she stayed silent, remembering how well he knew her. Nothing could get past him. Chase wracked her mind, trying to think of how to word what she needed to say.

"Chris, before you left...Well actually since Judgement Day...have you noticed anything different about Kurt Angle?"

"Yeah, he's bald." Chris replied simply, followed by a hearty laugh.

Chase sighed in exasperation. "Apart from that, Chris! I mean, does his personality seem different?"

"Not sure I'm following you, Chase." Chris told her, not really sure what she was getting at.

Chase remembered that what had happened that night was only taped and Chris wouldn't have a chance to see it for a couple more days on TV. "Well, tonight at the tapings, Adam and Angle had that cage match. And I honestly believe that Angle took things a little too far tonight." Chase began to explain. Although Adam tried to downplay the whole thing...saying that getting busted open was all a part of the game, she knew deep down that the blow to the head had been intentional.

"What happened?" Chris asked.

"Adam got busted open during the match. Now I know what you're going to say, Chris...Adam said the same thing to me about it, but I really do believe that it was intentional on Angle's part. He's been weird lately...especially tonight. The look in his eyes was creepy...It's like he's snapped or something."

Chris didn't need any further explanation. He himself had thought that Angle had been acting a little strange since losing the hair match, but he never thought that it was beneficial to mention it to anyone. He'd thought that maybe it was just a mood that Angle was in. But now it was obvious that it was much more than that.

"Okay," Chris paused when he heard Calliope stirring and then softly call his name. "Listen, I have to get going, but we will talk about this further when you and Adam get here. And Chase...I agree with you...there is something very different about Angle lately."

Chase sighed with relief, knowing that she wasn't just being overly protective of Adam. It was nice to know that someone...especially Chris, had the same feeling when it came to Kurt Angle.

"Alright, I'll let you get going. We'll see you tomorrow." Chase began ending the call. "And Chris...Thanks."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Four

~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Um, Callie, honey?�

Calliope turned and looked at Chris, waiting for what he had to say. �Yes?� she asked.

�I�m just curious. How many times are you planning on cleaning the house? This is at least the third time today. Chase and Adam aren�t expecting the place to be spotless.� Chris grinned, unable to resist teasing her.

Calliope rolled her eyes as she threw her dust rag at him, which he easily ducked. �Stop it!� she giggled. �I just can�t seem to get this place clean enough!�

Chris nodded as he looked around. �Yeah, yeah, I can see what you mean. Way too much spotlessness for my liking, too. I�m thinking we may need to go back over it again.�

�Ha ha, very funny.� Calliope responded dryly over her shoulder as she cleaned the big screen television for the second time. �Honestly, I just don�t know what�s getting into me. It�s like I have this sudden urge to clean.�

�Wanna take that �urge� to the bedroom?� Chris grinned, wiggling his eyebrows at her suggestively.

Calliope�s smile widened. �Normally, you know I would take you up on that in a heartbeat, but unfortunately, I don�t think we have time. Chase and Adam are going to be here any minute.� She told him, glancing at the clock.

�Damn.� Chris muttered, then after a moment�s thought brightened up again. �Hey, maybe their plane was delayed or something!�

As if on cue, the doorbell rang, causing Calliope to burst out laughing at the look on Chris� face.

�Or not.� He mumbled, biting back the laughter of his own as he moved to the door.

***

�Wow, you look wonderful!� Chase exclaimed, amazed at how much pregnancy agreed with her friend.

�Please, I look like a whale!� Calliope laughed, running a hand lovingly over her swollen belly.

Chase shook her head. �No you don�t. Not in the least. You actually look like your maybe six months along instead of nearly at your due date.�

�Thank you. Sometimes I just need to hear that.� Calliope smiled, glad to have her friend there with her. She glanced at the front door, where Chris and Adam had just gone out of to get the bags from the car.

�What happened to Adam?� she asked, referring to the bandage on his forehead. �I know he had a steel cage match with Angle last night, but no one was supposed to get hurt.� Although she wasn�t on the road with him, she was still keeping up on his story lines, so she wouldn�t be completely lost when she did return.

She also knew that Chase wasn�t too fond of the steel cage matches, not that she could blame her friend. Any match that had to do with the steel cage tended to be the most brutal and scary. She herself had nearly broken Adam�s hands during the last PPV when Chris had been in Hell In A Cell match with Triple H. If he and Chase hadn�t been there with her, she most likely wouldn�t have made it through the match.

Chase�s smile faded at the mention of the night before, her eyes darkening slightly. �He got busted open last night.� She replied softly, looking down at her hands.

�Stitches?� Calliope asked. When Chase nodded, she sighed. �What happened?�

Chase got up and walked over to the one bag she had brought in with her and pulled out videotape. �I have my theory on what happened, but why don�t you take a look at this and tell me what you think.� She suggested, holding up the tape.

�Is that a tape of Smack Down?� Calliope asked, struggling to get to her feet. �How in the hell did you get that?� she demanded once she was standing and saw Chase nod. It wasn�t easy to get your hands on a previously taped even that hadn�t been aired on TV, Vince being big in keeping this a �surprise�.

Chase shrugged. �Wasn�t too hard, considering Chris is supposed to receive tapes of everything until he gets back.�

�So you didn�t break any rules to get that?� Calliope asked.

�Nope, got it from Vince himself, actually.� Chase grinned.

Calliope�s eyes narrowed as she studied her friend closely. �Why do I get the feeling that there is more too all this than your telling me?�

�No, I�m not going to say anything just yet.� Chase moved towards the TV and put the tape in the VCR. �I�d rather you watch this, give me your opinion, then we�ll talk about my theory. Okay?�

�Alright.� Calliope agreed, curiosity getting the best of her as she sat back down and got comfortable.

***

�Angle must have really gotten a shot in on ya.� Chris commented as he hauled a suitcase out of the trunk, setting it on the ground with the others.

Adam sighed deeply as he gave his friend a �don�t start� look. �It was nothing.� He said in a tone that clearly warned Chris to leave it alone. Chris being Chris didn�t listen.

�Sure doesn�t look like nothing.�

Adam crossed his arms over his chest. �You�re beginning to sound like my wife.� He grumbled.

He left out the fact that he and Chase had gotten into an argument on the plane about that very thing. When she had brought it up, he had all but bitten her head off and told her to drop it. His head was hurting and he hadn�t felt like talking about it at the time. He had apologized immediately, which she accepted without hesitation, letting the subject drop, but he also knew it was just a matter of time before it would be brought back up again.

�She�s concerned you know.� Chris countered, studying his friend, pausing a second before adding. �And honestly, I think she has reason to be. You and I both know something is up with Kurt. He�s usually one of the safest wrestlers on the roster. But lately, since loosing to you at Judgement Day, something�s changed. Under normal circumstances, he would have never busted you open unless it was in the script. And even then he would be careful about it.�

Adam sighed again as he ran his hand over his face, rubbing his eyes. �I know I know. And you and Chase are both right, there is something up with Angle, but I really don�t feel like worrying about it right now. What�s done is done. For now, I�m on vacation, and I don�t want to spend it worrying about Kurt Angle. I�ll deal with it when I get back, alright?�

Before Chris could say anything Adam continued. �Besides, we don�t need to be thinking about that. You�re getting married tonight, man! You nervous yet?� Sighing with relief when he saw Chris�s whole demeanor change. He had successfully changed the subject.

***

Calliope�s eyes were huge as Chase got up and stopped the tape, then turned towards her friend, waiting for her reaction.

�Well?� Chase asked after Calliope didn�t say anything after a few moments.

Calliope let out the breath she�d been unaware she was holding, slowly. �Wow, I have to say, I�m surprised I didn�t notice this before.� She said softly. �Well, no, I take that back. I did, but I just figured it was because he�d lost and was now bald that he was always so moody around Adam.�

�What does Adam say about it?� Calliope asked, instantly seeing the frustration in Chase�s eyes.

�Oh according to him, it�s nothing to be concerned about. It�s all a part of the job, and I�m overreacting.� Chase grumbled. �He says not to worry about it and let it go.�

She sighed loudly and sat down next to Calliope on the couch. �I don�t know, maybe he�s right.� Chase said after a moment. �Maybe for now I should just let it go and see what happens with Angle once we get back. Maybe Kurt just needs some time away from Adam to get himself cooled down after loosing the hair match.� She didn�t look near as convinced of that as she sounded.

�Well, he will have two weeks away from Adam. Then if he�s still acting like this when you get back, you know something is definitely going on.� Calliope said, reaching out and giving her friend�s hand a reassuring squeeze.

�Yeah, you're right. Thanks.� Chase smiled gratefully at her. �Oh, please don�t mention any of this to Adam.�

Calliope nodded, knowing almost better than anyone how Adam was, and was willing to bet her life that he didn�t want to hear about the concerns with Angle. �Don�t worry, I won�t breathe a word.� She promised, then got to her feet with Chase�s help. �I need a drink, you want one?�

�Sure,� Chase replied following along behind her to the kitchen.

�So, what do you want to do tonight? I was thinking we could all get some dinner, rent a movie, then come back here and relax. How�s that sound to you?� Calliope asked as she opened the refrigerator door. She was too busy getting two bottles of water to see the wide grin that spread across Chase�s lips.

�Hmmm, sounds pretty good, but we�ll see.� Chase answered evasively, still not quite sure how Chris was planning on getting Calliope to the church.

�Ugh, I can�t wait to just relax. My back is killing me!� Calliope groaned. �Besides, I better get all the relaxation while I can huh? From what I understand there won�t be a lot of that once the baby arrives.�

Chase bit her lip to keep from laughing as she nodded her head in agreement. �Oh, Callie girl, relaxation is about the last thing you will be getting tonight.� She thought to herself, glancing at the clock, more than ready to get the plan underway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Five

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Chris and I need to run into town." Adam said to Chase and Calliope after the two men had brought the bags in and taken them into the guest bedroom.

As he walked over to her and pulled her into his arms, Adam slipped a folded piece of paper into Chase's hands. "The directions to the chapel and other important details." Adam whispered softly in her ear so that only she could hear.

Calliope gave Chris, and then Adam a funny look, wondering why he and Adam had to go into town. Adam and Chase had just gotten there and she'd barely had a chance to say hi to Adam. But seeing nothing on either of the guys' expression, she dismissed it. They probably needed to go on a beer run.

"Hey, can you guys pick up a couple of movies on your way back? Chase and I will get started on dinner." Calliope asked, her question catching Chris and Adam off guard, but Chase quickly rescued them.

"Callie, why don't we go in a little bit and get the movies ourselves? You did promise to show me around a little bit."

"But-" Calliope immediatly began to protest. She wanted to stay home and relax. She was tired and her lower back felt like it had an elephant sitting on it. It was killing her! And it wasn't getting any better. It seemed to be getting progressively worse. She must have over done it earlier when she was cleaning.

Chase immediatly stopped any objection that Calliope could make. "Callie, unless you want to end up watching a T&A fest, I think that you and I should get the movies, because you know that is what they'll get if we leave it up to them." Chase tried to reason with her friend. She sighed inwardly with relief when she saw Calliope finally relent.

"Alright. We'll pick up dinner too while we're in town then."

As Chris walked over to Calliope, Adam pulled Chase against him once more. "Stall her for about a half-hour before you two leave." He whispered again in her ear as he hugged her tight. He moved back and stared deep into her eyes as he thought about their own wedding day not so long ago.

"I love you." Adam told Chase, his deep, rough voice sending shivers through her. Framing her face in his hands, Adam leaned forward and tenderly kissed her lips. "I'll se you later." He promised.

"Later." Chase replied, still dazed and breathless from the kiss.

***

"I can't believe we pulled it off." Adam said to Chase several hours later as they arrived back at Chris and Calliope's house. He fished the key out of his pocket that Chris had given him earlier since he and Calliope would be spending the night in one of the suites at the Hilton in downtown Winnipeg and would be back late in the morning. After re-engaging the alarm system. He walked over and sat down beside Chase on the couch.

"You should have seen the look on Calliope's face when she realized what was going on. It was priceless. I still don't think that it's completely hit her yet that she and Chris are married."

"I'm glad that we could do this for them." Adam said as put his arm around Chase's shoulder and drew her closer to him.

"Me too. They definitely deserve it." Chase paused for a moment as a smile curved her lips. "Now all they have to do is hurry up and have that baby."

Adam smiled and then laughed. "I have a feeling that after tonight it isn't going to very long at all."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Six

~~~~~~~~~~~

Calliope stood staring out the window of their hotel suite, not really seeing anything. It was just now beginning to sink in all that had happened in the past couple hours. She smiled as she glanced down at her finger, seeing the simple gold band shining in the light next to her diamond engagement ring.

She shook her head, trying to figure out how they had been able to pull it off without her even suspecting a thing. Hell, a wedding wasn�t a simple thing to plan, especially when the bride knew nothing about it.

Now she understood why Chase had insisted on driving, getting them �lost�. They had pulled up outside the church, and she still didn�t suspect anything even when Chase announced that she simply had to go inside and look around, saying it was one of the most beautiful churches she had ever laid eyes on.

Calliope had simply looked at her strangely and asked her if she was having sympathy delusions for the blow to the head Adam had received. Chase laughed and shook her head, telling her to come with her, that it could be the perfect place to have a child baptized. Although her back was still killing her, Calliope had reluctantly agreed and climbed out of the car.

Once inside, Chase had led her to the back, and that was when Calliope put her foot down demanding that she know what was going on. Checking out the church was one thing, but the back? Something was definitely going on.

Chase had grinned and led her to a room, and Calliope had nearly fainted when her eyes touched on the stunning wedding dress hanging there, just waiting to be slipped on. She turned confused eyes to Chase, and the look on her friend's face had told her all she needed to know.

She had changed in a state of shock, barely registering Chase who had changed as well, and was busy doing Calliope�s makeup and hair. Once she was done, she had stepped back and let Calliope take a good look at herself in the mirror.

The dress had flowed over her perfectly, nearly completely hiding the fact that she was pregnant. And Chase had been right, there was a certain glow about her that wasn�t caused by makeup.

She had looked at Chase, her eyes filling with tears when she realized her friend was wearing the exact bridesmaids dress Calliope had pointed out to her one time saying was her favorite.

She then reached out and hugged her tight. �Are you okay?� Chase asked, pulling back to look her in the eyes, afraid that maybe she was going into shock and maybe springing a wedding like this on a nearly nine month pregnant woman wasn�t such a smart move.

But the smile on Calliope�s friend had told her otherwise. �I�m perfect.� Calliope remembered whispering. �At least I will be in just a few minutes.� Then she had stepped out and seen Chris. Everything and everyone else had disappeared except him.

Calliope sighed softly, contently, when she felt her husband's arms come around her, pulling her tightly against his body. Her husband. It still seemed like a dream.

She leaned her head back on his shoulder, a shiver going through her body when she felt his lips caress the spot on her neck he knew drove her wild.

�Thank you.� She said softly, as she tilted her head to look up at him. The look in his blue eyes nearly took her breath away.

�My pleasure.� He answered, his deep voice husky. �Although I really can�t take all the credit. I would never have been able to do it without Chase and Adam. I just can�t believe we pulled it off.�

She giggled and shook her head. �Well, you all three did a wonderful job. I didn�t suspect a thing.�

�Well, I knew how badly you wanted to be married before the baby came along, and quite frankly, I didn�t want to wait any longer to make you my wife.� Chris grinned as he turned her around so she was facing him.

Calliope�s eyes softened as she gazed up at his handsome face. This was the man she loved more than anything, the father of her child, her lover, her best friend, and now her husband. This was better than any dream.

�Have I mentioned how wonderful you are, how lucky I am to have you, and how much I love you lately?� she asked. She grinned as he took a moment to ponder the question.

�Hmmm, I think you may have once or twice today, but I could stand to hear it again.� He smirked sexily down at her, pulling her even tighter against him.

�I love you, Chris.� She whispered, allowing all she felt for him to shine through her eyes.

�And I love you.� He replied as he lowered his head. He groaned as his lips brushed against hers softly, and the kiss instantly became hotter and more passionate.

Seconds later, he felt her stiffen against him, and his head jerked up when she gasped, her face contorted in pain.

�What?!� he demanded, his grip tightening on her arms.

Her hands flew to her stomach, her eyes wide when she felt just how tight it was. She shook her head, trying to catch her breath as the pain raced through her body.

Chris immediately picked her up effortlessly and placed her gently on the bed. �Baby, are you okay?� he asked, fighting down the rising panic.

She groaned with relief as she felt the pain easing up and her body relaxing. �Oooh.� she breathed. �Damn, that hurt.�

�What the hell just happened?� Chris nearly shouted.

�It was a contraction.� Calliope answered, her eyes wide as she looked at him, biting back the grin that was threatening at the look on his face. How in the hell was he going to make it through labor?

She paused when she remembered the back pain she�d had all day. She had just thought it was due to pushing herself to hard with the cleaning, but maybe it had been something more.

�Should we go to the hospital?� Chris asked, taking a deep shaky breath. He didn�t realize it, but at the moment, he was breathing harder and paler than Calliope.

�Why don�t we wait a bit and see how things go. It could be awhile before I�m even in hard labor.� She reminded him softly, reaching out to stroke his cheek lovingly.

�Hard labor?� he repeated in disbelief. �You mean that wasn�t hard labor?�

She couldn�t help it, she had to laugh. �No, silly!�

�Jesus.� Chris muttered, running a hand over his face. He wasn�t sure he could handle this so called �hard� labor.

�Where are you going?� he demanded, jumping to his feet to help Calliope when she moved to stand. She giggled some more, yet loving the way he was so protective over her.

�I have to use the bathroom.� She said patiently.

�Oh, okay. Do you need help?�

�I think I can manage on my own.� She grinned at him. Chris stood back and watched her, frowning when she stopped in her tracks half way there, looking down at the ground.

�Um, Honey?� she called her voice sounding a little uncertain, yet at the same time trying to stay calm, not for her sake but for Chris�. �I think we may want to go ahead to the hospital. My water just broke.�

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris immediatly panicked. "What?" He exclaimed, looking as if he was nearly ready to pass out. "Oh holy hell!"

Calliope laughed as she watched Chris run around, looking like a chicken with it's head cut off as he gathered up their things.

"Chris!" Calliope fairly yelled, effectively gaining his attention. "Calm down!" She laughed again when Chris instantly froze in his tracks. He turned around and looked at her, his expression that of a deer caught in the headlights. He laughter was abruptly stopped when another contraction hit her. She took a couple of steps to the wall at her side and leaned against it.

"Callie?" Chris inquired softly as he walked over to her. He gently pulled her away from the wall and into his arms, letting her lean on him as he began rubbing her back.

"Yeah, right there...that's good." Calliope moaned in slight relief as Chris applied pressure to her lower back. She straightened up and lifted her head from Chris' shoulder as the contraction began to ease up a few moments later. "I think that we better get going now...We have to stop by home and grab the bag." Calliope was thankful that she'd taken the time to pack that during her cleaning frenzy earlier that morning. "And Adam and Chase need to know what is going on. I want them there too."

*****

"Actually I think that I've been in labor all day long, I just didn't realize what it was." Calliope answered when Chris asked her if she'd felt anything before the contractions that she'd just had at the hotel. "My lower back has been getting steadily worse all day. I figured that I'd strained it with all that cleaning, but I think that it was something more than that."

They fell silent as Chris turned the car into the driveway of their house. He turned to Calliope after stopping. "Do you want to just stay here while I run in and get your bag and let Adam and Chase know what is going on?"

"Yeah, I think that would be best." Calliope agreed as another contraction seized her. It had been the first in about ten minutes, but it was definitely stronger than the last one.

"Do you want me to stay?" Chris asked, seeing the obvious discomfort that she was in.

"No, go on. It's not that bad." Calliope answered as she fought to keep back the moan of pain that was desperately trying to escape. She knew that Chris was already nearly insane with worry and they'd barely even gotten started. She again wondered how he was going to make it through. "Besides if we take too much time here, we may end up having the baby right here in this car."

Her last statement got Chris moving and within five minutes he'd gone into the house, gotten her bag, talked to Chase and Adam, and was back out to the car. "Chase and Adam are going to follow us." Chris informed Calliope as he slipped into the driver's seat. Putting the car into gear, he began driving away.

"Chris, do Chase and Adam know where the hospital is?" She continued when he shook his head. "Then don't you think that you better wait for them?" Calliope could help but laugh at the expression on his face when he glanced over at her.

"You're right." Chris agreed as he brought the car to a stop. "What?" He asked when he turned to Calliope and saw the expression on her face.

Calliope smiled lovingly at him. "I feel the need to tell you again how much I love you." She always knew that he would be an excellent father and husband, but his actions throughout the day and especially in the last hour or so only further proved that.

"Oh! Here comes Adam and Chase." Calliope said before Chris could reply to what she'd just said. "Let's go!" She gasped as another contraction hit her. They were getting closer and stronger. It wouldn't be long now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Eight

~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Breathe baby, come on.�

�I am fucking breathing!� Calliope snapped, ignoring the shocked and hurt look on her husband�s face. Damn but this hurt. She hadn�t expected it to be a walk in the park, but this was ridiculous.

She was now in the �hard� labor stage, and had been there for the past eight hours, and her patience were gone. The doctors were telling her that everything was progressing nicely, and she felt that if she heard that one more time she was truly going to bite someone�s head off.

Biting back the giggled that was threatening to break through, Chase looked over at Adam, seeing he too was trying not to laugh. In the past hour they had heard things come out of Calliope�s mouth that would make Austin and Taker blush.

�Why don�t you take Chris out of here for a few moments. Make him get something to eat. He looks worse than Callie, and I think he could use the break.� She suggested.

�Good idea.� Adam nodded then moved next to the bed. �Chris, why don�t we go get something to eat?� Adam placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. Before Chris could answer, Calliope hissed in pain, squeezing her eyes shut as she tried to work through the contraction, nearly crushing the bones in his hand as she squeezed with all her might.

Once it passed she opened her eyes and met Chris� worried blue eyes. He nearly groaned out loud with relief as he felt her grip loosening on him, and the blood beginning to flow through his throbbing hand.

She�d had enough. �I don�t want to do this anymore.� She whispered, her lower lip trembling.

�Uh�� Chris trailed off, looking frantically from Adam to Chase, not sure how to handle this. Adam shook his head, not knowing how to handle this any better than Chris. Thankfully Chase stepped forward.

�Callie, honey, I really don�t think you have much choice in the matter right now. You can do this.� She smiled softly down at her friend. She hated seeing her in this much pain.

�Chase, please, I just want to go home.� Calliope whined. �I promise I�ll come back tomorrow and have the baby, if you make the pain stop and take me home.�

�You know I can�t do that.� Chase shook her head.

�Then will you please get me some drugs? Anything for the pain?� Calliope cried, tensing up as another contraction hit. Chase wisely moved her hand as Calliope made a grab for it. She gripped the sheets of the bed, twisting them as she gritted her teeth, moaning in pain.

�But I thought you wanted to do this naturally?� Adam asked, immediately regretting opening his mouth when Calliope�s gaze snapped to his. He took a slight step back as she glared at him. He�d heard stories about women in labor, but damn. Yet at the same time, he had a lot of respect for Calliope and what she was going through. He knew with out a shadow of a doubt there was no way in hell he, or any other guy, would be able to take what she had endured thus far.

�I want drugs!� she growled, leaving no room for objections. At first she had wanted to try going through the whole process with out pain medication, but enough was enough.

Twenty minutes later, Adam, Chase and Chris all breathed a sigh of relief as Calliope fell asleep after finally receiving the epidural. Right after the injection, she had calmed down, acting a lot more like herself, even apologizing for being such a bitch. After being assured that there was nothing to forgive, she yawned and closed her eyes, almost instantly drifting off.

�I think I need some of that stuff.� Chris said off handedly, running his fingers through his hair.

�She�ll be fine, Chris.� Chase assured him, rubbing his back soothingly. �And once the baby arrives, both of you will forget all about this.�

�Yeah, I�ll remind you of that when you have kids.� Chris grinned at her and Adam. Adam paled slightly, looking from Calliope to Chase, knowing he�d be in just as bad shape, if not worse, than Chris if he had to watch his wife go through that kind of pain.

�After today, that may be a few years down the road.� Chase muttered more to herself than to anyone else.

***

�It�s a boy!� The doctor announced at the same time the room was filled with the baby�s first cries. Tears poured down Chris and Calliope�s faces as they watched the doctor hold up their baby boy to see.

After cleaning up the little boy and making sure he was in perfect health, the nurse brought him over to Chris, gently placing the tiny bundle in his arms. Chris stood completely still as he gazed down at the little face he had helped to create. He lifted his head, his eyes meeting Calliopes, the love and raw emotion she saw there nearly stealing the breath from her.

As he walked towards her, Calliope knew that she had never seen a more perfect sight. Her husband cradling their child in his strong arms.

�Hi baby.� She whispered once her child was in her arms for the first time. Chris� head was close to hers as they both stared at the infant, neither able to tear their gaze away.

�He�s perfect.� She said softly, her voice trembling slightly, as she ran her finger down his cheek, marveling at just how soft his skin was.

�You�re perfect.� Chris replied achingly. Calliope turned her head, meeting his eyes, tears once again spilling over as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers.

Standing back, giving the new parents time and privacy to bond, Chase smiled through her tears, shocked when she realized that perhaps she didn�t want to wait a few years. What she had just witnessed had to be the most beautiful sight. It was a true miracle, and it was exactly what she wanted.

She jumped slightly when she felt Adam�s arms slide around her waist, sighing contently as she snuggled deeper into his embrace. When she looked up into his eyes, she saw her own feelings mirrored in his eyes.

Before either of them could say anything, Chris lifted his head to look at them, the smile on his face bright enough to light up the room.

�Hey you two, get over here and meet your nephew!�

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Nine

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh my God..." Chase gasped in awe as Chris took the baby from Calliope and gently placed him in her arms. She felt hot tears stinging her eyes as she gazed down at his perfect features. Her heart melted as she brushed her fingers across the back of his hand and he grasped her finger in his tiny hand. "He's so beautiful."

Chase lifted her eyes, her breath catching when she saw the way that Adam was looking at her as she held the newborn. She smiled lovingly at her husband before she turned her attention back to Chris and Calliope.

"Did you decide on a name?" She knew that they'd been tossing a couple of possibilities around, but she didn't know if they'd decided on anything definite..

Calliope smiled as she glanced up at Chris and then back at Chase. "Christopher Keith Irvine, Jr." She announced, her smiled broadening. "If Chris is all right with that." It was the name that she'd planned all along if the baby was a boy, but she'd never discussed it with Chris. She wanted to surprise him.

Calliope turned her eyes back to Chris to see his reaction. The soft expression and the tears dampening his eyes told her all that she needed to know.

"Awesome!" Adam exclaimed as he slapped Chris on the back.

"Can we call him CJ?" Chris asked, a grin on his face.

Calliope nodded her head, liking the idea very much.

"How big is he, Callie?" Chase asked as she walked around the bed and carefully placed the baby in Adam's arms. She felt her heart swell with love for him as she watched his features soften considerably as he stared down at the infant in his arms.

Calliope smiled as she watched Adam holding her son. It never ceased to amaze her how two 'tough' guys such as Adam and Chris going be so gentle and tender when it came to the baby...and to their wives. "He's 6 pounds, seven ounces and twenty inches long." Calliope answered after a few moments.

"Wow! No wonder you were so tiny yet. He's so small." Adam commented as he looked over at Calliope.

Chris smirked at his friend. "Yeah well, I started out at just barely over five pounds and look at me now." Chris replied smugly as he flexed his muscles.

"What's to look at?" Adam teased, his 'Edge' smile plastered on his face.

"Oh, you better give the baby back to Callie so I can beat your ass, junior!" Chris threatened playfully as he made a move toward Adam.

After their laughter calmed down, Chase turned to Adam. "We should get going, baby." She suggested as she watched Calliope try to hide a jaw splitting yawn behind her hand. "I think that everyone could use some rest." None of them has slept in over twenty-four hours.

"We'll be back in the morning." Chase promised after they'd said their good-byes.

"Alright, we'll see you then." Calliope called as they moved toward the door. "Adam, Chase...thanks so much for being here." She was very grateful that they'd been there, not only for her sake, but more so for Chris' They'd played a big part in him making it through the labor and delivery.

"We wouldn't have missed it for anything." Adam replied, both he and Chase smiling genuinely. "We'll see you tomorrow."

*****

"That was really something." Adam commented to Chase as they drove back to Chris and Calliope's house. He'd never seen a baby born and he was still in complete awe.

"It was amazing." Chase agreed. She'd never seen anything as astounding as witnessing the baby emerging from Calliope's body, seeing him take his first breath, and hearing those first beautiful cries. It was quite simple the most remarkable thing that she'd ever experienced in her life.

Adam and Chase fell silent for a few moments, each of them trying to figure out how to bring up the question that was on both of their minds.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Ten

~~~~~~~~~~~

�Ahhh, I feel like I could sleep for days.� Adam sighed as he stretched his body out on the bed, his eyes already beginning to get heavy.

�Ha, imagine how Callie and Chris feel!� Chase laughed as she climbed in next to her husband. He immediately reached out and pulled her to him, tucking her body tightly against his. With a yawn, she laid her head down on his shoulder, feeling all the tension ease from her body.

�I still can�t believe Chris is a father, and Calliope a mother!� Adam chuckled, as his hand rubbed up and down Chase�s back.

�I think they are going to be awesome parents.� Chase smiled, curling against him, loving the feel of his hands running over her.

�You�re right.� Adam agreed wholeheartedly, then fell silent, letting the thoughts run through his head.

�I think you will be an amazing mother.� He finally said softly. Chase lifted her head and rested it on her hand, able to look in his eyes from this position. She knew it would only be a matter of time before the subject came up, but she had tried to hold off until the morning, when they were both well rested.

She smiled softly at him and leaned forward, pressing her lips to his, pulling back before the kiss deepened. �We�ve been married for a little over three months, and this is the first time we�ve ever really talked about this.� She said, wondering why it never came up before. �I don�t have to ask you if you want kids, because watching you tonight with CJ told me everything I need to know. But, how long do you want to wait before we try?� she asked, her eyes locked with his, her heart pounding as she waited for his answer.

Adam reached out and pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, taking the few seconds to really think about his answer. Finally after moments silence, he spoke. �I always wanted to wait to have kids, maybe a few more years, but after tonight, I don�t want too anymore.� He said honestly. �But, I would like to wait a few more months. Like you said, we have only been married three months, and maybe I�m being selfish, but I want a little bit more time with you before we have a child.�

Chase broke out into a radiant smile, having heard exactly what she wanted to hear. Yes, she wanted a baby�and couldn�t wait to have one with Adam, but like him, she enjoyed their time together. For now, they would just spoil CJ rotten, then when the time was right, a few months down the road they could start trying.

�I agree completely, and you are not being selfish. I kinda like having you all to myself, right now.� Chase answered, then her smile turned mischievous as she shifted and moved even closer to him, running her hands softly down his chest, reveling in the groan that escaped him. �But you know, even though we�re not going to try right now, it never hurts to practice.� She whispered seductively.

�And we need lots of practice.� Adam chimed in, rolling them over in one swift moment so he was looking down at her, his long hair falling down like a curtain around them.

�I love you, Chase.� He whispered huskily.

�I love you too.� She answered softly as he bent his head, their lips meeting in a kiss that was filled with love, passion, hope and promise.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Eleven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, where are Chris and Adam?" Calliope asked Chase when she walked into her room alone.

Chase smiled as she sat down in the chair beside the bed. She looked at Calliope, who was holding and feeding CJ as if it was the most natural thing in the world...and really, for Calliope it was. She was also glad to see that Calliope looked much more rested and relaxed than she had the day before.

"I don't know where they went. They just dropped me off, saying that they had a 'mission' and they would be back a little later." Chase paused for a moment, seeing the confusion in Calliope's eyes. "I'm pretty sure that that 'mission' has something to do with your beautiful little son there though."

Understanding immediately lit Calliope's eyes. "Oh yeah...There are a couple of things that Chris and I hadn't gotten for CJ yet. Namely a bassinet, a crib, bedding, blankets..." Calliope trailed off and broke out into a laugh. "I suppose when he learned that we are coming home tonight, Chris got a little frantic...He's pretty good at that." Calliope said between giggles as she remembered how Chris had reacted when she'd gone into labor.

After their laughter calmed down, the girls fell silent for a moment as Calliope finished up feeding CJ and burping him as he drifted off into a content sleep. "So I guess that it's your and Adam's turn next?" She asked finally.

Chase grinned as she got up from her seat and walked over, taking the sleeping baby from Calliope and walking around the room, gently rocking him back and forth, laughing when he never even stirred.

�I see he�s already a sound sleeper, just like his daddy.� She giggled.

�Noticed that too huh?� Calliope laughed. �Now, back to when I get to be an Aunt.�

Chase shook her head, still smiling. �You�re Mommy�s very persistent, little man.� She told the sleeping infant, trying not to think about just how right the baby felt in her arms. �You�ll find that out soon enough. And when she starts on you about something, you just come get Aunt Chase and I�ll help you out.� She promised.

�Chase.� Calliope said warningly, although there was laughter in her tone.

�See?� Chase pointed out to CJ who could have cared less and was sleeping contently snuggled against her. She looked back over at Calliope, who was giving her �the look�. �Okay!� Chase exclaimed, �Geez, you�re worse than my mother with that look.�

Calliope simply grinned broadly and waited for her friend to continue. She had seen the looks that passed between Adam and Chase after CJ had been born, and she had this feeling that it wouldn�t be long before CJ had a little friend to play with.

�We talked about it last night actually.� Chase started, still gently rocking CJ. �We�ve decided to wait a little while before starting to try.�

Calliope�s smile fell somewhat. �Why?� she asked.

Chase shrugged, then looked back down at CJ, gently running her knuckles along her cheek, marveling at just how perfect he truly was. They had all been relieved to find out that he was perfectly healthy and none of what Calliope had gone through both on and off the island would affect her and Chris�s child.

�We want more time together.� Chase smiled softly as she thought about her husband. �Not a long time, just a few more months or so.�

�Ah, I understand.� Calliope nodded. �Although I can�t wait for you and Adam to have kids. You two are going to make wonderful parents! And your kids will be beautiful.�

�I don�t know. If my kids aren�t as beautiful as this little man, I�m gonna be jealous.� Chase grinned as she once again gazed down at CJ. �He truly is beautiful, Callie. I know boys aren�t supposed to be beautiful, but he is.�

Calliope�s whole face softened as her own eyes touched on her son. �He is, isn�t he?�

Chase sat down beside the bed, and she and Calliope fell into a comfortable silence, both content to watch CJ as he continued to sleep peacefully. Calliope jumped slightly and looked at Chase confused when she started laughing.

�I just thought of something!� Chase giggled. �Can you imagine Chris and Adam picking out all the baby stuff?�

Calliope�s eyes went wide as she too started laughing. �Oh, I�d pay to see that!�

�It will definitely be interesting to see what they come back with.� Chase wiped away a tear of laughter from her eye.

�Whatever they get, I�m sure will be perfect.� Calliope said with absolute conviction, before grinning knowingly at Chase. �And if not, we can always exchange!�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Twelve

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I can't believe that our four weeks is up already." Chris said to Calliope as he finished packing his bags. He picked them up off of the bed and set them on the floor where he'd be able to easily locate them in the morning. He looked up at Calliope, who was sitting propped against the head of the bed as she fed CJ and got him to sleep for the night.

It was hard to believe how quickly the last month had passed. It seemed like just yesterday that CJ had been born. But it had already been four weeks and now it was time for him to return back to work.

With the new roster split in the WWE, his schedule wasn't as intense as it had been previously and most weeks he had at least four days at home. He was part of the Smackdown roster, which was taped on Tuesday nights so he would be home some of Wednesday, all of Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Once in a while he would have to do a house show on Saturday or Sunday. All in all, it wasn't a bad schedule, but Chris knew that the days that he was away, he would miss Calliope and CJ terribly.

"I know." Calliope replied to Chris' statement. "I wonder where all the time went." She looked down at CJ, who was now sleeping peacefully. She found it hard to believe that he little baby was already a month old. "Do you want to hold him for a little bit before laying him down?" Calliope asked Chris when she saw him gazing at CJ.

"Of course." Chris answered, smiling softly as he crawled onto the bed and sat down beside her before taking his son into his arms. He held CJ close, breathing in deeply his baby scent. Calliope sighed contently as she rested her head against Chris' shoulders and closed her eyes, savoring the peaceful moment with her family.

She must have dozed off because the next time Calliope opened her eyes, CJ was sleeping in his bassinet beside the bed and she could hear the shower running in the bathroom. Calliope moved to get up, but stop when she heard the water shut off. A few minutes later, Chris came out, a towel wrapped around his hips.

"Hey, I hope I didn't wake you." Chris said to Calliope when he saw her awake again. The truth was, he'd been a little noisier than usual while taking his shower in hopes that she would wake up again. And if she hadn't...well, then he would have had to wake her up in his own way. A devilish grin appeared on his face at that thought. He walked over to the bed and climbed onto it beside her. Chris reached out, gently caressing her cheek as he gazed into her beautiful eyes.

Calliope instantly felt desire surge through her as she leaned into his touch. Body and soul, she literally ached for him. But...even though her postpartum bleeding had stopped almost a week ago and even though she felt more than ready, it was still too soon after CJ being born for her and Chris to make love. The doctor had recommended that they wait until after her six-week exam. Calliope wasn't exactly certain that she'd be able to wait that long.

Calliope glanced up at Chris, trying like hell to get herself calmed down and remember what he had just said to her. Damn, that towel around his hips kept sliding lower. It was too distracting! At what was that grin on his face? Whatever it was it was sexy as hell and it was making her stomach flutter and her heart pound madly.

Calliope knew that there was no way that she could deny Chris or herself what both of them wanted and needed so badly. A surrendering moan escaped her as she wrapped her arms around Chris and pulled him to her. She tipped her head back as his lips came down on hers in a soul-claiming kiss.

The deep groan that rumbled through his chest as Chris shifted their position so that she was on her back, his body completely covering hers, was nearly too much for Calliope to take and she felt herself spinning toward the edge already. She gasped out loud as Chris gently thrust his hips and she felt his full arousal against her. But something wasn't right...something was in the way.

Calliope immediatly began wiggling around, trying to get out from underneath her husband's body. Chris pulled back from the kisses that he was placing along her throat. "What?" He questioned, seeing that she was trying to get away.

"My clothes...need to be gone." Calliope stuttered the words out as she stared into Chris' dark, desire filled eyes.

Chris gave her that sexy, devilish grin again. "Don't worry, they will be." He told her. His voice deep and rough sent shivers racing through her entire body.

From there, Chris proceeded to remove her clothing so very slowly that Calliope was nearly driven insane by time he'd finished. It didn't help that between each article removed, he'd stop to place taunting kisses over the newly exposed skin. By time he was done, Calliope was ready to start begging him.

Lifting his head, Chris covered her lips once again in a hungry kiss. Then he pulled back and began making his way down her body again in a trail of fiery kisses. Calliope moaned softly, closing her eyes at the sensations that he was causing. Her eyes flew open again when she felt his warm breath between her thighs. She half sat up , her eyes meeting his. "Chris..." She said, her voice pleading achingly.

Chris just smiled at her as his tongue darted out and he wagged it suggestively at her. "Oh god..." She moaned softly, clutching the blankets in her fists as Chris dropped his head and began his sweet torment on her with his mouth and tongue. He took her easily to the edge, only to back of at the last possible second. He repeated that twice more before he heard Calliope groan in frustration. He couldn't wait any longer himself.

Moving back up her body, Chris kissed her deeply, putting everything he felt into it as he slowly entered himself into her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Thirteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris walked in to the arena and sighed as he took in the chaos around him. Nothing had changed. And although it was good to be back, he wanted nothing more than to be back with Calliope and CJ. Leaving them earlier that morning had been one of the hardest things he had ever done.

His frown turned into a smiled when he saw who he�d been hoping to see looking slightly flustered as she made her way through the crowded halls.

�Chase!� Chris yelled, grinning broadly when she stopped in her tracks, and spun around, her eyes lighting up when she saw who was standing there.

�Chris!� she exclaimed, running towards him, launching herself in his arms, hugging him tightly. �I�ve missed you!�

�I�ve missed you too.� Chris replied as she pulled back and he braced himself for the onslaught of questions he knew without a doubt was coming.

�How�s Calliope? How�s my nephew? Did you bring pictures? Where are they? Is he getting big? How are you doing?� she rambled on, taking a much needed breath afterwards.

Chris laughed, feeling much better than he had just a few minutes ago. �Which question you want me to answer first?� he teased.

�All of them. In order.� Chase commanded with a grin. She giggled when Chris got a thoughtful look, trying to remember her questions in order.

After a few moments he grinned again and answered. �Calliope is doing great, CJ is amazing, yes I brought tons of pictures, they are right here in my bag, CJ has grown a lot in the past month, and although I miss them terribly and really wish I could still be with them, I�m doing great.�

Chase tilted her head as she listened to him, her smile growing. �Damn, I�ve really missed you.� She said when he finished. He pulled her in for another hug.

�Should I be jealous?�

Chris and Chase pulled apart and grinned at Adam who was standing there with his hands on his hips, trying his best to look stern, but eventually gave up, allowing a smile to spread across his face.

�Hey, man, glad you�re back,� Adam greeted as he and Chris shook hands in that �manly� way.

�Thanks.� Chris responded, starting to feel the adrenaline rush through his veins, just like every time before a show.

�So, what�s on the agenda for tonight?� Chris asked, looking at Chase.

�Actually, I was just on my way to Vince�s office.� She told him. �He�s got the finalized story line for you two, and I have to pick it up and go over it with him. You two could come with me.�

They both nodded as they all turned and started down the hallway, towards where they knew Vince�s office would be.

�So, we�re gonna work together huh?� Chris grinned over at Adam.

�Yeah, at least until Calliope returns. They wanted to make things easier on Chase since she would be handling both of us.� Adam said, lifting Chase�s hand, which he was holding, and placing a soft kiss on the back.

�Handle both of you?� Chase repeated, then made a face. �I can barely handle one of you at a time, now in the hell am I gonna handle both of you?�

Both men simply smirked at her. She sighed then grinned mischievously. �Ah, it won�t be bad. You two give me a hard time, and I�ll let Calliope deal with you,� she said as she looked at Chris, then turned to her husband. �And I�ll just �handle� you after the show.�

�Promise?� Adam asked seductively, causing Chris to groan in disgust.

�I think I�m gonna be sick.� Chris muttered under his breath. �Ouch!� he exclaimed when Chase punched him in the arm the same time Adam took a swipe at his head.

�Is this the kind of love I get after being gone for a month?� he pouted.

�I don�t know about them, but that�s more than the love you�ll get from me.�

They all looked up and saw Vince standing outside his office, smiling at him. �Good to have you back, Chris. Believe it or not, we�ve missed you around here.�

�Shocking isn�t it?� Chris laughed.

�Why don�t you three come in, have a seat and we�ll go over the new story line.� Vince offered, gesturing for them to go ahead in. �I think you�ll all be pleased with the direction we�re going with Chris Jericho and Edge.�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fourteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�I need a vacation!� Chase exclaimed, flopping down on the couch next to Calliope. Her frown immediately disappeared when her eyes touched on CJ and reached out to take him from his mother, settling him comfortably in her arms.

�And how is my little man?� she asked, her heart flipping over in her chest when he smiled at her.

Calliope grinned at her best friend. �Hard day?� she asked. Chase nodded and rolled her eyes.

�That�s the understatement of the year. And here I thought things were gonna get easier once you came back. Instead they�ve decided to pile more on me now that Adam is back with you.� Chase sighed, then laughed when CJ started blowing bubbles.

Calliope had been back for nearly a month. At first she thought it would be hard to return, but Vince had set everything up so CJ would be able to travel with them. He even hired a personal nanny, for when Chris and Calliope had to be at the arena together.

To keep things simple for her return, the story line where Edge and Chris were feuding was still going, although it was set to come to an end soon. The fan reaction to the two men going against each other was huge, and there was some rumble about the two men teaming up in the future to go after the tag team titles. Both Chris and Adam were excited about the possibility.

�So what happened at your meeting?� Calliope asked, looking over at Chase, a knowing smile touching her lips when she saw the way her friend was holding her son, who had fallen sound asleep in her arms. She had a feeling she wouldn�t have to wait too much longer to become an aunt herself.

�Well it seems they want to spice things up a little. Seems they are planning on bringing a few RAW wrestlers over to Smack Down.� Chase informed her.

Calliope looked shocked. �Really? Who?�

�Evolution, Kane and Kevin Nash.�

Calliope whistled. �What the hell are they thinking? They are taking all the big names from Raw! Oh god are they putting some of Smack Down�s guys over there?�

Chase nodded. �Yeah, but no one of great importance. Vince said they want to give a lot of the guys who don�t get a lot of ring time a chance, so they are sending them over to Raw. He didn�t say as much, but I got the feeling before long there wouldn�t be a roster split anymore and things would to back to the old way.�

�I can�t decide if that�s a good thing or bad.� Calliope sat back, frowning a little. Chase agreed.

�Me either. I mean at first the roster split totally sucked, but now I think it�s helped a lot of people go even farther in this business.� Chase shifted in her seat, getting more comfortable as she sat back with CJ asleep on her chest.

�So how is all this stuff going to affect us?�

�Well, since Vince doesn�t want to monopolize a lot of your time just yet, nothing is changing for you. He said that you�re number one priority is this little man right here.� Chase smiled lovingly as she looked down at her nephew.

For as hard of a character Vince McMahon played on TV, in real life he certainly was a big old softy! He was CJ�s self-appointed grandfather, and treated him as such. He had already gone as far as to set up a trust fund for CJ, ignoring all of Chris and Calliope�s protests. Much like his TV personality, once he set his mind to something, there was no changing it.

�But for me, looks like life is going to be a little hectic for a little while. Aside from my normal duties for Chris, I will also be taking on Kevin Nash and some new diva.� Chase told her.

�Oooh, Kevin is such a sweet guy! He�ll be great to work with.� Calliope assured her. Chase nodded.

�Oh I�m not worried about Kevin at all, I know we�ll get along splendidly. It�s this new diva I�m a little worried about.�

�New diva? I didn�t even know we were open for one.� Calliope said thoughtfully.

�I didn�t either. But they are bringing this woman in to be with Evolution. I have no idea who she is or what she looks like, but I�ll find out in an hour, when I�m supposed to meet with her.�

�Well, Chris and Adam should be back in a few minutes, want me to come with you?� Calliope offered. Chase immediately grinned.

�Would you please?�

�Of course. I have to admit my curiosity is peaked. It�s not every day they bring a diva in and stick her with Triple H. Poor woman.� Calliope shook her head, grinning at Chase�s snicker. She shuddered when although thought hit her. �Ugh and Ric Flair too!�

�Yeah, but she does get to see Randy Orton barely clothed on a daily basis.� Chase grinned mischievously. Calliope was quiet for a second before replying.

�Yeah, you�re right, that just about makes up for having to see Triple H and Ric half naked!�

�Oh I almost forgot. We�re getting a new security guy too.� Chase said excitedly. �And I saw him leaving the hotel as I was coming back with Steph.�

�And?� Calliope could tell there was more.

Chase grinned. �Let me just put it this way. The women will be jumping over the barrier not to get to the ring, but just so this man will put his hands on them!�

�That good huh?� Calliope laughed.

�Oh hell yeah, that good. I have a strong feeling that, as JR says, �Business is about to pick up� around here!�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Come in." Chase and Calliope heard Mr. McMahon's voice call after they'd knocked on the door. Chase opened the door and Calliope followed her inside, closing the door behind her.

Mr. McMahon smiled brightly. "Chase, Calliope, always a pleasure to see you." He told them.

"Likewise." Calliope replied cheerfully and Chase nodded in agreement. Then they both turned their attention to the beautiful woman standing beside him that they assumed was the new diva that they'd come to meet.

She was tall; probably 5'8" or 9 and muscular but not overly so. She had jet-black hair that fell half way down her back in flowing waves. Her eyes were a striking color of blue that both Chase and Calliope thought ice would look like if it were blue.

"This is Astrid VonDeberg." Mr. McMahon began making introductions. "Astrid, meet Chase Copeland and Calliope Irvine."

"Pleased to meet you." Astrid stepped forward and smiled. Chase and Calliope returned her friendly smile. "Nice to meet you too." They each said.

For the next twenty minutes, Mr. McMahon briefly went over the part that Astrid would be playing with Evolution and Smackdown. "We'll get more into detail with this at our next meeting tomorrow." He told them after glancing down at his watch and realizing that he was late for another meeting.

Mr. McMahon looked at Chase and Calliope. "In the meantime, take her over to Jaela for her costume fittings and make-up consultation. We'll be debuting her tomorrow night on Smackdown along with Evolution and Kevin Nash."

"Tomorrow night?" Astrid questioned uncertainly. It wasn't that she wasn't confident in herself, but she'd thought that she'd have a bit longer to settle into things.

Both Chase and Calliope smiled. "You'll do fine." They both assured her, automatically knowing she would.

"And get used to Mr. McMahon's spontaneity. He's known for it." Calliope added, remembering all the times he'd suddenly change this or that or debut a new star on a moment's notice.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow morning. Say...10:00am?" Mr. McMahon questioned Chase as he headed out the door.

"Sounds good." Chase replied.

"So where are you from?" Calliope asked Astrid as they walked through the arena where the house show was being held to where Jaela was doing costumes and make-up for those who were performing that night.

Astrid smiled, immediately feeling at home with the two women. "Well, I was born in Ohio, but we moved around a lot until my father retired from the service when I was 16. After that we moved to Georgia and I stayed there until I graduated from college and landed this job." Astrid told them. As they continued walking, the three women continued talking and getting to know each other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixteen

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Jaela Lansing was rushed back stage towards her �office�, nodding and smile absently to everyone she passed. She had a lot to do and little time to do it in, but she wouldn�t have it any other way. She had always been one to do her best work under pressure.

She looked down at the fabrics in her hands, mentally going over the design in her head and trying to figure out which would be best for the costume she was planning. Her head was down as she went around the corner, and the next thing she knew there were strong arms around her, keeping her from falling.

She struggled to get her breath back, feeling as if she had just slammed into a wall of concrete. She looked down at the floor, her heart sinking when she saw everything that had been in her hands was now strewn all around her feet.

�Are you okay?� A deep voice asked, and she looked up, her breath definitely gone now. Her eyes met his blue ones, her heart literally skipping a beat. Now, she worked for the WWE, had for years, and had been around gorgeous men day in and day out, but the one standing before her definitely took the cake.

She guessed him to be around 6'0", every inch of that being muscle. He had wavy dark blonde hair that just touched the top of his broad shoulders and his eyes were blue. He had tattoos on each of his very tanned and muscular arms. His chin was pierced and so were his ears. His face was incredibly handsome. He had a sharp, strong jaw line and nose that she found very attractive. She glanced down at his left hand and felt like jumping for joy when she didn't see a ring there.

�Uh, I�m fine.� She struggled to find her words. �I�m sorry; I wasn�t watching where I was going.�

�Do you work here?� he asked a hopeful look on his face. She gave up trying to find her voice when he smiled, so she simply nodded. �Oh good, I�m lost!� he grinned.

She had never in her life been swept off her feet, but his smile did it. �Uh, lost? You must be new.� The instant the words left her lips she felt like kicking herself. �Of course he�s new, you dumbass!� she silently scolded herself.

Again he smiled. �Yeah, it�s my first night. I�m with security.� He said then held out his hand. �I�m Kevin Miller.� She slipped her much smaller hand in his, barely able to hold back the gasp when she felt instant jolts at the contact.

�Jaela Lansing. It�s a pleasure to meet you, and welcome to the WWE.� She congratulated herself on keeping it together and composing herself. Maybe he wouldn�t walk away thinking she was a total idiot.

�Well thank you. So what is it like being a �diva�?� he asked, crossing his muscular arms over his chest, distracting her from his question.

�Uh�huh?� She groaned inwardly. She was definitely reaching �idiot� status. �Oh, um, I�m not a diva.� She flushed, her cheeks reddening.

He raised an eyebrow and looked confused. �Really? You�re joking right?� he asked, as his eyes raked over her. She was about 5�6, and although you couldn�t see much for her T-shirt and jeans, there was no denying that she had an amazing body. She had blond hair and blue eyes, and although she wasn�t the most beautiful woman in the WWE, there was something about her that attracted him, and had his interest more than peaked.

�No, I�m in wardrobe.� She told him, her eyes widening when she suddenly realized just how much more behind she was right now. Not that she minded. �Uh, I�m sorry, but I have to get going. Lots to do before the show tonight!�

Before she could bend down to pick up all the fabric off the floor, Kevin beat her to it. He handed it to her with a warm smile, their hands grazing. They eyes met and it was a long moment before either looked away.

Jaela cleared her throat and smiled as best she could. �Thank you and it was very nice meeting you. Good luck tonight.� She said softly. He nodded.

�I look forward to seeing you again soon, Jaela.� She shivered at the way her name sounded on his lips. �Before you go, could you tell me where Mr. McMahon�s office is?�

She nodded. �Down this hall, second door on the left.� She pointed, and then moved around him. She gave him one last smile and a small wave before hurrying towards her office, a dreamy smile on her lips the entire way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Seventeen

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"Jae!" Chase called her name when she saw the woman that they were going to see just up ahead of them. Her and Calliope's eyes widened in surprise when Jaela turned around and they saw the way her cheeks were flushed, the light shining in her eyes, and the dreamy smile on her lips.

"What is up with you?" Calliope had to ask. In all the time that she'd worked with Jaela, she'd never seen her in such a state.

Jaela sighed dreamily, causing Chase and Calliope to giggle. "I think I just met the man of my dreams."

"Oooo, who?" Chase asked, her curiosity peaked.

"Kevin." Jaela replied and then added, "The new security guy." So that they would think that she was talking about Kevin Nash. He was nice as hell, but so not her type.

"I can understand that. I saw him earlier and he is a hottie." Chase agreed.

"Damn, I need to see this guy." Calliope exclaimed feeling like see was missing out.

"Not only that, but he is really nice too." Jaela commented.

"So how did you meet him?" Chase questioned, guessing that he hadn't been sent down to wardrobe, so she had to have met him some other way.

Jaela blushed furiously. "I quite literally ran into him. Wasn't watching where I was going again. We talked for a few minutes. He thought that I was a diva. Isn't that funny!"

Calliope shook her head. "Not funny at all. You could be, you know." She pointed out.

"Thanks, but I seriously doubt that." Jaela paused for a moment, her eyes touching for the first time on the beautiful woman standing off to the side. "Now she is a diva!"

"Oh!" Chase exclaimed, suddenly remembering why they'd come there. "This is Astrid. She's debuting on Smackdown tomorrow night and Mr. McMahon wanted her to see you for costume fittings and all that stuff that you do."

"Sure, not a problem." Jaela told them although she was seriously wondering how she was going to get everything done. In all honesty though, she wouldn't have it any other way. She loved the pressure...she thrived on it.

"Okay, I'll catch you all later. I'm missing my little man already." Calliope said and turned to leave, not able to wait to have her son in her arms again.

"Wait up, Callie!" Chase called after her friend. "I need to talk to Chris about tomorrow's schedule." She told Calliope before turning back to Astrid and Jaela.

"Astrid, find me when you're done here. Jae, I'll see you later. Oh, and if I see Kevin, I'll put in a good word for you." She teased, causing Jaela to blush again. With a quick wave she turned and walked over to where Calliope was waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Eighteen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jaela turned to Astrid after Chase and Calliope disappeared around the corner and gave the new woman a friendly smile. �So, welcome to the WWE.�

Astrid smiled in return and nodded as she followed Jaela to the room that was set up to be her workstation. �Thanks. Is everything always so, uh, busy?� she asked, dodging to the side, narrowly missing being run over by a couple wrestlers who were hurrying by to get to their own dressing rooms.

Jaela shook her had. �Nah, this is actually pretty calm. Wait until Raw or Smack Down.� She teased, laughing at the look on Astrid�s face.

They got to Jaela�s office a few minutes later. Astrid looked around, impressed with everything she saw. The costumes were immaculate! �Wow, who designs all these?� she asked, going over to a rack and looking at a few.

Jaela looked up from the papers she was putting on the table. �I do. Go ahead and see if there is anything you like.�

�Wow, you did these? They are amazing! I can�t decide, I like them all.� Astrid exclaimed. Jaela laughed and blushed a little, loving hearing praise for her work.

�Thank you. Well, do you have any idea what kind of a look you want?� she asked. Astrid was quiet for a minute before shaking her head.

�No, not really. Anything is fine really.� She answered with a shrug. She really didn�t care what she looked like, she just wanted to wrestle.

�Okay, well what about your character? What is she going to be like?� Jaela asked, her mind already working on the perfect outfit for the woman standing before her.

Astrid laughed. �I�m not sure about that either. All I know is that I�m debuting tomorrow night and I�m going to be with evolution. Chase and I are supposed to get together with Hunter, Ric and Randy to figure out the details about my character.�

�Oooh, you�re going to be with Evolution, huh? Great bunch of guys.� Jaela nodded her approval, then grinned. �Especially Randy. Tell me, what do you think of our young Mr. Orton?�

Astrid shrugged. �I haven�t met him yet. He wasn�t there when I met Hunter and Ric.� She ignored the little butterflies that were going crazy in her stomach at the thought of meeting the current youngest member of Evolution. She had watched wrestling for a very long time, and she hated to admit that she did indeed have a little crush on Randy Orton. But she would rather die before admitting it. She refused to let him affect her in anyway�at least on the outside.

�Hmmm, so if you�re with Evolution, I guess that means you�re going to be somewhat of a heel.� Jaela commented, deep in thought. Astrid grinned.

�I�m not sure on that either. From what Mr. McMahon was saying earlier he wanted to turn them around on Smack Down and make them more of a face, and he wants to use me to do it�although I�m not sure how.�

Jaela chuckled. �That�s easy to figure out. All the males in the audience are going to go crazy over you�and you�ll automatically assume �face� status.�

�It doesn�t really matter to me one way or the other. I just want ring time.�

�Oh I definitely don�t think you have to worry about that.� Jaela said, looking the newest WWE member over. �You�ll be every diva�s nemesis!� Astrid�s head came up and a slow smile spread across her lips.

�Hey, now I like that. Nemesis. That has a ring to it.� She said thoughtfully. Jaela couldn�t help but agree.

�I think the name would suit you�and I�ve already got the perfect look for you in my head. Come on, let�s get started!�

***

�Oooh! I love it!� Chase exclaimed happily, clapping her hands together. �And I would have a field day promoting �Nemesis�! Wow, how did you come up with this so quickly.�

Astrid sat back on the couch. �Actually it was Jaela who came up with it.�

�Really? That woman is a God send, I swear!� Chase smiled, thinking of her friend. �Well, we�ll just have to run the ideas by Evolution, but I don�t foresee them having any problems with it. So, how did the costume fitting go?�

Astrid�s eyes lit up as she sat forward. �Oh great! And yes, you�re right Jaela is amazing! She sat there and sketched my costume in less than five minutes! I�ve never met anyone like her before! And she�s going to have everything finished for me by tomorrow morning.�

Chase shook her head. �I honestly don�t know where the WWE would be without her.�

Both women looked up when the door opened. Chase smiled at her husband. �Hey, baby.� She greeted, tipping her head back to receive his kiss. �Adam, this is Astrid, the WWE�s newest diva.� She introduced. �This is my husband Adam, or as most people know him, Edge.�

Astrid stood up and shook the tall blonde�s hand. She couldn�t help but think that Chase was indeed a very lucky woman. �Nice to meet you.�

�Likewise.� Adam gave her his �Edge� smile. �So, you�re going to be stuck with Evolution huh? Poor girl.� Chase smacked him on the arm.

�Be nice. They are all very nice guys.� She told him, rolling her eyes at his smirk.

�I�ll give ya a little warning, Astrid. Hunter is very much like his character, cocky as hell. Believe me when I say no one could possibly love him as much as he loves himself. Ric, he�s all right. Nice enough guy, just wish he�d wear more clothes to the ring.� Adam shuddered playfully.

Astrid couldn�t help but laugh. Chase shook her head. �Yeah but you forgot the last member of Evolution. Now, talk about sexy!� she fanned herself, pointedly ignoring Adam�s glare.

Adam snorted. �He�s not all that.�

Chase turned wide eyes to her husband. �Are you blind? Or maybe deaf, not hearing all the women screaming when he walks out.�

Adam simply huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. Chase looked back at Astrid and rolled her eyes. �Adam here hates it when men are better looking than he is.� She teased.

�I do not!� Adam protested. �And he�s not better looking than me!�

�Whatever you say, honey.� Chase patted his arm. �Okay, Astrid, are you ready to meet with Evolution and finalize the story line? Oh and of course finally get to meet Randy.�

�Sure.� Astrid answered, moving to the door as Chase turned back to Adam, grinning at his pout.

�I�ll catch up with you later.� She promised, rising up on tiptoes to give him a quick kiss, but when she moved to pull back his arms closed around her and he deepened the kiss, curling her toes. When he did finally pull back Chase was completely breathless.

�Wow, not that I�m complaining, but what was that for?� she asked. He smirked.

�Just wanted to remind you who was better around here. Me, not Orton.� He grinned, laughing when she shook her head and turned away and walked over to Astrid who couldn�t help but laugh as well.

�Then again,� Astrid couldn�t help interjecting. �You could think of it this way. You just got her all worked up, hot and bothered and now she�s going to go see Randy.�

Chase burst out laughing, putting an arm around the newest Diva. �Astrid, you and I are going to get along beautifully!� With that she blew a kiss to her husband and walked out the door, both women still giggling over the look on Adam�s face.

***

Calliope smiled when she saw her husband just ahead of her, talking to someone. �There�s Daddy.� She said softly to CJ, who was looking around. He was naturally a happy baby, but he was never happier than when he was backstage with everyone oohing and ahhing over him. His personality was growing more and more like his father�s, and Calliope wouldn�t have it any other way.

�Oh my.� She said softly, when the man her husband was talking too turned around and she saw him. Without having to be told, she knew this was the infamous new security guy. �Yummy, go Jaela!� she whispered to herself.

She smiled at him as she stepped up next to them, Chris immediately putting his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. �Hey, darlin� I was just getting ready to come looking for you.� Chris said before kissing her quickly, but even quick, there was no mistaking the passion that was in that kiss.

�Sorry I�m late. Ran into Kevin Nash. I hadn�t seen him in ages so had to do some catching up. That and he wasn�t willing to let CJ go.� She laughed then turned her attention to the other man. Chris immediately took CJ from her and she held out her hand.

�Hi, I�m Calliope. You must be Kevin.� She said, her knees going a little weak when he smiled. She chuckled on the inside, imagining every female�s reaction to the man standing in front of her. She was surprised he was just hired for security�he definitely had the build and look of a WWE superstar.

�It�s a pleasure to meet you Calliope. Chris was just telling me all about you.� Kevin smiled sincerely, then looked at CJ �And this little man here. He�s beautiful.�

�Thank you.� Chris and Calliope said together. Chris turned to his wife.

�Have you met the new diva yet?� he asked. Calliope nodded.

�Sure did. Her name is Astrid and she�s set to start tomorrow night. I think she�s going to be a wonderful addition. When I left her she was meeting with Jaela getting everything together for her wardrobe.� Calliope bit the inside of her cheek when Kevin�s eyes lit up at the sound of Jaela�s name. That was indeed the reaction she�d been hoping for.

�Can�t wait to meet her.� Chris said, then glanced at his watch, then moved to hand CJ over to his mother then gave them both a quick kiss. �Shit, I gotta run. I was supposed to meet with Jae myself over ten minutes ago. She�s gonna kick my ass!�

�It was great to meet you Kevin. And remember, you�re invited go join us all after the show. It�s tradition, we all go out. Adam and Chase will be there.� Chris said as he started walking backward in the direction he needed to go.

�Oh, Chris, with everything going on, I forgot to say something to Jae about it.� Calliope called out. Chris nodded and waved.

�I�ll be sure to invite her, although she knows our tradition and doesn�t need an invitation. Hey, tell Chase to ask Astrid, that way we can all meet her. Love ya!� With that he disappeared down the hall.

Calliope turned back to Kevin. �Well, I have to get going myself. Linda and Stephanie are watching CJ tonight for us while we go out, and if I don�t have him there soon, I�m sure they will send out a search party for him.�

Kevin laughed with her. �I�ll see ya later after the show then.� He said, his mind having been made up when he found out that Jaela would most likely be going out with them as well.

Calliope grinned knowingly. �Later.� She said as she too hurried down the hall, trying not to do a little dance as she excitedly hugged CJ to her. Oh yeah, there was definitely something there�and if she and Chase had anything to do with it, Kevin and Jaela would be seeing a lot of each other in the near future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Nineteen

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Astrid took in a deep breath as Chase knocked on the door that was marked for Evolution. She shivered slightly when she heard the deep male voice call for them to come in. She'd talked to Hunter and Ric earlier and she knew their voices. And the voice that she'd just heard did not belong to either of them. That left only one person.

"Oh stop it!" She silently chastised herself and reminded herself that no matter how attracted she was to Randy, she couldn't show it or act on it. Business never mixed well with personal relationships and it was senseless to even think otherwise.

"Hey, you coming in?" Chase asked, breaking into Astrid's thoughts when she turned around and realized that the other woman had not followed her inside. Chase shook her head slightly, seeing that Jaela wasn't the only one walking around with stars in her eyes.

"Uh..." Astrid stammered as she looked down at the floor, thankful for her long hair covering the blush that she could feel burning her cheeks. Counting to ten, she quickly collected herself and followed Chase inside, closing the door behind her.

Randy heard Chase's voice, but he had no ideas what she was saying the instant his eyes touched on Astrid. All he could thing was 'Wow' as he gazed at the beautiful woman standing before him.

"Randy!" Chase spoke his name for the third time and finally gained his attention. She had to bite back the giggle, knowing what...or whom, had captivated him so.

"Huh?" Randy questioned, snapping out of his daze.

"I asked where Ric and Hunter were." Chase stated once again.

"Oh, um...They're running late. They'll be here in about a half hour." He told her.

A plan quickly formed in Chase's mind. "Okay...well, why don't you two get aquatinted while I run and talk to Calliope quick." She said to Randy and Astrid. She didn't look at either of them, knowing that if she did and saw the expression that she knew was on each of their faces, she would laugh herself to tears. Opening the door, she quickly stepped out and closed it behind her before hurrying down the hall to find Calliope. Oh, there was a lot of matchmaking to be done!

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Chapter Twenty

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�Hey girl!�

Jaela jumped and turned around, smiling widely when Astrid came in the room. �Well, if it isn�t the newest Women�s Champion.� Jaela teased, making a bowing motion. �And to what do I owe this honor?�

Astrid laughed and rolled her eyes. �Bite me, Jae.�

�Oh I think you can find someone you�d rather do that than me�like, oh I don�t know, Randy?� Jaela burst out laughing when Astrid�s face immediately flushed red.

It had been a month since Astrid first debuted with Evolution, and that month had flown by, for everyone. She got along beautifully with everyone in the WWE, but more than anyone, Jaela. The two immediately became just about inseparable, finding an instant true friendship.

The week before Astrid, or Nemesis had captured the women�s title, much to the fan's delight. Evolution themselves were an unstoppable yet they were now a crowd favorite, due mostly to the appearance of Nemesis.

Astrid narrowed her eyes, a sly smile forming. �So, have you seen Kevin lately?� she asked. It was her turn to giggle at Jaela�s flushed cheeks.

Although nothing �serious� had happened between Jaela and Kevin, whenever they were at the arena, he always made an excuse to stop by and spend time with her. Not that Jaela was complaining.

And on more than one occasion, she found herself wandering around backstage, searching him out, even if just to say �hi�. Astrid kept teasing her, telling her to just ask him out, but so far aside from looks of longing, nothing more than friendship was between the two.

�I thought for sure he�d be in here, since lately wherever you are he seems to be as well.� Astrid continued.

Jaela crossed her arms over her chest. �Uh huh.�

�So, are you going to ask him out any time soon?� Astrid asked with a grin as she went to the mini fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.

�I�ll ask him out when you ask Randy.� Jaela shot back just as Astrid took a sip. Astrid nearly choked on her water.

�Excuse me?� Astrid coughed, trying to get herself straight.

�Oh please, don�t even try playing dumb with me, which when you think about it, you have been pretty dumb lately, not going for what is right in front of you.� Jaela crossed her arms over her chest, completely ignoring the glare she was currently receiving.

�Randy and I are co-workers and nothing more!� Astrid argued. It was the same argument she�d been having with herself since meeting Randy in person. The chemistry between them was unbelievable and every moment she spent with him she was having a harder time reminding herself that he was just a co-worker.

Jaela snorted.

�Yeah right and I don�t wanna jump Kevin every time I see him either.� Jaela retorted. �There is something between you and Randy, and everyone in the WWE knows it!�

�You�re right!�

Both women turned to find Chase and Calliope grinning at them. Astrid groaned and flopped down on the couch.

�You should just go for him, Astrid. I mean, when you walk in the room, Randy seems to loose the ability to speak coherently and can�t tear his eyes away from you.� Calliope told her.

�See.� Jaela told her friend.

�Oh you have no room to talk, little Miss Chicken.� Chase told Jaela. Astrid burst out laughing.

�W-what?� Jaela stuttered.

�Oh don�t give me that innocent look.� Chase told her. �You and Kevin are just as bad as Randy and Astrid! You two practically undress each other with you eyes.�

Again Astrid nearly choked on her water as she laughed harder. Jaela�s face flamed red. �We do not!� she protested, but knew it was a lie.

�Well I say you both just go for it!� Calliope told them.

�I can�t!� Both Astrid and Jaela said in unison.

�And why not?� Chase demanded.

Astrid and Jaela looked at each other, both at a loss for words and found both Calliope and Chase looking at them knowingly.

Before anyone could say anything there was a knock on the door. All for women turned and smiled when they found Stephanie standing there. The smiles faded when they saw the look on her face.

�Steph?� Chase asked, stepping closer to her friend. �Honey, are you okay?�

She shook her head as she walked fully into the room and shut the door behind her. �I wanted to be the one to tell you�� she trailed off, looking extremely stressed, upset, frustrated and all around pissed off.

�What?� Calliope asked.

Stephanie looked at the women. �Sable is back.�

Chase, Calliope and Jaela�s eyes widened as they absorbed the news, while Astrid simply looked confused. She wasn�t big into wrestling at the time Sable was there, but she had heard things about the past diva. And none of it was very flattering.

�I take it this is not a good thing.� Astrid said softly.

�You could say that. Sable is nothing but a huge bitch, who will do anything and everything to get her way!� Stephanie informed the newest diva.

�Let�s not forget that she�ll do anyone.� Jaela muttered. �God, how can she be back? Everyone was so beyond relieved when she left!�

Stephanie sighed and sat down. �I know. But for some reason my father thinks that slut will be good for ratings.�

�Whew, tell me how you really feel!� Calliope snickered. Stephanie rubbed her temples.

�No, you can tell me when she�s trying to hit on your husband.� Stephanie said. Calliope�s expression hardened.

�The bitch will be dead.� Calliope promised. Chase nodded in agreement.

�Well I know eventually she will get back to what she does best, which is trying to get every good looking man around. But for right now, she�s got her sights set on someone else.� Stephanie said.

�Who?� All four women asked. Stephanie raised her head and looked directly at Astrid.

�You.�

�Me? Why? She doesn�t even know me!� Astrid protested.

�All she knows is that you are getting all the cheers and the men love you. And to top it off, you�re the WWE Women�s Champion�and she�s gunning for you. Now, you�re still fairly new here Astrid, and yes I know you are good. Probably one of the best female wrestlers we�ve ever had. But watch your back with Sable. She evil, vindictive and like I said she will do anything to get what she wants. And right now, she wants you out of the way.� Stephanie told her, completely serious.

They were all quiet for a few minutes before Jaela broke the silence. �When is she coming back?�

They all looked at Stephanie when she didn�t answer right away. Finally she took a deep breath.

�Tonight.�

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Chapter Twenty One

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"Come in." Jaela called when she heard the knock on the dressing room door where she was doing costumes later that night for Smackdown. She paused in the sketch that she was working on and looked up when the door opened.

"Hey." She greeted, her eyes lighting up when they touched on Kevin. "What's up?"

Kevin returned her smile as he closed the door behind himself and stepped further into the room. "Some of the guys and myself were horsing around outside and playing football. My shirt got torn; I wondered if you could fix it." He explained as he showed her the tear on the shoulder of the shirt. At first he was just going to toss the shirt, but he changed his mind when he realized that it would make a good excuse to see her.

"Sure. Why don't you slip it off and I'll see what I can do." Jaela told him, not really realizing her words until Kevin began lifting his shirt off and she caught sight of his perfect abs, then his sculptured chest and broad shoulders. Her mouth instantly ran dry with desire and she literally had to hold herself back.

"Here ya go." Kevin handed her his shirt, not missing her reaction. Their eyes met and held for several moments before she looked away.

Jaela swallowed hard and busied herself looking at the tear on his shirt. "It's torn right on the seam. An easy fix." She managed to get out, not meeting his eyes again as she turned and walked over to where she kept her supplies.

Kevin watched her intently as she worked. He made up his mind then and there that he couldn't put it off any longer. He knew that there was something between them. He'd known it since the first time he'd met her. And he willing to bet that it had been the same for her. It was time to take their relationship to a different level...assuming that it was what she wanted.

"Damn it!" Jaela hissed, breaking Kevin out of his thoughts. He looked up just in time to see her pull the needle that she'd been using out of her finger. He immediately rushed over to her when he saw the blood pour from the tiny wound. He grabbed his shirt from her other hand and held it against her injured finger, applying pressure to stop the bleeding.

"Are you okay?" He asked after a few moments.

Jaela temporarily lost the ability to speak or to do anything else when her eyes met his and she saw the concern there. After a moment she found her voice again and waved off his worry. "Yes. I do that all the time." She told him, although she knew full well that it was about as far away from the truth as she could get. She never got that distracted before...then again, she usually didn't have a gorgeous, sexy man standing shirtless just a few feet away when she worked...Not any that affected her the way Kevin did anyway.

"See, it's all better already. Can't even see where it went in." She told him as she lifted his shirt away from her finger and the bleeding had stopped. Then she looked up at him and frowned. "But now I've ruined your shirt."

Kevin smiled as he tossed his shirt aside. "Doesn't matter. As long as you are okay, that's all that matters." He said as he lifted his hand and brushed his fingers across her cheek.

Jaela's breath caught sharply in her throat and she shivered slightly at his touch. She looked into his eyes and saw the desire burning there and without even giving it a second thought, she moved closer, leaning into his touch. Her eyes stayed locked with his as he slowly lowered his head.

His lips were just about to touch hers when there was a loud knock on the door and then it began to open. Kevin and Jaela jumped apart just before Sable walked fully into the room. She looked at Jaela, not bothering to hide her disgust, feeling that Jaela was much lower that her.

"Oh, you're still here. I would have thought you'd been gone from the company a long time ago. I see you haven't changed at all, which is no big surprise at all." Sable said, her tone catty. Then she turned her attention to Kevin as she stepped up to him, eyeing him as if her were a hunk of prime beef that she wanted to devour.

"My, my, my...who have we here?" She asked as she looked up at Kevin and smiled, turning on the charm. She stepped closer, making sure that her body brushed against his. "You must be new around here because I can guarantee that I wouldn't have forgotten you had I seen you before. Let me know if you ever want a tour...you know, see the sights." She nearly purred as she pressed herself even closer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Twenty Two

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Astrid jumped when the door to Evolution�s locker room burst open. She spun around, her eyes widening when she saw the state Jaela was in as she stalked in the room.

�In all my years with this company, I have never wanted to be a wrestler�until now. Just so I can get in the ring and legally kick her slutty ass!� Jaela raged, pacing back and forth.

Astrid bit back the grin that was threatening, having never seen her new friend in such a state. �Uh, and who would that be?� she asked.

�That bitch Sable!� Jaela hissed, her eyes flashing angrily. She knew she had handled what just happened in her office badly; storming out the way she had, but she had honestly been holding herself back from attacking the older woman.

�That doesn�t sound good. What happened?� A few minutes later Astrid too was fuming. �And you just left them there in the room together?� she asked in disbelief.

Jaela sighed and ran her hands through her hair. �Yes, I wasn�t thinking clearly. Just watching her press up against Kevin like that, I had to get out of there or I was going to kill her! So I did.�

�Damn�I can�t believe she interrupted your kiss!� Astrid exclaimed.

�Kiss? Did I hear kiss? Who kissed?� Chase demanded, walking into the room. Astrid grinned while Jaela groaned.

�No one kissed.� Jaela mumbled.

�Only because that slut Sable interrupted Jae and Kevin.� Astrid informed Chase, whose eyes lit up, then the smile faded.

�Sable?�

�Yeah, she came in right as Kevin moved to kiss me, then after making me feel lower than dirt, she rubbed herself all up against Kevin.� Jaela huffed.

�Yeah and then Jaela stormed out of there and left him alone with that barracuda!� Astrid finished the story. Chase shook her head.

�Well, you are going to owe Kevin big time for leaving him alone with her, but I can�t blame you really. She doesn�t bring out the best in any woman around her.� Chase said sympathetically.

�Have you had any confrontations with her?� Astrid asked. Chase shook her head.

�Thankfully no. And I hope not to either, although that�s gonna be hard since is seems she�s got her sights set on you.� Chase looked at Astrid.

�Who�s after Astrid?�

The three women turned to find the three other members of Evolution standing in the door way. �Sable.� Chase and Jaela said in unison.

�That bitch it back?� Hunter asked in surprise and disgust, then looked over at Astrid. �Keep an eye out. You know we�ve got your back, but that bitch is as crazy as they come.�

Astrid nodded. �I�ll keep that in mind.�

A knock on the door got all their attentions, finding a stage hand standing there, looking at the member of Evolution nervous. �Um, sorry to interrupt, but Nemesis, you�ve being called out to the ring.�

�Huh? I don�t have anything scheduled.� Astrid protested.

�Sable.� Chase muttered under her breath. Astrid shrugged.

�Oh well, guess I just get to meet her sooner than I thought.� She said as she moved towards the door. Jaela came forward.

�Please be careful.� She pleaded with her new friend. Astrid smiled reassuringly.

�I�ll be fine, I promise.� She turned to walk out, but Randy stepped in her way. She grit her teeth, telling herself now was not the time for her hormones to go into overdrive. She chose to focus on Sable and the problem at hand�and not how damn sexy Randy looked at the moment in his blue dress shirt and black dress pants.

�You�re not going out alone.� Randy said, the look in his eyes telling her not to argue with him. Hunter and Ric nodded as they too stepped closer.

�Randy is right. He�ll go out to the ring with you.� Hunter suggested, having already known that�s what the younger man had planned. He bit back the smile, knowing damn well that although neither Ric or Hunter wanted Astrid out there alone, Randy�s reasons were much more personal.

Astrid looked at everyone, then finally Jaela who nodded to her. �Okay,� she relented, turning to look Randy in his eyes. �Let�s go.�

Paradise Found II

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