Chapter 32: The Next Step

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(1 Year Later)

"This... is ridiculous." I said looking at my Maid of Honor dress. Dean laughed and said,
"You look beautiful."
"You have to say that."
"No I don't. You just are."
Lexi had my dress sent to me so that I could try it on and make sure everything fits right. She will be moving here in a few weeks.
"Does it fit?" Dean asked.
"...no."
"Anna?" He said sternly. I sighed,
"Yes it fits."
Dean laughed, "Princess it's not that bad"
"Yea but it's not me"
"It's not supposed to be. It's her day not yours."
I turned from side-to-side. I guess the dress will grow on me.
"You keep twisting and teasing me like that we're going to have a problem." Dean said wrapping his arms around me.
"You sure you have to leave this week? You're going to miss some big matches." I ask.
"Yes babe. I have a few Make-A-Wish events that I have to attend."
"That's a cute dress!" Summer Rae said coming into the kitchen.
"You want it?" I asked.
"Stop." Dean laughed.
"What's it for?" Summer asked.
"Jacob and Lexis wedding."
"Oh yea!"
Just then Tyler walked in.
"Whoa...you look..." I gave him a frown. "Springish."
Dean covered his face in his hands and Summer smacked Tyler in the arm.
"Ow! What?!"
"You're supposed to help her like the dress." Dean said.
"It's not a bad thing. It fits you."
We all groaned.
"Alright, I've had this dress on long enough." I said as I made my way to my bedroom to changed.
A few minutes later I appeared in sweats and a tank. Dean gave me a wolf whistle that made me blush. Dean was watching t.v. I walked over and laid down resting my head in his lap.
"What's wrong princess?"
"I hate losing."
In a few days, we will be in Green Bay, WI. There, Raw will hold a Main Event for the Divas Championship. I will face Paige and I will lose my title. Stephanie thought this would be a good opportunity for both Paige and I. For Paige, the fans were ready for her to be the Divas Champion and for me to attend more organizational events. My schedule will be pretty full for the next few months. Our first two shows are in Wisconsin and Illinois and our last two shows are in England. Then I do a few promotional events and last but not least, Jacob and Lexis wedding.
"It's going to be okay babe. Plus you'll get it back after all of our stuff is done."
"I know. I just don't like losing."
"Let's go do something. Just us two." Dean suggested.
"Really?" I asked excitedly. We hadn't done anything together in a long time.
I changed and off we went.
***Dean's P.O.V***
After mine and Annaleighs date, I dropped her off and headed home. Roman and Seth had come for the weekend. I walked in to find them playing video games.
"How'd it go?" Roman asked.
"Anna hates the dress." I said laughing. The other two joined in.
"Did you break the news to her?"
"Yea."
"What'd she say?" Seth asked.
"She's upset that I'm going to miss her big match, but she understands."
"What'd excuse did you give her?"
"Told her that I had a few Make-A-Wish events that I had to attend."
"Clever!"
I made my way to my room and began to pack.
"Nervous?' I heard a voice say. It was Roman.
"Very." I answered honestly. He walked in and stood next to me.
"What if her dad says no?" I asked. Roman chuckled and said,
"Very rarely does that happen, but the slight chance that it does, marry her anyway." Hearing those words shocked me. He was built on tradition and respect. He must have seen the look on my face because he laughed and said,
"I know, I know, but you and Annaleigh belong together. I said it from day one and I'm saying it now. She's good for you and she's good to you. All these years I've known you, no girl has done that for you. Like I said before, I'd pick her a thousand times over for you. So if her dad does not see it, break tradition and marry that girl!"
"Why haven't you and Galina gotten married yet? You've been engaged since the Caveman Era." I teased.
"Timing and our schedules." He answered simply.
After I had finished packing the guys and I decided to go out and celebrate my "Pre-engagement." Whatever that is.
(Green Bay, Wisconsin)
***Annaleigh's P.O.V***
Tonight we're in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I traveled with the boys this time. We walked in to the Resch Center and made our way to the locker rooms.
"Annaleigh!" I heard my name being called. I turned to see a stagehand heading my way, "Annaleigh, I need you to be ready in 5 minutes. You have an interview with Michael Cole."
"Oh. Okay thanks!" I hurried to the Divas locker room to change. My first real interview.... I became nervous. I wish Jon was here for moral support.
***Dean's P.O.V***
I was a few hours from Lubbock. I had called Annaleighs' mother to let her know that I would be stopping by. I probably should have let them know beforehand that I would be coming because I had her mother worried sick about her little girl. I kind of threw her off by calling because I never call and just talk to them. Hopefully after tonight my relationship with her parents will change.
I decided to see what was on the radio. Texas, no matter how big it is, has a very limited selection of music. I flipped the channels continuously until I finally gave up. Then, a song came on that basically summed up my entire life, personality, and the life I began to have with Annaleigh. I knew that this was the song that I needed to play the night I propose. I Shazamed it. Okay. I have the place, the plan, and the way. Now all I need is the approval, the song, and most importantly... the answer.
***Annaleigh's P.O.V***
I finished getting ready and headed to the place that the interview will be held. Once there, I was introduced to Michael.
"Annaleigh, nice to officially meet you! I'm Michael Cole. Sorry for the short notice, but the fans want a chance to get to know the real you." Micheal explained shaking my hand.
"No problem! I'm really excited! I just don't know what to say or how to act." I said laughing nervously.
"Just be yourself and have fun! And be honest."
We sat down and watched the cameraman begin the countdown. Once it was time, Michael spoke up,
Cole: "Welcome ladies and gentlemen, I'm Michael Cole and here with me tonight is the Divas Champ herself, Annaleigh Halliwell. Welcome Annaleigh!"
Anna: "Thank you, Michael! It's good to be here!"
Cole: "First off, congratulations on a fantastic year! Did you expect to be this big a deal so fast?"
Anna: "Thank you! Honestly, I didn't know what to expect coming into the WWE. I mean I had hoped to be liked and a fan favorite but I figured all in due time. But I'm very blessed to have the fans that I do."
Cole: "What made you choose this career path?"
Anna: "I grew up watching wrestling. My dad is pretty much to blame (laughs). I grew up watching the likes of Chyna and Lita and Trish... all powerful women that still had elegance to them. They proved that men aren't the only ones who could do this sport. And that made me want to join."
Cole: "How so?"
Anna: "Just by being them. Their attitudes and the confidence that they carried. Their willingness to prove that women can do this sport too, and not just prove that they could do it, but to be just as amazing if not better than the men."
Cole: "Would you say that you're like those women? Like Lita?"
Anna: "No. There may be some similarities but I'm not Lita. Or Chyna. Or Trish. I've been compared to the likes of Lita, Paige and A.J...and although they are all amazing athletes, none of us are like the other. We each have that one thing that sets us a part and has her own style to bring into the ring."
Cole: "I like that... I really like that. Now, let's get a little personal." He said with a smirk, "You came into the WWE with The American Outlaws... are you dating any of them?"
Anna: (Laughs) "Nothing is off limits with you is there? No. We grew up together and are all best friends. They are more like my brothers than anything."
Cole: "Hey I'm just asking merely for the sake of journalism... and for the fans. They are dying to know who you are with. So there is no lucky man in your life? Is there just no time for a relationship or are you just patiently waiting?" He asked joining in my laughter.
Anna: "No there is a man. (laughs) We've just been quiet about our relationship for over a year now. Mostly because we're both private people and each of us wanted to respect the other... plus with social media being crazy like it is we wouldn't have alone time. But since it's been a year I think it's safe to let people know. The fans know him as the Lunatic Fringe, where as I like to know him as Jon."
Cole: "Dean Ambrose?? You're dating Dean Ambrose?!"
Anna: "I'm dating Dean Ambrose."
Cole: "Wow! You realize that you just broke a ton of his female fans' hearts, right?"
Anna: "I'm sorry!" (laughs)
Cole: "Switching gears now. Tonight for the Main Event you face Paige for the Divas Championship, she's a force to be reckoned with! How do you prepare for a fight like that? What is your strategy?"
Anna: "My strategy is what it always is Michael: Get in the ring, give my opponent 110%, and come out on top. Paige is no joke! Believe me I know from experience. She may be tough, but she's not indestructible. She's not unbeatable. I've beaten her before and that's how it's going to be tonight. As far as preparing myself? You can't really prepare yourself for a match like this one. Any time you step in to that ring there's no telling what could unfold. This match can go either way. So tonight all I can do is like I said, give it 110% and make sure I walk out of there as yet again the Divas Champion."
Cole: "There you have it folks! Annaleigh, thank you so much for hanging out with me. Good luck tonight!"
Anna: "Thank you for having me."
"Cut!"
"You did so great tonight! Good luck tonight! I mean that!" Michael said. We parted ways and I headed for Catering.
"There you are! We're on in 15! Where the hell have you been?!" Paige asked running over.
"I was in an interview with Michael."
"Well hopefully you're dressed for our match! You practically missed the whole show. Are you ready at least?"
"Yea."
"Okay let's go!"
Paige grabbed my hand and we hurried to the Gorilla.
***Dean's P.O.V***
I made it to my hotel. I checked in, went to my room and unpacked. I laid out the clothes I decided to wear to Annas' parents house. Once I was ready, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. On my way there I tried to calm my nerves but to no use. I'm pretty sure I'm going to die of fear.
I finally made it to Annaleighs. Before I walked up to the door I took a few deep breaths. 'Here goes nothing.' I thought as I approached the front door. I rang the doorbell and Annaleighs mother, Patty, answered the door.
"Jonathan! You made it safely! It's so good to see you!" She said hugging me.
"Who is it?" He father yelled from the living room.
"Dear it's Jonathan." I heard her father get out of his reclining chair and make his way towards the door.
"Don't just stand there boy, come in!" I did as he said and was met with a firm handshake.
"What brings you to Texas? How is my little girl doing?" Victor asked.
"She's doing good! She actually has a pretty big title match tonight."
"Yea we're waiting for the show to start. So, what brings you here?'
The nerves had come back. I could feel my palms begin to sweat. Her mother noticed and asked if she needed to leave Victor and I alone.
"No ma'am. You're welcome to stay. This involves you too." If her dad did say no maybe her mother could be my saving grace.
I had rehearsed what I would say to her dad a million times on my way up here, but now sitting in front of him, I had completely forgotten how to start out. I decided to wing it and hoped for the best.
"Well, as you both know, Annaleigh and I have been together for over and year now. We've been through alot but each time we have come out stronger. I love your daughter with all of my heart. She has changed my life for the better in ways I never thought possible. She's awakened feelings in me that I didn't even know I had." I had gotten their attention and I noticed her mother began to tear up. I continued, "More than anything Mr. and Mrs. Halliwell, she saved my life. I know that I am not the ideal man, but I'd like to do the same for her. I'd like the chance to love her unconditionally, wake up next to her every morning and lay down next to her, make her the happiest woman I can, and show her what REAL love looks like to the best of my ability. What I'm asking sir... and ma'am, is for that chance. With your permission, I would love to marry your daughter, Annaleigh Elise Halliwell."
Her parents looked at each other and then back at me. There was silence for a few moments until her father spoke,
"Jonathan..." Here it is... the words I had been fearing, "I must admit that when Annaleigh first introduced you to us, I was not thrilled. You didn't look like the type that would stick around long, but you taught me to never judge a book by its cover. Hearing your story; hearing how you brought up yourself, put yourself through school, and how you worked hard to get to where you are today only made me respect you not only as a person, but as a great choice of a man for my daughter. I've never seen her as happy as she is when she's with you. You have brought new life to her. I know you said she saved you but in all honesty I think you two saved each other. You have proven that no other man can do what you have done for Annaleigh. So my answer is yes." Victor said smiling. There it was! He gave me permission to marry the woman I had only dreamed about until that day I met Annaleigh. I am overwhelmed! She will forever be mine! I honestly couldn't believe it!
"Would you like to stay for dinner?" Patty asked wiping a few tears away.
"I'd love to."
After dinner, I watched Monday Night Raw with her parents and watched Annaleighs interview. Normally I would have been irked that a girl had outed our relationship, but I wasn't with Annaleigh. I've wanted to show her off for a while now and now thanks to her I can. I'm literally on Cloud 9 right now. After the show, I was on my way back to the hotel when two other people popped into my head; two other people who played just as an important role in Annas life as her own parents. I made a detour to Tyler's house.
***Annaleigh's P.O.V***
Paige and I made it to the Gorilla. My interview with Michael Cole was just finishing up. My entrance music hit and I made my way down to the ring. Paige's music was next as she too made her way down the ring. The ref took my belt and held it up for the fans to see as Lilian announced the stipulation for our match. Once that was over Paige and I made our way to our corners. The ref pointed at Paige and then at me. Once we gave the okay,the bell rang and we began to circle one another. We locked up and I got the upper hand. I held Paige in a headlock before she kicked my legs out from me. Once she was free she threw me to the ropes. She hit with me a corner clothesline followed by corner elbows. Before the 5th one could connect I managed to throw her off. I performed a clothesline on her. I picked her up by her hair and slammed her once more in to the mat.
"Come on, Paige! I thought this was your house?!" I taunted. I picked her up once more only to be met with a hard slap to the face. I stumbled back as Paige managed to throw me out of the ring. The fall had hurt really bad. The ref began to count as Paige circled around and slammed me in to the steel steps. I laid there motionless as Paige walked over to me. She grabbed a hold of my hair and began to headbutt me. I kicked her off and made my way back inside the ring. The ref was at the count of 7. I needed to get control of this match! As Paige tried to make her way back in the ring, I grabbed the back of her neck and performed and uppercut making her fall. I walked away feeling satisfied as the ref was at the count of 9, only to feel hands on the back of my head. Paige had performed the hair pull mat slam. This is getting ridiculous! Fed up, I got to my feet, picked Paige up and bodyslammed her to the mat. Luckily there for a while I had full control of the match.
Nearing the end of the match, I set Paige up for my signature move, the Texas Tornado but somehow did not connect. Paige then returned the favor by setting me up for the Paige Tap Out. That move really hurt! I felt as if my spine was snapping very slowly. The crowd began to chant my name in an attempt to get me motivated enough to break the hold. I had half a mind to go against the script and retain my title but I knew better. I tapped out. The bell rang and the ref held up Paige's hand in victory as Lilian announced her as the winner and the new Divas Champion.
The show ended and I headed back to the hotel room. Everyone else decided to go out but I declined. Jon wasn't here and it wasn't fun unless he was by my side. I missed him dearly.
( 3 Months Later...)
"Princess, wake up. Anna? Babe?" I felt Jon shaking me. I groaned.
"Babe it's the wedding day. We need to get up and start getting ready."
"What time is it?"
"1:45 p.m"
"WHAT?!"
Today was the big day: Jacob and Lexis wedding. Which starts at 6:00. Considering what time I woke up, I am very late! I showered quickly and changed into some comfortable clothes. I kissed Jon goodbye and hurried out the door. I picked up my dress from the dry cleaners and met Sharon and the others at the nail salon.
"There you are!!" Lexi exclaimed.
"I know, I know! I'm so sorry! I overslept!"
"Well hop to it! We've got to get your nails done and make it on time to have Leighla fix all of our hair!"
The wedding will be taking place here in Lubbock at the church Jacob and Lexi both attend. Once we were done with 0ur nails, we headed to the church. There, Leighla had everything set up. Leighla was fixing my hair when we heard a knock on the door.
"Man coming in! Man coming in! Not looking! Don't run in fear!" Jacob said coming in followed by Tyler and Joe.
"Babe you can uncover eyes. None of us are changing yet." Lexi said laughing.
"Look at my handsome son!" Sharon said hugging Tyler.
"Mom." He said embarrassed.
"He is mighty handsome!" Summer said placing a kiss on his cheek. Tyler will be Jacobs Best Man.
"You look absolutely beautiful!" Jacob said kissing Lexis cheek.
"Just wait til you see her later!" Leighla said proudly.
"Wow Anna! You look amazing too! Wait til Dean sees you! He will have a heart attack." Jacob said praising me as Leighla fixed me up.
"Thank you! Although I don't want to kill the love of my life." I said laughing.
"Okay boys, we need to finish up. Off you go! Out! Out! Out!" Lexis mother, Lily said shooing the boys off. We hurried to get changed as Leighla began to work on Lexi. I'm excited to see what Leighla will come up with.
***Dean's P.O.V***
"Looking sharp there Ambrose." Seth teased.
"Thanks. Last time I wear a suit."
"Until your wedding." He said nudging me.
"Haven't asked her yet, Lopez."
"When are you planning on asking her?" Roman asked sitting next to me followed by Galina and Joelle.
"Sometime after the wedding."
"Tonight?!" Seth asked shocked.
"No! Later on! Like in a month or two. Maybe."
"Oh."
Roman and I both shook our heads and laughed. A thought came to mind.
"I'll be right back." I said getting up.
"Dude the ceremony is about to start!" Seth whispered.
"I won't be long!"
I made my way out and found the room the Jacob and the rest were in. I knocked on the door.
"Come in!"
I obliged and walked in.
"Ambrose! Hey man! What are you doing here?" Jacob asked walking over and shaking my hand.
"Do you mind if I talk to you guys for a moment. I know it's rushed but it's important." I said. They exchanged looks but sat down and waited for me to begin.
"I know this is your big day and I promise I'm not trying to ruin it for you, but I've been doing alot of thinking and if I act on it, it wouldn't be right without you guys knowing and being okay with." I started, "As you guys know, Annaleigh and I have been together for over a year now. I love her more than my own life and I will do anything to make her happy. I've come to realize that I need her in my life. She's my other half; actually my better half. She's made me a better man. I've come to realize that there is no way that I can go through life without making her my forever. I've already got her dads approval, but you three are the other important men in her life, so I can't go through with it without your blessing. So with that being said, I would like your blessing to marry your friend, Annaleigh." All three men looked beyond shocked. Jacob was the first to speak,
"You said you didn't want to ruin my day... buddy you didn't. In fact you made it better. I've been rooting for you two to make it to that point. You both were meant for each other and it's no secret. I believe I can speak for both Lexi and I when I say, yes! I give you my blessing."
"I'm not a fan of the idea of marriage but like Jacob said, you guys are good together. She's the happiest I've seen her in a long time. So I say yes." Joe said. All that was left was Tyler. He was about to speak when the pastor interrupted.
"It's time."
I left and found my way back to my seat. Tyler's answer will have to wait.
"Took you long enough!"
"Can it Lopez!"
"What did you go do?"
"I'll tell you later."
We waited as the ceremony began.
***Annaleigh's P.O.V***
"Oh my gosh, Lexi! You look amazing!" I said as I looked upon Leighlas latest masterpiece. Lexi was naturally beautiful, but Leighla made her a total knockout! like a Baywatch babe!
"Emma? Sweetheart? Are you okay?" Mrs. Stone asked. Emma came out of the bathroom looking paler than normal and holding her stomach.
"Emma? You okay?" I asked.
"Yea. Just been sick the past few days."
"Preggers." Summer teased.
"I am not!"
"You might be! You only get sick in the mornings."
"That doesn't mean anything."
"Em? Could you be?" I asked somewhat excited.
"No. We use precautions...mostly."
"Are you well enough to make it through my wedding?" Lexi asked.
"Yes, of course!"
"I'll buy you a test before we get to the reception." I whispered to Emma.
"Buy me 3."
"Ladies it's time!"
We made a single file line as we met up with the men.
The wedding was absolutely beautiful! Lexi made one beautiful bride! The vows they declared for one another made everyone in the room tear up including myself. I couldn't be more happier for my two friends. After the 'I Do's' and the kissing of the bride, I met up with Jon.
"You look stunning, princess." He said as he kissed me.
"You don't look so bad yourself!" I said fixing his tie.
"Yea. I get that alot." He teased. I rolled my eyes and playfully punched his arm as he laughed.
"Ready to head out?"
"Yea."
We left and headed to the reception. Lexi had all of the bridesmaids and Maid of Honor change into a different dress. Part of her wedding theme. I was personally glad because the second dress was very elegant and very simple. Exactly how I like it.
"Why'd you change? You looked fine before" Dean said looking over my new attire.
"Part of Lexis theme." I said laughing.
"Well, as always, you look beautiful. Shall we?" He held out his hand. I smiled and accepted his offered hand as he led me to the dance floor. We danced majority of the night. I even shared a few dances with Seth and Roman and Joelle even stole a dance or two with Dean.
The reception was a blast! Tyler and I gave our respective speeches to the Bride and Groom and Jacob and Lexi cut the cake. A few hours in, the guys and I were enjoying the party when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"I need to talk to you! Now!" Emma said.
"Everything okay?" Dean asked.
"Not really. I need to borrow your girlfriend for a few minutes." Emma answered.
"I'll be right back." I said as I followed Emma into the bathroom. Emma locked the door and started pacing back and forth.
"Em? What's wrong?" I asked. She didn't answer me at first. She just kept pacing back and forth. Finally I grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face me. I noticed her eyes began to well up.
"Em?! What's wrong?" She broke down and buried her face in my dress.
"I don't know what to do! This was not a part of my plan!?"
"What are you talking about?" Emma led me to the counter where 3 pregnancy tests lay.
"What do they say?" She asked me looking away. I really didn't want to touch them so I grabbed a paper towel and picked them up one by one. Each one said positive. My heart sank. I knew Emma was scared. Not just scared but scared of what Joe would say.
"Maybe they're wrong." I said.
"All 3 of them?!" She asked in a panic, "Anna, what am I going to do? I can't be pregnant right now! And Joe?! What will he say? He doesn't even want kids! Or marriage!" She covered her face in her hands and began to cry.
"Everything will be fine." I said walking over to comfort her.
"How do you know?"
"Because you have me. And Jon. Everyone in the WWE and you have Joe. Trust me when I say this... he does want kids. He does want marriage it just scares him. He's crazy about you and he will stay by your side every step of the way."
"And if he doesn't?"
"Then I'll just kick his ass repeatedly." She laughed and wiped her tears away.
"Now, let's dry those eyes, go back out there and have the time of our life."
We walked out and returned to our table.
"Everything okay?" Jon asked. I looked over at Emma who had sat down in Joe's lap and laid her head on Joe's shoulder. Joe began to rub her back and kissed her head.
"I think it will be." I said giving Jon a kiss.
"I love you."
"I love you too princess."
We continued the night with dancing, laughing and having fun. We sent Jacob and Lexi off to their honeymoon and headed to our hotels. I took a shower and laid down next to Jon who was watching T.V.
"Feel better?' He asked.
"You have no idea!" I said laughing.
"You want to watch anything?"
"Actually I have a better idea" I said smiling.
Dean turned out the light and we shared an intimate night.

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