Lindsey sat down at ringside staking out a spot for her boss. She figured that since she would be waiting around that she would go ahead and get the film ready and the camera’s loaded for the show. The nerves the she had had that morning were now a distant memory. Everyone had been very welcoming and eager to meet her. After she finished she pulled out a book and started reading. There was very little activity now seeing as everyone had gone to get something to eat. About twenty minutes later Lindsey’s boss came strolling down the ramp and walked over to her.

“ Good spot.”

“ Thanks, I loaded your camera’s and the film rolls are ready to go.”

“Great, I was just about to ask you that. How about you run up and get something to eat.” She stood up and took her book with her. By now pretty much all of the guys had gone through the line, so she got to pick through what was left over. Paul Levesque looked over to the food line and saw a woman he hadn’t seen before.

“ Who’s that?”

“ Who’s who?”

“ Chick that just walked in, I haven’t seen her before.”

“ You mean there’s one you haven’t met, gone after, or fucked? His records been damaged!”

“ Not for long.” He stood up and walked over to where she had sat down.

“ Hey cutie, you should know better than to sit by yourself.” She looked around for a minute before looking him in the eye.

“ Are you talking to me?”

“ I don’t see anyone else around you, do you?”

“ No I guess not and I really don’t know anyone here.”

“ Why’s that?”

“ It’s kinda my first day.”

“ Really? Well how about you come over and sit with my friends and I?”

“ I don’t want to intrude.”

“ Nah they won’t mind.” Before she could refuse he took her plate, book, and hand and dragged her over to his table. He sat her in a chair next to him and then started introducing everyone to her.

“ I’m Paul, that’s Kevin, kid, Scott, Sean, and Justin. Everyone this is…”

“ Lindsey”

“ Right Lindsey, this is her first day so don’t try to scare her too much.” Kevin looked at her.

“ Where are you working?”

“ I’m interning for Chris Sanders.”

“ Photographer? So I guess we’ll be seeing a lot more of you.”

“ I doubt he’ll let me stay at ringside.”

“ Then you don’t know Chris, if there’s a way for him to get more pictures he’ll find it.”

“ I think he has.” Paul looked down at her plate and frowned.

“ That’s all your eating?”

“ No offense to her, but she is kinda small. She probably could make three meals out of one of ours. Isn’t that right sweetheart?”

“ I could actually get about five or six out of that.” One of the other interns came and tapped her on the shoulder.

“ Sanders needs you.”

“ Ok, where is he?”

“ Still at ringside.”

“ I’ll be right there. It was nice meeting you all, thanks for inviting me. Good luck tonight.” She tossed her plate and ran out.

“ Nice kid, shy, but nice.”

“ Not bad looking either.”

“ So I assume she’ll be joining us more often?”

“ Probably.”

“ This means we’ve got to keep it clean doesn’t it?”

“ Semi-clean, if we don’t totally repulse her then conversation can return to normal.” Chris was standing where she had left him except there were a few other photographers around him.

“ Here she is, you ready to start?”

“ You betcha.”

Paul had been more than eager to give Lindsey a ride back to her hotel that night. Over the next month they became fast friends. Everyone else at their table warmed up to her too. A lot of the time they would bring her a plate and join her at ringside seeing as Chris started getting lax in coming to relieve her.

One night Chris decided to let her try her hand at photographing a show. She did beautifully through the show until the action in the ring decided to include them. The only reaction time either of them had was for Lindsey to shove the camera under the ring before the Undertaker landed clear on top of Chris and kicked Lindsey in the side of the head. Thankfully it was only a house show and not live T.V but it still wasn’t comforting. The news from the doctors wasn’t too good either. Taker had been referred to another doctor for his back, Chris had a cracked shoulder and twisted elbow, and Lindsey had a concussion and bad whiplash. Paul carefully carried her down the hall, and into her hotel room with Kevin close behind him.

“ You’d think he would at least come and check on her.”

“ He’s getting his back checked. He said he’d stop by in the morning. We need to wake her up so she can take her medications.”

Lindsey woke up with a face leaning over her. Her head felt like it was going to split in two, and she could barely move her neck. A deep southern whisper made her come out of the fog a little more.

“ How are you feeling this morning?”

“ What happened?”

“ You don’t remember?” A large hand came over her face and brushed her hair out of the way.

“ The last thing I can remember is being at the show. We were about finished and then…”

“ I came flying over the top rope and landed on top of you and Chris.”

“ Paul I doubt you landing on top of me and Chris could do this, now how much did I drink?” She heard a laugh.

“ This isn’t Paul, and you’re not hungover. You have a concussion, and whiplash. You’re going to be staying here for a few days.”

“ You don’t sound like anyone I know.”

“ Well we were informally introduced last night. I figured the least I could do was take care of you. Names Mark, but I’d prefer if you called me Taker. Now I think you need to take your medicine. I ordered some room service, it should be here soon.” The mention of food made her stomach lurch. Before Taker could grab her she was in the bathroom. He stood outside and became concerned when he didn’t hear anything. When he heard the toilet flush he came in, wet a washcloth, and handed it to her.

“ Thanks”

“ Do you want to go back to bed?”

“ I’ll stay here.” He sat down next to her and pulled her long hair away from her face. He laughed when he saw the color.

“ You trying to beat hardy out for the weirdest hair color.”

“ Could be brighter.”

“ It’s purple.”

“ Like you’re one to talk about dying hair, Mister I change my hair color on a daily basis.” A knock on the door caught his attention.

“ Stay here.”

“ Ok, no argument here.” He came back with a six-pack of ginger ale and two plates. He sat the plates on the counter and set the soda on the floor by the door. He slowly sat back down wincing slightly, when he was back on the floor he pulled one of the cans out of the ring and handed it to her.

“ Thank you, but I’m not very thirsty.”

“ It’ll help settle your stomach.” He leant forward and pulled her towards him. She let out a groan of protest and attempted to pull away, but he was able to maneuver her into his lap with little effort. He popped the can open and put it to her lips.

“ Darlin the more you help me out, the faster you’ll feel better. Now I think I’ve been smacked in the head enough to know what helps and what doesn’t.” He waited for her to part her lips before he tipped the can forward. He continued to let her take little sips for about an hour. She got sick a few other times but he was patient and she soon started to belch signaling to him that they were in the clear. He reached up and brought the plates down. He lifted the lid on one of the plates and placed some of the food on a fork.

“ Please let me rinse my mouth out or something before you make me eat.”

“ Alright” He felt her shift and pull herself up. Mark came up with her ready to catch her if she fell. She pulled her bag off of the counter and let him catch her. He carefully set her back down and helped her get the cap off of the mouthwash and laughed at her sigh of relief

“ Are you ready to eat?”

“ I guess.” He handed her the fork and watched her take small little bites. Paul had told him not to order a lot of food for her. When she finished her plate he handed her a pill and the ginger ale. As he ate his own food he watched her slip back into a drug-induced slumber. This continued on all through the day and well into the night. The next morning Lindsey felt a lot better. Her headache had gone down and her neck was less stiff she looked over to the couch to see a large figure squished on it. She leaned over and picked up the phone.

“ Front desk.”

“ Would you please ring Paul Levesque’s room?”

“ Actually ma’am he’s checking out right now, may I ask who’s calling?”

“ Lindsey Ward, I’m in 538, and I work for the federation.”

“ One moment please.” She heard some mumbling and then Paul’s voice came over the line.

“ Paul, why do I feel like I got hit my a truck?”

“ Because you kinda were.”

“ Oh ok, and why is there a big scary guy on the couch?”

“ Taker? He wrenched his back and is being forced to take a few days so he volunteered to sit and watch you.”

“ Watch me?”

“ The doctors want you to sit out the two live shows this week. You guys will met back up with us at the end of the week.”

“ So I have to miss Raw and Smackdown?”

“ Sweetie you already missed Raw. Listen I hate to cut this short but I’ve got a plane to catch. I’ll see you at the end of the week.” After saying goodbye she hung up to see Taker looking at her.

“ Please tell me you didn’t just call the police.”

“ No I called Paul.” She threw the covers off and, went into the bathroom. When she came back he felt like he was about to get his ass handed to him.

“ Why do I have a bruise in the shape of a shoe on the side of my head?”

“ Because that’s where I kicked you.”

“ I thought you fell on me.”

“ Actually I fell on Chris.”

“ You just kicked me in the head.”

“ Yup.” He was ready for her to scream at him but she just shrugged her shoulders and went back into the bathroom to take a shower. Mark stood up and stretched. His back wasn’t as sore as he thought it would be. He changed clothes seeing as he had been smart enough to take a shower the night before. He found it very difficult to concentrate on the t.v when she came out in nothing but a towel. His eyes followed her back into the bathroom eyeing her swaying hips they entire way. She came back out about fifteen minutes later giving him a look.

“ I’m going to get something to eat are you coming or are you staying?”

“ You sure you’re up to it?”

“ I said lunch not a full day of activities.” He clicked off the t.v and followed her out the door. His eyes burned a trail down her back stopping on her ass.

“ Where do you want to go?”

“ I figured the hotel restaurant.”

“ Sorry baby doll I refuse to take you there.”

“ There is nothing wrong with their food.”

“ Like hell, if we’re getting food we’re getting good food.”

“ I thought I got to pick seeing as it was my idea.”

“ You’re not feeling well.”

“ I’m feeling well enough to pick lunch and the last thing I want to do is sit and watch you have and impromptu autograph session.”

“ You’d get that regardless.”

“ Well no offense but I don’t feel like watching the ring rats slobber over you and throw themselves at your feet.” He let out a laugh as they got on the elevator.

Both were over-joyed when they rejoined the federation. Mark had not left her alone for five minutes and she was happy to have a hotel room to herself. The boys seemed happy to have her back too. Because of Chris’s injuries and no time to train anyone else Lindsey was bumped up to a full time photographer. She also noticed Mark watching her. She’d wave at him from time to time, but the most part concentrated on the task at hand. Unfortunately Kevin noticed too.

“ So Linds, what really happened this week?”

“ Nothing.”

“ Bullshit, I can see the way Taker’s looking at you.”

“ I’m telling the truth most of the time he watched t.v.”

“ Just because the idiot box was on doesn’t mean he was watching it. When did he have it on?”

“ When I was in the shower.”

“ Baby he was checking you out.”

“ Kevin you are so full of shit.”

“ No I’m not. That’s one of the oldest tricks. Were you fully clothed?”

“ I had a towel on, it wasn’t like I was parading around naked.”

“ Sweetheart if you had paraded around naked I think he’d be sitting next to you rather than leering.” She looked at her watch before standing up and throwing away her plate.

“ I still say you people are nuts, and Paul make sure you don’t throw anyone on top of me.”

“ Will do shortie.” She waved goodbye and rushed out of the room. “ Watch him if he goes after her we were right. If he doesn’t then she was right.” All of them watched as Mark got up and followed her out the door.

“ Fuck, I’ve got to see this.” They all went after him. Mark had a hard time of keeping track of her small form in the crowded hallways. He decided to by pass her by taking the ramp down as opposed to going out the side. The trick worked and was at the ring by the time she came walking out the side. He intentionally blocked her way forcing her to stop.

“ Hey Linds, how ya feeling?”

“ Alright, how’s your back?”

“ It’s good the bruise is almost gone.” Paul and the others crept around the entrance to the ramp way to listen.

“ That’s good” she gave him a little smile before trying to get by. He grasped her by the arms to stop her again.

“ Um I was wondering if you wanted to get together for drinks or something.”

“ I really can’t, I’m still trying to get the hand of my new job and all, I’m sorry. But thanks for the invite. It was sweet of you to offer.”

“ Oh it’s alright. So you like your new job?”

“ It pays more, but it’s also more work, and a ton of stress. But it’s better than getting sent home.”

“ Linds!” Michael Brandburger, head photographer and Lindsey’s new boss called out to her from the audience.

“ Mike, what’s up!”

“ Need to have a quick meeting with you.”

“ Sure be right there. I’m sorry Mark, I’ll see you later alright?”

“ Yeah sure.” He managed a little wave as he watched her go. Over the next few days Mark kept trying to get her to go out with him, he kept figuring persistence was the key. After the fifth time he decided to quit asking and just take her out. He managed to convince the props director to hide his bike between the trucks rather than the normal spot, which was just inside the ramp. He waited till Paul and the others got there but frowned when she wasn’t with them. He waited a little longer and saw Glen pull up. He looked through the window and saw a glimpse of purple. He fired the engine and pulled out when she shut the door. Lindsey started to thank Glen for the ride when a Harley motor roared by and two strong arms pulled her on. She let out a small scream as the arms pulled her close and the bike sped up. Glen jumped back in the car and blocked Marks way out. Lindsey opened her eyes when they had stopped moving and saw Glen about ready to burst out laughing.

“ Linds you’re safe. He’s not going to get away.” A deep southern baritone resonated from above her head.

“ I was going to bring her back.”

“ You were not.” Mark felt Lindsey try to get up but his grip on her was unrelenting.

“ A little help.”

“ Let her go.” Mark looked back towards the door, and then back to his friend smirking an evil smirk. “ Mark…” Before Glen could react Mark turned the bike and headed for the door. He rolled into the arena and stopped by a broom closet. He stood up and carried her towards it. The way he was holding her he had her legs dangling down near his shins Lindsey did the only logical thing she could do, she came down on his leg with all the force she could muster. He let out a yelp and let her go. She landed on her feet and took off running down the hall. Mark hopped a little before jumping on his bike and giving chase. She ran towards the ring nearly running over Kevin. All of them saw the source of her distress when Mark tore out behind her. He stopped the bike and got off. Lindsey rolled into the ring and tried to stand but Mark grasped both her ankles and pulled her back and onto his shoulders. He carried her backstage kicking, hitting, and somewhat screaming. He shifted her causing her to bounce.

“ Quit.” He headed back for the broom closet.

“ Mark No!” Before she had time to stop him he set her inside of it. He shut the door and leaned against it. He could faintly feel her applying pressure to it. He felt her begin to beat on it with fists and yell at him through the door.

“ Let me out! I have work to do!” He mocked her tone and felt her give a kick in the door close to where his ass was. “ Mark!”

“ You’re always doing work, and I’ll let out when you decide to take me up on my offer.” Lindsey kept pushing against the door and finally gave up when she decided there could be worse guys doing this to her. He heard her let out a frustrated groan.

“ Oh Alright! I’ll go out with you, happy?” He lifted his weight and opened the door and watched her come flying out and land on her ass. She glared at his satisfied smirk. “Don’t look so proud of yourself.” He bent to help her up but she pushed him away. He stopped her from leaving.

“ I’ll be waiting by my car after the show, till then…” He leaned down and kissed her. Before she could do anything it was over. “ See you later Princess.” She watched him walk down the hall and she turned the opposite direction grumbling and rubbing her butt the whole way.

Lindsey changed after the show was over deciding she didn’t want to draw to much attention by wearing her WWE crew shirt. She walked out to see Mark leaning against the SUV waiting for her. He smiled at her when she walked towards him. He snatched the camera bag off of her shoulder and placed it in the back seat. He shut the back door and opened the passenger door for her. He took her hand and helped her in gently shutting the door when she was settled. He walked around to the other side and got in the drivers side. Well at least now he’s being a gentleman.

They went to a quiet little restaurant where Lindsey ended up getting a little tipsy. They both got to know each other very well and Mark insisted on helping her back to her room.

“ I normally don’t drink like this.” He laughed at her.

“ I know you’ve told me.” He leaned down and kissed her again loving how soft her lips were. He had been amazed how her lips were softer than they looked. He ran his hands down her sides till he reached the bottom of her top. The kiss was momentarily broken as he removed her top. He smiled at the type of bra she had chosen. He continued the kiss running his hand up her back and with one flick her bra was gone. He noticed that she had slipped her small hands into in shirt and was massaging his chest. He cupped her breasts in his hands and begun kneading them. He kissed down her neck and took one of the rose colored nipples into his mouth. Her hands moved up to his head and she began to massage his scalp. They moved to the bed and he laid her down. His hand slid down to her jeans and went to the button but he felt a small hand stop his. He released her nipple and looked into her pale grey-blue eyes.

“ Never on the first date.”

“ Alright, you want me to stay?”

“ No I’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow on the plane.”

“ Ok, sleep well Darlin.” He gave her one more kiss before leaving.

She kept shooting Mark looks on the plane. The only problem was he was asleep. Sean came over and sat next to her.

“ So I hear you had a fun night last night.”

“ It’s not like we went all the way.”

“ So your honor is still intact.”

“ Shush, yes it is.”

“ You haven’t told him have you?”

“No, I’ll tell him when he wakes up, if he ever wakes up.”

“Then you’ve got a long flight, he can sleep through a nuclear blast if he wants too. I just hope you know what your doing.”

Lindsey jumped when she felt a pair of hands on her hips. She was about ready to smack whoever it was till she turned and saw Mark.

“Miss me?”

“ Nice to see that you rejoined the land of the living, did you have a good nap?” She saw her bag and leaned forward to grab it. Mark smacked her hand away and took the bag for her. His came shortly after hers and he walked out with the in one hand. He placed his hand on her lower back to keep track of her.

“ Mark you don’t have to carry my bag.”

“ I want to. Can’t have you damaging your hands.”

“ And I don’t want you hurting your back.” She made a grab but he stopped her.

“ Behave.”

“ I will when you do.” He pinched her side making her let out a squeal. He was chasing her by the time they got to the car. Mark waited till they were on the highway before he spoke.

“ You got any plans for tonight?”

“ My parents are coming down to the hotel to have lunch with me, and Paul.”

“ You from Atlanta?”

“ Born and raised.”

“ Really, well you mind if I tag along. I want to met the people that raised such a fine woman.”

“ I guess, just please don’t take offense to anything she says.”

“ Why would I take offense?”

“ Well she wasn’t very happy when Paul came home with me, so I imagine she’s going to be even less thrilled when she see’s you.”

“ See’s me?”

“ She thinks that what you are on t.v is what you are in real life. I’ve tried telling her different but she won’t listen.”

“ Well I’ll just have to show her differently.”

Mark knocked on her door and waited for her to answer. Lindsey was shocked when she opened the door.

“ Slacks? I didn’t think you owned any slacks.”

“ I always carry pair in case of emergency. The shirt I bought today.”

“ Well I think it’s very sweet.” She took his arm as they walked towards the elevator. When the doors opened Paul stood there slack jawed. The three of them rode down together in silence with Paul staring at Mark the whole way.

“ What?”

“ Nothing, I’ve never seen you in anything other than jeans.”

“ Well take a picture, cause it’ll be a long time before you see me like this again.” The three of them stepped off the elevator and saw Lindsey’s parents standing in the lobby.

“ Hey Mrs. Ward, long time no see!”

“ Hello Paul.” He shook her fathers hand before letting her parents descend on her.

“ Hi mom, hi dad.” Her mother eyed Mark for a moment. “ This is Mark. He’s going to be joining us.”

“ Who invited him?”

“ I did, it’s least I can do after he took such good care of me while I was hurt.”

“ Isn’t he the one that kicked you in the first place?”

“ Yes ma’am. I was raised to right any wrongs to the best of my ability, and since I kicked her it seemed only fair to help her get back on her feet. You all raised a real sweet girl.” Lindsey’s mother managed a polite smile before insisting that they were going to be late. After that both men received the cold shoulder. Paul was seemingly used to it and carried on as if nothing were wrong. Lindsey’s dad seemed to warm up a little bit when they started on sports, but Lindsey’s mother quickly iced it over.

“ So Mark how long have you been with the company?”

“ Close to thirteen years.”

“ That’s a long time.”

“ Yeah I’m pretty proud of it.”

“ And who do you play?” Lindsey bit her lip for minute.

“ Mom please don’t start.”

“ It’s alright darlin I don’t mind. I’m the Undertaker on camera, off camera I’m just plain old Mark.”

“ Old is certainly right.”

“ Mother!”

“ And what does your character do?”

“ Well I’ve done lots of things with it. I started out as an old west undertaker and now I have more of a biker type gimmick.” Lindsey winced and prepared for the coming onslaught.

“ Biker gimmick? Tell us is your gang a bunch of corpses?” Lindsey stood up and walked out thoroughly embarrassed. She didn’t hear them call after her, and she didn’t stop till she reached the hotel room. Mark or Paul didn’t see her again until the afternoon ring workouts where she was setting up the camera equipment. She left the set before the work outs were over on purpose so she could get something to eat before everyone else got in there. Mark had finished early and was in the dressing room when he saw her coming down the hall. He slunk behind the door and grabbed her as she walked by. She let out a small scream before she was turned around and set down.

“ You know I’m starting to think that you’re avoiding me on purpose.”

“ Whatever gave you that idea?”

“ The fact that you ran out on lunch, rode over here with Glen, left practice early and went to the cafeteria before anyone else got there. You’re starting to hurt my feelings.”

“ I just thought you wouldn’t want to see me after what she said.”

“ A mother’s opinion won’t change mine about her daughter. Besides she can’t call me anything that I haven’t been called before. So when are we getting together tonight?”

“ Um…” He pinched her sides and nodded towards the lock on the door. “ You wouldn’t dare.”

“ Did once, and I’ll do it again.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “ I’ll show you how to put that tongue to better use.” She out it back in her mouth and moved away a little bit. Now I’ll repeat my question, when are we getting together tonight?”

“ Um well you see there’s something I need to tell you.”

“ It better not be I have to work.”

“ I’m still a virgin.” He got a wide-eyed look on his face.

“ Virgin?”

“ Unhuh, are you alright?”

“Yeah you just took me by surprise.”

“ Why?”

“ After last night…”

“ Just because I haven’t done the nasty doesn’t mean I haven’t fooled around. But if you want to go ahead just be warned that there are a few things I want to try.” He looked at his watch and then at her. “ Mark there’s not enough time, and we’re not in the right place.”

“ But…”

“ No, you have to wait until after the show.”

“ Fine but I’ll be waiting the minute the show’s done.” Mark ran out real quick and made sure he had plenty of protection ready just in case. As usual he was leaning on the car waiting for her. He took her to a nice restaurant to get some dinner before hand.

“ You’re sure you want to do this?”

“ Yeah just promise me you won’t turn into an ass.”

“ I won’t. So exactly how much fooling around have you done?” It was her turn to laugh.”

“ Oh you’ll see.” As they were walking to the car he asked her the age-old question.

“ My place or yours?”

“ Yours works fine.” He led her by the hand down the hall. When they were inside he went for her top but she slapped his hand away.

“ There’s something I want to try first.”

“ What?”

“ This” She turned and began to pull his shirt out, she then began to carefully undo each button. When the last one was undone she carefully removed his shirt and he watched her carefully place it on the back of a chair. She then took his hand and pulled him towards the bed. He sat down and felt her move behind him. She pulled his hair back and then piled it on top of his head.

“ Darlin what are you…” Before he could finish he got his answer. She started to massage his shoulders; he felt he felt her lips lightly brush his shoulders. They felt like small feathers trying to brush away the tension. Her hands traveled down his back skillfully caressing every muscle. Every place she found tension she would lightly brush it with her lips. When she finished with his she moved around to the front letting him finally remove her top. She straddled his lap grinding her hips into him. She began to give his chest and arms the same treatment that his back had gotten. Except she would also kiss any scars she found as if she were trying to heal them with one simple touch. He emitted a groan as she lightly licked one of the scars before taking a nipple into her mouth. His hands came up and went through her long hair. They then traveled down her back and cupped her ass in his hands. With one movement he jerked her away from his nipples and up to his eye level.

“ How about a little attention up here?”

“ If you insist.” She lightly brushed her lips against his against his before coming down fully on them. Both of them opened up and let their tongues dance. He felt something strange. He broke the kiss and looked at her for a minute.

“ What’s wrong?”

“ Stick out your tongue.” She gave him a sly smile and complied. He saw a clear bead connected to a clear bar sticking out of her tongue. He moved it a little and saw a metal spreader running through it keeping the hole open.

“ You like? Because if you don’t I can take it out.” He responded by kissing her again, this time it was more demanding. His hands began to rub her ass before setting her back down and exploring her back. He wrapped his arms around her and turned her so she was now sitting on the bed. He broke the kiss and ran his hands down her sides stopping at the top of her jeans.

“ You’re sure?”

“ Positive, are you?”

“ Yeah” he flicked the button open and carefully undid the zipper. He brought her panties down with her pants and murmured a few curses.

“ Mark is everything alright?” He ran his hand down the smooth bare skin and cupped it around her. She let out a very audible gasp when he began to flick and play with her clit. He watched her slowly begin to moan and writhe on the bed. He undid his belt with his other hand and worked his pants off. His fingers continued to play with her till he was in position. He removed his finger and licked it clean she looked up at him and smiled. With one movement he entered and broke her barrier. She bit her lip to stop from crying out. A few tears fell and he wiped them away. They stayed like that for what seemed like for forever. He then slowly pulled out and slid a condom on before sliding back in and started to move in and out of her. As he did he was mindful of the fact that the first time was not going to be fun for her. However when the initial discomfort passed she began to enjoy it. She never came that night but he figured there would be plenty of other opportunities. The next morning he woke up to see her curled up next to him feeding off of his warmth. Her head was resting on his chest and her legs were entwined with his. Mark looked up at the clock and then jumped when the phone rang. He hated getting up early to fly out, especially since he had a few days off coming up. But home was calling. He shook her awake and laughed when she refused to move.

“ Let me sleep a little longer.”

“ You’ve got a plane to catch, and so do I.”

“ You’re flying to Texas, I’m going to North Carolina.”

“ What’s in North Carolina?”

“ School, I have college courses on my days off.”

“ How’d you manage that?”

“ That the deal of my internship.”

“ How much longer before you have to leave.”

“ Not to much longer, I have to go back September 1. Right now I’m only doing summer school. That was the other thing I needed to tell you.”

“ You’re coming back aren’t you?”

“ Depends on if I graduate on time. If I do then this job will be waiting for me when I get back.”

“ Then I’m going to make sure you graduate.”

Mark kept his distance as he watched her say goodbye to her parents. He had already said goodbye on the train taking them to the terminal, but he wanted to make sure she got on the plane safe and sound. As she walked towards the door she waved goodbye to him. Her mother turned to see him wave back and then walk away when she went through the door. Mark heard someone call after him and then a hand stop him. He turned to see Lindsey’s mother glaring at him.

“ I would appreciate it if you stayed away from her.”

“ Sorry can’t do that.”

“ Why not?”

“ Because I love her. I enjoy spending time with her, comforting her, helping her through rough times.”

“ Well if you don’t keep away from her things are going to get a lot uglier.” Lindsey’s mother walked off leaving him alone.

Lindsey sat in her classes bored to tears. Brevard was wonderful but it was nothing in comparison to being on the road. She smiled when she thought about Mark. Her smile fell when she looked across the room and saw one of the freshman staring at her. She turned back to her notes. She noted that he was in most of her classes and had taken to following her. By the time Friday rolled around she was eager to leave. When she landed in Boston she snuck up behind Kevin and scared the hell out of him.

“ Jesus short stack, you should know better than to give an old man a heart attack. I might’ve dropped dead right here.”

“ Well if you do can I have your stereo?” Lindsey let out a small squeal when she saw Paul and Sean standing behind them. She hugged both of them and soon the four were sitting down chatting.

“ I’m kinda surprised you’re not with Mark.”

“ Why he’s not here is he?”

“ I saw him getting a bite to eat with Glen.”

“ Where at?”

“ The food court.”

“ No wonder I didn’t see him, I didn’t go by there. But I guess I can go say hi now.”

“ Oh no your not! Ever since he locked you in that closet we haven’t seen you at all.”

“ Well you better catch up fast cause here he comes.” Kevin scooped her up and locked his arms around her. All of them were about to ask what was going on when Mark walked up eyebrow raised.

“ What in the hell do you think your going to do with her boy?”

“ I don’t know but she’s ours, we saw her first.”

“ And this should mean something to me? Don’t make me climb over these seats to get her.”  Lindsey stopped laughing long enough to talk.

“ You will not.”

“ I won’t huh?” He easily stepped over the chairs and was standing in front of them. Kevin passed her off to Paul, and stood up.”

“ Why do I get the feeling that you guys are going to make me run?”

“ Just hand her over real slow.” Paul leaned down and whispered.

“ When I say go, run like hell.”

“ Why?”

“ Just do it.” Paul had slowly started moving away. When Mark finally took notice Paul said go and took off with her in tow. Mark gave chase and caught her around the waist forcing Paul to stop. Mark began to pull her away but Paul wouldn’t let go. She finally spoke up.

“ Paul we can talk all you want on the plane seeing as Mark turns into sleeping beauty.”

“ You promise?”

“ Cross my heart.”

“ Alright.” He let go and patted her on the head before walking back to the gate. Mark pulled her into a crushing hug.

“ Missed you too.”

“ Well it just wasn’t as fun without you.”

“ Did you have a good lunch?”

“ Yup, have you eaten yet?”

“ Yeah they fed me on the flight up. I’m still pissed that they don’t give you peanuts anymore.”

“ You’re been flying with us for how long and you’re just now getting pissed?”

“ Oh be quiet, I’ve had a long week.”

“ Well you could not be going to school during this.”

“ I want to graduate this year.”

“ That’s very noble, just don’t wear yourself out.’

“ I’ll stop traveling once school starts.”

“ No you won’t. You’ll be coming to visit right?”

“ All the way in Texas, that’s a long drive.” He laughed at her statement.

“ You won’t be driving.” They head back for the gate as they were talking. When they finally got there they were boarding the plane. They got their carry-on’s back from Paul and boarded with the rest of the crew. Both of them got settled and Mark was asleep before they were in the air. Lindsey kept her word with Paul. She chatted it up with him the entire flight. Mark mumbled a few times but other than that he was quiet. When they landed in L.A she had to shake him awake.

“ Mark!”

“ What?”

“ We have to go.”

“ The planes still in the air.”

“ No it’s not we landed thirty minutes ago.” He opened his eyes and stretched. She stood up and pulled her bag out of the overhead bin. He followed suit and followed her off of the plane.

Mark sat in the cafeteria waiting for Lindsey to come in. He stood up and walked towards the ring. He soon found her knealing by the ring digging through her camera bag. He cleared his throat and gave her a disapproving stare. She gave him one right back.

“ Mark I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“ You said that close to an hour ago, they’re getting ready to close up.”

“ I can’t find my filters.”

“ Did you forget them?”

“ No, I remember packing them, at least I think I do.” Taker looked up when he heard his name called.

“ Hey Taker!”

“ What?” Doug McMillian came strolling up.

“ You’re pretty tight with that Lucy kid aren’t you?”

“ Yeah I am and her name is Lindsey.”

“ Right, anyways I took her filters do you mind giving them back?”

“ Yeah I mind. She’s been stressing herself out because she couldn’t find those.” Mark saw Lindsey start to stand but he made a motion for her to stay down.

“ Easy big guy. I brought them back.” Doug held them out to him and Mark snatched them away.

“ How about next time you take something you ask first.”

“ Sure thing Taker.” Before Mark could respond he walked away. Lindsey stood up and took the filters from Marks hand. She set them next to her camera’s and then placed her bag under the ring.

“ What an ass.”

“ You want me to teach him some respect.”

“ No.”

“ Why not?”

“ Because I don’t want you to get arrested, sued, or fired.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and walked up the ramp with her.

A few nights later Mark and Lindsey were sitting in her parents house eating dinner. Lindsey’s mother wasted no time in laying her opinions into Mark. He sat there with a pleasant smile, and a polite word. By the end of the night Lindsey was absolutely amazed. Either nothing was phasing him or he was a hell of an actor. The last month she was in the WWE she was free of school so she could do some extra traveling. Mark took full advantage of hauling her off to Texas. Paul, and Kevin followed suit by bringing her with them. Sean wanted to but she had to take the last week off to get ready to go back to school. The day after she left all of them were mournful. Kevin was the first to take off and see her swearing he had personal issues he needed her advice on. Mark called her nearly everyday and came to see her as often as he could and he was definitely looking forward to her fall break. He sat in his hotel room in Greenville totally bored. He had come in a day early for a promotional deal that had fallen through. Through the haze of the city he could see the faint outline of the mountains. Looking at his watch he knew he could make it up to Brevard  before the sunset. He grabbed his coat, car and room keys, and headed out the door. Mark loved the drive up to him it was very relaxing. Nothing but trees in a way he was going to miss it when she graduated but on the upside He could take her back to Texas with him and see her everyday. His exit came up and he pulled off heading towards Brevard. When he got there he found her door open and her fiddling with her stove.

“ God damn piece of crap.” She finally gave up and rested her head on the edge of it.

“ Bad day?”

“ You have no idea. I’ll unlock the door in a second.”

“ What door?” She looked up at him frustrated.

“ The door you…. Mark!”

“ I take it’s also been a long day.”

“ It’s been hell and you’re the first good thing that’s happened all day.”

“ Aw I’m sorry. How about you sit down and tell me all about it.” He sat down on her couch pulling her with him.

“ There’s nothing really to tell expect that nothing has gone right.”

“ Well how about you and go for a little ride and then we can go get some dinner since your stove is on the fritz.”

“ That would be great.”

“ Good grab your coat.”

The rode up into Pisgah National Forest looking at the tree’s. They stopped at each of the waterfalls before watching the sunset over the ridge. She had climbed in front of him and was leaning against his chest. Mark loved the fact that she had let the dye was out and let her hair return to it’s normal color. The fading light made it look like it was copper and gold. After the sun was gone they carefully made their way back down the mountain and to a small restaurant. After that they went back to her room and just talked the rest of the night. The next morning he was jolted awake by her alarm clock. He reached up and hit the snooze button but felt her get up.

“ Darlin where are you going?”

“ I have to go to class.”

“ No you don’t.”

“ What about you making sure I graduate on time?”

“ One day won’t kill you. Now get your little butt back in this bed.” He heard a small yawn and felt her weight back in the bed. “ There’s a good girl. When its time to get up for real I can kidnap you for the day and take you to the arena with me. The boys would love to see you.”

“ Good I can show them the pictures from a friend of mines graduation party.”

“ Which party was this?”

“ The one where we went to the gay club and I got hit on by the lesbians and a 45 year old bisexual football player.”

“ Oh yeah, that one.”

“ Are you jealous?”

“ No, I just find it hard to believe that you participated in something like this.” :/

/ 

“ Why?”

“ I’ll explain when we get up.”

“ You will not. You’ll explain right now.” He began to fake snore hoping to deter her.  “Fine you won’t talk I’m going to class.”  Mark shot up and tried to catch her but she was to fast for him and was in the bathroom before he could get an arm around her. By the time she had come back out he had propped himself up and was watching t.v.

“ Darlin you don’t have to go back to class. We can leave now and get back to Greenville in plenty of time. You’ve got a back door and everything.”

“ Mark if we head back to Greenville now we’ll go back to the hotel and you’ll go back to sleep.”

“ I promise I won’t.”

“ Well if you want to leave then I think you have to get dressed.”

“ Nobody will be awake when we get there.”

“ This is a problem?”

“ I want to have a little fun.” The radio went off making him groan. “ God not that thing again.

“ Campus Security to West Beam.”

“ West Beam.”

“ We have an unidentified motorcycle parked outside, we need to know who it belongs to.”

“ The owner got a little tipsy and could drive last night so he slept on my couch. He’ll be leaving as soon as he’s well enough to.”

“ Alright.”

“ I did not get drunk.”

“ Mark the Brevard police are hooked up to that thing and I don’t want to reveal my sex life to them.”

“ Still resent the fact that you lied.”

“ If anyone found out that you spent the night somewhere other than my couch then we would be in deep shit. Now get up.”

“ Fine.” He grumbled the whole way making her laugh. When he came out she was on the phone talking about her stove. She had to explain what was wrong with it about three times before she finally got somewhere. Mark finished was putting his boots on when she came back in. “ So has a suitable amount of time passed for me to sober up or do you want to wait a little bit longer?”

“ We can go.” He happily picked up the small duffle bag containing there clothes and walked out her back door towards his bike. They were soon traveling back down the highway leaving the mountains behind them. Mark pulled into the hotel spotting Paul, Kevin, and Sean all unloading their rental car. Mark roared the engine getting their attention.

“ Show off.”

“ Hell yeah.” Mark reached behind him and helped Lindsey off.

“ Lindsey!”

“ Hi guys!” Kevin ran up nearly squishing her. Sean and Paul followed up taking advantage of the fact that Mark had gone to park the bike.

“ God we’ve missed you.”

“ Missed y’all too. I have so much stuff to tell you.”

“ Alright give her some air.” They ushered her to Kevin who pushed her behind himself. Sean stepped back opening the door letting Kevin back in. “ Give her back.”

“ Run.” Kevin turned scooping her up and racing down the hall with her. Paul and Sean followed close behind. They made it to the elevator closing it and heading up before Taker could stop it.

“ Ha teach him to hog her.”

“ Guys you are going to give me back aren’t you?”

“ Eventually when we’re good and caught up.”

They spent the next several hours talking and Lindsey showing the pictures of a graduation party she had been to the year before. Paul saw a picture of Lindsey and a raven-haired girl smiling goofily into the camera. He picked it up examining it closer.

“ Hey shortie who’s this?” Lindsey picked up the picture and smiled.

“ That’s my best friend Katie, the party was for her.”

“ Kevin snatched the picture from her hand.”

“ She’s a cutie, how about you tell us where she is so we can pay her a visit.”

“ She’s not that type of girl.”

“ It’s not like she’d know any of us.”

“ Yes she would she watches wrestling and would kill me if I ever sent you boys after her.”

“ Well since she watches does she have any favorites?” Lindsey blushed for a second before speaking.

“ Yes but I’m not going to tell.” A banging on the door stopped the fun. Paul opened the door to find a half amused Mark behind it.

“ Can I have her back yet?”

“ No but we do need a favor.”

“ Alright.”

“ She’s withholding information and we’d like you to get it out of her.” Mark shut the door with an evil grin.

“ Mark, don’t do this. You’ll live to regret this.” He signaled to Kevin who grabbed her arms pulling them away from her sides. Mark sat next to grinning.

“ You going to tell them what they want to know?”

“ No!” He ran his hands along her sides lightly. She tried to not laugh and pull away but had no luck. Lindsey tried to kick him but Sean stilled her legs going for her feet. Mark continued to tickled her torso causing her to struggle to get free. After about five minutes she finally gave in.

“ Alright I’ll tell. She lives in Chepachet, Rhode Island.”

“ Keep going.”

“ She likes Paul.”

“ Nuts.”

“ Happy?”

“ No, how come she likes Levesque?”

“ Few reasons that I’d rather not say.” They went to tickle her again but Paul stopped them.

“ That’ll be enough. I’d rather find out for myself.” They let her go and she rubbed her arms scowling at all of them.

“ You are all very bad men and I don’t know why I put up with you.” Mark gave her a look.

“ How about we go back to my room and I’ll show you why you put up with me.”

Later that night Lindsey sat talking with a few of the other superstars catching up on old times when Paul walked up.

“ Hey can I talk to you in private?”

“ Sure.” They walked into an empty room closing the door behind them. “ What’s up?”

“ About Katie do you think you could give me a little bit more information about her?”

“ Yeah why?”

“ Cause I want to met her.” Lindsey took a deep breath before speaking.

“ You mind me asking why?”

“ No, I just really want to met her.”

“ This isn’t for a cheap thrill is it? Causing if it is then I’m not saying jack.” Paul could tell she was serious. One thing he knew about Lindsey was that she was fiercely protective of her friends and family. That’s why most of the superstars trusted her and liked her. She was the person that most of the backstage came to tell their secrets to. The things that she knew could ruin a lot of people backstage.

“ No nothing like that. It’s just been awhile since I’ve met anyone real that liked me. I’m sick of the ring rats and want someone that’s normal, someone that will get to know me as a person who has no desire to use me to get famous.”

“ Well Katie’s definitely that.”

“ I mean Mark hit the jackpot with you and there isn’t a guy back here that is kicking himself for not asking you out first. Please Linds just tell me how to find her. You don’t have to do anything else.”

“ Yeah I do. I have to kick your ass if you hurt her. I will call her tonight and find out where she works and her exact address.”

“ That’ll be great thank you so much.” They walked out of the room heading back towards the cafeteria.

“ Paul you were just kidding about the boys wishing they had asked me out before Mark right?”

“ Nope”

“ I don’t believe that. Name me one.”

“ Kevin”

“ Get out!”

“ I’m serious he’s had a crush on you for the longest time. He was pissed when Mark beat him to you.”

“ I wish he had told me.”

“ Nah if it’s meant to be it’ll happen, I think we were all just destined to be friends, but if Mark ever hurts you I swear we’ll kick his ass.”

“ That won’t be necessary.” They had walked by the cafeteria reaching the staging area.

“ Sure you don’t want to take pictures for old times sake?” Before she could answer Chris came running up to her.

“ Linds we’re a photographer short can you fill in?”

“ I don’t have any of my equipment.”

“ You can use his, just take the film with you.”

“ I don’t know…”

“ This is straight from Brandburger. We’re in a real bind please.”

“ Alright let me hurry down to ringside and get set up.” She pulled out her badge slipping it around her neck so security wouldn’t throw her out of the building. She went around the side entrance instead of the ramp due to the fans filtering in for the show. When she reached the bag she grimaced at who’s spot she’d be taking, McMillians.

“ Great.” Methodically she began setting up the cameras getting them ready for the show. When she finished the late night show was starting show she positioned herself ready to do her job. Mark had been searching for her all night but had no luck in finding her. That is until he came out for his match and saw her being the stand in photographer for the evening. When the show had ended and all of the fans were gone Mark came out carrying the small duffel for her to put the rolls of film into.

“ You know if you’re going to do a favor for that asshole then you need to tell me first.”

“ They begged me to do it. It was a last minute thing I swear.”

“ Un huh, you were really brought out here by Paul to distract me during my match.”

“ I was not!”

“ Sure to bad I creamed his ass before his evil scheme could work.”

“ You are such a bastard Mark.”  They returned to the backstage ready to head out. The fans had gathered outside waiting to get a glimpse of the departing Superstars.

“ Looks like we have a problem.”

“ No we don’t. Give me the keys and I’ll make it look like I’m your PA.” Kevin walked up behind them.

“ That’s the job you should’ve interviewed for rather than taking pictures.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “ I’ve got an idea.”

“ Oh.”

The fans cheered when Mark walked towards the car unlocking it with the key pad and Kevin came out carrying a struggling Lindsey over his shoulder. Mark opened the rear door before sliding in. Kevin deposited her in the backseat before climbing in with her to make appear as if he were holding her down. When they were settled Mark pulled out getting by the crowd quickly so Kevin could let her up.

“ Well that was fun. So now the fans are going to go off telling everyone how the Undertaker and Kevin Nash just walked out with some random girl.”

“ Hey it works. They don’t know your dating Mark and I get to carry you around for a little while.”

“ Why shouldn’t people know we’re dating? Are you ashamed of it?”

“ God no! I just want to protect you. There are a lot people that may try to hurt you if they knew. I’m just making sure nothing happens to you is all.”

“ Oh ok.”

“ He’d be a fool to be ashamed of you. So did you get plenty of good pictures of me?” She laughed at his smile.

“ Of course you posing for me all. You make it too easy.”

“ Hey no other photographer gets that treatment.”

“ Of course not the rest are men.” They joked the rest of the way back to the hotel only to have more fans waiting for them. “ Kevin shall we.” So once again Lindsey was carted through the hotel only to be handed off to Mark at the elevator in front of everyone. He flashed them an evil grin before the doors closed.

The next morning Mark begrudgingly took her back to school grumbling about the unfairness of it all.

“ Hey you’ll have me all Fall Break and after Christmas.”

“ I’d rather have you with me the whole time.”

“ When I graduate that won’t be a problem now will it?” He gave her one last kiss before pushing her in the direction of her apartment. He waited till she got inside before pulling away. Her phone rang making her drop her bag to get it.

“ Hello?”

“ There you are! I call yesterday to watch Raw with you and you’re not there!” Lindsey smiled when she heard Katie’s voice on the other end.

“ I was in the art building working on some stuff.”

“ Right, I swear I saw a photographer that looks exactly like you.”

“ Yeah right. Anyway I need to ask you a few questions.” When she was through Katie was curious as to why Lindsey wanted to know where she worked and her home address. “ I might want to come visit and I can’t give a cab a PO Box number.”

“ You keep promising to visit just like you keep telling me your going to have Paul come rescue me.” Lindsey smiled when she heard that.

“ I almost have something worked out with him I promise.” The two girls talked for a little while longer before hanging up. Lindsey then called Paul and gave him everything he had asked for.

A week later Mark and Lindsey were lying in her bed enjoying the after glow when the phone rang. Mark leaned over and answered it wondering who it could be. He covered the phone looking at her.

“ There’s a Katie on the phone for you. She says she needs to speak with you.” Lindsey leaned across him letting her bare breasts crush into his stomach in an attempt to reach the phone.

“ Hey girl what’s up?”

“ Why didn’t you tell me you were working for the world wrestling federation, or the fact that you were with the Undertaker?”

“Well that’s a fine hello. Who told you that?”

“ Paul Levesque.” Lindsey’s face lit up and she shot Mark a huge grin mouthing what was transpiring on the other end. His face went from wonder to mock anger making Lindsey laugh. Mark began to mumble all sorts of curses at Paul.

“ Holy Shit! I can’t believe he found you. I was expecting him to do it, just not this soon. Please tell me he asked you out.”

“ He wants to cook me dinner.”

“ WAHOO!” Lindsey told him and he made his curses louder speaking to the wall as if it were Paul.

“ What’s got him so upset?”

“ We had a bet and I just won. So are you going to go?”

“ No Linds, I’m going to pass up the chance to have dinner with the guy I’ve been dreaming about.”

“ Hey, don’t take that tone with me. I turned down Mark the first five times.”

“ So what convinced you to finally go out with him?”

“ He rode up behind me on his bike and dragged me off. He still has the scratch marks.” She traveled up his chest to closely examine them. “ No wait those are from earlier never mind.”

“ Please tell me I didn’t interrupt you two.”

“ Actually we were just finishing up so you’re good.”

“ Do you know what Paul is planning for this?”

“ He won’t try anything, unlike the big dipshit on top of me.”

“ How did you get out of it?”

“ A good hard kick to the shin and then I ran like hell. That and Glen helped to. I’ll fill you in later. Just trust me when I tell you that Paul is a really sweet guy who wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”

“ I guess, I’m still nervous.”

“ Trust me he’s been warned.”

“ Alright, so how goes being a senior p.a.?”

“ Can’t complain, Mark likes the fact that I have a kitchen and plenty of privacy.”

“ Just make sure he’s out by midnight.” She mouth for him to be out by midnight. Mark started to laugh.

“ Right, sure.”

“ You to behave alright?”

“ I can’t make any promises, but you better fucking call me with the details otherwise I’ll make a trip up there.”

“ Fine, you just better give me the details about Mark.”

“ You know it.”

“ Bye Blanche.”

“ Bye Dorothy” They both hung up and Lindsey gave Mark a look.

“ So when do I get the keys to that sweet ass bike of yours?”

“ When hell freezes over.”

“ Mark Callaway! You’re going to welch on our bet?”

“ No, there’s no way in hell that you could ever drive that bike. Your feet don’t even reach the damn pedals so on fall break I’ll take you bike shopping to find one that does fit you.” He flashed her a brilliant smile making her anger vanish.

“ So nice of you to make sure I can drive it. You think he’ll go through with it?”

“ Not sure, should be interesting.”

“ I wish I could have seen her face when he showed up.”

“ You love meddling in other peoples lives don’t you?”

“ No, but I have a chance to make my best friends dream come true. She can consider it her Christmas gift.” She flashed him a brilliant smile that made shake his head. His hand had come to rest on her ass making her wonder what was next.

“ Well little girl I think you need to head off to bed you’ve classes tomorrow.” She let out a little yawn agreeing with him. Pushing herself up off of him she wrapped herself back into the comforter falling asleep in no time. Mark stayed up a little bit longer stroking her hair while she slept.

The next day Lindsey was on pins and needles waiting to hear how Katie’s date had gone. Mark had tried to get her to relax but had no apparent luck.

“ Sweetheart I can think of plenty of things to do while we’re waiting.” He finally convinced her to join him in bed however they were interrupted by a phone call.

“ Hello?” Mark clamped his hand over Lindsey’s mouth to keep her quiet.

“ You locked her in a closet?”

“ It worked didn’t it?”

“ I don’t care if it worked. Listen is she there or not?”

“ Who is it?”

“ Katie.”

“ Katie, do I know a Katie?” Lindsey began to pull at his hand before resorting to slapping at him. He rolled her onto him before she used the momentum to roll them off the bed hitting the floor with a resounding thud. “ Sorry I don’t know any Katie.” Lindsey finally sank her teeth into his hand. “Ow!” He pulled his hand from her mouth and she snatched the phone from his hand.

“ You don’t but I do.”

“ What happened? What was that thud?”

“ Um we kinda fell on the floor when I tried to get the phone from him.”

“ What did you do to get it from him?”

“ Bit him, he was holding his hand over my mouth to keep me quiet.” Lindsey turned to him.“ See if I’m nice to you anymore.”

“ You’ll be nice to me anytime I want.”

“ Whatever. Anyway so tell me about your date with Paul.” Mark smirked while speaking.

“ Bet he chickened out.” Lindsey reached over and twisted his nipple. “ Ow! Watch it I need that.”

“ Don’t mind him, he’s still upset that he lost.”

“ I won’t, we went to his house.”

“ Really? What else do you do?”

“ Talked about how he saw my picture and how you and Mark met. I can’t believe that you criticized his decorating.”

“ He doesn’t have any furniture, and I was out on medical leave for two days. Having 330 lbs land on top of me is not fun.” Mark spoke up again.

“ Haven’t minded since then.”

“ Mark!”

“ It’s alright Linds, I don’t mind.”

“ Sorry tell me what y’all did for dinner.”

“ He made it. Swordfish a la Helmsley.”

“ He cooked you dinner?” Mark rolled his eyes while groaning.

“ Oh god now I’m never going to hear the end of it.”

“ Mark I know you can’t cook, but it still doesn’t mean that you can’t learn.”

“ What in the hell do I need to learn for?”

“ We’ll talk about it later.”

“ What did you do after dinner?”

“ We sat and talked and then he brought me home.”

“ That’s it?”

“ What you were expecting me to jump him and take him in the driveway?”

“ Yes.” Mark laughed.

“ Lindsey!”

“ Oh come on. You and I both remember some of the conversations we had.”

“ You mean to tell me that you slept with Mark on the first date?”

“ No, he only got to third base then. I made him wait till the second date.”

“ Blanche!”

“ Oh get over it. You going to go back out with him?”

” He did say he wanted to see me again.”

“ That doesn’t answer my question.”

“ I’ll have to think about it.”

“ Fine. Be that way.” Mark decided he had had enough so he began to tickle her. When the moment was right he snatched the phone from her hand. “ Mark quit.” Her voice got distant. Marks voice came back on.

“ Look sweetie if you don’t mind I have to go back to work in the morning and I’d like to take advantage of my current situation as much as I can.” He picked Lindsey up tossing her to the other side of the bed.

“ Mark give the phone back to me.”

“ Listen Katie I’ll let her call you back a little later.” He hit the button not waiting for a response. “ I’ve had quite enough of your attitude missy.” He set the phone back in the cradle.

“ Mark it’s good for you to know how to cook.”

“ Give me one instance where it’s a good thing.”

“ If I’m sick and need someone to take care of me, or if you want to be a nice guy and make me dinner.” He gave her an un-amused look before climbing into bed after her.

A few weeks later Mark stood in a jewelry store pick out an engagement ring for Lindsey. They had spent her fall break together finding that they could definitely live together. He had to spend Christmas without her but on New Years he had a special surprise. He also was getting her graduation gift in advance so that way he would have plenty of time to figure out how he was going to propose. The clerk handed him the velvet box while Mark handed him the check for the ring. He walked out to make everything ready for New Years. He flew into Atlanta spotting Lindsey standing outside of the gate waiting for him. She rushed up to him and he easily picked her up partially swinging her around.

“ I’m so happy you finally got here.”

“ So am I, and I have a big surprise for you but we’d better hurry other wise we’ll miss the flight.”

“ What?” He carried her down the terminal to another gate. He set her down so they could check in. “ Mark it’s New Years Eve where are we going?”

“ Now boarding flight 688 to New York.” She gave him a look.

“ I’m taking you to time square to watch the ball drop.”

“ I have no warm clothes or anything like that.”

“ I packed for you we’ll stop at the hotel before we head out.” They landed in New York with a few hours before the New Year. So as promised he took her to the hotel to change into some warmer clothes and then it was off to Times Square to watch the ball drop.

“ I can’t believe you did this.”

“ Consider it my Christmas present to you.” He leaned down and kissed her and the ball began to drop. They didn’t notice the count down or anything. All they noticed was one another and at the stroke of midnight he uttered the three words he had been longing to tell her…” I love you.”

After Christmas Mark had to wait till her spring break to see her. He practically tackled her when she got of the plane. The week went by too quickly for him and soon she was back at school a month from graduating. Mark flew to the next show with different thought’s running through his head. After Lindsey graduated she was going to Stanford something Mark hated. Her mother for lack of a better term was going to have a cow when he proposed, and for the first time he felt like a nervous teenage boy about to go out on his first date. When he got to the arena he started getting ready when Paul walked in seeing the claw marks all over his back.

“ Rough vacation?”

“ Just had a little bit more than I normally do. Where do you get off cooking Katie dinner? Man she’s never going to let me live that down now. Next full break I get to learn how to cook.” Paul let out a little laugh.

“ It’s not that bad Mark. Could be a lot worse, she could be teaching you how to make little doilies.” A towel knocked him clear in the face. A small black box fell out of Marks bag and landed by Paul’s foot. He picked it up and closely examined it.

“ What’s this?”

“ Nothing.” Mark made a grab for it but Paul stepped out of his reach. He popped the lid to see a solitaire diamond ring.

“ Planning on making someone an honest woman?”

“ Maybe.”

“ Hey man I won’t tell anyone, just tell me this is meant for Linds.”

“ Yeah, I’m gonna wait till next month when she graduates. She’s coming back as a full time photographer.” Mark put his head down and stuck his hands in his pockets.

“ That’s great man! Will she be on the road or in Stanford?” 

“ Right now they’re saying Stanford but one of the road photographers wants to get off of the road so she and Linds could just trade out.”

“ What about her parents?”

“ They’ll get over it. Anyway I heard your night out went good.”

“ Yeah Linds didn’t talk to Katie while you were there did she?”

“ She’s gonna take you up on a second date, and don’t ask me what it took to get Linds to tell me that. Now can I have the ring back before Glen see’s it. He’ll take one look at it and go blab.”

“ Sure man.” He handed the ring back and watched Mark hide it in his bag.

“ I’m going to grab something to eat I’ll catch you later.

Later that night Lindsey got quite the unexpected phone call from Paul.

“ Hello?”

“ Hey short stack!”

“ Hey Paul what’s up?”

“ What does Katie like to do for fun?”

“ Hmm, she likes the theater.” Paul winced.

“ Try again.” Lindsey laughed.

“ How about if you bring her to work with you? I’m sure she’d like that.”

“ That’s a possibility. What else?”

“ You could take her to the movies, show her around your area, fuck her brains out, there’s endless possibilities. Now let me ask you something.”

“ Alright what?”

“ What’s Mark up too?” Paul froze when he thought about the ring.

“ Nothing why?”

“ You’re lying, tell me what it is.”

“ I promised I wouldn’t. It’s a good surprise. Expect it around your graduation.”

“ Ok, speaking of which are you going to come?”

“ Yeah wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She let out an excited squeal. “ So you heard whether they’re going to let you travel yet?”

“ Yup, I’m road crew, but don’t tell Mark. I want it to be a surprise.”

“ You two are very sneaky. You definitely deserve each other, and what did you do to that poor man. He had claw marks all over him?” She cleared her throat.

“ All of those were his own doing.”

“ Right I’m going to let you go alright?”

“ Alright Paul, be safe and stay out of trouble.”

“ I’ll try but I can never make any promises.”

“ Ok bye.”

“ Bye sweetie.” She set the phone down in it cradle going back to her homework. She smiled at the thought of Paul and Katie together to her it was so sweet and a long time coming. Kevin and Sean had called her earlier in the day to check up on her. As a matter of fact the only person she hadn’t heard from was Mark, but she had talked to him the night before. Her father was about ready to kill her for the minutes she used up on her cell phone anyways. Lindsey clicked off the light to go to bed wondering what Marks surprise could be.

Mark looked down the hall seeing a young woman standing outside of the men’s lockeroom with Levesque standing in front of her in nothing but a towel he walked towards them curious as to what was going on. He saw Paul open the towel and the young woman’s shocked expression.

“ You think I should go out there like this?”

“ Only if you want to be carried off by throngs of women.”

“ I’d rather run off with you.” Mark walked up behind him giving him a look.

“ I thought you practiced your pick up lines in front of a mirror, and not in front of a nice girl like that.”

“ Like you’re one to talk. Locking sweet, innocent girls in a closet till they go out with you. Mark this is Lindsey’s good friend Katie.” He raised his eyebrow and started to rub his chin.

“ So you’re Katie huh?”

“ Yeah, and you better be nicer to my friend otherwise I may have to hurt you.”

“ If you could’ve seen him last week you wouldn’t be saying that.”

“ Believe me when I tell you that she can take care of herself. Now unless I’m mistaken aren’t you up next Levesque?”

“ Oh shit, be right back.” He ran into the locker room to throw on his trunks and his boots. Mark turned back to her.

“ You coming down for her graduation?”

“ Of course, I assume you’re going to be there.”

“ Someone has to help her move. Just do me a favor and don’t hog her. I would like to see some of her this trip.”

“ You got to see plenty of her last trip. I get to see her once a year if I’m lucky.” Paul came rushing back out and grabbed Katie by the hand.

“ Come on I’ve got the best spot for you to watch.” Paul dragged her off down the hall towards the curtain. Mark shook his head walking back into the locker room.

Lindsey sat in her bathroom trying to scrub all the grim out of the tiles trying to leave the bathroom nicer than she had found it. She was mostly packed with the boxes piled high in her living room. Then she heard a voice that made her smile.

“ Blanche!!”

“ What!”

“ Where in the hell are you?”

“ In the bathroom cleaning.” Lindsey heard Katie coming through the piles and eventually get to the bathroom door.

“ Where in the hell is Mark? Shouldn’t he be helping you?”

“ His flight got delayed, he won’t be in till tonight. Mom’s thrilled.”

“ I bet she really doesn’t like him does she?”

“ Hates him. According to her he’s to old, has too many tattoos, and too much hair. The fact that he loves me has nothing to do with it. She’s in denial about the fact that I love him just as much. It’s ridiculous.”

“ What about your dad?”

“ He’s not happy about it but if he makes me happy than he’s not going to say anything. Enough about me tell me about you and Paul! I want juicy details.”

“ Mom hates him with a passion. So far he made me dinner, sent me flowers at work then showed up as they arrived so he could take me on a picnic in the park. A few days later he brought me backstage to one of the shows. I can’t imagine what’s next.” Lindsey stood up satisfied with her work.

“ Sounds like he’s going all out.”

“ He is, all the girls at work are jealous.”

“ I bet.” Katie got a suspicious look on her face

“ Has Mark done any romantic stuff for you?”

“ Yes, he’s done plenty.”

” Really like what?”

“ He flew in and surprised me by taking me to Times Square on New Years. He’s put up with my mother’s insult through out countless dinners. Then he drove up from Greenville to make me feel better after a bad day.”

“ Do I want to know?”

“ He drove me up into Pisgah and we watched the sunset.”

“ Wow.”

“ Plus he’s got a surprise planned for sometime this week.”

“ Who told you that?”

“ Paul told me to expect something around Graduation. Why, do you know what it is?” Before she could say anything else Lindsey’s mother came in.

“ You’re still not done packing?”

“ What in hell do you think the pile out in the living room is?”

“ Where are you planning on storing all of this?”

“ My apartment in Stanford.”

“ How are you going to get it up there?”

“ I’m going to rent a u-haul and drive it up there.”

“ By yourself?”

“ No Marks going to ride up with me.”

“ The hell he will. I’d rather your father or I go with you.”

“ Mom, I already asked Mark to go, and he had to practically beg for the time off. If you all want to follow us up that’s fine, but I want Mark to go with me. He knows how to get around Stanford a lot better than we do.”

“ Well where is he?”

“ His plane got delayed, he’ll be in around five.”

“ We had plans!”

“  The airport’s on the way to Asheville mom, we’ll meet you there.”

“ We’ll talk about this later. I’m going to go help your father!” She stormed out of the room.

“ Damn.”

“ Yeah, you and Paul are coming aren’t you? She won’t be so hostile if we have guests.”

“ I don’t know if I should.”

“ You’ll be fine.”

“ Stanford, huh?”

“ Only for about a month. After that I’m going to go out onto the road again.”

“ Does Mark know?”

“ Nope.”

“ You going to tell him?”

“ Maybe. I was going to surprise him. I am entitled to have some fun you know.”

“ Well don’t have too much.”

Lindsey stood primping in the bathroom nervous about the dinner. Even though Katie and Paul would be there she doubted that her mother would keep her comments to herself. Lindsey wondered why her family didn’t see what she saw in Mark. He had always been polite, considerate, and kind to them. She just hoped they would get used to him being around for a while. After New years they had gotten really close finding it hard to be apart. Lindsey had considered transferring to a school in Texas just so she could be closer but Mark had told her to stay. She always loved it when he flew in especially this trip because this time she would get go with him and not have to come back. She walked out making her way through her boxes to her door to see her parents, Katie and Paul all standing there.

“ Hey guys!”

“ Shortie! Long time no see.” Paul gave her a big hug.

“ Like it’s been so long, I think the piles gotten bigger.” Katie gave her friend a big hug before her parents both descended upon her.

“ You ready bud?”

“ Oh yeah” They all walked out getting into separate cars. Lindsey followed behind her parents slowing up when they reached airport shaking her head as her parents missed the turn. She cleared the security finding a parking spot and running into the airport to check the times. Paul pulled in behind her and let her parents follow for a change. She cleared security and went to park the car. They followed suit and waited in the car. Her mother walked up and banged on the window.

“ Why in the hell did we stop here?” Paul answered.

“ She has to pick up Mark.” Lindsey came back out.

“ He hasn’t landed yet. You all go on ahead and we’ll meet you.” Her mother was glaring. “ Mom don’t start. I want to get through one dinner without you ripping him to shreds. If you say anything that can even be taken as an insult then we’ll leave and I won’t walk. Got me?”

“ We’ll talk about that later.” She walked back to the car and started yelling at Lindsey’s father. He peeled out of the parking lot. She turned back to Paul and Katie.

“ I’ll see you guy’s there ok?”

“ Sure thing short stack.” They waited till she was back inside before they left.

Lindsey wanted to wait at the gate but they wouldn’t let her so she stood at the baggage claim. She stood there for about a half an hour when Mark stepped off the plane into the small airport. He chuckled at the other gate. It wasn’t very often that he got to fly into a small airport. He walked down the corridor and saw Lindsey standing by the baggage claim. She smiled when she saw him.

“ It’s about time. I thought you’d never get here.”

“ Neither did I. Please tell me you talked your father into letting you borrow his truck.”

“ No, I don’t think he would be to keen letting me borrow it just so I could pick you up. Besides they brought mom’s car. You can put the seat back and then if you want you can ride back with Paul.” He leaned down and kissed her.

“ You worry to much. I’ll have to break you of that.”

“ Then get your bag and lets get out of here.” He looked over at the conveyer belt to see it coming into view. He growled and waited for it to come around. They walked out to the car and headed towards the restaurant.

“ I told mom that if she said anything insulting to you that we were leaving and I wouldn’t walk.”

“ I think you should walk after all I at least want a picture of it.”

“ What are you up to?”

“ What makes you think I’m up to anything?”

“ Because you suck at lying, and you’re being too nice.”

“ I can’t be nice on your birthday or Graduation?”

“ My birthday was last week.”

“ I know, and I can’t wait to give you your present.”

“ Really? Well what is it?”

“ A surprise that you’ll get tomorrow.”

“ Before or after I graduate?”

“ After”

“ I’ll be all packed.”

“ Not that part of it. I was planning on stealing you away after dinner in order to give you that.”

“ What if Katie and Paul want to get together?”

“ Then they’ll have to wait.”

They sat on 26 both trying not to laugh at the traffic jam that they were thoroughly stuck in. They were able to finally get through it and into Asheville.

“ I swear the only time there’s a traffic jam is when you come into town.”

“ Hey what can I say baby I attract a crowd.” He gave her an exaggerated smile that made her laugh. They pulled into the restaurant smiling and were show to a table.

 All of them sat at the table staring at one another. Mark, Paul, and Lindsey’s father were deep in conversation. Lindsey’s mother was surprisingly silent. Katie leaned over to her friend and started speaking to her.

“ We were getting worried.”

“ His plane took off late because of the weather. Then there was an accident on 26. Had traffic backed up for miles.”

“ I assume you won’t be available after dinner.”

“ You assume correct. I really appreciate you all coming. I’m sorry about what happened at the airport.”

“ Paul explained it to me. My mom is the same way. But it looks like your dad is getting along ok.”

“ Without mom insulting him the entire time it makes it slightly easier for him to loosen up.”

They finished dinner and all went their separate ways. Ironically Mark, Katie and Paul, and Lindsey’s parents were all staying in the same hotel. Paul had been nice enough to get adjoining rooms for him and Katie. Mark was a couple of doors down, and Lindsey’s parents were a couple of floors above. True to his word Mark gave her the first part of her gift not letting her help either. After a few hours Mark had walked out to get some ice and seen both of them. He had pulled Lindsey out of bed just in time to hear Katie invite Paul in. Mark ribbed her all the way back into the room.

“ I told you this would happen.” Lindsey started to pull on her clothes so she could go back to school. “ I wish you would stay here tonight.”

“ You know I can’t. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning. Now give me a kiss and let me get on my way. She stood up on her tippy toes while he bent down and granted her request. He inserted his tongue into her mouth making her whole body shiver. Before he could go on she cut him off at the pass.

“ Don’t even try it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“ Fine.” He opened the door and gave her a hard slap on the ass as she left.

Then Mark heard Katie moan and decided he and Lindsey could beat that. So he rushed her scooping her back up and back to his room.

“ Mark I need to get back.”

“ You’re not on duty.”

“ Doesn’t matter I don’t want my parents to get the wrong idea.” He opened the door flopping her down on the bed a giving her a look.

“ Sweetie I think your mom figures that that’s what we’ve been doing. Now come on lets see if we can beat the Game.” He sat down on the bed after he had gotten his pants off.

“ I need to walk tomorrow.”

“ I’ll be gentle.”

“ Why do I not believe you?”

The next morning Lindsey sat at the table for breakfast trying to alleviate the pain. Mark had a please smirk on his face.

“ I am never letting you touch me again.” Mark let out a laugh.

 “ Aw come on darlin lighten up.”

“ You had to carry me downstairs, and in a few hours I have to walk across a stage.”

“ You’ll be fine, but while we’re loading up the truck it might be wise to not do to much.”

“ Did you call Katie and Paul?”

“ Yup they should be on their way down.” Paul and Katie walked in a few minutes later giving her a strange look.

“ Rough night shortie?”

“ See if I ever stay on the same floor as you again. You had her moaning the big dipshit had me screaming.”

They all headed over to the college to load up the u-haul before the graduation so everyone could miss the traffic out of town. Lindsey’s ability to walk returned as she moved around. Her parents pulled up after they had shut the door.

“ What are you all doing?”

“ Having a keg party mom. What does it look like?”

“ You’re not going to look like that at Graduation are you?”

“ No mom, I was just getting ready to go take a shower.” Mark wanted to come with her but she pushed him out, just like he wanted to help her get ready but Katie kicked him out for that.

“ Give me one good reason why I can’t help?”

“ Because you tend to hinder more than you tend to help now get out.”

Paul handed Mark the video camera so they could have birds eye view. Mark had the ring resting in his pocket and he was slightly nervous. Paul gave him a knowing look and winked.

“ It’ll be cool. She’ll say yes.” After it was all done they all stood out behind the clock tower waiting for her. Mark had the ring hidden in his hand so her mother wouldn’t see it. He stood out of the way until her parents had finished taking all their pictures. She smiled at him when she walked over to him.

“ Congratulations sweetie.” He leaned down giving her a big kiss. Paul ran over giving her a hug and handing her a cell phone with Kevin and Sean on the other end. They congratulated her and hung up Paul took the phone out of her hand leaving her and Mark alone while he and Katie watched smiling.

“ Why are they staring at you like that?”

“ No clue.”

“ What are you hiding behind your back?”

“ Pick an arm and find out.” She tapped the left one. He smiled when she picked the right one. He brought his arm around and opened his palm.

“ I guess this means we were meant for each other.”

“ Oh my god Mark it’s really beautiful.”

“ So what will it be yes or no?” She lost all ability to speak and she could only nod yes. He slipped the ring on and kissed her. When let her up she finally spoke.

“ You are such a sneaky underhanded bastard. How long have been planning this?”

“ A few months now.”

“ Well since we’re handing out surprises here’s mine. You’ll be getting to see a lot more of me than you think.” He gave her quizzical look. “ I only have to stay in Stanford for a month. After that I’m road crew.” A voice from behind brought them back to reality.

“ The hell you are, and you’re not marrying him.”

“ Mom this is not the time or the place. We’ll discuss this when we get back to the car.” When Lindsey was changing her mother finally took the opportunity to talk about the engagement.

“ There is no way in hell that I’m going to let you marry him.”

“ Why? What’s wrong with him now? Mark has tried so hard to be nice to you and you’ve acted like a total bitch. I don’t understand why you hate him so much.”

“ He is using you.”

“ To do what? I’m not famous, rich, or powerful. Mark loves me for me and I’m not going to keep him waiting.”

“ If you get in that car then you can forget about coming home.” Lindsey’s father gave her mother a look.

“ Barb hold on a minute.”

“ Fine I won’t.” She walked out hiding her tears from everyone. She hugged all her friends and Linda goodbye.

Lindsey headed back to her car. Mark was leaning against it waiting. She had changed into jean Capri pants and a pink tank top.

“ You look like you stepped out of the sixties.”

“ Don’t get me started on your look.” Lindsey’s mom walked up behind her daughter. “ I wasn’t finished talking to you young lady.”

“ Well I was done talking to you. I am not giving up my job, or Mark.”

“ You can’t be serious. What do you see in him?”

“ I see a loving, caring, honest person. I see someone who can make me smile on a bad day, and someone who can make me happy no matter what happens. The fact that I love him never even crossed your mind did it?”

“ I don’t see how…”

“ That’s just it mom, you don’t see. I’ll call you when we get to Stanford. She turned back around and walked to the car.

“ You want me to drive the first shift?” She nodded yes and got into the passenger seat. He moved the seat back as far as it would go and climbed in. “ You gonna wave goodbye?”

“ No I already said them to everyone.”

“ Alright then, lets head out.” Mark pulled out waving goodbye to his future mother in law. Her face was beet red with anger. Katie and Paul saw display from the lobby of the dorm.

A few miles away Mark pulled off to the side of the road, parked the car, and turned to her.

“ You alright.” He brushed her cheek with his hand.

“ No, I don’t understand why she can’t be happy.”

“ Well in her defense I’m probably not what she envisioned her little girl marrying.”

“ Just see’s the outside. She doesn’t see what you’re really like.” He pulled her over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“ It’ll be alright darlin. I promise, you’ll get to Texas and everything will get better.”

“ She told me if I left not to come back.”

“ She was angry, I’m sure your dad will have a sit down with her and everything will get worked out.”

“ What if it doesn’t?”

“ You always got my family. Hell my mom thinks of you as the daughter she never had.” He got a little laugh out of her. Mark looked in the rear view mirror seeing Paul and Katie pull in behind them. “ Looks like trouble.” Paul knocked on the glass signaling for them to roll down the window.

“ You guys ok?”

“ We will be.”

“ It’s going to get better short stack. I promise. Your mom just needs time. You guys just take your time and get into Stanford when you’re ready. I’ll come down and see you when I’m home next.”

“ Thanks Paul.”

“ I’ll call you everyday to check up on you.”

“ Thanks Katie.”

“ Hell Mark and I might be able to rope Sean and Kevin down for a visit. They hear you need cheering up and I bet they’d come right up.”

“ I more ways than one.” Lindsey laughed

“ Mark”

“ What it’s true.”

“ I don’t know what I’d do without you guy’s. You two better hurry otherwise you’ll miss your plane.”

“ Ok we’ll see you as soon as we can.”

“ Ok bye, have a safe trip.” They waved to Katie and Paul as they pulled away.

Mark and Lindsey drove all through the night each taking turns driving. Both let out a tired cheer when they reached Connecticut. After some difficulty they found the house she would be staying in and unhitched the u-haul in the garage. They decided to go ahead and unload the trailer so they could get it back to the rental place. When they were done she went shopping picking up enough food for her stay, most of it frozen so it wouldn’t spoil. The rest of the day the spent lounging enjoying the time they had before Mark went on the road. He picked up her hand looking at the ring.

“ I will say this it looks good on you.”

“ It’s heavy.”

“ You’ll get used to it. Just think one more month and then your all mine. There are all sorts of nasty things that I want to do to you. Especially since you don’t have to leave.”

“ God how can you have any energy? I’m exhausted.”

“ I’ll let you rest for now, but come your month is up your ass is mine.” She gave him a wicked smile.

“ You are truly sexy when you get all evil on me. Keep doing it.” She was lying on the floor so he crawled over her with a wicked grin. He pushed up her shirt leaning down kissing and tickling her stomach with his mouth. Lindsey started to laugh uncontrollably as he tortured her. She tried to push him away with her hands but he wouldn’t move.

“ Mark I never said you could tickle me now quit.” He let up on her stomach moving to her lips. The doorbell rang causing him to stop.“ Pizza guy.” She tried to wriggle out from underneath him but he pushed her down.

“ Stay put.”

“ What about plates?”

“ We’ll eat out of the box.” He stood up taking a twenty and a ten out of his wallet. He opened the door handing the guy the money.  After being recognized and signing the kid an autograph Mark shut the door and heard Lindsey start laughing. “ Not a word out of you missy.”

“ I’m still going to have to get used to people asking you for your autograph.” 

Shortly after dinner they fooled around a little more before heading off to bed. Lindsey had unpacked her sheets, pillows, and comforter making up the bed for them. Mark pulled her close wrapping his entire body around hers. Then in the wee hours of the morning the doorbell woke him up. Mark got up slipping on some sweats before walking out to the door. He opened the door to find Katie behind it.

“ Katie? Sweetheart it’s close to three in the morning. Everything alright?”

“ I know and I’m sorry, it’s just I had a big fight with my mom and need a place to stay till I get my own. Is it alright if I sleep on the couch or something?”

“ Hold on let me get Linds.” Mark showed her in shutting the door behind her. He walked back to the bedroom and began to shake Lindsey awake.

“ Honey not now.”

“ Katie’s here.” Lindsey looked at Mark.

“ What?”

“ Katie’s here. She had a big fight with her mom and needs a place to stay.” Mark yawned.

“ Alright you go back to sleep I’ll be back in a bit.” Mark flopped down in bed while Lindsey slipped on her pj’s and walked out to Katie giving a funny look.

“ You had fight with your mom?”

“ She wanted me to dump Paul. She said that as long as I lived under her roof that I had to do what she said, so I left. It’s cool if I stay here for a few nights isn’t it?”

“ Yeah fine by me, Marks heading back out tomorrow, and I’ve got to work but you’re more than welcome to stay. She led her friend back to the guest bedroom.

“ This work?”

“ Yeah where’d you get the furniture?”

“ Came with the house. We’ll talk tomorrow k?”

“ No problem. I really appreciate it.”

Lindsey and Mark both woke up early the next morning heading out to the studios so she could get Mark’s set in before everyone else. She thought that they would be alone but apparently someone was using the studio next door and didn’t appreciate it when Lindsey started yelling anything to get Mark to smile. After saying good-bye she went to a desk so she could check her email and send a few. Paul and Katie showed up a little later catching her still at the computer.

“ They’ve got you working at a desk?”

“ I need to send an email to my boss on the road and let him know I’m back. Everything’s set up in the studio I’ll be in, in a few minutes.” Katie stayed behind to talk to her friend.

 “ Does this mean I get to see him in his trunks?”

“ I would think you’ve seen him in a lot less.”

“ That’s not the point.”

“ He’ll be in jeans.”

“ Even better.”

“ Just keep the noise down to a minimum. There’s another shoot going on next door and I don’t need to get yelled at again.”

“ Again?”

“ I was trying to get Mark to smile, needless to say I failed.”

“ Aw.” All three had fun that day and Katie agreed to keep Lindsey company until she went to Texas with Mark.

“ You’re mom is cool with this?”

“ Like I’m getting a choice. Mark refuses to let me stay here in Stanford.”

“ Why?”

“ He say’s I’m to far away. Plus if we are going to get married it might be a good idea for us to live together first.”

“ But you’ll be to far away!”

“ You can come and visit.”

“ True. So I’m guess that’s why your stuff is getting smaller and smaller.”

“ Yeah I’m shipping it all down.”

When the day finally came for the two girls to say goodbye they found it hard to let go. Paul finally had to drag Lindsey on the plane.

On the road Mark found it hard to maneuver around Lindsey’s schedule. She had even more responsibilities than before making it hard for them to do much of anything. The few day’s off that she did have she spent resting. The good thing was that thanksgiving would be coming up soon and they would get more time off than usual. Lindsey was eager to meet Marks family and they were just as eager to meet her.

After Lindsey left Paul arranged for Katie to move in with him. The two women worked on the wedding over the phone. Mark began complaining when she was spending more time on the phone than with him. That’s when they took a month off from planning. All of them could tell that working full time, and planning a wedding were taking a toll. So when Thanksgiving came Mark cancelled with his family and turned down an offer from Katie and Paul so he could take her home and force her to relax.

“ I wish you hadn’t done this. They probably hate me.”

“ Honey the way they’ve got you living isn’t healthy. My parents understand and they want you healthy and happy. Just think a few more weeks and it’ll be Christmas.”

“ Yeah, two whole weeks.” She gave him a weak smile.

When they all came back both Katie and Paul were expecting a well-rested Lindsey, but that was not the case. A week off was simply not enough time. When she wasn’t working she spent her time with then even though she generally fell asleep. One night the three of them sat in the bar of the hotel after a PPV talking.

“ Does he not realize that this is not healthy?”

“ He doesn’t care. Brandburger quitting was the worst thing that could have happened. They’ve been rotating photographers on and off the road but it’s not really helping. The problem is that she’s covering for two or three other photographers.”

“ When is her rotation?”

“ Not sure she may not get one.”

“ Well she better get something otherwise she’ll have a nervous breakdown.”

“ Have you or her talked to McMillan about this?”

“ She told me she’d take care of it and to stay out of it. So that’s what I’m doing.”

“ Hey I’ve got an idea.” Both men looked at Katie. “ How about the four of us go away for Christmas and New Years. No work, just rest and relaxation.”

“ Where would we go?”

“ The Bahamas, Lindsey is thinking about for you all’s honeymoon. What if you took her down there to help her relax? I mean with all the work she’s been doing she’s definitely earned this.”

“ Sounds good to me, I’ll call the airlines in the morning.” He said goodnight as he went upstairs for the night. Paul watched the doors close.

“ This is killing him.”

“ I know.”

“ It’s bad enough that he only gets to see her once a week but when he actually gets her she’s so worn out that all she does is sleep.”

“ It’ll get better.”

“ Yup now how about you and I go upstairs for some quality time.”

Lindsey was in shock when they landed in the islands. Katie whisked her away to the hotel spa while Mark taught Paul how to play golf. The two men went back to there respective rooms to get cleaned up. The girls weren’t back yet so they both took time to relax on their own. Mark fell asleep in front of the TV while Paul read. The two girls split up after the spa. Lindsey had her old glow back and looked ten times better. Katie felt totally mellowed. All the strain had been washed away and she beamed because of it. Lindsey returned to her and Marks hotel room. She set her bag down and took off the dress she had on. Letting her hair out of its bun she climbed onto the bed with him and straddled his waist. Lightly kissing his lips and face she moved down to his chest unbuttoning his shirt as she went. She then went for his jeans and shoes stripping him totally. He stirred a little but didn’t wake up. She began running her fingers along his penis and balls bringing it to life. She moved back straddling his thighs and leaned over him. Taking her tongue she ran it from the base of his shaft all the to the tip. She then circled around it licking off the pre cum. When Mark let out a groan she moved back up and slowly lowered herself onto him. When he was all the way in she noticed that his eyes were open. She absently ran her fingers along his stomach waiting for him to respond.

“ I’ve got to be dreaming.”

“ Nope the spa helped me so much.”

“ Really? That’s wonderful to hear.” He sat up slightly so he could see her better. Her fingers walked their way up his chest to his face.

“ I’ve missed you, and I feel horrible about neglecting you for all this time.”

“ I think your making up for it.”

“ Am I? You didn’t see what I did while you were asleep.”

“ Yes I did why do you think I said I was dreaming.” She gave him a coy little smile and clenched her inner muscles around him making him let out a groan. Then very slowly she came up on her knees bringing him all the way out before coming back down taking him all the way back in. She continued her slow torture bringing him to growling with frustration. This was something he had waited seven months for and she was tormenting him. When she came back down he grasped her hips stopping her.

“ Alright darlin play times over. Now either you fuck me proper or I’ll tease your ass so bad you’ll be begging for me to get you off before I ever do.”

“ I’m so not scared. You forget I can make you wait another seven months for the next go round.” She gave him a small little smile that reminded him of an elf.

“ Yeah, and I can lock you in the closet.”

“ You will not.” Mark sat up fully bringing his face within a few centimeters of hers.

“ Try me and find out.” She leaned forward kissing his lips, drawing his tongue out. Her nails moved to his chest lightly tickling it as she went. Mark laid back down bringing her with him. She began to purposely clench her inner muscles around him driving him mad. So as retaliation his hand journeyed down to her clit. He found the small bud and began to firmly press it causing her to take a deep breath.

“ That’s not playing far.”

“ Let the teasing begin.”

Meanwhile in a secluded area of the beach Paul sat watching the sun begin to set. He had come out here after his workout to get a breath of fresh air and to cool down. He found pumping iron was a faster way to pass the time than reading. Paul heard his name called and he turned to see a striking creature approach him. Her beautiful raven hair blowing in the breeze giving him a nearly instant hard on. Katie walked up to him beaming. This trip had definitely been the right thing for all of them. Paul jumped off the rock he was sitting on and walked over to his love.

“ Did you have fun at the spa?”

“ Yes I feel so much better. What did you do this afternoon?”

“ Played golf, read a book, worked out and thought about all the awful things I want to do to you when you got back.” She gave him the shy smile he loved. God he could stay here the rest of his days and never want for anything more. He carried her closer to the rocks kissing her neck and nibbling on her earlobe as he went. Lying down in the wet sand he stripped off his muscle shirt and shorts. After he had finished with his clothes he removed her sundress and looked into her eyes. They were the type that a man could spend the rest of his life lost in. Paul leaned in seizing her lips, his knee slipping between her legs opening them wider so he could slide in. As he entered her a wave swept across them causing them both to moan. As Paul moved in and out of her he kissed on her breast while Katie’s hands went through his hair guiding his head to where she wanted it to go.

Back at the hotel Mark had Lindsey on her back struggling to get lose. He had her hands pined above her head with one hand and a melting ice cube in the other dripping cold water all over her torso.

“ Give up yet?”

“ No.” He brought the ice cube down placing it directly onto one of her nipples.

“ How about now?” He slid it across to her other nipple watching her writhe underneath him.

“ This is not something that you do to your future wife.”

“ No tying her up isn’t. I’ll wait till we’re married for that one till then I have to simply hold you down. Just wait till I have both my hands free.” Lindsey let out a very unlady like groan. He slid the cube down her body letting it rest on her stomach for a moment before bringing it down between her legs and setting it on top of her clit. Mark saw her eyeballs roll in the back of her head at the sensation. She began to orgasm and Mark took advantage by sliding into her to continue the sensation. It didn’t take him long to join her. But she did come down long after he did.  Mark laid there his legs entwined with hers.

“ I suppose we should get dressed. Don’t want Paul and Katie to find us like this.”

“ Yeah that’s a good idea.” Lindsey got up finding her bag pulling out a change of clothes. Mark found his clothes neatly piled by the side of the bed. He pulled them on while Lindsey got dressed. Mark picked up the dress she had had on carrying it over to her.

“ You know this is pretty cute might consider wearing it on the first night of our honeymoon.”

“ I already have that picked out and well hidden.”

“ Really.”

“ Why do I have a feeling I’m not going to like what’s going to happen next?”

Paul and Katie opened the door to find Mark pinning Lindsey on the floor tickling her.

“ Tell me.”

“ Never…you’ll…have…to…wait…till we’re married.” Paul looked at Katie grinning.

“ This is how we got your address out of her. Mark what information are you trying to get now?” Mark stopping tickling her letting her take a breather.

“ What she’s wearing on our wedding night, and where it’s hidden.”

“ It’s at my house and it’s very nice.” Katie gave him a look.

“ You peeked?”

“ Flipped through the catalog, there’s some stuff in there you and I need to look at.” He gave Katie a coy grin.

“ Alright when we get back we’ll see.”

“ Ok deadman let her up. Something tells me she’s had enough for one day.”

“ Bless you Paul.”

“ No problem shortie.”

“ Did you and Katie have a fun afternoon?” Katie blushed a little and Paul smiled.

“ Yeah you could say that. You two up for some dinner?” Mark got up off of Lindsey and then pulled her to her feet.

“ Always.”

“ Forgot I was talking to the bottomless pit.”

Lindsey and Katie both felt better after the vacation. Unfortunately things in the WWE got worse. Doug had gone back on his promise of hiring new photographers strapping the stressed crew with even more work. One night in late January Lindsey’s body couldn’t take it anymore. She was setting up the ring with Paul beside her making sure she didn’t go insane.

“ How ya doing shortie?”

“ Alright.”

“ You give me the word and I’ll pop him.” Lindsey stood giving him a small smile. She stood there for a moment blinking and breathing hard before dropping the roll of film from her shaking hand. Paul rushed forward steadying her.

“ Maybe I need to get something to eat.”

“ Yeah sounds like a plan.” Paul walked with her towards the cafeteria when Chris Sanders stopped her.

“ Go on ahead Paul I’ll meet you there.”

“ Alright.” He gave her a concerned look before walking down the hall. Lindsey turned back to Chris. He began explaining the plan for the night when another spell hit her. The last thing she remembered was the main event being explained to her. Chris noticed she was not her usual self and reacted when she blacked out. He quickly rushed her to the Hospital with Paul on his heel with Mark on his way from Texas. Katie rushed over from the hotel to see if she could help. The WWE could live without Triple H for one night. Chris had gone back to the show leaving Katie and Paul to wait.

“ Well this better show them that they need more photographers. Having them work around the clock isn’t working.”

“ Paul.”

“ What she’s my friend too. They’ve been running her rampant for weeks while her boss sits on his duff.”

“ Who’s her boss?”

“ McMillian.”

“ I thought Michael Brandburger was her boss?”

“ He left so Doug was given the promotion.”

“ Speaking of him.” Both saw him coming down the hall. He seemed upset and cut them off before they had a chance to speak with Lindsey’s doctor.

“ Are you people going to release her sometime today?”

“ Sir she’s not even conscious. I’m not releasing her till I’m sure she’s ready too.”

“ Well when will that be? She’s got a schedule to keep.”

“ Sir her job will have to be put on hold for a substantial amount of time. She need’s rest.”

“ Fine she’s suspended without pay until further notice.” He spun around storming out of the ward till he was stopped by Mark. The larger man dragged Doug by his collar slamming him into the wall.

“ Look asshole I don’t know where you get off suspending her without pay when it’s your fucking fault she’s in here. She has busted her ass since she graduated and I think she got some respect for it.”

“ Alright she’ll get paid.” Mark dropped him to the floor towering over him.

“ Good I hope we don’t have to have conversations like this in the future. Now get the fuck out of my sight.” He turned to see three nuns standing behind him with a collection can. He slipped a fifty from his wallet placing it in the can. “ Sisters” After that he walked up to the doctor.

“ Is she alright?”

“ She’ll be fine. The amount of stress she’s under isn’t good for her or the baby.” Mark froze, Paul stood there slack jawed, and Katie smiled.

“ Baby?”

“ Yes sir she’s about a month along now.”

“ Your sure?”

“ Positive. She needs to be getting better nutrition, some more sleep, and to reduce her stress levels.” Paul began to mumble.

“ Where is that little fuck now I’ve got a better reason to hurt him.” Mark agreed with him and Katie chimed in as the voice of reason.

“ Boy’s beating up her boss won’t help. Can we see her?”

“ Sure come on back.”

“ Mark you go ahead Paul and I will wait here.”

“ What?” She gave him a hard kick as Mark walked down the hall.

“ They need some time alone. We’ll go down in a few minutes. Besides you heard the doctor she’s not awake yet. Mark walked into the room and was greeted with a smile.

“ What are you doing here?”

 “ I came to see you. You scared the hell out me, out of everyone.” He pushed the stray hairs out of her face. Neither one saw Lindsey’s parent’s walk up.

“ Doug’s not going to be happy when he hears this.”

“ Oh I don’t know he gave you time off with pay.”

“ What did you do?”

“ Nothing what would make you think I did something?”

“ Because Mark, Doug doesn’t give paid vacations unless his life is in danger…Oh my God, you threatened him didn’t you?”

“ Just a little, I did it for you darlin. You can’t fight every battle by yourself sometimes you need to have someone pinch hit for you.”

“ And you’re more than happy to step up to the plate aren’t you?”

“ You betcha. I like it when you let me take care of you. Makes me feel like I’m doing my job.”

“ You are such a pretentious ass sometimes.”

“ But you love me anyway.”

“ How could I not love you? I can’t picture myself with anyone but you.” Both of them heard a sniffle and they looked out into the hall to see Lindsey’s parents standing there. Her mom sniffing holding back tears and her dad holding onto her they walked in like that going around to the other side of the bed so Mark wouldn’t have to move.

“ Hey bud, how are you feeling?”

“ Alright why are you guys here?”

“ You’re our daughter. When we get a phone call that you’re in the hospital we come running.” Her mom started stroking her daughter’s hair then she looked at Mark.

“ Did you really try to beat up her boss for putting her in here?”

“ No ma’am just threatened too. He does it again then we’ll see.”

“ Mark.” He gave Lindsey a smile.

“ I think that’s very sweet of you. Certainly not the right way to react but sweet I guess you really do love her.”

“ Yes ma’am, every last bit of her.”

“ Then I guess I can be civil and make up for everything I’ve done by welcoming you to our family.”

“ Well thank you very much. Maybe this year y’all can come down for Thanksgiving. Mr. Ward I’ve got a big screen that perfect for watching football on all day long.” Lindsey grabbed his arm stopping him.

“ I know you’re proud of the t.v but not now.” < A nurse came into the room handing Lindsey some forms to sign. They all walked out a few hours later the doctors sure she was ok to leave. Mark was acting like she made of glass because he wouldn’t let her do anything. She was about ready to strangle him when they got back to the hotel.

“ Mark I’m ok. I just passed out.”

“ Darlin you remember our trip to the Bahamas over Christmas?”

“ Of course.”

“ Well you kinda brought back a little souvenir.”

“ I did what now?” He sat her down on the bed kneeling in front of her.

“ You’re pregnant. About a month along now.” She looked at him kind of in shock.

“ How did you find out before me?”

“ The doctor told us, before we came back to see you.”

“ Us?”

“ Katie, Paul and I. I think this was its way of telling you that you’re working to hard. I know you love your job but this isn’t worth it.”

“ I know I’ve been thinking about quitting for awhile now. I just didn’t want to put anymore strain on everyone else.”

“ Maybe you could find a job somewhere else in the company. I’ve been looking and HR said they’d call if something came up that I was qualified for. 

He took her hands in his looking at the mix of joy and sadness in her eyes.

“ Hey it’ll be ok. You can take all the pictures you want of me.” His hands traveled up to her abdomen. “ And the baby when he or she comes.” 

“ Yeah, but I like being with you. I don’t want to be stuck at home alone.”

“ You won’t be you and I can travel together as long as you’re able. I’m going to have my personal time pushed back to when you have the baby, and your mother can fly out. Hell my mom will come sit with you, and Katie will be there. You won’t be alone.” She gave him a smile taking his hands again.

“ Mark get up or else you’ll be stuck like that.” He laughed at her comment slowly standing flopping down next to her. Sure enough HR found something else for her to do that was less strenuous and something she could do from home. She was now in charge of working on the Superstar’s personal web pages. So now she sat backstage working away on a laptop putting pictures, videos, and general kayfabe information onto the different sites. Her new job also gave her a chance to finish her plans for the wedding. She and Mark had agreed on the original planned date rather than moving it back. She now had little over a month to prepare to be married to Mark. He had wanted to push the date back so her stress levels would be minimal but she didn’t want to be showing in the pictures. Lindsey also didn’t want her mother finding out that she was having a shotgun wedding. Both Mark and Lindsey noticed that Paul and Katie’s relationship was different after the Bahamas almost like they were hiding something.

“ He’s been awful happy since that first day we got there.”

“ Maybe he’s getting laid on a regular basis.”

“ She had no excuse. You did which reminds me I saw McMillian the other day. Apparently his boss made Doug take your work load seeing as he put you in the hospital.”

“ I know I got a nice check from them so I wouldn’t sue. Still wouldn’t mind getting a piece of Doug’s ass.” Mark wrapped his arms around her smiling.

“ God I love you.”

“ Sucking up will get you no where.”

“ You’re turning down the Undertaker?”

“ No I’m turning down Mark Callaway. I’m not engaged to the Undertaker, I’m engaged to the guy that plays him.”

“ Aw darlin, he’s getting awful jealous. Wants to ride off with you and do all sorts of horrible things to ya. Maybe never let you go.”

“ Is he about to make an appearance?”

“ Well when the camera’s go on he kinda has too.” Paul’s voice interrupted him.

“ God damn Taker, can you not keep your hands off of her for five minutes?”

“ No.”

“ Oh come on Paul, like you and Katie haven’t been fooling around in the showers.”

“ That’s different.”

“ How?”

“ It just is.” Lindsey rolled her eyes turning back to her computer.

“ You boys are hopeless.”

“ Hey Taker we got the production meeting come on.”

“ Alright you going to be ok for a little while?”

“ Mark go I’ll be fine I swear.”

“ Give me a kiss before I go.” She stood up letting his lips find hers. His hand got a good feel of her ass before he dashed out of the room. She sat back down shaking her head returning to finish off the page she was working on.

Katie and Lindsey stood in the bridal shop with Lindsey’s mother getting the final fitting for their dresses. After the fitting the three women went out to dinner talking and laughing at different things.

“ So Katie are you and Paul going to get married soon?”

“ Um we’ve talked about it Mrs. Ward but nothing concrete yet.” Lindsey became suspicious at her response but waited till they were alone before she questioned the response. The two girls sat in the guest bedroom talking.

“ You getting nervous yet?”

“ A little. You and Paul have certainly been happy since the Bahamas trip.”

“ Yeah we have, when did Mark say they’d be back?”

“ Nice try, besides the sex what did you two do?”

“ Nothing why?”

“ Your lying you can tell me I won’t blab.”

“ I promised him I wouldn’t tell.”

“ Oh come on I’m your best friend. I hooked you two up!”

“ I know I just don’t want him to be upset with me.”

“ I swear I won’t tell a soul.”

“ We got married the first night we were there.”

“ You mean to tell me that you’ve been married this whole time?”

“ Yeah.”

“ I’m impressed.”

“ Thanks.”

The wedding day arrived and Lindsey was more nervous than she had ever remembered being. She and Mark hadn’t seen each other for two days making it difficult to communicate about any last minute details. She fiddled with her dress smoothing it over her growing tummy. Her hand came to rest on it with her smiling at her own reflection. The thought of having Marks arms wrapped around her helped her frazzled nerves. Katie walked in smiling.

“ You ready to do this?”

“ Yeah just missing Mark.”

“ Well he’s missing you. From what I hear he hasn’t been able to sleep without you in bed with him.”

“ I hope he’s not to tired. You think you and Paul will ever have a real wedding?”

“ Eventually but he wants to get further along in his career.”

“ I see and you’re ok with this?”

“ Yeah I can understand why he would want to wait.”

“ Probably wants to wait so he’ll be around more.”

“ Are you going to stay on with the company after the baby is born?”

“ Yeah that’s they beauty of my job. I can work from home so that way I can take care of the baby and still be able to work.”

Mark sat in the master bedroom looking down the hall to the guest bedroom that his bride was getting ready in. They had chosen his home in Florida rather than Texas or a chapel. They wanted a small ceremony and were using the house in Texas for the honeymoon.

He fiddled with the collar of his shirt trying to get it to be a little less stiff and itchy. Margot Callaway stepped in giving him a smile.

“ My baby is getting married.”

“ Mom I’m anything but a baby.”

“ You will always be my baby and soon you’ll know what it’s like to be a parent. How far along is she?”

“ Four months, hard to believe she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown and in the hospital three months ago.”

“ You’ve been helping her haven’t you? I better not find out she’s been doing all the planning.”

“ I’ve done as much as she’ll let me do.”

“ How much was that?”

“ She let me pick out my tux and help with the food.”

“ That’s all?”

“ Well mom I’m not good at choosing flowers and stuff like that.”

“ Un huh.” Mark shifted under his mothers gaze.

“ Well I’m not.”

“ Do you have any idea what kind of flowers are being used?”

“ Not really I haven’t been downstairs yet. But something is telling me I better find out.” He gave her a smile before quickly exiting the room. Marks mother walked out behind her son going into the guest bedroom smiling.

“ He’s checking out the flowers.”

“ Really?”

“ All he was doing was staring at the door to this room. Besides it’s time he did some work.”

“ Mark is so busy I don’t want to burden him.”

“ And I don’t want my future daughter and Grandchild to be healthy and safe.” Margot placed her hands on Lindsey’s stomach. “ You look pale, everything ok?”

“ Just nervous.”

“ Are you sure? Do you want some water or something?”

“ No I’m fine thank you.”

“ Well I’m going to go downstairs to see if I can help.” Katie came back out of the bathroom smiling.

“ Hey Margot.”

“ Hello Katie dear, you take good care of my girl.”

“ I will, now if she’ll come in here so we can finish up with her hair.” Lindsey stepped away smiling while Margot walked out into the hall. Just then Marks head popped up into the window looking in the empty room.

“ Damn!” He climbed back down meeting his brothers at the bottom of the ladder.

“ She in there?”

“ No.”

“ Come on let’s get inside I don’t want to have to mingle any longer than I have too.” Margot walked down the stairs to find her sons laughing and joking while sitting on the couch. They all gradually stopped laughing as they saw their mothers face. Mark gave her a loving smile.

“ Everything’s perfect.”

“ Did you check?”

“ Yes mother.”

“ He also tried to peer into the guest bedroom window with a ladder.”

“ Mark William Callaway! You know you can’t see the bride on your wedding day.”

“ Mom eighty-six the full name. Is she ok? I know her stress has been up a little.”

“ She’s fine stop worrying.” The wedding planner motioned for them to come outside sending Lindsey’s father inside. Everyone stood posed ready to greet Lindsey and her father. For some reason she wasn’t feeling overly sick but not overly well either. They both start towards the door everyone smiling as they walked out. Mark was beaming, Katie was beautiful, and everyone seemed so happy then everything came to a crashing halt. A sharp pain shot through Lindsey’s abdomen making her stop dead in her tracks. Lindsey’s father gave her a look of concern.

“ Everything ok?”

“ Oh Shit. Mark walked down towards her.

“ Linds?”

“ Mark I need a doctor, now.”

“ A doctor?”

“ Yes otherwise I may deliver right here.”

“ Oh” Mark shook his head nodding before realizing what she meant. “ OH” He gathered her up carrying her through the house. Katie chased after them with Mark, and Lindsey’s family behind her and Paul bringing up the rear. Paul ran for his rental picking up Katie and chasing after Mark and Lindsey.

“ Ok when he said they were going to start the honeymoon early I had no idea he meant this early.” Katie shot him a look.

“ Something happened.”

“ You don’t think she’s having a miscarriage do you?”

“ I hope it’s not that.” They pulled into the hospital chasing after Mark and Lindsey. The families were close behind them. All of them were stopped in a waiting room when Lindsey was taken back. Everyone turned to Mark and asked the same question.

“ What happened?”

“ I don’t know. I just hope everything’s ok.” A doctor came out walking up to Mark.

“ She’s fine, it was false labor. If you’d like you can see her.” Lindsey’s mother pushed her way through the crowd turning the doctor towards her.

“ False Labor?”

“ Yes ma’am” She looked past the doctor at Mark.

“ I want to see her now!”

“ Are you related to her?”

“ I’m her mother, and I want him to come with me.” She pointed at Mark who had gotten very pale. Margot walked over to her son putting her hand on his shoulder.

“ My son’s not going in there alone.” The doctor nodded taking the three of them back to Lindsey. Mark was by her side the minute he saw her.

“ Are you ok?”

“ I’m fine.” Lindsey’s mother walked to the other side of her daughter while Margot walked to her son’s side.

“ Why didn’t you tell me you were having a shotgun wedding young Lady?”

“ Um… Surprise?”

“ I’m not laughing.”

“ Well actually I wasn’t pregnant when Mark and I got engaged. It happened when we went away to the islands for Christmas.”

“ Why were you having unprotected sex?”

“ Ma he’s my future husband.”

“ And?”

“ And if we’re getting married then we shouldn’t have to worry about protection.” Margot looked at Lindsey.

“ I think that’s reasonable.”

“ What if you two had ended the engagement?”

“ Mrs. Ward that wouldn’t have happened.”

“ Mom they’ve told me I can go, let’s go back to the house and finish the ceremony.”

“ Oh no, you butt is staying right here.”

“ Mark”

“ I’m not taking any chances. I’ll head out to the waiting room get the priest and we’ll finish this.”

“ But…” He placed his finger on her lips silencing her.

“ No arguments” He gave her a smile before walking out.

“ Will you at least get a plate of food from the reception?”

“ I’ll save you some for when you get home.” The door closed leaving the three women alone.

“ Mom where’s dad?”

“ Waiting in to waiting room.”

“ Why?”

“ Because he didn’t want to see anything.” Mark came back in reaching for her hand.

“ Where are we going?”

“ Out to the waiting room. We’re not getting married in an examination room”

“ You shouldn’t be getting married in a hospital.” Lindsey got up taking his hand.

“ Mom not now.” The four of them walked out to the waiting room where everyone stood in a semi circle around the priest who motioned for them to come forward.

“ No getting sick this time.”

“ I promise.” The priest performed the ceremony with both families surrounding them. After the ceremony Mark emitted Lindsey for a 24-hour observation just to safe. The next day Lindsey was eager to get out of the hospital and get home. By the time she and Mark got there they had found it cleaned up looking like nothing had even happened. Mark flopped down on the couch gently pulling her down into a sitting position between his legs with her back to him. His hands crept around to her stomach coming to rest on her belly.

“ When do we leave for Texas?”

“ Tomorrow morning why?”

“ Because I want to get home, and do all sorts of horrible things to you.”

“ You’re not lifting a finger young lady. I’m not having you end up in the hospital again till that babies ready to some out.”

“ Does this mean I have to stay home?”

“ No but you only going to do your job, that’s it.”

“ Ok”

“ You think Katie and Paul will ever get married?” Lindsey smiled before speaking.

“ Someday she told me they were going to wait a little while.”

“ Makes sense, he hitting his prime but he needs to make sure that he doesn’t make her wait to long.”

“ Something tells me he won’t. Paul’s a smart guy.”

“ Yeah but sometimes he can be blind to what he has.”

“ Well I don’t think this is one of those times. You think my mother is still upset about the baby?”

“ I don’t think she was upset about you being pregnant. More about the fact that we didn’t tell her, and that we had unprotected premarital sex.” He got a smile.

“ You going to be ok with no sex till the baby comes?”

“ I was alright when you were a ball of stress and I’ll be fine when you give birth.”

“ I can definitely tell this is your child.”

“ Oh and why is that?”

“ Because I’m constantly hungry, just like you.”

“ That’s a bad thing?”

“ When I’ll be as big as a house it is. I want to see my feet my as long as I can.” She laid her head on his chest looking up at him.

“ I’m not as big as a house.”

“ Height wise you are.”

“ What can I say? I’m above average.”

“ I’m just short.”

“ Your petite and therefore cute.”

“ What if I weren’t petite?”

“ Anything compared to is petite.”

“ In more ways than one.” He smiled down at her then growling at the doorbell as it rang.

“ Maybe if we sit real still they’ll go away.” The bell rang again making her laugh. “ Who in the hell would be bothering newlyweds on their honeymoon?”

“ Either your mother or my mother.” Lindsey eased herself out of his lap so Mark could get the door. He opened it to see both their mother’s behind.

“ Who is it?”

“ Mom”

“ Which one?”

“ Both of them.”

“ What?” She got up to see both women standing there. “ Oh well hey there.”

“ I know this is your honeymoon but Lindsey dear have you thought to start birthing and parenting classes?”

“ Not right this second no. Mark and I want to wait till it’s closer to the actual birth, and some of the girls at work have been giving me advice.”

“ Do you all know the sex of the baby?”

“ We want it to be a surprise.”

“ Well you only have a few months left you might want to get on this.”

“ Mom I have five months left. I’m barely showing.”

“ You need to take care of this.”

“ I will just not right now.” Margot turned to her son.

“ Well can we at least take you out to dinner?” Mark at Lindsey before looking at his mother.

“ What do you want to ask us mom?”

“ Nothing”

“ Yes it is something, you only do this when you want to ask me something important.”

“ Well we felt in light of Lindsey’s recent condition that she should stop traveling.”

“ Well mom I think that’s something you should ask her, not me.” Both women turned to her waiting for an answer.

“ Gee thanks honey. Well I um was planning to stop traveling at seven months. Till then I’m on a lighter schedule than normal.”

“ I see and after this last spell in the hospital you haven’t changed your mind?”

“ Mom I made a deal with the company. I stop traveling at seven months and I go onto maternity leave at nine. My job is not that stressful and everyone understands that I’m in a delicate condition. It’ll be fine. If things get to hard Mark will make me stop.”

“ Damn straight now you two have nothing to worry about.” Lindsey’s mother gave her a disappointed look while Margot half smiled.

The next day Mark and Lindsey got on the plane heading home to Texas spending their week off relaxing, taking light walks, and Lindsey watching Mark work out. They returned to the company Lindsey having a light workload and the boys finding her growing belly a source of good luck. They’d hunt her down for the soul purpose of giving her growing belly a quick rub. > She was semi depressed when seven moths came. She could no longer see her feet and was now stuck at home. She filled her time with doing work, light works outs, and taking Lamaze classes. Mark came home as much he could learning how to coach her preparing for the oncoming birth. When the ninth month came around Mark took a leave of absence so he would be around when she went into labor. The dogs had taken to her being home and crowded around her sniffing at her enlarged stomach. Mark walked up behind her kissing her neck and feeling her tummy. He could feel the baby moving around inside of her, which made him smile.

“ What are you doing out of bed?”

“ Mark I can’t stay in bed all day.”

“ Done it before.”

“ I believe it was when we were conceiving this child.”

“ You talk to the doctor?”

“ She said that if I haven’t gone into Labor by my due date that they would induce it.”

“ Take you for a ride on a bumpy road or give a good orgasm and I can fix that right quick.”

“ No you won’t. We are not doing anything to encourage labor.”

“ Um honey have you given any thought to whether your going to have drugs or not?”

“ Yes”

“ Yes you have?”

“ No yes I’m going to get drugs. Why?”

“ Well I was kind of hoping that you would have natural, no drugs.”

“ Mark do you have any idea how much this is going to hurt?” I’d prefer to feel as little a possible.” He nodded his head looking a little disappointed. She turned and looked at him. “ I do not have the level of pain tolerance that you do.”

“ I know.”

The next morning Lindsey stood in the shower washing up from her workout thinking of the on coming afternoon. She and Mark were planning on visiting some friends when something shifted in her abdomen, a pain ripped through her and her water broke. “ Of all the times it had to happen.” She finished washing up and climbed out throwing on a maternity dress. She slowly walked to the bedroom finding the dogs lying on the bed. All three perked up leaping off of the mattress and swirling around her tails waging. “ Go get Mark.” The looked at her a moment “ Go on.” The three of them tore out of the room while Lindsey lay down on the bed trying to remember her breathing. Mark saw the dogs with their noses pressing to the glass barking at him. He opened the door letting them come out and begin to try and get him inside.

“ What do you three want?” He followed them back inside and into the bedroom finding Lindsey curled up on the bed.

“ What in the hell is wrong with…”

“ My water broke in the shower we need to get to the hospital.”

“ Where’s your bag?”

“ By the dresser.”

“ Can you get to the car or do you need me to carry you?”

“ I can make it I just need a head start.”  Mark took her bag in one hand, and scooped her up into his arms. They got into his truck taking off down the road.

“ I’ll call everyone when we get there.”

“ Ok”

“ Just keep breathing we’re almost there.”

“ Un huh” They got to the hospital and Lindsey was rushed to a labor room where they began to wait for the anesthesiologist. A nurse came into check on her.

“ Can I get you anything?”

“ Morphine!”

“ I’m afraid I’m not authorized.”

“ Where is the doctor?”

“ We’ve called him but he has yet to respond.”

“ There has to be someone in this hospital that can give an epidural.”

“ I’m afraid not.” The doctor walked in giving her a smile.

“ Are we ready to go to the delivery room?”

“ No can’t I hold this kid in till I can get some drugs, or a bullet to bite on?”

“ Well the window for an epidural has passed your fully dilated and ready to go.”

“ Labor’s not supposed to be this fast!”

“ It can be. You have nothing to worry or be afraid of.”

“ You sure?”

“ This is very common.”

“ What the drug doctor skipping out on the procedure?”

“ No, natural child birth. Now lets get you into the delivery room.”

“ Baby I’ll be out in the waiting room.”

“ Oh no! You’re coming with me.” Another contraction came as she spoke. “ You wanted natural childbirth I’ll give you natural childbirth.” Mark held her hand trying his best not to watch what was going on. When the baby was almost born Lindsey grabbed Mark’s hand in both of hers squeezing his hand till it emitted two loud cracks. Both Mark and the baby screamed while Lindsey collapsed onto the bed exhausted. Margot sat shaking her head as she watched her son’s hand was casted.

“ Well at least it didn’t happen while I was wrestling.”

“  What a story this child will have. But at least I got my wish.”

“ That would be?”

“ I got a daughter and a granddaughter.”

“ Mom I know nothing about girls.”

“ Well you’re about to learn. Just think how much better you’ll understand women.”

“ Is Linds ok? She looked so tired.”

“ That’s why it’s called labor.”

“ I know.”

“ Last I checked they had her on some mild pain killers and she was still fast asleep.”

“ Her parents are on their way aren’t they?”

“ Yes one of your brothers has gone to get them. Have you two given any thought to a nanny or a housekeeper just to help you two out?”

“ Not really. When I go back out on the road I’ll get someone to help her with the house and the baby. I don’t want her to even try to do it on her own.” The nurse finished casting his hand letting him know he could go see his wife. Mother and son walked in to see her fast asleep.

“ Poor thing have you seen the anesthesiologist.”

“ Nope and I hope he doesn’t show up while she’s still here.”

“ Why?”

“ Cause she’ll kill him.”

“ Honey I think that was the pain talking.”

“ No I don’t think it was.” Lindsey let out a little sigh. Mark turned to see her awake. He walked over to her smiling. “ How are you feeling?”

“ Surprisingly good.”

“ I’ll go see if the nurse can bring the baby down now.”

“ Thanks Margot.” Mark sat down on the bed kissing her.

“ I’m so proud of you.” Lindsey rubbed his casted hand.

“ I still can’t believe I hurt you.”

“ Aw hell that’s nothing. Moment of pain payback for me kicking you in the head.”

“ Not you that damn doctor.”

“ You’re not going to do anything to him.”

“ Why?”

“ Because I’m going to give him an earful and once your mother hears about it so will she.

Two days later they went home Margot, and Lindsey’s mother staying with her. Mark made sure she had plenty of help.

“ You all are going to spoil us Willow’s going to get used to all this extra attention.”

“ We’ll come see her anytime you want. After raising all boy’s it’ll be a nice change to have a little girl.”

“ Gee thanks mom.”