DISCLAIMER: As much as it breaks my heart to admit it, I do not own anyone or anything connected to Vince McMahon and his awesomeness. I can only claim property rights of OC.

***A/N – Alright, darlings, I know it took me just shy of forever to get this next installment finished. My Sheamus muse was not wanting to play well with others. But, finally, the answer came to me. I hope you enjoy this final chapter. Thank you all so much for the love and support you've shown since the beginning. I can not thank you enough***

Erin's Graduation – June 2010

Erin perched on the edge of her seat as she scanned the upper decks of the auditorium. She knew somewhere in the sea of faces was her family. Today was one of the biggest days in her life and the entire Cena clan had shown up in support. As her hazel moved over dozens of unfamiliar faces, she felt a flutter in her stomach. She was happy and excited and more than a little nervous. This was just the beginning of what she hoped was going to be an incredible adventure. Although her thesis had taken quite a bit of time to complete, she was impossibly pleased with the results. She'd successfully defended her thesis on the first try and graduation had been green lighted. After today, the possibilities were endless.

Finally she spotted a familiar face on the third row. Her eyes met Stephen's and he smiled. His waved and blew a kiss down to her. Erin felt a blush creep into her cheeks as he winked and turned to say something to John. Her smile widened as she looked eyes with her brother. He'd taken the red eye flight from the west coast to be here for the big day. He looked tired but happy. He flashed a peace sign then placed his right fist over his heart. It was their life long signal. It meant different things at different times, but today, it meant I love you. Erin returned the sign and John nodded.

Erin smiled as she sat back in her seat as Doctor Randall Webb stepped to the podium and called for everyone's attention. As Erin listen to the university president's speech, she let her mind wonder. The last year had been beyond incredible. Her life had changed so much yet had somehow stayed the same. She'd done a lot of growing up in the last year and it showed. Not only in how she looked at the world, but how she interacted with the people around her. She was much more tolerant of people and their emotions than ever before. She'd learn the value of being honest and allowing others to do the same. For the first time she really understood the meaning of family and home. And with each day that passed, she became more thankful that she'd been so blessed. Her wonderfully supportive family had been behind her every step of the way. What more could she ask for?

With that thought, Erin's eyes lifted to Stephen. A sigh of happiness escaped her as she studied his rugged features. God, her relationship with Stephen was incredible. Stephen was a treasure and she valued every single day with him. Although their time together was limited, they tried to keep the lines of communication open. Every few weeks he'd make the trip to West Newbury to visit. As often as she was able, Erin would fly to meet him at a Saturday house show. The travel schedule was killer but it was worth it. The time she was able to spend with him was worth every late night and frequent flier mile. She felt the familiar tug in her heart as she watched the small smile play across his handsome face. Damn, she was one lucky woman.

Before Erin was aware of how much time had passed, it was her turn to walk across the stage and accept her diploma. Nervously she shifted from foot to foot as she waited for her name to be called. The sound of her name echoing through the huge auditorium made her smile. She forced herself not to look up at her family as she walked across the stage and shook Dr. Webb's hand. She paused for the photographer before taking a step. Finally she allowed herself to look up at her family. Her steps faltered as she looked at them. Stephen and John were standing side by side as the applauded for her. The expression of their faces was one of pride. She waved to them as she crossed the stage and moved back to her seat. By the end of the graduation ceremony, Erin was smiling so much her cheeks ached.

It took entirely too long to find the Cena clan after the ceremony. She stopped several times to hug her classmates or speak with one of her teachers. She posed for pictures with the girls from the Public Relations group. Nearly 40 minutes after graduation had concluded, she finally found her family. John was the first one to spot her. He stepped away from Carol and Fabo and flashed her a thousand watt smile. Once she was close enough to hear John stared a familiar chant; "Cena, Cena, Cena." Before long all of her brothers joined in. All eyes were on them as John pulled Erin into a huge bear hug. He hugged her for a long moment until she gasped for breath.

"Put me down, I can't breathe." Erin gasped. Instantly John complied, awkwardly dumping her on her feet.

John reached over and lightly ruffled her hair. His broad palm came down on her shoulder as he turned her to face him.

"There's somebody else who wants to see you." John winked at somebody Erin couldn't see. At first she thought John meant Stephen but she could see him out of the corner of her eye. So, who exactly, was he referring to?

"They give those diplomas away to just anybody, don't they?" Erin whirled around at the sound of Randy's voice.

She'd been disappointed that he wouldn't be able to make it. He was scheduled for a meet and greet in Seattle. He'd called her bright and early this morning to wish her luck. Never once had she suspected he would actually show up. This was, without a doubt, the best surprise she could have asked for. Randy's lips quirked into a smile as he looked at Erin. She hadn't changed a bit in the four months she'd been back in Massachusetts. She was still pretty as a picture. He held his arms open and she willing stepped into his embrace. She hugged him tightly and fought back a wave of tears.

"You made it!" Erin whispered.

After a long moment Randy released his grip on her and took a step back. "Wouldn't miss this for the world, babe."

Randy took a step back and motioned to a petite dark haired woman that was standing off to the side. "You remember Emily, don't you?"

Erin's eyes widened in surprise. The last time she'd seen Emily Montgomery had been almost four years ago. She'd been Randy's best friend growing up. Although he'd never admitted it, Randy wished they'd been able to find their way from friendship to something more. And as Erin watched Randy wrap his arm around her waist, they looked as if they'd done exactly that. Erin couldn't remember the last time she'd seen him so happy.

Erin smiled to Emily and nodded, "Long time no see, Em."

Emily gave Erin a shy smile and wrapped her arm around Randy's waist. "Congratulations, Erin. We're so proud of you."

Fabo chose that moment to step forward and settle his hands on his daughter's shoulders.

"Everybody is welcome to come back to the house for a celebratory feast."

A murmur of approval came from the group. There were few things the Cena family enjoyed more than a good dinner made by Carol. Without prodding the family began exiting the building. Stephen reached for Erin as she stepped past him. His warm palm brushed over the curve of her hip before taking her by the wrist. Gently, he pulled her against him. His embrace was warm and gentle as he pulled her against his chest. He stared down at her with wide blue eyes. A smile touched his lips as he looked down at her.

"Have Ah tol' yah how much Ah love yah, Erin?" Stephen's voice was slightly husky.

A wicked light came into her eyes as she stared up at him. "Yeah, but I don't mind hearing it again."

Stephen stole a quick kiss before taking her by the hand and leading her to the exit doors. The sunshine was glaringly bright as Stephen led her to his SUV. He took her around to the passenger side and pulled her to a stop. After unlocking the door he reached inside and pulled out a small box. He studied her for a long moment before speaking.

"Ah want to give yah this without all yah're brothers around." Stephen said as he held the box out to her.

Erin arched a perfectly sculpted brow as she took the box. "I told you not to get me anything."

Stephen's soft laughter moved over her like a caress, "An' Ah tol' yah Ah'll do as Ah wish."

Erin rolled her eyes as she shook her head. With the tip of nail she freed the silver ribbon from the box. Her eyes widened in surprise as she pulled out a mound of white cotton. Nestled inside the black velvet was a thin platinum band inlaid with small princess cut diamonds. The ring was sparkled in the bright afternoon sun. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked from the box to Stephen. A mischievous smile light his eyes as he looked down at her.

"Is this what I think it is?" Her voice quavered slightly.

"Depends, love." Stephen said as he took the box from her and removed the small band. Reaching for her hand her placed a quick kiss across her knuckles. She swallowed hard but couldn't dislodge the lump in her throat.

As she watched, Stephen dropped to one knee. He smiled up at her as he slid the ring onto her left hand. "Erin, Ah've never loved anyone as much as Ah love yah. Yah're my angel and I would do anything for yah. Yah'd make me the happiest man alive if yah say yah'll be mah wife."

Unable to speak through the emotions overwhelming her, Erin nodded. She blinked hard as the tears spilled down her cheeks.

"Is that a yes, love?" Stephen whispered as he looked into her hazel eyes.

Erin laughed and took a deep breath. "Yes, I'll marry you."

"What'd she say? Speak up, we can't hear you." Erin's gaze snapped up to lock with Dan's.

Her eyes widened in shock and disbelief as she realized her entire family had witnessed the proposal. Carol stood arm in arm with Fabo. They smiled at each other as Carol wiped away a tear. Matt was standing nearby snapping pictures. John stood slightly to the side watching the spectacle without moving a muscle.

"Yah might want to say it louder." Stephen whispered as he glanced at her family.

Laughter bubbled up from deep inside as she shook her head. God, she never imagined today would bring such a surprise. And in front of her entire family. Erin took a deep breath as she looked back to Stephen.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Stephen nodded, letting her see the certainty in his eyes, "Tá mé tar éis fanacht mo shaol ar fad do seo." I've waited my whole life for this.

Stephen pulled himself to his full height and claimed Erin's lips in a kiss. He kissed her with all the passionate longing he had. He wanted there to be no doubt exactly how he felt. As he pulled away from her, he knew she was never more certain of anything.

A cheer rose up from her family as Stephen pulled her into a hug. Before Erin knew what was happening, she was pulled from Stephen's arms by John. He hugged her fiercely as he looked at Stephen. He winked at the other man before releasing Erin. With a smile he held his hand out to Stephen. Stephen studied John for a long moment before accepting the handshake. John pulled him into a brotherly hug and thumped him hard on the back.

"Welcome to the family, bro." John said as he took a step back. He lightly ruffled Erin's hair before Carol swooped her into a motherly hug.

Stephen stared at John with a mix of wonder and surprise. The last person he expected to wlecome him so fully unto the fold was John. He'd been shocked when John had been the first to express his agreement on the proposal. Fabo on the other hand, had been a little more resistant. But after five months of the pair pestering him about the proposal, Fabo had reluctantly agreed to allow Stephen to propose. It wasn't that Fabo didn't care for Stephen or thought he couldn't provide for Erin. Far from it. Stephen was a rare breed of man that would give Erin anything she wanted. He would do whatever he had to keep her safe. He had absolutely no doubt Stephen would die to protect her. It was just hard for him to let his baby go. John had gently reminded his father that Erin was a bright girl and could make her own decisions. Finally, Fabo caved in to the constant pressure and gave his blessing. And if the smile on his daughter's face was any indication, the right choice had been made. He'd never seen Erin look happier.

Fabo stepped up to shake Stephen's hand before moving to hug his daughter. As John watched in amusement, Erin was pulled into the center of their brothers who were all talking at once.

"Thank you, John. Ah couldn't have done this withou' yah." Stephen said as he nudged John with his shoulder.

"Seeing the smile on her face is worth it." John said with a smile. He meant every single word of it. He'd never seen Erin look happier. "She loves you, ya know? That's all I care about."

Stephen made a soft sound of agreement under his breath.

John turned to Stephen and smiled, flashing straight white teeth. "I meant what I said, man, you hurt her, you'll answer to me."

Stephen's deep laugh caught Erin's attention. She looked at the two most important men in her life, standing side by side, and smiled. Life couldn't get any better than this.