A/N: So this is it. The end of an amazing journey between two characters that I grew to love with every chapter I put out. I'm just as sad as you are that it's over, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. :(

Thank you Siren's Call To The Dead, Ctinaisfashion, darkcloud77, Sasha, princesspeace990, Bharm, CarolReigns, benova13, JxTina, nikki1335, DeeMarie426, ItReignsJustice-619, BillionDollarPrinceStephanie, BrookelynnMV27, too much drama 1225, fenner82, LuxuriaVanitas, Shield316, justkimmy, Lucy1029, ApSnowball, ChelleLew, IRENELOVE83, mitchy21, Tammy and princessreigns for reviewing the last chapter!

For the final time on ITDE, enjoy!

What if I told you it was all meant to be?
Would you believe me, would you agree?
It's almost that feelin' that we've met before
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come here and now

"Boy, you better not drop me on my ass or there will be hell to pay!"

"Oh come on, woman. Since you've known me, have I ever dropped you?"

Sasha wrapped her arms more securely around Joe's neck, giggling as he continued to walk forwards, holding her carefully in his arms. "You don't have to do this whole 'carrying me over the threshold' thing, you know. If it's too much hassle," she said.

Joe rolled his eyes at her fussing. "Relax. I got it. Besides, isn't this what every new bride wants? I heard it brings good luck, and I promised I'd do it so I will." His grip remained firm and steady around her waist and under her knees as he stepped through the front door of their brand new home. He set her down, looking extremely proud of himself, while Sasha slapped his arm with a laugh. She pushed her hair out of her face and looked around. After months of renovations and fittings and moving huge brown cardboard boxes around, their house was finally complete. It looked perfect, just the way they both wanted it. With Alma's careful supervision, the finishing touches had been added while the couple enjoyed their honeymoon. Sasha smiled at the banner that hung at the entrance with the words 'WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME MR. AND MRS. ANOA'I' written in shiny green on a silver background. Sat on the table underneath the mirror on the wall to their left were a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Alma's welcome gift to them, no doubt.

Now that they had returned from their honeymoon, it was back to reality, although Joe had the rest of the day to look forward to with his new wife before he got back on the road in the morning. For now, they were all alone; T.K. was touring the independent wrestling circuit while Mia was on a week-long school trip. Sasha didn't have to be back at the downtown Grill until the weekend. She would spend the time she had left going over the house and trying to keep busy so she wouldn't miss the kids and her husband too much. "We'll need to organize a housewarming party soon," she said, turning to him. "I'll check for the next available date you're home and set it for then."

Joe shrugged. "If that's what you want."

Sasha raised an eyebrow. "It's gotta be what we both want, babe. If you're not keen on a party then we won't have one. No biggie."

Shaking his head, he wrapped a muscular arm around his wife's shoulders. "Of course we should have a party," he replied. "This house represents the start of so much for us. It'll be good to share it with friends. So whatever plans you make, I'm game."

Her face brightened. Secretly she'd hoped he'd agree. "Okay. Consider it done. But for now, we celebrate together."

She gestured towards the bottle of champagne. Joe picked it up and popped the cork, jumping back when some of the liquor spilled to the floor. He quickly poured each of them a glass and handed one to Sasha. "To what do we toast?" he asked.

Sasha smiled. "To many years of great memories in this home," she began, "Hopefully, we can kick off with some gold around this fine waist of yours." Her fingers trickled down to his lower abdomen, where a championship belt would rest.

He flashed a big grin in response. "That would be a great start," he agreed. "Anything else?"

"To great success all around for each of us…for you, me, Ty and Mia…and the babies that might come along the way." Her smile broadened. "I'm sure they'll be running around these floors soon enough."

As she spoke, she felt his breathing change, saw his eyes glow with hope and excitement. "I really hope so," he told her softly.

Sasha leaned into him. "I know. And if this past week was anything to go by, they'll be here sooner than we expect."

"We can always get some more practice in, just to make sure," Joe suggested.

Sasha gaped at her husband in astonishment. "Babe, we went at it all week!"

He shrugged. "Don't mean we can't continue. We've not christened the house yet. How many rooms in this place again?"

Damn. "Six bedrooms, seven bathrooms. So like, thirteen." Her eyes bulged at the knowing, shit-eating grin on his face. "Really, Joe? All of them?"

"And the kitchen. And the den. And the pool," he added, with a loaded look in his eyes that tugged her loins. Sasha groaned and pressed her face against his arm. "You are insatiable," she whispered. "You've made me insatiable."

"You love me for it," Joe grinned. "We can start on that couch over there," he pointed, "the kitchen counter, then the den, maybe work our way upstairs. Oh, we're definitely gonna fuck on the stairs."

Shaking her head in bewilderment, she said, "I don't know how you do it. I don't even know how I keep up with you."

"You keep up just fine, nani. Though I never have a problem going at your pace. We'll get around to the christening later." He lifted his champagne again. "For now, we toast."

Oh yeah. That's where they were at before talk became all sexual again. He was very good at that. Not that she minded. "Let's keep it simple," she concluded. "How about…to you and me."

"That sounds good." He held his glass up to her, gazing into her eyes. "To us."

She grinned and said, before clinking her glass against his own, "To us."

Everything changes but beauty remains
Something so tender I can't explain
Well, I may be dreaming but till I awake
Can we make this dream last forever?
And I'll cherish all the love that we share

Eight weeks later

"The winner of this match, and the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion…Roman Reigns!"

Lilian Garcia's announcement rang in his ears, yet the words didn't sound right. Didn't sound real. Even when the heavy piece of gold was thrust into his tired arms by the referee. He wanted to collapse back down to the canvas from pure exhaustion, but somehow he was able to haul himself atop the middle turnbuckle. The lights were bright and almost blinding, his entrance music and the fireworks seemed to explode right in his ears. Yet, as he raised the piece of history that he could finally call his own in the air, he realized this was the only place he wanted to be, right there in the corner of that ring, high up for the world to see. He'd dreamed about this moment since he was a child, and somehow it had come true. If he had his way, he would never wake up.

He held back his emotions as the fans, after months of toiling to win them over, applauded him all the way up the ramp and to Gorilla. Backstage, he valiantly fought back tears as he embraced Hunter, Stephanie and Vince, the three people that changed his life. His eyes stung as most of the locker room surrounded him, clapping his back and congratulating him. Even his opponents tonight, Colby and Jon, were choked up, all three of them having just achieved a collective dream. Together, just like the way they started on the main roster. His throat was congested as he found his family. His mother and his father. His wife; the tears in her eyes as he stumbled towards them. He was still doing fine up until that point, up until Mia broke away from Patricia and rushed into his arms, and that was when he finally lost it. Breaking down in tears, he dropped his vest and lifted the ten-year-old into his arms, stroking her hair as her face pressed his neck. All his five senses were in overdrive as he held her tightly to him, barely cognizant of Sasha's comforting arm around his waist, her lips gently meeting his bare, sweat-slick shoulder. She said nothing, but he knew she felt everything he was feeling. Relief. Fulfilment. Pride.

He hated to leave them, but there were formalities and obligations to meet and festivities to attend in his honor. Thankfully it all soon came to an end, and he was quick to return to his family. He and Sasha strolled back to their hotel suite together, his arm and his WWE World title resting on her shoulder. It was very much hers as it was his. The rest of their night would be spent with her tending to his bruises. He, Jon and Colby beat the living shit out of each other, all in the quest to provide the greatest WrestleMania main event match in recent memory. They'd done just that, he knew that, and fans and critics agreed in early reviews of the grand event. It still blew the Samoan's mind that the company was putting their faith in him after Colby had done such a great job as Champion before him. It hadn't sunk it yet. He wasn't sure if it ever would.

"You okay, handsome?"

Sasha's voice was a soft murmur in his ear. He looked down, meeting her expectant gaze. "You're quiet. Still sinking in, huh?" she inquired.

Nodding, he exhaled slowly and squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Yeah. There's a lot going in my head."

"I can imagine," Sasha accepted. She had watched him all evening, watched how the smile never left his face. He'd have a lot more to smile about later tonight.

"And what about you, baby?" It was his turn to ask. "You were kinda quiet tonight. You didn't eat much and you even turned down your favorite Mojito." He tried to put two and two together and frowned. "Don't tell me you're back to that whole weight loss thing?"

Sasha grinned at her husband, rubbing the side of his waist where her hand rested. "Everything's fine, babe. Don't worry about me. Today is all about you. You're the Champion now."

Damn. It would take a while for him to get used to hearing that. He slotted in his key card and hung back to let Sasha into the suite first. "I got you something," he told her.

"Like a present?"

"Yeah." He shut the door behind him, moving to his wardrobe to retrieve said object and then walking to their bed. "Wanted to wait till after the show to give it to you."

"Well guess what? I got you a present too. Something to celebrate your win with. And speaking of…I believe this is yours." Carefully, she folded up the title belt and laid it on his lap, watching his face brighten as she did so. "Gimme a sec, I'll go get it."

Curious, Joe watched her disappear through the door to the other side of the suite then reemerge with a bag before she settled down beside him on the plush bed. "I want mine first though," she declared, a sly smile on her face.

Joe chuckled. She already had her hand held out and her eyes closed. "All right. Ladies first." He placed a small wrapped box in her hand, enjoying the grin that illuminated her gorgeous face when she opened her eyes and looked down. Trying not to tear the wrapping paper to pieces, Sasha opened his gift. Dangling from a delicate silver chain was a diamond encrusted heart-shaped pendant with a silver infinity symbol entwined around the heart. The note attached to the box contained only five words in his handwriting.

I love you till infinity.

Her eyes welled up as she leaned over and kissed him. "Aww, baby. Right back at'cha." She sat her gift on the bed next to her, her eyebrow raised in confusion as she watched him look around as though searching for something. "What are you doing?"

"Looking for my own present," he said optimistically. "A fishing rod perhaps?" Fishing was a pastime he'd become passionate about. He'd been hinting at her for weeks that he wanted a fishing rod and hopefully now he would finally have one.

Sasha rolled her eyes at her husband and his five-minute-long interests. "Oh please. I ain't gettin' you no lame-ass fishing rod. I know you; you'll be bored with it by the end of the month 'cause you can't lift weights with 'em. If you wanna fish so bad, follow Curtis Axel back to Minnesota." She handed him a slim silver envelope. "I got you two things. Starting with this."

Joe sighed aloud, disappointed. "Fine." He carefully opened the envelope, pulled out two tickets and broke into a huge grin. "Chris Rock's Tampa show…with backstage passes? Hell yeah! Chris is awesome! Thanks babe." He kissed his wife, then gave her one last hopeful look. "So…no fishing rod?"

Sasha smacked him upside the head and then gave him a small, red bag with the San Francisco 49ers logo on it. He looked inside the bag and withdrew a red box, with the same logo on the lid. He looked back at her, puzzled. "You do know they send me their gear for free, right?" he asked and quickly ducked, narrowly avoiding her hand aiming for his head again.

"How about you open it first before runnin' your big mouth, hmm? How about that?" Sasha scolded.

Laughing, Joe returned his attention to the box. He removed the lid, his laughter evaporating when he found a tiny 49ers jersey with 'DADDY 1' emblazoned on the back, folded neatly next to a red pair of 49ers baby booties. He picked up the jersey, unfolded it, and saw it was infant-sized. It took several seconds for all of it to register in his brain. His head snapped back to a now grinning Sasha, watched her hand smooth over her belly, and he stared at her like his life depended on it, a million different things coursing through his mind and body.

"Sasha…" he whispered, his wide eyes asking her, begging her, to tell him this was not some sort of cruel joke.

Her hand still on her stomach, she nodded, beaming from ear to ear. "That's right. You've knocked me up, big boy."

He gaped at her, floored. Stunned. He had to be dreaming. "Are you being serious right now? You…you're pregnant?" He had to ask. He simply could not wrap his mind around the news.

Biting her lip, she nodded her head again. "I'm about nine weeks along. I only found out last week."

He did the math in his head. Their honeymoon was roughly nine weeks ago. It could have been any one of the many steamy romps they had that week, or the day they christened the house. Temporarily unable to speak, he wrapped her up in a hug, tears stinging his eyes for the umpteenth time tonight. He laid his forehead against hers, his chest heaving with excitement. "And everything's okay?" he questioned, and suddenly he pulled back, his elation melting into trepidation. "How do you feel?"

"I feel good," Sasha nodded. "Well, as good as a pregnant woman can feel. Everything's good so far according to Dr. Sawyer. I had two positive tests, then I went to her and confirmed it. I wanted to surprise you, that's why I didn't tell you right away." She lifted a finger and brushed it over his cheekbone. "I hope that's okay."

"It's perfectly fine, babe." It all made sense to him now. No wonder she'd stayed away from the Mojitos. Actually, if he thought about it, she'd declined alcohol throughout Mania week. She was already working to take care of herself and their child, and the thought caused a rush of affection to wash over him. Suddenly all of tonight's achievements paled in comparison to this. There were no words to describe what he was currently feeling. Sasha was pregnant. She was going to have a baby. Their baby.

In a burst of inspiration, he laid his head on her lap, nuzzling her still-flat belly. "Hi little one. I'm your daddy," he whispered against her stomach. "Your mommy and I have wanted you for so long. We can't wait to see you soon." He looked back up at his wife with eyes as wet as hers. He sat back up and engulfed her in another hug, tears rolling down his cheeks. "This is the best surprise I've ever gotten, baby girl. I love you so much." He couldn't stop kissing her, couldn't stop repeating those three precious words to her, because he'd never meant them as much as he did now. At last, he was going to be a father, with his wife, the woman of his dreams and the perfect mother. Today had to be one of the best days of his life.

Six months later

Today had to be one of the worst days of his life.

Joe had paced the length of the private waiting room at least fifty times. His mind hadn't stopped racing and his heart hadn't stopped pounding, not since he got the phone call from Pam hours ago that Sasha was in labor. She wasn't supposed to be due for another three weeks so this was completely out of the blue, and it had all been one big blur as he rushed like a madman to the airport. Waiting through the hour-long flight delay had been the most nerve-wracking time of his life. Sitting on that plane for the two hours and forty-five minutes it took to get to Tampa from Toronto was just as agonizing. And then he'd finally arrived at the hospital only to be told that Sasha was in surgery, and he was shocked he didn't combust right then and there. The nurse had promised more news later, but nothing so far. This felt like a nightmare, a very cruel rib that he did not find funny at all.

Fed up with waiting, he made his way towards the door. "I'm gonna go find a nurse," he said.

T.K. looked up from his place beside Pam, both of them looking as exhausted as Joe felt. It was well into the night and neither had gotten any sleep. "There's no point," said T.K., "If they had any updates by now they'd tell us."

"I can't just sit here on my ass when I don't know what's going on with my wife! I need to see her!"

"Leati, you need to take a seat and calm down," Patricia said calmly, "Getting mad is not going to help the situation."

"Do as your mother says, son," Sika instructed, gently but firmly enough to make Joe obey. He puffed out a breath, his broad shoulders sagging, before he shuffled towards his father and plopped down in the chair next to him. Sika put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure everything is fine," he said softly, frowning at the look on his son's face. "Sasha is in good hands. And she's a tough girl. You know that."

He wanted to agree with his father. He really did want to believe that it would be alright in the end. But Sasha had endured so much difficulty with this pregnancy, right from day one. All the fears she'd managed to talk herself out of had come rushing back in the space of eight months. And now she was in surgery; only God knew what was going on right now. He could only hope and pray that she made it through. Gosh, she had to make it through. He didn't know what he would do if anything happened to her.

"Daddy?"

He looked to his right and saw Mia settle in the seat next to him. "Hey, little lady." Fuck. He'd almost forgotten about his other girl in all his worry and panic, not taking into consideration how she must be feeling at a time like this. She was still so young, most likely confused about what was going on right now with her mom. "What's up?" He tried to smile, but it looked – and felt – more like a grimace.

Mia shuffled closer and put her arms around him. "Don't be sad, Daddy. Mama's gonna be okay. Don't worry."

He wished he shared her optimism. Regardless, he had to be strong for her and for Sasha, for all of them. He held Mia close, kissing the top of her head. "You're right sweetheart. She's gonna be just fine." If Sasha made it through this – no, not if, when – they were done. No more pregnancies, no more surgeries and pain for her. The buck stopped here. This outcome was far greater than he'd ever hoped for so he had no complaints whatsoever.

Everyone's head popped up when an hour later, the door creaked open and a female Doctor who looked like she just got out of high school walked into the room. "Sasha Anoa'i?" she said, her gaze sweeping over all of them.

Joe leapt to his feet and rushed over. "I'm her husband. How is she? How are they? What happened?" he asked, feeling Patricia coming to stand beside him.

The Doctor looked up again, visibly taken aback by the wrestler's size, but she sobered back up immediately. "I'm Doctor Leary," she said. "First of all, I apologize for keeping you waiting. Luckily I have good news all the way." She smiled. "First off, the babies were born in perfect health. Not unusual for premature births especially when closer to their due dates, but that's always a good sign."

Patricia squealed with delight as Joe shut his eyes in relief. "Thank God. What about my wife?"

The Doctor took a deep breath. "Your wife was in labor for only five hours, and she was not fully dilated when the babies started to arrive. Because of that we had to perform a Caesarean. She lost a considerable amount of blood and lost consciousness in the process. But given her previous history, we were prepared for that and performed the surgery as soon as the babies were delivered. We completed the surgery about an hour ago and we let her sleep without interruption since. It was important that she had that period of undisturbed recovery and monitoring. In another couple of minutes she should wake without any difficulty. The babies have been moved into her room."

"Can I see them?" Joe asked, numb.

Doctor Leary nodded. "You come with me first, and the rest of your family can join you in a few minutes." She extended a hand to him. "Congratulations, Mr. Anoa'i."

Joe shook it firmly, fighting the urge to engulf her in a bear-hug for taking care of his family. "Thank you Doctor." His legs felt like rubber as he followed her out of the waiting room and down the end of a hallway. She pushed open the door to their right and motioned him inside, then shut the door to give them privacy.

He stood frozen, swallowing hard at the sight of his wife. He felt like he hadn't seen her in eternity, when in reality it had only been a few days. He stood there for a minute, staring at her from across the room. She looked small and fragile in the hospital bed, surrounded by pillows and sheets. Her eyes were closed, her head turned to the side and facing him, her chest rising and falling gently as she slept. The baby bump he'd become accustomed to seeing was gone. Joe strode towards the bed, covering the hand resting on her stomach with his and kissing her on the forehead, silently thanking God for getting her through this. He stood back upright, and slowly, cautiously, he crossed the short distance to the spot where a midwife stood, his heart hammering with every step he took.

The midwife smiled at the look on his face, a look she had seen on many a new father. "Here they are," she announced, and then gestured towards two bassinets, one swathed in soft pink, the other in baby blue. "The little lady was born first. I think her brother was feeling chivalrous." Chortling at her own joke, she made Joe wash his hands in the little sink in the corner, then carefully lifted the baby in pink out of its bassinet.

She was so little. He was almost afraid he would break her if he held her, but he sucked it up and allowed the midwife to place her in his arms. The baby was barely as long as his forearm. Sweeping a finger across the full head of dark hair, he held his breath when her eyes cracked open to reveal bright grey pupils that mirrored his own, her tongue darting out of her mouth as she squirmed a little, wiggling the tiniest fingers he'd ever seen. Sniffling softly, his vision grew blurry as he gazed down at the baby boy, sleeping peacefully, and felt an overwhelming surge of pride and love and protectiveness for both of them. His daughter…his little princess. She would grow up to be as beautiful and smart and feisty as her mother. His boy, the man of the house. He would protect his mom and his sisters and back up his older brother. Joe wouldn't be too strict with either of them, neither would he be too lenient, just like he was with Mia. He silently vowed that they would never go through a day doubting his love for them. He would never tire of telling them he loved them more than anything in the entire world.

"That better be the babies crying."

He spun around at the sound of his wife's tired voice. "Nani." In a flash he was by her side, sitting on the edge of the bed and pressing his lips to her temple, relieved to see her awake. "Gosh, I was so worried. How do you feel?"

"Exhausted. Sore as heck. I can barely remember anything," Sasha murmured, struggling to sit upright.

"Careful baby, don't stress yourself," said Joe, a tinge of sadness appearing in his eyes. "I'm so sorry I missed the birth. I tried to get here sooner but-"

"You've got nothing to be sorry for. You're here now. I can't believe you even managed to make it all the way from Toronto at such short notice. And I tried to hold on, but them two had no patience." Her lips lifted in a subdued version of her usually glowing smile as she caught sight of the little bundle in Joe's arms.

Joe followed her gaze and smiled. "Someone wants to say hi to their mommy," he stated.

Sasha extended her arms for him to gently place the baby girl in, her breath taken away the second she laid eyes on her. "Hey, sweetie," she crooned, gently rocking the baby back and forth. "Have they got your eyes?" she asked him.

"Princess does. Our boy hasn't woken up yet so I can't tell." He went for the second bassinet, carefully picking up the boy and returning to Sasha's bed. Sasha's heart swelled with love as Joe tenderly caressed their new son's little face with his finger. He looked back at her, tears streaming freely down his cheeks.

"They're beautiful," he whispered, leaning down to press kiss after kiss to her lips. "They're so beautiful Sash, so perfect. Thank you. Thank you so much." His tears flowed unabashedly as he rested his head against hers. He was so proud of his girl, so in awe of her strength. He was more in love with her than ever, if that was even possible.

Sasha tried to respond but couldn't. All she could do was kiss him and cry with him and stare in awe at the two lives they'd created together, lives they would cherish and protect until their last breaths. Neither of them would forget this day as long as they lived.

Fifteen years later, Hall of Fame night, WrestleMania

I swear to God these kids will be the death of me. Sasha puffed out another breath and smacked the door out of her way. "Y'all better be dressed or I'ma put a whoopin' on somebody! Try me!" she announced.

"Mama relax. We're ready," Mia said, focusing on the mirror as she finished with her makeup, her fifteen-year-old sister Giselle doing the same beside her. Sasha walked up behind her younger daughter. "Y'all ain't ready nothing. Giselle's dress isn't zipped properly," she said, dragging the zipper up the light blue dress. "And I thought your hair was going up."

"I changed my mind," said Giselle, sweeping her long dark hair over her shoulder. "This style fits my outfit better."

Mia put her lipstick away and stood upright, facing her fidgety mother. "Ooh Mama, you look beautiful," she observed, brushing down her eccentric purple dress, which matched her purple lipstick perfectly. "Why you so nervous? You've been fussy all day. You're fussy when you're nervous."

Of course, her children knew her well. Sasha glanced down at herself and sighed. "It's your daddy's big night. I just want everything to be perfect."

"Everything's gonna be fine, Mama. You're just being all OCD again," said Giselle, her grey eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Giselle Maeva Anoa'i, don't make me pop you upside your head," Sasha warned.

"Gigi is Ma threatening you again?" T.K. laughed, walking into the suite with his four-year-old son Zeke perched on his hip. Behind them, Joe and Giselle's twin brother Micah, strolled in, all four males looking very dapper in their dark suits. But there was one problem, in Sasha's mind at least. "Micah, that wasn't the tie I picked out for you."

The teenager, almost as tall as his father, shrugged, fiddling with his navy blue tie. "I preferred a darker color. I'm old enough now Ma, I can dress myself."

"Relax, it's just a tie," Joe said, knowing how his wife could get.

Sasha glanced at T.K., noticed the similar blue tie under his neck, and rolled her eyes. Micah probably switched his tie because T.K.'s was blue as well. She wasn't surprised. For as long as she could remember, Micah always wanted to do whatever Tyson was doing. He worshipped the ground his older brother walked on, even more so than his father.

T.K. distracted Sasha by kissing her cheek and then cajoling Zeke to do the same. It worked, as Sasha instantly brightened, taking her grandson and raining kisses all over his face. "Look at my handsome Zekey Boy," she cooed, and Zeke squealed and returned every kiss, basking in his grandmother's affection.

"Angie had to go check on her folks so I thought me and the little man would come hang out here," T.K. said, looking at his sisters. "Y'all better hurry up. Last year we arrived late because of you."

"Don't you start, Ty. We're ready," Mia retorted, waving her arms. "Gather round guys, we can't leave without taking some pictures." She handed Sasha's camera to her. "Here, Mama. You're the pro."

For the next ten minutes it was all about flashing cameras and clicking phones and poses. Sasha took pictures of Joe with each of the kids, then a group photo with all of them, and then with Joe and the twins together. Both looked so much like their father. The grey eyes, lustrous hair and similar athletic frames all came from him. The only features that gave away Sasha's contribution was their skin tone, darker than their father's but lighter than hers, and Giselle already had a desirable figure like her mother's; hips, backside and all. The teenager wasn't short of suitors, but most kept their distance mainly because of her intimidating dad. As it stood, she had eyes for Titus O'Neil's youngest son, Titus Jr. Knowing her indecisive daughter, Sasha knew that would probably change by tomorrow morning.

"Gigi how do I look? Do I look gangsta? Like I'm from the 'hood?" Micah was asking his twin sister, flicking up his collar and making what he thought were cool faces for the camera.

Sasha promptly snorted and gave him the stank eye. "Pipe your privileged ass down, boy. You wouldn't know 'hood if it hit you on the head with a sledgehammer."

T.K. burst out laughing at the comment, then spread out his arms in an exhibitive manner when it was time for his solo shot. "Take a good look, ladies. It's not every day you see the great Gin Malone in a suit."

"No offense baby, but Roman Reigns will always look better than Gin Malone in a suit," Sasha stated, winking at her husband, who winked right back.

"Appreciate that, babe." Joe came closer to Sasha, frowning when T.K., Mia and the twins instantly groaned and began making gagging noises at their parents, causing him to roll his eyes. "Alright, alright, get outta here," he griped, shooing them away, "We'll meet you outside in a sec."

"No funny business you two, we got somewhere to be," Giselle, the mouthy one in the family, spoke up.

"Out!"

Sasha watched with a laugh as they all filed out one by one. As soon as the door shut, Joe pulled her against his body and kissed her passionately, taking her by surprise. But it quickly faded away and she returned the kiss, gripping his shoulders to keep him close. She felt his hand on her bare back, his fingers pushing into her skin. A soft sound escaped her throat when he deepened the kiss and his other hand slipped down to squeeze her backside generously. Even after all these years, his kisses still made her heart flutter. He could still turn her into putty in his very capable hands. When they broke apart, she was certain she was still standing only because he was holding her. She looked up at his face and broke into a fit of giggles. "You got lipstick all over you, handsome," she said, finding a wet wipe for his mouth.

"Sorry. I've been dying to kiss you all day," Joe murmured, stepping back to drink in her appearance. "Damn, you look good enough to eat, nani," he remarked. Her long-sleeved white fishtail gown covered up all of her front but revealed most of her back, tastefully mixing sexy with elegant and age-appropriate. She was fifty-two years old and Joe still thought she was the sexiest woman ever.

Sasha rubbed his bicep and smiled. "You look so good, Daddy. I love the all-black on you."

"It's a throwback to our very first Slammy Awards," he grinned. "All the way back in 2013. I think the fans will remember when they see us tonight."

"They're wrestling fans, they never forget anything." She double-checked the knot on his black tie and then looked up. "Still miss your hair?" she asked him.

Joe patted the top of his shorn head and shrugged. "Not really. I'm kinda used to the short cut now."

"Once upon a time your hair was longer and way prettier than mine. I'm glad it's gone," she said jokingly.

"Liar. You loved touching it and pulling on it," he winked.

"I did. Got your speech locked down?"

"I think so. I'm not as nervous as I thought I'd feel. That's all you. You get nervous enough for both of us," he quipped.

She sighed. "I just want tonight to be perfect for you."

"It's perfect already. I got my girl and my babies here with me." He took a deep breath, his expression puzzled. "Damn. I'm a Hall of Famer, Sash. Just like my pops. That's fuckin' weird."

Sasha smiled encouragingly. "That's fuckin' awesome, cuz you deserve it. You busted your ass all those years and it's about damn time you were recognized if you asked me. And don't forget. I told you it would happen."

And he remembered; her gentle whisper in his ear all those years ago, a prophecy that would come to fruition in a mere couple of hours. "You did."

"Mm-hmm. Now you know what you need to do tonight," she said, grinning when he rolled his eyes. "Come on Daddy, you know the drill. Tell me."

The Samoan saw the twinkle in his wife's eye as she waited for him to repeat the words they'd pepped each other up with for so many years. "Be safe, have fun…and just kill it."

"Exactly." Patting his chest, Sasha took a step back. "You look amazing, baby. I can't wait to see you and the guys up on that stage tonight."

"Yeah, it's gonna be fun. You are absolutely breathtaking, baby girl." He kissed her lips once more and laced his fingers through hers. "Let's go. I wanna show you off in this sexy dress."

The Hall of Fame red carpet was as star-studded as ever. Sasha had been to so many of these things she now knew what to expect. She watched T.K. walk down with his wife of six years Angelia, a former WWE Diva who wrestled as Jada, and their son Zeke. Now thirty-five, Ty was enjoying his ninth year in the WWE as Gin Malone, his sixth on the main roster, and was scheduled to turn heel tomorrow night by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to win the WWE title for the second time. Twenty-six-year old Mia was a big-time commercial dancer and choreographer, and had her own professional dance studio in Los Angeles called MMA, named after herself, Mia Morgan Anoa'i. Giselle walked down the red carpet arm-in-arm with her best friend, Pam and Elgin's daughter, Imani, who was now seventeen. Imani's little sister, eleven-year-old Sasha, trailed behind them. Family and friends were out in full force tonight as The Shield was to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Jon, Colby and Joe dressed in matching all-black suits as they prepared to cement their legendary status. Over the years the group reunited a number of times, though all three members had stellar individual careers. Joe retired from wrestling years ago and was now making movies, following in Dwayne's footsteps. To know his contribution was not forgotten by the WWE was heartwarming to Sasha.

Sitting in the front row, surrounded by their children, their daughter-in-law and their grandson, she watched with pride and joy as the boys' close friend, Joey Mercury inducted The Shield into the Hall of Fame. The speeches were brilliant, with Jon cracking one joke after the other, but sobering up to thank his girlfriend Jules, Colby paying tribute to his wife Katie and their two daughters Kendra and Rita. Sasha had managed to keep it together so far, but all of that changed when Joe segued from his wrestling stories into the thank you's.

"You know, there's so many more people that helped me get to where I am today. But I wouldn't be standing here today without the love and support of my family. I'd like to thank my mom and my dad…God rest his soul…I want to thank my brother and my sisters for setting me straight all those years and keeping my hyperactive butt in check." The room rippled with laughter. "And last but not least…I wanna thank my wife." He looked down to his right, at the very front where his three girls sat, Sasha in the middle, with Mia and Giselle flanking either side of her, fingers intertwined. Holding Sasha's gaze, determined not to break down, he powered through the rest of his tribute.

"Ku'u nani. My queen. Thank you for sticking by me all these years. Thank you for our beautiful children and for everything we've shared together. Words cannot describe what you mean to me. Tonight on this special night, we celebrate our love. I love you baby girl, always and forever."

Ugh, damn him for making her cry like this. Tears blurred her vision as she blew him a kiss. Mia and Giselle nudged her playfully, flashing teasing smiles as applause rained all around them. She soaked it all in on Joe's behalf. It had been a long, tough road for him, and he deserved all the adulation. Tonight, she was the proudest wife in the building, possibly the proudest wife in the world.

Hours later, as the night began to age, Sasha stood at the balcony of their hotel suite, her slender hands closed around the railing. The stars littered the vast blanket of darkness above. She could hear laughter from inside the suite next door, where her children were gathered, still energetic from the sound of things. It had been a long, fun day, and there was still tomorrow to think about. It was T.K.'s fifth WrestleMania. She remembered him signing his developmental deal like it was yesterday. Hell, she could still remember attending her first WrestleMania and her first Hall of Fame ceremony when she and Joe were still dating, and it turned out to be the first of many. Gosh, where had time gone?

"Hey beautiful. What'chu doin' out here all by yourself?"

She turned just in time to see her husband step through the sliding glass door onto the balcony, smiling as he approached her. He'd discarded his suit jacket and tie, and his black dress shirt had the first few buttons open, giving her a glimpse of the tattoo on his chest. "You okay?" he quizzed.

She nodded. "I'm good, Daddy. Was just thinking about stuff." Her eyes scanned his gorgeous features, locking on his smoldering grey eyes. "Damn near twenty years together and you still look at me like that," she said.

"Like how?"

"Like I'm the only woman in the world."

Joe smiled. That was a no-brainer. "For me, you are the only woman in the world. Always will be. Twirl for me, baby." He lifted her hand in the air, pleased that she obliged him. "Mm-hmm. Still as beautiful as the first time we met."

"And you are still as handsome, my king," she replied, gesturing towards his hand. "Nice ring."

Joe held up his right hand, where his Hall of Fame ring wrapped snugly around his fourth finger. "Thanks. I love it. It looks good. But I think I like this one better." Flashing his trademark sweet smile, he raised his left hand, showing off the white-gold wedding band Sasha herself had placed on his finger so many years ago.

Sasha giggled. "I'm a little biased, but I gotta agree with you on that one," she remarked as he reached for her, circling his arms around her waist and holding her close. Her head laid on his chest, the two of them basking in the cool open air and each other's company. His brows furrowed at the way she held him a bit tighter than normal. And then he heard a sob. Puzzled, he looked down at her. "Nani?"

He got only a sniff in response. Concerned, he gently tilted her chin up to meet his eyes. "Hey. What's wrong?"

Shaking her head, she wiped her face with the edge of her hand. "I just…I wish your dad was here." She kept her head on his chest, her voice raspy with sorrow as she spoke. "I wish Pam was here."

It was like a hit to the gut. It always was. A lump rose in his throat. His father had passed on from natural causes seven years ago. About a year after that, Pam lost her short but valiant fight with breast cancer. Joe pursed his lips grimly as he recalled that fateful day. Losing Pam had devastated everyone but Sasha was hit the hardest. He'd watched helplessly as she shut down physically and emotionally, and it was the toughest thing he'd ever witnessed. Over a year went by before she started to resemble his wife again. He never wanted to go through that again. To honor her best friend and her first mother figure, Sasha, along with Elgin, set up and was now running the Pam & Irene Foundation, a non-profit organization for breast cancer research, and had recently partnered up with the WWE. Joe knew Sasha's active involvement in the organization was her own little way of coping with Pam's passing. Deep down, they were both still grieving. Pam had had such a huge impact in both their lives and it was a loss they were still struggling to recover from. "So do I, sweetheart. So do I," he murmured, his lips brushing her hair.

"I know they're both so proud of you right now," said Sasha. "Sika was always so proud of you. Always bragged about you main-eventing shows. And Pam always referred to you as her brother-in-law, even when we were just dating."

Joe managed a short laugh, trying not to get emotional. He missed the hell out of both of them. It warmed his heart to know how supportive Pam had been of his relationship with her best friend, how he always had his father's blessing and support, most especially when it came to marrying his wife. "Remember how we met, all those years ago?" he asked, switching to happier subjects.

A chuckle escaped Sasha's lips at the memory. "When you nearly ran me over with your big-ass self in that grocery store? How could I ever forget?" she smirked.

He groaned. "It was an accident!"

"Right." She rolled her eyes playfully. "I still have the napkin you wrote your phone number on."

He looked at her in surprise. "I didn't know that."

She smiled. "Uh huh. It reminds me of how scared I was, not knowing what to expect. Not knowing what this good-looking, younger guy was about. But I overcame that fear by making that call and now I know what he's all about." She stared at him with a smile so tender that his heart leapt. "He's the most incredible person I've ever met, and he's the most amazing husband and father. I love every bit of him and I'm so proud to be his wife."

Joe's face softened. "You don't know how good I feel when you say stuff like that."

"It's true. Making that phone call was the best decision I ever made. I mean that."

"I'm super glad you did. I loved getting to know you. Still do. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, baby."

At this, Sasha's face crumpled, more tears rolling down her face as he caressed her cheek. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that her life would turn out like this. She'd dived into the deep end, taken a big risk with her heart, and it had paid off in a huge way. She found passionate, unconditional, life-altering love with the man of her dreams, and could now boast of a marriage and a relationship that was still going strong nearly twenty years on. Things hadn't always been easy, not at all. But they always found ways to make it through and that was what was important. "Thank you."

The Samoan frowned. "For what?"

"For loving me so much. For trusting me with your heart, with your family, your future. For putting up with me."

He gripped her chin between his thumb and forefinger. "I meant every word I said tonight. Thank you for loving me through all these years and for never giving up on me. You're the only one for me, Sasha. I really hope you know that."

Sasha nodded her head. "I know that because every day, you show me. And I believe you every time. And I will never give up on you," she vowed. "I'll always be there for you, my love. Always."

His eyes flared intensely, entranced by her beautiful words. Framing her face in his large hands, he bent down and brushed his lips against hers. Sasha's arms wound around his neck, cupping the back of his head as they kissed long and slow and deep, conveying every emotion they felt into the embrace. Their foreheads rested against the other's as she ran her fingers down his cheek, her heart soaring when he turned his head to press his lips to the rings on her finger.

"Always and forever," he whispered.

"Always and forever," she repeated, barely able to get the words out through the overwhelming happiness engulfing her.

With one final quick kiss, he wound a muscled arm around her shoulders. "Come on, let's head back inside and go save the kids from T.K.'s bad jokes," he said. "It's gonna rub off on Zeke if we're not careful."

"I think we might be a little too late for that. You didn't hear the atrocious joke he cracked at Axxess earlier today," Sasha laughed, leaning into her husband as he led her back into their suite to rejoin their family, shutting the glass door and closing them off from the rest of the world.

A moment like this, some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this, some people search forever
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this

THE END.

*drops pen*

And that's it.

This has been such a fantastic journey. I am so happy at the way it's turned out. Thank you all SO much for showing ITDE so much love and support. I looked back at the first batch of reviews and some of you have followed this story literally from the beginning and never stopped reviewing. I am truly grateful. For all the follows, the favorites, the feedback, the PMs, I thank you all.

I regret to inform you that there won't be a sequel. I think I exhausted every scenario in this story and literally have nothing to offer for a possible follow up. That might change but as it stands it looks highly unlikely. There's really nothing left and I don't want to get anyone's hopes up. However, I am considering a one-shot of their honeymoon, and another undisclosed one-shot that's rattling around in my brain. If anyone would like to see those in the near future, kindly let me know in your review. Would love it if I finished ITDE off with 1,300 reviews. ;-)

Thank you so much my loves! You're all awesome.

Lyrics from 'A Moment Like This' – Leona Lewis version.