85
Two weeks later…
The drama had subsided, and the media had moved on to their next big story. Candy had invited her mother and father to move into her home soon after the night in the Everglades. Sophie was still seeing a therapist but had made a tremendous turn around having her family back together. Family therapy seemed to help, as well. She was talking regularly and seemed to be finally coping with her past. It would be a long road to recovery, but Sophie and her family were safe now.
Matteo made good on his promise and helped clear Kevin’s record. With Sophie and Candy’s testimony, it was proven they were abducted by James. Sophie had given the FBI enough information to help many other women and bring down several trafficking and drug rings.
Slade had almost had a setback in his sobriety, but with Gage’s help, he pushed past the urge to use. He had to stay sober for Candy, and it was enough to help him get by.
Davis allowed them to take a break for a few weeks from the show. Along with Gage and Isis, he sent them on a mini-vacation to his summer home in Martha’s Vineyard. Some quiet time they need as a group to heal from the trauma they had witnessed.
Slade and Candy walked down the beach hand in hand, admiring the view from the lighthouse cove. The warm morning sun beating down and a cool, crisp breeze blew from the ocean gave a sense of peace.
“It’s beautiful here.” Candy hugged Slade’s bicep as they walked.
“It is. It was nice of Davis to allow us to use his beach house to get away for a few days.”
Candy giggled. “He treats us all like his own kids.”
“Yeah. He’s a good man. He has always treated IWX like his extended family. Even the stage crew love him.”
“Slade, are you all right? I know you’re stressed, and I’m worried about the re-match with Gage. You can’t go in that cage and not be one hundred percent. Cage matches are emotionally and physically draining.”
“I’ll be fine. I have been talking to my AA sponsor a lot and my therapist. Shooting James was hard, but I would have done anything to save you. You’re my world, Candy.” He kissed her temple. “I’d be much worse if I didn’t have you in my life.”
Candy stopped and wrapped her arms around his waist, looking into his loving eyes. “And you’re mine. You’re my hero, but not only because of that night. You saved me from closing myself off from the world as my mother did. As annoying as our fights were, they kept me from shutting down after my brother’s death. In a crazy way, it helped me.”
Slade chuckled. “So, fighting with me helped you heal?”
“Guess so. I could have just shut down. Bugging the crap out of you gave me something else to focus on.”
“We don’t fight now.”
“No. We have tons of kinky sex and it is something different to focus on, Jungle Dick,” she teased.
Slade looked up at the clouds and smirked. “I hate that nickname. I’m going to get Isis back for that.”
“You love it. Every guy would brag if they carried that thing around.”
Slade shook his head. “I never cared about that stuff.”
“Of course not. You already have it. Most guys just pretend to.”
Slade smiled with a proud grin. “I know what to do with it too.”
“Damn right you do.” Candy got on her tiptoes and kissed him with a peck.
“And tonight, I’m going to remind you of that. Gage is taking Isis out on Davis’ yacht overnight, so we have the house to ourselves. I have a surprise for you.”
“I love surprises!” Candy beamed.
Slade nuzzled her nose with his. “You are going to love this one. Get ready, woman, because I am going to romance you like nothing you’ve ever seen.”
Candy winced, saying, “That wouldn’t be hard.”
“Why?”
“I dated losers, Slade. You are the most romantic man I have ever met. You always know how to make me feel special.” Candy rested her head on his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breathing.
“I always will, Sprinkles.”
***
Gage entered the kitchen as Slade was getting everything ready for the evening. He went over and popped a piece of sushi in his mouth, and Slade slapped his hand away.
“Stop it! I don’t want to have to make more.”
“Who knew you could cook, Martha Stewart.”
“Hush. I can do more than kick your ass in the ring. My mom was a chef, and I always liked to cook, too. I took classes before I started wrestling. It was my Plan B. I might even open my own restaurant one day.”
Gage sat down at the island, grabbing a sushi roll while eating. “I didn’t know that.”
Slade huffed. “Fine, eat it. I’ll make more.”
“It’s pretty cool you can do this for her. Mmm… this is delicious. So, have you asked her yet?”
Slade rolled his eyes. “Colt can’t keep a secret for shit. I’m going to pop the question tonight.”
“Good. Candy deserves to be happy. Slade, you’re a good man. I know you went through a wild stage, but you just needed time to grow up. I’m proud of how well you’ve dealt with things since everything in Florida.”
Slade looked up for the food preparation. “I thought I was going to use again. For the first time in years, I didn’t need it to cope.”
“I’m glad. You can do this, brother.” Gage popped the last piece of sushi into his mouth.
“The girls will be back soon. Do you need some help?”
“Sure. Could you set the table? I have candles in that bag over there.”
Gage smiled, thinking about Isis. “Isis does stuff like this. You know she is the only person who has ever done anything for me without wanting something in return. Except for my close friends and family.”
Slade nodded. “Yep. And we all see it. Isis is good for you, Gage.”
“I want you to be my best man at the wedding.”
Slade looked up from the food in surprise. “Really? I’d be honored, but isn’t Cyrus your best friend?”
“Actually, I asked him too. We’ve been through a lot together over the years. I’d mean a lot if you did. With you and Cyrus in charge, I know there won’t be any strippers and too much drinking. Cyrus is Mr. straight and narrow.” Gage chuckled.
“You just don’t want to hurt Isis’ feelings if those girls are all over you again. Smart man. Isis would kill you if we had strippers at the bachelor party. She might be submissive, but that girl is scary when she’s mad. Are you afraid one of the other guys would do the crazy bachelor party gig? We all know that’s not your scene.”
“I just trust you, and you're one of my best friends. I think I have done enough of that playboy bachelor thing in the past. I hurt her too many times and don’t want that at my bachelor party.”
Slade nodded. “I’ll make it fun. You don’t have to worry. I got your back.”
“Great. I’ll help you get ready for tonight.”
***
Isis and Candy were getting their nails done in the spa. Gage had sent them away for the day to relax while the men prepared for their individual nights out.
“I think Slade is up to something,” Candy blurted out. “He’s been really quiet the last couple of days. Do you think he’s going to break up with me? He says tonight is going to be special, but I think he’s just doing it out of pity.”
Isis rolled her eyes with an annoyed grunt. “Seriously? You’re joking, right? That man is head over heels in love with you. It’s almost nauseating how much he fusses over you.”
“I just love him so much. I’m afraid I’m being too clingy, and he’ll get sick of me.”
Isis looked at the nail tech and then down at her nails resting in a water bath. The nail tech giggled with a nod. With permission from the tech, Isis flipped water over Candy’s face.
“Hey!”
“Stop being stupid. Do you think Gage and Slade would plan separate romantic evenings for us tonight if they didn’t care? Gage would park them in front of the TV watching some ball game or crappy movie if they didn’t have something special in mind.”
“Fine.” Candy bit her lip. “Isis. I think… Oh my gosh...,” she said with a sigh, covering her face. “I’m… pregnant.”
Isis’s head whipped around as if Candy had slapped her in the face. “What? How? I mean… I know how… but when?”
“I’m late. We have a lot of sex. Twice we got caught up in the moment and used nothing to prevent it.” Candy looked terrified. “We’ve been so busy with work, I didn’t have time to see the doctor get on the pill.”
“Have you told him?”
“No. I was going to tell him tonight. I’m afraid he won’t want the baby and break up with me.”
Isis put her hand up to tell the nail tech to stop. She turned to Candy and spun the rolling chair around for Candy to face her.
She looked infuriated, snapping, “You listen, and you listen good, missy! Slade Logan loves you. He also loves kids more than any guy I have ever known. Did you know that? He talks about how he wants kids all the time. Now stop being so paranoid and realize that you’re meant for each other! Now, you are going to enjoy tonight and tell that man how much you love him. Then tell him you might have a child together. Got it!”
Candy’s mouth dropped open. In all the time she knew Isis, she had never seen her get bossy with anyone. Even when she was bickering with Gage.
“Okay. Jeez,” Candy cowered down. “Are you going to have Gage spank me?”
Isis started laughing. “If you don’t stop acting like a little brat, I will. Seriously, Candy. He loves you. Don’t be scared. If you are pregnant, I’ll be right by your side. Besties for life,” Isis hummed while reaching to hug her.
“Thanks, Isis. You’re the best. I’m not sure yet. I just missed my period last week. It may be stress.” Candy turned back to finish her nails. “If I am, what about work? Do you think Davis will make me take leave?”
“You can still do promos and backstage work for a while.”
“I guess. There is an opening for a new general manager at the show. That would be cool. I guess I won’t get my chance at the belt if I am pregnant.”
Isis smirked. “Too bad. Guess I’ll just have to keep it then.”
Candy shook her head and giggled. “Smartass.”
“No matter what, I believe Slade will support you.”
Candy smiled with a loving glow. “Somehow, I think you’re right.”
