Epilogue

The first few months of the new year passed in a blur, but for Erica and Joshua, each day felt like the start of something new. Their connection, which had once been tentative and undefined, had blossomed into something strong and steady. With each passing week, they grew closer, their bond deepening as they navigated life—both in the WWE world and outside of it—together.

For Erica, it was a new kind of stability. She had always prided herself on being independent, on keeping her emotions at arm's length. But Joshua had a way of making her feel seen, heard, and safe in a way no one ever had before. There was something grounding in his presence, something that made her realize that love wasn't about finding someone to complete you—it was about finding someone who could walk beside you and support you through all the highs and lows that life inevitably threw your way.

As for Joshua, he had spent years rolling with the tides of life, never quite expecting to find someone who truly understood him. His relationship with Erica had always felt like fate, something that had been quietly building long before they had even realized it. With her, he didn't feel the pressure to hide behind a façade or put on a brave face. She accepted him for who he was—flaws, scars, and all—and in return, he gave her his full heart. The intimacy they shared wasn't just physical; it was emotional, too. It was a safe space where they both felt comfortable being vulnerable.

The WWE world had continued its usual hustle, with Erica working backstage as a journalist, interviewing superstars, and helping with events. She had even stepped in a few times to do some commentary, something she'd never thought she'd enjoy until Joshua encouraged her to try.

Joshua, on the other hand, had maintained his role as a top superstar, his schedule as packed as ever. But despite the craziness of their careers, they always found time for each other. Whether it was late-night dinners, long drives to escape the hustle, or quiet weekends spent at home, they made sure to nurture their relationship.

One afternoon, after an event in Chicago, Joshua picked Erica up from the airport, the excitement of seeing her radiating in his eyes. As they headed back to his place, he couldn't help but smile to himself.

"You know," Joshua began, glancing over at her as they drove through the busy city streets, "I've been thinking about this whole... us thing."

Erica raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her face. "Oh really? What about it?"

Joshua chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, it's just... it feels right, you know? Like, I used to be so caught up in the next match, the next goal, the next thing, but now, I'm realizing that the thing I've been missing is right here. With you."

Her heart warmed at his words, and she leaned over to gently squeeze his hand. "I've been thinking the same thing. It's like everything I've been doing—everything I've been searching for—has led me to this. And honestly, I wouldn't trade this for anything."

Joshua turned onto a quieter street and pulled into a parking spot near a park, stopping the car. He took a deep breath, looking at her with such warmth and certainty that Erica couldn't help but wonder if this was the moment he had been waiting for.

"I've got a question for you," he said, his voice a little more serious than usual.

Erica's heart skipped a beat. "Okay... shoot."

Joshua smiled, his gaze never leaving hers. "What do you think about making this official? I mean, really official. Like, moving forward, together. For real."

Her eyes widened as she processed his words. "Are you—" She stopped herself, her breath catching in her throat. "Are you asking me to be with you? Like, all in?"

Joshua nodded, his expression filled with an earnestness that made Erica's heart swell. "Yeah. I've never been more sure of anything in my life, Erica. I want you with me. For the long haul. Whatever comes next."

A rush of emotion flooded through Erica. For so long, she had been waiting for a sign, for a moment that would let her know that it was okay to take that leap. But now, as she sat there, looking at Joshua, the decision felt clear. She didn't need any more time to think.

"Absolutely," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Yes. I want that too."

Joshua's face broke into a grin, and before she could even process what was happening, he pulled her into a warm embrace. She laughed softly, wrapping her arms around him, feeling his heartbeat against hers.

"We're doing this, huh?" Erica said with a smile, pulling back just enough to look into his eyes. "For real?"

"For real," he confirmed, his voice steady but full of joy. "Together."

And with that, the world around them seemed to fade away. The future was uncertain, as it always is, but for the first time in a long while, Erica felt like she was standing on solid ground. She wasn't alone anymore. And that made all the difference.

A few months later, WWE's annual SummerSlam event arrived, and with it came another milestone for both Erica and Joshua. For the first time since they had officially started dating, they both found themselves in front of the cameras—together.

It was an unusual situation: Erica, as always, was working as a backstage journalist, interviewing superstars and managing live production. Joshua was, of course, part of the event, preparing for his big match. But this time, things were different. They weren't just two colleagues working side by side; they were partners. And as the cameras captured Erica interviewing Joshua before his match, the connection between them was undeniable.

"Tonight's a big night for you, Jey," Erica said, her usual professional tone laced with warmth as she stood in front of him. "You've had a long road to get here. How are you feeling?"

Joshua's grin widened, a glint of pride in his eyes as he spoke. "I've got a lot of people to prove myself to, but the most important thing I've learned is that it's not about proving something to others. It's about proving something to yourself. And tonight? Tonight is about showing everyone that I'm ready for whatever's next."

Erica gave him a knowing smile. "Well, we're all looking forward to seeing what you've got. But I think we all know that no matter what happens out there, you've already won in a lot of ways."

Joshua's eyes softened as he looked at her, the connection between them clear to anyone who was watching. "Thanks, Erica. But honestly? The real win is having you by my side. That's the one thing I never want to take for granted."

Erica's heart fluttered as the cameras faded to another segment, and the interview wrapped up. For a moment, the world around them seemed to disappear. All that mattered was this moment, this connection, and the future they were building together.

As Joshua made his way to the ring, Erica stood backstage, her heart filled with pride—not just for him, but for everything they had built. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever obstacles they faced, she knew they would face them together.

In the end, that was what mattered most.

Love wasn't about timing, perfection, or grand gestures. It was about showing up, day after day, and being there for each other in all the ways that counted. And as the crowd roared and the lights of SummerSlam shined brightly above, Erica knew one thing for certain: this was just the beginning.

Together, they were ready to take on whatever came next.