Chapter Eight
A Season of New Beginnings

November had been one of the best months of my life. It was a month that brought me deeper into the warmth of Cardi's world and let me share moments with her that felt like the start of something bigger.

But now December had come, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this month was going to be even better. Things were getting serious between Cardi and me, and there was a stability to our relationship that I hadn't realized we'd been craving until it was here.

I glanced over at her as she snuggled into my chest, her dark curls spread across the pillow like a halo. We were in the bedroom, wrapped up in each other as I spoke about the upcoming events on my WWE schedule.

The sound of the television from the living room mixed with the faint crackle of the fireplace. It was a comforting noise, a simple reminder that we were finally at a place where we could be open about what we had.

No more sneaking around, no more hidden dinners or late-night phone calls. Now, we were real, and we were together, not just in private but out in the world, where everyone could see. It was everything I'd hoped for, and more.

But there were still the challenges, like Cardi's ongoing divorce from her soon-to-be ex-husband, Kiari. He was making things difficult for her, trying to drag out the process and stir up drama whenever he could.

But Cardi? She wasn't having it. I knew her, and I knew that once she made up her mind about something, there was no stopping her.

And she was determined to be free, not just from Kiari but from everything that had kept her from living her best life. And I wanted to be the reason she could finally feel free and happy.

"Did you hear what I said about the schedule?" I asked, running my fingers through Cardi's hair. She looked up at me, those brown eyes filled with a mix of playfulness and exhaustion.

"I did, babe. You're wrestling three nights in a row? That's intense. But you're gonna crush it," she said, a grin breaking across her face as she leaned up to kiss my jaw.

My heart swelled at the thought of her support. There was nothing better than having someone like her in my corner, cheering me on, even when the schedule was relentless.

"I'm just glad we get to come home to each other after it all," I said, pressing my hand against her back. "It's different now. It's... real."

"Yeah, it is," Cardi said. Her smile softened, and she settled back into the crook of my arm. I could hear her breathing slow, the sound so familiar and comforting that I could've stayed like that forever.

A sudden knock on the door pulled me from the moment. I already knew who it was at the door. Hennessey. She has a distinctive knock. I didn't want to move; I just wanted to stay here, just the two of us, wrapped up in our own little world.

But I knew Hennessy was waiting on the other side, probably with something important or, more likely, something funny to say.

"Come in!" I called out, my voice echoing softly in the room. The door creaked open, and Hennessy stepped in, arms folded across her chest as she looked at us with a raised eyebrow. "Get ya asses up and come watch these kids of yours. Jeyce got Wave hyped off candy so he's crashing out," she said, a teasing grin on her face.

I sighed, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "I told him to stop giving him candy. The kid's got enough energy on his own without the extra sugar."

Cardi chuckled, rolling her eyes as she reached up to run her fingers over my chest. "You know Wave got Jeyce wrapped around his finger," she said.

I knew she was right. If there was one thing I learned about Cardi's son Wave, it was that he had a way of getting what he wanted. A smile stretched across my face as I thought about him. Even now, he was probably in the living room, eyes drooping and little body half-collapsed on the couch, still clutching the remnants of whatever candy my son Jeyce had given him.

"You're gonna go find him and help get him settled?" I asked, my voice a little more serious. The last thing we needed was for him to wake up all wired and cranky.

"Yeah, yeah. I got him," Hennessy said with a wink. "But for real, you two better get up and check on your kids before they turn the whole house upside down."

"I'll be out in a minute," Cardi called out, already reaching for the blanket to pull it over her shoulder. Hennessy left the room, leaving us to share a few more moments before we had to jump back into reality.

As soon as the door shut, Cardi looked up at me, her eyes full of warmth. "I'm glad we're doing this, Joshua. I'm glad I have you."

"Me too," I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "And I'm not going anywhere."

We shared a kiss that spoke louder than words. A promise. A hope. It was everything we needed and more.

I knew the next few weeks would be a flurry of planning and preparation. Thanksgiving had been a big deal for both of us, with our families coming over to our place.

It was the first time most of Cardi's and my families had met, and seeing them all together felt like the first chapter of something big. There were hugs and laughter and more food than anyone could reasonably eat, but it was perfect.

Now, Christmas was coming, and Cardi wanted to make it even bigger. The thought of another holiday surrounded by friends and family made me smile. I'd never been big on the holiday season before, but this year felt different. It felt like it was meant to be.

"Okay, so for Christmas," Cardi said, laying out a stack of papers with notes and lists. "We need to figure out what kind of food we're doing. I was thinking of getting a caterer, but I also want to have a little potluck situation so everyone can contribute. Like, a real family vibe. You're cool with that, right?"

I nodded, amused at her enthusiasm. She was always full of ideas, big and small. And I loved it. "Sounds perfect. And what about New Year's Eve? Are you sure you want to throw a party?"

"Absolutely. It'll be the best way to start the year. We deserve it, you know? It's been a wild year for both of us, but we made it. And we're stronger for it," Cardi said, her voice steady and full of confidence.

"Let's do it," I said, a grin spreading across my face.

I couldn't help but think about how lucky I was to be by her side as we planned our lives. There were challenges, sure. The divorce was one of them. But she was unyielding. She had faced so much, and yet here she was, ready to create new traditions and start fresh.

I glanced down at the notes, already picturing how it would all come together. The laughter, the music, the endless flow of food and drinks, and the joy of bringing in the new year surrounded by people who mattered most. I couldn't wait.

"Joshua, you're daydreaming again," Cardi teased, poking me lightly in the ribs. I laughed and pulled her into a hug, holding her close.

"Just thinking about how perfect this year is going to be. You and me, and everything we're building together."

"That's what I'm talking about," Cardi said, squeezing me back. "Now, go help Hennessy with Wave before he wakes up."

"Alright, alright," I said, moving to get out of bed. But I looked back at Cardi, who was already busy jotting down more notes, her face full of determination. I could see it in her eyes—this was just the beginning.

December was going to be amazing. It had to be. And with Cardi by my side, I knew it would be.