"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness." - Friedrich Nietzsche
I left Danielle to rummage through the boxes her parents had sent over. She was happy with the things, I could tell. The rest of her stuff would arrive tomorrow. I headed down to my study and picked up the phone. It rang a few times until an out of breath Rena answered.
"Hello?" She sounded exasperated.
"Hey Rena, it's me." I said.
"Brock? Hey, wait, you're home, I thought you weren't due back for a couple of days?" She asked.
"Change of plans," I rushed. "Are you alright?" I asked.
"Yeah, just mix up with an order, and I have to rush to get it filled. I won't bore you with the details." she explained.
"I might be able to do you a favour then. Can I come get kids and take them for the weekend?" I asked.
"Of course, they'll love that!" She said.
"Great, um I need to tell you something as well." I said.
"OK, well I'll see you when you get here. Is everything alright?" She sounded concerned and I mentally kicked myself.
Of course Rena would pick up. My ex-wife knew me better than most.
"Absolutely, I'll see you in an hour." I said.
I am so screwed.
Brock knocked on the bedroom door nervously. Danielle turned and saw the look on his face. She frowned and got up leaning on the bed ever so slightly.
"What is it?" She asked. Brock could see the fear in her eyes. She thought it was about her family.
"I've got someone, I need you to meet my family and someone in particular, and I'm sorry cause it's maybe going to be a bit of a shock." I stated hesitantly.
They stood in silence for several moments. Danielle shuffled slightly, and opened her mouth before closing it again.
Brock rubbed his palms against his shirt and thought about how to speak to her.
"My kids are coming over to spend the week." I said.
She slumped to the floor in shock. "What the hell am I supposed to do? I don't know anything about kids! I have no experience with them at all besides my you get sisters! I never wanted any." She said.
Brock rubbed the back of his head and crouched down to sit across from her.
"First, breathe. It's just one more hoop we have to jump through. We need to look like a loving family, we can do that. The kids will love you, they love everyone." I said.
"That isn't a big comfort." She said.
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For all intents and purposes, Brock's ex-wife was a practical woman. She had helped Brock during a particularly difficult time in his life. They had bonded, married and she had given birth to two beautiful little boys. Despite the fact that their marriage had ended, neither were bitter about it. Both realised early on they were happier apart and that although they no longer loved each other, they were still close. The kids were happy enough with the situation as well. Especially when they found out how many more presents that equalled at their last birthday party. But they still missed their daddy when he was on the road.
Recently, Rena had married an investment banker named Mark and he had moved into their house shortly after. Thankfully, he and Brock got on well enough.
Rena was on the phone while she watched Mark and the kids play snap at the kitchen table. She listened half interested as her business partner rambled on about their newest deadline. The kids backpacks and toys were lying by the front door, the kids had plenty of clothes and other toys at Brock's house. Most of the things in the pack were for toys. She made excuses and hung up the phone as she saw Brock pull into the driveway. She slipped outside to greet him leaving Mark to distract the kids while she found out what was going on.
Brock climbed out the car and gave her a small wave. Rena smiled as they hugged and broke apart. Then she looked at him carefully. He looked tired.
"What is it?" She asked.
Brock sat down on the bench in the front garden and bit his lip nervously. Rena sat next to him.
"Is everything alright at work?" She asked.
"I got married." I blurted out.
Yeah, nice one Brock. Just go ahead and say it in the least tactful way possible…
Rena said nothing for a few moments while she digested the revelation.
"Wow, I was not expecting that. I never knew you were seeing anyone let alone engaged!" She said.
With a bright smile on her face, she hugged him. Then punched him in the arm.
"What was that for?" I asked.
"You never told any of us and we missed your wedding you jerk!" She said.
"It was very spur of the moment," Brock countered quickly. "Just a couple of witnesses." I said.
Great, I'm officially lying to my family. Although I guess the wedding may as well have been just a couple of witnesses, he thought mournfully.
"She must be special then for such actions." Rena teased playfully.
"So come on, details! What's her name? Where did you meet? Oh, what did Henry and Kim say? You guys are coming on Sunday right-"
Oh yeah, Sunday. Mom's birthday… Where is Show to choke slam me through a table when I need him?
"Brock! Brock!"
Rena waved her hand in front of his face a few times and watched as he slowly snapped out of it.
"You haven't said anything for almost three and half minutes. Are you alright?" She said.
He wasn't, Rena wasn't fooled in the slightest. She learned a long time ago, Brock wouldn't ask for help until he hit rock bottom.
I gritted my teeth and smiled.
"Yeah, I'm good. Sorry must be jet lag." I said.
I had to get used to the lies slipping out my mouth again.
"Her name is Danielle. We met at work." I said.
Okay, it's not exactly the truth but it's not exactly a lie. We did…sort of.
"Danielle? Danielle Levesque? The girl who was on RAW with you?" She asked.
Damnit, can't get anything past this woman!
"Well, get you Brock. Talk about WWE royalty. I haven't seen her around before. Did she just start?" Rena propped her chin in her hands and nudged my shoulder.
"Yeah, she hasn't been there for very long." I said.
"Well, how did you meet?" She asked.
"Well, uh-"
"Daddy!" Phew, saved by Duke. A small flash of bkue and blonde threw himself into my arms and hugged me tightly.
"I missed you daddy." Duke said.
"I missed you too, Buddy." I said softly.
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"So we have two mommies and two daddies?" Turk questioned. Brock nodded, his eyes on the road as they drove back to his house.
"Exactly, just like mommy and Mark." I said.
"Why wasn't I at the wedding and why haven't I met her before today?" Mya asked.
"It was really quick sweetheart. It was spontaneous." I said.
"What does that mean?" Duke asked.
"Uh, just when you decide to do something spur of the moment. It just sort of happened." I said.
Duke's mouth formed a perfect little o and he looked out the window.
"Daddy, will she like us?" Duke asked as his other siblings just sat there.
It almost broke Brock's heart to hear those words out a five year olds mouth. He knew where Duke's concerns came from. His best friend's mother had remarried and the transition had been difficult at best.
I'm sorry Duke.
"I'm sure she will. In fact, why don't we go pick up a present for her?" I asked. I forced a smile and looked at Duke in the mirror. The little boy brightened up and nodded. Brock changed direction.
Danielle was sitting out on the back porch enjoying the sun. A steaming cup of coffee was resting in her hands. She had expected Brock back some time ago. His prolonged absence was starting to make her nervous. In hindsight, coffee may not have been such a great idea.
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I propped the front door open and tried to stifle a laugh at the large bouquet of flowers waddling through the door.
"Are you sure you don't want some help?" I asked Duke.
"I can manage daddy. " came the muffled reply.
"Go on then, pop them in the living room", I froze slightly as I heard a rumble in the kitchen. "I'll be right through."
I shut the door after the kids entered the room.
I walked into the kitchen and saw Danielle preparing plates.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"I'm so nervous that I ended up cooking." She replied.
"Oh, well don't be and come meet the kids." I said.
I entered the room behind us, with Danielle's hand in mine.
"Hey kids, this is Danielle. Come say hello." I said.
Danielle gulped slightly, she was so nervous. Duke smiled brightly and darted over to Duke throwing his arms around the older woman's waist.
"Dani!" He sang out. Danielle put her arms around Duke's shoulders loosely and squeezed back.
"Hey there."