CHAPTER EIGHT
The Christmas Recital at St. Mary's Church was in full swing. The warm glow of candlelight flickered through the grand stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the wooden pews.
The choir, a mix of both young and older voices, sang with such vigor that the entire congregation seemed to hum along, their hearts wrapped up in the music. The smell of evergreen and fresh pine mingled with the sweet scent of hot cocoa and the faint crackle of the candles.
Blossom stood next to Joe and his mother, Lisa, cradling her daughter Bloom against her shoulder as the little girl dozed off in her arms. It was a moment of peace, a rare one, and she cherished it. Joe's presence at her side made her feel safe in a way she hadn't known she needed.
It was a relief to see him relaxed, away from the pressure of wrestling and the expectations that came with being a public figure. Tonight, he was just Joeâa man who smiled that easy smile that made her feel warm inside.
Lisa, who had always exuded a natural warmth, chatted animatedly with Blossom. "Joe's been happier than I've seen him in years," she said with a knowing look, giving Blossom a slight nudge. "With you and little Bloom here... well, it feels right, doesn't it?"
Blossom blushed, the warmth from Lisa's words seeping into her chest. "It does?"
Before Lisa could respond, a voice cut through the chatter around them, making Blossom stiffen with surprise. "Well, well, look who it is."
Monie stood a few feet away, a tight smile plastered on her face. She was dressed impeccably, her hair styled in perfect waves that framed her face, and her eyes glistened with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.
Blossom's heart raced, her thoughts scrambling to figure out what Monie was doing here.
"Monie," Lisa said with a curt nod, her smile barely faltering. "It's good to see you, dear."
Monie's gaze shifted between Lisa, Joe, and Blossom, stopping on the little girl in Blossom's arms. The look in her eyes made Blossom's spine stiffen. There was a mixture of envy and confusion that was hard to miss.
Joe glanced over his shoulder at Monie, a flash of irritation crossing his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Bloom let out a tiny whimper. His eyes softened as he scooped her up from Blossom's arms and cradled her close. The baby's cries were quieted instantly, her small hands gripping Joe's shirt as she nuzzled against his chest. The moment Joe moved, Blossom felt a pang of disappointment but swallowed it down.
Monie's eyes widened slightly at the sight of Joe holding Bloom, and a split second later, they darkened with some hidden realization. "I didn't know you had a baby, Joe," she said, her voice light, almost mocking.
Lisa leaned forward, her voice rich with assurance as she met Monie's gaze. "Well, it's not like it's any of your business, Monie," she said, glancing at Joe. "Joe is happy now. With Blossom and Bloom."
Monie's eyes shot over to Lisa, her jaw tightening. For a moment, there was silence, thick and heavy, as the realization hit Monie that Lisa was insinuating that Bloom was Joe's daughter. Blossom could practically see the gears turning in Monie's mind as she processed the information.
Joe, noticing the tension and unable to deal with it right now, mouthed a quick "I'll be right back" to Blossom before disappearing down the hall with Bloom. Blossom watched him go, feeling a touch of pride and warmth that he was so naturally good with her daughter. But before she could let herself think too deeply, Monie leaned closer, her voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial tone.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Blossom. Joe's not the type of man who settles down, not with the career he has. He's a wrestler, a showman. You can't plan your future around someone like that. Run while you still can."
Blossom's chest tightened at the words. Part of her wanted to react, wanted to snap back with something that would cut Monie's smugness down to size, but she didn't want to make a scene in church. Taking a steadying breath, Blossom forced herself to smile. "I think I'm good, Monie."
Monie's smile slipped for just a second before she regained her composure. "Well, good luck, then." With that, she turned and walked off, leaving behind an air of condescension and judgment that made Blossom's blood simmer.
Just then, Lisa let out a gentle sigh and looked at Blossom with eyes full of affection. "You handled her well," Lisa said softly. "You're stronger than you think."
Blossom managed a small smile, her heart pounding in her chest. "Thank you, Lisa."
The sound of the choir grew louder as the next song began, and Lisa's eyes softened as she glanced back toward the stage. "I think they're about to start the next part of the program. Why don't you join them? The choir is always looking for fresh voices, and I know Trinity would love to see you sing."
Blossom hesitated. She hadn't sung since college, and the idea made her palms sweat. But before she could protest, Lisa added, "It's Christmas, Blossom. It's time to celebrate and find joy."
Before Blossom could respond, Trinity appeared at the end of the hallway, her eyes lighting up when she saw her friend. "Blossom! There you are! Come on, we're starting the next part. Join us?"
Blossom nodded, her heart pounding but her mind already focusing on the warmth that came from Trinity's presence. "Of course."
Trinity led her towards the stage, and suddenly Blossom found herself standing in front of the entire congregation. She glanced at Joe, who was now back in the room, holding a now-sleeping Bloom in his arms. He looked at her with an expression she couldn't quite read, something like pride mixed with admiration.
The choir began singing a hymn, a joyful song that spoke of peace and love. When the time came, Trinity leaned in and whispered, "You're up. Just follow my lead."
Blossom's throat tightened as she took a deep breath. The first few notes were shaky, but as she sang, the melody carried her away, the familiar feeling of music wrapping around her like a warm embrace. She felt eyes on her, and when she glanced over at Joe, she saw that he was watching her intently, his eyes locked on hers. He looked mesmerized, as if he was seeing her for the first time.
When the song ended, the entire congregation erupted into applause. Blossom felt a mixture of relief and exhilaration. The choir members patted her on the back and whispered congratulations, and Trinity beamed at her with pride. Blossom's gaze moved to Joe, who was smiling, his expression softer than she had ever seen.
Lisa leaned in closer to Joe, her eyes twinkling with emotion. "And that's why she's going to be my daughter-in-law," she whispered to herself, but just loud enough for Joe to hear.
Joe's eyes widened, and for the first time that night, he felt the truth of those words settle into his chest. He realized in that moment, as he watched Blossom holding her head high and smiling shyly, that she was more than just someone who had brought joy to his life. She was the person he had been waiting for all along.
As the crowd's applause died down and the choir moved into the next song, Joe felt a surge of emotion, a mix of hope and longing that he couldn't quite explain. All he knew was that he wanted Blossom by his sideânot just tonight, but always.
"You can sing, honey. My son is a lucky man," Lisa said, once Blossom walked off the stage and sat down next to her.
Blossom let out a nervous laugh when she noticed Lisa's proud smile. "I'm sure Joe can do better than me," she joked, trying to play off the moment.
Lisa frowned, eyes narrowing with a softness that spoke of years of understanding. "No, Blossom. You're perfect for my son. I always thought you two would end up together after Trinity and Jon's wedding. I was so sad when it didn't happen. You two were inseparable that night."
Blossom's heart skipped a beat as she remembered that night. She and Joe had shared several dances, laughter echoing around them as they talked and joked in the warm glow of the reception. She'd had a crush on him then, but life had swept them apart, and she never knew why they hadn't pursued it further.
"It wasn't in God's plan," Blossom said, the words slipping out before she could think.
"Well," Lisa said, a sly smile curving her lips, "I'm sure it's in His plan now. You two are meant for each other."
The choir's song floated around them, the notes lifting in the air as Blossom felt her heart fill with hope. The night was still young, and for the first time, it felt like the world was finally right where it was supposed to be.