Judy entered her cabin just as the phone began ringing. Setting her luggage down near the couch, she finally got the key out of the door, closed it and locked it behind her.Having had her hands full, she let the machine take the call. It was Kane. At the sound of his voice, a wave of longing swept over her. God, how she wanted him! Tears of regret filled her eyes. Going over to the machine, she re-wound the message, just to hear his husky voice once more.
Going into the kitchen, she made herself a cup of hot chocolate, then sat down in her favorite chair by the phone. Should she call him back? Yes! Definitely! Sipping her hot chocolate, she returned his call. Kane picked up on the first ring.
"Hello." He said, hoping it was Judy.
"I just got home. Actually I was trying to get in the door, when you called. I miss you terribly!" She said softly.
Kane closed his eyes, gripping the receiver tightly. That lump in his throat was back, forcing him to swallow twice, before he could speak. "I need to know something. Did you mean what you said at the airport?" Kane held his breath, waiting for her answer.
"Yes, I did. I love you, Kane. I miss you terribly, and can't wait to see you again. Even if it's on RAW!" she replied, her voice filled withemotion.
"You didn't have to leave, you know!" This was a hard call for Kane. He wanted to hold her, not talk to her on the phone.
"I have to put these ghosts behind me. It's the only thing I can do. I'll see you soon.Y'all will be in South Carolina in a few weeks, and I'll see you then." With a gentle laugh, she added, "It'll be the longest three weeks of my life!" She was thinking of their last night together, of the elevator! Lust consumed her as memory of his big body, and what they'd shared, returned in crystal clarity.
"I don't know if I can wait that long!" Kane growled. He, too, was remembering their last night together.
"Kane, please call me often. I love hearing the sound of your voice. It makes this a little easier to bare, thinking you'll call me." Her soft voice sent shivers along his nerve endings.
"I will. Judy, in South Carolina? We need to talk. About us, ok?" Kane wanted her to be a part of his life.
Her heart soared, hoping he felt the same way about her.They talked a few more minutes, then hung up. Judy finished her hot chocolate, then decided to take a bubble bath. The long, hot soak would help her to relax and maybe let her to sleep... It didn't.
Taker and Kane were the new tag team. They had decided to work together the night Judy left their little group. Kaliegh missed her, but Taker kept her busy. And the time passed. In two days time, they had a show in South Carolina, and though Kane never said one way or the other, Taker suspected Judy would be at the show. It would be good to see her again. He would deny it, if asked, but he missed her, too.
"Taker, can I talk to you?" Kane asked.
"Sure thing! What's up?" Taker asked, eyeing his friend's nervousness.
"I'm flying out after the show tonight. Thought I'd.... ah,... go on out to South Carolina!" Kane met Taker's eyes, grinning wickedly.
Relaxing, Taker grinned back, then asked,"She know you're coming?"
"Nope! Gonna surprise her!" Kane grinned, anticipating the pleasure that surprise would bring.
"Give her our best!" Taker laughed out loud at the grin on Kane's face.
Later that night, Taker and Kaliegh were on their way to the airport with Kane.
Judy had taken a shower earlier. With these cooler nights, she had donned a long flannel nightgown, enjoying the feel of the soft cotton. She had built a fire in the fireplace, and made a cup of hot chocolate. A knock at the door startled her. "Who can that be at this hour?" She thought, sitting her cup down. Going to the door, she looked through the peep-hole, seeing Kane on the other side.
With a squeal of excitement, she quickly unlocked the door, jerking it open. Kane grinned when he saw her. Stepping back to allow him entry, Judy waited till he closed and locked the door, then threw herself at him.
He caught her easily. Her arms went around his neck,as her legs went around his waist. Kane's lips found hers instantly. They kissed hungrily, unable to get enough of each other.He held her against him, as one would hold a toddler, with his hands holding her under her buttocks. She had a strangle hold on him, one that he welcomed.
Their kiss finally ended, leaving them wanting more. Kane continued to hold her.
"So, I take it you're glad to see me?" Kane teased.
"Oh, you! You know I am!" She was smiling happily at her love. Her eyes twinkling brightly. "Can I get you something to eat or drink?" She asked, not wanting him to ever let her go.
"No, I'm fine." Kane said, walking with her over to her chair.
She slid from his embrace only long enough to allow him to sit down, then settled herself in his lap.
"I've missed you, woman." He said, touching her cheek.
The soft look in her eyes, touched him deeply. Judy kissed him again, then followed the strong line of his jaw, down to his neck. She gently sucked on his neck then moved on the his ear lobe. When she started blowing softly in his ear, Kane growled deeply, lifted her from his lap, only to lay her on the floor,kneeling beside her,in front of the fireplace.
He made quick work of removing her nightgown. Gazing down at her nude beauty, Kane was filled with desire for her. Her eyes were filled with love and desire for him.
Coming to her knees,she reached out and began to unbutton his shirt, leaving his heavily muscled chest bare. Kane unbuttoned his tight, black jeans, standing long enough to remove them. She grinned wickedly up at him, when she saw he had nothing on under them. Her eyes ran greedily, over his huge body. Kneeling beside her, she welcomed him to her, with open arms. Within minutes, their bodies were joined in the act of love.
Her fingers entangled in his long reddish-brown hair, while she stared deep into his eyes. Slowly, Kane lowered his head till his lips found hers. They kissed hungrily. He moved his lips down her neck to that spot behind her ear. With a gasp, she cried out his name, arching her back, meeting his thrusts eagerly. Soon, his huge body went rigid above hers, as he, too, found his release.
Kane rolled over on his side, pulling her to him. Judy rested her head on his chest, just above his heart, her leg riding high up on his. Gradually, their heartbeats slowed to normal.
Raising up on one elbow, she gazed down into the face of the man she loved above all others. Kane opened his eyes to gaze back at her. Reaching out a finger, he traced the line of her cheek, her lips, then reaching behind, pulled her head down so he might kiss her. This time their kiss was gentle.
"I've missed you!" he said after ending the kiss. His eyes warm and caring. Her lips sought out his. Many hours later, sleep overtook them where they lay.
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They spent the entire day enjoying each others company. Since Kane lived in this part of the state, there was no need to go sight-seeing, but she did show him some of her favorite places. In one rather secluded spot near a beautiful waterfall, they made love. This spot would always hold a place in their hearts.Going into town, they had dinner at one of her favorite restaurants.
"Do you like dancing?" He asked, an amused look on his handsome face.
"I LOVE dancing. Why?" she asked, wondering why he asked.
"It was suggested to me that I should take you dancing sometime. Would you like to go?" He asked, smiling at her pleased look.
"Would I? Of course I would!" The excitement shining in her eyes, made him think of a child on Christmas morning.
"Then let's go!" He said, grinning at her. As they left the restaurant, she told him where she wanted to go.
"It's called Cotton-Eyed Joes. It's in Knoxville." Judy couldn't be happier. She was with the man she loved. They had spent an enjoyable day together, and now they were going dancing!
Several hours later, a little bit drunk, they arrived back at her cabin. Kane still couldn't believe what he had seen.
"You really ARE something! Taker said that you could wear a man down. I think he was being conservative." Kane sat down, pulling her down in his lap.
Her soft laugh, and faint blush, belied the whirlwind she was on the hardwoods. She WAS good. But this! Here alone, with Kane! This was the icing on the cake.
Snuggling against him, wrapping her arms around him, she rested her head against his chest. "How long can you stay?" She asked, softly.
"I'll have to leave tomorrow!" He replied, caressing her arm as he spoke. "Come with me! If only for one week, come with me." He waited for her answer.
She didn't respond right away. Kane began to wonder if she was going to. Lifting her face up to his, she agreed.
"I'd love to. But, Kane, I can't promise how long I'll stay." Her eyes never left his. She saw the hint of disappointment her words brought.
"If that's all you'll agree to, then I'll have to accept that for now." Kane covered her mouth with his own. Sanding up, holding her in his arms, Kane went down the hall to her bedroom, laying her down on the bed. The couple fell into an exhausted sleep, just as the sun was peeking over the peaks outside her window.
Kane and Judy were at the airport when Taker and Kaliegh arrived. The two women squealed with pleasure, when they caught sight of each other. Judy ran forward and hugged her best friend. Taker and Kane exchanged amused looks over the women's heads. Taker was glad to see Kane had brought her with him. He was relieved to see the relaxed look back in his friend's eyes.
Turning his green eyes back to the women, Taker found Judy's eyes on him. "Taker, it's good to see you!" She said sincerely. She hugged the big man and tugging on his shirt, got him to bend down so she could kiss him.
"Come on, let's go." Kane laughed at the surprised look on Taker's face. Judy only smiled her secret smile.
"Are the ghosts all buried?" Kane whispered in her ear. At her satisfied smile, he laughed wickedly.
They talked and laughed all the way back to the hotel. Once alone in their room, Kane took her in his arms, and asked her again. "Are the ghosts buried now?" His serious eyes never left hers.
"Kane, I've given this a lot of thought. A LOT! All those weeks alone, that's all I could think about. I do believe they are." She smiled gently up at the big man, love for him shining in her eyes.
Unable to resist the invitation, Kane bent down and kissed her. Then one thing lead to another, and before long they ended up making love. They were almost late leaving for the arena. Both wore a smile whenever their eyes happened to meet. Taker and Kaliegh exchanged glances, unable to resist smiling over their love-struck friends.
The Brothers from Hell had a match against the Headbangers, and as expected, they won. But instead of leaving the ring, Kane motioned for something to be given to him. Taker had the microphone. Kaliegh stood waiting for her man out on the floor, as much in the dark as anyone.
"On behalf of my brother, I'm calling out someone. Blaze, come on down. Kane has something to say." Taker stepped back and waited as all eyes watched the Big Red Machine standing in the center of the ring. His eyes on the entrance at the top of the ramp. Soon, Judy appeared, looking confused and nervous. She walked down the ramp to the ring, pausing next to Kaliegh. Kane motioned her to enter the ring. Taker held the ropes for her to enter. Meeting her eyes, Taker only smiled and winked, before leaving the ring to go stand beside Kaliegh, not wanting to miss this.
Kane watched her move nervously toward him. When she was directly in front of him, Kane went down to one knee, and softly asked for her hand, Judy wasn't sure she heard him right, over her pounding heart. Tilting her head to the side, her brows drawn together in confusion, she said "What did you say?" Her lips barely moving.
In reply, Kane dropped his head a moment, when he raised it he held out a little black velvet box. Tears flooded her eyes, her hands shaking uncontrollably, Judy took the box and opened it. Inside was a perfectly cut Marquise shaped engagement ring. With a shriek, she threw herself at the big man. Kane held her in his arms. But he wanted to hear the words. Gently pushing her away from him, Kane asked from behind his mask, if she would marry him. With tears streaming down her face, she said yes. Kane put the ring on her finger, then lifted her up and spun her around. The crowd went nuts! Taker went down on one knee, reached out a hand, and did that eye thing, paying tribute to his brother and chosen mate.
***********
"Wasn't that something that happened with Kane and Judy last night?" Taker asked as he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Yes....Yes it sure was. I'm very happy for them." Kaliegh said quietly, then turned around and gazed into Taker's handsome face.
"You know, I've been thinking about that for awhile now too. But I could never find the right time to bring it up....Maybe I was afraid to bring it up." Taker gently touched her cheek and looked into her eyes with such tenderness that Kaliegh thought her heart would stop. But what Taker said next, she wasn't quite prepared for. "What do you say, Kal....Will you be my wife?"
"WHAT!?!?!" Kaliegh could not believe what she had just heard. "Have you gone insane?? You have got to be joking me, right?"
"No, I'm not joking....I'm very serious....I would like for you to marry me." Taker was a little bit shocked and a bit hurt by Kaliegh's reaction. He had not expected her to be so negative about this.
"I'm sorry....I can't do that. No, that is definitely not a good idea." Kaliegh said as she pulled out of his embrace and turned to look out the window.
"I don't understand, Kaliegh. I love you and I want to be with you forever. Do you not love me?"
"I do love you, Taker. God knows how much I love you. But I cannot get married again. I just can't do it...I'm so sorry." Kaliegh barely choked out the words before she broke down.
Taker gently turned Kaliegh around to face him and gathered her into his arms. "I'm sorry I brought it up. I should have known."
"Please don't be sorry....I'm the one who's sorry." Kaliegh said as Taker wiped the last of the tears from her eyes. Taking a deep breath to regain her composure, Kaliegh said "Well, we better get going. I don't suppose they'll hold that flight just for us if we're late."
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The house show that night was in New Orleans. The Brothers from Hell would be taking on the Rock and Test. The match was scheduled to be a normal tag team match until the end when the Corporation would run interference on the Undertaker and Kane. Then DX would run in after the Corporation and the Brothers would walk away unharmed leaving the two factions to fight it out amongst themselves.
Judy and Kaliegh watched the matches from the skybox high up in the rafters of the arena. Kaliegh had the option to decide for herself if she wanted to work house shows or not. She had chosen not to work this particular show. Judy glanced over at Kaliegh for about the fifth time since they had gotten up there. Kaliegh had not said but two words the whole night and now, even though her eyes were on the ring, Judy didn't think Kaliegh had a clue what was happening in the match. Judy wondered what was bothering her and finally asked. "You okey, Kaliegh? You don't seem to be yourself tonight."
Kaliegh almost told her about the discussion she and Taker had earlier that morning. But now that Judy had finally found happiness, Kaliegh didn't want to do anything to compromise that for her. So for the first time since she was a little girl, Kaliegh didn't tell the truth and told Judy that everything was alright.
"Your eyes betray you, Kaliegh. But if you'd rather not talk about it, I understand." Judy said with a sigh and turned her attention back to the matches.
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"Your actions last night inspired me and this morning I asked Kaliegh if she would marry me." Taker said to Kane as they walked back to the lockeroom area after their match.
"You didn't?? REALLY??" Kane said grinning at his friend. "That is truly cool, Taker."
"She said no..." Taker replied quietly.
"Kaliegh said no?? Why??" Kane suddenly felt bad for Taker.
"I don't know...I think she's scared because of the way her first marriage turned out."
"That bad, huh??" Kane questioned him.
"Yes...Yes it was"" Taker shook his head sadly at the thought of anyone having to go through such hell.
"Well, maybe someday she'll feel secure enough to marry again." Kane said putting his hand on Taker's shoulder. As the two men paused in front of Taker's dressing room, Kane asked Taker what he and Kaliegh had planned after the show.
"Well, Kaliegh and I are planning to go get some more ink. Why don't you and Judy come along?"
"Hey! That sounds great. Tell ya what, we'll meet you at the side entrance to the arena in one hour." Kane said and headed off to his dressing room.