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*Vengeance, July 11, 2004*
Adam couldn't believe it, but apparently, it was true. He couldn't imagine why it would be happening at all, much less tonight, but it was - he would be winning the Intercontinental championship off Randy Orton tonight.
Eric Bischoff had told him just earlier in the night, although he'd seemed reluctant and annoyed. That news had raised the blond man's brows. Why the sudden change of heart? He didn't bother asking Eric that question.
Now, as he sat in his locker room, already dressed and ready for his match, his cell phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Adam!"
The blond man was very surprised by the voice on the other end.
"Stephanie! How are you?"
"I'm doing great. I hope you're excited about your match for tonight," the brunette plundered on. "I pulled a few strings with Dad, and that's why you're getting the title."
The Canadian's brows rose.
"*You* are responsible for that? Stephanie, I don't know how to thank you!" Damn, he missed working for the woman. She was great. She'd been a true friend to himself as well as Amy when they'd been part of the SmackDown roster, and that was no different today.
"No need for thanks," Stephanie replied. "You deserve this, especially after everything you and Amy have been through these last few months. Adam, how *is* Amy?"
The tall blond man sighed as he went into the latest news. He spoke with the youngest McMahon for a few minutes more until he had to hang up. He had to stop by the women's locker room to see Amy - to tell her about Stephanie's call and to see how she was holding up.
When he reached the locker room and knocked, to his dismay, the door was answered by Torrie Wilson. Matt Hardy's tall, platinum blonde girlfriend wrinkled her nose in distaste at him.
"May I help you?"
"Not really," Adam replied coolly. "I'm here to see my wife."
Torrie scoffed at the obviousness of his statement. Amy was indeed in the room, but she couldn't care less.
"Like I should care," she said snottily. She sauntered away from the doorway, pushing past Stacy Keibler, who was nearby.
Reluctantly, Adam poked his head into the slightly open doorway. He caught sight of the redhead, who'd realized he was there and was glaring openly at Torrie as she made her way toward him.
"Hi, baby." A smile came to her face as she stepped out into the hallway with him, and the tall blond was grateful for that.
"Hey," he replied, smiling. He dipped his head to kiss her, his hand reaching for hers simultaneously. As his lips came to rest softly on hers, he laced his fingers through hers, rubbing her hand with the pad of his thumb.
Afterward, he eyed her from head-to-toe, marveling at just how gorgeous she looked. She was wearing tight black pants and a tight hot pink and black top, form-fitting and sexy, although not all that revealing. It wouldn't be long before she was too big to wear stuff like this.
"You look... mmm," he murmured, his other hand coming up to play with the few wispy strands of her bangs. She had some of her hair pinned back by barrettes, the rest hanging soft and loose down her back. "... absolutely scrumptious."
Amy laughed softly, pleasant chills running up her spine. She loved the way he made her feel - so very good and beautiful... and loved. And she loved him so much.
"So do you," she observed. He was donning his newest pair of tights. They were black and didn't leave much to the imagination.
Adam gave her hand a small squeeze, his heart in his eyes as he gazed at her.
"Your segment is coming up soon since Glen's match is next. Baby... How are you feeling?"
The redhead suddenly looked sad as she lowered her gaze.
"Ill be okay," she replied evenly. "I trust Glen. As for the other stuff, I'll deal with it." She swallowed visibly, then gave a slight shrug. "What else can I do?" she asked rhetorically.
Damn it... She looked so sad now. Adam hated that - but then he knew that his news would cheer her up. He thought he should spill the beans right then and tell her - but then he thought better of it. He would keep quiet and let her watch his match and find out for herself. It would be a nice surprise.
"I'll be watching you, baby. And listen - you watch my match later, okay?"
Amy met her husband's brilliant green eyes.
"I *always* watch your matches - you know that."
He smiled.
"Good." He gave her a quick kiss on the lips, then kissed her hand that was still clasped in his. "You better get to gorilla."
The redhead nodded. God, how she loved him.