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Stephanie smiled at the man sitting across from her, her heart thumping pleasantly. She took a quick sip of her coffee as she continued to listen to his lighthearted story of when he'd met his half-sister for the first time.

"And so," Benoit concluded, "as they say, the rest is history." He smiled and reached across the hotel cafe's table and gently grasped one of the brunette's hands.

Stephanie gazed down at their clasped hands, pleasant ripples chasing up and down her spine.

"Well, you know what?" she said, a twinkle in her blue eyes as she fixed them on Chris. "I'm beyond glad that you and Amy met - because if it weren't for that, *we* probably never would've gotten close."

Benoit chuckled.

"That's definitely true."

The two gazed at each other for a beat before the Wolverine signaled to the waitress for the check, as they were now finished with breakfast.

"Want to go for a walk before we have to head off to the arena?"

"I'd love to, Chris," Stephanie replied. She linked her arm in his as they headed out of the cafe.

Just as they were about to exit the hotel, the brunette was startled by the sudden ringing of her cell phone. Gesturing to her new boyfriend with one forefinger, she reached in her purse for the device.

"Hello?"

Benoit studied the change of expression on Stephanie's face as she listened to the caller. It could only be something good, as a grin suddenly spread across that pretty countenance. He couldn't help thinking how much he really loved her smile. In fact, Chris was beginning to realize something else... He loved *her*.

"Oh, you're very welcome," the General Manager said genially. "Sure... sure thing." A pause. "Now? Yes... yes, as a matter of fact, he *is* with me. All right, we will. Bye." The brunette pressed the button to end the call, then smiled as she gazed over at Chris.

"Who was that?" the Crippler asked curiously.

"It was Adam... He and Amy have requested both our presence up at her hotel room - right now."

Benoit arched a brow.

"I'm guessing by your smile that it's something good."

"I think you can guess that," Stephanie said vaguely. "Come on..."

"Just a minute..." Chris said, stopping the brunette by gently grasping her hand.

"What is it? Chris, what's-"

Benoit silenced her with a kiss, his lips firmly against hers but softening as it deepened. Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck, savoring the tender yet passionate moment.

The brunette was so happy that her face donned a soft grin as they made their way to Amy's hotel room. In moments, they were at the door, and Chris knocked, surprised when Adam answered. The blond man smiled out at them.

"Hey, you two are just in time - come on in."

Benoit instantly noted his younger half-sister sitting on the edge of the hotel bed, her hands folded primly in her lap. She was smiling, and he could swear he detected a sparkle in her hazel eyes - one he hadn't noticed previously.

Amy rose from the bed and made a beeline for her brother.

"Hi, Chris..." The redhead wrapped her arms around him, and the Crippler hugged her back.

"Good morning, sweetheart... You look..." He squinted as he examined her face, noting for the first time that her eyes were red-rimmed. "Amy, have you been crying?" He glanced over at Adam, suspicion entering his eyes.

"Well, yes, I *was* crying earlier," she admitted. "But not anymore." She moved over to Stephanie and reached out to hug the brunette. After she pulled back, a soft smile on the other woman's face, she continued.

"Steph, I can't thank you enough for your advice earlier. Adam and I... We talked - finally *really* talked. He loves me, Stephanie... He really loves me."

Beyond surprised at her words, Benoit glanced at Adam, the extent of love and tenderness in the younger man's eyes for the redhead evident as he gazed at her.

Stephanie's face brightened with a broader smile as she tousled a lock of Amy's hair.

"You don't have to thank me, Amy... I'm so happy for both of you!" She exchanged warm glances with Chris.

"That I do," the blond man said as he neared the woman carrying his unborn child. "I do love you, Ames... And I'm even more excited than ever about our future..." His green gaze lowered to her stomach, upon which he'd placed one hand, as though trying to feel the new life growing within her.

Stephanie sighed softly, contented as she watched a sweet kiss exchanged between the two.