Disclaimer: Thank you, Ms. Evanovich, for allowing us to play with your wonderful characters in the Plum universe. They still belong to you, though I enjoy borrowing them.

Thankful

Stephanie's POV

Today is Thanksgiving Day. I don't know what I have to be thankful for this year. This year has been horrible for me. First, my best friend, mentor, and occasional lover, Ranger, had to go in the wind, again. He left on January 5th and still hasn't returned. Lester and Tank are worried, though they don't share those worries with me, I can read them like a book.

In February, I finally agreed to marry Joe Morelli, my long-time on again, off again boyfriend. I moved into his house in May, subleasing my apartment to my eccentric Grandma Mazur. As I spend my day making wedding plans, I realized that I had no control over my life. My mother and Mrs. Morelli have overtaken everything. Joe and I wanted a small wedding, no more than fifty people, but that was immediately shot down. Now, we are having a Burg worthy wedding, with over 300 people invited. We must marry in the Church, so I needed to get an annulment for my first marriage to the Dick. That was a brutal process, leaving feeling raw once again. In August, we went for dresses. I fell in love with a sleek, open back halter dress, that had a deep v-neckline, hugging my body to the waist before flaring slightly to allow for dancing. The dress ended in the front at my ankles and had a train in the back. It looked great on me, and I felt sexy and beautiful wearing it. However, it was immediately deemed too inappropriate for a church, showing too much skin. Instead, I'm forced to wear a princess gown with lace sleeves down to my wrist, a high scoop neckline, and layers upon layers of ruffles. I guess Joe won't be retrieving my garter belt. He'll suffocate under the dress. To top it off, I have to wear a cathedral veil and blusher with my hair in an elaborate French twist, sleek and tame. I am miserable. I keep hoping Ranger will return soon. He always makes me brave and gives me courage. With him beside me, I can stand up for myself.

Mom rented out the largest hall in the Burg, and is decorating it with the largest; most overtop floral centerpieces I've ever seen. My bridesmaids are wearing Pepto pink. Nothing about this wedding is my vision. Joe, though, is all for it. He's thrilled to be getting married and says yes to everything the mothers say, but I don't think he's listening to anything.

I was forced to quit working in September after I blew up another car. The insurance company decided to stop insuring me and refused to give me a check. Without money, I couldn't get a car, and Joe refused to buy one for me or to help me buy one. I was now a slave to his house, no our house, cooking and cleaning all day long. I've turned into my mother. Today, we are going to my parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Mrs. Morelli, grandma Bella, and Joe's brother Anthony and his family are joining us. With Val's crew, I may shoot myself before the night is over. I was asked to bring the mashed potatoes. Joe got called into work this morning, some suspicious death someplace in Trenton. He told me he'd meet me at my parents.

I'm wearing a pair of black jeans with black boots with a three-inch heel. I have a burnt orange light-weight sweater on, and my hair is in a twist. Joe doesn't like it when my hair is unruly, so I've been wearing it up or in a braid almost every day. I gather my casserole dish and head out the door. I'm waiting for my father to pick me up, as I still don't have a car. I see Dad pull up and get into the car, placing the casserole on the floor in the back seat.

"Hi Pumpkin, are you okay?" My father asks me once I'm settled in the passenger seat.

"No, Daddy, I'm not. I'm miserable. I hate my life. I hate being stuck home all day every day, cooking and cleaning, it's not for me. The wedding is not what I want, not my vision. I have nothing to be thankful for anymore. Daddy, is something wrong with me?"

Dad pulls over to the side and places the car in park. "No, Pumpkin, nothing is wrong with you." He sighs, "Why are you marrying Joe?"

"I'm marrying Joe because it is what everyone expects. It is what Mom wants, what Joe wants, what Mrs. Morelli wants, and what the Burg wants. I'm thirty-four, and it's time I settle down. No one else is vying for the job as Stephanie Plum's husband, so I guess Joe is it."

"Do you love Joe?"

I pause to think. I know I have strong feelings for Joe, but is it love? "Joe is a good man. I do love him on some level, but I'm not in love with him."

"Who are you in love with, Stephanie?"

"Ranger," I whisper, without hesitation.

"Then why aren't you with him?" my Dad asks.

"Because he doesn't do stupid things like marriage and kids."

"Stephanie, do you want kids?"

"Honestly, Dad, I don't know. Right now, the idea of kids frightens me. I want to be married, though. I need that commitment. I'm afraid to be left behind."

"Stephanie, I know you don't want to hear it, and you won't believe me, but Joe is not faithful to you. I've seen his car at Terry Gilman's house on multiple occasions. I even saw him leaving once, buttoning his shirt. Do what your heart tells you. I will support you."

I'm stunned. I can't believe my dad is telling me to leave Joe. I feel the tears, but I refuse to give in and be weak. "Thank you for telling me. I have a lot to consider. I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, Pumpkin. Now let's go eat."

We arrive at the house ten minutes later, where I bring the mashed potatoes into the kitchen. My mom looks them over before saying, "They're a little lumpy. I'll have to mash them more. Stephanie, why didn't you listen to my instructions? I never have to fix Valerie's dishes."

"Hi Mom, Happy Thanksgiving," I say.

"Go set the table. It's the only thing you do right around here."

I sigh and head out to take care of the table. The Morelli clan arrives, followed by Valerie's family. We are only waiting for Joe. Twenty minutes later, as we are about to sit at the table, Joe walks in, freshly showered.

"Sorry, I'm late. I caught a case. Fortunately, we closed it quickly. Everything smells wonderful, Mrs. Plum. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone." Joe walks around and kisses everyone, skipping me. I guess I don't count.

"I think we should all state something we are thankful for before we eat. That's what my teacher had us do yesterday in class." Angie stated.

"That's a great idea," my mom gushed. We started at my father and went around counterclockwise. I would be last. When it was Joe's turn, he said, "I'm thankful for my wonderful family and Bob."

Wait, his family, and Bob? What about me? I'm trying to decide what I'm thankful for when the doorbell rings. Being that I'm already standing, I go to answer it.

"I wonder who that could be. Who doesn't know it's rude to visit at dinner time on a holiday?" My mom complains.

I get to the door and open it, shocked at the person who is standing on the other side holding a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen, two bottles of expensive wine, and a smaller box. Ranger.

"Babe, Happy Thanksgiving."

"Ranger! Happy Thanksgiving. When did you get back?"

"Two hours ago. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"We were about to start eating dinner. Joe's here with his family. Did Tank tell you?" I wonder if Ranger knows that I am engaged to Joe.

"Yes, but I had to see you. I'm sorry, Babe."

"Come in, where are my manners?" I state.

Ranger follows me into the dining room. I see anger coursing through Joe's body, my Mom and Angie Morelli look like they smell poop, and my Dad and Grandma Mazur are smiling.

"Everyone, this is Ranger. Ranger, this is everyone." I say.

"Please call me Carlos. Ranger is my street name." I look at him, not able to help the smile that graces my face. There's room for another chair next to my father and me, so I go to get an extra table setting while Ranger gives the wine to my father and the flowers to my mother. The smaller box has disappeared. I take his gorgeous, buttery soft leather coat and hang it in the closet, after holding it to my face to inhale his glorious scent, Bulgari Green and Ranger.

My mom, Burg hostess skills taking over, thanking him for the wine and immediately opens it, recognizing the high quality and putting her wine aside.

"We were in the middle of stating what we are thankful for this year. Aunt Stephanie, it's your turn."

I take a deep breathe and start, "I'm thankful for having people in my life who believe in me, for having people who watch my back and support me in everything I do. I'm thankful for finding the courage to be myself, to stand up for myself, and to do what's right. I'm thankful that my best friend is home, safe and sound, once again after being away to keep us safe. Most of all, I'm thankful to take back control of my life." I pause, everyone looking at me like I've grown six heads. "Mother, I will not wear that monstrosity of a dress. I hate it. I hate the way in looks on me and hate the way I feel ugly in it. I refuse to wear that walking down the aisle. I will not have my friends where Pepto pink, for the color is hideous. I am done wearing my hair up or in a braid just because you don't like the way my curls fall. I will not stand before 300 people saying vows that I have no intention of keeping."

"Stephanie, what are you saying? Why me? Why today?" My mother says, downing her wine. I glance at Ranger, no Carlos, and see his smirk.

"Joe, I'm thankful that I found someone who loves me for me, who wants me to be happy, and who will support me." I pause, watching his chest puff out." I'm thankful that another person, my father, informed me of your extracurricular activities with Terry Gilman. I spoke to Eddie before. You weren't called into work today. Were you with Terry? Or were you with someone else? I'm thankful that I found out today before I made a huge mistake and married you out of desperation. Joe, you and I are through. Here's your ring." I take off my engagement ring and give it back to him, before sitting down.

My Mom is about to start her diatribe when my grandmother cuts her off, "Carlos, I think it's your turn."

Ranger stands up, and looks around the table, seeing a mix of angry daggers and hopeful faces. He glances at my father who nods imperceivably at Ranger.

"Today, I am thankful to be alive. Eight months ago, the doctor's weren't sure I'd make it home. I was in a coma, with a severe head injury. Once I woke up, they didn't think I'd be able to walk again. It took six months to get back to my level of physicality. Then, for the last month, I've been negotiating new terms to my contract, and I'm thankful that I was successful. I will no longer need to go overseas. I will be working as a consultant and trainer only. I am thankful to be here, in Trenton, and seeing Stephanie, the woman who has captured my heart, who is the light to my darkness, the balm on my soul, sitting next to me. Babe, mi amor, I love you, and I have loved you for years. Please make this day perfect. Please, Babe, will you marry me?"

At that moment, he dropped to his knee, holding the closed box in his hand, the box I spied when he arrived. I look up through my tears at my mother, who is appalled, my Grandma Mazur, who is smiling from ear to ear, to Valerie who doesn't know if she should smile or scowl, and finally my father, who is smiling at me. I look to the man kneeling before me and realize I've been quiet for way too long. I extend my left hand to his right, look him in the eyes, and respond, "Yes! A thousand times yes! Oh God, Carlos, I love you and have been waiting for you to return my love."

At my response, Carlos opened the box, revealing the most beautiful ring I've ever seen. It has a large, heart-shaped sapphire, probably about 2-carats, in the center with two rows of smaller diamonds surrounding the heart, with diamonds extending halfway down the band. He places it on my ring finger, and I take a moment to look at the ring on my finger. I'm glad I got that manicure yesterday. I throw my arms around his neck, and we kiss, sharing so many emotions in our first kiss: love, passion, elation, lust, and our souls. When we break apart, we're both breathless and wearing huge grins. My father is standing next to us, waiting for us to stand.

Ranger quickly stands up, helping me to my feet. He looks at my father, a little insecure, "Sir." He says.

My father looks sternly at Ranger, before dissolving into a smile. "Son, welcome to the family. I was waiting for you two to wake up. You are making my daughter very happy, but rest assured, if you ever hurt her, I will kill you. Eagle Eye knows people who know people."

I may be confused by my father's statement, but Carlos understands what he's saying, he suddenly stands even straighter, if that's possible, before responding, almost reverently, "You're Eagle Eye?"

My father nods in affirmation before Carlos continues, "Sir, it's an honor to meet you."

"From what I hear, you could give me a run for my money. The General even said that your instincts are better than mine." My father answered. I finally understand. My father was special forces, he was a Ranger, and it seems a very good ranger. I'll have to ask Ranger, no Carlos, about my father later.

"Thank you, Sir, but I think your daughter's instincts are better than both of ours put together."

"I think you may be right. But none of this 'Sir' nonsense, it's Frank or Dad now." My dad and Ranger give each other a man hug before my dad embraces me. "You're making the right choice now, Pumpkin. Carlos is a good man. He asked me for your hand yesterday, over the phone from DC."

I pull back and smile even more.

"But, Stephanie, you and Joe are engaged! What are you doing? You're wedding is in less than two weeks!" My mom is yelling.

I look at Ranger, and I guess our ESP kicks in because he responds. "Mrs. Plum, if it is necessary to for her to marry in two weeks, then I will be the one marrying your daughter. But not here in the Burg, not with her in something she hates. Not with her hair up like this." He says while pulling the pins holding my hair up out, allowing my curls to escape, falling halfway down my back. Since I've been wearing my hair pulled up or braided, it's been easier keeping it longer than I normally would. "We'll be married, but on our terms."

My mother is standing there, gaping. Grandma Bella is ready to curse Carlos, but he speaks directly to her first. "Le tue maledizioni non significano nulla. Una buona donna cattolica come te non maledirebbe mai un'altra persona. Smetti di fingere di essere una strega e vedi il tuo nipote preferito per quello che è, un uomo che preferirebbe avere delle amanti piuttosto che rimanere fedele al suo fidanzato." (Your curses mean nothing. A good Catholic woman like yourself would never curse another person. Stop pretending to be a witch and see your favorite grandson for who he is, a man who would rather have mistresses than remain faithful to his fiance.)

Ranger knows Italian? Since when? And what other languages does he speak? I wonder while I watch as Joe, Anthony, and his mother pales before Bella looks at Joe. "É vero, Giuseppe?"

"Si, nonna," Joe responds.

"You disgust me, Joseph. You are no longer my favorite. Go to Terry; you are good for her. Stephanie is too good for you. Ellen, mangiamo. I'm hungry." (let's eat)

With that, we all sat down and ate. It was a little awkward sitting between Joe and Carlos, with the Morelli's sharing a table with the Plums, but I scooted closer to Carlos, inhaling his scent. Once we finished dinner and dessert, Carlos and I made out getaway, to his apartment on Haywood, where we spent the night being thankful for each other.

The End

Author's Note: Happy Thanksgiving to everyone one FanFic Land. Here is a little story I wrote in honor of Thanksgiving Day.

I have much to be thankful for, two wonderful parents, three beautiful children, a great job working with great people, and wonderful people in my life. But this year, I have all of you to be thankful for as well. About a year ago, I decided to write my first story, Hawaii. I was overwhelmed by the responses I received from the individuals who read that story, so I decided to write a second story, Lovely 25. From there, as they say, the rest is history. I never had aspirations to be an author or to write fiction, but I enjoy the outlet, the way to decompress from the stress in my life. I am enjoying spending time in the worlds that you have also written.

I am truly thankful for everyone who follows me as a "favorite author" and those who follow my stories. I am thankful that HermonieIncarnate trusts me enough to beta her wonderful story Drive. I am super thankful for Susan Peters, beta-extraordinaire, who downplays her role in my development as a writer. Without you, Babe, my stories would be without their depth and cohesiveness, filled with "and" as a filler.

Your comments and reviews, whether you have only written one or several dozens, encourage and inspire me to continue to imagine a world where Stephanie and Ranger have their HEA, even though JE is stalling. So, on behalf of myself and every other FanFiction author, thank you for reading, commenting, and following. Without you, we would have no reason to share our thoughts and idea. You all rock, Babes.