I wanted to thank all of you who take the time to review even if it is to tell me that you are disappointed that this isn't a Ranger story. I am trying to write a good story that has all the elements I am known for; angst, drama, raw emotion, and sex. And just a clue about Ranger. Do you seriously think I would let him fade into the woodwork?

COMPROMISE

I took a long hot shower. I let the water stream down on me in the hopes it would drown all my sorrows about Ranger. I noticed as I got out of the shower, that there was a lot of noise going on downstairs. I figured my sister and the kids were probably here. I dressed in my jeans and a red T-shirt. I'd have to go to my apartment for my viewing outfit, black pencil skirt and button down, white blouse, and three inch black pumps.

I got to the bottom of the stairs and about twenty people yelled out "CONGRATULATIONS!" I was shocked. I had to sit down. Even Mrs. Morelli and his grandmother were here.

"All this because I got pregnant?"

"We wanted to be here for you, being single and all," my sister Valerie blurted out.

"You have to marry my son now," Mrs. Morelli said adamantly.

"He hasn't even asked me," I said defensively.

"He will ask or I will put the evil eye on him," Grandma Bella replied shaking her finger.

Mooner stepped forward. "A little Morelli. That's like cosmic. I could babysit. I'm really good with the little dudes."

Mary Lou rushed forward and slapped her arms around me. "I'm so happy for you. We can have so much fun together!"

I was overwhelmed. I needed to get out. There was a knock at the door, and Robin Russell dressed in her police uniform entered carrying a bouquet of flowers.

"The guys down at the precinct chipped in to get you these. There's a card, but it basically says congratulations."

"How's Joe taking it?" I asked.

She nodded in understanding. "He's—holding his own."

Lula and Connie burst in carrying a bunch of balloons. "Girl, why didn't you tell us?" Lula demanded.

"I had to tell Joe first."

"Well, I say it's gonna be a girl on account of I'm in my pink phase."

Everyone started gossiping and partying. I went into the kitchen where my mother was preparing hors d'oeuvres and punch.

"How did this happen?" I asked.

"You slept with Joseph, dear," she said without missing a beat.

Albert came into the kitchen. He wrapped himself around me. He smelled like baby food. "Congratulations. If you need me to stun gun you and drag you to alter, I'd be happy to return the favor."

"Thanks."

The music in the living room had been turned up. I entered to see Sally Sweet had arrived. He was wearing a chiffon pink and baby blue dress.

"Stephanie!" he called over the music.

"Sally, I think you are overdressed."

"I dressed for the occasion. Girl, I turn this way. Boy, I turn this way. Twins, I stand straight."

"Twins! Don't even wish that on me."

Grandma came out carrying a tray of food. Every one started picking at the food. Valerie came out with a casserole that the Morelli's had brought over. After a half hour of people eating and taking turns congratulating me, Sally organized a Karaoke session. The whole thing was getting to be too much for me. My father bolted first chance he got to go to the store for a list of things my mother needed. I ducked into the bathroom and called Morelli.

"Hey."

"You have to get me out of here."

"Problem?"

"There's like twenty people in my mother's house including your mother and Grandma Bella. The party is getting out of hand. Please, if you love me, you will rescue me."

"I'm not coming near that place."

"Please, Joe. I'm begging."

Silence.

"Joe?"

"Okay, meet me at the end of the block."

"How long?"

"Fifteen minutes."

"Make it ten."

I hung up.

I went upstairs and put on my sneakers. Grandma, Sally, and Lula were in her room changing. Into what, I didn't want to know. I got to the bottom of the stairs, and my mother intercepted me.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Um—I wanted to be able to walk people out."

Mrs. Morelli and Grandma Bella approached us.

"It's getting a bit loud. I think we'll take our leave." Mrs. Morelli announced.

"Let me walk you out," I said giving my mother a sly smile.

"Stephanie, so help me…"

I walked the Morelli's out and escorted them to their car.

"You tell Joe to call me when he proposes," his mother instructed.

"I will."

They drove away, and I stuck my hands in my pockets, put my head down, and walked swiftly down the street. My mother poked her head out of the door and yelled, "Stephanie Plum, you get your behind back here, right now!"

Morelli pulled up in his unmarked police car. I waved to my mother and jumped in.

"Go!" I hollered.

Morelli stepped on the gas, and we hauled ass away from the party.

"You okay?"

"Do I look okay?"

He smiled. "You look pretty hot to me. You're not even covered with anything. Nice change."

"How goes it on your end?"

"All right. I was hoping to plan a really special night with the woman I love, but…"

"But what?"

"Have you thought about the conditions?"

"Yes, I've thought about them."

"And?"

"Compromise."

"No compromise."

Joe swung into the parking lot to my apartment.

"Come on, Joe! What sacrifice are you making?"

"How about the sacrifice that I am swallowing my pride and marrying you even though everyone at Rangeman knows you've been diddling the boss?"

"Well gee, I wouldn't want you to have to swallow your pride. I don't have to be married to have a baby. Lots of single women raise children."

"Is that what you want? You want to raise a baby on your own and work for Vinnie chasing down piece of shit FTA's until one day someone gets a lucky shot off or blows up your car with you in it? Then what am I supposed to tell our daughter? I'm sorry your mother isn't here for you, but she thought pond scum was more important than you."

"Not when you put it that way."

"That's how it is Stephanie. Can't you see that? Every time you get yourself mixed up with some dangerous felon, I lose my mind."

"Okay, I promise I will quit my job as soon as we are married."

"Stephanie, you're pregnant now."

"I'll only take minor offenses, no one who is known to carry a weapon."

"Fine. See? I just compromised."

"About Ranger."

He took a deep breath. "I don't want you seeing him."

"We're friends."

"You're lovers."

"We don't have to be."

"You don't have to be friends."

"But we are friends, and even you can't change that."

"He made a fool of me."

"It wasn't about you."

"Then you tell me, what was it about?'

"It was about me, and the fact that like you, he fell in love with me. The reason he didn't take action sooner was because he respects you."

"The fact that he's in love with you is the reason I don't want him near you."

"I love him, too, Joe."

"Get out."

"No."

"Get out of my car, NOW!"

I opened Morelli's glove box and pulled out his gun.

"Give me that."

"Shoot me."

"What? You're out of your mind."

"Shoot me. Then, you won't have to worry about me cheating on you or getting killed or having to raise a kid by yourself. Do it."

"Stop it."

"I want to be your wife, Joe. I love you, and I won't cheat on you. I'll even take precautions, so I'm never alone with him, but I won't walk away from him. He cares about me, and I care about him, and he can give me the work I want to do in a safe environment."

He pushed back into his seat and rubbed his chin as he thought about it. Finally, he spoke.

"You can see him in public places, but I don't want you working for him. That's my final offer. Take it or leave it."

"I'll take it."

"So, let me get this straight. You are going to work for Vinnie until our wedding day, but you are only going to take FTA's with minor offenses?"

"Yes."

"After we are married, you are going to quit the bail bond business?"

"Yes."

"And you will not work for Ranger, and you will only have contact with him in public places?"

"Yes."

"Do you have a condition for me?"

"I have two."

"Go on."

"You buy the bread."

His lips curled into a smile. "Deal, what's the other condition?"

"That you love me."

"Cupcake, I've loved you forever."

He grabbed me by the shirt and hauled me across the console, and he kissed me long and hard.

"You want to seal the deal?"

I put my arms around his neck. "More than you know."

We made our way to the elevator. Joe pushed me up against the elevator wall and slid his hand up my shirt. "You know I thought your breasts were getting bigger, but I thought it was just my imagination."

"Will you still love me when they are hanging down to here?" I cupped my hands down around my mid-drift.

"I'll get you a boob job."

"So you want a trophy wife?"

"I want you. I've always wanted you."

"Joe picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around him." When the elevator door opened, he carried me to my door. "Give me your key."

"I don't have my keys. I don't even have my purse. Use your key."

"I gave it back to you."

"I think Lula has it."

"Shit, what are we gonna do?"

"We could go back to your house?"

"Or we could do it in the elevator," he joked.

"And then we can go back to your house."

He entered the elevator and stopped it between floors. He put me down, and I lay on the carpeted floor.

"You ride me. I don't want to give you rug burn," Joe exclaimed.

He lay on his back and pulled his pants down but not off. I kicked off my shoes. Then I stripped off my jeans and panties.

He cracked a brilliant smile. "You wore the pink thong I bought for you."

"Uh huh."

His dick was already hard. I grabbed his manhood and spoke to it. "I missed you."

"He missed you, too."

Morelli grabbed my shirt and peeled it off of me. "I missed the girls."

Joe was such a breast man. I truly believed that he actually would pay for a boob job to keep them young and perky.

I grabbed his hard on and straddled him. I eased the tip of his penis into me.

He had his hands on my breasts. "Oh yeah, cupcake. That's what I like."

I closed my eyes and enjoyed it as he pushed his way inside of me. I began to gyrate, and he started to breath heavily.

"Kiss me," I cooed as I lower my face to his lips. I put my face very close to his ear and I whispered. "I'm case you weren't sure. I love you Joseph Anthony Morelli."

Joe's hands traveled from my breasts to my hips, and he guided me home. I knew he was trying to rush it because if the tenants couldn't get the elevator to work they would go to Dillon, the super, and he would use his master key to override what we had done.

It started to feel really good. My breathing was labored. Morelli was smiling. He knew he was getting me to that place.

"Come on Stephanie. I want to feel you tighten up."

He was getting close, too. I could tell by the way he was gripping my ass.

Suddenly, I felt my doodah spasm. I threw my head back and half gasped, half moaned. That's when he pulled me down and rammed it home. As soon as he climaxed, he started to laugh. "I can't believe we did this—and I'm on duty."

All of a sudden the elevator jerked. "Shit! Stephanie, hit the button!"

I jumped up and slammed the button with my palm. The elevator jerked again.

"Put your clothes on!"

It took Joe no time to pull up his pants. I, on the other hand, was naked.

"Forget the panties," he ordered. I pulled my pants on. I was hopping around the elevator when it jerked again. Joe ran to the panel and stopped it again. "Give me your bra." He took it and stuffed it into his pocket.

I was pulling my shirt over my head just as the elevator started to move. Morelli grabbed my shoes and tucked them under his arm. The elevator doors opened. Mr. and Mrs. Wexler and Mr. Markowitz were staring at us.

"Smooth ride," Joe said with a sly smile. He guided me out of the back door to the parking lot. As soon as we got outside we both started to laugh hysterically.

"That was fun."

Morelli draped his arm around my waist and pulled me to him. "I promise you I will try to make your life fun." Then his face changed. He was serious. "I don't expect you to be like your mother or mine. I know you like to stay active and be adventurous, and I encourage that. I just don't want you to put your life in danger on a daily basis."

"Okay, I know that once the baby is born, my life will change, but until then I don't know what I'm going to do."

"You could take cooking classes."

"I could take pole dancing classes," I countered.

He leaned in and kissed my neck. "I've got a pole right here that you could ride."

"Again?"

"What can I say? You bring out the animal in me." His lips met mine, and I was glad that I'd soon be Mrs. Morelli.

A car turned into the parking lot like a bat out of hell and careened straight for us. Lula jumped out.

"Your mother told us to find you and drag your skinny white ass back to the house. Vinnie says he wants to talk to you. What do you want to do?"

"Officer Morelli says I'm under house arrest. I'm going to his house."

Joe and I strolled hand in hand to his car. He opened the door to his phone ringing. He picked it up and read the number. "It's the station," he said sullenly.

"Don't answer it."

"I have to. I'm on the clock."

He answered the phone. Connie swung around to where I was standing. "What do you want me to tell Vinnie?"

I looked over at Morelli. He was wearing his cop face.

"Tell Vinnie I'll be there shortly."

Connie drove out of the lot. Morelli hung up and gave me that look.

"Can you drive me to my parents' house, so I can get my bag and my keys, and then drive me back here?"

"I'm sorry, cupcake. I can get you to your parents'; then I have to take off."

"That's fine. I'll see if my father can drop me."

Morelli pulled up to the curb of my parents' house. Most of the cars were gone. Only my sister's car and Mooner were still parked.

Joe stepped out of the car and again scooped me into his arms. "Don't make any plans for tomorrow night." He kissed me briefly on the lips. "And I wouldn't mind seeing you in that red dress you bought a while back."

"Are you taking me out?"

"Yeah."

He kissed me again and backed away. I turned to enter the house.

"Steph!"

I turned as Morelli was pulling my bra from his pocket. "I think you forgot something." At that moment, I thought of Diesel. He had a talent for removing my bra without my knowledge.

I entered the house. It was relatively quiet, all things considered. My mother was in the kitchen cleaning.

I walked up behind her and hugged her. "I'm sorry, Mom. Joe and I needed some time alone."

"So, are you getting married?"

Valerie walked into the kitchen.

"We've talked about it. I'm pretty sure, but he still hasn't asked me yet. He's taking me out tomorrow night. I hope he'll ask me then."

"Oh my God! That is so great. You're going to be a Morelli!"

I loved Joe, but the thought of being a part of the Morelli clan didn't exactly bring me to a happy place. Besides the fact that most of the women were insane, my fear was that Joe would end up like his brother, Anthony, the latest to join the cheating, womanizing ways that were synonymous with the name Morelli.

"Where's Dad?"

"He said he needed some peace and quiet. He went to the club."

"Valerie, can you drive me to my car? I need to go to work."

"Honey, you were supposed to take a few days off," my mother reminded me.

"I feel fine. As a matter of fact, I feel great!"

"Well, please put on your bra before you go out."

I could feel the heat rise into my face.

I arrived at the bonds office. Connie was at the police station bonding someone out. Lula was on the phone with her credit card company. Vinnie's door was closed. I held my breath and knocked. No answer.

"Vinnie, it's Stephanie," I called out.

The door opened.

"Stephanie, come in. Sit."

I sat.

"So, you're going to be a mother."

I sighed. "Yep."

"I suppose you are going to marry Morelli."

"He has to ask me first."

"He'll want you to quit this job."

"Yes, he mentioned that."

"You need to find your replacement."

"Me? Why should I find my replacement?"

"Because I hired you against my better judgment, and now you are leaving me. I am not going to allow Lula to take your place. Connie is about to go on vacation. That leaves you."

"Fine, I'll see what I can do," I said sullenly.

I got up to leave.

"Stephanie?"

"Yeah."

"Congratulations. I wish you and Morelli the best."

"Thanks, Vinnie."

I left the room and plopped on the couch. My eyes pooled with tears.

"Did he yell at you? I'll go kick his skinny rat ass!"

"No! He didn't yell at me. He congratulated me. I'm just emotional, that's all. I'm gonna miss all of you."

"Where you goin'?"

"Lula, I'm pregnant! I can't go chasing bad guys!"

"Sure you can. You just need to stop talkin' to them and start stunnin' them before they get the chance to run or knock you on your ass."

I sighed. "Well, I only have one FTA and unfortunately, he's dangerous. I made a promise that I wouldn't put myself in danger. I need to get him today, before Morelli asks me to marry him."

"Let's do this, white girl."

"I want to stop and get my gun."

"Now, you're talkin'!"

The truth was Ricky the Fix scared me, not because he wanted to kill me. I'd had plenty of guys who wanted me dead. There was something about him, the way he touched me. I was afraid of what he might do to me if given the opportunity. I wasn't taking any chances.

We took my car. In the past, I would have let Lula drive, but I knew my car was being monitored by Ranger. At least it was in the past. I hoped that he was still keeping tabs on me.

"How are we going to do this?"

I had a plan. "I'm going to go up on the porch and shoot out his camera. That should piss him off enough to come out."

"What if he shoots you?"

"I don't think he will. He made it pretty clear that he's got as thing for me. He'd rather kidnap me. That's where you come in."

"You want me to shoot him?"

"No, when he comes out, I want you to bash in the back window. It should distract him long enough for me to stun him."

I dropped Lula on the block behind the house. She could take the alley on in. I parked across the street from the house. His car was parked in the driveway. I sat in the car and gave myself a pep talk.

"Fast in, do what you have to before he realizes what's going on."

I got out of the car. Cuffs in my back pocket. Pepper spray, stun gun. I pulled my gun from my purse. I stepped up on the porch. I faced the camera.

"Richard Kaiser? You missed your court date. I need you to accompany me downtown so that we can reschedule." Before he could answer, I raised my gun and squeezed off a shot at the camera. I shocked myself that I hit it first try. I stepped back from the door in expectation. I pulled out my pepper spray. I figured I'd blind him first. I waited and waited. Nothing. What the hell?

Suddenly, the door swung open and I immediately sprayed my pepper spray into Lula's face.

"Motha fucka!" she screamed.

He shoved Lula away from him and she fell to her knees, sputtering, and trying to wipe the tears and snot from her face.

Ricky pulled a magnum straight up to my face. "You bitch! You shot out my camera. I'll make you pay for that. You want to play this game? You got it. Game on, I look forward to the day I plunge my cock into your pussy. Now, take your inept fat friend and get the fuck off my porch!"

I was shaking, but I tried not to show any fear. I reached down for Lula, but I kept my eyes on him the entire time. There was something about his eyes. It was absolutely creepy.

I got Lula in the car and ran back to my side to get in before he had the mind to shoot us. I took off, and he was still standing on the porch.

"You sprayed me!" Lula screeched.

"I'm sorry. I thought you were him! By the time I realized it was you, it was too late!"

"That's it. I'm not helping you with him no more! Ever since you found out you are pregnant, you got all weirded out. I need some water. I need a shower. I need some comfort food."

"Okay, I'll take you to my apartment. You can take a shower and I'll get us some subs."

Two hours later, Lula was appeased and her vision was nearly normal. I dropped her back at the bonds office and took off for home. My phone rang as I was headed into the house. It was Morelli.

"Hey."

"How is your day?"

"Not so great. I blinded Lula with pepper spray."

Morelli started to laugh.

"It's not funny!"

"Well it wouldn't be if you did it on purpose. You didn't do it on purpose did you?"

"No! I was trying to apprehend Ricky the Fix."

"What? He's a known felon. You said you were only going to go after those with minor offenses."

"I took on Ricky before we had our little talk."

"Give him back. He's dangerous and he's slippery."

"I can't. I would have had him today if it wasn't for the fact that Lula jumped the gun, and he caught her."

"I'm not feeling very good right now."

"Don't worry. I'm done for the day."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"I'm on my way home. I'm going to take Grandma Mazur to Stivas. Myra Grimpel is being laid out. I heard through the grapevine that a lot of the old mob is going to be there."

"Yeah, a lot of cops, too."

"What are my chances on seeing a hot Italian cop?"

"Pretty good, half the force is Italian."

"You know, when we get married, I expect you to come home at a reasonable hour."

"Is that another condition?"

"I think it is."

"Cupcake, I'll do my best and I'll try to make it to Stiva's tonight."