A/N not mine, I own nothing but the plot.
Wow! Like I said, this story has run away from me and truly taken on a life of it's own. I'm just gonna run with it. It's rather fluffy, but it is a fast moving love story. I guess...
Also, warning for some religious items in this story.
Hard Knock Life
I woke to the sounds of giggling. Tank still had his arms wrapped around me. I could only smile contentedly.
"Aunt Steph! It's time to wake up," Trey giggled again.
I looked up and there was Vince holding Trey and his brother Will.
"I'm up. We'll be down in a minute. Vince, please have a giant cup of coffee ready for me."
"Be quick, Plum. Grandma has strawberry Chocolate Chip waffles being made for us this morning. I know I saw a few gifts from Santa for us under the tree, so move it!"
I groan as they leave the room. I roll over to face Tank, who is looking at me with a goofy grin.
"Good morning, Beautiful. Merry Christmas," he says against my lips.
"Good morning and Merry Christmas, my love. We better get moving or our nieces and nephews might start without us."
"That sounds like a plan. Maybe next year we'll have our own little one to celebrate with?"
"I'd like that. Should we start trying once we're married?"
"I would like to, but I don't want to push it if you're not ready."
"I'm ready to be a mom."
He leaned down and kissed me. It was a kiss full of passion. I could feel his erection pressing into my belly and let out a moan. I reluctantly pulled away.
"We better stop," I said.
"Let's get dressed and go down."
"Nope, it's christmas morning. Pj's, slippers and robes are the preferred dress this morning, good sir. Then it's breakfast and mass is at noon."
I got up and Tank grabbed my hand. "I love you, Steph. I intend to show you and tell you that every day for the rest of our lives."
"I love you too."
We went down to the family room to find everyone there and waiting. Everyone was in their pajamas and the kids were so cute.
"There's the happy couple. They get the first gift this year. Steph, this is from me, Grandma Angie and Grandma and Grandpa Mazur. This is a special gift that we got for you when you were a child. We knew that one day you would find a good man who loved you. This is for both of you.
"You can't say no to it either of you."
We sit on the couch and Grandpa hands me an envelope. I open it and read. I can't help but cry. I hand the paper to Tank to read and hug my grandparents. This was too much.
"What is it Pierre?" I hear Mama ask.
"It's a vila in Italy."
"Tank, it's not just any vila, it's the one they took me to that summer I told you about. It's the place I fell in love with.
"Vince, do you remember that trip?"
"I do Steph. We had the best summer there. Right on the beach."
The rest of the presents were opened quickly after that. My Grandparents spoiled all of us. Giving each child an insane amount of toys.
I was given a whole new wardrobe for my new job. Tank received a new laptop and some deep sea fishing gear.
I gave my meager presents to Tank and my Grandparents. I gave Grandpa a watch, Grandma a cameo brooch and Tank an engraved bracelet. I told Grandma Mazur that I didn't know she would be there, so her present was at home.
Tank pulled me to the side to give me my gift. It was a beautiful sapphire and diamond necklace and bracelet set.
"Tank, you didn't have to get me anything. Just having you is enough."
"I have the money and I want to spoil the future mother of my children."
I only nod my head. After breakfast we all get ready to go to mass.
"Tank, what do you think about my grandparents church? We live close enough that we can come to mass here. If you have to work on Sunday we can go to mass at five on Saturday."
"I like it. It has plenty of families our age and a good mix of people. I don't think there will be any kind of issues being a mixed couple."
"No, I don't think we will have any problems there."
Grandpa was speaking to Fr. Mike after service and motioned us over to them.
"Fr. Mike, this is my granddaughter Stephanie and her fiancee Pierre."
"It is wonderful to meet the two of you. I understand that you wish to be married on New Years eve in your Grandparents home."
"Yes, father," I replied.
"Can you join me for lunch so we can discuss the ceremony. I can drive you home when we are done."
I looked up at Tank and he nodded his agreement.
"We'll see you back at the house later, Grandpa?"
"That's fine. I'll let everyone know."
We walked hand in hand behind Fr. Mike. He took us to his office and picked up his phone. He asked for lunch for three to be brought there.
He asked to start off with a blessing. We made the sign of the cross and bowed our heads. He placed a hand on top of each of our heads and began.
"God, our father in heaven, please helps this young couple as they take the steps towards the sacrament of marriage. One of your most holy of scaraments. You have made them in your image and their souls are half of each other that was wondering til they found one another. Help guide them through the rough times and happy time. Carry them when they need it. Bless them as they make this journey. In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit, Amen."
"Amen," we both replied.
Fr. Mike sat behind his desk. He looked at us intensely. He finally smiled.
"Since you are getting married at your grandparents home we won't be able to do a a full mass and church blessing. We will have to do that after the epithany, but before Ash Wednesday. That way you will be truly married in the eyes of the church.
"Stephanie, you've been married before. Your grandfather gave me a copy of your annulment so we won't have any problems there. Do you have anyone specifically you want to give you away?"
"I would like my Dad to, but I doubt he'd be willing. If he won't then I'd like Grandpa Plumeri or my cousin Vince."
He nodded at me, "I know that all of them are in good standing with the church.
"Now, Pierre, have you ever been married before?"
"No, sir."
"Good. This may seem intrusive, but in todays society I have to ask, otherwise I can not in good faith preform this ceremony."
We both nod and he continues.
"Have you had carnal knowledge of each other?"
I blush bright red. Tank recovers first.
"We have shared a bed to sleep, but nothing more. We want to wait until we're married for that. She still lives in her apartment and I live in my home."
"Wonderful! Would you like to use the traditional vows or write your own?"
This time I spoke up, "Traditional. I'm not very good about writing things and I like the way the traditional one sound."
"I like them as well," Tank said.
Our meeting continued until 4, only being interrupted when our lunch came in. Fr. Mike drove us back to my Grandparents home in time for the feast that had been prepared. Grandma Mazur had gone home after mass.
Once dinner was over the exhaustion of the day hit the kids hard. Their parents took them to bed. We went to our suite as well.
I decided to suck it up and call my Dad. I called his cellphone since there was less of a chance that my mom would answer it.
"Stephanie?" he answered.
"Dad, Merry Christmas."
"I'm glad you called. I was afraid I wouldn't even hear from you today."
"I almost didn't call. I know I'm not welcome in the home I grew up in."
"Why do you say that? You're always welcome here. Please, tell me you didn't spend christmas alone."
"Dad, mom told me that unless I go back to Morelli and marry him, I am not welcome in her house. I'm not going back to him.
"I spent Christmas with Grandma Mazur, Grandma and Grandpa Plumeri. Also, my fiancee's family is here. Their old friends of Grandpas. So no, I'm not alone."
"Fiancee? Pumpkin, your getting married?" he asked.
"Yes, to Pierre Labeau. You may remember him as Tank. We're getting married at Grandma and Grandpa's New Years eve party...Daddy, I was hoping you would give me away."
"One of Tomas and Andrea's boys?"
"Yes."
"Tomas was my best friend when were growing up. I was an usher in their wedding.
"Now as for what your mother said, don't listen to her. I should have said something to her years ago. I will be talking to her as soon as we hang up.
"I will gladly be there and give you away. Just tell me what time."
"Just come to the new years party. It will be around 11 that night. Please, bring Grandma Mazur along with you. I would rather Mom not be there if she can't keep herself under control."
"Like I said, she and I will be having words tonight and if she doesn't like it, she can go live somewhere else. This is my house and I'm taking charge of it back."
"I love you, Daddy," I whisper.
"I love you to, pumpkin. I'm sorry I wasn't what you needed me to be all these years."
"It's alright."
We said our goodbyes and hung up. Tank was there in an instant and pulled me close. I felt as though the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders.
"So, Baby, is everything working the way you want?"
"Yup."
"When we get back from the courthouse tomorrow Mama, Josie and Marie would like to take you shopping to find a dress. I'm glad I already have my tux with me.
"While you do that I'm going with my Dad to find our wedding bands, if you don't mind me picking them out?"
"I trust you."
"Uhh...Steph, what's your ring size?"
I had to giggle, "5"
"Steph, are you really sure you want to do this?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
I pulled him down for a kiss. I am tall for a woman, standing 5'7", but next to him, I am dwarfed. He stands 6'7" and is all hard muscle. We are a study in opposites.
"I love you, Pierre."
"I love you, Stephanie. I can't wait for you to be my wife."
"I can't wait for you to be my husband."
My phone chose that perfect moment to ring. I looked at the caller id and groaned...Santos.
"Yeah, Les. What do you want?"
"Hey, Beautiful. I just got an interesting email. Something about a wedding that I'm invited too. Do you know anything about it, or is it a hoax?"
"No hoax, Les. Tank and I are getting married. I'm assuming Tank sent you the email?"
"Yup, one for Bobby and most of the others as well. I was elected to call to make sure it was real."
Tanks phone rang just then as well. He picked it up and took it into our bedroom.
"Yes, it is very real and we would love for all of you to be there. Did he explain about the dress code?"
"Yeah, he did." I heard someone in the background. "Here Steph, Ella would like to speak to you."
"Steph? Are you and Pierre really getting married? You really want Louis and me there?"
"Yes, to both. Your family and we want you there."
She must have handed the phone back to Lester. I heard her shouting to Louis that their baby girl really is marrying Tank. I couldn't stop the smile on my face.
"Congratulations! Tell the big guy we'll get coverage from other offices and contract workers for that day."
"Will do."
As I hung up my phone rang again. I didn't even bother to look at the caller id.
"Hello?"
"Congratulations, Babe."
"Thank you, Ranger," I replied cautiously.
"I always knew I wouldn't be good enough for you, and I am glad you found someone who is. He is the best man I know. I'll speak with my counselor tomorrow and see if I can get a twenty four hour pass. I would like to be there. I want to see my two best friends get married."
"We would be glad to have you if you can, if not we'll understand."
"I know...I do love you, just not in the way you deserve."
"I know and I get that."
"I would like to pay for your honeymoon as my gift to both of you. I have a beach house in the keys that you guys can use."
"We'd like that. Thank you."
"I'll send the info to Tank...Steph, be happy okay?"
"I will be."
He hung up and Tank came out of the room.
"Everything okay, Baby?"
"Everything is perfect."
We got ready for bed and laid down on the king sized, soft as a cloud goodness that is our mattress.
"Baby, would you like to move into my house or find something that both of us chose?"
"I love your house. We can start there and if we decide to find something else we will. Do you mind that I'll be working?"
"I don't mind, but if you want to stay home once we start having children, I won't mind that either. It's up to you, I have more than enough to support us and a family for ten lifetimes.
"Tomorrow, before we leave in the morning; I do have some paper we need do look at and sign. It's to put your name on my insurance and so the military knows you are my spouse."
"Tank, why would I need to sign anything for the military?"
"Steph, you know that I am still in the reserves and if something happens to me the government will send you a very small widows benefit."
"I don't need that."
"I know, but it makes me feel better. I only have six months left I don't believe I'll be called away at all during that time, but I would rather know we have it and not need it, than need it and not have it."
"See, this is what I've been looking for. We discuss things, not fight over it. You give me choices and when that's not an option you explain why it's important to you instead of yelling and getting mad. That makes me feel as though I matter. Thank you."
"You do matter. This is our lives, our choices. This is about what we want in our lives, not anyone else. What you and I want should mesh and if not we have to be able to compromise without fighting."
"Absolutely right."
I kiss him goodnight and snuggle in. I am beyond tired and fall asleep easily. Unfortunately my phone wakes me up at seven am.
"'Lo?"
"Stephanie Michelle Plum! What is the meaning of this nonsense?! You will not be marrying that man! You are engaged to Joey!"
"Excuse me, but I'm pretty sure it's my life and you can't stop me. You want a Morelli so bad, you marry the bastard! He'll give you enough children from all the whores he sleeps around with.
"Have you finished packing yet? I'm sure Daddy doesn't know your calling me. How about I call him and see? If you can't be happy for me, then I want nothing to do with you. I'm sorry I wasn't a boy, I can't change that. What I can change is who I allow in my life. You, Helen Plum, are not welcome into it. Please leave me alone or I'll make you."
I hung up my phone, set it to silent and tried to go back to sleep. Tank pulled me as close as he could.
When we woke back up it was 9 and we ran around to get ready for the day.
