Ch. 9
It was a lazy Saturday morning, and Joe was lying in bed behind Steph, her body nestled snugly against his. His hand was draped possessively around his daughter nestled safely inside her mother, and a larger sense of contentment he could not remember feeling. It had all rather snuck up on him, this domesticity. Joe couldn't have predicted even a few years ago this is where his life would've ended up. What he knew now, though, was that he had become a believer that things happened for a reason. Being accused of murder brought Steph back into his life. Inheriting Aunt Rose's house helped him feel more settled. Accepting Steph's place in that more settled life was a struggle, but well worth it. She was perfect for him and now she was carrying his daughter, which made his life perfect. He quite honestly believed that he was the luckiest man in the world and he would do anything he had to do to preserve that perfection.
Steph's breaths were even, but Joe doubted she was in a deep sleep. His little angel had been having herself a grand old time inside her mommy and Joe didn't think Steph could have slept through it. Wanting her to at least rest, however, he'd simply lain there and enjoyed the antics of their child. When Steph wriggled a little, he figured she was ready to get up.
"Not sleeping so good?" Joe asked sympathetically.
"How'd you guess?"
"Well let's see. Our little Angel has been doing some amazing high kicks in there for the last 45 minutes with some alarmingly strong legs. I figured it might interrupt your sleep."
"What time is it?"
"About 7:30."
"Mmmmm…she's an early riser like her Daddy."
"Sorry."
"S'OK. I learned to appreciate the side benefits of that with you, I'm sure in time I'll learn to appreciate it in her as well." Steph gifted Joe with a sleepy smile then.
Joe pressed a kiss to the side of Steph's neck, inhaling her sweet, sleepy scent. "Why don't you tell me what you want for breakfast and I'll bring it up to you."
Steph turned around and looped her arms around Joe's neck. "You did that last weekend, you don't have to do it again. I should go downstairs and get you something."
Joe feigned shock. "Do you think I'd allow the mother of my child to do that? No way," he continued, asnwering his own question. "You and the bambina stay here and I'll be back with something to eat before you know it."
Steph reached out and grabbed Joe's arm before he could get all the way up. "Wait! Before you go I wanted to talk to you about something."
Joe could see the alarm in Steph's eyes, though she was trying to conceal it. "What is it, Steph? Something wrong?"
"Not really. It's just that since Carrissa wasn't going to let me sleep, I've kinda been laying here worrying about the birth. I've been having more and more Braxton-Hicks contractions lately and I'm starting to think that if those are only a hint of what actual labor is going to feel like…" Steph stopped to gather her thoughts. She didn't want Joe thinking she was weak, but she did need some reassurance. "I don't know, Joe, I'm just not sure how I'm going to handle the real thing."
Joe caressed the side of Steph's face. "You are made of strong stuff. Don't even doubt that. You're going to do great and I feel privileged that I get to be there helping you in whatever way I can."
Steph nodded, then leaned forward and covered Joe's mouth with her own. The kiss started gentle, but quickly turned heated when Steph wrapped her arms around Joe's waist and pressed their bodies together. The love she felt for him overwhelmed her senses and she quickly became lost in the sensations of Joe's tongue gliding over hers and his hot skin under her hands. When Steph's stomach made a noise indicating her hunger, it was Joe who reached for his control and broke the kiss. Steph and the baby needed to eat. He ran downstairs before his control deserted him and several minutes later returned with a tray full of food. He placed it in front of Steph then took a seat opposite her and watched her appreciatively as she ate.
"What are your plans for today while I'm painting Carrissa's room? Have you decided where you're going yet?"
"Joe, do I really have to leave?" Steph asked, affecting a pout. "I promise I'll be good and stay out of the baby's room."
Joe shook his head in response. "I know you, Steph. If you're home, you won't be able to resist a peek, or two or three and the book says the paint fumes aren't good for Carrissa. We don't want to take any chances, do we?"
There were times Steph rued the day Joe got his hands on a pregnancy book. He obsessively followed every dictate to the letter. For the most part, Steph would have followed them anyway, but there were times it was damn inconvenient. Like today, when she was so excited about Carrissa's room being painted she wanted to be there to see it as soon as it was completed. And besides, getting around was becoming a pain in the ass and she really had no desire to leave the house. It was probably unnecessary anyway. It wasn't as if she were suggesting she go to work in a paint factory. Steph highly doubted that a few hours in a smelly house would severely damage their baby. But there was no way Joe could be convinced of that, she knew, his determination to do everything right completely absolute.
"Of course not," Steph sighed. "It's just that I really don't feel like getting dressed and going out. I can barely move anymore."
Joe nodded sympathetically. "Why don't you call Mary Lou and see if she can go shopping? Shopping always makes you feel better."
Steph shook her head. "You know we have that party with our families tonight. I just wouldn't be good company today knowing that's coming up later. Let's face it, I'm hardly great company anyway nowadays." Steph blew out a breath as Joe chuckled under his. "I guess I'll just go into work where I can hide in my cubicle and be alone. With my days getting shorter, there's plenty of work to do to get myself caught up and keep me out of your hair for several hours."
"I assure you my hair will miss you," Joe said, grinning. He knew Steph wasn't completely happy with him right now, but her leaving was not only healthier for her and the baby, his surprise depended on Steph being gone from the house for several hours. However, he was already anxiously anticipating her return.
As soon as breakfast was over, Steph quickly showered, dressed and left so Joe would have plenty of time to get the painting done. She breathed a sigh of relief when she got to her desk at RangeMan having only run into one other employee. She really wasn't in the mood for small talk—even though RangeMan employees tended to take that term literally and for the most part kept to two word sentences. Steph worked steadily throughout the afternoon, purposely keeping her mind occupied so she didn't have to think about the party that evening or about how Carrissa's room was shaping up. She was so excited to see the room, whenever she allowed herself to think about how it would look she would wish, once again, that Joe was just a little less stringent about following every rule in the pregnancy book he'd gotten for himself; while at the same time acknowledging to herself that his zealousness at being a father was damn sexy.
The time finally came for Steph to leave. If she stayed any longer she wouldn't have enough time to get ready for the party so Joe had just better be ready for her. Steph just hoped she'd be as fortunate getting out of the building undetected as she'd been coming in. No such luck, Steph thought grumpily when she saw Cal approaching the elevator. Steph quickly started mentally calculating the length of the elevator ride and how that equated to how much polite chatter she'd have to engage in, when all of a sudden Cal's eyes darted to her stomach and he quickly pivoted and changed his direction. After his experience with Val's water erupting all over him, Steph could sorta see his reticence at being locked in an elevator with her yet she still couldn't help but be grossly offended.
"Chicken! I'm not due for another month," Steph shouted out, but her voice trailed away behind the closing elevator doors. Steph sighed, closed her eyes, and laid her head back against the rear wall of the elevator. Looking on the positive side of her humiliation, at least she didn't have to make that small talk she'd been dreading. With her eyes closed, Steph didn't notice Ranger stepping inside the elevator right before the doors closed. On the other hand, Ranger had seen Cal 's hastry retreat from the elevator, noted the disgruntled expression on Steph's face and consequently had to struggle to keep the amusement out of his voice when he spoke to get her attention.
"Problems, Babe?"
Steph opened her eyes and glared at Ranger. She could easily read Ranger's mirth and correctly guessed that he had seen what happened. "Besides the fact that I'm a walking beach ball, your men are afraid of me and I have dinner with Joe's family tonight? Nope, no problems at all. Why do you ask?" Steph added with a smirk. "
"You're looking a little uptight right now, Babe. Even though you're not bounty hunting anymore, you should remember the rules I taught you for it can apply to real life too. Like your dinner tonight."
"Yeah? And exactly what rule should I be applying to this evening, oh mentor extraordinaire?"
Since Steph was already edgy enough as it was, Ranger figured he wouldn't prick her temper anymore by pointing out her sarcasm was unnecessary when he was only trying to help. He simply answered her question. "The first rule of bounty hunting. Never let 'em see fear. You can't let Joe's grandmother see your fear. Eye of the tiger, Babe, eye of the tiger."
"Except that Bella has "The eye" and I'm fairly certain that trumps 'the eye of the tiger' which leaves me exactly nowhere," Steph said in a glum voice.
Ranger chuckled. "Just do your best, Tiger."
The elevator came to a halt on that note and the doors opened. Steph nodded at Ranger, tossed out a negligent "thanks" and shuffled away.
Joe heard the front door and rushed downstairs to greet Steph. Her pinched expression spoke volumes about her apprehension over the upcoming evening. He hoped his surprises would ease some of that. Starting with showing Steph Carrissa's room. It had turned out exactly as he'd hoped and he couldn't wait for Steph to see it.
"Are you ready to see the room?" Joe asked with unguarded enthusiasm. Joe's excitement nearly overrode Steph's, which she found vastly amusing since Joe usually kept tighter control over his emotions. Today, he was like a kid in a candy store.
"I certainly am," Steph replied as she put herself in Joe's hands. Joe led the way up the stairs, and when they reached the top he covered Steph's eyes with his hand and led her to the bedroom. Since they had picked out the paint together, Steph thought she knew, basically, what to expect so was somewhat baffled by all Joe's efforts to keep her in the dark prior to reaching the room. When they reached the room and Joe uncovered her eyes, she understood why. It was apparent Joe had returned to the paint store without her knowledge and made some additional purchases. What Steph saw stole her breath away and she just might have fallen over if, at that moment, Joe hadn't stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle while she stood transfixed, gaping at the room which had been magically transformed into a fairy tale.
The pale pink paint that they had chosen was there, but now it was the background for a stately castle, which Joe had been able to create using stencils. Grass and flowers grew up from the floorboards in a magical meadow. Along the upper moldings, white clouds floated over the realm. It was a room fit for a princess, painted most obviously by a doting father. Steph continued to stare at the room for several long minutes, then turned in Joe's arms and squeezed him tightly. "It's beautiful, Joe…perfect," she whispered into his chest.
Joe, pleased that Steph liked the enhancements he'd added to the pink walls they had decided on together, nodded against her head. "It had to be," he responded before lightly kissing the top of her head. Nothing in his daughter's life would ever be ordinary, Joe added in a silent vow as he and Steph stood holding each other in the center of the room. He wished they could stay like this longer, but he knew it was getting late. He couldn't stop himself from kissing Steph one last time, however. "We need to start getting ready for the party, Steph," he whispered after he broke the kiss.
"I know, I know," Steph grumbled. "I'll go now." Steph took one last look around the room, smiled a bright smile, then kissed Joe passionately in celebration of her delight with the room. She left Joe standing dazed in the center of the room, fighting his body's response to Steph's kiss. It wouldn't do at all for them to be late to their own party, so he forced himself to push all thoughts of following Steph and continuing that kiss to its natural conclusion, out of his mind.
In the meantime, Steph stood in front of her closet, mentally throwing out every outfit hanging in front of her. She had to look perfect tonight. Grandma Bella was always looking for a reason to cast her in a dubious light and although it might have been silly, Steph gained confidence when her outer appearance was above reproach. It simply made Steph feel better seeing Joe's family when her armor was shiny, so to speak. Nowadays it was hard for Steph to feel good in anything she wore. At 36 weeks, her stomach had grown to a circumference that at one time she would have thought humanly impossible. She hadn't been exaggerating when she'd told Joe she was getting scared about the birth. Although it obviously wasn't, when comparing the size of her stomach to the size of the area between her legs, giving birth really seemed to be an impossible task. Well hell, Steph mused, if Val could do it she could do it. If nothing else, Steph was competitive and she knew she had more grit than Val any day of the week. When her time came, she'd conquer it with dignity. She wouldn't make a squeak of protest. Why, it'd be easier than…than…damn, at this point it'd be easier than finding something to wear to the party tonight. Why hadn't she gone shopping for something, Steph lamented. She knew why. Because as depressing as standing here finding nothing to wear was, failing to find something that fit when she was inside of a store where her failure would be publicized was infinitely worse. Now past her limit of frustration, Steph surrendered to the inclination that had been building for the last couple of minutes, and screamed.
"I'm fat, Joe. F-A-T, FAT!! There is nothing in this closet that is going to look good on me. Not ever again. Never. I'm going to be big and fat forever. Do you hear me? I hope you do and you'd better not be laughing in there either and I mean it! I don't think I can go tonight and I need some understanding!!!"
Joe had known this moment would come, and had purposely remained in Carrissa's room waiting for it. Now it was time for Steph's second surprise of the day. He was hoping that between the baby's room and his next surprise, Steph's anxiety over the party would be somewhat lessened. He didn't want Steph to be stressed out right now. His goal was to keep her calm and happy. He hoped his two surprises would accomplish that, but since most of Steph's worry in the immediate moment came from seeing Bella, then as a last resort he was prepared to use his and Steph's choice for Carrissa's middle name as his secret weapon. They'd been hoping to keep it a secret from Bella until the baby was born, but he'd use it tonight if Bella went after Steph as she was prone to do. But first, Steph's surprise.
"I was in our room earlier and I saw something that would look fine," Joe shouted back. "Just keep looking, I'm sure you'll notice it too."
Steph blew out a big breath. She was sure Joe was trying to be helpful, he just didn't get it. In truth, he probably hadn't heard a word she said beyond simply not being able to find something to wear. Besides, she didn't want to look just "fine," she wanted to look GREAT.
"I'm sure you think you saw something that would do, but no offense Honey, this isn't exactly your area of expertise."
In Carrissa's room, Joe was straining to contain his laughter. Steph would see how much of a non-expert he was in a couple minutes. In the meantime, he forced himself to be patient and say nothing further and he definitely couldn't laugh. He wanted Steph mildly frustrated, not livid.
"I'm telling you," Steph shouted when Joe didn't respond to her, "I'm standing in front of the closet and nothing is good enough."
Joe took a deep breath, striving to keep his voice even when he responded to Steph. "No, not the closet," Joe yelled. "What I saw was hanging behind the bedroom door."
The door? Steph thought. She never hung clothes behind the door. The paint fumes must have gone to Joe's head and caused hallucinations. She was about to protest Joe's statement with a comment that was sure to be incredibly snarky when her innate curiosity got the better of her. If Joe was putting her on, he'd incur her wrath soon enough as she was in no mood to be jerked around. But there was a tugging at the corners of her mind telling her to see exactly what it was Joe was up to before she went any further. Steph crept toward the door as if something were likely to jump out at her at any second. When she was close enough, she reached out and quickly swung the door shut. And then her mouth dropped open. And then she emitted a shriek of joy. Joe must have been gunning for sainthood at this point, because hanging on the door was a stunningly sleek, black knit weave dress; cut modestly low in the front; with an empire waist that flared to a full skirt. It was perfect. Exactly something Steph would have picked out for herself. Joe either had great taste in women's fashion that he kept well hidden, or he simply knew her extremely well. Steph would put her money on the latter.
Joe heard the screech just seconds before he heard the sound of thundering footsteps coming down the hall. He smoothed out the smile that had burst forth at the sound of Steph's scream, and assumed an air of disinterest when Steph appeared in the doorway.
"You find something?" Joe threw over his shoulder.
Steph was too happy to play the game. "Joe," Steph said breathlessly. "It's…oh my god…it's…"
Joe's smile involuntarily returned, he was so filled with joy that Steph liked the dress. The saleslady who'd helped him had assured Joe she would, but until he'd seen Steph's speechless reaction, he'd been apprehensive anyway. With his back turned to Steph, she couldn't see his pleased reaction, so he stuck with his non-chalance rather than taking the chance on saying something that would cause an emotional tidal wave from Steph that would undoubtedly cause them to be late.
"Now that you've found something, just go get dressed, will ya? You know if we're late everyone's going to blame me."
Steph accepted Joe's pardon gratefully. She was so close to crying over how incredible Joe had been today, if he'd said anything remotely sweet or kind it surely would've put her over the edge. And she certainly didn't want to show up at Angie Morelli's house looking red and blotchy. She had to get hold of herself. With her control hanging by a very thin thread, Steph simply responded "sure" in a soft voice and walked back to her and Joe's bedroom.
After slipping the dress on, Steph stood in front of the mirror gazing at her transformation. She certainly didn't feel frumpy anymore. The bodice of the dress clung to her ample breasts, while the neckline showed off just enough of her new cleavage. The lower half of the dress molded around her belly and accentuated the roundness while at the same time hiding the extra pounds she'd put on. She looked round, but in a svelte way. The dress showcased her belly in a manner that made her feel proud instead of fat. Steph again thought to herself that Joe could not have picked a more perfect dress and wondered at his intuition. His thoughtfulness, on the other hand, was something she was already quite familiar with. After one final twirl in front of the mirror, Steph left for the bathroom to do her hair and make-up.
When she came out, Joe was standing in the bedroom freshly dressed and ready to go himself. Joe was wearing black trousers and a pale pink shirt that offset his olive complexion. Joe wouldn't normally wear pink, but Steph thought he looked wonderful. She knew he was wearing the color today in honor of the upcoming birth of his daughter and it made him even more handsome in her eyes. She practically ate him up with her hungry gaze, feasting on the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on.
Joe was pleased at his wife's reaction to him but more importantly, he was bowled over at how truly sexy Steph looked with her pregnancy and a swell of pride filled his heart. "You look fantastic Steph," Joe said reverently. Steph wasn't used to feeling inhibited around Joe. They'd been together too long for that. But there was just something about the way he was looking at her that made her mind melt and speech almost impossible.
"Thanks. For saying that. And for the dress. It's beautiful." Joe nodded, unable to force any words out with the way his breath was lodged in his chest. Steph gave herself a mental head slap then. She was sure Joe's silence indicated he was waiting for her to say something about his appearance as well, and it definitely did deserve some kudos. "And may I also say that you are a perfectly formed model of the male species."
Joe produced an endearing grin. "Well, thanks yourself. Are you ready to go?"
"As ready as if I were facing a firing squad," Steph answered squarely.
Joe laughed as he held his arm out to Steph and she looped hers through it. Joe helped Steph down the stairs, which had become increasingly more treacherous in this late stage of her pregnancy.
Once in the car, Steph couldn't stop beaming. She immediately took Joe's hand and held it the entire way to Angie Morelli's house. It was an expression of both affection and gratitude, for nobody had ever done more for her in a single day to make her feel so beautiful and loved. Unfortunately, a few moments after arriving at Mrs. Morelli's house, what she wasn't feeling was relaxed. As it turned out, they were the last to arrive at the party and it wasn't even for the reason that everyone assumed. Perhaps if it had been, Steph would be feeling more relaxed right now. Steph's mom had greeted them at the door, explaining that Joe's mom was busy in the kitchen. Helen gave Steph a chiding look for a brief moment before pulling her in for a hug. It was obvious she wasn't happy with Joe and Steph for being late, but the pregnancy was like a get out of jail free card. Helen wasn't going to waste a moment talking about the time when there was a baby to discuss. Steph's mom pulled her away from Joe just as Mooch sidled up. Seconds later, Steph heard Mooch's shout from across the room.
"Aw shit, Steph. What the hell have you done to Joe now? He's wearing freakin' pink for Christ's sake!"
Steph pulled her attention away from her mother and turned to Mooch. "Sorry to disappoint you Mooch, but Joe's a big boy now so he gets dressed all by himself. I think he does a damn fine job of it too. Maybe when you grow up you can dress yourself too." Steph smirked at Mooch and Mooch gave her a responding sneer.
Joe slapped Mooch on the back. "Come on you big chooch. You're ill-equipped to get into a verbal sparring match with my wife. Let's go grab something to eat before you embarrass yourself further."
Steph watched Joe amble off with Mooch then turned back to her mom. Helen gave Steph a tiny lecture about showing respect to Joe's relatives, although she seemd more amused by Steph's ouburst than annoyed, then left her to see to the food. Helen was quickly replaced by Mary and Cathy Morelli and Val. They couldn't wait to compliment Steph on her dress. It delighted Steph to tell anyone who'd listen that Joe bought the dress for her. He was a breed above the rest of the Morelli men and Steph loved letting everyone else know it.
After the sister swarm left her, Steph's focus turned to finding Joe. He was her anchor in these family situations and she wanted him next to her before she had to deal with some of the crazier members of the Morelli clan and their bizarro conversation topics about she and Joe's life together. So far, Joe hadn't come back from wherever he'd gone with Mooch. She started to look for him, keeping her head down, hoping to avoid eye contact with anyone These things were so much easier when she could drink, Steph thought in exasperation since that was clearly not an option this time around. Then the craving hit her like a lightning bolt. Instantaneously, she had to have something, anything, that contained a high sodium content. That would surely help her cope, she thought irrationally. She was just about to go to the kitchen when a warm, familiar hand clasped her shoulder and a sexy voice washed over her.
"Doing alright, Cupcake?"
Steph turned into Joe's arms and grabbed onto his shirt in desperation. "Joe, I'm craving salt."
"Salt?"
Steph gave him a disgruntled look. There was no time to have her demands questioned. "Yes, salt! I have to have something salty. Now!"
Joe was used to Steph's craving requests, but he still found them amusing. "What would you like me to get you?" he asked with a laugh
"I don't know. Our moms must have made something salty, right? Better yet, how about a pickle? And stop laughing at me. I know it's a cliché but your mom has to have pickles."
Joe stifled his laughter. "I don't know, but I do know there's always a stock of green olives for martinis."
"Perfect! That's perfect. That's just what I need. Get me a bowl of green olives."
Joe couldn't stifle his laughter anymore, nor could he be shocked that Steph would want a whole bowl of olives. It was the truth that he had seen a lot of crazy cravings during this pregnancy. So much so, that one of his new mottos of late was "Never make a pregnant woman with a craving wait to satisfy it." So he simply hurried off to get his wife a bowl of green olives.
What did I just do? Steph cried to herself as Joe walked away. She'd just been wishing him at her side yet as soon as he'd shown up there she'd sent him away. Her brain had abandoned her and been replaced by her baby's. But before she could get too angry with herself or doom poor Carrissa to her room before she'd even been born, Joe returned with her olives. Steph popped one in her mouth, sucking on it to release every milligram of salt it contained, before chewing it up and swallowing it. She popped a second one in her mouth, repeated her previous actions, then smiled serenely at Joe. He reached out and twirled a strand of her hair around his finger and anyone looking at them could see how much he adored her. They stayed together until dinner was served.
Between Steph and Joe's mom's, they'd made enough food as if everyone was eating for two. Steph decided she'd compensate by consuming as much as if she were eating for four. It was her only defense against the embarrassing questions being posed to her about the pregnancy since she couldn't exactly answer anything when her mouth was full. In fact, talk was predominantly about the baby as everyone was excited to bring a new member into the fold on both sides of the families. The inevitable friendly insults were lobbed across the table and Joe invariably endured some barbs about his male prowess from his brothers, now that he had "managed to finally pitch one in." Throughout dinner, Steph kept waiting for Grandma Bella to have a vision, but she stayed puzzlingly silent.
After dinner, all the guys disbursed to the living room to watch the game-of-the-hour and Steph found herself on her own sans Joe once again. The women lingered at the table a few moments longer, but soon got up to clear away the dishes. Steph intended to help as well, but standing up took her a couple extra minutes than the rest of the group. No sooner had she gotten herself to her feet when she felt an instant drop in the temperature of the room behind her. Recognizing that distinctive chill, Steph wasn't surprised to turn and find Bella behind her, especially after she'd been prodded in the shoulder several times. Steph forced a pleasant, welcoming expression to her face.
"Bella, how are you enjoying yourself tonight?" Steph asked in a voice as sweet as syrup with a smile to match. "I think it's been a lovely party so far."
Bella hated it when members of the family plied her with that phony bullshit. She was old, not stupid, and definitely too old to have any patience with ass-kissing weaklings who panicked at the sight of her. She would tell the girl her vision and be done with it.
"I had a vision," Bella snapped. "You will be giving my Joseph a fine son."
Although Steph had tried to prepare herself for one of Bella's visions, since she was sure Bella knew her ultrasound had shown she and Joe were having a girl she was stymied by Bella's statement. As gently as she could, since she didn't want to suffer the eye, Steph tried to set Bella straight. "Bella, we already know we're having a girl. We had an ultrasound, remember? Surely you've heard that by now."
"Blasphemy!" Bella replied. "Do you dare to contradict my visions?"
An image of her baby being born with warts all over her body and six toes on each foot flashed before Steph's eyes. She subconsciously placed her hands on top of her stomach and rested them there. Bella noticed this and scoffed inwardly. This one had the fear in her. Already the girl was yammering to appease her.
"No, never, it's just…"
Bella liked to rest after her visions, so she interrupted the rambling explanation she was sure was coming. She didn't want to hear about tests and machines. She knew what she saw in her visions. But-- just so that the girl couldn't accuse her of being wrong-- she qualified her prediction. "Perhaps it's possible it's the next one who will be the boy. That is all for now. I must go lie down."
Steph watched Bella glide away like she was a member of the royal family, albeit a demented member. Bella's qualifier hadn't done much to make Steph feel a whole lot better, if indeed that was Bella's intention. Although she didn't think Bella had cast any spells on her unborn child over Steph's correcting her about the sex of the baby; still, here she was freaking out about delivering this baby and Bella already had her pregnant with the next one! Steph felt herself starting to hyperventilate and mentally catalogued the Lamaze breathing techniques she'd been learning just in case she'd need them in the next few seconds. She was so distracted, she didn't notice Joe come up beside her.
"Steph, everything OK?"
Steph could hear the concern in Joe's voice. He was so solicitous of her feelings. Steph felt guilty, but she thought to use that to get them out of the party before anything worse could happen to her. "I'm feeling a little sick, Joe. Maybe we should go."
Joe had seen Bella and Steph talking, so he had a good idea what was causing Steph's "sickness." He'd been worried that Steph had gotten upset by something Bella said which was why he'd come to check on her. But he knew they couldn't leave quite yet without upsetting a whole lot of people so he called Steph's bluff. "Honey, you haven't had morning sickness in months."
Steph frowned at Joe's failure to capitulate to her suggestion that they leave. "I said I was feeling sick, I didn't say it was morning sickness. Something else must be causing it." Steph lifted her chin in a defiant gesture.
Joe gave Steph a soft smile. "It's almost over. You're going to be fine, Steph. Hang in there a little while longer."
Steph knew Joe wasn't buying into the sick excuse, so she abandoned the pretense. "Do you recall that I usually have liquid assistance to help me get through these shindigs?" Steph moped. "I'm dying here, Joe."
"You're not dying," Joe soothed in a low, smooth voice. "But you do seem rather tense. I guess we'll just have to think of something besides a drink to relax you when this is all over and we leave."
That perked Steph up. "What did you have in mind?" she all but cooed.
Joe considered it a moment. "We could try out another one of the massages in your pregnancy book as a start," he replied, his soft smile morphing into something a tad more on the carnal side.
"You got yourself a deal." A deal Steph was more than happy with, especially if she could manage to stay out of Bella's way the rest of the night. At least, for now, Bella had gone to lie down.
Joe gave Steph a soft kiss on her tempting lips, then told her he was going back to watch the game. In truth, he took off in search of Bella. Steph's hormones were making her moods volatile. Almost anything and everything made her either cry or scream. Everyone was treating her with kid gloves lately and Joe wanted to make sure he added Bella to that list. She'd obviously said something to Steph that had Steph agitated, and he wanted to make sure it didn't happen again. Joe hated when Steph was upset, especially now, and he wouldn't tolerate anyone troubling her.
Joe caught up with Bella upstairs. "Bella, I'd like to have a word with you."
Bella beamed at her favorite grandson. "Of course, Joey. For you, I make time."
Joe smiled back at his grandmother. He loved her and he didn't really want to have to do this, but Steph and Carrissa's well-being were of utmost importance to him and Bella certainly did have a tendency to goad Steph. He'd be kind, but firm, in letting Bella know that wasn't acceptable to him.
"Bella," Joe said, trying to school his smile into a stern expression, "I cannot allow you to upset my wife in her delicate condition."
"Pffft," Bella scoffed. "She is pregnant, Joseph, not an egg. Besides, that one is not so delicate as you think." Joe looked as if he was about to argue with her, so she quickly added in her defense, "I say nothing to upset her anyway."
Joe's brows puckered and Bella knew he didn't believe her. His concern for the girl was vastly evident in the glare he was directing at her. It pleased Bella, for he had become so much more of a man than any of the other Morelli males, while at the same time it vexed her because presently his concern for his woman put her on the receiving end of his censure. Bella narrowed her eyes at Joe. "I could still give you the eye and you know it," she warned.
Joe chuckled. "My irresistible charm is a permanent safeguard from the eye and you know it."
Bella shook her head. Joey really was such a rascal. It was why he was her favorite. And she couldn't argue with him. He was, indeed, safe from the eye. Heaven help her, she would have to listen to his fretting about his wife. Bella smirked at Joe. "Alright, Joey. What makes you think I upset Stephanie?"
Joe nodded his head once, satisfied that Bella was going to listen to him. "Because I spoke with her a couple minutes after you did and she seemed a little…rattled."
All she did was tell her a vision and roar at her a little bit, Bella thought to herself. Hardly worth a mention at all. "That woman of yours needs some gumption, Joey," Bella harrumphed. "Perhaps if I…"
"You won't do anything, Bella," Joe interrupted. "I love Steph just the way she is. Now, I have something to tell you and I want you to really listen this time, alright?" Bella crossed her arms over her chest and Joe thought about what a stubborn woman she could be. He reminded himself he did love her, though, and he wanted some harmony between her and the other woman he loved. The time had come to tell Bella about Carrissa's naming. "I want you to know that Steph has chosen Isabelle as the baby's middle name. She wants the baby named for you, Bella," Joe said pointedly. "I was thinking to keep it a secret until after the birth, but it seems perhaps it's something you need to know now."
Bella's eyes widened and she uncrossed her arms to place a hand over her heart. To cover her emotional reaction, Bella quickly closed her eyes tight. "I'm having a vision."
Joe groaned inwardly. He had thought talking to Bella would be best for Steph, but had forgotten to take into account how much Bella enjoyed her theatrics. Oh well, dealing with them now was a small price to pay if Bella eased up on Steph a bit in the future. Bella opened her eyes and looked at Joe. "I must go inform Stephanie of my new vision."
Joe opened his mouth to issue a firm reminder of what they had just talked about, but Bella cut him off. "Do not worry Joseph. I will say nothing to upset her. Your protectiveness, though it made you quite impudent with me tonight, is very admirable." Gentling her voice, Bella added, "You make me very proud."
Joe returned to the game, confident and happy that Steph and Bella would be alright from here on out.
"I thought you went to lie down," Steph said to Bella when she saw her approach. Steph had been so unhappy when she noticed Bella returning to the party so quickly, she forgot to make herself sound delighted at the prospect of being in Bella's company once again. Bella noticed. It was a refreshing change, actually, but she wasn't about to let the girl know that.
"Don't use that fresh mouth on me, young missy. My Joseph came to talk to me and now I come to talk to you."
Steph hoped that wasn't a whimpering sound she'd just made as her mind was barraged with yet more curses that could befall her. Don't show your fear, Ranger had said. Steph stared stonily at Bella for a moment while she pulled herself together and tried to think of what Joe could have said to Bella that would make Bella seek her out again. She was coming up empty and would just have to see if Bella would fill her in.
"He did? Why?" Steph asked suspiciously.
Bella answered the question with one of her own. "Is it true that the baby is to be given Isabelle as one of her names?"
Bella was impossible to read, so Steph couldn't determine whether or not the baby's name was a good thing or a bad thing in Bella's estimation. Consequently, all she could do was answer the question truthfully and hope for the best.
"It is true, actually." Steph wanted to sound forceful, in a whether-you-like-it-or-not kinda way, but the threat of the eye always weighed heavily. She caved. "Is that OK?" she added cautiously.
Bella wasn't able to answer Stephanie right away. It wasn't as if she'd thought her Joey had lied to her, he wouldn't do that. Still, it was nice to hear Stephanie confirm what he'd told her and know the girl hadn't changed her mind. Few things made her happy nowadays. This did. A faint smile ghosted at the corners of Bella's mouth. Steph responded with a grimace.
"What's wrong with you?" Bella asked in her regular, surly tone. Bella had been just about to say something nice to the girl, but was highly put out by the face the girl made at her and now could no longer be bothered to.
Perfect timing, Carrissa. I'm fairly certain the old bat was about to act kind. "Oh, it's just the baby. Seems she's having a hard time getting comfortable." She can probably smell my fear, Steph thought morosely.
Bella watched Steph carefully as another ripple coursed over Steph's stomach. A sudden impulse came over Steph and she acted on it before she could give it a second thought. Steph reached out for Bella's hand and placed it on her stomach just as Carrissa did another flip and roll. She kept a close eye on Bella's face during Carrissa's performance, and although Steph could've been imagining it, since she'd certainly never seen an occurrence of it previously, she swore she saw Bella's eyes mist.
"That's Joe's bambina," Bella said gently in a softer voice than Steph had ever heard her use before. Steph smiled to herself. She had the crazy notion that she might have had something to do with the baby too. And maybe one day that recognition would come from Bella. But right now, Steph was more than content that Bella loved this baby simply because of its connection to Joe. Especially since the baby was going to be named for her. And, Steph mused, if that didn't get her lifetime immunity from the eye, well, at least she was fairly confident Carrissa would have it. Then Bella looked up at her with a truly joyous smile and eyes filled with gratitude and Steph re-thought things for herself. Perhaps the unthinkable had happened. She wasn't entirely sure, but she thought she just might have bonded with Bella.
When Steph and Joe left that evening, Steph felt better than she had in a while. The night had ended on a festive note when Joe and Steph opened the gifts from the members of Joe's family that hadn't attended Steph's other shower, as well as the crib from Steph's parents. And now that the room was painted, Frank was promising to come by the following weekend to help Joe build it. Steph wasn't planning on missing that. But the greatest surprise, and joy, of the evening was that Steph and Bella had reached a preliminary understanding tonight. Steph was still astonished at that, but she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. She'd been hoping for this outcome when she chose Carrissa's middle name, and she wasn't going to worry over it now that it had happened. No, she was simply going to relax and look forward to the foot massage that Joe had promised her earlier.
When Joe and Steph arrived home, Steph took care of letting Bob out while Joe brought all the packages into the house. Afterward, they let Bob have his way with the wrapping paper and ribbons while they relaxed on the couch undisturbed.
"Tonight went well, huh?" Joe prompted Steph. He was hoping to hear about what happened between her and Bella after he'd had his chat with Bella.
"It really did," Steph replied. "Bella was pleased about the baby's name. It was good that you told her." She said nothing more and Joe didn't press. The genuinely happy smile that Steph wore, full of satisfaction, indicated to Joe that things had worked out between Bella and Steph just as he'd hoped they would. Steph turned her face to Joe. "Oh, and did you know Bella had a vision that we were having a boy." Steph laughed. "She said the vision was about the next one. Can you believe that?" Steph's laugh morphed into a groan. "I just want to get this one out before I think about the next one."
Joe reached out and smoothed the back of his hand down the side of Steph's face. "Don't think about it right now. Just close your eyes."
Steph eagerly complied and Joe lifted Steph's feet into his lap. They fell into a companionable silence after that. Joe enclosed one of Steph's feet between his palms. One by one he compressed each toe between his strong fingers. After grazing lightly over the tops of the toes, Joe stroked his thumbs up and down the center of the sole a few times before returning to once again trace small circles on the top of Steph's toes. The pleasure elicited from Joe's touch was starting to radiate from Steph's feet to other, more intimate, areas of Steph's body. She entertained the idea of moving to the bedroom, but ultimately, the massage felt too good to ask Joe to stop. So she sank deeper into the couch cushions and experienced the magic of Joe's hands all over again as he moved to her other foot.
When Joe finished the massage, Steph resembled a mass of quivering jelly. Joe regarded her with a look of male smugness for a moment, then rose from the couch to make Steph her nightly cup of peppermint tea. When the tea was finished, he grabbed himself a beer and returned to Steph, reseating himself on the couch next to her. Joe handed Steph her tea, then took a swallow of his beer.
"Whew! My arms are feeling pretty tired from giving that massage."
Steph's eyes narrowed as she contemplated Joe. She didn't believe him and wondered what he was up to. Joe answered that quickly enough when he faked a stretch of his arms and placed his mug of beer squarely on Steph's stomach. "You don't mind if I rest this here, do ya Sweetheart?"
Joe's smile radiated angelic innocence but the devilish glint in his eyes belied it. Steph let Joe see the full measure of her displeasure at becoming a table in the irritated frown on her once blissful face.
Joe marvelled at just how quickly a pregnant woman's mood could shift.
"What? I'm joking. Come on, you can take a joke."
Steph added slitted eyes to the frowning mouth, making a truly scary picture. "Okaaay, maybe not," Joe acknowledged, although the slight quivering at the edges of Steph's frown told Joe she was probably taking this better than she was letting on. Regardless, he reached out to remove the glass but before he could, Carrissa executed one of her infamous kicks, upsetting the balanced drink and dumping it all over Joe's lap. Steph's quivering lips turned into a full-fledged grin and she laughed hysterically.
"Oh, you SO deserved that," she choked out between guffaws as Joe hopped around trying to separate the wet clinging fabric from his legs before finally giving up and stripping the pants off altogether. He looked down at Steph, tears streaming from her eyes, and began laughing right along with her as he sauntered off to get cleaned up. When Joe was gone, Steph gave her belly a conspiratorial pat. "Perfect shot, Baby!"
Score one for the ladies.