The story is mine; the characters belong to JE. I'm just playing. Smut warning for this chapter.
Chapter 11 New Beginnings
Lester's POV
I'm always willing to help out Stephanie and Ranger, but tonight is a very inconvenient night. Tonight, I was planning on taking Dani to a very fancy restaurant for dinner. If you had asked me ten months ago if I ever would have imagined myself with a woman other than Stephanie Plum, I would've told you that you were crazy, but since I met Dani, I'm a changed man. Don't get me wrong, I still love Stephanie and probably always will. She is the first woman who I ever was able to admit saying that I love. The first woman who I spent more than a few weeks dating. She made me realize that I was ready for a grownup relationship and that I did want a family. Unfortunately, she and I were not meant to have a happily ever after. I felt an initial attraction to Dani because she reminded of Stephanie in some ways, physically, but that was until I got to know her. Dani and Beautiful share many of the same characteristics, both women are loving, generous, caring, selfless, and genuine, they both have a wicked sense of humor, but Dani can relate better to the dark inside me than Stephanie ever could because Dani has been on the front lines. She' has first-hand knowledge of what fighting does to the soul and body, and when I have one of my nightmares, she can get me stable better than Stephanie ever could, not that she didn't try. As much as I have wanted to, I haven't made a move on Dani yet. I don't want our relationship to revolve around lust only. But, I now feel that we have a good, solid friendship and I'm ready to take our relationship to the next step. She won't be a rebound fuck, I wouldn't do that to her, which is another reason why I waited so long. Therefore, tonight was the night when I was going to tell her that I wanted a more committed, serious relationship with her, and then Ranger drops the babysitting bomb on me. I know that with everything that has gone on since he returned, they have had very little time along, and keeping Stephanie under 24-hour surveillance did not help her to adjust to her new life. I know that she, more so than Ranger, needs a night to decompress and remind her of why she loves Ranger. Being the mother of a teenager overnight is not an easy adjustment, especially for someone who up until recently, was so anti-children.
I call Dani and wait for her to pick up the phone.
"Hello, Dani Cono speaking. How may I help you?
"Hey Baby, Ranger asked me to call you. Can you please bring Julie with you back to my house tonight? We're on babysitting duty until she get's out of school tomorrow."
"Is everything okay with Stephanie?"
"Everything is fine. Ranger wants to take her out for the night, just the two of them. They have had no time alone in a long time. She's getting burnt out and restless. I hope you don't mind. I know we were planning on going out to eat tonight, but we can do that tomorrow night instead if that's okay with you."
"It's not a problem. I can only imagine how hard things must be for Stephanie. I know that she's be around you guys for a long time, but a civilian never is fully capable of dealing with our security measures without feeling trapped."
"You said it. Thanks for understanding, Baby. I'll cook dinner tonight. What are you in the mood for, Baby?"
"How about steak, potatoes, and broccoli rabe?"
"Your wish is my command. I'll see you later. Love you, Baby." Love you, Baby. Did I just tell Dani that I loved her? I guess there's no going back now.
Ranger's POV
I know that Stephanie has no clue how beautiful she is in my eyes. She is the most exquisite woman I have ever seen. However, thanks to her Mom, the Burg, and Morelli, she has no sense of self-worth. I'm trying my best to build her up, and I can tell that Lester did a good job when I was away. She's more confident now then she was when I first met her. She thinks that I'm in my driving zone, but I'm just thinking about all the ways that I want to make love to her when we get home. Pregnancy suits her; she has a glow about her that Rachel never had with Julie. Finally, I'm at the gate. I fob our way into the gates, and we pull up to the front door. Before she can get her door open, I'm standing next to her ready to escort her into our home. I give her my hand. "My lady, are you ready to enter our home?"
"Of course I am." She looks at me slyly, and I'm trying to figure out what's going on in that beautiful mind of hers. We enter the house, and she kicks off her shoes before turning to me and kissing me. "It's just the two of us, and I need you right here, right now."
Who am I to argue? I pick her up and carry her to the couch while kissing her. Once I place her on her feet, I quickly remove her dress. I let my thumbs run over her nipples, which are twice as sensitive as they were before her pregnancy. I can see that she is already so completely turned on. I remove her bra and panties and start to kiss her breasts while allowing my fingers to attack her between her legs. I rub her clit and place two fingers inside her. I hear her breath hitch and can feel her building to her first climax of the night. I place another finger inside her wet core, and I feel her lose herself. Once she is done, I bring my face down between her legs. I love the taste of her juices and her scent. I can't wait to drink her up and make her come all over again. This time, I let my hands abuse her breasts, by pinching her nipples and rubbing each breast, all while I am using my tongue to hit her g-spot. I can feel her body building to another climax, wi=hile she has her hands in my hair. Dios, this woman drives me crazy. I feel her ready to come again, and I take all her juices while she comes in my mouth. Now, I need her around my cock. I need to be inside her. She is ready for me. I bring her hips to the edge of the couch, and I place my hardness at her entrance. She wraps her legs around me, and I know she's ready. I kiss her while I slowly move in and out of her core. I'm trying not to release too quickly because I do want to come with her. I finally feel that she is ready to go over again, so I pick up the pace, and I feel her squeeze around my cock. I'm ready, and she is. We both find our release simultaneously, and I continue to move inside her until we are both completely spent.
"I love you, Babe."
"Me too, Carlos. Thank you."
Once our breathing evens out, I carry her to our bedroom, where I plan on having a few more rounds with my Babe.
Dani's POV
I love spending time with Lester, even though all we do is have dinner and watch television. I am ready to take our relationship to the next level, but I'm not sure he's ready. I know that there are still underlying feelings for Stephanie in his heart, and I know that I have to try to erase her from his mind, but it's hard to do when we are always around her. I love her, and she's a great woman, but having Lester guard her is not helping him to move on. I know that she is trying to keep her distance and make sure that Lester knows that she is over him, but there are still too many times that I see them both reliving something from their romance. I'm just afraid that I'm going to be the rebound chick that gets thrown away once the guy comes to his senses. But then again, Lester did say that he loves me. I do love him. Maybe I need to let our date tomorrow night happen and see where we go from there. Julie is a wonderful girl, and I do enjoy spending time with her. Maybe I can pick her brain a bit about Stephanie, you know, just between us girls.
Julie's POV
Uncle Lester made a great dinner tonight. I was disappointed not to be going home, but I know that mom and dad need some alone time. I know that mom never expected to have me full time as her daughter, but she has accepted me fully, and I am so grateful. So many of my friends have stepmothers who are evil and mean, and I have one who is better than my biological mother. I am very lucky. I just hope she doesn't resent me as time goes on because I am taking attention away from her and her baby. I don't think that will happen, but one never knows. We have a special bond after surviving Scrog together. I know that if she were able, she would have shot him herself. When I saw her fall apart after dad was shot, I knew that she was in love with him. I know that even though dad loves me now, then he was going to her apartment to save Stephanie, not me as much. If Scrog had killed Stephanie and spared me, he would have been devastated. It hurt me at first to admit that, but after my therapist explained how we didn't have a true relationship, I understood more, and that is what motivated me to push for a better relationship with dad, much to Rachel's annoyance.
I'm just about to turn off the lights in my guest room when Dani knocks. "Hey Jules, can I come in?"
"Of course. What's up Dani?"
"I feel funny asking you this, but I don't feel that I can talk to anyone else about this."
"What is it?"
"What is the deal between Lester and Stephanie?"
Wow, that's a big question. "Well, Uncle Lester has always liked mom, but I don't think that he would have ever acted on his feelings if my dad was around. Once he was out of the picture, Uncle Lester was able to act on his feelings, but he always knew that my mom loved my dad more than anyone else. I know it was hard when everything first happened when mom and dad got back together, but I know that he is now complete over Stephanie. Will they always have their moments, of course, but he knows that she is not an option for him. I think he is ready to move on."
"I just don't understand the draw that everyone has to Stephanie."
"She was the first person from the outside to see them all as men first, mercenaries second. She took time to get to know them, visited them when they were hurt, and genuinely cares about every one of them. That's why they all love her. She can see through their scars to see the real man inside. She can see the good inside my dad, which is something Rachel was never able to see."
"So, you truly feel that Lester is over Stephanie?"
"Dani, I know that if he realized that you want a relationship with him, he would jump a the opportunity and wouldn't look back. He's a good man, and he will make you happy. He would never have made Stephanie happy, she would have been content, but never happy."
"Thank you, Julie. I don't know when you became so wise."
"It's the Manoso genes. They make me a part superhero." With that, we hug, and she leaves. I hope Uncle Lester doesn't screw things up. Dani is a much better match for him then mom. I hope mom and dad are having fun tonight so I can join them back home tomorrow. I think I'll have to try and set up a monthly date night for the two of them. I'll get grandma and bisabuela involved.
Stephanie's POV
Last night was a welcomed surprise. I didn't realize how much I missed my alone time with Carlos. I just feel bad that we had to change Lester's plans. I think he had a romantic evening with Dani planned until we stuck him with Julie. Hopefully, he and Dani can have their date night tonight. I can see that she is perfect for Lester. She can handle his playboy ways and can keep him in line. I hope they get together. If nothing happens soon, I may have to give them a little nudge in the right direction.
Our February 1st wedding date is about six weeks away, so I need to start planning things with Ella. We need to decide who we are inviting, and I have to get a dress. As for me, the only people that I will personally be inviting are Connie, MaryLou and Lenny, and Joe and Lauren. How pathetic, I only have five people to invite to my wedding. Of course, my Merry Men will be invited, but I know them through Ranger. I want Ranger's siblings, parents, and grandmothers to be there. I guess I'll let him decide which Merry Men will be invited.
I realize that he never answered my questions about Mary Alice. I'll ask him when he finishes in the gym. I pour myself my second cup of coffee and Ranger enters the room, fresh from a shower dressed in his Rangeman uniform. God, he's still the sexiest man alive. "Morning Carlos."
"Morning, Babe. Did you eat breakfast yet?"
"No, I was waiting for you."
"Do you want me to make you an omelet?"
"Only if you are going to have one."
With that, Ranger starts to get everything set up for our breakfast. "What is going on with Mary Alice?"
Ranger does his version of a sigh and then starts to talk. "She is seeing the counselor at her school a lot. Apparently, she feels misunderstood at home. She is not allowed to pick out her clothes because she chooses inappropriate outfits. She prefers to wear jeans and t-shirts, but her mother insists that she wear dresses. Leggings are okay if she has a dress on and it's a gym day. She was asked to be part of her school's robotics team because she is really strong in science, but her mother said no, that it was not an activity that a young lady should be involved in and made her join the cooking club, which she detests. Angie fits the Burg mold correctly, so she is the perfect daughter. Mary Alice is told that she needs to be more like Angie. Angie, however, is not happy either. She hates having to be so restricted. She wants to go to school to become an English teacher, but her mother says that young Burg woman does not need to go to college when they are going to be a stay at home mothers and housewives. No college degree is needed. She should focus on cooking and cleaning."
"My God, Carlos, Valerie is worse than my mother."
"Yes, she seems to be. I have spoken with my lawyer, and there is a chance that you can take custody of the girls by saying that Valerie is an unfit mother and abusive. Their counselors have enough evidence to back the statement. The question is, though, does the woman who didn't want to have any children suddenly want to be a mother of four. A high school Junior in Julie, an eighth grader in Angie, and a sixth grader in Mary Alice, along with having a newborn in a few months. We have enough space here for all of them, but do you want that Stephanie?"
I hear what Carlos is telling me, and it is daunting to think that I could be a mother of four in a heartbeat, but I can't see Angie and Mary Alice getting smothered anymore. They deserve to be able to choose their own life, and if they choose the Burg housewife, that should be their choice, not the demand. If Carlos accepts my nieces, then I will fight for them, especially for Mary Alice. "Carlos, I don't think I have a choice. If I don't stand up for them, who will? Albert is a weakling, and while Lisa is too young for us to know how she will turn out, she has a father there, that, hopefully, will prevent the same fate from befalling her once his eyes are opened to my crazy sister."
"Babe, it that's what you want, then we'll meet with the lawyer today and start the process."
"You don't mind taking in my sister's kids?"
"Babe, I see the scars that you carry from living that life and receiving that abuse. I couldn't, in good consciousness, turn my back on others who are being abused like you were."
"Thank you. But I think we need to speak to Julie first. I don't want her to feel left out. She is our first daughter, and she should have a say in if she wants to share us with two other children."
"Okay, we'll talk to Julie tonight, and depending on what she says, then we'll take the next steps tomorrow." Ranger puts my omelet in front of me and kisses me. "Proud of you, Babe."
We eat our breakfast in comfortable silence before we are ready to go to work.
Lester's POV
I made reservations for Rossini's for seven tonight. I texted Dani the information. I'm picking her up at six thirty. I'm a little nervous that she won't want what I want. Maybe I should cancel.
"Honey, is everything okay? You seem very distant tonight." Stephanie asks me.
"He, Beautiful, everything is good. Did you have a good date night?"
"Yes, we had a great night, thank you again for taking Julie. I don't know if we will have many more date nights in our future, especially being that our family may be expanding even more than we planned."
"What do you mean?"
"Carlos and I are going to talk to Julie, but there is a possibility that we are going to try and get custody of my nieces, Mary Alice and Angie. I seem that my sister is even worse than my mother was to me. I can't let her do that to those girls."
"Wow, beautiful, four kids. Are you sure you can handle that?"
"No, but I'll give it a shot. The only upside is that three of them are older, so it should be a little easier."
"IF anyone could pull it off, you and Ranger are the ones."
"How are things with you and Dani? Last night didn't cause any problems between you?"
"Things are good. I think I'm ready to let Dani know that I want a serious, committed relationship with her. I think we are good together, and I can see her as being my wife, someday."
With that, Stephanie gave me a bright smile. "I think you two are great for each other. I was hoping that you would move forward with your relationship. She can give you what you want, and she understands where you've been."
"Do you think she feels the same way?"
"Most definitely. I was getting ready to nudge you guys along if you didn't move along on your own."
"I'm glad you approve and that we have your blessing."
"Of course, Honey. I want you to be happy and in love with a woman who can give you all of her heart. It is what you deserve. I wasn't right for you, and I don't know if we would've been truly happy."
"Beautiful, I feel the same way. I think we were the best of what was available, but you would never be as happy with me as you are with my cousin. I'm glad he came back to you. You two meant for each other."
"I know tonight will go well. I want to hear the details tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, Steph."
With that, she sashayed out of my office to her office. God, I love that woman, and she is right. I'm glad that she is fine with me moving forward with Dani. Knowing that she approves of Dani is making it easier for me to admit my feelings.
I pull in front of Dani's house. It's exactly six thirty. I get out to walk to her door as she opens the front door and lets herself out. I meet her on the porch and escort her to the car. "You look beautiful, Dani."
"Thank you, Lester."
She was wearing a black baby doll style, cap sleeve dress with red leggings on under the dress. She had on four-inch black boots that went up to her knee. Her hair was down and straight, and she looked delicious. I open the door for her, and she settles in. I resist kissing her but know that I will be kissing her before the night is over. I walk around and let myself in the car and start to drive.
Once we arrive a Rossini's, I park my car. We get out and walk into the restaurant. We sit at the table and order wine, appetizers and our meal. Once that is settled, we start to talk. "Dani, I have enjoyed spending time with you. It is nice to have someone I can talk to other than Bobby."
"I've enjoyed our time together as well. We have a lot in common, which makes it easy to spend time with you. You are very funny, and together, we can cause a lot of trouble at Rangeman."
"You're right. And if we add Stephanie into our plans, we may all get fired." I look at her face, and I can see that mentioning Stephanie was not the right move. Fuck. I didn't mean to make her feel bad.
"Did I ever tell you about the prank Stephanie and I pulled on Bobby?"
"No, you didn't."
"Well, she had gotten a strained elbow courtesy of one of her skips and Bobby wouldn't stop lecturing her on how much shit she carried in her purse and how heavy it was and that it wasn't good for her to be lugging that much around. She gets fed up and came to me to try and figure out payback. So, we got about 50 ten pound masses and taped them to everything in Bobby's medical bag in inconspicuous spots, including in the lining. Well, he quickly discovered everything on his supplies, but he didn't find the ten in the lining. It took him about a month before he realized what we did, and that was only because the stitch Stephanie put in was starting to come undone." By the time I finished the story, Dani was laughing, and I can see that she wasn't as upset about the Stephanie comment.
"You're right; she would make us unstoppable," Dani replied.
"You know everything is over between Stephanie and me. We are just friends. She is like a sister to me. I will always look out for her, and if anything were to happen to Ranger, I would help her in any way I could because she will be family. Ranger and I are cousins; you know that, right?"
"Yes. I remember Mariela telling me about you."
"Uh oh, then you didn't hear many good things."
"Lester, I know that both you and Carlos were playboys in your own right. I get it. You both had the looks, the swagger, and the mystic. Women are drawn to you. But I know that aside from Stephanie, you have never had a serious relationship with a woman. I think we are on our way to a serious relationship. Am I correct in that assumption?"
"Yes, Dani, you are. You are the first woman that I have ever meet that I didn't want to get into my bed immediately. When I first met Stephanie, my thoughts were how would I get her into my bed; then my cousin claimed her and I knew I had no chance. But with you, I wanted to get to know you first, as a person, before I get to know you in that other, biblical sense. Are you ready for a committed relationship with me? I come with baggage, and you need to know that Stephanie will always be an important part of my life. If you can share me with her, with you having ninety-five percent of me, then I want to see where a relationship will take us."
"I would like to find out as well, Lester. I do understand your complicated relationship with Stephanie, and I respect it. Lester Santos, I want to give us a try."
"Well then, let's do it."
The waiter gave me the check, and we left the restaurant. "My place or yours, Baby?"
"My place. I know you have a change of clothes in the car."
"Your place it is, my lady." Twenty minutes later I park my car in her driveway. We walk up to her porch with my hand on the small of her back. I love the way her body feels against mine. Once we get into her house, we walk to the kitchen. She pours two glasses of wine, and we each take a sip. I put my glass down and place my hands around her waist. I lean in and kiss her. It starts off as a gentle kiss, but I make it more intense.
Dani's POV
Oh boy, can Lester kiss? I think I had an orgasm just from that kiss. Thank goodness I have condoms on hand because we are going to need them tonight if that kiss is any indicator. I reach my arms around his neck to pull him closer to me to keep the kiss going. I start to unbutton the dress shirt that he is wearing and pull it off of him. Damn, is he smokin'. He has great abs and a great muscular chest. He pulls my dress up over my head and throws it on the floor. He brings his mouth down and kisses my breasts through my bra. He gently nips at my nipples while they get hard. Man, this guy sure has skills. I run my nails down his back and try to undo his pants. When I finally get the button undone and the zipper down, I find that he is commando. His impressive member falls out, and I can't help but stroke his cock with both my hands. Meanwhile, Lester is taking my pants off along with my panties and boots. Once I am free of my clothes, he places me on the counter and starts to like my core. He gently sucks my clit and runs his fingers inside me. It's been a couple of years since I've been with a man and I am reaching my climax quickly. I finally come, and he stands up and kisses me again. He lifts me and carries me to my bedroom. I open the drawer to the nightstand and pull out the box of condoms that I have. Lester immediatley grabs one and places it on his impressive cock. He rubs my core to get some of the juices on his hands so he can lubricate himself before entering me. He gently pushes me, giving me time to adjust to his size. Then he starts to slowly move in and out of me while kissing and playing with my breasts. When I feel myself starting to climax again, he reaches his hand between us and rubs my clit. We both come together. He collapses on me, holding himself up with his forearms not to crush me. Once his breathing is controlled, he lies on his back and pulls me on top of him.
"Thank you, Lester, that was great."
"You welcome. I enjoyed it too." He gently runs his hand up and down my arm, and I feel myself starting to tingle again. I guess we'll be using several more condoms tonight.
Stephanie's POV
I'm twenty-one weeks pregnant and about two and a half weeks away from my wedding. The guest list is set, the food is picked out, and I have everything I need, except a dress. I decide that I don't want a white or off-white dress. This is the second marriage for both Carlos and me, and we are expecting our first child, so I don't need to pull off virginal. Also being almost 24 weeks pregnant when we are getting married makes finding something difficult. I decided to look for a nice maternity dress. Today is my day to find it, though, because tomorrow starts the custody hearing for Angie and Mary Alice. I should probably look for some clothes for the next few days as well. I have Ella and Dani with me as we head to the maternity store. Mary Lou is meeting us there. Julie is with her father, learning some new self-defense moves. I find a very pretty, sapphire blue wrap style dress with long sleeves. The dress ends about two inches above my knees and will look good on me well into my third trimester. I decide that that is my wedding gown. I find a few pairs of maternity dress pants with the big elastic control top-like band. I also bought about ten different tops to wear with them. All of which would be appropriate for court.
Mary Lou was ecstatic to be my Matron of Honor and thought that having Julie as my sole bridesmaid was perfect, but we all agreed that if I had custody of Mary Alice and Angie, they would have to be flower girls. I'm fine with all my "daughters" standing with me while I marry their "father." Once I make my purchases, we decide to go to Pino's for lunch.
In Pino's I order my meatball sub, Mary Lou gets a personal pizza, Ella a chicken caesar salad with a slice of pizza, and Dani gets a chicken parmigiana sub. Dani takes the first bite of her sub.
"Oh, my goodness, Steph, the good hear is amazing."
"I know. It's my favorite place."
Suddenly, Morelli is at the table. "Hi, cup…Stephanie, Mar. How are you?"
"We're good, Joe. Morelli, this is Ella, and this is Dani. Dani is a nurse at Julie's school and a good friend to my future sister-in-law Mariela."
"Nice to meet you," Joe responded.
"Wait, is our name Joseph Anthony Morelli?" Dani asks.
"Yes. How would you know that?"
"I knew your cousin, John Morelli."
"How did you know John? He died about ten years ago, maybe longer. He was still in the service when he died."
"I was in the nurse corps. I was his nurse when he got injured. He was the only patient I ever lost. I was close to him, as close as a nurse could be to her patient, that is."
I could tell by Dani's tone and Joe's posture that this conversation wasn't going to be a good conversation. I was trying to think back, and I remember that John had committed suicide because his girl got knocked up by someone else and he couldn't handle the betrayal on top of his injuries. I wonder what Joe has to do with his cousin.
"Do you ever see your child? Or did you abandon both mother and child after John killed himself."
"I don't know what you are talking about, but I suggest that you don't go around spreading rumors. The Burg doesn't like that."
"I would think that the Burg would like to know that one of their own impregnated his cousin's girl and then left her high and dry when she was pregnant. What do you have to say for yourself, Joseph?"
"You don't know anything, so it will be best if you keep your nose out of my business."
"Joe, you know damn well that if Dani needs to get the facts, we can find them. We both have access to Rangeman's search programs. Is any part of what she is saying the truth, Joe?"
"Stephanie, this is not the time or the place to discuss my past."
"Joe, is there any truth to what she is saying?"
"Yes, I slept with my cousin's woman, though not on purpose. I got her pregnant and did not take responsibility. I was a dumb jackass then. I don't know what happened to her or the baby because I never followed up. And to be honest, I haven't thought about them since it happened. I'm a different person now than I was then. I grew up when I met Lauren."
"Damn it, Joe; you are scum. And you stood there and talked about Carlos poaching when you were no better. You are a fucking hypocrite. You know what, Joe, I don't think I want to be friends with someone like you. I hope Lauren knows about all of your secrets, because if she doesn't, you may be the one left high and dry." I respond.
With that, Joe walks away from our table. "Dani, you have to tell me the story from start to finish."
"Stephanie, why do you care?"
"Dani, I dated Morelli on and off for years before Ranger, and I got our acts together and decided that we were the ones for each other. Joe and I have a long history that starts when he molested me in his father's garage when I was six, and he was eight, to when he raped me behind the counter at Tasty Pastry when I was sixteen, then he wrote about me all over the bathroom walls around Trenton. The next day, he left for the Navy. When he returned two years later, I ran him over with my father's Buick and broke his leg. So, I want to now this story about Joe Morelli."
Dani told us the story, and by the time she was done, there were four sets of teary eyes. "That fucking asshole. I can't believe I slept with him and considered marrying him. He's a scumbag."
"Amen sister," MaryLou replies.
"You should try to find that poor girl and give her Joe's information. That way, if she wants to go after child support, she can find Joe." Ella adds.
I respond, "I think that is a great idea, Ella, let's get started."
Author's Note: I am winding down this story. I feel that there may only be another 2, maybe three chapters at most left. I will try and tie up all of the loose ends, but there may be a sequel. I haven't decided if I want to end the story with an epilogue, or if I want to continue it with a sequel. Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews, and please keep them coming. If you need to know anything that I'm missing, please let me know. I want to make sure I tie up all loose ends. Thank you again for all of your support!
