A/N not mine, I own nothing but the plot.

To say that NaNo was a bust is an understatement. Unfortunately, the month of November has been an ugly one in my family. Some of you are friends from my FB page, so you are well aware of what could have been a heartbreaking moment in my families life. My oldest son Coy was riding his bike when he was hit by a car that fled the scene and left him in a ditch. We are lucky he survived, and that he came home after two surgeries to repair major injuries to his left leg and foot. He now tells people that he is a cyborg, since his leg and foot, from the knee down, is almost all completely metal. He is alive and home and I couldn't be more thankful.

I bet you think I am going to reveal the boy's name in this chapter... nope. It's going to be awhile for that. Now, on with the show.

Hard Knock Life

I woke up to feel like there was a circus going on in my belly. Tank was laughing as he poked a spot on my stomach with his finger and watched my entire abdomen move with squirming baby. I couldn't surpess my grin; they were already having fun with their Daddy.

While Tank played with my belly, I couldn't help but worry about Lester and Nikki. Vince was not happy about becoming an Uncle to their baby. I wasn't sure how to help him through it.

"Time to face the day, sweetheart. I've got a meeting with some feds on a case, and you have a conference call with the New York Times, for your Uncles campaign."

"I'm up, just moving slow this morning. The babies decided to play kick ball with my spleen all night."

Tank laughed and kissed my basketball, before helping me to my feet. He pulled me in for a kiss and swatted my bottom as I giggled and made my way to the bathroom. I never realized how much I needed Tank in my life. I don't think I've ever been so happy or relaxed. He joined me in the shower as we got ready to start the day. He hadn't been joking when he said it would be a busy one.

All too soon we were heading in different directions, but something felt off. It wasn't anything physical, but something felt wrong. I made it into my office just in time for my conference call. The reporter tried to get information about me instead of my uncle. After the fifth time of refusing, I hung up and called his editor.

Another reporter was given the article and only asked about Uncle Joes campaign and his stand on the current administration. He was very professional, even apologized for the newbie that was given the article to begin with.

My day moved quickly from that point, but the anxious feeling in my gut continues to grow. I was packing up my things for the day, when a shadow crossed over my desk. I looked up and found Ranger. His blank face firmly in place.

"Hey, Ranger. What brings you to my office?"

"Steph, Babe, it's Tank. He was meeting with a client and he was shot. I'm here to get you to the hospital safely. He should be alright. Hal said it was through and through."

I dropped everything and began to panic. This wasn't supposed to happen. Safety measures were put in place. Neither one of us were doing a dangerous job. I am supposed to be on my way home to have dinner with the man I love. I began to hyperventilate, I was afraid I was going to pass out. Ranger was quickly at my side, forcing me to look at him and breathe along with him.

"He's going to be alright, Babe. Even if it was bad he would fight to stay with you and those babies. He loves you more than I ever thought possible. You and those babies are his world.

"We talk a lot, Babe. He is still one of my closest friends. I don't know how I missed it when I first introduced the two of you. He fell in love with you that very first time he met you."

I let out a huge sob, my tears soaking his shirt. Uncle Joe came in looking ready for bear.

"What happened, Manoso?! What did you do to her?"

"Sir, I just gave her some news about Tank. I need to get her to him at the hospital. He was shot, but he will be alright."

"Go, get her there safely so that she can have some peace of mind."

They nodded at each other and Ranger guided me out to his SUV. The entire way to the hospital, all I could do was pray.

We pulled up to the emergency entrance and I ran up to the first desk I saw. I explained who I was and was directed to a private waiting area. Ranger found me and Hal, Lester and Bobby quickly followed. I waited and waited, it felt like days, but in reality it was two hours.

"Mrs. LaBeau?" The doctor asked.

"That's me. How is Pierre?"

"He is heading up to surgery in a few moments. I want to bring you back to see him before they put him under?"

"I thought it was a simple through and through? Why is he going to surgery?" I began to feel the panic rise and knew it could be heard in my voice.

"Ma'am, he has two wounds not just one. Both bullets need to be removed and the damage repaired. He will be fine."

Ranger caught me before I hit the ground. A few moments later I was coming to and they were helping back to see Tank.

"I'm sorry, Little Girl. I didn't mean for this to happen. I promised you I'd stay safe."

"It's not your fault. You were only on a client call. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I love you big guy."

"I love the three of you too," he mumbled out as he began to feel the affects of the medication they just gave him.

I kissed him before the rolled him out of the room towards the O.R. I stood and watched as they rolled him out of sight.

A/N I know, it could've been longer, but this felt like a good place to stop. The next update of Holiday of Joy will be up tomorrow, then the final one the day after Christmas.

We are getting closer to the end of Hard Knock life, and I want to think each and everyone of you who have read and reviewed. Answering them can be hit or miss for me, I live in the middle of no where, aka Lula Georgia.

Be on the look out for the second story in my Paid series. I will begin posting it in February. I can't wait, I think you may like the fun twist I've got for this one.

Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy New year!