Disclaimer: Not mine! All the characters you recognize belong to JE, I'm just playing.

Warnings: While this is an AU story, it has the potential to possibly spoil or mention something from any of the books 1-18.

Author's Note: Please, forgive any inaccuracies. It is fiction, so some things happen the way they do merely to fit my purposes. I hope you enjoy!

Anita (FanFictionAficionado), I owe you a world of thanks! You help to make my ramblings make sense so that people are interested in reading it. You are absolutely amazing, and I can't thank you enough for ALL of your help.

Thank you to everyone who has been reviewing the story! I cannot believe I have so many reviews. I'm seriously on cloud nine! Thank you all, and please know that I really appreciate the constant support!

SMUT WARNING. ;)

Previously:

"You take my breath away, Babe. You're so incredibly beautiful!"

"So are you," I answered, before leaning into his kiss.

He gently laid me back on the bed, climbed on top of me, and spent the rest of the night showing just how much he loved me.

Ch. 29

Stephanie's POV

While I wasn't in any hurry to have another fight with Carlos, the make-up sex was AMAZING—probably the best sex we've ever had. It was filled with passion, heat, and so much love. When we finally collapsed, completely sated, there was no doubt in my mind how much he truly loved me. I could only hope my love for him was equally clear.

We slept wrapped tightly in each other's arms, reluctant to let go. I'm not sure what time the others came home, but I heard some of them milling around the kitchen the next morning. When I finally convinced my eyes to open, I was rewarded with the most beautiful pair of chocolate brown eyes staring back at me.

"Morning, Batman," I said with a grin.

"Morning, Babe," Carlos replied with a chuckle.

"Do you have to work today?"

Carlos sighed, "Yeah. I promised Todd I'd work his afternoon shift. He's covering me next weekend for Alex and Mari's wedding, so I figured it was the least I could do."

I nodded and snuggled further into his chest.

"I can help you move your things back from your grandparents' house before I go in, though, if you want," Carlos offered hesitantly.

"I absolutely want to."

His arms squeezed me tighter. "Thank God! We'd better get a move on."

I gave a groan, but moved to get up anyway. It had been two weeks since we'd been together, and several muscles were screaming in protest. Of course, other parts of my body were sighing in thanks.

We both quickly freshened up and got dressed before going out to greet our friends. "Morning, Beautiful," Les greeted me cheerfully. "I see you're finally back here where you belong."

"Yes. I am. We're going to go pick up my stuff from my grandparents' house so I can be back officially."

"Need any help?"

"I didn't have that much with me, so I don't think so, but you're welcome to come along if you want. Abuela Rosa always has brunch on Sundays with my grandparents. It would be a good opportunity for you to say hi."

"Let me slip on some shoes."

I looked at Bridget, who had a huge grin on her face, and returned her smile. "How's it going, Bridge? Everything ok?"

"Everything is perfect, Steph." She gave me a knowing look, which I truly hoped meant that she and Les had talked and decided to fight for their relationship.

"What have you got going today?"

"I'm heading in to Sally's to work the afternoon shift." Sally's was an upscale lingerie store in downtown Miami. Bridget had tried to get an internship at a design firm, but hadn't had any luck. I'd talked to Donna about her, and she was working on finding a spot. I hadn't told Bridget about it yet, as Donna told me she couldn't promise anything.

I gave a nod and told her to have a great day as she grabbed a banana and headed to her bedroom to get ready for work. She gave Les a quick kiss as he passed her in the hallway, and then Les, Carlos, and I headed out to Carlos' Bronco. I would have preferred to take my Bug, as the weather was perfect for riding with the top down, but with the three of us, it wouldn't have left much room for my bags.

We arrived at my grandparents' house about 25 minutes later and were met by Grandma Mazur and Abuela Rosa on the front porch. When we climbed out of the car, the two Grandmas smiled at the three of us. Grandma Mazur pulled me into a tight hug before leading me into the house, with the others following behind.

"Did you come to get your things, baby girl?" Grandma asked.

"Yes. I'm moving back into the apartment."

"I'd hoped you'd work it out," she whispered, putting her arm around me.

"Thanks, Grandma."

"So," she started, changing the subject, "Have you spoken with your mother recently?"

"I talked to her briefly before we played Temple a few weeks ago. She told me that the doctor had confirmed Val's pre-eclampsia and that she and Daddy weren't going to make it to the game." I understood that they needed to be there for Val, but it still sucked a little. Maria and Ricardo had gone to that game, which was wonderful…but just not the same as having your own parents there.

"Your mother felt so bad they couldn't come. Turns out that Joseph had offered to stay with Val so they could go, but then he was accepted into the police academy and had training that weekend."

"Really?" It was hard for me to picture the troublemaker I knew as a police officer. "Good for him."

"Yes, your mother says he's really trying to change the impression of his family name."

The Morellis definitely had a bad family name. Joe's dad had been an abusive drunk, up until the day he died. Many accused Angela Morelli, Joe's mother, of being weak for staying with the no-good piece of scum. Angie Morelli was friends with my mom, and even Mom couldn't understand why she had stayed with Anthony.

"Your mother also says he's been coming around a lot, visiting with Val."

Hmmm. Interesting. "Did Val file for divorce from Steve yet?"

"Not yet. She can't afford it."

"Can't Mom and Daddy help her?"

"I'm not sure why they haven't helped her pay for it yet. They certainly don't want her to go back to that scuzzbucket."

I giggled at Grandma's epithet for Steve, just as Abuela Rosa, Carlos, and Les came into the kitchen.

"Stay for brunch, mija?" Abuela Rosa asked me, glancing at Carlos and Les. I smiled and nodded at the same time my stomach let out a loud roar. Everyone chuckled at what we fondly referred to as "the beast". Grandma was just about to pull some sort of casserole out of the oven, so I took the opportunity to rush upstairs to gather my things together.

I jumped and gave a squeak when Carlos touched my shoulder. "Jeez, make a little noise, wouldja?"

He gave a chuckle before pulling me into his arms. "I just wanted to see if you needed any help," he said, kissing me tenderly.

"Ummm," I said when he finally released my lips.

With a grin he said, "Come on, Babe. Let's get you packed."

I nodded, still unable to talk, and turned to pull my clothes from the drawers and closet, while Carlos packed them in my bags.

After brunch, we headed back toward our apartment, Carlos' hand holding mine tightly as he drove. I was lost in thought over Val and Joe. Was a relationship blooming there? Would Joe accept a ready-made family? Had he really changed, or would he hurt her just like Steve did? I didn't even notice we had arrived home until Carlos gave my hand a tug and asked, "You ok, Babe?"

"Hmmm? Yeah, fine."

"Do you want to go inside?" he asked, trying to mask a smile.

I glanced around, realized where we were, and then looked back at Carlos long enough to roll my eyes before turning and getting out of the car. Carlos and Les took my bags and carried them inside for me. Les grabbed his keys, saying he was going to go lingerie shopping, before heading out the door.

I couldn't hold back my laughter. He was so head-over-heels for Bridget, and I really hoped they survived his absence. I was quickly distracted from my thoughts as Carlos wrapped his arms around me from behind and buried his face in my neck, nuzzling and nipping that sensitive spot just under my ear.

Moaning, I turned, as Carlos planted his lips on mine, pulling me into a deep, passionate kiss. The next thing I knew, we were flying through our bedroom door. Carlos kicked it shut and then climbed on top of me in the bed. We made love over and over for hours, each coupling hotter than the one before. Just before sleep claimed me, I remember thinking I didn't think I could love Carlos any more than I already did.

XXXXXXXX

The next week was perfect. Carlos and I worked similar hours and spent our evenings together. We ate dinner, watched movies, went dancing together and then spent every night making love, leaving only a few hours for sleep before starting the next day.

Alex and Mari arrived from Colorado on Thursday night. Alex, Les, Carlos, Bobby, Cal, and a few of Alex's childhood friends went out for a bachelor party. I didn't want details. I trusted Carlos.

Bridget, Mari, her best friend Anna, and I went out for a bachelorette party. And let me tell you, it was my kind of "party"! We started at a spa, where we all got a few treatments before getting massages. I got a facial and a bikini wax. I thought about getting a Brazilian, but chickened out. After our massages we all soaked in a mineral pool, leaving my skin even softer than normal. I was completely relaxed as we headed to dinner at a five-star Cuban restaurant in downtown Miami that Abuela Rosa had recommended. Chef Luis knew Abuela Rosa from church, and she promised us he would take care of us. We had invited her and Grandma Mazur along, but they claimed they were too old for a bachelorette party.

Dinner was amazing! The others agreed with me—although, according to Mari, "not quite as vocally". I couldn't help it…the food was definitely moan-worthy! After dinner, we went to one of the hottest dance clubs in Miami and danced the night away. Thankfully we didn't have to fight off any over-zealous men trying to hit on us. Ok…so we had to turn a few down, and the bouncer came over once to make sure we were ok after one guy got a little "friendly", but overall, it was great.

We elected to stay the night at Abuela Rosa's house, since it was closer to the clubs than the apartment, and let the guys have the apartment for themselves.

Friday went by in a rush, with me helping Mari and Anna with preparations for the wedding and reception. The Manosos and Mari's parents arrived Friday afternoon. Maria and Celia helped us finish the decorating at the reception hall before we all had to rush home to get ready for the rehearsal. Les had picked up Bridget earlier, so when I arrived at the apartment, they were already fully dressed and ready to go. I gave them a quick wave as I rushed into the bedroom to get ready, then froze in my tracks as I took in Carlos, clad only in a towel, his hair still dripping wet from the shower. I felt my eyes glaze over and a small amount of drool escape.

Without thinking, I pulled my tank top off and dropped my shorts, leaving me standing in front of Carlos in my white lacy push-up bra and thong. He swallowed hard before dropping his towel and stalking toward me. My breath caught as he pulled me into his arms and kissed me senseless. I was lost in the sensations and didn't even notice that he had removed my bra before pushing me onto the bed and crawling on top of me. We were lost in passionate foreplay when a loud knock on the door pulled us back to reality.

"Son of a bitch!" Carlos whispered, before calling out, "Yeah?" to whoever was on the other side of the door.

"Carlos man, you almost ready? I promised Alex we would be at rehearsal early."

"Sorry Babe," Carlos whispered before calling back to Les, "Give me five."

"Alright man, I'll be waiting in the Jeep."

With a rueful smile, Carlos turned to the closet, pulling out a pair of tan slacks and a light blue shirt. I was still lying in the center of the bed, clad only in my thong, trying to catch my breath. Moments later, Carlos was dressed, with his hair pulled back and ready to go. He sat beside me on the bed, leaning over to give me one last kiss, then leaned down to take one of my still incredibly taut nipples into his mouth. I moaned and arched into him just before he pulled away.

"Dios, Babe, if Alex wasn't family…"

"I know. Don't worry, I have a great memory, so I can remind you where we were when we get home," I promised with a smile.

"Sounds like a plan," he whispered, standing to leave. "I'll see you at the church, Babe."

I heaved a huge sigh as he slipped out of the room, then forced myself off the bed to get ready. After showering in record time, I quickly did my hair and makeup. Glancing in the mirror, I was pleased with the overall package: I looked nice, not overly made up…perfect.

Rushing back into our room, I pulled my light blue dress from the closet. I was amazed at how well Carlos and I matched without even trying. The dress had spaghetti straps with an Empire waist, and flowed down to my knees. It twirled out when I spun around, which was my favorite part—what can I say, I'm still a five-year-old inside! I slipped on a pair of silver strappy sandals with a modest three-inch heel, grabbed my clutch purse, and transferred some essentials into it before grabbing a light sweater and heading out.

I made it across town to St. Lawrence's Catholic Church just in time for the wedding rehearsal. As I entered, I noticed the girls standing in the lobby, discussing how Mari wanted things to go. When I joined them, Mari smiled and pulled me into a hug. "How's it going? Everything ok?" I asked.

"Everything is great. We were just discussing a few details before getting started."

"Do you need help with anything?"

"Nope, we're ready to go."

"Great!"

From the look on Mari's face, I could tell reality was setting in and she was getting nervous. In an effort to reassure her, I touched her arm and spoke softly, saying, "It's going to be perfect, Mari."

Mari took a deep, shuddering breath before squaring her shoulders. She turned to the church's wedding coordinator and gave a nod. The wedding coordinator spoke quietly into a walkie-talkie and then the music started. It was a beautiful ballad and after waiting a few bars, I walked through the door and headed down the aisle.

As I glanced up the aisle my breath caught. Carlos was waiting with Alex and Les by the altar, looking even more gorgeous than when he left the apartment. My eyes locked on his as I proceeded, keeping my steps in time with the music.

When I reached the altar, I took my place to the side and stood staring into Carlos' eyes. I barely noticed Anna making her way down the aisle, and had to force myself to break eye contact with Carlos so I could turn and watch Hank and Mari make their way toward us. I glanced at Alex, and smiled at the look of complete adoration he was casting toward Mari.

The priest began running through the wedding ceremony, going over the important parts, and I tried to focus on his words as my eyes turned back to Carlos. Thankfully it wasn't going to be a full Mass, so the actual service would only last about 30 minutes instead of an hour and a half or longer.

We ran through the ceremony two more times, until Mari was comfortable that everyone knew his or her part. My eyes didn't stray from Carlos very often, looking at Mari only when she asked me a direct question.

When we were done, we all headed to the rehearsal dinner at an upscale restaurant known for its incredible cuisine. I tried very hard to control myself during dinner, but I know at least a few moans slipped out, based on the looks I got from Juanita and Hank (Mari's parents). I guess no one had clued them in on my vocal eating habits.

After dinner, Carlos drove me home. We were both lost in thought and didn't talk much. We got home just after 10 p.m. to an empty apartment. Bobby and Cal had met up with Les and Bridget after the rehearsal, and they were going to hang out more with Alex and Mari. They had invited us along, but Carlos and I both quickly turned them down.

I walked down the hall toward our bedroom, with Carlos following close behind me. The door had barely closed behind us, before he pulled me backwards into his arms. He whispered into my ear, "I think you were going to remind me where we were."

Turning, I smiled up at him. "Well…if memory serves me, you were naked." He gave me his best wolf grin before stripping his clothes off.

"I believe you were pretty close to naked too, Babe."

I nodded my head and slipped the straps of my dress off my shoulders before unzipping it and letting it flutter to the floor. Carlos' eyes darkened instantly as he took in the sight of me standing before him in an ice blue strapless bra and matching thong.

"I like this one way better than the white one, Babe," he said in a voice so husky I barely recognized it.

"Good to know," I whispered as he stepped closer and removed my bra in a flash.

Carlos positioned me on the bed where I had been earlier, before sitting back and casting an admiring glance at my body. "Dios, Babe. You get more beautiful every day."

There was no way I was more beautiful than he was, but I didn't want to argue. Instead, I just reached up and pulled him down to me, wrapping my arms around his neck as he kissed me. The kiss quickly deepened and I couldn't help but think about what an incredible kisser he was. If I had my way, no one else would ever kiss me like that again.

Carlos broke the kiss to move down my throat and then further south. I might have blacked out for a second as he removed my panties and locked his mouth over my mound, flicking my clit with his tongue. I vaguely remember arching into him and pulling my legs up to grant him better access.

It took no time at all before I was flying over the edge, screaming Carlos' name. He gently sucked and nipped at my clit, his fingers gliding in and out of me in a slow, steady pace as I came down from my orgasm. When I had recovered, Carlos removed his fingers, pulling a whimper from me, and then crawled up my body, placing hot kisses along my steaming skin. By the time he reached my mouth, my entire body felt like it was on fire, and I couldn't control the beast trying to get out from inside me…and I'm not talking about my stomach!

I gave him a gentle push and rolled with him so that I was on top, straddling his waist, my dripping wet center resting just above where I wanted it to be. I kissed him with a fevered passion before sitting up. We locked eyes as I shifted until I was hovering above him, before gently sliding down onto his massive erection. His hands went to my hips when I started to move, and noting his heavy breathing and closed eyes I stilled, to give him a moment to regain control.

When his eyes opened again, I began rocking myself back and forth, up and down, on him. Soon his hips were matching my thrusts and I flew over the edge, throwing my head back and sucking air. He slowed slightly as I recovered, and the second he thought I could handle it, he began thrusting up into me again. By now, I was moaning uncontrollably, moving closer and closer to orgasm again. I was right there, teetering on the brink, when Carlos pulled out.

I locked eyes with him again, but was unable to speak. He lifted me off of him, and then slid from underneath. Leaning forward, I lifted myself onto my knees, and he positioned himself behind me. I sucked in a deep breath as his massively hard erection slid into me from behind, hitting my G-spot instantly. I felt myself contract around him and he stilled, sucking in his own ragged breath. After several long moments, he began moving again, faster and harder than before. He had one hand on my hip steadying me, and the other reached around and caressed my breast and pinched my nipple at the same time.

Unable to control myself, I thrust back into him three times before going over, bringing him with me. We collapsed onto the bed, both of us fighting to regain our breath. As my breathing finally returned to normal, I spooned into Carlos. He wrapped his arms around me and held me tight. I was moments from drifting off to sleep when he spoke. "I want that to be us, Babe."

"What?"

"Standing in a church, before God and our families, promising to love each other forever. Only each other."

I wanted it too, more than anything, but I definitely wasn't ready for it yet. "Someday, Carlos. It will be us…someday."

"I love you more than anything, Babe."

"I love you too, Carlos." I reached my head up to give him another kiss. This time it was gentle, filled with the promise of a someday together. We kissed for what felt like hours before drifting off to sleep, still entangled in each others' arms.

TBC…

Author's Note: Thoughts?