Stephanie stood outside her mothers door and shifted back and forth on her feet, her hands resting on her stomach. There was a 50/50 chance on how this was going to go, either her mom was going to lose her mind that Stephanie was pregnant and not married or she was going to be so excited to get the grandchildren she thought she was never going to get that she would be over the moon.
Diesel snorted next to her, "You know that you eventually have to go in." He said leaning on the house looking down at her.
Stephanie shook her head, "I mean do I have too…. We can just go home." She said with a bright fake smile. Stephanie pulled her jacket around her stomach and zipped it up to cover her bump. "I can write her a letter… send her a photo… send her a text."
Diesel shook his head, but Stephanie paused when her phone rang. She pulled it out of her purse and narrowed her eyes at Hal's name, "What?" She asked looking over her shoulder to the car parked on the street.
"You know that you have to go inside to actually talk to them?" Hal said with a chuckle.
Stephanie rolled her eyes, "Whatever." She muttered.
Cal burst out laughing from the passenger seat and Hector chuckled from the back making Stephanie sigh and rub her forhead, "I feel like crap…. My head is killing me, and Ranger was supposed to be here." She said softly. "And my stomach hurts."
Cal stopped laughing, "Hey…... do you need anything…... or do you want us to come in with you?" He asked softly.
Stephanie closed her eyes, "No… but can you call me in like 10 minutes, so I have an excuse to go home and go to sleep?" She asked softly.
Hal took the phone, "I made you an appointment for 3:30 with a new architect this afternoon…. So, we will get you home in time take a nap before they get here." He promised, "You got this."
Stephanie smiled softly, "Thank you… will the 3 of you come with me to this meeting?" She asked.
"Of course, Beautiful… I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Hal said. "Cal and Hector also said they would be there."
Stephanie took a deep breath, "Thank you… I will be more assertive this time, but it will be nice to get your guys opinions… you know Ranger better then I do… well at least what he would look for in a building and safety." She said.
"We got you Steph." Hal said, "You pick everything you want, and we will let you know if Ranger would have any thoughts."
"Thank you…" Stephanie paused looking behind her when the door opened reveling her mother. "Hey, I have to go… I will be back in time for the meeting." She said to Hal who burst out laughing in her ear making her smile.
"Good luck beautiful, they caught you… so no backing out now." Hal said before he hung up.
"Hello Stephanie." Her mother said, "You need to come inside." She said walking into the house, "I just made lunch." She called out from the kitchen.
Stephanie took a step into the house and immediately froze in the entryway at the scent filling the house. She turned to Diesel who frowned and turned her to rub her temps softy, "In through your mouth." He whispered, "And out slowly… you cannot throw up."
Stephanie nodded closing her eyes pushing down the waves of nausea, Diesel looked up when Helen came back into the room. "We just ate lunch actually… I was hoping for some water." He asked.
Helen narrowed her eyes, but her breeding dictated that she gave a sharp nod and hurried to the kitchen. Diesel looked back at Stephanie and smiled, "Better?" He asked. When she nodded, he led her past the entry into the living room watching as she kissed her fathers head, "Hey daddy." She said softly before sitting on the couch.
"Hey pumpkin." He said looking over at her taking in her pale face, "Are you ok?" He asked.
Stephanie nodded, "I have just been sick… I am getting better though." She said with a small smile, she looked up when her grandma walked into the room.
"Hey if it is not my favorite Granddaughter." She said before looking over at Diesel, "Did you get a new man…. this one is like a fine wine." She said walking over to sit next to Diesel.
Diesel grinned throwing his arm over Grandma shoulder, "No love… I am just hanging out with Steph until her man comes home." He said grinning when Edna's fingers grabbed a bit of his ass, "It is my job to keep her out of trouble."
Stephanie rolled her eyes looking up to see her mother walking in with a glass of water, "Does Stephanie need protecting again… and where is Ranger?" She asked sitting in a chair after handing Diesel the water… who passed it to Stephanie with a small smile.
Stephanie took the water and took a small sip before setting it on the coffee table and shook her head, "Diesel is just joking… he is visiting while he is in town for work…. Ranger got called in to take care of some things… he should be back home in a few weeks." She smiled softly, "This will also the last time he will be called out or away… so that is nice."
Helen smiled at her daughter, "I am glad to hear that…. I know that it must be stressful when he leaves." She said.
Stephanie nodded, her relationship with her mother was better since she had written her the latter a few weeks ago. Her mother had not loved it but finally understand some of Stephanie's point of view. She and Ranger had been to a few dinners letting her parents know that they were engaged and letting them get to know Ranger. However, they had never told her parents she was pregnant… in fact they had told no one outside the building before her first trimester and when she continued to be sick into the second only a few more had been told.
Stephanie sighed knowing she was going to have rip the band aid off, "I actually came to tell you something…. Ranger and I were going to tell you this week at dinner, but he was told he had to leave and only had a few hours to get everything settled before he left." She said rubbing her forhead.
Helen sat forward, "Is everything ok… did you set a wedding date?" She asked with a big smile.
Stephanie shook her head, "I told you that Ranger and I have no plans on getting married any time soon…." she said with a smile knowing her mother was just being excited and not pushing anymore, "You will be the first to know when we get a date."
Helen nodded sitting back, "Are you moving?" She asked with a frown.
Stephanie shook her head, "No… in fact we are in the middle of a renovation of the apartment on 7… we plan on staying there for a very long time… it is the safest place for all of us." She said grinning, "It keeps the skips away."
Helen nodded lips pursed, "That is certainly a relief…... it is nice to not worry about you in your old apartment." She said, "And how is your new job?"
Stephanie gave a genuine smile, "I actually love it… it is nice to be able to balance what I did before with what I learned…." She said sitting back, "Plus I feel like I am actually making a difference…... It Is a lot of work and it keeps me busy, but not stuck in the office... which is nice."
Helen smiled a sincere smile at her, "I am so glad to hear that." She said, "I just wanted you safe before, but it is nice to see that you love what you do also."
Stephanie chuckled, "Yes… Ranger is happy also." She said laughing, "But I do have to go soon… I have appointments this afternoon."
Helen smiled at her, "I am glad you stopped by… we missed you at dinner." She said.
Stephanie bit her lip, "I wanted to talk to you about why we are pushing the wedding so far back…" She paused grinning at Diesel who snorted, "I mean …we are not in a huge hurry right now anyway… we are happy how we are.'
Helen sighed but nodded in understanding, "I am just happy that you found someone that you can be with and love." She said.
Stephanie smiled at her mother, feeling secure and happy in one of her mother's responses for the first time in a long time. Stephanie was actually excited now to share the next bit with her mother's current answers, "And the other reason that we are pushing the wedding back is because I really really really do not want to be a white whale when I get married." She said looking at her mothers face waiting for it to register.
Stephanie grinned the moment that her mother realized what she was saying because her face broke out in a huge smile, "Wait…. White whale…. You are having a baby?" She demanded standing up.
Stephanie grinned, "No." she said watching her mothers face fall, "You can't have a baby before you get married."
Helen rolled her eyes, "If there is anything that you have taught me it is that you do not do anything traditional …. And I will be happy with grandbabies …. You do not have to be married." She said waving her hand.
Stephanie eyebrows shot up as she looked at her mother then over at Diesel who chuckled.
Stephanie looked back over at her mother, "Thank you." She said softly, "You do not know what that means to me." She paused standing up and unzipping her jacket, "Of course …... me being me… I am not having A baby… but I might be having two babies." She said pulling off her jacket showing her baby bump.
Hellen jumped up screaming in excitement running over to pull Stephanie into a hug. Stephanie laughed, "Ranger and I were going to tell you this week but then he left… and I am not small anymore so I figured if I went out into town someone would notice and then it would get back to you…..and I wanted to be the one to tell you guys." She said looking at her dad and grandma who were both grinning at her.
Helen grinned cupping Stephanie's belly, "Two babies… two more grandbabies Frank." She said looking over at Stephanie's dad who was now standing up walking over them.
Stephanie grinned at her dad who was smiling, "What you think daddy?" She asked softly.
Franks smiled softy as he pulled her in for a tight hug, "Are you happy pumpkin?" He asked gently into her ear.
Stephanie hugged him tight, "Yes Daddy…. I would be Happier if Ranger was here telling you with me… but overall…. I am so happy." She whispered.
Frank tightened his arms around her, "Then I am happy… that's all I ever wanted for you … for you to be happy with what you want." He said before pulling back and kissing her cheek softly, "Now if you can give me a Grandson I would be over the moon." He said with a grin.
Diesel stood up and walked over, "Well you got a better shot with two of them in there… plus I am pretty sure that you might get your wish." He said with an evil grin.
Stephanie slapped his stomach, "Do not listen to him... he has no clue what is in here…... we have not looked, and it is to soon find out." She paused, "Besides, I want to wait for Ranger for that."
Helen looked disappointed for a moment then perked up, "Can you imagine twin little girls…. We can dress them up the same… and Ohhhh they would look so cute."
Edna walked over and pulled Stephanie in for a tight hug, "Another great- grandbaby and of course you being you …I get not one but two." She said with a grin, "and with that beautiful man you that you made them with…... your mom is right… they are going to be deadly gorgeous and your personality they are going to be a pip." She said with a wink.
Stephanie shook her head, "We are hoping that they take after their father and not me… calm babies would be amazing… I know that I was nothing but trouble" She said looking over at her mother who smiled at her.
Grandma shook her head, "No… you have life… and fun coming out of your very being…. I would take a thousand of you any day kiddo…... you made life FUN." She said wiht a grin. "Besides… you only live once… live it being exactly who you are."
Stephanie felt her eyes fill up with tears, "Thanks grandma." She whispered hugging her tight for a moment. When she pulled back, she gave a small chuckle. "But based on how they are acting now… I would say that one is going to be a mini-Ranger and one will be a mini me…. One is craving everything bad and the other only wants healthy rabbit food… one is moving and in charge... the other is laid back and relaxing." She said rubbing her stomach.
Helen laughed, "Yes well babies tend to keep you on your toes…. How are you feeling… can we do anything for you." She asked.
Stephanie shook her head, "No… even with Ranger gone I am never left alone…. The guys have put me in a bubble…. And Ella is feeding me this balanced healthy diet that she made up with the doctor." She said laughing, "I might have the best support system ever and when Ranger is here it is worse because he is constantly asking me what I need and how he can help."
Frank nodded going back to sit down, "I knew that I liked that man… even if he does drive foreign cars." He said going back to watch his game, "When he gets back make sure to bring him to dinner." Stephanie grinned over at him and nodded.
Helen tilted her head to the side, "You know this was not my plan for you… I thought you needed to be married and then have babies and a regular job…" She paused when Stephanie froze and Diesel put a hand on her back, "But I see now… how happy you are… how supported you are… you have more support then most married woman right now…. don't you?" She asked softly.
Stephanie nodded, "I do…. Every man in that building would do anything I needed or get anything I asked for…. they are like family." She said softly, "And Ranger is exactly what I need…. we are not traditional, but we are prefect how we are."
Helen smiled at her, "That is all I ever really wanted too…... I am so happy that you are happy." She shook her head, "But maybe married… one day… if you want." She trailed off when Stephanie gave a small chuckle.
"That is the plan… eventually." Stephanie said, "It probably won't be big." She warned, "We are not big crazy party people."
Helen shook her hands in the air, "No... all I ask is that we get to be there to celebrate with you." She said softly.
Stephanie nodded, "I can do that mom." She said pulling her close, "I know that we don't always see eye to eye… but thank you…. for being ok with my choices…."
Helen nodded pulling away, "I know you expected a different response when you got here… I know that but I am trying… I will keep trying." She whispered.
Stephanie felt the tears slide down her cheeks, "That is all I need mom… I know that I am not perfect either but as long as we both try; I think that is all we need to do." She whispered softly.
Helen pulled back before carefully giving Stephanie a kiss on her cheek, "Well I will be throwing you a baby shower…. that is not up for debate…." She said primely brushing her hands down her shirt.
Stephanie gave a loud laugh, "I think that would be great mom… I know that the guys and Ella are also planning one, but I can have two… or if you are up for it, you can plan one big one with them… my only request is that it happens after Ranger gets back." She said pulling back and wiping her cheeks off, "Buy I really have to go... I have meeting this afternoon that I have to get back for."
Helen nodded, "Can you give Ella my information... I think one big party so we can all get to know each other." She said stepping back, "Now I know you need to go back to work…. I hope that you have a good rest of the day."
Stephanie chuckled, "I never in my life thought I would hear you say that." She said. "At least not about a job that you didn't approve of."
Helen huffed, "It was not that I didn't like your job..." She paused at Stephanie's look and sighed, "It was more the worry that something was always going to happen to you…I know that you were good at your job…. Ranger told me about it the last time that you were here… but you were always getting hurt and I was always worried about you." She looked over at Diesel, "I am happy now that you get to do something that you love, and I get it sleep knowing you have people that are looking out for you."
Stephanie grinned, "To the point that they are driving me crazy." She said shaking her head, "But it is nice to know I always got people to help…. And I have even gotten better at asking for help."
Her grandmother snickered, "If I had them looking out for me, I would do things I needed to be rescued from… just for fun." She said with a laugh.
Diesel chuckled. "Stephanie does not need to make up reasons… she is in trouble often enough all on her own." He said throwing an arm over her shoulder.
Stephanie rolled her eyes, "I am getting better." She muttered, "Any way, we are going to be late."
Helen frowned, "How are you feeling… you look smaller and pale…. Are you ok?" she asked, "Do you want me to bring you some food by?"
Stephanie shook her head at her mom and gave her a small smile, "No mom… I am ok…. Morning sickness was kind of rough for a while… remember how I said that one of the babies was Ranger's and one was mine… One baby demanded only healthy and light food." She said with a laugh rubbing her stomach softly, "In sharp comparison was the other baby that was demanding donuts and grease…... it was not pretty."
Helen smiled, "It gets better as you move into the next trimester." She said. "Don't forget to give my information to Ella and the guys…. I would love to help with your shower."
Stephanie nodded, "I will and don't worry we have a few months… we want to wait until I am at least 30 weeks so we have about 11 weeks before we do it… plus then Ranger will be back… it will be co-ed because all of the guys want to be there."
Helen nodded, "Sounds good dear…. You can still come to dinner even if Ranger is not here." She said softly.
Stephanie gave her mom a small smile, "I know mom… I am sorry I have not been by this week…. I really have been very busy…. Since Ranger and the guys left, I have had more things that I have been taking care of." She said, "Plus the renovations to the apartment and of course sleeping…. all I want to do is sleep lately… I fell asleep at my desk more than once this week."
Helen nodded, "Well make sure that you take time to relax and rest also." She said walking Stephanie to the door, Diesel and her grandmother following.
Stephanie stopped on the porch, "I will try and come by sooner…. I love you all…" She paused and leaned back into the house, "I love you daddy." She called out waiting for his grunt back, "I love you grandma." She said reaching over and kissing her cheek, "I know that there is funeral on Wednesday… I have a meeting but maybe Diesel can take you." She said grinning over at Diesel who nodded in excited.
Edna smirk, "While I would love you to take me Steph… I wont say no to this fine specimen taking me." She said wrapping her bony arm around Diesels waist, "Pick me up at 5 lover boy…... I want to get there early."
Stephanie covered her mouth to hide her grin and Helen sighed, "Mother…. remember the rules… even if you go with Mr. Diesel…." She said looking over at Stephanie, "Can you please tell him before he picks her up…. And what to watch out for."
Stephanie nodded, "I will mom…" She promised with a chuckle.
Edna snorted over to Diesel, "You would think that I am the child, and she is the parent." She said pointing at Helen, "I drop the casket to the floor one time and they never let you live it down." Diesel roared out, his face grinning from ear to ear as Edna shook her head.
Stephanie burst out laughing, "Grandma… it was more then once… and you also like to touch the dead… which the families don't love." She said.
Edna shrugged, "The dead don't care if I check on their makeup… they are dead." She said making Diesel shout with laughter, his eyes watering as he held his side.
Helen shook her head, "On that note I am going to make dinner." She muttered walking back into the house. "Goodbye Stephanie." She said waving at Stephanie's laughter.
Edna snickered, "You know that she is going in there to drink don't you." She said grinning.
Stephanie nodded, "Yes grandma…. Be nice to her, she is trying." She said pulling her in for a hug before handing her ultrasound photos, "Go show her these…... it will give you some brownie points."
Enda grinned at Stephanie, "Hot dog… they are cute already." She said, "If I have not said it yet Stephanie, I am so excited to meet your babies…... you are going to be a great mother."
Stephanie sniffed pulling her grandma in for another hug, "Thank you." She whispered. "That means a lot."
Edna smiled cupping Stephanie's cheek, "You kid have always been my favorite… and it was because you were so free and loving…. You will raise your children just like that and that is prefect." She said. "They will never doubt their love or worth with you…. you and Ranger are going to be amazing parents."
Stephanie wiped her eyes and took a step back, "We ae going to try." She said taking a deep breath, "Ok... now I have to get back to the building." She said, "We have an apportionment with the new architect this afternoon."
Edna grinned at her, "You should put in a sex room… like in that movie 50 Shades of Gray." She said chucking," I can imagine Ranger in those jeans easy." She said closing her eyes to think… making Diesel give a shout of laughter.
Stephanie face pulled back in horror, "NO grandma… and can you not think about Ranger like that please." She muttered.
Edna shrugged, "Well that is how you got in this position." She said pointing at Stephanie's stomach, "And looking the way he does…. I know you enjoyed it." She said wiggling her eyebrows.
Stephanie shook her head raising her hands, "On that note…we have to go." She said walking down the stairs. "Let's go Diesel." She looked back to see her grandma laughing and shook her head with a smile, "Love you grandma." She called back.
Diesel ran down the stairs throwing his arm over her shoulders, "I love your grandma." He said eye crinkling, "I imagine that will be you in 50 years." He said.
Stephanie snorted but smiled and Diesel grinned down at her, "Then Ranger is REALLY FUCKED." He said making Stephanie burst out in laughter but not disagree with him.