Epilogue-November 2014

Sydney's POV

I can't believe it's been two years since Lester and I married. My life today is so different from what it was when I was married to Dickie. With Lester's support, I have started working again in public relations, this time, for Rangeman. I have been helping them update their website, making it more user friendly and inviting for potential clients. I have also contributed to creating informational pamphlets about the different services they offer. Those pamphlets, in turn, have brought in countless new clients or add-on services.

A year ago, I gave birth to our second child, another daughter we named Sara Rose. Even though the girls are eight years apart, Layla loves her little sister. She and Julie are still best friends, once again attending the same school. This year, they are lucky enough to be in the same class, which means Stephanie and I have been fielding calls all year long about the mischief they get into.

Lester surprised Layla on her last birthday with a golden retriever puppy named Lucky. It seems that Lester is wrapped around her finger. I can't complain, though, because he treats me equally as well. Lester's house was beautiful, but it wasn't someplace that I wanted to call home. Everything was on one floor, separated into wings. He saw my disappointment when he first took us there. I remember it like it was yesterday.

"So, Sydney, now that you've seen the house, what do you think?"

"It's nice. We definitely have plenty of space, and the light is adequate."

"But."

"I can't picture myself living here. I don't really like the bedrooms on the main floor. I'd prefer a two-story home."

"Okay, let's start looking for another house."

"That's it? You'll sell this home?"

"Yes, Sydney, I will. Look, this is only a structure that was built to be a house. I didn't design it, nor did I build it. For me, it was easy, but if you don't like it, then I don't want to live here. You need to love our home as much as I do."

"What will you do with this one?"

"I may sell it to Rangeman. We can always use it as a safe house, especially since I modified the windows and added a panic room."

"Oh."

"Do you want to stay in their neighborhood?"

"Yes, I like this neighborhood. I want to be near Carlos and Stephanie. I know Layla wants to go to the same school as Julie."

"Okay. Then we'll start looking tomorrow."

Lester was true to his word, and two weeks later, we closed on our home. We didn't move in until November first, because Lester had to put in special glass for the window, reinforce all the doors, and make sure the home was fully monitored by Rangeman. I didn't complain because he also redid the kitchen and the master bath to my specifications. For our honeymoon, we spent a few days in Mexico. I didn't want to be away from Layla for too long. Even though he never said it, I know he didn't want to be away from her either.

Each week, I find a bouquet of flowers somewhere in the house from Lester. A 'just because' gift. Once a month, Layla and Sara stay at Steph's so we can have a date night. We reciprocate with them as well. I feel loved and cherished, truly treasured. And let's not forget about the sex. Making love to Lester is an experience in and of its own. He is a master at the art of sex, and I am never unsated. Stephanie and I have spoken about our experiences a few times, and from what she says, Carlos is equally as talented. It must be in the genes.

Delia, my former mother-in-law, has become a friend and confidant. She was totally appalled by her son and husband. Delia hasn't spoken to either of them since the incidents. Layla still calls her Grandma, and she visits us often. In fact, Delia moved to Tampa last January. I know she had a rough time when everything came to light, and I don't blame her. She was as much a victim as me.

Richard Orr was sentenced with four twenty-five years to life sentences in federal prison. He is serving his time at a mid-security prison and hating every moment. Dickie moved out to California to try and rebuild his career. He was starting to get his feet back under him when he was caught sleeping with a minor. It turns out that one of his dates was with a seventeen-year-old girl. When her parents found out, they had him charged. He was disbarred after several underage pornographic videos were found on his computer. He was arrested and also sent to jail for ten years.

I have started to rebuild my relationship with my family. I explained to them how Dickie was, and my mother convinced me to go to counseling. It never occurred to me that I was an abused woman until the therapist explained that, based on Dickie's controlling nature, I was emotionally abused. When I finally admitted that I was able to see how Dickie's manipulations forced me to distance myself from everyone I cared for.

Lester and I have been trying to get pregnant for the last six months. Yesterday I took a home pregnancy test, and I'm thrilled to say that I'm pregnant. I hope this child is a boy because I'm not getting any younger. I know Lester will be thrilled either way. I plan on telling him tonight when we go out for our anniversary.


Carlos's POV

"Papi, when is Mommy coming home?" Julie asks.

"She's supposed to be home tomorrow."

"Why does she still go away? You don't leave anymore."

"Mommy has to go and help find out information so other Daddies can get home to their children."

"Is Aunt Valerie coming here for Thanksgiving?"

"I don't know. I think that was the plan. I know that Uncle Victor doesn't need to work. Besides, I know that Angie and Mary Alice want to go to Disney."

"Will we get to go to Disney too?"

"You can go, munchkin. I think CJ, Michelina, and Alejandro may be too young yet."

"I only want to go if you and Mommy come. I don't like going without you."

I sigh. Since Stephanie had the twins last year, Julie has been clingy. She loves her brothers and sister but is missing the alone time she had with us. While we do try to do things with her as much as possible, Michelina and Alejandro are a handful. When we add CJ into the mix, well, if it's quiet, that means that we'll be walking into a mess.

"It depends on if Tia Ella can watch all the little ones. Don't forget, Victoria would also be staying." Valerie gave birth to a baby girl, she named Victoria Stephanie in January 2013. She and Victor would like another child, but since Valerie decided to go back to school for teaching, she's putting that on the back burner.

"Fine. I'll go without you."

"Princesa, what's wrong?"

"You don't love me anymore."

"Jules, baby, why do you think that?"

"Because everything always depends on CJ, Lina, or Alex."

"Julie, your Mommy, and I love you very much. We will always love you. I understand how you feel. When I was growing up, I always felt lost. Tia Mariela, Tia Celia, and Tia Rosa were older than me. When I was little, Abuela was always running the girls somewhere. I would be watching my favorite show, only to get scooped up to drop someone off at dance, or to pick one up from Girl Scouts. Then, when I was finally in school, I couldn't do anything because the girls already had their activities. With Tia Isabella and Tio Javier so little, she could deal with adding another thing for me. I felt invisible like no one wanted me. I did well in school, so I didn't need much help with homework. I was quiet, even then, which made Abuela and Abuelo think that I was fine. It wasn't until I started getting in trouble when I hit the middle school years that they started to notice me, and then it was only because I did something wrong. That's when I went to live with my Abuela Rosa. She helped me to understand the challenges that my parents had raised six children. Now, having four of my own, I understand how difficult it was for them. Since you are almost ten, you are more independent, you don't need Mommy and me for everything. We need to help your siblings with everything since they are unable to do that on their own. Please, Julie, don't ever doubt how much your Mother and I love you."

I see tears forming in her eye, and my heart breaks. "I guess I understand, Papa, but I sometimes feel like I'm being ignored."

"Baby, you need to tell us when you feel that way. You need to let us know. We aren't doing it intentionally. I never want you to feel the way I did."

"Papa, I want to do something with just you and Mommy, as we did before CJ and the Twinkies."

"Okay. I'll talk to your mother, and we'll plan something. What about a trip to Universal Studios?"

"I'd like that. Then I can go to Harry Potter World."

"I'll try to set something up when your Abuelos come here. They always enjoy watching you and your siblings."

"Thank you, Papa."

I see a beautiful smile grace Julie's face before she runs off. It has me thinking about how I felt at her age. I know that I was lost, but for the first time, I realize how difficult it must have been for my parents, and I regret the problems I caused. I think of Abuela Rosa and can almost see her smiling at me the way she used to when I finally understood what she was trying to tell me. I remember a conversation I had with her two weeks before Stephanie arrived when I found out that my parents weren't coming to help her as they had planned for that summer.

(All dialogue is in Spanish)

"I knew they weren't going to come. My parents don't want to be near me."

"Carlito, you now that's not true. Your mama and papa love you, dearly."

"No, they don't. The fact that they are staying in Newark so Isabella and Javier can participate in their day camps is evidence enough."

"Mi hijo, I understand that you are hurt, but it is hard to balance the needs of everyone in a large family."

"So, I experienced. Mama and Papa always let Mari, Rosa, and Celia do whatever they wanted. Then, the twins got to do things because everything they did was together. I was only allowed soccer, and that was because Senor Pérez would take me to and from the games. They could never even take the time to watch one of my games. I made up my mind. I'm never getting married and never having children."

"Carlito, you are young yet, and still immature. I promise you, someday you will meet a woman who will turn your world upside down. She'll invade your mind whenever she can, and your world will revolve around her. Don't give me that look, young man. It will happen. When it does, you'll rethink your stance on marriage as well."

"It won't happen, Abuela."

Then, I think about a conversation we had a few years later. It was after I stupidly broke up with Steph when I started Ranger school.

"Carlito, why? Why did you let her go? I thought you love Estefania."

"I do, Abuela, which is why I have to let her go." I feel a sharp slap against my cheek. My hand instinctively goes against it. "What was that for?"

"You are stupid. Don't think I don't know how much Estefania means to you. I know that you are her world. Remember, I was there when you met. Carlito, if you don't go to her and beg her forgiveness, you may lose her forever. I see the way you look at each other. I know that you have been intimate. Don't worry, I'm fine with it, I may be old, but I'm not old-fashioned. I understand the depth of your love for each other, but if you break her heart like you are doing now, she may never recover. What do you want for Estefania, what are you hoping to achieve?"

"I'm hoping that she finds a man who will love her, who will give her children and stability. I want her to have a big house, with children and a dog running around. I know that's what she wants. I know my life won't lend itself to relationships, especially once I finish with the Ranger school. I'll be sent out to a place where I may never return. What will that do to Steph then?"

"She'll be able to move on knowing that you loved her, that she is part of a family who loves and supports her. If you were to give her a child, then she would have that part of you forever. Don't let her go. She'll never be the same, and neither will you."

I put my head down, allowing the tears from fall from my eyes, knowing that I'm safe with Abuela Rosa. "I really screwed this up, haven't I?"

"Yes, Carlito, you have, but you have the power to fix it. Go out to Arizona, visit her. She'll never turn you away if you are there. Do what you need to, Carlito. Go get your soulmate."

I followed my Abuela's advice that day and claimed Stephanie. Dios, I miss Abuela. It's hard to believe that she died two months ago. Edna moved in with Abuela when Lester and Sydney came down to Miami. They got along famously. It was perfect for the two of them. Then, in August, Edna had a stroke and died a few days later. Stephanie was devasted, but she was able to say goodbye to her biggest cheerleader. My Abuela was sad to lose her roommate but carried on as she always did. Then, two months ago, she just didn't wake up one day. We, along with Lester and his family, spent the day with Abuela. We left her home at 2100, and she was fine. She went to bed shortly after that. That was it. While the entire family was heartbroken, Lester, Stephanie, and I took it the hardest, because Abuela Rosa was more than just our grandmother, she was our mother.

Papa and Tia Celia wanted to sell her house, but Lester and I can't bear to depart with it, so we purchased it. We can use it as a safe house, or even a place for the family to crash. I know my father was skeptical, but it was the house that made us who we are. It's part of our life that we can't let go of yet.

I glance at my watch, willing the time to move faster so that Stephanie will be back home in my arms. Still, eight more hours to go. I get up, pour a glass of wine, and sit on the patio, watching the ocean. Suddenly, the dogs go on alert, and I hear the alarm beep. I get up, grabbing my gun that is at my back. I slowly walk into the house, moving towards the cameras to see who it is. Duchess runs to the stairs, blocking the way, ready to attack while Duke, on the other hand, is waiting by the garage door, ready to leap if necessary. I hear someone fumbling with the doorknob when Duke sits down. I hear a bump than a mumbled curse, laughing when I realize that it's Stephanie. I put my gun back in my waistband and wait for her to open the door. When she does, Duke greets her enthusiastically, followed by Duchess. We lock eyes, and she runs into my open arms. "Welcome home, Babe."


Stephanie's POV

I wanted to sneak up on Carlos, but in my typically clumsy way, I trip on Julie's scooter. I mutter a curse before opening the door to the kitchen. I see Duke sitting there, and I realize that my dogs and my husband were in defender mode. I should know better than to sneak up on Carlos. Once I pet the dogs, I run into my husband's arms. As he wraps his arms around me, I inhale the scent of his Bulgari body wash mixed with Carlos's scent. God, I missed him.

"Welcome home, Babe."

"It's good to be home. Can we go sit outside? I have a few things to tell you." I see Carlos look at me, curiously.

"Do you want a glass of wine?"

"I'd love a glass."

Carlos pours me a glass as we walk out onto the patio. I sit in a lounge chair, taking the glass from him. Carlos sits behind me, gently massaging my shoulders.

"Mmm, that feels nice. How are the kids?"

"They were great. No problems, well, except Julie."

"What do you mean?"

"Julie was feeling a little left out and ignored. She feels that all we do is pay attention to the twins and CJ while ignoring her."

"Shit. What did you say?"

"I told her about me, and that's how I felt, but then I explained how we loved her. I also told her that I'd ask Mama and Papa to watch the babies so we could take Julie to Universal next weekend."

"How could we do that to Julie, especially after how we felt growing up?"

"Babe, it wasn't intentional. I mean, it's easy to do, with the twins needing our help with everything, and CJ getting into trouble whenever he's not being entertained. Julie is so independent now that she doesn't need us as they do. I understand how it happens, but we need to make it a point to spend more time with her, one on one."

"You're right." I sigh. I never wanted to be like my mother. I need to be aware of how I take Julie for granted. It causes me to think back on my family. After my mother died and my father discovered that Tina wasn't having his child, he went to Italy. However, Carlos discovered his secret, and we gave the evidence to the Detective in charge of the cold case. Frank was extradited back to the States and was convicted of murder. He was sent to a maximum-security prison and spends 23 hours a day in solitary after he was attacked four times in his first four days there. It seems that he stepped on some of the Family's toes one too many times. Val took Frank's downfall harder than me, which is understandable since she had a relative good relationship with our parents until she met Victor. But, we are both a peace, knowing that they got everything they deserved.

"What did you want to talk about?" Carlos asks as he moves my hair aside to kiss the spot where my neck meets my shoulder. I have to shake my head to get refocused on the conversation.

"Carlos, please stop that, we need to talk."

"Talk."

"I was offered a new contract. I signed on for another three years."

"Stephanie, we talked about this. You said you were done. The kids don't like it when you travel."

"Carlos, listen before you comment." He nods, "I was offered the ability to do all my work from our Rangeman locations. I can attend any meeting via the phone. I never have to travel to D.C. again. They are paying me more. When I told them I wasn't going to sign a new contract, they bent over backward to get me to agree. I thought this would be the best of both worlds. You know what I do isn't as dangerous as what you and the guys did, but it's my way of making sure that other families get their men home."

"You really negotiated more money and the ability to stay home?"

"Yes."

"Proud of you, Babe," Carlos replies before kissing me. "I think that calls for a celebration."

"That sounds perfect. Let me go check on the kids. I'll meet you in our room."

I head upstairs as Carlos locks up the house. I first check on the twins, who are sleeping peacefully in their cribs. Then, I check on CJ, who is holding onto his dog tightly in his toddler bed. Finally, I check on Julie. She is asleep in her bed, and I feel a twinge of guilt for ignoring her. Duchess walks into her room, lying on the floor between the door and Julie. I walk in, kissing Julie on her forehead and tucking the blanket around her body. I leave the door slightly ajar so Duchess can leave. Duke takes his position at the top of the stairs, in his dog bed. Sometimes Duchess joins him there. I enter our bedroom, heading straight to the bathroom to remove my makeup. When I finish, I return to the bedroom. I hand Carlos my weapons, which he stows in the safe. With that task down, Carlos embraces me, kissing me once again.

I throw my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me. I've only been gone a week, but I feel like I've been gone longer. Our kiss is frenzied, passionate, and needy. The fire that was simmering since I arrive home is now a fully engulfed inferno. We tear at each other's clothes, not able to remove them from each other fast enough. I am still amazed at how we can go from zero to a hundred in a matter of seconds. Once we have our clothes in a pile on the floor, we move towards the bed. Carlos gently pushes me down before he climbs on top of me, attacking my body with his mouth and hands. I feel heat rush through my body, igniting every nerve ending on fire. I put my hands in his hair, trying to direct his head where I want it to go, but instead, he grabs my wrists in one of his hands, holding them above my head. We don't need to say anything to each other, seemingly able to read each other's minds. I understand he wants me to keep my hands there, so I do, after grabbing onto the headboard. He continues his exploration of my body, spreading my legs apart, settling between them.

I can't help moaning as his tongue runs along my lower lips. I know better than to try to rush Carlos when he's in this mood. The more I try to push him along, the more he slows to a torturous pace. However, tonight, he needs me as much as I need him. Just when I'm building towards that first blissful flight, his body is once again over mine, and he is inside me, setting a rhythm that has us both crying out each other's names in seconds. Once we fly together, we kiss as our bodies calm down. Carlos rolls on his back, dragging me on top of him.

"I'm sorry, mi amor, I promise to be slower next time."

"It's okay, I needed that badly." Carlos could never be accused of being a premature ejaculator. He's always in control and still leaves me sated. However, whenever we are away from each other for a while, our first coupling is fast and hard. Once we get that out of our system, we can go for hours, setting our bodies on fire with desire and need. I snuggle against my husband, dosing off, knowing that we'll be waking each other up all night long, partaking in the dance of lovers until the sun rises.


Lester's POV

As I lay in my bed, watching Sydney sleep, I can't help but feel nostalgic. She gave me the best anniversary gift, telling me that we are having another child together. I love my life, the family that I have here with me. I never thought that this is the life I would want.

I loved my parents. My father was my world. I don't have many memories of him, but the ones I have are only great times. When my Mama met Paul, I was happy. He seemed like he was a lot of fun, and in the beginning, he was. Then the girls came along, and his attention was diverted to them. After all, they were his biological children. I was stupid to expect them to drop everything for me. But, at the time, I felt alone and abandoned. The only thing that kept me on the straight and narrow for so long was Stephanie.

I was contemplating running away from home. I was only eight and surprisingly had enough money in my pocket to buy a train ticket to Newark. I was going to go to Tia Juliana and Tio Ric's house. There, they would love me. I started to walk to the train when I saw Morelli hassling Stephanie. She was so small and innocent, and I felt this inexplicable need to protect her. I stepped in, and that day, we became best friends. Around our high school years, I started to act out, to get in trouble. A few of the times, it was to stop some jerk from hurting Stephanie. When I went to Miami, I realized that I had a crush on Stephanie. I spent many nights dreaming of her when I first went to Miami.

Then, I met a great group of friends. Sydney was part of that group. By the time that Stephanie joined us in Miami, I was over her as a potential girlfriend and totally into Sydney. However, I still fantasized about her occasionally. I mean, no other girl looked so sexy playing soccer. When Carlos took an interest in her, I was afraid of his motives, thinking he only wanted to have as his trophy. However, those thoughts were completely wrong. I think I finally understood how close they were on her birthday. I knew that they had sex. But it seemed that after that day, they were even more intimate than I could imagine.

I was shocked when Stephanie decided to follow Carlos to West Point. I didn't see her there, in the military, but she excelled. The discipline and routine were good for her, as was physical training. She was always more comfortable around boys, and that didn't change when she was there. I know from some conversations we had, several of the guys made her uncomfortable and had made inappropriate passes at her, one going as far as touching her. Still, she held her own, putting them in their place so that soon, they knew to leave Stephanie Plum alone. Once it came out after graduation that Stephanie and Carlos were an item, the light bulbs went off in many of their heads. She managed to become friends with most of those guys.

When I decided to enlist after 9/11, Stephanie was the first person to support my decision. She was scared for me, as she was for herself and Carlos, but knew why I felt like I had to do it. I know I set her up on a pedestal, as my ideal, but not her per se, more her personality and undying support. I saw, first hand, how almost losing Carlos affected her, and I was afraid to allow someone who would hurt as she did. I was a jackass, and I am glad that Sydney forgave me.

I think about the last three years, discovering I had a kid, reconnecting with Sydney, and finally having a family of my own. I realize that if it weren't for my sister, Stephanie Plum, I would not be here today. I close my eyes, finally content with my life, and send up a small prayer of thanks for having Steph in my life.


A/N: Now that I've reached the end of my longest story to date, there are a few people who I would like to thank for their help during this endeavor.

1. To Susan, my fantastic beta, whose encouragement and expertise has pushed me to become a better writer. Her quick turn around time and ability to point out inconsistencies has helped to make this story better.

2. Aruvqan: Your willingness to share your military experiences and knowledge of West Point has allowed this work to be more realistic. I appreciate your lengthy comments and constructive criticism.

3. Kelly, aka HermioneIncarnate: Babe, where do I begin? I know that I can always go to you if I'm stuck to talk (or write) out my ideas. You always help me to flush out a plot when I get stuck. Your help with determining Morelli's discharge was necessary to keep this as plausible as possible, with a few creative differences. Also, we can all thank you for introducing Brenda's Beaver to me, and in turn, to Ellen Plum.

4. To my fabulous readers, especially those who left a comment or 100 along the way, I thank you. I appreciate your insight, your words of encouragement, and your constructive criticism. Your enthusiasm for my stories keeps me wanting to write more. Every time I see a new review has posted, I get a smile on my face. Your support has helped to make this dark time that we're living through due to the pandemic, a little brighter. Many of you have said that reading my story has helped you get through the last six months, and I can say that say back to you. Your support always puts a smile on my face. As of the publication of this final chapter, 95 people have this story as a favorite. I'm so overwhelmed. Thank you!

I was hoping to be able to start publishing "Night's sequel next month, but that is not a possibility, as I haven't written anything in over three weeks. I hope to have the time to write again soon. Until my next wacky idea, be safe and keep reading. If you are on Facebook, I'm on as well, as Misty Plum. Feel free to send me a friend request. With love, virtual hugs, and kisses. Mary-aka Misty