Not my characters. I make zero dollars from this. Completely AU! Just plugging our favorite characters into my original story.

WARNING! Some things will be alluded to and not described in excessive detail. I'm not a doctor or any medical professional. This means there will be some creativity with the scenario to fit my goal. If something is a trigger for you. I apologize, this story will reference abuse, rape, and domestic violence. There is a great deal of drawing your conclusions on those fronts.

Thanks yall for sticking with me. I am hoping to regularly schedule an update. I'm trying to get my life together LOL! Enjoy!

Polling the audience question: Do yall want the full date or just an assumption it has happened? Let me know! Also any suggestions on what they should do! I know this is short but I am on the upswing from COVID.

Abuela Rosa POV

I watched the door close behind those two as my grandson walked that sweet girl back down to where she is staying in the building. Once she was comfortable, it was easy to get her to open up. Not only is she pretty but it seems as if she is a genuinely good person. Not even noticing the effects of Carlos' last mission. Stephanie even invited me with them to the beach to ensure I spend more time with Carlos.

Gone are the women my favorite grandson's mother would push on him. Those women were only after his money and his looks. Since he came back this last time there has been such a change. If it wasn't for his accidental meeting this wonderful woman I would be more concerned.

"So Stephanie, What do you do for a living?" I asked as we sat down to dinner.

"I am an author and write under a penname. My 10th book comes out soon. I write a mystery, suspense-style novel." She replied.

"That sounds amazing and it gives you a great deal of freedom. Do you have a book tour?" I inquired

I watched her shake her head, " Honestly, I am very much a hermit. Due to my appearance, I've never done any press for my books. I was thinking about perhaps doing an interview this go around."

"I'll be there with you for security Steph. Then you don't have to worry as much. The guys and I can keep you safe, while you work." Carlos told her.

"Well, I haven't finalized anything with my publishing company. Ranger, Do you think once we get back to the lake you can join me for a conference call? I'm nervous about the press." Stephanie asked him.

"No problem." He told her.

"Now tell me about this house on the beach of yours? How long have you owned it?" I inquired to change the subject.

The rest of dinner passed easily and that sweet girl even forced me to sit down while she did the dishes as a thank you. After everything, she is such a sweet soul. I need to call Lester and see if there is a pool for Carlos and Stephanie. Picking up the phone I dialed him.

"Lester, tell Abuela if you are taking bets about your cousin and Stephanie?"

Val POV

Finally, the house is quiet. All the kids are asleep and even mom went down to the basement to bed. She said prison put her on a schedule. I can't believe she was there for so long. After dinner, there was a call from my mother-in-law. Joseph is being released in the morning due to being an upstanding member of the community. However, my husband told her he has an undercover assignment up north. He won't be stopping home.

I still cannot believe he was arrested by that liar. She doesn't even live here anymore. It would be so much easier if she never came back or was dead. I wonder if Terri could help me with this for the right price. Picking up the phone I dialed a familiar number.

"Hello?"

"Terri, it's Valerie Morelli. Do you have a moment to talk?"

"This is strange but I have time. What do you need?"

"Is it possible to set up a time to chat? I have a problem I need taken care of. Would you be able to help?"

"You've piqued my interest. You do know my uncle's services aren't cheap?"

"I know and he is incredibly respected. This would be more of a barter. You take of this issue and you get a weekend alone with Joesph. I know sometimes you get together for work. I figured an entire weekend would allow you both to ensure all your needs are plugged up?"

I heard her moan.

"I'll be by tomorrow 9 am. We can sort out the details."

"Thank you Terri."

Hanging up, I laughed. My husband may be a lot of things but the biggest that his ego allows for manipulation. All those women he thinks I don't know about? They pay a pretty penny to have a go at him.

Laughing, I turned off the kitchen light and headed to bed. Tomorrow was going to be a good day.