Previously….

These are 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, y'all for sticking with me. I am hoping to regularly schedule an update. I'm trying to get my life together LOL! Please remember this story is IN PROGRESS. I know it isn't finished.

I'm still here just covid and a really bad allergic reaction sidelined me for way longer than I want to admit. Ignore the spicy disaster that is me.

Lucille POV

Daddy called Valerie Morelli is having a bit of trouble with her children and custody. It is appalling. How can a woman act so important but have a very messy life? Vinny said it wouldn't hurt if I pushed the information along faster. It isn't that we don't mind visiting Steph near her home but we do think she would benefit from being able to come in freely and out of Trenton.

Picking up the phone I dialed Father Bianchi first. That would make for a fun Sunday mass. The topics she would know were directed at her.

"Hello Father Bianchi, I need your help. Do you have a moment?"

"Anything for you child?"

"My cousin Valerie is having a problem. I do not know how to help her without upsetting her."

"I'd be happy to help. What do you need?"

"With everything including her mother getting out of prison, her husband escaping, and her learning who her father really is."

"I'm confused she is Frank Plum's daughter."

"Actually, her mother had an affair with Anthony Sr."

"That would mean…"

"Yes, Father. Do you think you can put a sermon together that would really help give her guidance?"

"Of course, I will get right on this. Thank you for coming to me."

"Thank you father, I will see you Sunday."

Once I hung up I cackled and skipped off to go tell Vinny what I did.

Val POV

Why am I even here? I could feel all eyes on me as we entered the church and slid into our usual pew. Mrs. Morelli and Grandma Bella were not there yet and that was strange. They never missed an opportunity to be the first to arrive. My mother-in-law was always showing off her grandkids from her favorite son.

"Valerie, Where are Angie Morelli and Grandma Bella?" It is not appropriate to be late for Sunday service.

"I don't know mom, maybe one of them is sick. I can't worry about that now. Joseph is not here, I'm pregnant and now I don't know what to do about the kids." I whispered to her.

We faced forward as Father Bianchi called attention to the front.

"Welcome and today we are covering a very important topic, marriage. It saddens me to say this but some of god's children have become lost and with the increase in technology have become complacent in their marriages. The Bible serves us well in reminding us of its commandments. Repeat after me, "Thou shalt not commit adultery, Father Bianchi called out.

I felt eyes on me as we all repeated back to him, "Thou shalt not commit adultery"

"Can you believe her?" I heard whispers somewhere behind me.

Another voice responded with, "None of her children belong to her husband or should I say, brother?"

"It is not in god's will to covet something that does not belong to you. In many cases, we covet what we deem to be better than what we have. Without the guidance of our lord the devil makes a harder play for our allegiance." We heard from the nosey man addressing his congregation.

This was so embarrassing and Stephanie was to blame for all of this. She has been ruining my life since she was born. It was difficult to not roll my eyes as the sermon droned on. Why is he wasting our time with this? Father, makes it seem like ¾ of this church aren't sleeping with their neighbors and their kid's coaches.

"Pay attention," my mother hissed.

"I am but all of this catty gossiping is distracting," I whispered to her. "Not to mention I need to find my husband, what does he expect me to do with all these kids he wanted? I found out he was messing with my birth control. I didn't want them all. I had plans." I growled out.

We continued to sit there in silence while the whispers continued. Once the service had concluded we waited for the rest of the pew to hurry out. I was going to sneak into the childcare to snag all the kids. Ugh, I'm already over this pregnancy and it has just started.

Once through the side door, I was greeted by a woman with a badge as another one had my children.

"What are you doing with my children? You have no right to take them from childcare." I yelled.

"Ma'am, we need you to come with us. We also do have a right to take the children for their own safety. No please follow me it is about your husband.

"Joseph?" I choked out. "Did you rescue him from whoever took him? He is a valued member of the community. I'm sure many people hated him as he was so vital to the police department."

"Right this way Mrs. Morelli, we will get you caught up to date."

I heard a cackle behind me but didn't see anybody.

Next time….

Lucille POV

Normally, I do not attend this Sunday Service. Vinny and I spend Sundays around the house or going into the city for brunch. Saturday Service is the one I attend while Vinny, uncle Frank, Uncle Joe, and Daddy play golf. Getting here early will be worth it.

I'm so glad I got a good seat for this. The whispering has already started and Val hasn't even arrived.

A/N It is short but we have to get things rolling again. Stay with me folks and send caffeine.