A/N: I apologize for the long delay, but here is the conclusion. Chapters 32 and 33 will be published tomorrow (12/30) and Chapters 34 and 35 will be published on Friday (12/31). One chapter in the morning and one in the evening. By the time 2022 rings in NYC (The only place that counts :-) ) you will have the complete story. Thank you, in advance, for your loyalty and for sticking with me. ~Mary (aka Misty)

Chapter 31 Stephanie's POV

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions. It started right after Thanksgiving when we had to go to court to keep my sad excuse of a mother from taking my house away from me. Then, I found out that she put a hit out on my father and me. Thankfully, Alexander Ramos is Manny's uncle, so he came to us first. Now, sometime in the beginning of January, my mother will be arrested. I'm concerned for how my nieces, Angie and Mary Alice, will be treated, and I hope that my sister can shelter them from the Burg backlash.

Valerie, on the other hand, deserves whatever she gets. She's been whining non-stop to anyone who will listen how I have ruined her life by forcing her to work. She found a job with a pathetic excuse of a lawyer, Albert Kloughn, whose name should say it all. He works out of a storefront next to a laundromat. Vince and Tyler stumbled upon my sister there when they were following up a lead on a skip and thus informed me that they would be surprised if Kloughn makes enough money to cover his rent, let alone pay Valerie. I wash my hands of my sister and mother. They made their beds, now they must lie in them.

"Babe, is everything okay? You've been sitting there staring at the wall for the last five minutes." Carlos says as he enters our bedroom, dressed and ready to go.

"Yes, Carlos, I'm fine. I was just thinking about everything that has happened these last few weeks. It's overwhelming. I mean, finding out my mom wants dad and me dead; it's a lot to process."

"I understand. I'm here if you need to talk, you know that."

"Yes, I do." I quickly finish putting on my socks and grab my boots. I pull them up, and we are good to do. "Are the kids ready?"

"Yes, they are."

"Are the gifts in the car?"

"Yes, Babe, everything is set."

"The cookies."

"Babe, everything is packed in the car. So, you don't need to worry."

I smile then laugh. I have no idea why I constantly double-check that Carlos has everything. I mean, he is the epitome of being organized and prepared. He never misses a thing. "I'm sorry; I know you have everything done."

"It's okay, querida. Come, let's go, so we're not the last ones to arrive."

We pile into the Cayenne after donning our coats and gloves and drive to Newark. Once again, Carlos' parents are hosting the holiday. I know Carlos would like to alleviate some of the pressure off his mom, so we have talked about taking over the holiday hosting in our home since it is the largest. I told him I was willing to do so but instead start with Easter; there are fewer people since some of his sisters go to their in-laws. He agreed but assured me that I wouldn't be doing everything on my own.

When we arrive in Newark, it's the same chaos that existed on Thanksgiving. But, as we walk in and I observe the change in Carlos' demeanor, I understand even more why he wants us to host the holidays. Walking into the loud house, with kids running in every direction and adults shouting, tests Carlos' resolve. I remove my coat and hand it to Carlos. "Relax, we're safe. It's only your nieces and nephews."

I watch as Carlos closes his eyes and takes two deep breathes, releasing some of his stress and tension. Us hosting would allow everyone to arrive slowly, giving Carlos a chance to acclimate to the slowing building chaos. When Carlos' eyes open, he is much more relaxed. "Thank you, Babe."

"Stephanie, there you are. Come, we need an extra set of hands in the kitchen. Hello, mi hijo. Go join the men in keeping the kids under wrap. They've been trying to sneakily open the presents. But, of course, now that you're here, I won't need to keep one eye on the tree."

And just like that, Juliana has Carlos, and I ushered into the house and put to work. It seems that Carlos is the only male that the assorted children are even remotely fearful of, and they will only listen to him. As long as he has his eye on the tree, none will attempt a sneak peek or an early opening of their gifts from Santa.

After dinner, we finally settled in the living room, around the Christmas tree. Carlos and I are sitting on the floor, in charge of the gift wrap collection. We have several garbage bags at the ready. The kids quickly open their gifts. After thanking everyone, they beg their parents to play with their toys immediately. Lucia and Alex are no different. However, there is one gift that is left under the tree.

"Rebecca, who is that package for?" Mariela asks.

"It's for Tio Carlos," Rebecca says, surprised, as us adults don't exchange gifts. She brings the small, rectangular package over to Carlos. He thanks Rebecca, taking the package and opening it with all eyes on him. Once the paper comes off, there is a white box. He opens the box, revealing a folding picture frame. He opens the edge, and it says, "The Manoso Family" on top, and "Carlos, Stephanie, Lucia, and Alejandro" on the bottom. On the left side is a picture of the four of us taken at Point Pleasant, and on the right are the forms required to change the twins' last name from Plum to Manoso. Carlos looks at the documents, then at the kids, and finally me.

"You want to change your name?" He asks, confirming.

"Yes, Dad, we want to have the same last name as you," Lucia responds.

Carlos opens his arms, and the twins each step into them for a hug. I hear a sniffle and look to see Juliana crying softly. "We'll have another generation of Manoso's."

I know that the twins, especially Alejandro, being a Manoso, is important to Carlos' family, as he is the only male to carry on the name. But, unfortunately, Javier's wife, Kaylee, is pregnant with a girl, so there is only one Manoso left unless he has more children.

Carlos looks at me to ask if I'm okay with the twins taking on his name. I nod and join my family in the group hug. Soon after, chaos again ensues as dessert is served.

"Manoso, a party of two," Carlos says to the maître d' the following evening as we are waiting to be seated at Marsiello's.

This is one of my Christmas gifts, a dinner just for the two of us. Since my father and grandmother were with us yesterday at the Manoso's house, they spent today with Angie and Mary Alice at my father's apartment. Unfortunately, he no longer talks to my mother since she tried to get to my house and insists that she go to his apartment if Valerie wants to see him and Grandma Mazur. So that leaves Lester to watch Lucia and Alex. Thankfully, they love Tio Lester and always have fun together.

The maître d' brings us to our table, and I spy my sister sitting with none other than Joe Morelli. I hear Carlos' chuckle, so I know he noticed as well. I'm wearing a curve-hugging designer dress with a sweetheart neckline that tastefully displays my assets without being slutty. Carlos is wearing one of his custom-made Armani suits with a blue shirt and tie to match my dress. We are seated at a table in the corner, allowing Carlos to see the room.

Once we place our order and the waiter brings us over our wine, we start to talk. "Are you really okay with the twins taking your last name? I know you always said that you had enemies and were glad that they couldn't be directly tied to you."

Carlos takes a sip of his wine first. "You're right. I have always said that, but it isn't true anymore. Yes, I still have enemies. Yes, they will still try to get back at me through you or the children, but that threat isn't as great since my contract is officially finished. Besides, the fact remains that Lucia and Alex are my children, and I really do want them to have my last name."

The bubble of doubt that has been floating around in my stomach for the last couple of days is finally gone. I was scared that Carlos didn't want the kids to have his name. "Okay. How long do you think it would take for the name change to take effect?"

"It shouldn't be too long. I am already listed on the twin's birth certificates, and they both currently have your last name. Since there is no other "father's" name, it should be cut and dry. I'm sure the judge will want to ensure that the twins have made this decision independently. The only hiccup I see is that we aren't married, but it shouldn't be an issue."

I sigh. A part of me wants to marry Carlos and marry him tomorrow. But there is another part of me that is scared, that one day Carlos will walk away from me, leaving me broken. I know that it is irrational, as Carlos has proven repeatedly that he is in it for the long haul, but Dick did a number on my self-confidence. The waiter interrupted my thoughts with our appetizers, which we promptly consumed. We barely put down our napkins when our main course is brought out. Then, finally, we have a slight reprieve, where we get back to some serious conversations.

"Babe, I was talking with Tank, Lester, and Bobby, and we would like you to take on a larger role in Rangeman. Your physical therapist and masseuse skills are better than any other person we use. I don't know if Bobby ever told you, but the Trenton men are back in rotation faster than any other office. No matter what type of injury, you get them healed faster, saving the company money. In addition, your skills in performing searches are amazing. You think outside the box, which helps you find the breadcrumbs that no one else can. Plus, you are great at client relations. So, we would like to make you a member of the Core team. We haven't fully fleshed out your role, but we wanted you to have input in your responsibilities. I know Bobby would love to be more hands-on in some of our other areas, so there is a possibility that you could take over his role as the lead medical officer once you complete your schooling. Is this offer something you'd be interested in?"

I'm shocked. I never thought that Carlos would be willing to make me part of Rangeman, I mean, an owner! He built this company from the ground with his best friends, and I'm not sure I'm worthy for them to give me a part of that. "I…I don't know. It's an amazing offer, but part of me feels like I don't deserve it."

"Please think about it, Stephanie; I am confident that this is a great move for you and that you will help this company to grow even faster."

"Okay, I'll think about it, but I ask that no matter my decision, you don't try to change my mind."

"I won't, Babe. You have my word. Lester told me he's met someone, and I think it's getting serious."

"Really? Lester is getting serious with a woman. Who is this miracle worker?"

"Les said her name is Paige, and she is an accountant. She is a student in that self-defense course that Lester gives down at the community center. He asked her out six times before she finally accepted."

I laugh. "I like Paige already. I hope she puts him in his place."

"Oh, from what Lester has said, she does. I think he's bringing her to the annual New Year's Eve bash that you're making me attend."

"Carlos, I know that the noise at midnight makes you tense, but you have to start to try to acclimate back to civilian life. Besides, the twins love New Year's Eve."

"I know, and that is the only reason why I'm going. I want to be there for them."

I glance over towards Val and Joe's table just in time to see Valerie head to the ladies' room. Once she is out of sight, the hostess glides over to the table, shamelessly flirting with Joe. The sad part is that he is flirting back. Soon she places a paper on the table, which I can only imagine is her phone number. I watch as Joe pockets the paper with Val returning to the table, clueless, not even a minute later. I shake my head in disbelief.

"What does your sister see in Morelli?"

I smile and chuckle. "I'm not really sure, but I can imagine that it's the reputation. In the Burg, Joseph Morelli is considered quite a catch. He is handsome, single, and a detective with TPD. By all appearances, he's escaped the Morelli curse of being a wife-beater. Most of the older women think he also managed to be tamed, but that's because he inherited his home from his old spinster aunt. So, the women who are like my mother turn a blind eye to his philandering ways, owning it up to the adage, 'boys will be boys' which makes me sick."

"The women don't have a problem with men cheating on them?"

"Nope, most turn a blind eye. If it appears that they are in a happy relationship, then all is well. Most men are very discreet, and often, wives never find out."

Carlos shakes his head. "Babe, I hope you know that I will never cheat on you." I smile at his confession. However, before I can respond, Carlos is down on his knee, "Babe, Stephanie, I love you, and I have since the first day we met. I want nothing more in life than to call you my wife and be an official family with the twins. I promise that I will love, honor, and cherish you as long as I live. So, Stephanie Michelle Plum, will you marry me?"

I am shocked and floored at Carlos' proposal and have an answer before he asks, but I wait for him to finish before I respond. "Yes, Carlos, yes. Thousand times, yes." I'm barely done speaking when Carlos is standing and pulls me up against him for a panty-melting kiss. He places a modest 1 ½ carat diamond solitaire on my finger when we break apart. It's emerald cut and absolutely beautiful. The patrons in the restaurant are applauding our engagement.

"I thought of getting something more extravagant, but I know that isn't your style. I am aware that the stone is a little larger than you are comfortable with, but I refuse to get anything smaller, as you deserve so much more, Babe."

I glance at the ring and truthfully respond, "Carlos, it's perfect. I love it."

As I sit back down, I glance at my sister and see that she is clearly green with envy. I also see Morelli looking nervous as if Val expects him to do the same. Finally, our waiter approaches with two flutes and a bottle of Cristal. He pours us each a generous portion after congratulating us. Our dessert arrives soon after. Then, all too soon, it's time to head home for the night.