Life in Trenton was quickly getting back to normal. Everyone now knew of our marriage. While most people were happy, there were still the small select few that thought their lives were changed because Steph and I were married. Mostly, her mother. I'll still never know why Helen thinks that everything Steph does is going to ruin Helen's life. It's not. Helen will ruin Helen's life.
As we pulled up to the house, I saw my mother-in-law and Granny Mazur on the front porch. Looking over at Steph, I saw her tense up and knew this was going to be a rough night for her. Here's the thing. Frank knew we were married; he'd known since everyone else found out that fateful day in the hospital. However, Helen was out of town at the time and, well, things were hectic when Helen returned and then we had to go out of town for my father. So, this is really the first time we've seen Helen since we married. And she's NOT happy about that.
I stepped from the car and walked to Steph's side. Opening the door, I offered her my hand, "Honey, you know I'll not let her hurt you. If she says or does anything like that, I'll give her a piece of my mind and then we are out."
When my wife looked up at me and smiled, I knew she believed me and trusted me to keep her safe. Walking up the sidewalk holding hands, I felt her squeeze mine tight like she was trying to take some strength from me. Squeezing her back, I hoped she knew she could have all my strength forever.
"Stephanie Michelle Plum, what on earth is going on with you? Why did I have to hear from the neighbors that you were married to… to this… person?"
Hmmm… this person, not this thug? Nice change, but still with the sarcastic attitude. "Mother," Stephanie sighed, "this person as you put it, is named Matthew. He is my husband, and you will not disrespect him or me."
What the hell? Did my wife really just stand up to her mother? And we've not even made it in the house! Holy Shit! Pulling Steph to me, I gave her a kiss and a hug, then whispered, "I love you."
I felt some of the tension leave her body and something else take its place. I wasn't exactly sure what happened, but her entire attitude changed.
As we headed inside, I was met by Mr. Plum, "Son, how have you been?" he asked as we shook hands.
"Good sir. How about you?"
Instead of answering me, he looked at Steph, "Pumpkin, I'm taking your husband to the garage to look at something with me. We'll be back in in a few."
Stephanie nodded, kissed me one more time, and gently shoved me towards my father-in-law. I wasn't sure I wanted to leave her alone with her mother, but I didn't want to disrespect my father-in-law either. So, reluctantly, I followed him to the garage. I was wishing I'd brought backup so someone would be there with Steph. Granny must have sensed my hesitation because she walked up behind me, "Don't you worry about her. She has a look of determination in her eyes that I've not seen in a long time. Something happened and she's not gonna let my daughter run her over tonight. I can tell you that."
Interesting. I knew I felt something change in Steph and now Granny is saying she can see a change. Now I really don't want to go to the garage; I don't want to miss what happens in the kitchen.
Frank and I reached the garage, and he pulled the door shut behind us. "How is my Pumpkin?"
"She's great, sir. She really helped me when we went to Virginia. Had she not been there, I may very well have been on the next plane to some God forsaken country."
"Yeah, she has a way of helping everyone around her. Sometimes I think she's too involved with helping others and not taking care of herself."
I nodded; I agreed with him one hundred percent. She is always looking for ways to help other people… including the criminals she brings back into the system. It always amazed me how she became friends with her skips, but then again, it shouldn't have. She has an amazing heart.
Frank and I shot the shit in the garage for as long as we could before it was time to head in for dinner. As we reached the kitchen, I could see Helen putting something back in the cupboard and Frank shook his head.
"Helen, I thought you were going to quit. You promised me," he growled.
"Frank, I can have a sip now and then. It isn't like I drink all the time; just when I need to forget about a few things," she said as she glared at me.
I was about to ask what she needed to forget about this time when I heard Steph yell, "Dinner is on the table."
I walked through the door to the dining room and saw my beautiful wife there with Granny. I should have been scared with the look I was receiving from Granny and her teeth moving in her mouth, but when I saw Steph standing there smiling at me, I forgot all about Granny.
I pulled the chair out for Steph and waited for her to sit before I leaned down and kissed her lips, "I love you," I whispered and she smiled at me.
The conversation during dinner mostly focused on Stephanie's sister and her family. Seems like Valerie is pregnant with number five and they need a bigger place to live. Frank kept to himself during dinner and Granny was actually polite and didn't try to grab my package… thank you universe!
"Matthew, I understand you and Stephanie are looking for a place to live?"
"Yes, Ma'am. We have the apartment at Rangeman, but honestly, we'd like a place of our own to go when we aren't working. If it were close enough, we could stay there all the time and give up the apartment."
"Well, that would be ideal. How on earth would you raise a child in that place? There is no yard and tons of men around. That is no place to raise a child."
"First off," Stephanie started, "those men are a wonderful group and honorable men. They are also my family. As for children, who said we were having any?" Stephanie took a sip of her water and smiled at me behind her glass. What the hell was that for? Does she know something I don't?
"You can't be serious! Every woman wants children and now that you're married, you can stop working and start on a family. I can teach you how to cook, sew, clean, and help you raise children."
Steph started laughing so hard she had tears rolling down her face, "Give me a break. Just because I'm married now does not mean I have to quit my job and start popping about babies."
"I'm sure Matthew would be more relaxed at work during the day if he didn't have to worry about you chasing those low lifes you go after. How many times do you think he's going to come rushing to you when your car blows up or you get kidnapped again?"
"Mrs. Plum," I interrupted, "I'll always be there for Stephanie. I will always rush to her side when she is hurt, mentally or physically."
"But it would be better if she just stayed at home and you didn't have to worry about her, right?"
"Honestly? No, it wouldn't. If she were to stay at home all day, I'd be even more worried about her. That is not her. She is not the type to stay at home and do nothing. If I know nothing else about her, I know that she is her own person and loves being out in the field doing things. She loves doing all she does. If she stayed at home, I'd be worried about her becoming depressed."
"Oh she'd adjust just fine."
"HELLO! I'm sitting right here. Stop talking about me like I'm not!" Steph yelled.
"I'm sorry," I told her as I grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. "I didn't mean to do that."
She relaxed and smiled at me, "I know you didn't. You weren't the one that started it; you were just answering her questions."
Dinner was finished without another word from Helen. That was surprising as I fully expected her to continue on the job and child issue. Honestly, I know Steph is scared of being a mother, but I think she'd make a wonderful one. I just wonder if she'll ever take that chance.
After dinner, Steph and I headed back to Rangeman since I had a late monitor shift. I was on monitors with Ram when Steph came in with a huge grin and sat with us. She had just heard a rumor that Ram was seeing someone and she wanted all the juicy details. Gotta love my wife!