A/N: Thank you for all of the reviews! I'm glad so many of you enjoy this story. It has been a labor of love. I find that the closer to the end I get...the less I want it to end. Smut warning for this chapter. I don't mark it because I don't like interrupting the flow of the story so if it's not your cup of tea please scroll past. Please let me know what you think. Enjoy!
I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston
"You see through
Right to the heart of me
You break down my walls
With the strength of your love
I never knew
Love like I've known it with you...
This passion inside
I can't run from myself
There's nowhere to hide
Your love I'll remember forever"
Defining Moments
Chapter 24: Ain't that a Pip
Steph's POV
I can hear the murmur of the crowd die down as the music begins. I take a deep breath as we walk through the doors. I can feel all eyes on me. This last year has been amazing. I get to the front and take my place next to the priest. I hold the bouquet in one hand as I adjust my dress. Everyone else takes their place and my eyes lock with Carlos. He shoots me an encouraging smile.
"Thank you for all bearing witness to this union," the priest begins, and my smile widens. I never thought this day would come. My eyes move over and meet those of Quinn. He made it as one of the groomsmen. He gives me a big grin. Then the vow ceremony begins. My mom should be happy. It's a huge ceremony and both the groom and bride's side are full of friends and family. My parents are sitting in the first pew. Valerie is up here with me along with Annie.
"I, Nicolas, take thee, Edna, to be my wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward. I promise to love and cherish you in sickness and in health until death do us part," he says with his eyes shining as he slides the ring on Grandma's finger. I feel so happy for the two of them. Now, it's Grandma's turn.
"I, Edna, take thee, Nicolas, to be my lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward. I promise to love you, I promise to cherish you, and I promise hot sex in sickness and in health until death do us part," she recites with a cheeky grin and a glint in her eyes. She puts the ring on his finger. The priest finishes off and pronounces them husband and wife. Grandma looks beautiful in her dress, and Sally did her makeup so of course, it looks fabulous. Carlos catches my eye and I can see the mirth in his. We watch Nicolas and Grandma embrace as though they're both twenty and married for the first time. I glance down to my left hand and admire my wedding rings.
After Carlos proposed, we were engaged for about two months. He took us back to the diner where we first met, on the same day exactly five years later for our anniversary. He kept his word and had taken me on many dates by then. He's quite the romantic. After we shared a meal and a slice of pie at our diner, we went to the courthouse and eloped. It was perfect. We've been married for a month tomorrow. Surprisingly, my mom wasn't even mad. My family was so shocked and my dad commented on how truly happy I looked when we went to dinner at the house that Friday. Dad's one comment got my mom to shut up all evening and every day after that.
Now, Grandma gets her happy ending too. She confided in me that she didn't marry Grandpa Mazur for love, and they had a very small ceremony because they couldn't afford anything more. The happy couple walks out of the church together and we crowd to watch them leave. Carlos comes to my side and grabs my hand. He pulls our hands to his mouth and presses a kiss on mine.
"I love you, Babe," he says, as we follow the crowd to the front of the church. The newlyweds wave before getting in the back of a white limo. I lean into my husband and smile. Everyone starts making their way to the cars so we can head over to the VFW for the reception.
The hall is crowded with Grandma and Nicolas' guests. A buzz of conversation and noise is filling the air. Carlos has his fingers entwined with mine, and I press into his side. I find any time we're out we enjoy having contact of some kind. I know we're in the "honeymoon" phase of our marriage, but I hope it doesn't end. Speaking of honeymoons, I'm excited to say that in six weeks Carlos is taking me on ours. I've been working hard trying to figure out what he has planned.
"Stephanie, Carlos!" my mother calls, "we have to get a few pictures!" Dutifully, we head to the back room. Grandma is beaming and it looks like she'll have to redo her lipstick. Nicolas is also grinning from ear to ear and readjusting his tie. I have a sneaking suspicion that they got in a quickie on the way here. Carlos looks down at me and grins. I punch him in the shoulder and bite my lip.
"Alright, over here you two," my mom frets, motioning for us to join on Grandma's side. Nicolas has his son and daughter-in-law along with his very young granddaughter on his side. At least one of his kids is still alive and not in jail. Honestly, Quinn and I were surprised Nicolas welcomed us with open arms and was happy that we put Ian behind bars. Talk about strained family relations. The Plum side makes us lopsided so the photographer has us even out. After taking a million pictures, we're finally done. Grandma grabs my hand and pulls me into a hug.
"Thanks, baby granddaughter for showing me how to live," Grandma says as she has me in her embrace. I smile and hug her back.
"Well, I learned from the best," I reply giving her a meaningful look as she steps back. Honestly, if it weren't for Grandma Mazur I'm not sure how I would have made it through growing up in the 'Burg. I truly do have her to thank. She then gives Valerie a hug next.
We file out of the room and join the rest of the guests. I swear, it feels like the whole neighborhood is in the room. Carlos and I grab a glass of wine as we make our way into the crowd.
"Look at what we have here," a familiar voice drawls, "Ranger the mighty thug playing house." I turn around in disgust to see a drunk and slovenly Joe Morelli. His hair is greasy and mussed up and he has a five o'clock shadow even though it's not even close to 5, and he has deep purplish-black bags under his eyes. I take a deep breath willing myself to remain calm. I don't want to make a scene on my Grandma's big day. From the local gossip, it seems that after my big FBI announcement, Joe has slid further and further into his father's footsteps. It's been sad considering before this past year he was actually a pretty decent guy. I didn't even think he was invited to the wedding or reception.
"Morelli," Carlos warns in a low voice as he tries to advert the scene. As if sensing a disturbance, Quinn appears by my side.
"Aw, come off your high horse! Stop acting like you're better than everyone else when you're nothing but a two-bit killer for hire who just married Steph here 'cause she's an easy lay," Morelli continues, stumbling a bit to the side, "How many side pieces you have around the city?" I can feel my blood starting to boil, but Carlos' hand in mine is like an anchor. I don't know how he manages, but he actually sends me calming vibes. He looks down at me before applying pressure on the back of my hand with his thumb.
"Joe, you should turn around and leave now," I say hoping to appeal to whatever rational side is left. He lets out a loud laugh.
"Come on, Cupcake! You can't tell me you think he's faithful. It's not like you're good in bed. Why do you think I always went back to Terry? Why do you think Dickie was with Joyce?" I feel a stab in my chest at his words, but I straighten my shoulders. Carlos is not Joe or Dickie. He's one thousand percent better. I can feel our scene starting to draw a little crowd. Great, just what I didn't want.
"Morelli, please have some self-respect and walk away," Carlos says as he stays diplomatic. Honestly, being in the FBI and having zen-Carlos has really helped me manage my temper.
"Self-respect? You stole my woman!" he slurs before narrowing his eyes. I can see the move before he makes it. I quickly kick out a leg to trip him as I catch his fist and quickly twist his arm behind his back like I would on a takedown. Joe grunts in pain, and Quinn quickly gets on the other side to help restrain him. As quietly as possible, we walk him to the nearest exit. Of course, he's thrashing and yelling out curse words.
"Get off of me you fuckers," Joe shouts struggling. Unfortunately, Grandma catches on and comes to observe.
"Joseph Morelli," she says looking unamused, "you weren't invited! Get outta here before I call your Grandmother." Now, Grandma doesn't even like Grandma Bella but I know she's serious. Joe glares but stays silent. At least he's not stupid enough to disrespect Grandma on her special day.
Once that problem is taken care of we get back to the reception. Everyone settles down, speeches are made, and then we begin dinner. Carlos and I are at the table with Grandma, Nicolas, mom and dad, and Nicolas' son and daughter-in-law. Valerie along with Albert and the kids got relegated to another table. We finish dinner and the MC gets the microphone for the first dance. They picked Frank Sinatra's "What Are you Doing for the Rest of Your Life?." The opening notes start and they move together across the floor. I feel so happy for Grandma. The way Nicolas looks at her is the way Carlos looks at me. A smile finds its way to my face, and I can't help but glance at the man I love. When I look over, I notice he's already looking at me. I can see the love and adoration in his warm chocolate eyes. He mouths 'I love you' before we turn our attention back to the dance. At the end of the dance, everyone starts clinking glasses and Nicolas lays a steamy one on Grandma.
"Aaaand, now," the MC begins, "the groom will remove the garter!" Everyone stifles a groan. I don't think either of them notices. Grandma cackles and claps her hands together as a chair is placed in the middle of the dance floor. Nicolas faces the crowd and raises his eyebrows a couple times suggestively. At least they're enjoying themselves. Mary Lou has found her way to my side and giggles in my ear.
"Wow Steph, I hope Lenny and I will be this into each other when we get to that age," Lou says with a smile and then she nudges Carlos, "and you better keep up with Steph here." He can't help the smirk that comes to his face. I blush. The smirk turns into a wolf grin.
"All I can hope is that she doesn't kill me," he replies before placing a chaste kiss on my lips. Even this causes Mary Lou to fan herself.
"That's my cue to find my man," Lou mutters, "thank god his mother agreed to watch the kids tonight!" As Mary Lou walks away, I feel Carlos' fingers walking up my thigh. His wolf grin is still in place and my stomach still does a flip flop at the sight. He uses his other hand to crook a finger at me. I lean in and he puts his mouth on my ear.
"Babe, just in case you were wondering, Morelli was wrong about you," he breathes, causing shivers to run up my spine, "I'll never get tired of you." My tongue darts out to wet my lips. I appreciate his comment even though I stopped letting Morelli and comments like that get to me a while ago. I glance to see if anyone is paying attention to us before placing my own hand on his thigh.
"I'll never get tired of you either...wanna meet me in the bathroom in ten seconds so I could show you?" I ask brazenly. There's something about the confidence and desire Carlos makes me feel that brings out the wild in me. His grin broadens and his pupils dilate. He nips my earlobe.
"Babe," he murmurs. I take his response as a yes as I get up from my seat and head for the restroom. Thankfully, there's a restroom in the back that is private. The rest of the guests will go to the main restrooms so we should be undisturbed. I make it to the restroom without being stopped.
I feel giddy with anticipation and butterflies are swirling in my stomach. A few moments later two knocks sound at the door. I bite my lip as I crack it open. Carlos' face is peering at me with a wolf grin. He glances backward before making his way inside. He locks the door before sidling up to me. He stands so close and looks down at me. My breath hitches and he wraps a hand in my curls as he tilts my head and brings his lips to mine. He licks my lips with his tongue before I grant him access and his tongue delves into my mouth. I moan against him. His hand roams down and pulls my dress up. My hands go to his belt and start undoing his pants.
"We better make this quick," I pant as I stroke his shaft, "don't want anyone to notice." He groans and thrusts against my hand. His fingers find their way under my panties and he strokes me with two fingers. I moan and he swallows it with a kiss. I squirm and grind against his fingers. He slowly withdraws.
"Babe, rest your hands on the sink," he says, positioning me so I'm leaning most of my weight against the sink so my ass is jutted out towards him. He caresses me and even leans down and nips my butt cheek with his teeth. I gasp as he places a kiss directly where he just nipped. He slowly rubs his cock over my slick folds, and I hear him groan. He presses a kiss below my ear as he slides inside me from behind. With one hand on my hip, his other hand goes to knead my breast and pinches my nipple. I can't help the moans coming from my mouth, and I start moving my hips to set a pace.
"Dios, Babe," Carlos breathes directly into my ear. His hot breath causes goosebumps to rise on my skin. He pumps in and out of me, going faster and faster. My knuckles are turning white as I grip the porcelain, and I'm slightly worried we might break the sink before we're through. The combination of making love to my husband and know we're in a slightly public place manages to turn me on even more. I can feel a gush of wetness from my center, and I can feel myself tighten around Carlos' throbbing cock.
"Carlos," I moan, "faster." He feels so good filling me. I used to hate having sex from behind, mostly because I was used to men trying to enter the wrong hole. I never have to worry with Carlos, and he's never mentioned it. He moves his hand and grabs both hips as he helps pull me back harder and thrust deeper. He lets out a deep grunt. He's entering me so deeply I can feel him hitting my womb. It's a delicious feeling.
"Stephanie, I'm close," he groans through clenched teeth. I look at him using the mirror and his face is concentrated with pleasure.
"Push us over the edge together," I moan as he thrusts into me again. He slips his hand down and pinches my clit between his thumb and forefinger. I let out a loud wail, and he gives one final thrust that fills me completely. We cry out at the same time and my legs are feeling like jelly. He moves his hips a little more as I milk him dry. I can feel his seed shooting inside me and it causes me to tighten against him again. Feeling my spasms, he reaches down and gently rubs my clit causing me to orgasm again on the spot. I moan against him as my legs tremble, and I grip the sink tightly. Thankfully, Carlos has one arm around my waist that's helping keep me up. Carlos brushes my now damp curls away from my neck and presses soft kisses before laying a steamy one on my mouth.
"Wow Babe," he breathes, his eyes still dilated, "that was unexpected." I grin wickedly before shrugging.
"What can I say? My husband brings out the nympho in me," I reply before stretching up to kiss his lips. He kisses me tenderly before he slides out of me. I can feel his seed start to seep down my leg. He quickly hands me some tissue.
As we're cleaning up a knock sounds on the door. It startles me and I jump a little. Carlos responds, and I try not to laugh. Once he's good, he opens the door a crack and sneaks out. I hear him speak with someone, and my eyes widen as I make sure to relock the door. I actually use the bathroom before going to exit. I check my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are sparkling, my cheeks are flushed and I look thoroughly fucked. I can't stop the grin on my face. Hopefully, whoever was knocking on the door has found another bathroom.
Unfortunately, I'm not lucky and I open the door to find Grandma Mazur waiting. She laughs gleefully when she sees me.
"Baby granddaughter, was that Carlos I saw leave before you?" she questions with a glint in her eyes. I feel a blush rising on my cheeks. There's nothing like getting caught in the afterglow of sex by your Grandma...and on her wedding day no less.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I say trying to sound innocent. She laughs again before placing a hand on my arm and winking.
"You get it from me," she replies before slipping into the bathroom. I'm heading back into the reception when Nicolas slips past me. My eyes widen in realization. Oh god. They're about to do the same thing Carlos and I just did. The mental picture is not one I needed. Ewwww. Thankfully, Carlos whisks me onto the dance floor before I can fully get into those thoughts. We spin around the floor and he smiles at me.
"Dios Babe, you are so beautiful," he says softly, his chocolate eyes warm and full of love, "thank you for being mine." I smile up at him.
"I love you, Carlos," I reply, "thank you for being mine." We stay in each other's arms on the dance floor as the music continues.