A/N – Thanks for the comments. I'm so sick and I'm behind in writing. Will try to get another chapter written for Wed., but no promises. Hopefully, I didn't make too many mistakes.

Chapter 33

Epiphany grabbed a picture off the floor and then moved it to a pile on the couch. Francis's men had made a lot of progress cleaning up and were very respectful as they tried to salvage whatever they could.

Looking around, she sighed, it just didn't feel like home anymore because it had been so thoroughly violated.

"I'm going to make this right again for you."

She spun on her heel. "Francis, what are you doing here?"

"I couldn't concentrate knowing you were here. How's it going?"

She moved into his arms.

"It's harder than I thought. I'm tempted to just light a match at this point."

"Trust me."

She gazed at him for a long moment. "I do. It's not really about the things, it's also feeling so unsafe here."

"Epiphany, are you willing to learn how to use a gun?"

"If you had asked me two weeks, I might have said no, but now—yes."

"I'll take you myself. Once you're physically one hundred percent, we'll work on self-defense moves. Maybe that will help you feel more comfortable here."

"I'm willing to try."

"Good." Stan had provided several videos that were taken in the house which they'll use to re-decorate. It won't be perfect, but he'll get as close as he can.

Some men strode by them with boxes full of Epiphany and Stan's clothes.

"The plan is to get everything out and then they'll re-paint the house and we'll start to decorate it and then you can start filling it with new memories."

"I like it."

They got back to work.

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Two Days Later

Diane smoothed down the material of her sundress as she gazed into the mirror.

"You look fabulous," Lorenzo said as his arms encircled her from behind.

"You, my gorgeous man, are biased."

He nuzzled her neck.

"And if you don't stop, we'll miss the party."

"Is that a bad thing?"

She shuddered and then wiggled away. "I'm on a mission, so as much as I hate to say this, our libidos will have to wait."

He slightly pouted. "Fine, then let's go so we can get home faster."

She grinned, loving that her man wants her all the time.

"Deal…"

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Rico knocked on Evangeline's door.

"Coming!"

She took one more look in the mirror. She had chosen a mustard yellow fit and flare dress that looks fabulous on her. Grabbing a small purse, she ran towards the door and opened it.

Rico smiled. "You look very pretty, Ms. Williamson."

"It's Evangeline, but thank you."

He led the way to the car and then made sure she was securely in before driving her to Manny's.

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Manny can barely keep still which is driving his mother crazy.

"What is your brother's problem?" she asked Javier.

"His crush is coming."

Manny glared at him.

"And you thought you could hide her from me?" His mother unleashed a string of Spanish which made him blush.

His dad chuckled from the entryway. "Luella, you are embarrassing him."

"Hector, it's what I live for."

Manny shook his head.

"What is her name hijo?"

"Evangeline."

"Is she Mexican?"

"No."

Her eyes narrow.

"Mami, please…"

Javier chuckled. "A car just pulled up."

Several family members are already in the backyard paying music and setting things up.

"I'll go," Manny said trying to escape his mother.

She smirked as he rushed out of the room. "Have you met her, Javier?"

"No." Javier works for the family trucking business.

"I guess I'll have to be patient."

Hector chuckled. "Are you even capable of that?"

"Hush…" she said before grabbing a tray. "Make yourself useful and take this outside."

"Yes, dear,"

Mateo moved into the room, making his mother grin and then warmly embrace him.

"I'm so glad you could come."

"I wouldn't miss it. Where is he?"

"What am I, chopped liver?" Javier said.

Mateo gave his brother a hug. "It's a twin thing."

"Uh-huh."

"Your brother invited his crush.

Mateo grinned. "Awesome."

Luella pouted. "She's not Latina."

Javier snickered.

"I'm sure she will be lovely. Let's go out back."

They made their way outside and when Luella spotted Diane, her face lit up.

"Welcome to my home."

Diane kissed her on the cheek. "I'm glad to be here especially if you are cooking."

"I made lots of things to fatten you up."

"Luella, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Lorenzo."

He moved closer and kissed Luella's hand before speaking in Spanish completely charming her.

"You have chosen wisely."

Diane grinned. "Don't I know it."

Epiphany, Francis, Nicole, and Elizabeth moved inside and Manny introduced them. The backyard has tiny lights strewn around and there is a dance floor.

"Damn, who is that?" Javier asked, making his mother smack his arm.

Manny's head jerks in that direction and then a slow smile creeps onto his face. Mateo grins as his brother makes his way over to the mystery woman.

"Hello. You look beautiful," he said as he admires her dress.

"Thank you. This is really festive."

"My mom likes to throw parties."

Someone clears their throat, making him slightly groan.

"Evangeline, this is my mother, Luella."

Luella smiled as she shook Eva's hand. "You are very beautiful. Welcome to my home."

"Thank you. I love your decorations."

"I'm an old pro."

Hector joined them. "I'm Hector, Manny's dad."

"Hello. Thank you for having me."

Epiphany smirked. "Do you see the way he is looking at her?"

Diane nodded. "He's such a goner. The family seems to like her."

Francis moved to a table and tasted the dip. "This is fabulous."

Luella clucked her tongue. "Did you expect anything different?"

He smiled. "No. In fact, I've been looking forward to it all day."

"When are you going to cook for me? Manny keeps bragging about your skills."

"I will cook for you any time you want."

"I'm going to hold you to that."

Nicole gave Eva a hug. "You look spectacular."

Eva blushed. "Thanks." She's feeling a little awkward now that she knows Manny likes her.

Epiphany pulled her to the side. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"You just seem a little apprehensive."

"I'm a little overwhelmed, but I'll be fine."

"You figured it out, didn't you?"

Eva nodded. "Yes."

"And?"

"I'm not sure. He's nice and I do have fun with him, but he isn't my normal type."

"And where has that type gotten you so far."

Eva chuckled. "Good point…"

"Francis isn't my normal type either, but the man is fine, can cook, and underneath that tough exterior, he's such a softy."

Eva threw her hands up. "I'll go with the flow and see what happens."

Piph grinned. "Manny is a good guy and his mama taught him right. His job might not be ideal and he is a little rough around the edges, but beneath all of that—let's just say I think he would give you the moon if he could."

Their attention goes to the dance floor where several of Manny's cousin get up and start doing a group dance. They watched as Manny joined them with his mom and he spun her around.

"He has moves too."

"Definitely…"

When the song ended, everyone clapped. A slow song came on and Manny moved towards Eva.

"Will you dance with me?"

"Sure…"

He took her hand and led her to the dance floor as Diane and Lorenzo joined them. Javier pulled Nicole over there as well.

Evangeline threw her arms around Manny's neck. "I like this song."

"Me too."

She closed her eyes and to his delight, she softly sang it in Spanish.

"I didn't know you spoke Spanish."

"I'm not completely fluent, but I get by."

"You're full of surprises."

"So are you."

The song ended and the music sped up and Manny took the opportunity to do a salsa with her and his mother is impressed.

"She definitely has the moves."

Hector nodded. "She seems nice. Diane says she is a partner in her law firm."

"So she's smart too. I like it, but can she cook?"

"Manny was bragging about her tacos the other day," Francis said.

"Then it's settled. She will make beautiful babies for my son."

Francis and Hector almost spit out their drinks as Mateo laughed.

"Gotcha."

Hector shook his head.

"I don't think you were totally kidding," Francis said.

She grinned and then left them to go get some more food.

"You should ask Epiphany to dance," Hector said.

"I will, but she's still recovering from a surgery, so I'll wait for another slow song."

"She's a good woman. Frankly, I'm surprised you chose so well?"

"Why?"

Hector rolled his eyes. "Have you seen some of the girls my sons have brought home? One time, my wife prayed in Spanish and lit candles for three days straight. She threatened to have a priest bless the house to get rid of the evil energy."

Francis laughed.

"Now Manny, he thinks things out a little more, but there were a couple times I threatened to commit him before he did his mother's heart anymore damage."

"Be glad they aren't girls."

"Oh, I am."

Manny led Eva to a table and then got her something to drink.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

They started to talk at the same time and then laughed.

"Evangeline, I like you. I think you know that."

She lowered the glass and stared into his eyes. "Yes."

"Do you think you can like me too?"

He looks so cute that she almost smiles.

"I do like you, Manny. It wasn't something that I was expecting, but I'm willing to date you and see where it goes."

A smile lit up his face. "Thank you. "Part of me feels like you're way too good for me, but I think we both like simple things and have more in common than we had realized. You have a beautiful voice, by the way."

"Thank you and I agree."

"I'm glad you didn't judge the book by its cover."

"Me too."

"I have to warn you though, my mother is probably already planning our wedding."

Eva's eyes fixed on Luella and she laughed when Manny's mom waved. "Well, my mother is really tough too. I also have a sister named Layla."

"Well, judging on how well you turned out, your mother must have done something right."

"She was tough but usually, she was fair too."

"My mother was too. It taught me to be humble and respectful. Will you have dinner with me next week."

She softly smiled "Yes."

Epiphany texted Jason, "They are so cute together."

Jason chuckled. "Are you going to cry?"

"Oh hush. Don't make me come over there."

"I would love for you to come over here. I'm bored out of my mind."

"Well, it won't be forever."

"I know. How does Elizabeth look?"

She raised her camera and took a video of Javier and Elizabeth dancing.

Jason slightly growled. "He needs to watch his hands."

"His hands are just fine. Did you see how happy she looked?"

"Yeah."

She grinned. "Are you pouting?"

"Yeah."

She laughed. "I got your presents. I knew you loved that game." Jason had replaced the one that was broken and even bought her a couple of more.

He rolled his eyes. "I put up with that game because I love you."

"I know and thank you. Don't worry, I'll challenge you to a game soon."

"I can't wait."

She laughed at his tone. Elizabeth moved toward her.

"Are you talking to my mom?"

"How could you tell?"

"Because you have a certain devilish look when you're messing with him."

"You got me. Here."

Liz took the phone and texted. "I could use one of your earth-shattering kisses right now."

"Don't you think Francis would be mad? And how do you know how earth-shattering my kisses are anyway?"

Liz smirked. "Well, when you were kissing me and almost took me against the wall, I think I learned just how good they can be."

A smile lit up his face as he texted, "Hey, baby."

She laughed. "That's better. I'll call you before I go to bed."

"I'll look forward to it."

"Bye."

"Later."

She handed the phone to Epiphany. "He thought I was you."

Piph eagerly read back as she cracked up. "I can't wait until he can move around the cabin freely."

"Me too." She glanced at the dance floor. "Bow chica a wow wow."

Piph followed her gaze. Manny and Eva are dancing very closely. "They are going to burn the house down when they finally hook up."

"We'll make sure to put extra extinguishers in there."

"I'll just have a battalion on hold for you and Jason." Her eyes grew wide. "Damn..."

Liz turned and grinned when she saw Lorenzo and Diane kissing.

"Where's Francis? She needs some competition."

Liz pointed. "He's sitting over there in the corner."

"I'll be back after I rock his world."

"Make sure he has a pulse left."

"No guarantee," Piph said over her shoulder.

More people came to celebrate Manny's freedom and it was a beautiful evening full of laughter, dancing, and love.

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Later that evening, Jason picked up his phone. "Elizabeth?"

"Hi."

"How was the party?"

"I had a blast. The food and music were so good."

"I wish I could have been there. Manny said his mom and aunts are really good cooks."

"Why do I have a feeling I'm going to be taking lots of cooking lessons?"

"I can make some stuff, like breakfast."

She smiled. "I don't think Epiphany or Francis will mind giving me some tips."

"Is she doing okay?" He can't help but worry.

"Yes. She'll be going back to work full time soon which is good because she's getting a little stir crazy and besides, I'm going to start gaining weight if she's cooking all the time."

"How's the house?"

"It's coming along. Francis kicked us out so he and Diane can work some magic."

"That's good. I just hope she can put everything behind her and will like it."

"Epiphany is strong. We'll make it work. Although, I think she's quite comfy staying with Francis."

Jason groaned. "It's like thinking of your parents having sex."

"You've thought about that?"

"Elizabeth…"

His exasperated tone makes her laugh.

"I miss you."

He closed his eyes as if he were savoring the moment. "I miss you too."

"I'll call you tomorrow night."

"Okay. Bye."

"Later."