Disclaimer: Everything familiar belongs to JE.

Christmas Eve

Plum Residence

Stephanie's POV

Four and a half weeks ago, Ranger proposed to me at my parent's table during Thanksgiving dinner. To complicate things further, Joe was there with his mother, grandmother, and brother's family. When we sat down at the table, Joe and I were heading to the altar, heading to become Mr. and Mrs. Morelli. However, Ranger showed up unexpectedly as we were saying what we were thankful for when he surprised us all stated that he was most thankful for me. With his confession, I was able to confess my own, and admit that I am in love with Ranger, and have been for years.

So, today, we are going back to my parent's house for another holiday dinner, this time with us on our way to the altar. We decided to get married on May 12th, in Point Pleasant on the beach. Ranger has a house there, which will be the location of our wedding. Julie will be my one and only attendant, my maid of honor, and Lester will be Carlos' best man. He was having difficulty deciding between Tank, Bobby, Lester, and his brother Javier, but when I told him how I was closest to Lester, he decided to ask Lester. The other guys understand and are not offended.

I wasn't so lucky, on the other hand, as most of my friends were unhappy. Lula was annoyed that I don't want her to be a bridesmaid. It doesn't matter that I do not have any bridesmaids, she feels that she should be one. Valerie was fine, but she's upset because my nieces are not part of the wedding. When I tried to explain that Ranger has eight nieces and nephews and if I included one, I'd have to include them all, she understood, but still feels slighted. She still didn't understand why I had to have Julie. I explained that Julie would be my stepdaughter, and Carlos wanted her part of our ceremony. Last year, Rachel and Ron agreed to reinstate Carlos' parental rights to Julie, so he is once again, legally her father. Mary Lou was ecstatic, especially since she found out that she' s pregnant and due at the end of Julie. She only hopes that she'll be able to attend the wedding. My mother is beside herself because she has no say in the wedding. Carlos is paying for the whole shebang, which makes my father happy, so we are deciding all the details together. We are inviting immediate family and our closest friends. For me, that list includes my parents, Grandma Mazur, Valerie's family, Mary Lou's family, Connie, Lula, and Joe. Yes, I'm inviting Joe. I mean, we were engaged and did date for years, it's only proper. However, that is the end of my list. We are inviting almost all of the Trenton Merry Men so Carlos is hiring contract workers for the day and several men from Miami and Boston are coming to Trenton to hold down the fort. Those men are as much my friends and family as they are Ranger's employees. Carlos is inviting his family, which includes his four sisters, brother, parent, two grandmothers, and four aunts and uncles with their children. He has a large family.

Mom wants me to invite half the Burg. I refuse. I don't want my wedding to turn into the next Burg gossip fodder. Mom came with me when I went to get my dress, which she hates because it's not her vision. Her vision has me breaking out in hives. My vision gives me goosebumps and butterflies. My dress is a halter top with a low back. I can't wear a bra with the dress, but it is designed to support my B-cup chest. It hugs my bodice but flows once it hits my waist with the front of the dress ending above my knee and the back ending mid-calf. I can go barefoot to our ceremony on the beach and not ruin the bottom of the dress. There is some tasteful sequin on the bodice with a pretty applicate on the back part of the skirt. I decided on wearing diamond combs that will hold the sides of my hair up while leaving it mostly down. I won't be wearing a veil or blusher. I'm getting a bouquet of roses in pink, purple, blue, and white. Carlos will be wearing white suit pants and a white button-down shirt. No jacket or tie for my love. Lester will be wearing black pants and a lilac button-down shirt to match Julie's dress.

But back to tonight. Tonight, I am going to my mother's with Carlos. She informed me yesterday that Joe and his family will be there since Mrs. Morelli's house burnt down last week. Joe's brother Anthony was spending Christmas Eve with his wife's family, as is the tradition in the Burg, and Angie didn't want to cook in Joe's house. I'm not looking forward to spending the night with Angie, Bella, and Joe, but I had no choice. Carlos promised me that if it got too crazy, he'd have his office call him with an emergency that would require both of us to leave.

I made, with Ella's help, lasagna with meat sauce to bring to my mother's Carlos purchased wine to go with our dinner. I'm wearing black leggings with a red sweater dress that makes me look ten pounds lighter if you can believe that. I put on my black knee-high leather boots with a three-inch stiletto heel. I am wearing my hair down because I know how much Carlos loves seeing my curls. My make-up is minimal, as Carlos prefers me looking natural to all made up. So, I have on lip gloss, a little blush, and my mascara. Our gifts are already in the Cayenne. I'm waiting for Carlos to finish getting ready. When he emerges from the bathroom, I have to check myself for drool. He's wearing a dark green sweater over a white button-down shirt and black slacks with dress shoes. His hair still hasn't grown out since he returned, so he has it slicked back with gel. He is delicious.

"Babe, if you keep looking at me like that, we're never going to make it to your parent's house for dinner."

"At that would be bad because?"

"Babe."

"I know, but I love you in color, Carlos," I say as I walk over to my man, kissing him gently on the lips, wrapping my arms around him. He pulls me close to him, and I rest my head on his shoulder.

"You know, everything will be fine, Babe. I love you. You love me. I'm never letting you go. No one and nothing can scare me away from you."

"I love you, Carlos."

"I love you, Querida."

We share another kiss before he takes the hot bag with the lasagna so we can leave. When we arrive in the garage, I see a blue Cayenne waiting for us. "Carlos, why is this car here?"

"Babe, it's your Christmas gift. I know you love my car, so I got you one of your own to use when you're not working. You will still be using the fleet vehicles for your bounty hunting."

Now, in the past, I wouldn't accept a gift like this, but after living with Carlos for the last month, I realized that he only wants the best for me because he wants me to be happy and safe. When he knows I'm safe, he can relax and work more efficiently. So, I do what any woman would do when getting a Porsche for Christmas, I jump into his arms and kiss Carlos senseless.

"I take it Beautiful likes the car," Lester stated, chuckling.

"I told you she would," Bobby replied.

I walk over to my two friends, hugging them while thanking them for working tonight so Carlos and I can go to my parents.

"It's no problem, Bomber. We're glad that you two finally got together. Besides, you guys are taking the overnight."

"What do you mean, Bobby?"

"I guess Bossman didn't tell you that you were watching the monitors on the graveyard shift. Tank and Cal are coming on at 0700 to relieve you guys." Bobby informs me.

I look at my husband, and he chuckles. "Don't worry, Babe, I can handle the monitors by myself, you can sleep."

I shake my head, annoyed that I need to change our plans for tonight. Maybe if we can get out of my parent's house early, I can still put my plan into play. I hold my hand out for the keys and Carlos places them into my outstretched hand. I climb into the driver's side while I hear Lester snicker "Pussy-whipped."

"Santos, mats 0500 on December 27th." Carlos barks. Bobby and I laugh. Santos will never learn.

Once we are both in the car, I pull out of my spot and head to my parent's house. We are due there at 4:00, and we have twenty minutes to get there. Dinner is still at six sharp, but we arrive early to open the gifts. We arrive in front of my parent's house at five to four. Perfect timing. I can see that everyone else is already here. Of course, we're here last, but we planned it that way. Our goal is to limit the amount of time we need to spend with the Burg.

I see my Grandma Mazur waiting for us at the door. "Merry Christmas. Thank goodness you're here, Stephanie. Someone needs to bring some sanity to this house. Carlos here is scary enough frighten them into submission. Oh, to prepare you, Joe brought a guest, someone with blonde hair and fake boobs."

Great! Exactly what I need. I am carrying my lasagna in while Carlos is carrying in our presents. He places the gifts under the tree while I bring my food into the kitchen. Mom takes the lasagna out of the bag is struck speechless. "Why Stephanie, this looks perfect. Are you sure you made this yourself?"

"Yes, Mom, I made it. Merry Christmas. I say as I kiss her on the cheek. I greet Valerie and Mrs. Morelli. Then I head into the living room with a garbage bag, prepared for the opening of the gifts. Carlos is standing next to my father, talking to him. My father has taken to Carlos as he has never taken to any of mine or Valerie's significant others before. I'm glad that they get along so well. Everyone settles down while Angie and Mary Alice distribute everyone's gifts. My father is in his recliner, as usual, and my grandmother, mother, Mrs. Morelli, and Grandma Bella are all seated on dining room chairs. Joe and his guest, mob Barbie Terry Gilman are on the loveseat. Albert and Valerie are on the couch, with room for only one more person. I guess I'm on the floor again. Carlos sits on the couch while Albert moves closer to Valerie. Then, Carlos grabs my hand, so I'm sitting on his lap. I can see that my mother and Mrs. Morelli don't approve, but frankly, I don't give a damn. I watch as the girls open their gifts. My parents got the girls pajamas, dresses, and school stuff. Angie is in her glory, but Mary Alice, who is more like me than Valerie, is disappointed, though she acts grateful like a good Burg girl. The Morelli's got them cookbooks. God, how pathetic. When Angie opens her gift from Carlos and I, she squeals with delight.

"Oh my God! Aunt Steph and Uncle Carlos, how did you know that I wanted a new computer?" I heard Valerie talking about how she had difficulty finishing her school work because Albert needed the computer for work, so I decided to get Angie a laptop. It is the top of the line PC with a touchscreen.

"Valerie, I'll be over with Hector one day this week to set up parental control and monitoring on her laptop. That way, you'll know if she tries to get around the parental controls. You don't have to worry about Angie visiting any inappropriate websites. We can also set up social media monitoring if you choose to allow her to open an account." I tell my sister.

Mary Alice is next to shriek in excitement. Mary Alice loves playing soccer and is very talented. I showed Carlos a tape of one of her games. She impressed him with her skills. Mary Alice told me she wanted to attend a very prestigious soccer camp, but it was a lot of money. Two professional soccer players will run the camp. Once from the Italian national team and the other from France's team, they faced off against each other in the World Cup back in 2006. Carlos paid for her attend the camp for the full month of training, along with a gift card to the local sporting goods store so she can buy new cleats and other equipment before the camp.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your present is the best gift ever! I can't wait to attend." I hugged my niece, and so did Carlos. She and Angie then walked around to thank all the other adults in the room.

"Mary Alice reminds me of you, Babe. I need to make sure she flies." Carlos whispered in my ear. I feel the same way.

Now, it's time for the adults to open the gifts. We go in birth order, so I always go last. I got my Grandma Mazur a gift certificate for the crazy store where she buys all her clothes. Valerie got her a gift certificate to the Clip and Curl. My parents gave her a dress. The Morelli's gave her a Visa gift card. My Grandma Bella got gift certificates to her favorite stores from everyone. The only way to avoid getting the eye. Next, my dad opened his gifts. The Morelli's gave him a nice jacket that was warm, but not to heavy that he could wear while driving the cab. My mom gave him new shirts. Valerie got him new pants. Carlos gave my father highly illegal Cuban cigars while I gave him a shadow box with his three metals displayed from his time in the Army. Carlos found out about these honors, and I hunted them down in the garage. My father had tears in his eyes when he saw the metals, knowing that Carlos and I appreciate what they mean.

Angie was next. Carlos and I got her the top of the line pots to replace what she lost in the fire. Ella helped me pick out which cookware to get. My mother gave her new china and silverware. Joe and Terry gave her a gift card to Pinos. Clueless.

"Stephanie, thank you for the cookware. They are the best out there. I am looking forward to using them, for I always wanted them, but they are too expensive."

"I know how much you love cooking, so I figured you would put them to good use," I reply.

Terry was next. My mom knew she was coming, but failed to tell me. She got Terry a beautiful silk scarf along with her favorite perfume. Valerie got her a purse. Mrs. Morelli and Grandma Bella bought her a gold locket. I looked at Carlos, for we had no gift for Terry. I start to feel anxious.

"Terry, it seems that Mrs. Plum was remiss in informing us that you'd be attending today, so we were not able to purchase a gift for you. However, as a Rangeman client, I'll give you two months of your service for free as a Christmas gift."

Wow, I didn't know Terry was a client. I know that his gift was a good one. "Thank you, but you didn't have to get anything."

Next up was Joe. His mother got him a new wallet. My parents bought Joe a nice Movado watch. Valerie gave him a monogrammed leather cell phone case. We got him a new custom utility belt and shoulder harness along with a Kevlar vest. I know he appreciated our gift the most.

Albert went next, getting things that an attorney should have; a business card holder from Joe, a desk nameplate from the Morellis, a new briefcase from my parents, and a tablet from Carlos and I. Valerie got an assortment of cookbooks and clothes, all of which she loved.

Carlos was next. Valerie got Carlos something. She got Carlos a bottle of cologne. It was my favorite scent until Bulgari. I appreciate that she remembered that I liked that scent. Joe got him a bottle of Maloxx and tickets to the next Army-Navy football game.

"I know Navy will kick Army's asses anyway. Would be good for you to see it in person." Joe said, jokingly.

"Keep dreaming, Morelli," Carlos replies.

Mrs. Morelli got him a nice money clip. My mother gave him a tie clip. I swear that alone made me want to leave. My father got Carlos what we got him, a shadow box for his metals. I knew that the gift meant as much to Carlos as it did my father. I didn't realize that Carlos had received eight metals. He never talks about his accomplishments much.

"Thank you, Frank. It is a very special gift."

"I know, Son. Make sure you take as good care of my Pumpkin as you had those men who served in your command and you'll be fine." I had tears in my eyes at their interaction, but I managed to see the jealousy in Joe's eyes.

I got Carlos a custom made leather bomber style jacket that would hold his weapons without needing a utility belt. It was black, of course. Thanks to Ella I was able to get it made in such a short time frame.

"Babe," Carlos said. I knew what that one word meant at that moment. It meant I love you, you didn't have to get me anything, and it's perfect.

Finally, it was my turn. My mother got me sensible underwear, which means stuff that I'll throw out the moment we get home. My grandmother got me a gift certificate to Victoria's Secret.

"I have a feeling that with that man you have there you need to replenish your supply regularly." Boy, do I ever. I swear Carlos destroys at least four panties a week.

Mrs. Morelli purchased me a beautiful Coach messenger bag in black leather. Joe got me a Wonder Woman t-shirt and a gift certificate to Tasty Pastry. "I'm sure you're not getting donuts when he's around."

Little did Joe know that as long as Carlos was available for sex, I didn't need donuts. Unlike Joe, Carlos can keep up with me.

There was one more gift left, and I was confused at first. Carlos handed it to me. "Another gift? But you already gave me my gift."

"Babe, that was only one part of your gift. Open the box."

I open the beautifully wrapped gift to find a necklace with three x's in the center. The first X was peridot, the middle X was amethyst, and the final X was blue tourmaline. "The stones represent my birthstone, your birthstone, and Julie's birthstone. I can add additional X's if necessary."

"Carlos, I love the necklace. Thank you." I kiss my fiancé thank you and hug him. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found Carlos.

"What else did Carlos get you?" Valerie asked, clearly jealous. I know that Val and Albert decided not to exchange gifts this year because money is tight for them.

"He got me a car," I state.

"What type, Pumpkin? I Buick?" my father said, hoping I got his favorite brand.

"No, Frank, I got her a 2019 Porsche Cayenne, fully loaded," Carlos responds. "My cousin owns an automotive group, selling Porche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Cadillac, and Audi. I get my fleet vehicles from him."

"Is it a safe car?" my father asks Carlos.

"Yes, it is very safe."

"Then I approve. Come on, let's eat."

I follow the women into the kitchen to bring out the dinner. I see that Valerie also made a lasagna. "Valerie, bring your lasagna out first. We'll use Stephanie's if we need more, though I doubt it's edible." My mother says.

I fight back the tears that are threatening to fall. I worked hard on that lasagna, but no one will even taste it. My mother hands me the wine to bring out. I notice it's Carlos' wine. I guess our alcohol is good enough to drink, but my food isn't good enough to eat. Before we sit down, I excuse myself to the bathroom. I need to get my emotions under control before I break down in front of my family.

While standing in the bathroom, looking at my reflection, I see my sixteen-year-old self the night the Joe took my virginity. I was scared and confused. Then, the phone started to ring, and the punishment started. I was a slut, a whore, a worthless harlot. I was never going to amount to anything. I'd never find a man who would take me now that I was damaged. I must have been in the bathroom longer than I thought because I hear a knock on the door then the locks tumble as Carlos walks into the bathroom.

"Babe, are you okay?"

"I still can't do anything right. I'm thirty-four years old and still a screw-up. My mother won't even put my lasagna out. She had Valerie make one as well, assuming mine would be unedible."

Carlos wraps his arms around me. "Querida, you're perfect to me. Don't worry about what they think. Come back down. I think I can get your grandmother to sabotage Valerie's lasagna, so your mother will be forced to serve yours. I love you, Babe, don't forget that."

"I love you too, Carlos," I replied before kissing him. I flush the toilet, and we walk downstairs hand in hand. When we sit at the table, I ask my grandmother to pass me the ham. I refuse to eat Valerie's dish. When grandma goes to pass me the ham, she knocks the open bottle of wine into Valerie's lasagna. I feel Carlos squeeze my leg, knowing that was his plan. I inwardly smile as chaos ensues.

"Mother! How could you be so careless? You ruined Valerie's beautiful lasagna. Now we don't have any for dinner."

"Oh Ellen, get over it. It's not a big deal. Stephanie brought over a lasagna as well. I'm sure her's is fine. I'll get it." My grandmother happily states as she brings Val's into the kitchen, emerging with my masterpiece a minute later.

"It looks and smells delicious, Stephanie. I can't wait to try a piece." Grandma Mazur says. She cuts into the lasagna, taking out a perfect slice. "Anyone else wants?" She asks.

"I'll have a piece." Carlos answers. I hear Joe mumble "I hope you don't get sick."

My father, Albert, and Mary Alice all take a piece along with myself. I hold my breathe as everyone takes their first bite. "Wow, Stephanie, this is delicious." Mary Alice exclaims. My father continues shoveling it in his mother, which is a great endorsement from him. Carlos looks at me and says, "Proud of you, Babe."

I finally taste my creation, moaning as the flavors explode in my mouth. I can't believe that this is better than my mother's lasagna. Mrs. Morelli takes a piece. After tasting it, she praises it.

"Stephanie, is that fresh pasta?"

"Yes, Mrs. Morelli, it is. I also made the sauce with fresh tomatoes."

"Since when do you make fresh pasta and tomato sauce?" My mother questions me.

"Since I have someone who is patient teaching me."

"You know, Stephanie, if you don't learn how to cook Carlos' favorite foods from his family's recipes, then you won't be able to keep him happy. You should be making an effort to learn. Your husband shouldn't rely on hired help to cook his favorites." My mother says.

At this point, the tears are falling. Nothing I do is good enough for my mother. "Mrs. Plum, that's enough. I won't sit here and allow you to belittle Stephanie. Stephanie worked hard to cook for tonight, and you don't even give her credit. Instead, you sit in your chair telling how she's going to mess up her marriage. Well, Mrs. Plum, I have news for you. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I am not a Burg man. I don't expect Stephanie to be a stay at home wife and mother, barefoot and pregnant keeping my house. I have worked hard for many years and can afford to pay people to clean our house, do our laundry, and cook for Stephanie and me. If Stephanie and I choose to have children, I will support her in however she decides to raise our children. If she wants to be a stay at home mom, she can be. If she wants to work, that's fine as well. Again, I can pay for a nanny or an au pair if that's what we choose. As far as Stephanie learning my favorites, I think my Tia Ella is the perfect person to teach her, as she is the best cook in my family and knows how to make everything I love. All of my favorites are things that my grandmother, her mother, made. My mother rarely cooks. Helping my father run their restaurant was exhausting, so my sisters and I learned to cook when we were young. I have no problem cooking for Stephanie and I if we choose.

"I am tired of the way you mistreat Stephanie. From the gift you purchased for her, I can tell you still don't appreciate the woman that your daughter has become. For some reason you also don't respect me nor do you want me in your house. I can see that crystal clear. No matter what you do, you will not push me away from Stephanie. Mrs. Plum, I can guarantee you that your daughter will never want for anything for the rest of her life. Whatever she wants, needs, or desires I will give to her, no matter the cost. What more do you want for your daughter?"

"Stephanie is supposed to be married with children already. That is her only purpose; to be a wife and mother. She can't even do that. I don't know how you can be so accepting of someone who is no worth the effort. But then again, you're nothing but a thug."

I'm about to tell my mother off when my father interjects. "Ellen, you are out of order. Now shut up. You have no idea who this man is sitting at your table. He is far from a thug."

"Frank, how can you say that?"

"Ellen, did you see those medals and ribbons that he received? Men and women only receive those medals when they go beyond the call of duty for their country and their fellow soldiers. Carlos earned each one of those medals after facing some of the worst things that man can do to each other. Those alone should tell you what kind of man Carlos is, and I'm damn proud that he is the man who will take care of our daughter for the rest of her life. He is not a thug, and couldn't be any further from a thug. It's about time you stop listening to what Joe tells you about Carlos because Joe is jealous that Carlos is the man to make Stephanie happy. He's annoyed because he knows that Theresa won't put up with him cheating on her. He knows that if he pursues Theresa as far as marriage, his career is over. So, after spending four years trying to change Stephanie, he now needs to change for Theresa. Now, today is Christmas Eve, and I will not allow you to belittle Stephanie anymore. If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything." My father finishes, before continuing to eat his meal.

We finish the rest of our meal with idle chit-chat about the weather, the girl's plans for winter recess, and what happened on our favorite television shows. When we returned to the living room after dessert, my mother started in our wedding plans.

"Stephanie, I don't understand why you need to get married on the beach. I think it is rude that you expect your guests to traipse through sand in fancy clothes and shoes. You should be getting married in a church and having the ceremony at the VFW like everyone else from the Burg. I can't believe how selfish you are, making your guests travel all the way to Point Pleasant. You need to start thinking about others instead of always thinking about yourself. And that dress, it is completely inappropriate to wear, which I why I canceled the order and got the dress I showed you. It is much more appropriate. I also order a tiara, veil, and blusher. You will be wearing your hair up as appropriate."

"But Mom, that's not what I want. I hate that dress. Besides, Carlos prefers my hair down."

"Stephanie, be serious, no one wants to see that mess you call hair down. If you straightened it, then it would be lovely, but those curls are unruly."

I'm trying hard to be polite, not to ruin Christmas, but my patience is wearing thin. "Mom, I will wear what I want for my wedding. I will have my wedding at Point Pleasant on the beach, how Carlos and I want it. You have no say."

"You will follow proper Burg protocol. You will not embarrass me."

"Mrs. Plum, enough." Ranger bellows, his anger barely contained, "you will stop trying to control Stephanie's life. We are getting married the way we want to get married. If you don't like our plans, then you don't need to grace us with your presence at our wedding. Now, you will cancel whatever monstrosity you ordered for Stephanie to wear and will make sure what she selected is ordered. As for Stephanie's hair, I love everything about your daughter, and her hair is simply an extension of her personality. You need to learn to appreciate the daughter you have instead of wishing for someone else."

"How dare you speak to me that way in my house! I will do nothing of the sort. Besides, the dress she wanted won't be ready in time. She needed to be ordered six months in advance. It won't be ready in time, that goodness. Everything I ordered is not refundable or returnable because it is all custom made."

With that declaration, the tears I was holding at bay are now flowing once again. I can't believe I'm going to be stuck wearing something I hate. Carlos gather me in his arms, speaking in Spanish to soothe me, whispering in my ear. "Ssh, Querida, I don't care how much money I have to spend, you will get the dress you want. Don't worry, mi amor. Mama and Tia Ella will help you get everything you need."

"Mrs. Plum, we are leaving. We won't be returning until you decided to accept your daughter the way she is and accept what we want for us. Frank, you are welcomed by us whenever you want to come. Valerie, we'll see you later this week to set up that laptop for Angie. Merry Christmas everyone."

While everything was going down, my grandmother packed up all our gifts, leaving the gifts from my mother behind. Carlos scoops me up in his arms and takes the bag from my grandma, walking us out to my car. He places me in the passenger seat, buckling me in before walking around to get into the driver's side.

"Babe, I love you, everything will be okay. Don't let your mother get to you."

"It's just that she still doesn't accept me. I was hoping now that I was getting married, she'd accept me, that I'd finally be worthy of her love, but I guess I'm still Stephanie the Screw-up."

"Stephanie, look at me." I look at Carlos. "You are NOT a screw-up. You are a beautiful, wonderful, intelligent, caring, loving, sexy woman and I love you. My mother and aunt will help you get whatever you need. Don't worry; you will get the dress you want if I need to purchase the designer I will. Our wedding will be perfect, exactly the way WE want it. Okay, Babe?"

"Thank you, Carlos. I love you."

"Now, why were you so disappointed when you found out we were working tonight?"

"Well, I had a little surprise for you for tonight. But, if we're working, I'll have to wait until tomorrow night."

I see Carlos looking at me appraisingly then glancing at the clock. It's only seven thirty. "We aren't due on monitors for three and a half hours." He replies, wolf grin in place.

"I'll need about a half an hour to get everything set. Can you give me some time to get everything up?"

"Of course, mi amor."

Yeah, my Christmas Eve was about to get that much better.

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Author's Note: Merry Christmas! Here is a little continuation to Thankful. I wasn't planning on writing more, but I decided to anyway. I will pick up where this story left off and give you Christmas at the Manoso's. However, don't expect it until Wednesday. I don't think I'll be doing much writing. I have to finish baking! Please read and review, they will be the best Christmas gifts I can get.

I did not have this story beta'd so all mistakes are mine. I'll have it beta'd and will eventually repost.