"If she had never met you I'd be a happy man tonight"
"That's where your wrong it's not about your happiness it about her Joe. It's about her happiness, her life, her love."
"All Stephanie needs is a few kids, a mini van and my credit card. It's what she knows. It's what her parents want, It's what I want, it's what's good for her, safe for her."
I don't remember making the decision to move, but I did. I stood up my chair falling on its back clattering loudly. I'll give Joe credit for not being rattled. My temper was lost and I slammed my fist into the table. A red angry haze invaded my soul and I was going to share it with him. I could hear Constanza screaming
"Don't destroy my kitchen" as Morelli and I had been left alone.
"A peek down her shirt, a new car and a few bareback rides will not complete your life with her. Your forcing her to fit in a life everyone wants but her."
"Really Ranger? I know her better than you. It looks scary to her because she's afraid. Once that life starts playing out she will be okay. I would never hurt her regardless what you think of me. I love her, I want her, I need her, I want this and I know she wants it to."
"Then why didn't she say yes?" He had no words for me.
"I'll admit I don't know her as well as you do, but the answer is simple she is not ready for that kind of life. Do you see my ring on her finger? I'm okay with that even if she is never ready, I am prepared to deal with it, you are not. As long as I have her it's enough. Stephanie needs to be her own woman before she can be mine."
Joe picked up his box and examined it. I had never seen him so quiet. He looked up into my soul.
" I'm glad you love her. You won this round Ranger, I'm giving you one chance"
He turned and threw the blue box to Constanza.
"Thanks man I had to be sure"
I lost it. "This was a set up?"
Joe turned around and smiled
"Welcome to the Burg"