Back into my groove. Thank you to everyone for reading and reviewing, guests included and getting me over the 200 reviews threshold, well and truly. Wow. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

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Not mine, not making any money. Characters belong to JE and I'm just having fun playing with them.

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"Yeah, my Wifey is a force to be reckoned with." His pride was supported by Hector nodding in accord.

"I think you are all a little in love with her, Ella too. I need to meet this woman who has enchanted you all so easily. I have heard all the stories and the names but I didn't realise they were all one person. I just thought you all had girlfriends." We all chuckled at this as Carlos' door opened and all eyes drifted their way. Her eyes sparkled and although there was a tinge of sadness in them, her carriage was still strong. Ah, yes, of course. Big, bright blue eyes. Oh, yes. Carlos, she's a keeper if what the men say is true. She smiled at us coyly and blushed because she looked thoroughly kissed. Hmm, Carlos. I raised an eyebrow at him. He gave a little shrug with a grin and a wink holding her hand. The apple did not fall far from the tree!

I looked at Ella, humming to herself, smiling wistfully.

"Ella, Querida? You know something. Are you going to share?"

"Hmm? Oh. Perhaps … What do you think? Chocolate cake? Ice cream perhaps? Or, something else for dessert?"

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Chapter 12

Ella's POV

I had to do some special shopping yesterday. To say I was so excited was an understatement. I was happy and excited and beside myself with joy. Did I say excited? *sigh* Carlos rang me with a special request. He sounded so concerned and I could tell that this had to be for Stephanie before he even mentioned her name. He told me about her apartment being ransacked and how her clothes and shoes had all been destroyed by that maniac.

Most of the things I could order readily on-line. What a delight. It was enjoyable to order and buy feminine items for a change, like some clothing for Stephanie, underwear, some shoes, toiletries, and, of course, I added some more. I might have become a little bit carried away. I also ordered some new bed linen and towels. Ranger suggested a Rangeman outfit or two for her as well. Interesting … hmmm. Thankfully Hector and Manny sent me photos of her clothes, what I could make out, so I had an idea of her taste, her toiletries' and make up preferences and Hector was able to give me her underwear and footwear sizes as well. So important. Of course, the poor girl will need some pyjamas and sanitary items! Luckily I noticed one of the photos gave me a glimpse of her brand preferences. Her apartment looked a mess with everything thrown all over the place, cut, torn or shredded and the heels snapped off her beautiful stilettos. Some items were retrievable but Hector and Manny decided Stephanie deserved an entire new set and I couldn't agree more. Maybe we could go shopping together for some other things. That would be nice, a girls' day out. I'll mention it to Carlos and let him, no, I'll mention it to Stephanie and if she would like that, then we talk to Carlos about it. Yes. That sounds like a good plan. Carlos did make it clear that there was no limit in expenditure, just to ensure to buy quality items as well as practical needs.

Hector told me all that had happened over the last 48 hours. Manny did say resilient but Madre Dios! That drama would test even the strongest person. Poor girl. Then they, yes, they, Lester, Bobby, Tank, told me about that disgusting police detective and her horrid mother! I want to slap that woman's face! She doesn't deserve a daughter like Stephanie and Stephanie certainly does not deserve that type of treatment. She dares to call herself a mother! I have heard all the stories and the high degree of respect and admiration I see and hear from these strong men confirms how special Stephanie Plum is. That "mother" doesn't appreciate what a gem she has. I wonder why?

In our brief discussion, pending Stephanie's approval of course, Carlos and I agreed that the second bedroom in my apartment would be the ideal place for her to stay in the interim. I suggested this as an option, giving her privacy from the men on the fourth floor and it made sense for her to be near me for moral support, if necessary, in the light of recent events. It sounded as if Carlos pouted a bit and I chuckled.

"You really like her, Carlos, don't you? Then you need to give her space. She has been through a great ordeal recently that would certainly test anyone's endurance but I can see she has a strong sense of independence and fortitude at the same time. And it's not just that disgusting detective or that dreadful maniac, I believe that her scornful mother has created a lot of drama and pain for her as well. She needs time and with all these men around, it may be nice for her to have a womanly perspective. Luis won't mind. What do you think, Carlos?"

"Si, Ella. As much as I would really like to keep her close to me, I trust your intuition. I'm baffled how her mother treats her with such disdain and contempt, constantly expressing her disappointment in Stephanie. What is with that, Ella? Stephanie has such a big heart and compassion by the bucketful. She treats her skips with respect when times are tough and has made many allies with them. Despite some mishaps, she has won the respect of all my men and many at the TPD for her determination, her courage and her work ethic. Her success rate with captures is more than admirable if not a bit unorthodox. But that Morelli and her mother incessantly put her down, bullying her into submission which she has endured for a long time from what I have heard, a very long time. Her mother wants her in a different job and is trying to pressure her into becoming a "Burg mother", married with kids as a stay at home Mom. And from what I can ascertain, she dislikes Stephanie's involvement with us. Morelli has fed her suspicious mind with wild misrepresentations. Stephanie has defended out reps a number of times. You're right, Ella, she is strong and this recent drama has taken its toll on her. Just get anything she needs to make her transition comfortable and don't hold back, Ella. My Babe deserves the best. "

His 'Babe'. Oh yes, Carlos. Cupid has strung his little bow and fired his arrows to your heart and opened it up to this fine young woman. I've barely seen her and I know how special she is. If she can bring so much light and brightness to these honourable young men who have seen so much of the darker side of the world and is able to make them smile just by being who she is, then she deserves our care and attention. Obviously, others cannot or do not recognise this presence she has. Carlos doesn't easily open his heart to love and for him to be this dedicated means a lot. He is a very generous, loyal and philanthropic, a man of honour. He gives back to the community without lauding it, preferring to play down his benevolence. He deserves love, oh yes indeed. It seems that Stephanie has won his heart and he has hers. Hmm-mmm. Carlos is definitely in love.

This arrangement may just be temporary or short term. I don't mind. I'm just so excited to be able to care for her and hopefully make a difference. So in the meantime I have washed all the linen and prepared the second bedroom for her. It is at the opposite end to our bedroom and we had already set it up as a guest room, if and when it was required. So she has privacy from us too, if that is her need or want. I know she likes donuts to eat so a little sweet reward to make her happy just might help and ease the settling in transition.

While Luis was in the break room filling the fridges, I saw that he too sensed the change in atmosphere. Watching his sharp eyes scanning the fifth floor I snuck up behind him and acknowledged the change in the air being attributed to one Stephanie Plum. Hector and Manny joined us and explained to a confused Luis that they all had pet names for Stephanie and were not referring to their own girlfriends, or boyfriends. Sometimes he can be so clueless, but only sometimes. I smiled to myself as Carlos and Stephanie, blushing a bit, emerged from his office. Oh, Carlos, you are just like your father! Luis saw it too and caught Carlos' eye. He knew exactly what was on his mind. Ricardo senior had that same look when he won Julieta's heart and how déjà vu this was for him seeing young Carlos re-enact the same scenario. I smiled at that happy thought. I voiced my options as Carlos and Stephanie walked over to us.

"Ella, Querida? You know something. Are you going to share?" Luis enquired curiously.

Dessert. Yes, a deserving dessert. I wonder.

"Hmm? Oh. Perhaps … What do you think? Chocolate cake? Ice cream, perhaps? Or, something else for dessert?"

Frank's POV

My afternoon peace was abruptly disturbed by a commotion outside. Now, I'm not normally a sticky-beak but it sure sounded like Edna with a full head of steam. Better check to be sure. Yep. Edna is off on a rant but … wait a minute. It's Helen who is copping the verbal ear-bashing. Hmm. This is interesting. Edna doesn't usually take on Helen but I think she is giving her a serve of her own medicine and ripping her a new one. I wonder what set this off.

The front door burst open and Helen was whining.

"But, Mother. Not in front of the neighbours. How could you? Why m-"

"Oh no, you don't! I don't give a horse's patoot what the neighbours think! And another thing, Helen. I am sick to death of your whining and "Why me?" bullshit. It's. Not. About. You! Lucky for you I don't walk with a stick because I would have beaten you with it already! Now go upstairs, wash that face and rinse that ugly mouth out and go to your room. You ain't cooking. That's your punishment, for tonight and no ironing either. If you're hungry you can have bread! Make a sandwich, but no cooking. Frank?!"

Uh oh. Oh, boy. Something tells me just to go with the flow. She's a force to be reckoned with and I'm not stupid.

"Frank!"

"Yes, Edna? Is everything alright?"

"Yup! Just dandy. You and me, we are going out to dinner. Your treat, your choice. Just the two of us. We need to talk."

Well, that was brooking no argument but, I have to say, I have never seen Helen look as meek and submissive like a recalcitrant teenager as just now. I wasn't about to argue with Edna. This is not the time to make waves or pull the tigress' tail. But I am mighty curious.

"Sure, Edna. Anything you say."

"Wait up." Edna charged into the kitchen and quickly found three bottles of Jack hidden in different hiding spots and another in the laundry. All four were promptly emptied down the sink with a satisfied smirk. She washed her hands and dried them off while grabbing Helen's car keys off the hook and slipping them into her bag with a wicked, knowing chuckle.

"There. I'm done and ready. Let's hit the road, Frank."

Ranger's POV

I couldn't help myself when I caught Luis' eye. He said something to Ella and she was smiling wistfully. So I walked us over to the break room. Manny and Hector decided to leave giving me a slight nod and a wink for Steph.

"Babe, I'd like you to meet Ella and Luis Guzman. Ella, Luis, meet Stephanie Plum."

They shook hands with Babe and then Ella held her at arms' length looking at her with a warm, welcoming smile and said, "I, well, we, have been looking forward to meeting you Stephanie. It is so lovely to finally greet you and welcome to you to Rangeman. But I'm sure that Carlos has done that part for you." She gave me a knowing look and winked at me.

"So ... You are the Wonder Woman who has captured Ranger here and all these mighty men in black, your "Merry Men", I hear." Luis grinned at her as she blushed at the Wonder Woman and Merry Men references. Wow. He's right. She has done just that. Her blue eyes opened wide at me and I couldn't help but give her 100 watts. Yeah. Wonder Woman, indeed. I put my arm over her shoulder and gave her a squeeze.

Ella gently took her two hands and pulled her back from me.

"Are you okay, my dear? I hear you have had quite a bit of excitement these last couple of days." They sat down at one of the tables and talked quietly.

Luis looked at me, smiled and shook his head. "You're a chip of the old block, Carlos. I can see why. She's a keeper. I hear you and the "Merry Men" have been taking real good care of her. Proud of you, Carlos. My Ella is delighted for you. Stephanie's room is all set up. We are only too glad to be able to help her. Ella has been so excited and joyful purchasing and preparing all her needs."

I smiled at that. Ella told me how exciting it was to order ladies clothing for a change. I had given instructions on her Rangeman uniform, which Stephanie wasn't aware of yet, with some practical advice from Ella. They hit it off immediately. Ella I was relieved although not surprised. These two women had a special way of connecting with people. Kindred spirits, perhaps. Stephanie was nodding and smiling and Ella patted her hand. They stood up and Ella grabbed her into a motherly hug and Stephanie melted into her arms. That's a good sign. Ella and Luis never had a daughter but I can see that this is precious for them. They love her already.

"Before you go with Ella, Babe, we have a meeting in an hour and I would like to discuss some options with you and the core team. Can you meet with us back here then?"

She grinned at Ella conspiratorially and nodded. I wonder what that was about. Ella then led her to the elevator and Stephanie turned around, smiled and pinkie waved at me. Tank and Lester nudged me on either side and pinkie waved back at her amid peals of laughter.

"Gotta be more aware of your surroundings, Bossman," smirked Tank.

"Yeah, Cuz, your love radar is making ya'll wonky!" Lester sped off with that smart ass remark. But, they were both right. OK. Game face on.

"My office in five. Bobby too."

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So how will that go on 6? And what will that talk be about?

So … waddyareckon?

Thanks to Margaret for her whining and harassment. xox