This is the last chapter. I will be posting an Epilogue later today... hopefully :) Oh! I am so embarrassed. I've been writing Hayward and it's Haywood! Thank you to one of the readers who pointed this out to me.

SPOV

It had been a month since Joe attacked me in my apartment and Ranger was accompanying me back to my place for the first time. When he asked me to move in with him I was a little hesitant, being extremely independent and all, but when I really took the time to think about it, I wasn't living at my place anymore anyway. A couple days after the attack I told him that I would give up my lease and move into his place on 7. It was hard for me to go back to pack my things, I kept seeing the place in disarray and I was worried my emotional status wasn't strong enough to re-live what Joe had done to me.

Thankfully the Merry Men were happy to help pack my stuff and I now had my personal belongings scattered throughout the Haywood apartment. The first few days I was worried Ranger would change his mind, but he kept insisting he liked coming home to me and my stuff. He said his place always felt empty and now it had life.

Today I was walking through my place one last time, making sure nothing was left behind, and then we were headed to court. Joe plead not guilty at his arraignment, still pissed off about me, the baby, and Ranger. When no one would bail him out though, he called his lawyer and said he wanted to change his plea. On one condition, Ranger and I had to be present for his sentencing.

"I can't believe how big my apartment looks empty." In the years I had lived here I always thought of my place as small. But once you took out all the stuff, I could see why I wanted to live here in the first place.

There was a knock on the wall and Ranger reached for his gun but quickly relaxed when we turned to see Dillon, the apartment handyman, standing in the doorway. "So you're really leaving us?" he asked smiling.

"Yeah, I guess that should free up a lot of your time. Now that you won't have to clean up after all the break-ins and fires and stuff."

He laughed, "Yeah, the manager might get rid of me now that I'll have nothing to fix."

Ranger glanced at his watch, "We better get going babe."

I nodded, handing my keys over to my friend. "I guess I'll see you around."

"Sure Steph. It'll be quiet without you around here. You should come cause some trouble at least once a month."

"Deal."

We were quiet on the ride over to the courthouse. Me because I was nervous, why did Joe want us present? Did he think I would feel sorry for him or something? I guess I kind of did. At one point I did really love him and until the whole baby thing, he was someone I trusted and turned to for help. It made me sad that this was how things were ending between us. There was even a little part of me that held some guilt over it all. Maybe I should have made an effort to call him and talk things out before it got so out of hand. I'd voiced all this to Ranger a few times and he would listen but always say the same thing, "It's not your fault Stephanie. You can't control the choices other people make."

He was right, I just hated that something I did upset him so much. And then there was my mother. After she left RangeMan I've only talked to her once. And we didn't do much talking. She was pissed that I pressed charges against Joe. Said he was just hurting and loved me and if I would grow up things would be fine between us. She even tried to bail him out of jail and threw a fit when Vinnie said 'no way'.

I guess she called Ranger after Joe changed his plea to guilty. The newspaper ran a huge story on it and she went to the jail to talk to him. Ranger said she called to apologize, that Joe told her what he did and she felt horrible for not listening to me, but I wasn't ready to forgive her just yet.

Ranger squeezed my hand pulling me out of my thoughts, "You ready Steph?"

Wide eyed I looked around, "I didn't even realize we were here."

He smiled, "I know. You've been off in your own world for awhile now. Wanna talk about it before we go in?"

I shook my head, "Nothing new. Let's just get this over with so we can move on."

Because of Joe's status on the police force, and Ranger's with his business, the sentencing was private and we had to check in with a guard before going into the courtroom. I was surprised when we opened the door to find my mother and father seated to the right, and Joe's mother and brother to the left. The captain of the police force was also present; he was talking to the court clerk and waved when he saw us.

"Where do we sit?" I whispered to Ranger. I had never been in a position to need to come to court and had no idea how this worked. I didn't want to sit near my mother, I know childish, but I thought it would be weird to sit by Joe's family. His mother already hated me for running him over when he came home from the Navy.

The decision was made for me when my father walked over to us, pulling me in for a hug, "It's so good to see you Pumpkin." I hugged him back fighting the tears that threatened to spill. It was hard not speaking to my mother because that meant I didn't see my father. "You don't worry about your mother. She's gotten herself into her own mess. I told her to leave you alone today and that's exactly what she's going to do."

I smiled trying to picture my dad telling my mother what to do. He didn't open his mouth often but when he did his word was final. He pulled away from me and stuck his hand out to Ranger "How do you do son? I hear my daughter is living with you now."

It was amusing to see Ranger in a subordinate position but he did well. "I'm doing just fine sir." He didn't address me living with him.

Still eyeing Ranger he address me, "Is he taking good care of you Steph?"

I saw Ranger smile at the question and prayed he wouldn't be a smart ass like he was with my mother. "Of course Dad," wrapping my arm around Rangers waist I continued, "I've never been treated better."

Finally my dad smiled at Ranger, "Good. I won't stand by like I did with Dickie and Morelli this time. No more. You are my princess and I won't let anyone treat you like less. I should have put a stop to all this years ago."

Ranger pulled me closer to his side and we followed my father a few rows behind my mother. He kissed the top of my head and then returned to my mother's side. As we took out seats Joes lawyer entered and Joe was escorted in by Eddie, cuffs behind his back. When Judge Sampson arrived and we all stood.

"Please be seated." He said. The butterflies in my stomach had passed when we were talking with my dad but were back now. "This is not how sentencing usually goes but given that I am a native to Trenton and know both the Morelli's and Plum's quite well I decided to be a bit lenient. Before I hand out Mr. Morelli's sentence I understand he would like to address our audience."

Joe stood and made eye contact with each person before focusing on the floor. "I.." he cleared his throat and looked up at me. "There are no words Stephanie." He shook his head and was quiet for a few minutes before continuing. "An apology doesn't cover what I've done to you. I want you to know that I loved you, I really did. When I found out you were pregnant I had never been happier. But I didn't take care of you like you needed. I forced you to be someone that you aren't. You are a dreamer Stephanie and this last month had reminded me of why I fell in love with you in the first place. I had a part in stealing your dreams and for that I am very sorry."

I swallowed a lump in my throat as he continued, "I blamed you for the loss of our baby. Anger doesn't cover what I felt when the hospital said she didn't make it. I needed someone to blame and for some reason it was you. I tormented and harassed you when I should have supported and comforted you and I owe you an apology for that as well. It was not your fault, if anyone other than the drunk driver should take the blame it's me. I should have driven you home that night. I'll regret it every day of my life." His voice was strained and I could hear the sadness he felt in his words.

"I owe you one more apology but I want to address your mother first." He turned his gaze to my mom and I saw her stiffen. "You have to stop trying to make her something that she is not. I know I had a hand in the fall out of you and Stephanie's relationship, and now I want to help fix it. You also blamed Stephanie for what happened, and you have to stop. There was no punishment for us not being married; she didn't make the choice to get into an accident. Life is boring without Stephanie; I'm learning that the hard way. Your pride isn't worth losing her." I was speechless. Was this just a ploy or was he serious? I saw my mother nod and wipe at her face. Was she crying? I couldn't remember the last time I saw my mother cry and it made the tears I was holding back flood out of my eyes.

He turned to his family next. "Selfishly I asked for you to be here because I don't want to be alone today. I did some horrible things that are going to put me away for quite a few years and to be honest, I'm pretty scared. I've taken the family I had for granted, that includes Stephanie, and I just want you all to know that I love you."

His mother scoffed, "Stephanie was never your family Joe. She's the reason you are here today."

Joe's eyes narrowed, "I am the reason I am here today. You will NOT take this out on Stephanie. Other than what I've already apologized for, I broke into her apartment, ruined many of her things, and then…" He choked on his words, moving his eyes back to me, "I was going to rape her." Shaking his head I saw a tears leak out of his eyes. "It makes me sick Steph. You know me, you know I would never hurt you, I don't know who that man was that night. Please… I know I don't have any right to ask this of you, but please, can you forgive me?"

I cleared my throat, he was wrong; I did know who that man was that night, "You're wrong if you think you don't know who that man was that night Joe." He stared at me for a few minutes before nodding his head.

"My father." He whispered. Yup, he had been acting just like his father; a drunk who hit women and children. "You deserve so much more than an apology but it's all I can give you; that and a promise to never drink again. I don't like who I was, I hated my father, I don't want to be anything like him and lately when I drink it's who I become. You're right."

"Do you mean everything you've said today?" I needed to know if this was all true or if he was trying to impress the judge and get a lesser sentence.

For the first time since he stepped into court he held his head high and in a strong voice said, "Absolutely."

It was weird, after everything he did to me, knowing he honestly regretted it made me feel better than him being behind bars. Of course, he had to do his time, but I wasn't going to make him do it without giving him something in return. "Then I can forgive you."

Ranger squeezed my shoulder, "Proud of you babe."

Joe sat back in his seat and faced the judge. "Before I hand our your sentence I want to make sure you understand what you are being sentence for and the maximum time you may receive for these charges. Breaking and Entering, this is a first time offense with a minimum of 2 years, maximum of 10. Destruction of Personal Property, fine of up to $15,000 dollars, minimum of 3 years, maximum 5."

I tensed next to Ranger, "Will he really have to go to jail for that long?"

The judge continued, "2nd degree Aggravated Assault, this is a Class C Felony, Fine of up to $150,000 dollars, minimum of 5 years, maximum 10. And lastly, Attempted Rape, fine of up to $10,000 dollars and maximum of 18 months."

"Ranger, please. This is too much." I was panicking. Joe was a good guy, he just needed help. I honestly believed he regretted everything that had happened. How could I live knowing he could spend the next 30 years in jail. And what about the fines? He'd never be able to afford that. He'd have to sell his aunt's house.

"Before I sentence Mr. Morelli is there anyone who would like to speak?" Ranger was looking at me and I was pleading with my eyes.

Tears were spilling over my cheeks "There has to be something we can do. You know that wasn't him." He studied me and I know he saw the fear for Joe in my eyes.

Ranger stood up and everyone turned to look at him, glancing down at me to make sure I knew what I was asking, I nodded. "Is there still an opportunity for Miss. Plum to drop the charges?"

"Which charges is she interested in dropping Mr…."

"Manoso. Ricardo Manoso."

The judge nodded, "If the two of you would please approach the bench." Ranger took my hand and led me up to the front of the court room. "Miss. Plum. Are you truly wanting to drop charges against Mr. Morelli?"

His voice was a whisper so only the three of us could hear.

RPOV

Stephanie looked to me, probably for approval, but this was her call. Was I surprised she wanted to drop the charges against Joe, no. That's the kind of person she was. And Joe seemed sincere in his apology to her. He wasn't a bad guy, just made some bad decisions. It was clear that after a month in jail he had taken a lot of time to think things over. I'm sure he was devastated when he lost the baby and then Stephanie left him. And it was in his blood to turn to alcohol. I never knew his father but I heard stories and from the way Joe's brothers acted I could see how easy it was for him to slip into that lifestyle.

Was I apprehensive at him being around town? Yes. Stephanie and I had made a life together and we were both happy. What if Joe took this opportunity to try to get her back? I trusted that Stephanie loved me, she told me every day, hell, even if she didn't say it, it was easy to see in her eyes. I wasn't worried that she would go back to him, and I knew that wasn't what this was about. This was about someone she once loved, a person she probably still thought of as her friend, that she still cared about. She was never one to sit back and let someone get more than they deserve. As much as I despise Morelli for what he did to her, if I was honest, he didn't deserve to spend the better part of his life behind bars.

"This is your call Stephanie." I could see the fear in her eyes. She was worried that she was going to make a decision I didn't agree with. I couldn't help but smile, "Whatever you want to do I'll stand behind you 100% babe."

Relief washed over her, it was clear by the way she relaxed her stance. Turning to the judge she said, "If I drop all the charges is there a program he could enter. Something to help him with his drinking and anger?"

The judge looked her over before confirming, "This man broke into your apartment, assaulted you, and tried to rape you, but you want to drop all of the charges?" she nodded. "May I ask why?"

She glanced over my shoulder to look at Joe. He was slumped in his chair, head in his hands. "He's not a bad person Your Honor. We lost a baby and then I left him. That would drive anyone crazy right?" Her voice was laced with distress.

The judge's eyes softened, "Nobody has a right to do what he did because of those reasons."

"I know. Believe me I do. But before that he was never a violent person. If he had ever laid a hand on me or done something to hurt me before all this then, I swear, I wouldn't be asking for this. But I know him, I really do. He just needs help. He's hurting and he doesn't know how to handle it. His family, especially his father, they turn to alcohol. They don't know another way."

"May I?" I asked her not wanting her to feel as though I was taking over. When she nodded I offered a suggestion. "There was a point Miss. Plum had filed a harassment charge against him. Is it possible to drop the current charges if he pleads to harassment, and then offer him a diversion program?"

"I will think over what the two of you have said. Please go back to your seats." I could tell Stephanie was about to break. She didn't think the judge would be as lenient as we suggested. Once back in our seats I draped my arm around her trying to lend her some of my strength. I prayed if the judge threw the book at Joe she wouldn't blame herself.

The courtroom was quiet for what seemed like hours but really only a few minutes before Judge Sampson lifted his head from the papers on his desk.

"Mr. Morelli, it seems as though you have a lot more friends than you probably thought you would today." Joe glanced in our direction, meeting my eyes for a brief moment. "I have reviewed your file, both personal and professional, and agree with Miss. Plum that your act of violence is not something usual for you. However," I felt Stephanie tense next to me and rubbed her arm, trying to sooth her. "I cannot just let you walk out of here without some form of punishment for what you have done."

He rifled through a few more papers, "Please stand Mr. Morelli." Joe stood; his shoulders slumped in a sign of defeat. "I have a few questions to ask and I need you to be honest with me." At Joe's nod he continued, "Is it true Miss. Plum filed a harassment charge against you a few months ago?"

"Yes sir."

"Do you feel that you need help dealing with your anger and drinking problems?"

"Yes sir."

"If I were to drop the current charges against you, would you plead guilty to the harassment charge and accept an alcohol diversion program as a sentence?"

Both our heads snapped up and Stephanie gasped along with her and Joe's mother. He looked over his shoulder at us, confusion clear in his eyes.

"I asked you a question." The judge snapped brining Joe's attention back.

"Yes sir." He answered, almost in awe.

"Then Mr. Morelli, you hereby are sentenced to a 60 day alcohol treatment program. The first 30 days as an inpatient, the last as an outpatient. During that time you will not be allowed any contact with Miss. Plum as I am also placing a restraining order on you. Your position within the police department will be dependent on your completion of the treatment program and up to your captain. I must warn you that if you use alcohol at all during that time, or if you fail to complete the program, you will be sentenced to the maximum jail time of 5 years for harassment. Do you understand your sentence?"

Joe nodded, "Thank you."

"Do not thank me Mr. Morelli. I am not the one who asked for this leniency. You may thank Mr. Manoso and Miss. Plum after you have completed your program. I will have an officer escort you to my private chambers while I arrange for the treatment facility to come pick you up. Court is adjourned."

We were both stunned. "I didn't think he would do it," she whispered to me.

Pride filled me as I looked at her. She was mine and I had never been more proud of her than I was right now. "You never cease to amaze me Stephanie." I brushed my lips across hers and pulled her in for a hug.

We stood to leave and I came face to face with her mother. Every instinct in me wanted to snarl at the woman but I smiled and nodded to her, "Mrs. Plum. Is there something you need?"

She nervously played with her hands, "I owe you and my daughter an apology." Stephanie was standing behind me and moved up beside me to face her mother. "Joe was right Stephanie; we both blamed you instead of dealing with the pain. I should have been there for you instead of telling you how wrong you were."

I felt her relax next to me, "Thanks mom."

Her mother turned her gaze to me, "It was wrong of me to disrupt your business like I did. I hope you can accept my apology." I nodded, not sure what I was supposed to say. "I would like very much to have the two of you over for dinner sometime."

Stephanie smiled, "Sure mom. We'll call and let you know when we can come."

We followed them out to the parking lot, not speaking another word. The hurt she had caused her daughter would take more than an apology and dinner to repair. But I could tell Stephanie was glad the process had started for them. As much as her mother drove her crazy, I knew she missed Sunday dinners with her family.

We drove in silence back to Haywood, it had been a long day and we were both exhausted.

Ella left chicken and grilled vegetables for dinner and after eating we retired to bed, both instantly falling asleep.

My alarm went off at 5am and I quietly got out of bed, not wanting to wake Steph. She had been running with me a few days a week but I wanted to let her rest this morning. After my 8 miles I crept into the bathroom and quickly showered.

When I was done I wrapped a towel around my waist and headed towards my closet, freezing when I glanced at the bed. A wicked grin came over my face and Stephanie squealed as I dropped my towel and stalked towards her. She was completely naked, hands cuffed to the headboard.

SPOV

When I heard the alarm go off at 5 I internally groan. If I pretended to not wake up maybe he wouldn't make me go running with him. Thankfully he left without trying to rouse me and I started to fall back to sleep. It was in my dream I remembered him telling me one of his fantasies was to come home and find me cuffed to his bed, naked. I had planned on doing it too, but then the stuff with Morelli happened.

I kept waiting for him to bring it up again but he never did and it was hard for me to get up the courage to just do it. After everything I did yesterday I felt like I could do anything. I knew Ranger would be home soon so I jumped up, used the restroom, brushed my teeth and was climbing back into bed when I heard the front door open. As soon as he turned the shower on I ran into our closet and grabbed a pair of handcuffs. Before getting back into bed I stripped and then cuffed one hand, linking the chain through the headboard before cuffing the other.

It was Saturday and neither of us had planned on going into the office until later, so it was perfect timing. I heard the shower turn off and for a second got nervous. What if he thought I was being silly? The bathroom door opened and I held my breath, waiting for him to notice me. He was passing the foot of the bed before he glanced over and stopped, dead in his track, before and evil grin crossed his face. I couldn't help my squeal when he dropped his towel and walked towards me.

"Babe…" he ran his hand up my body stopping once he reached my face. "Really?"

My cheeks flushed and I averted my eyes. I tried to shrug but it was difficult to do in my position, "I remember you said you wanted me cuffed naked to your bed. We never got around to it so… It's silly I know. The keys are right there," I nodded toward the nightstand, "You can take them off." I knew this was a stupid idea.

"This is the best idea you have ever had." His lips crashed over mine and he forced his tongue into my mouth. "This is going to be so much fun," he whispered before licking a path from my neck to my breast. Taking one in his mouth and the other in his hand he teased me causing my hips to buck off the bed.

His other hand ran lower until I felt his fingers pressing at my entrance. His thumb swirled around my clit before he pushed in two fingers making me cry out. His assault on my breast continued and it wasn't long before I was flying over the edge.

His mouth trailed down my stomach until I felt his breath on my sweet spot. He looked up at me under hooded lashes and smiled before sucking me into his mouth. His fingers were still working inside me and I felt myself close again, "Ranger, please. I want you inside me."

He just chuckled, sending a vibration through my whole body, bringing me once again.

He leaned over me and our mouths met again. This time I felt him hard against my thigh before he adjusted and was pressing at my center.

I cried out as he slid into me, relishing the moment. "God Ranger, it feels so good." I moaned as his thrusts became hard. He had me positioned so that each time he would drive into me he would also rub against my clit. I pulled at the cuffs, wanting to tangle my hands in his hair.

"Take them off" I growled at him, making him laugh.

"No way Quierda." I started to complain but was cut off by the most mind blowing orgasm I had ever experienced. White hot electricity flashed through my veins and I threw my head back screaming his name. I felt him pump into me a few more times before losing himself inside me.

We were breathless for a few moments. "I think I'm dead." I groaned as he slid out of me and reached for the keys to the cuffs.

Once I was released I laced my fingers around his neck and kissed him. "I love you Ranger."

"Te amo Hermosa." Cuddling me to his side we both drifted back to sleep. Content to just being held in eachothers arms.