Thanks for coming along this journey so far! Apologies in the slowing of posting these chapters, life has gotten in the way and has not allowed me the opportunity to work on this story as often as I would've liked. That being said, we have five chapters left in this story, including this one. They are all mostly written and just need some finishing touches. This story started as a series of one shots in my mind that I have been stringing together along the way to create a story. I have enjoyed exploring my creative side and getting to share this story with such a fun community. So I am glad you are all enjoying it and thank you for your kind reviews, likes, and follows.

Happy Reading and enjoy this longer chapter.

Chapter 25 - Pancakes and Flowers

RPOV

"Julie we gotta go, your brother's already in the car!" I yelled upstairs at my daughter who was doing what all teenage girls do and taking forever to get ready. Although she was still much faster than Stephanie on most days. I smiled to myself as I thought about my Babe. She has been traveling with Lester, Hector, and Hal the last three weeks holding interviews in Chicago, Houston and San Francisco for regional account managers and also touring property for the remote monitoring centers.

I'm so proud of all the progress they have made on the project and we already have at least 12 potential clients with large businesses in each of the expansion cities. The transition with Atlanta to a remote office has also gone over smoothly and has already increased profits by cutting the operating costs down. The men who didn't want to remain in Atlanta were able to find positions in Trenton, Boston, or Miami and it has allowed us to keep up with the growing business.

I didn't get to go with the team for the interviews but I trusted Stephanie's intuition more than my own. Instead I became super dad since both Julie and Jamie started school almost immediately after we got back from Tank's wedding. I did pawn off some of the duties like back to school shopping to Ella. Stephanie was sad to be missing their fact day of school at a private school just outside of Trenton we found. So they did postpone the trip a week so she could be there but that meant she'd return just before her birthday.

While my Babe was gone I spent most of my time with the kids or working. At work I was able to work out a plan that would allow myself and the rest of the core team to take a major step back and have more time to ourselves and our families. The first step was promoting Manny and Vince to be the branch manager and second for Trenton. This will allow us to transition into being the board of directors for the overall company. I also decided to start looking at plans to build a second building next to this current one in the empty lot and connect it. Then we could move the Trenton operations there and keep this one for the executives and business professionals such as the lawyers and accountants.

My final goal was preparing for next week since it was Stephanie's birthday. I had to get everything ready for the events. I planned on out doing her with a big extravagant week of events like she did for me but eventually I settled on just making sure she was appreciated and celebrated for the wonderful woman she is. Which is why today I was taking my children to pick up the ring that would hopefully get us one step closer to officially making her my wife.

"Sorry Dad. I couldn't find my purple jacket." She said running down the stairs and past me stopping at the door to slip on her sneakers. Once she was ready I knelt down and gave her a hug before we continued through the already open door to the garage.

"DADA!" Jamie squealed when I opened the door to get in. "Juwie!" he added when Julie slipped in next to him.

"Hey little man. Everyone ready to go?"

"Pancakes Dada! I want pancakes!" Jamie said as I backed out of the driveway.

"I could go for some pancakes!" Julie added. I shook my head. Stephanie's influence was still strong despite not being here.

"After our errands J man."

"Okay Dada" He then went back to playing with his Batman and Wonder Woman action figures.

I drove us over to Locke and Sons. I unbuckled Jamie from his car seat and carried him in my arms with Julie walking next to us. Mr. Locke saw us enter and signaled to a small consulting desk they had set up on the side near the front of the store. I directed my children to sit in the chairs and then stood off to the side with my back to the wall.

Mr. Locke met us at the desk carrying a medium sized velvet box. He placed it on top of the mirror tray at the center of the desk and opened it for us all to peer in. Jamie reached out to grab the rings but I took his hands in mine while sweeping him upside down then into my arms as I sat down in the chair. He giggled the whole time and looked up at me with a toothy grin.

"No touching anything yet I'll let you know when." I told him. I looked up ar Mr. Locked and let him know he could continue with his presentation.

"Okay Mr. Manoso the first ring on the left is the engagement ring. The ring is a 10 carat round diamond at the center atop a rope style engagement ring band that features two woven Pavé diamond bands accenting the diamond as you requested." He held it up for all of us to ogle at, it was absolutely stunning.

"Wow Dad, it's perfect!" Julie said.

"Shiny!" Jamie added touching the stone with my help.

"The middle ring is the matching wedding band. It is a graduated diamond tiara that was custom fit to sit perfectly with the engagement setting. Finally the last ring grooms wedding band is 14K Black Gold set with our black rhodium-plating to create the simple band. Both are engraved with the date you requested." Finally, he removed the top portion of the box to reveal a second velvet insert with a blue sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet. "The bracelet is the same as you saw before but I have sized it to fit the wrist measurements you sent."

"What do you think Julie?" I asked.

"She's gonna love them all!" She replied.

"I want one!" Jamie added, making us all laugh.

"Well then it's a deal" I said to Mr. Locke. I handed him my card for the purchase and he ran it through his system. He wrapped up the box and handed over the paperwork we would need for insurance on the jewels. I thanked him for his assistance and gave Julie the bag to hold while I got her brother back into the car. I took us to Rangeman and brought them up to Ella's for pancakes. I showed her and Luis the rings and bracelet before leaving my children with her and heading up to my apartment to lock up the items in my safe and call my accountant to get working on the insurance paperwork.

Once I made my calls, I joined my children for pancakes. I only ate two but they were made with the protein pancake mix Ella found. My children didn't seem to notice or care though since they added chocolate chips to theirs. After pancakes we said thank you to Ella and then headed over to the tailor. I had a new Armani suit to pick up and the children had outfits Ella ordered for them as well. After the tailor we stopped at the florist to ensure that everything was arranged for the week and I got the first bouquet. Finally we stopped at the bakery and finalized everything there.

It was almost dinner time by the time we finished so I got us home and baked some chicken, mixed veggies, and brown rice for dinner. I was almost done giving Jamie his bath when the alarm on my phone went off indicating someone was at the gate. I looked at it and saw that it was Stephanie so I quickly got Jamie dried off so he could come downstairs to greet her and called out to let Julie know. I carried Jamie down the stairs and we all stood under the banner we hung in the living room. Rosa and Bob came into the living room as well and sat next to us. We heard Steph fumble with putting her keys on the entry table and putting her bags down before walking into the room.

"Welcome Home!" Julie and Jamie shouted like they had practiced. Jamie wiggled down from my arms and ran over to Steph yelling"Mama you're home I miss you!" She scooped him up and told him how much she missed him before putting him down and hugging Julie. I brought the bouquet over to her and gave her a kiss.

"Welcome Home Babe. I've missed you."

"Thanks Carlos but I've definitely missed you more. Remember you got the kids, I got Lester."

I laughed as she put the flowers down on the dining table then I swooped her into my arms and dipped her back for a kiss. I picked up Jamie and we all went up to Jamie's room to hear about Steph's travels. She brought back a tshirt from every state she went to for each of us, stuffed animals for Jamie, and snowglobes for Julie. It was past Jamie's bedtime when she finished so we tucked him in and gave him hugs and kisses before turning off the light and leaving.

Julie and Steph shared a bowl of iced cream while I showered and they caught up on the latest girl things as Julie put it. I was heading back downstairs when Julie came whizzing up the stairs yelling goodnight to me with Rosa and Bob following her. I continued to the kitchen and put my arms around Steph as she was washing the dishes in the sink. Once she turned off the water and turned around and wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me in for a deep kiss. After we couldn't breathe anymore I pulled back and gently rested my forehead to hers.

"I have a surprise for you" I whispered into her ear while kissing my way down her neck.

"Oh really. Is it a good surprise?"

"A very good surprise but you're gonna have to earn it"

"And how can one earn a very good surprise?"

"By being a very good girl"

"What if I want to be a little naughty?"

Stephanie always knew who to push my control and currently my state was almost to the point where we wouldn't make it upstairs so I swept her bridal style in my arms and ran up the two flights of stairs to our room. I set her down on the bed before returning to the door and putting the ottoman we used to sit and tie our shoes slightly in front of it to keep any little ones from seeing too much but not have to answer questions about it being locked.

I returned to the bed and climbed over Stephanie taking her lips on mine deepening the kiss as I stripped us of our clothes.

"I'm never letting you leave again." I said as I kissed my way down to her beautiful breasts.

"Oh and will you also never be leaving again? What will the others say?" See joked.

"It doesn't matter what they say, only what we agree on is what matters. But to answer your first question I also will not be leaving on my own because we will be traveling as a family."

"And you decided this when?"

"About 30 seconds after you left"

"Well lucky for you Carlos I happen to love that idea. In fact I made sure that the private school Julie is at has hybrid learning so if needed she can do that and Jamie is young enough it doesn't matter." I looked up at her and smiled nodding in agreement before taking her breast into my mouth while massaging the other with my hand. Then I took my free hand and moved it down to begin my ministrations on her center the talking portion was over for now. I didn't have to spend long warming her up before I slipped a few fingers into her as she was already dripping.

I took my time worshiping her body, bringing her to a few orgasms before taking her hands in mine and holding them above her head. I hovered over her, taking a moment to connect with her through our eyes before saying "I love you babe" and pushing myself into her. We made passionate but slow love until she called out "Carlos" and took me over with her. As I was holding myself up catching my breath she took my face in her hands and told me she loved me as well. Then I let her take control flipping me over taking me in her mouth before riding me to another explosive orgasm for both of us. We cuddled afterwards, embracing the moment of being together in our own little world after weeks apart.

After a little while Steph got up to use the bathroom and take a shower. She wasn't worried about pregnancy since she was on the depo shot but she wanted to get the smell of sex and travel off her before bed. I quickly changed the sheets and threw on a pair of boxers before resetting the ottoman and getting into bed to read. About twenty minutes later Steph returned wearing a tanktop and pajama shorts with her curls puffed out but beautifully framing her face.

She climbed in next to me so I put my book down, turned off the light and pulled her back into my chest. Around 30 minutes later as Jamie always has since we adopted him made his way into our bed. It wasn't because he had bad nightmares most of the time he just wanted to make sure we were still here and we still loved him. We asked Julie's therapist about it and she said it was normal for a child who lost parents at a young age and that he would eventually grow out of it once he learned to trust again. We decided that it might be helpful for Jamie to do a few sessions with Dr. Connors as well so we arranged for that to begin a few weeks ago.

Jamie woke up early so I snuck him out of the room to let Steph sleep a little longer. Julie was downstairs already as well watching cartoons so I set Jamie up next to her. Then I returned to the bedroom to cuddle with Steph. She was just waking up when I returned so I slipped back under the sheets and took her into my arms kissing her neck until she was fully awake and reacting to me. I pushed her pajamas and panties down before pushing into her core. When we had both climaxed I pulled her up and carried her into the bathroom for a joint shower.

"I believe you owe me a surprise Carlos" Steph said as grabbed my cock after washing soap down my body. She began to stroke it as we talked.

"Oh really I don't believe I ever said you earned it." She stopped her movements.

"So then Carlos how may I complete my mission?" As She sank down to her knees.

"I think you already know" She took me in her mouth and I ran my hands through her hair. I pulled her up on the brink of losing my control, turning her around and placing her hands on the shower wall before slipping into her from behind. It wasn't long before we were both going over the edge.

"That was amazing Steph and yes you've definitely earned your surprise" She turned around and kissed me.

"Glad to be of service Captain" She sloppily saluted me.

"Babe. Okay your surprise is that you don't have to work at all this week and that your birthday extravaganza, Julie's words not mine, began about seven orgasms ago but according to Julie and Jamie it begins in about 20 minutes." Steph giggled when she realized that I clearly had planned her birthday with our kids but didn't include them in the first portion, for good reason.

We finished up our shower and dressed for the day before I headed down to the kitchen to get breakfast started as Steph got Jamie ready for the day and helped Julie pick out an outfit.

SPOV

This has been the single greatest week of my entire life. After getting back on monday night and reconnecting with the love of my life we spent Tuesday at the beach house in Point Pleasant. We called the school and told them the children weren't going to be there that day. It was still warm despite being mid October so we were able to at least put our feet in the water and let Rosa and Bob run around on the beach. The rest of the time we walked as a family up and down the boardwalk. Carlos was able to win all of us stuffed animals after showing off and breaking records at three of the boardwalk games. Jamie rode a few of the rides with Carlos watching with the dogs.

Me and Julie used that time to check out the gift shops. Julie found a cute floral sundress that she got for our next trip to Miami. I found a cute pair of sandals for me and a baseball cap for Jamie. They even had custom dog harnesses with cute seashells and one with sharks on it so I got them for Rosa and Bob. We finished the day by eating seafood at a nice restaurant down by the river at The Wharfside.

On Wednesday we left the beach house and headed up to New York City. We didn't have to worry about calling the children out of school since they were on fall break the rest of the week. When we got to New York we checked into the Plaza where we were staying in their Royal three bedroom suite this time since we had the children with us. We spent the day exploring central park complete with a row boat ride, tons of picture taking at different locations around the back, and exploring the Natural History Museum. After dinner and cheesecake at Junior's in Times Square we saw the Lion King on Broadway before calling it a night.

On Thursday morning we headed back to Trenton and Carlos took the kids so I could have a shopping spree with the girls. He invited Mary Lou, Lula, Connie, and Val to go. He got Cal and Binkie to drive us around for the day and hold our bags. We spent nearly five hours going through racks and racks of clothing, shoes, and accessories. I was able to get several new dresses for work and date night, 8 new pairs of shoes, and a few bags of underwear, bras, and lingerie from Victoria Secret. Carlos was very appreciative of the shopping trip when I modeled some of them for him after the kids went to bed.

Friday had to be my favorite though. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love spending time with my kids, Carlos, and the girls but Friday was the day I finally got the opportunity to fly. Carlos woke me up around 0700 to get ready to join him and the rest of the core team for a super fun surprise with my Merry Men. He drove us to pick up Bobby and Lester next door first before we arrived at an airport hangar for skydiving. They decided this would be the perfect activity for me since I didn't get to go in August and they all wanted to be there for my first time jumping. After completing the two hour course with the men we prepared to jump. Hal would be setting up the target since he was still recovering from the crash earlier this year.

All of the men were certified to go on their own and Carlos and Lester were certified instructors as well so I was going to be jumping in tandem with Carlos. Two Air Force vets who flew the men into some of their missions before named Hawk and Sparrow were going to be our pilots for the day. We strapped ourselves in for takeoff and quickly made it to altitude. Carlos instructed me on the walk over to the door once Tank and Cal got the door open. Tank, Cal, Ram, and Bobby jumped first. Lester helped me and Carlos and me on the approach and then we followed them out while Lester yelled "See you at the bottom Beautiful!" The adrenaline rushed through my veins and the wind lashing at us, messing up my hair. We were falling at around 130 miles an hour, it didn't even feel like we were moving. Carlos turned us so I could see Lester then turned us again so I could see Hector. Eventually he tapped my soldier before directing my hand to pull the ripcord for the parachute. I felt a quick jerk before the sensation turned to floating in the air. Carlos instructed me to wave at Hector who was filming the day.

Once we were safely landed on the ground on the target Hal had set up we got up and shared high fives all around. Once the chutes were packed up we returned everything to the hangar before heading to Pino's for meatball subs, pizza, and beer. We didn't stay too long though since we all now had families to spend time with. Carlos told his informal proposal for separating the Trenton office from the executive direction of the company during the late lunch. We all loved his plans and agreed to start implementing the plans starting with offering the promotions to the men on Monday.

This morning I woke up alone in my bed. I was about to get up to go searching for my family but then my hand found something prickly on the pillow on Carlos's side. I opened my eyes to find a single red rose with a note attached.

Happy Birthday Babe. Today is the day we celebrate you and the wonder woman you are to me, to Julie, to Jamie, and to all your friends and family. So buckle in, get dressed (comfy casual), and head downstairs for the start to your surprise birthday scavenger hunt. Love, Carlos

A giant smile spread across my face as I headed to the shower and quickly washed up before I got dressed in jeans, one of the graphic shirts I got on my recent travels, and some sneakers. I left my hair down and only put on light make up and one swipe of mascara. I put everything else I need in a cute crossbody purse for easy use. Finally I strapped on my shoulder harness and ankle holsters and placed the guns and knives in place from the safe in the walk-in closet.

I headed downstairs and didn't find anything in the living or dining room. I made my way to the kitchen and on the counter was a pyramid of boston creme donuts and a cup of coffee from the tasty pastry. In front of the tray was another card with a daisy this time, this one had flowers in crayon on it.

Mama, go to place that you work with big tvs. I love you. Jamie

It was adorable. Some of the letters were backwards but it was readable. I was so proud of Jamie and his writing. I ate one of the donuts and put the rest in the white paper bag that was folded behind the tray. I then took one of the to-go coffee mugs from the cabinet and poured the coffee in it. Normally I would've sat down and savored the pastries but I was itching to get to the next clue in my hunt.

I got in my Cayenne and drove to the office. I pulled into the garage and went up to the 5th floor heading straight for the control room. It was eerily quiet today even for a weekend which had me suspicious but I figured the merry men probably all had a part in today's festivities that could explain it. I got to the desk to find Binkie and a contract worker on duty. I was about to ask Binkie if he had seen anything resembling a clue when Hal came into the room carrying a sunflower with a note attached. I gave him a kiss on the cheek as I accepted the flower causing him to blush a little. "Happy Birthday Stephanie" he said as he replaced the contract worker at the monitor.

Mi Hija, I have always wanted a daughter and I am so happy that Ranger found you please go to the place you first learned to cook (the fun way) ~ Love Ella

I headed up to the sixth floor and knocked on Ella and Luis's apartment door. A few seconds later Luis opened the door inviting me in while telling me happy birthday. Ella was in the kitchen so I said hello to her after entering as well.

"Stephanie, it's good to see you. I'm sure you're wondering what the next clue is but for the next thirty minutes Ranger has actually scheduled this time for us to catch up since I haven't seen my honorary daughter in so long."

"Of course Ella I understand I missed you this past month" I spent the next half an hour catching up with Luis and Ella before they handed me my next flower, a white lily, and next clue.

Babe, Head to the place where you go when you need a safe place. Love, Carlos

I thought about it before a second because my mind went to Rangeman first but I was already here but then I remembered that when I needed a safe place to hide when the slayers were after me I had used Carlos's car to find Rangeman and stay at his apartment on the 7th floor so that's where I headed. I took the stairs up to the apartment and let myself in. It was fairly sterile in comparison to our actual home since we didn't stay here often. I wandered around not finding anything until I got to the bedroom where a Tulip and a note awaited me.

Babe, It was here where I found you asleep in my bed like goldilocks. I knew in that moment that I wanted a someday with you. I never thought what we have managed to accomplish this year would be possible but I'm so happy that it has. Your next clue takes you back to another special moment in our relationship. It is the place where you ruined me for all women and we shared many moments, one of my favorite being when we shared chocolate chip cookies or finding you handcuffed to the shower. I Love you Stephanie. ~ Carlos

I gathered the items and rushed down to my car. I put the flowers from Rangeman in the vase on the floor in the backseat and pulled out of the garage heading to my old apartment. My Grandma had moved in originally but moved down to Florida at the beginning of October so it was currently unoccupied until he found a new occupant or my lease was up in February. I had told Dillon that I would pay until the end of this year so he didn't have to worry too much about getting a new renter immediately.

I found the key on my keychain that I kept in the glove compartment of my car and headed up to the second floor. It was strange walking back into this apartment after the last 10 months. I had never thought anything I currently had was even remotely possible a year ago. I thought about all of the memories, good and bad as I walked through the apartment. I finally found the Pink Zinnia attached to the shower curtain. This note had pretty colorful flowers painted on them so I knew it was from Julie.

Stephanie aka Mom, Thank you for being the best mom a girl could ask for. I know you probably had no intention of being more than a potential step mom at the beginning of this year but I am so happy you got the opportunity to be more. Even before we made it official you were there for me, cared for me, loved me. Heck you had my back before I even met you and I could not be more grateful to have you in my life. Your next clue is where your love with my Dad began. Love, Jules

P.S. Lula said to bring a bucket of chicken.

I laughed about the chicken before I locked up and headed to Cluck in a Bucket to get Lunch for Lula and Connie. When I got to the office we spent an hour eating lunch and talking. Connie had a new boyfriend who was a detective in the FBI and Lula and Tank were in the process of adding an addition to their home so I got all the updates. Once the bucket was finished Connie went behind her desk and pulled out a dark red carnation and a note from the drawer she kept her nail polish and gun in.

Babe, You've said that you often feel that we are connected in some way greater than the earth we walk on could explain leaving our destiny to the cosmos. You've explained it as a shock to your fingers when we touch or a tingle down your spine or at the back of your neck when I am near. Well my love it's not just you. For me it's an unexplainable force that allows me to know where you are or when you might be in danger. I have learned that I cannot breathe unless my mental tingle is satisfied that you are safe and happy. The many moments we have spent both inside the bonds office or in the alley have been what kept me going until the completion of my government work. It is you Babe only you that I think about sharing my life with. So do me a favor and head to the final destination of this birthday scavenger hunt. Go to the place where I became the Henry Higgins to your Eliza Dolittle. Love, Carlos

I was crying by the time I finished the note as I realized what this hunt was most likely leading too. I took a moment to gather myself before I headed out to the car and then headed to the same downtown cafe I first met Carlos three years ago. I walked in expecting the normal hustle and bustle of the cafe only to find no one there. It was empty except the lights were dimmed and there were candles everywhere along with bouquets of flowers that matched all of the flowers I had already gotten today.

Carlos was sitting in the back corner booth where we had first met in a new Armani suit with a tie that perfectly matched my eyes. He made his way over and embraced me in a hug before placing a kiss on my lips. He broke away before things could get too heated and took my hand leading me towards the first vase.

"Red roses symbolizing beauty, courage, and romance all things you possess and all the things we have together." He explained before we moved to the next vase with daisies.

"Daisies symbolizing Joy and new beginnings. This year is just the beginning but the insurmountable joy your have brought to me, our children, and our chosen families this year make me that happiest man on the planet and I can't wait for what the feature holds." We continued towards the sunflowers.

"Sunflowers symbolizing loyalty and adoration. I am so proud of you Babe everything you have accomplish this year and even before that is admirable and I would be stupid not to commit to you as you have already done to me. Your loyalty to me and my company over the past three years are what have kept this company together and I couldn't ever thank you enough for the light you have brought to all our lives." I was crying now so Carlos paused his speech to hand me his pocket hankie so I could blow my nose for the next vase the White lilies.

"White lilies or pure love and new chapters. This is someday Babe it's you and me embarking on this new chapter of marriage, kids, and a growing security empire. I promise to love you unconditionally and always be honest and respectful. The Pink Zinnia represents friendship as it is the basis of all relationships including ours. The tulips represent motherhood and the love between a mother and her children which I have watched you show to Julie and Jamie. Finally the carnations specifically being this dark red symbolize the deep love and affection I have for you." The last vase was sitting on the table of the back booth and as he finished his beautiful speech about the flowers he took both of my hands in his and knelt down on one knee.

"Stephanie Michelle Plum I love you. Always have and Always will. Will you do me the and be my wife, mother of my children, and lover for all of eternity?" He opened the ring box to show the most drop dead gorgeous ring I have ever seen in my entire life.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" I squealed as I sank down to my knees. He slipped the ring on my finger as happy tears poured from eyes. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him thoroughly before pulling back to look at the ring more closely.

"Carlos this is absolutely stunning but are you absolutely sure about this ring? It must cost a fortune. I'm not sure I should be wearing something this big. Seriously you could've gotten me a ring pop and I still would have said yes. I love you so much Ricardo Carlos Ranger Manoso."

"Babe." Was all he said indicating that it wasn't up for discussion and this was the ring he wanted me to have and where for as long as I shall live.

"Come on Babe we got somewhere to be and he took my hand lifting me off knees and directed me out the door." Hopefully he had someone to come pick up the flowers and blow out all those candles. "Don't worry about it Babe." He whispered in my ear as we headed to his Porsche 911 after correctly guessing my thoughts.

"Where are we going?" I asked after settling in.

"A party at Rossinis" Carlos replied.

"What I'm not dressed for that!"

"Relax Babe I got it covered we're gonna do this and it's gonna be good"

LPOV

"Hurry up! They're almost here!" I called into my com so Bobby and Tank could get the last piece into place before Ranger and Stephanie graced us with their present and hopefully an exciting announcement.

We had spent all morning helping Ranger prep for the big proposal including arranging flowers and candles at the diner for the big question to be popped. Then we spent the afternoon here at Rossinis getting their private back room ready for Stephanie's surprise birthday and engagement party. We knew it might be risky to rope both parties into one but then we remembered the likelihood of Stephanie saying no to Ranger was lower than one of us getting attacked by a penguin in New Jersey aka practically zero.

"Done" Bobby said over the com.

"Everyone they are pulling up!" I announced to the room of people here for the party. Cal hit the lights and Hector hit record on his camera to record the big moment. The doors to the backroom opened a minute later and Stephanie walked in with Ranger following.

"Happy Birthday Stephanie!" Everyone shouted after Cal hit the lights. We opted not to shout surprise since we figured Stephanie would already know that this party would be happening.

Stephanie was positively glowing so when she lifted her hand to show off the giant rock on her finger the room erupted into cheers and whistles again. Julie and Jamie rushed up to their parents congratulating them and telling them how much they loved them. I took Bobby's hand in mine watching the sweet moment and leaned over to whisper in his ear.

"I want one." I said, placing a light kiss on his cheek.

He used his hand and turned my head towards his. "Like a kid?"

"Yeah why not? We already have the house we just need a kid maybe a few and a dog or a cat or both we could be a family."

"We already are a family even without all of that but yes if that's what you want then I will find you a child."

"Thank you" I said before we walked over to congratulate the happy couple and wish Steph a happy birthday.

The evening was a joyous affair similar to Ranger's party. We went around the room and all gave the couple well wishes and told Steph how much we loved her. Dinner was served and included many of Stephs favorites including fettuccine alfredo with chicken and sausage, lasagna, baked spaghetti, a fish option mostly for Ranger, and salads for everyone. For dessert an entire dessert table was wheeled out with several different cakes including pineapple upside down, chocolate mousse, and red velvet. There were also cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, and an ice cream sundae bar. Ranger had really gone all out for the party and everyone enjoyed the company.

After dinner Ranger rolled out a big throne like chair placing it in the front of the room directing Steph to sit in it. Then he set up a microphone stand for the speeches. Ranger went first telling everyone in the room how proud he was of Steph and what a wonderful human, mother, and person she was. He then presented her with a beautiful diamond and blue sapphire bracelet before giving her a kiss and taking a seat on a chair identical to hers that he wheeled out for him so he could hold her hand.

Julie and Jamie were next Julie told everyone how much Steph has helped her in the months since she joined their family and how happy she was to be part of our big Trenton family. Then Julie helped Jamie tell his parents how much he loved them and enjoyed playing with them, Julie, and his dogies. They gave her their presents Julie gave her a beautifully painted picture of some flowers and Jamie gave her some homemade crafts of his own before climbing into her lap

Stephanie's family went next and it was the first time I think I have ever heard her mother say something nice to her youngest daughter. She told her how happy she was that Ranger and her were getting married and that she was proud of the woman and mother she had become. Her dad echoed the statements and finished by telling his pumpkin how happy he was that she was finally flying. They gave the happy couple a nice vase for their home from her grandma plums estate.

Stephanie's Grandma, sister and nieces went next followed by Mary Lou, Connie, and Lula. Ella and Ranger's family gave their kind words next before we reached the Rangemen. The gifts ranged from regular things like gift cards and items she could use to decorate her office or apartment to more extreme things like paintball and skydiving sessions.

The weirdest was Mooner and Dougie though who gave Stephanie a bust of Ranger's head. Not sure where she will be putting that or how they even got the pictures to have that made but it was actually kinda cool I might propose we put it in the control room. The sweetest sentiments had to be from Hector and Manny when they announced their relationship as their gift to Stephanie who apparently set them up and has been a great supporter of their relationship. After the speeches were done the night ended with some dancing and late night pizza.