Cheating and divorce is a very sensitive subject to many. I've never been married, so no divorce for me. However, I have seen first hand in my line of work how messy divorces can get. If the financial side is a shitshow, I can only imagine how bad all the other aspects are.
Here's a little bonus continuation for this.
Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE. Typos are my bad.
Hal's POV
"Bomber, you ready?" I asked as I sidled up to her cubicle, watching as she saved her final notes on the latest report she ran for Rodriguez before sending the secure file to him via the software Hector co-created.
"Yes!" Stephanie shot up from her chair, clipping her utility belt in the process. Because it's hot out, neither of us have a jacket to shrug on over our Rangeman T-shirts. Today, Bomber's not wearing one of Ranger's shirts, so she's sporting more of a fitted look that showcases how slim she actually is. I've heard her complain that she's not 'small' yet amongst us she is. If any one of us were to stand behind her, you would be able to see a lot of our body on either side of hers. It's an irrefutable fact.
The gun strapped to her right thigh gives me a sense of peace. Sometimes an FTA just needs to have visual reminders not to fuck with The Stephanie Plum. It's in a skip's best interest to comply when Stephanie Plum comes knocking. Bossman doesn't like it when she gets hurt and neither do we.
"Yo, Bomber, looking good. Headed somewhere fun?" Ram asked as we passed his cubicle on our way to nab one slimy repeat offender FTA.
"Uhm..." Grinning, her blue eyes sparkled knowingly. "Yes." She made a sweeping gesture with her right hand, making it obvious that she's wearing a Rangeman T-shirt and cargo pants. "We're on our way to nab a FTA with an audience." Shrugging, Bomber's accepted the fact the moment she steps foot outside she's got a captive audience. I swear even famous celebs have less paparazzi on their tail than Bomber does with the Burg and its residents.
"We'll forward any good videos we run across." Ram said knockingly, wishing us luck.
"He just jinxed us, huh?" Stephanie asked as we rode the elevator down from the fifth floor. Shrugging, I figured it was a fifty-fifty chance she called it.
With me behind the wheel, Bomber read off her notes. She suggested that given the time, there was a huge probability that we could catch our FTA at home.
"Pietsch is likely still sleeping off last night's bender." Bomber murmured as I turned left on Hamilton. I nodded in agreement since Hans Pietsch has a long history with alcohol abuse.
I meandered through residential streets until we reached Pietsch's block, right at the edge of the Burg.
"It's showtime." Bomber flashed me a dazzling smile before she opened her door and angled out of our fleet SUV.
Perhaps I imagined it, but she was moving as gracefully as celebrities on a red carpet do. If anyone is snapping photos right now, Stephanie is going to look photogenic as fuck. In fact, she may be doing it on purpose just to mess with the Burg grapevine instigators. They hate not getting a snapshot of Bomber in distress. It's been a cool minute since they've had any disasters to talk about. The Burg has been buzzing with Mary Anne's divorce, obviously shifting the blame on Stephanie, but aside from that they've had nothing for months. They're all antsy to get something juicy.
Stephanie delivered three solid knocks on the front door while we both stood on either side of it for safety reasons. From the corner of my eye I caught movement of the curtains on the house next door. Bomber glanced at me, quickly rolling her eyes, indicating that she too was aware of our surroundings.
"What?!" Pietsch flung the wooden door open, peering out at us sporting a scrunched up expression. He's wearing what has to be yesterday's clothes, sans pants, from the wrinkled look of his shirt, his breath still releasing boozy odors.
"My name is Stephanie Plum…" Bomber gave him the usual spiel she's perfected over the years. I let her take the lead, watching with fascination for whatever's going to happen next. With Bomber, something will always happen. Always.
"Who's gonna make me?" Pietsch grumbled, his mean mug making an appearance. He's gearing up to turn combative. Here we go!
"Me." Bomber jabbed a thumb at her chest, which only served to make Pietsch shift his focus to her breasts.
"What's in it for me if I go willingly, sweetheart?" Pietsch asked her breasts, a very obvious reaction tenting his boxer briefs. It was not a pretty sight.
"Eww! No." Stephanie grimaced, shaking her head vehemently. "Best I can do is get you the mother of all hangover cures. Take it or leave it."
He mulled it over for several extremely long beats, his beady eyes laser focused on Stephanie's breasts. She snapped her fingers in front of his face to get him to look at her face. No luck. Pietsch is very obviously infatuated with Bomber's, uhm, bosom.
"Supersized?" His eyes were still locked on her chest, but it's obvious the offer had some appeal to him. I guess the whole Burg knows what Stephanie swears is the best hangover cure. He's intrigued at least.
"I don't think that's still a thing." Stephanie tilted her head as she thought about it for a second. "Yeah, no. Hasn't been for a long time."
"Fine. A large will do." Pietsch muttered, stepping out onto the rickety porch.
Bomber was quick to cuff his hands behind his back while I closed the front door.
"Ohhhmmmmm." Pietsch let out a string of low guttural moans as soon as Bomber touched him.
"Did he just…" Shuddering, Bomber couldn't finish that disturbing thought. Refusing to peer around Pietsch to confirm her suspicion was a great choice. Looks like he's got a thing for cuffs, because it didn't take much for him to jizz his underwear. Jesus.
"Yes." I answered regardless, noting the sticky, wet patch on Pietsch's underwear. It was some unsightly shit that even I didn't want to see.
"Gross." Stephanie muttered as she guided him down the steps and towards our SUV, barely touching his T-shirt covered shoulder with the tips of her fingers.
Suppressing an audible gag, she managed to get him situated in the back seat. Of course, I took over shackling the sick fucker's feet to the floor. I didn't trust him not to try some disgusting vulgar shit while Bomber was bent near his crotch. My warning that I'd shoot him if he tried any funny business sunk in quicker than his first drink of the day.
The drive to the TPD was uneventful. We were in and out within minutes. Thankfully, no one verbalized the obvious state of Pietsch, simply arching their eyebrows in surprise as we passed by. I'm sure this is already trending on the grapevine.
"I'm going to need a disinfectant shower ASAP!" Bomber shuddered in disgust as we made the trek back to our SUV. Shaking my head, I agreed.
"I'll detail our ride while you shower." My smile tore one from her as I backed out of our parking spot.
S&R
Ranger's POV
The need to be back in the building isn't one I had before Babe, especially once she and I officially started our Someday. Being in the field is preferable to most of us at Rangeman. As the boss, I have more administrative duties that tend to keep me sitting behind a desk for longer than I'd like. Having Babe not just in my life, but also working at Rangeman, gives some perks to being stuck in the building at times. Yet, I'll never pass up an opportunity to be out in the field.
After checking in with Tank and the control room, I was finally able to call it a day. An emergency had me rolling out of bed before my usual wake up time this morning, leading to a long, hectic day out of the building.
Taking the stairs, I quickly made my way to my penthouse from the fifth floor. Stealthily, I closed and relocked the apartment's front door. Setting my keys in the silver bowl on the sideboard, I listened for signs of Babe. She was scheduled to go out with Hal for a takedown earlier today. I received the all clear when she and Hal delivered our FTA to the TPD, followed by a flirty photo of Babe when she returned to the building and came straight to seven for a quick shower. Well, Stephanie smiling cheekily, her eyes a bright blue shade, made me itch to see her. Not wanting to leave a scene that would ensure an interruption sometime down the line, I kept my head in the game.
Muffled humming sounds floated out of the kitchen, giving away her position. Continuing my undetected approach, I removed my full utility belt along the way. Leaving my belt and my secured Glock on the dining table we almost never use, my boot clad feet propelled me further.
The moment I entered the kitchen, I was enveloped in everything Babe. Even before I rounded the island, I was sucked into her orbit. A full body vibration unleashed simply by being in close proximity to the woman that barged into my life one day, burning down every rule I had in place regarding relationships in her wake.
Bent at the waist, I found Stephanie rummaging in the fridge. Arching an eyebrow, I closed the distance between us.
"Ah!" Her yelp was loud as it reverberated around us as my arms slipped around her waist from behind. "Ranger!" Despite her outraged tone, her arms automatically wrapped around my neck once she turned around in my arms.
"Babe." Holding her close, I gave her a proper greeting. Pressing my lips to her parted ones, it was her tongue that sought mine out. As our kiss intensified, my hands roamed across her lower back until I reached her ass. Giving the globes several squeezes had Stephanie moaning against my mouth.
"I missed you today." Babe murmured as we broke for air, immediately nibbling on my bottom lip. As soon as I lifted her onto the counter, her long legs wrapped around my waist as soon as her bottom made contact with the hard surface.
Before I kissed her again, I too admitted that I missed her. Thanks to the tank top and tiny pajama shorts she's got on there's a lot of bare skin for my greedy hands to explore as we caught up.
In between kisses, we shared the highlight of our work day. To combat a foul interaction with her FTA, Babe has a treat from Mary Anne to help turn her day around.
"Her divorce finalized today, so Mary A baked us a Thank You cake. Mmm." Swiping a finger across the slice next to where she's sitting, Stephanie licked the frosting off her forefinger while keeping her vibrant blue eyes locked with mine. She's playing with fire.
"Us?" Arching an eyebrow, I patiently awaited her explanation. Taking the opportunity of Babe being distracted, an idea came to mind.
"Well, I was supposed to share with the guys, but I figured we could enjoy it more." Sheepishly, Stephanie explained she got Hal and Lester a replacement treat.
Before Stephanie, I didn't consider cake to be an aphrodisiac. However, feeding Stephanie frosting roses shifted my stance. In the aftermath of Scrog, we weren't ready to take the plunge. Now, I'll never be able to picture life without her ever again.
Connected by an invisible string, our movements were in sync. At the same exact time, we fed each other a swipe of frosting. At that moment, I had a flash of Stephanie wearing a white dress at our wedding as we fed each other cake as husband and wife.
"Holy shit." Babe murmured after she swirled her tongue around my finger to ensure not an ounce of frosting went to waste. "You had the same vision, didn't you?" With wide eyes, Stephanie searched my face for confirmation.
"Babe." Cupping her face in my hands, I kissed her deeply. "Yes, I too had the same vision. And yes, I want to marry you, Stephanie." My confession was said against her lips while we clutched each other tightly.
"I do too." Spearing her fingers through my hair, Babe kissed me like our life depended on it.
With Babe's arms and legs wrapped tightly around me, I walked us back to our bedroom to celebrate a new deal. We've never done things in a socially acceptable order.
S&R
Mary Anne's POV
"Need help?" A masculine voice asked before I even opened the hatch door of my SUV.
Glancing over my shoulder, I spotted none other than Lester. He's unmistakable, with his green eyes and flirty smile.
"Uh, sure." Smiling, I thanked him for his help. Mary Lou texted me a few minutes ago to give me the heads up that they were about to leave the courthouse. I should have been here half an hour ago, but I underestimated how long it would take me to bake and prep a three tier cake.
"They're ten minutes out. We have time." Smiling wide, my heart nearly missed a beat when Lester aimed his killer grin my way.
"Perfect." I sighed with relief, grateful when Hal joined the mix so that we could get everything in one trip.
Living through the worst moment of my life felt like the end, but thankfully I had awesome supporters in my corner. My cousin Mary Lou was obviously there for me. Stephanie too, despite the shit the Burg grapevine spewed as they stirred up her past with Dickie.
"Thank you." I said to the men once we finished stacking the cake tiers and I added the finishing touches to it. Instead of a traditional cake topper, the men somehow got their hands on a Batman and Wonder Woman themed one. It's unique and so very fitting for the couple.
"No problem." Lester said, his eyes turning serious as he held my gaze.
Peter tried to be difficult in the beginning of our divorce journey, even going as far as turning violent. I had Stephanie on speed dial by that point, calling her instead of the police. Peter loves to boast how well connected he is in this town. Or was, I suppose. I'm positive that Ranger, his men, Stephanie, or all of them together had a little 'chat' with my now ex husband, because after that incident he cooperated fully. He did a full one-eighty flip very early on in our process. Our uncontested divorce had a speedy conclusion, leaving me with more than I was expecting. It must have killed Peter to have to let me keep the house, my car, his precious boat and half of all of his accounts, including the retirement ones. He may try to stir trouble for me somewhere down the line, wanting to enact revenge for a very public humiliation and the black eyes he sported after Stephanie and company chatted with him, but for now I've severed all ties with him.
"They're here." A man with a tattoo on his forehead gave us the heads up.
We all huddled in the hallway facing the elevator. When the doors slid open, Stephanie glanced at our crowd.
"Oh, you're all here." Laughing nervously, she unloaded the elevator holding hands with Ranger.
Dressed in an off shoulder white lace pattern dress that ended at mid thigh, Stephanie looks absolutely stunning. With her high heels, she's closer to Ranger's height. He too dressed up for the occasion, sporting black slacks, a black dress shirt and a fitted suit jacket. They look great together.
Behind the happy couple, my cousin Mary Lou and the big guy I've heard Stephanie call Tank, followed.
"So, uhm, we have some news to share." Stephanie said, clearing her throat to get everyone's attention. "Nos casamos!" Lifting their hands, she showcased their new jewelry.
My Spanish is rusty, but I'm pretty sure she just announced that they just tied the knot. To confirm my suspicion, a round of applause and loud cheers filled the space.
"Congrats!" I said with all the flair I could muster, wheeling with the help of Ella the wedding cake I am honored to have baked for them. Stephanie deserves to be happy and I'm glad she found the right man for her, one that doesn't try to make her conform to outdated Burg ideals.
"You all knew!" Stephanie flicked her tear filled blue eyes across the hall, emotion hitting her full force.
"Yes. That information is public, you know." Lester beamed, smiling cheekily.
"Yeah, we got contacts too!" Another man shouted from somewhere behind me.
"Guys…" Stephanie fanned her face, attempting to hold back the tears. "…you're gonna make me cry." Blowing out a breath, her curls brushed her bare shoulders as she tilted her head back to keep the tears from flowing freely.
"Are we getting some cake or what?" A familiar voice asked as she weaved through the crowd of muscular men. "I'm not getting any younger." Stephanie's grandma declared, smiling as she enveloped her youngest granddaughter in a tight hug.
We watched the couple cut the first slice, feeding it to each other in the most seductive way I've ever seen. I didn't even know eating cake could be that hot. Wow!
While Stephanie and Ranger continued to have a full blown conversation with just their eyes, completely oblivious to the rest of us, Ella and I cut the rest of the cake. Passing slices around took less time thanks to the men's organized help.
The atmosphere was refreshing. Everyone is happy for Stephanie and Ranger. I guess they've seen up close what the Burg only got snippets of. These two have serious chemistry. I'm surprised it took them so long to be together officially.
"Mmmm." Lester groaned loudly, causing several heads to turn his way. "This cake is so good." Shoving another huge forkful into his mouth, Lester told Stephanie that she was right. "It is moist and spongy." His handsome features were enhanced by the happy dance he did as he swallowed his next bite.
"It's very good." Stephanie declared, mouthing a thank you at me before she took another bite of her slice. She doesn't know that I made a smaller version of their wedding cake just for her and Ranger to share in private. A little birdy told me that they have a thing for cake. Ella took it up to their apartment while I was busy assembling the main cake with the men's help.
"Yeah, you should think about doing this professionally." One of the guys said to me.
"Yes! It's so good that my throat is all tingly." We all snapped our heads in Lester's direction with his declaration. "What?" He asked in confusion as he was in the process of getting another forkful. "Hey!" Narrowing his eyes, he glared at me when I smacked the plate from his big, strong hands.
"Dude, your throat is not supposed to feel tingly." Someone said to Lester.
"Do you have any allergies?" I raked my eyes over his muscular form, not seeing an overly visual allergic reaction. I didn't have a heads up on whether or not anyone at Rangeman had any food allergies.
"I dunno." Lester shrugged, his voice sounding a bit hoarse.
"Bobby!" Steph hollered as all activity stopped abruptly.
"I'm here." Bobby, I presume given the medical kit in his hand, took over.
Nervously, I listed off every ingredient I used. "The frosting is Italian Meringue Buttercream." Maybe Lester is allergic to one of the big eight, however, how could he not know?
"I'm so sorry." I said to Stephanie and Ranger, feeling like crap for ruining their happy celebration on their very special day..
"It's not your fault." Stephanie assured me, draping an arm across my shoulders as a way to comfort me.
"Will you bake me a get well cake?" Lester asked, causing several men to murmur around us. Stephanie, though, rolled her eyes.
"If he's flirting, he's fine." Tank's booming voice declared as Bobby finished his assessment. All in all, Lester's getting some antihistamines and will be monitored closely. I'm sure an allergy test is in his near future. It's not the first time I hear of someone developing an allergy in adulthood.
"Wanna be my nurse?" Lester asked me, mustering a weak smile. Yes, he's a flirt through and through.
"Sure." Stephanie's grandma stepped up to the plate, causing Lester's eyes to widen in absolute horror. "I always wanted to be a sexy nurse like in the movies."
"No! I feel better already." Hiding behind Bobby, Lester must be familiar with Edna Mazur's wandering hands. Ha!
Baring Lester's minor allergy scare, the rest of the small gathering flowed easily.
"Congrats." I said to Stephanie as I gave her a hug before parting ways. She's got a sexy date with her husband.
"Thank you." Stephanie waved until I was out of the underground garage, her big, silent husband standing right by her side. Aww.
As I entered the Burg, I couldn't help but burst out laughing. When the grapevine finds out that Stephanie is married to none other than Ranger, it's going to collapse. Hahaha! After all the shit they talked about her, going as far as to say that she'd never find a husband after her scandalous divorce to Orr. Now, she's the one laughing and having a good time. As she should.
Entering the home I shared with my husband, I got to working so I could reclaim the space as mine. I've already removed every photo I had of us together. That was the first step of my new beginning.
Love doesn't die all at once. It gets smothered little by little. For Stephanie and her Batman, they're on a quest to achieve the complete opposite. Mr and Mrs Mañoso have experience keeping their love alive despite the seemingly endless obstacles. They'll make it. I'm sure of it.
As for me, I'll get there eventually. A whole new world is at my fingertips.
