Stephanie waited on the roof of Rangeman Miami for Carlos to return. She received a message from her dad indicating they were coming home. The four men were neutralized, and nobody would search for their bodies.
The flight to Trenton would leave the following afternoon. Ace and Jag needed to refuel their helicopter, complete the post-flight maintenance and refuel the chopper for another trip. Their plane was ready to fly, but couldn't get approval to leave immediately. Everyone had to spend the night in Miami.
Frank talked to his buddy, General Derek Rogers, who created a mission that included Erik, Bones, Chas and Pete. They went to "Colombia" to infiltrate a compound in an undercover operative. It wouldn't take long for the men to get caught and die. None of the soldiers who died in Colombia got returned to their families. They got listed as missing in action for the family to receive the life insurance money.
General Rogers reached out to the men's handler and learned they went renegade on every mission for the past three years. James Bones, Erik Brown, Charles (Chas) Jamieson and Pete Harrington should have been reported by their commanding officer. Rogers ran a hand down his face and shook his head.
It was time to move General Pickering to another department. Pickering wanted to manage the Rangers Alpha Team. Rogers worked hard to get that prestige. However, Manoso worked as a mercenary. Thankfully, Manoso didn't work for the enemy factions. His loyalty was to America. Pickering wanted Manoso to sign for another term with the Rangers.
Manoso was nearing the age where men ended their special operatives and moved into other management roles within the military. Rogers knew Manoso wasn't interested in a lifetime career in the Army. It was time to train new men to take over the roles.
Inside Rangeman Miami, Ranger and Stephanie went to the basement, carrying the bags to incinerate. Marco tried to take over. Ranger glared and insisted it was his responsibility. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. I can't let you pass," Marco told Stephanie when she tried to follow Ranger off the elevator on the bottom level.
"Whatever do you mean?" Stephanie sarcastically asked, covering her neck with her left hand.
"You don't belong here," Marco replied. "Only Rangeman employees are allowed."
Stephanie stood to her full height and leaned into Marco. "I work for Rangeman in Trenton. My contract got filed with Tank Sherman," Stephanie said, shoving a finger into Marco's chest. "My name is Stephanie Plum. You must be Marco, the Miami manager?"
"Yes," Marco replied, taking a step back. He didn't want to piss off Ranger. "Please excuse the confusion, Ma'am."
"Please, call me Stephanie," she replied. "Now, I need to go." Stephanie pointed to the incineration room. Marco used his fob to unlock the door. He held it open for Stephanie to enter.
"Babe?" Carlos asked.
"Sorry, I got held up. Marco was doing his job and prevented an unknown person from entering the room. We have everything worked out," Stephanie explained.
Carlos checked the incinerator before leaving the room with his hand on Stephanie's lower back. He closed the door behind them and confirmed it was locked. Ranger raised a brow as he walked past Marco.
"I didn't know," Marco whispered as they stopped outside the elevator doors.
Stephanie looked over her shoulder and caught Ranger's eye. She pleaded to let it go. Ranger's eyes softened, and Stephanie knew Marco was safe for another day. "We're letting it go this time, but don't be stupid again," Stephanie warned.
Marco stepped onto the elevator with Stephanie and Ranger. Hector snuck inside and shoved Marco to the wall. "Don't disrespect my sister," Hector growled, speaking Spanish. Marco gulped.
"Lo siento," Marco replied. (I'm sorry). Hector tightened his grip on Marco's arm, pulling it higher against his back, straining the shoulder.
Stephanie touched Hector's cheek. He leaned into her touch before releasing his grip on Marco's arm. "Gracias, mi hermano," Stephanie whispered. (Thank you, my brother.)
Ranger and Stephanie exited the elevator on the garage level. He guided Stephanie to his car, then helped her climb inside. They drove to a house on the beach, a few doors away from Abuela Rosa's home. "Where are we?" Stephanie asked.
"I live here whenever I'm in Miami. Abuela Rosa lives in the white one-story house up the road," Carlos explained. "We'll visit her tomorrow. I want to spend the day alone with my wife."
Stephanie giggled when Carlos scooped her from the car and carried her over the threshold. He didn't release Stephanie as he locked the door and set the alarm. Carlos took her to their bedroom. He gently dropped her on the bed, then stripped. Stephanie was confused when he turned away, displaying his perfect ass. "Where are you going?" she asked.
"To take a shower," Carlos replied. "Care to join me?"
She jumped off the bed and quickly shed her clothes. Carlos didn't have to ask her twice. He was good in the shower.
They took turns washing each other before Carlos pinned Stephanie to the wall. He lifted her by the thighs and pushed inside her. "Dios, Babe. I love you," Carlos moaned.
"Ahhh. I love you," Stephanie replied before shattering. Carlos held her to the cold tiles and moaned through his release. He gently released her, ensuring she could support the weight on her shaky legs. Carlos washed away the bodily fluids before turning off the water.
He dried Stephanie using the oversized towel before wrapping it around her body. Carlos wrapped another towel around his waist, tucking the corner into the waist to hold it in place. They brushed their teeth before going to bed.
Stephanie tugged the towel covering Carlos, then let hers fall to the floor. "I can't get enough of you," Carlos growled. Stephanie could relate. She seemed insatiable.
Carlos plunged into her warmth. Every thrust of his hips drove her to the brink of insanity. She convulsed as her orgasm ripped through her body. Carlos grunted her name as he spilled inside Stephanie. She felt the heat of his semen slide from inside and pooling beneath her ass.
The gentleness of his touch and the passion for making love made Stephanie needy. She hooked her leg over his hip. Carlos pulled her on top of him, slipping back inside. They made love several times during the night.
Stephanie and Carlos visited Abuela Rosa the following morning. Rosa loved Stephanie and welcomed her into the family. "You will bear many hijos for my grandson," Rosa said as Stephanie sipped her coffee. Stephanie choked on her drink.
"Um. Carlos and I never discussed having children," Stephanie said. She thought about Ranger's offer a few years earlier. He would give her a baby if that were what she wanted. Stephanie felt stupid. Carlos loved Stephanie enough to consider procreating with her.
"Babe?" Carlos asked. She interpreted it as, "Do you want my children?"
"Yes," Stephanie replied. She had never wanted children before that moment. Stephanie imagined her body expanding as the life she created with Carlos grew inside her.
"It's settled," Rosa announced.
"What's settled?" Stephanie asked.
"You will give me four nietos," Rosa replied. Stephanie smiled as she imagined four mini-Rangers running around Rangeman, ordering the men around. Rosa tapped Stephanie's arm, understanding where her granddaughter-in-law's mind went.
Stephanie helped Rosa clean up after breakfast despite Rosa's protests. It was the least Stephanie could do after Rosa made them eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes and muffins. Rosa cooked too much food for them.
"Thank you for breakfast," Stephanie said, hugging Rosa.
"De nada," she replied.
Carlos hugged his Abuela before escorting Stephanie to his car. They planned to meet the others at the private airfield, where Ace and Jag waited to fly them home to Trenton. Stephanie was nervous as they neared their destination.
"Babe, are you worried about having children?" Carlos asked.
She replied, "No. I kind of liked the picture Abuela Rosa painted." Stephanie smiled, then described the image of their two sons ruling the men in Rangeman Trenton. She grimaced when her mother popped into her mind.
"Helen's opinion doesn't matter to me. I have your father's approval," Carlos said. He parked the car and turned off the engine. Carlos released their seatbelts. He pulled Stephanie onto his lap. After kissing Stephanie, Carlos rested his forehead against hers.
"Mom won't accept our marriage. She wanted me to marry a proper Burg man and raise his hellions like a proper Burg woman while ignoring his mistresses. I'm not cut out for that life," Stephanie explained. "All my life, I tried to win her approval. Marrying you isn't what Helen Plum wants for her youngest daughter. What would the neighbours think?"
"Babe, I don't care about what your mother wants. Your opinion and what you want is all that matters to me. I love you. We're travelling this road together. Whether we have children or decide to be a family of two is our decision alone," Carlos replied.
"Do you?" Stephanie asked. "Want more children?"
"Only with you," Carlos answered. Stephanie smiled. She kissed him before opening the driver's side door and sliding out.
Carlos grabbed his duffle from the trunk. He never went anywhere without his gear. Carlos nodded at Frank, Edmond Gazarra and Joe Juniak before sitting beside Stephanie.
"Fasten your seatbelts," Jag announced as Ace started the engines. "We're gearing to takeoff."
Stephanie gripped Ranger's hand as the airplane lifted off the ground. Ranger knew Stephanie feared flying, though her fear only centred around takeoff and landing. He stroked her thumb with his until the plane levelled at its cruising altitude. Carlos kissed Stephanie's fingers when she relaxed.
"Shit! We forgot Paws," Stephanie exclaimed.
"I've got him," Lester replied, lifting the cage he trapped between his feet.
"Whew. Thanks, Lester. Ranger and I got caught up in other things," Stephanie said, blushing when she thought about what kept them preoccupied.
Lester teased Stephanie, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. Stephanie tried to swat his arm but missed. Catching onto her plan, Hector smacked Lester in the back of the head.
Frank observed the men teasing his youngest daughter. He knew they loved her. "How do you think Helen would react to their marriage?" Gazarra asked, pointing to the rings adorning Stephanie's hand.
"It's hard to predict," Frank replied. "Helen surprised me before. She wanted Pumpkin to give up her BEA job, but when push came to shove, Helen ran over a bunny who chased after our daughter. Helen got the car detailed the following morning. I couldn't understand how she damaged the grill."
"Was it that man who wore a rabbit costume to scare your daughter?" Juniak asked.
"Yes. Helen would do anything to protect our children and grandchildren. It was the first time Helen had killed someone. She had nightmares for months. I don't want Helen forcing Stephanie into divorcing Manoso to marry some asshole from the Burg. None of those men are good enough for my daughter," Frank replied.
"Manoso had a reputation before meeting your daughter," Juniak said. "He stopped flirting with women soon after teaching your daughter how to become a bounty hunter. Joyce and Terry never had what Manoso wanted. Your youngest daughter holds his heart."
Carlos smiled at Juniak's observation and nodded at the man. Stephanie caught her godfather's eye and winked. She cuddled closer to Carlos and closed her eyes.
Stephanie's dreams were magical and realistic. She tried to remember every detail when Carlos woke her up three hours later. Unfortunately, the only part of the dream Stephanie remembered was eating a meatball sub at Pino's.
"I could use a meatball sub," Stephanie said, stretching away the effects of her nap.
Frank waited for the plane to land before calling Helen. He asked Helen, Edna, Valerie and the children to meet them at Pino's for dinner.
Lester grinned when Stephanie's stomach grumbled. He sent a group text message for the others to meet them at Pino's for pizza, subs and beer.
As Stephanie walked past Ace, sitting in the pilot's seat, she asked, "Did you file the marriage certificate?"
"Yes. I filed the electronic copy while waiting for the men to complete their mission," Ace replied. "Are you announcing it today?"
"It seems that way," Stephanie replied. "Once you park your baby in the hangar, meet us at Pino's." Carlos interrupted and said Rodriguez and Hector would drive them. Hector arranged for Cal, Hal and Binkie to provide vehicles for everyone.
Frank, Edmond and Joe would take one vehicle. Carlos, Stephanie and Lester had the second SUV, leaving the third one for Hector, Rodriguez, Ace and Jag. The drive to Pino's was quiet as Stephanie thought about Helen's reaction to marrying Carlos. Her father was right. Helen would either be furious or pleased. There was no happy middle ground.
Stephanie entered Pino's, holding Ranger's hand. She drew courage from his strength. Helen rushed forward, pulling Stephanie into her arms. "I heard what those men did to you," Helen whispered.
"I'm okay, Mom," Stephanie awkwardly said.
"I had to see for myself," Helen replied. Stephanie raised her left hand to brush the hair behind her ear. Helen grinned as she grabbed Stephanie's hand. "Carlos?"
"Yes."
"Thank God," Helen replied.
"Mom, what?" Stephanie asked.
"Stephanie, I only wanted you to decide and commit to Carlos or Joseph. I hoped Carlos would see what was in front of his face," Helen replied. She looked over her shoulder to glance at Carlos. "He loves you."
"I love him too," Stephanie confessed. Helen grinned and hugged Stephanie again before welcoming Carlos to the family.
Stephanie couldn't stop smiling when her Merry Men arrived for dinner. Carlos excused himself to speak to the owner. He asked Pino to charge his group's meals to his Rangeman account. Pino smiled and promised to send the bill to Rangeman for payment.
Carlos returned to the tables everyone had pushed together and announced, "Dinner and drinks are on me tonight." The Merry Men cheered while Frank and the others thanked Carlos for his generosity.
Eddie, Carl Costanza, Robin Russell and Big Dog arrived to share in the festivities. Carlos added their meals to the tab. They congratulated Stephanie and Carlos on their marriage.
Stephanie ordered tiramisu for dessert. She insisted anyone who wanted dessert should ask for it. Carlos raised an eyebrow. "Hey, this is the only wedding reception I'm willing to have," Stephanie argued. Edna cackled and ordered enough tiramisu for everyone. Stephanie grinned when Carlos ate his serving.
Before everything wound down, Joseph Morelli arrived. He strutted inside Pino's as though he owned the joint. "Cupcake, I demand you divorce that thug and marry me," Joe snapped.
To everyone's surprise, Helen stood from her seat and placed herself between Stephanie and Morelli. "How dare you come in here and ruin the celebration!" Helen snapped. "Stephanie will not divorce Carlos to marry your lying, cheating and abusive ass."
"But I thought you wanted me to marry Cupcake," Joe said.
"Do not call her Cupcake. Her name is Stephanie. Grow up, Joseph and find another woman willing to share you with those whores you enjoy," Helen yelled. Helen didn't care what the neighbours thought about her behaviour. "Leave my daughter alone."
Joe stupidly grabbed Helen's arm. Edna glared at Morelli before grabbing his crotch. Morelli squeaked and released his hold on Helen. "Keep your hands off my daughter," Edna snapped. "Shit. Now I have to wash my hands."
Frank, Joe Juniak and Edmond Gazarra escorted Joe Morelli from Pino's. They warned Morelli to stay away from Stephanie. Juniak threatened to drop Morelli back to street cop if he didn't cooperate.
Stephanie, Valerie and Helen burst out laughing. Morelli was surprised Helen didn't support his demands.