THE DECISION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
THE Disclaimer: All characters from the Plum universe belong to Janet Evanovich, who graciously allows us to play with them. All the new characters are mine.
This story is part two of a trilogy. If you haven't done so, read "The Night That Changed Everything" first, or this story will not make sense. This story picks up right where "Night" left off.
From chapter 80 of "The Night That Changed Everything
Ranger's POV
I stand up and kneel next to Stephanie.
"Babe, te queiro, with all my heart and soul. I can't imagine ever being without you by my side. Please, Stephanie Plum, honor me by agreeing to become my wife, making me the happiest man alive." I ask her, holding my breath.
I look at her face, seeing what I hope are happy tears in her eyes. "Yes, Ricardo Carlos Manoso, I will be your wife. I love you too." She replies. I open the box with the ring, watching her eyes open wide. It's a three-carat round diamond with petite round sapphires surrounding the diamond, extending down the band on both sides. I slip the ring on her left-hand ring finger before kissing my fiancé. Life can't get much better than this.
Chapter 1: Ranger's POV (Sat. Sept. 3rd)
I stand, kissing my Babe to seal our engagement. As we separated, the people sitting at the tables around us clapped and wished us luck. Stephanie blushes, never one to like the spotlight. We thank the people for their blessings before sitting back down. The smile on my Babe's face could light up the city of Miami.
"What made you propose tonight?" Babe asks me.
I sigh, trying to think of a way to explain my thinking to her in a manner that won't make her feel bad. "I realized that I haven't been the most upfront with you about my feelings in the past. I often told you I loved you but always added a qualifier. After hearing about your history more completely, starting with Morelli, Brian, and Dickie, I concluded that I wasn't any better than they were to you. I didn't do anything to make you understand that you were more than a friend with benefits, that you were more than just my fuck buddy. I knew that, given your history, you would have a hard time accepting that I would be with you for the long haul. I know that you would always be afraid that I would choose to be with someone else in the back of your mind. But that is something I don't want. I want you. I know that I want you forever. I never want to spend another day without you. So, knowing how I feel about you, I decided to make sure that you know where you stand and that when I introduce you to others, it will be as my fiancé. We are together, trying to make a family for Julie and now Tommy. We deserve to be a family. One day, I hope to add to our little family with one of our own, but only if that's what you want. I will not force you to do something you are uncomfortable with. I love you just the way you are."
I see tears once again in Steph's eyes, and I'm hoping I didn't already fuck things up. "Babe?"
"Happy tears. I was secretly hoping that you would propose soon. I was afraid that you would kick me to the curb once Julie was better or because things were too complicated at Rangeman with me there. I was afraid that one day you'd wake up and wonder why you have plain old me in your bed when you can have someone so much prettier, sexier. I never thought that I wanted to marry again, but it doesn't seem like a prison sentence with you. And though I don't want a baby tomorrow, it was always your child whenever I pictured myself as a mother. I love you, Carlos, and I'm so glad to be your fiancé. I don't care if we never get married, but this is a sign of your commitment to me, which I need desperately."
I let out a small sigh of relief. At that moment, the waiter came out with our salad, which consisted of a large sliced beefsteak tomato with homemade bleu cheese dressing drizzled on it. I usually don't indulge in fatty dressings, but this is one of my favorites. After we finished our salad, we had a few minutes before our main course was served. During that time, we talk about our childhood, sharing stories we haven't shared before. In all of Stephanie's memories, though, the one constant is her disapproving mother, absentee father, and crazy Mazur grandparents. It makes me sad to discover how no one ever really supported Stephanie the way she deserved to be supported.
For dinner, we each have grilled halibut with peach and pepper salsa. It is the right combination of sweet and spicy, and I can tell that Steph loves it by the moans she's making. Once our dinner was finished, we danced a little while waiting for dessert. Stephanie ordered a chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. I've known her for years, and I don't know where she puts all the food she eats. Once she finishes her dessert, I pay the bill. I then drive her to the marina, where my yacht is docked. It's a small yacht, made more for sailing the Caribbean than anywhere else. I like to take her out sometimes just to get away, to decompress. Sometimes, I take the boat out for a few days after missions to help get my head straight.
Once we arrive, I help Steph out of the car and walk along the beach a little. We stand, watching the waves crash onto the beach. I have my arms around her waist, standing behind her. I love the way she feels in my arms. I lean down, kissing her neck. She turns her head so our lips meet. Before things can get too heated, I bring her to the boat. As we approached, I saw her eyes widen when she saw the name Babe.
"You named your boat after me?"
"Yeah, Babe. Your name was the only one I considered." I bring her aboard, stopping in the kitchen to retrieve the champagne, strawberries, and whipped cream that Maggie placed onboard earlier this afternoon. Then, we proceed to the deck. I put the food on a table as I sit on one of the lounge chairs. I pull Stephanie down so she's sitting between my legs. I pour the champagne, handing a glass to her. I raise my glass in a toast, "To the start of our someday."
"To us," Stephanie responds. We sit silently for about five minutes, looking at the stars and enjoying each other's company. Then, Stephanie starts to speak.
"Carlos, do you think Julie would mind if I adopted her? I thought about it before, but now that we are engaged, I'd officially like to be her mother."
"I think Julie would love that. I know she already views you as a mother figure. I don't doubt that she would want you in that role." I answer. My heart is soaring, knowing Stephanie is willing to adopt my daughter. It makes me feel better knowing that if something happened to me, Julie would have Stephanie keep her safe and be her family.
"What do you want to do about Tommy?" Even though we shared some unspoken thoughts, I want to hear her say those words aloud to know we are on the same page.
"I'd like to adopt him too. He fits in so well with us and seems genuinely happy. I'd hate to see him leave us to go to another family. I know I already love the kid."
"Me too. I never thought I'd want to be a full-time father, but after spending the last couple of weeks with Julie and Tommy, I can't imagine my life any other way." I tell her. "Julie said she doesn't want to stay in Miami and wants to move to Trenton. Is that something that you'd consider?"
"Yes. As much as I hate the Burg, Trenton is my home. I know that having you by my side will make it easier dealing with the busybodies, and knowing that my Rangeman brothers have my back is a plus. However, I'm unsure if I want to stay there forever."
"I understand. I'm enjoying Miami. I never realized how much I loved this city until the last few days. Maybe it's because you're here with me. I know that Julie's so-called friends have pushed her out of their circle, and I'm sure that is clouding her judgment, but ultimately, I want her to be happy."
"I am willing to be wherever Julie wants to be; as long as I'm with you, I'll be happy." She tells me. I can hear the truth in her voice and her body language. I don't know what I ever did to deserve Stephanie, so I send a little prayer to thank God for giving her to me.
"Carlos, you mentioned something earlier tonight about children. Do you want more kids?"
"I didn't think I did until about a week ago. Watching you interact with Tommy and Julie started me imagining you pregnant, seeing a toddler in your arms. You have a radiant smile, and I know I am delighted in my mind's eye. However, I'll be fine without one if you don't want one. As much as I would like another child, I, ultimately, want you to be happy."
"I would like to have a child or two with you. I know I don't have to change who I am with you. I know that you will be with me every step of the way. I know that you will support me one hundred percent. I know it won't be easy, but I will try if that's what you want. I only ever imagined having your child."
I'm thrilled we are on the same page in many different aspects. For a man who thought I could never have a wife and family, I see anything is possible with Stephanie. I don't know when it happened, but this woman weaseled her way into my heart somewhere along the line, and now she is there forever. I kiss Stephanie, letting all my love for her show in the kiss, and she returns the kiss with just as much passion. As much as I would love to make love to my Babe right here, I don't want anyone else's eyes to see her. I lift her gently, carrying her to my room below deck. Walking towards the cabin, I see the lights flash, knowing that Hector has our backs tonight.
When we arrive in the bedroom, I close and lock the door. Even though I know Hector is out there, I can't be too safe. This is the most unguarded that I ever am. Typically, I have several of the Miami guys watching, but I don't trust them with their attitude toward Stephanie. I also don't want to pull Julie's details. Even though I know she's safe with Lester at the house, I feel better knowing he has a backup.
I place Stephanie gently on the bed, starting to kiss down her body. I undo the tie to her halter, which lets me bring the dress down her body. As I uncover her breasts, I suck them gently, loving their taste and the way they react to my touch. I feel her nipple pebble, making me incredibly hard. I remove the dress entirely from her body, along with her panties. Once she is naked before me, I take off my clothes. As much as I want to worship my Babe, I need to be inside her. I climb above her, taking her mouth in mine as I side home into her wet center. Our coupling is fast and furious; we scream each other's names within minutes. I collapse on my side, pulling Steph next to me. She rests her head on my chest as I gently rub circles on her abdomen. Stephanie tells me that she loves me before she falls asleep. I followed her to sleep a few minutes later.
We woke a few times during the night and early morning to make love again. I can't believe how the more I have her, the more I want her. It has never been like that with any other woman. There is something about Stephanie that I just can't seem to get enough of. Finally, we decided to get up for good at about 0900. We have breakfast on the deck, then leave the boat to return home. We find Lester in the yard with Julie and Tommy when we arrive. Lester is once again trying to teach Tommy to swim while Champ runs in and out of the pool. Once Champ realized that there was a pool, he jumped in. At first, he panicked, but he quickly realized he could swim. Now, we have difficulty getting him out of the pool. I'm glad it is a saltwater pool because chlorine isn't suitable for dogs.
"Good morning," I say as I walk in the yard. Julie glances at Stephanie's ring finger, sees the engagement ring perched there, and squeals in delight.
"OhmyGod! He asked, and you said yes! I'm so excited that you are going to be my mom!" Julie exclaims, jumping up and down. I haven't seen my daughter this happy since the incident, and seeing her face lit up with such joy and pleasure is refreshing. It's even better knowing that I am making her happy.
"Yes, Jules, your father asked me to marry him, and I said yes." Stephanie said before adding, "Julie, how would you like it if I adopted you?"
I watch as tears fill my daughter's eyes before she throws her uncasted arm around Stephanie. "You would do that? You would adopt me? Thank you, Stephanie. That would make me so incredibly happy."
"I'm glad to hear that because I want you to be my daughter," Stephanie says.
I glance at Tommy and see he is happy for Julie but obviously sad. I decided it was time to share our good news with him.
"Tommy, Stephanie, and I spoke, and if it is okay with you, we would like to adopt you as well to make you a permanent part of our family. Would that be okay with you?" I ask Tommy.
His face lights up with a huge smile. "I'd love that, Ranger! I love you and Stephanie and Julie."
"Well, then, it's settled. I don't know how long everything will take, but I'll start getting the ball rolling on Tuesday.
Suddenly, my phone rings. I checked the caller ID and saw that Abuela Rosa was calling. I hope everything is okay. "Hola, Abuela. How are you?" I answer the phone.
"Excellente, Carlos. Do you have any news for me?"
"What do you mean, Abuela?" I ask, confused.
"I dreamt last night that you asked Estefanía to marry you. Is that true? Did you ask her? And more importantly, did she say yes?" she asks me.
"Si, abuela, I asked Stephanie to marry me. She agreed. Stephanie wants to adopt Julie, and we will try to adopt Tommy."
"Oh, mi nieto, I'm so happy for you. You make your old abuela so very happy. Congratulations. May I tell your mother?"
"Si, you can tell the family."
"Good. Remember, Carlos, I don't want any buns in the oven until you say, 'I do.' Do I make myself clear?"
"Si, Abuela."
"Good. Adios, Carlos."
"Adios, Abuela," I respond. "Babe, Abuela Rosa had a dream that I proposed. I told her you said yes. I also told her about the kids. I hope you don't mind, but I let her tell the family. It will save me the hassle of calling everyone."
"That's fine, Carlos," Steph answered before kissing my lips chastely. We settle down outside, enjoying time with our family. Tuesday will come soon enough, so I want to savor every last moment I have to share with my family.
A/N: I have a good portion of this story written and outlined. I plan on posting a chapter every other day. Based on what is complete and edited, I have enough content to post until March. Please read and review. Your comments are my payment. If you are a guest, please give me your name, ff alias, or initials in case I want to direct an answer or comment to you. Thanks! Enjoy, Babes.