Ranger's eyes scanned the room and his heart stopped, his Babe always had that effect on him but tonight was even worse. She stood at the bar smiling at something Mary-Lou was saying and when he saw the spark in her eyes from across the room he thought everyone must be able to hear his heart beating.
Steph was dressed in a floor length gown, it fitted her body like a glove and he noted many men were looking in admiration as women stared in jealousy. Her beautiful curls were piled high on her head with a few falling and framing her face which had minimal makeup but dark eyes emphasising the blue he loved so much.
She touched the back of her neck and he knew she felt him, Ranger always thought it amazing how she could know when he was near but he didn't question it. When she turned he couldn't fight the almost tweaks of a smile that lit his face when she smiled, the smile soon turned sad when she saw Jeanne Ellen hanging from his arm.
Without another glance she turned to Mary-Lou, her actions slower her smile slower and without the usual shine she so naturally expelled. Ranger cursed himself, the only reason he had brought Jeanne Ellen was because he couldn't come without a date and he was not going to miss the chance to see Steph done up for this evening.
They avoided each other the whole night, Steph dancing with Morelli but her gaze on Ranger whenever he wasn't looking; Ranger didn't dance with the women but instead watched Steph with an intensity that had her breathing impaired. Finally at the end of the night the announcer stood up to the mic, his hand clasped around it alerting everyone to his presence from the soft thud that echoed around the room.
"For the last dance of the night, Gentlemen are to invite a lady they did not accompany to the dance floor for the King and Queens waltz." Without thought, Ranger moved to Stephanie, holding his hand to her and bowing slightly Stephanie smiled a proper smile taking the outstretched hand and allowing him to pull her to the floor.
They stood just off centre and took their starting pose, Ranger pulling her close with a hand on her waist as she placed an impossibly fragile and soft white hand in his large calloused one. She rested her other hand gently on his shoulder just as the music started and they took the first step moving together in perfect synchronisation.
Joe watched anger clear on his now red face just before he noticed Jeanne Ellen mirroring his pose from the other side of the room. Not one to be out done he strode over extending his hand which thankfully she took as he led her to dance floor, still unable to keep his eyes from Steph and Ranger joined in the middle.
You're
in my arms
And all the world is calm
Ranger stared deep into Steph's eyes and saw the jealousy and reservation, he moved close tucking her into his chest as he whispered in her ear.
"She's only here because I needed a date to get in." He whispered kissing her temple before pulling back as they linked eyes again. Relief and happiness were shinning through now but she looked guilty now and he felt confused.
The
music playing on for only two
So close together
"Oh, eh, it doesn't matter Ranger. You don't belong to me." They heard a slight snort coming from the side as Tank spun Lula past them and Ranger shot him a death glare.
"That was all a complete lie." He told her keeping eye contact and showing her just how much he belonged to her. The intensity of his gaze made her breath catch and they paused briefly before Joe coughed behind them startling them from their revere.
And
when I'm with you
So close to feeling alive
They moved closer to continue the dance still maintaining eye contact; Ranger spun her out before pulling her back in closer.
"Why… I mean why was it a lie." He smiled at the squeak of her voice when she asked although she continued with the piercing gaze.
"It does matter, it matter's a lot and I've belonged to you ever since you trusted me." He told her and she smiled relaxing to his touch and running a hand down his arm to his elbow and back up again.
A
life goes by
Romantic dreams will stop
So I bid mine goodbye
and never knew
So close was waiting, waiting here with you
Neither was aware that they were being watched by the entire room that had slowed their dancing to keep an eye on the couple. Joe and Jeanne Ellen were looking angry but Joe was hesitant to make a scene in front of so many people.
"I belong to you." Stephanie told him so quietly he thought he had missed it, but the look of fear told him it had actually come from her lips.
And
now forever I know
All that I wanted to hold you
So close
They danced closer and closer until there wasn't a breath of air between then and Steph had her hand resting over his heart, thankful to find it matched her own in a furious beat.
So
close to reaching that famous happy ending
Almost believing this
ones not pretend
And now you're beside me and look how far we've
come
So far we are so close
Never
breaking eye contact they moved effortlessly along the floor eyes
locked and bodies joined as on watchers swooned or watched eagerly.
How
could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now?
Ranger was thinking of the times he had almost lost her and knew that's how he would feel, there would be nothing in his life, he wasn't sure if it was a good thing he met her or not. Before he would have moved on and managed to life his life, sure it wouldn't be very fulfilling but he wouldn't hurt as much as he did every time he watched her go back to Morelli. No, it was a good thing, he never felt so trusted, so needed, so wanted or dare he say so loved since meeting her, he would endure a thousand pains just to see her, touch her, hold her.
We're
so close
To reaching that famous happy ending
And almost
believing this ones not pretend
Let's go on dreaming for we know
we are
So close
So close
Just as Ranger opened his mouth to speak there was a tap at his shoulder and he turned only to have Jeanne Ellen thrust into his arms as Steph was pulled rather forcefully into Joe's embrace. He moved her away, their eyes still locked until Morelli had her through the doors and into the car park.
And
still so far
Just a little ditty I got stuck in my head after watching Enchanted, the song is 'so close by Jon McLaughlin'. Not sure if I can put another chapter or just leave it as it is because I think it ends well on that but as a true Babe I want a Ranger ending.
Reviews welcome, even criticism if it is constructive.
