Chapter one: Ranger Plays Matchmaker
Woody was in the breakroom when his cell phone rang. "Dad what is going on?"
"Hey Daniel, I was wondering what you are doing on Saturday of this weekend, I am having a surprise anniversary party for myself and your mom. I was wondering if you could come and bring a date if you can"
"Dad, you do realize that I would have to ask for tomorrow, Saturday, Sunday and maybe Monday off and find a date, and then we have to take a plane ride down to Texas, and get a hotel room" Woody said and then he saw Ranger walk into the break room and wave his hand for a hi.
"Please son, you are our only child and I know your mother would love to see you again." It was at this point that Woody was pacing the floor.
Ranger went to get a sandwich that Ella made and sat down at the table and could not help but overhear the conversation fine "I will go but I don't know if I can find a date this quick and for four days" Woody then hung up the phone and slammed his head against the wall. "I am eating do you mind." Ranger said.
"Sorry boss, but my dad is going to drive me crazy." Woody told him.
"He wants me to go to Texas tomorrow through Monday, because he is planning a 50th anniversary party for him and my mom and he wants me to bring a date." Woody just looked at him with the sign that said kick me.
"Why don't you take Stephanie with you, she has some rest and relaxation time coming up." Ranger said eyeing Woody.
Woody stopped banging his head, and turned to look at his boss with his mouth hanging open.
Just than Tank came in and overheard Ranger said and asked, "Hey what is going on why is Woody's mouth hanging open?"
"Ranger just said that I could take Stephanie to Texas with me for a few days." Woody told Tank who looked like he was completely shocked. Than asked "Tank, is Stephanie around?" Woody asked him.
"Yeah she just came into the building and is talking with Lester in the control room." He said as he sat down at the break table.
"Go head and ask her Woody, I am sure Stephanie will say yes." Ranger said once again to him.
Then suddenly Tank started to choke on his food. Ranger then slapped him hard on the back.
"Thanks" is all Tank got out and he stared at Ranger as if "What the Hell?"
"Ranger why did you do that?" Tank asked him in shock.
"I think Woody and Stephanie like each other and they both need time off, so this perfect for them to get to know each other better." Ranger told his second in command.
"but you told everybody here to keep their hands off her" Tank reminded him.
"That was a long time ago, and I realized that I do not want a relationship and she does, and as long as it is not with Morelli I don't care who she sees." He finished his sandwich and said, "when you are done, take the rest of the day."
Then Ranger went to his office he had another surprise for Woody and Stephanie.
Woody ran to the control room to ask Stephanie. When he got there he saw her, curly brown hair and those deep blue eyes.
"All right here it goes" Woody said to himself.
"Hey Steph can, I ask you something?" Woody said as he poked his head into the control room.
"Hi Woody sure, what is it?"
"Can I ask you the question outside?" He said and then they started to walk to the garage.
When they got outside, Woody started to scuff his feet in circles, and asked her, "Do you want to go with me to Texas for the next few days? Please let me explain, my dad is throwing
but before he could finish, Stephanie blurred out, "Yes, I would love to when do we leave?" And then she gave him a great big hug.
"You will" he said in shock.
"Yes, I will when do we leave and when she said that Woody said I have to get the plane tickets." Then Ranger came up behind him and said, "I have a surprise for you." He then showed them two plane tickets and then handed them to Woody. "You two have a good four days off see you when you come back." Then Ranger walked away putting on his shades and then got in his SUV.
He thought to himself, about time, he will be good for her. Stephanie and Woody watched in shock as he drove away.
"I will pick you up tomorrow morning at 8am and then we will go to the airport." Woody said.
"Sure, see you then." then Stephanie walked to her car and drove to her parent's house to tell her parents she would not be at dinner tomorrow night