Authors Note: This is my first so be kind. I own nothing, no profit, pure fun, and characters that are not made up will be returned with minimal scarring.
It has been six long months
The debriefing in D.C. seemed to take longer than normal. Maybe for the first time, possibly ever, I had a reason to go home. Wow, I haven't thought of Trenton as home, well, ever. I had been in the wind for six months and all I wanted to do was go home.
And see Stephanie.
My Babe. I couldn't stop thinking about her the entire time. Things were going really good before I had to leave. She had finally left the cop and it seemed to be sticking. I hoped that it would stick, but it seemed after a few months, she went back to Morelli. I didn't think he was good enough for her, but if she was happy, then I was only going to offer her friendship. That would be enough.
It would have to be enough.
The flight finally touched down and before I had realized it, I was speeding back to Trenton. Right now, all I could think about was taking a nice shower and falling into the bed that Steph loved so much. It makes me smile to think about the last time she was in my bed. She thought I was going to throw her out a window.
I stepped down on the gas pedal.
Finally I reached Haywood. I scrambled the cameras all the way up to my apartment, but the elevator stopped on five. Tank was standing outside the doors, looking slightly nervous.
"Ranger, nice to see you back."
"Tank, not now, I'm still offline."
He stepped in. "I know, I thought you would like some company."
The entire ride was silent. I was going for my keys when Tank stepped in front of the door. "There's something you need to know."
"What?"
He paused. I moved him out of my way and opened the door. The apartment was exactly how I had left it. I raised an eyebrow at Tank.
"Give me a minute." He walked over to the bedroom door and softly opened it. I moved closer and heard Stephanie's voice sounding nervous.
"I thought he wasn't coming home for another week!"
"I guess they let him out earlier than expected. What do you want to do about this?"
Do about what, I wondered. Had she moved away from the cop and on to Tank? Had I missed my shot? I opened the door and all conversation stopped. Stephanie was sitting on my bed, under the covers, looking as beautiful as ever. I also noticed that she was in my shirt and not Tank's, so that's good. I guess.
"Babe?"
She looked at me nervously, then at Tank.
"Well, there's something you need to know." I raised an eyebrow again. Tank had already told me this. "I guess show would be more appropriate." She added. She looked at Tank, "Tank?"
He dutifully came to her side. God, she did move on. I slammed my blank face back on as I watched Tank gently rise her from my bed.
And then I saw it.
"Ranger, I'm pregnant."