J.E. owns the universe and all that Jazz.

I can't thank Maggie enough for her edits and her friendship.

Darkest Dawn
Ranger makes a move.

No light came from the horizon so I guess that saying about being "darkest before the dawn" is true. When I pulled the Cayenne into Stephanieʼs parking lot my dashboard clock read four fifty five. I turned off the ignition, got out, and locked the car. The splat of my boots echoed on the pavement as I ran in the downpour towards her apartment.

Total darkness surrounded me as I stood in the entry way assessing her space, making sure everything was as it should be. Rex was burrowing into his bedding and Stephanieʼs deep and even breathing told me she was fast asleep. As I pealed my wet shirt off it made a soft plopping sound as it hit the floor. Then I looked in her frig hoping to find a bottle of water, but all she had was off brand beer. I eyed her cabinets then decided to look for a glass. I was going to settle for spigot water, instead I found treasure; seconds later a two finger portion of Southern Comfort was in my hand.

Iʼve been up for twenty four hours straight; fatigue clawed at my brain and my body was hungry for Stephanie. I made my way to the corner chair in her room, moved a pile of clothes to the floor, and took off my tool belt so I could sit comfortably. My eyes rested on Stephanie. She was as beautiful as ever, in fact, I think she looks better than when I met her years ago. My mind drifted back to the day Connie called me and in her veiled way asked a favor. At the time I could not say no to her or her Father.

We met in this ratty assed diner where I learned this curly headed inexperienced girl was filled with tenacity to survive. I mocked her calling her "Sweet Thing" and laughed at her when she told me her fist bond enforcement case was for Joe Morelli. She had no money and didn't possess any street smarts whatsoever, but I did in spades and for the first time in my life I felt like I was enough for someone.

I would learn quickly that she was lightning bright and definitive in mostly everything, making that evident when she told me she had found Morelli. Vinnie hadnʼt given Joeʼs file to me because he knew I could track him down, and even though Vinnie is the essence of sleazy, he still believed in the Burg, and that cop was a shining example of that world. My heart would almost quit beating when I found out Stephanie was shot by Alpha; she would have died if I hadnʼt trained and armed her.

Scary as shit moments stand out in my mind: like a street thug jacking my car while she was in it, or who could forget a garbage truck smashing my car flat as a pancake, or finding her on the ground when a grow house exploded. She had entertained mad men, all of then bad men who made her dance with death. So many times I have protected her and I want her now. I have a hunger for her body and her vow. My heart beats and bleeds for her, but I'm scared that she will say no. I knew she wanted me but she didnʼt have the strength or courage to let Joe go. Today I'll make a plan; I'll make you mine, no Morelli guilt this time. Your conscience will be clear; Iʼll give you no room to doubt.

I pulled the ring box from my pocket, took out the band of gold and slid it on my pinkie finger. I stood and stripped off the rest of my clothing and got in bed with her. Her body sought mine. I held her. Thank God I have this quiet moment with her crushed against my chest, legs and arms tangled, her soul resting with mine. I should let her sleep but no, I want her to know right now. I slid the ring on her finger and looked up to see her awake and watching me. I kissed the ring, her finger, her hand and made my way up to her lips.

"Is this a dream?" she asked me. "It's a dream come true."
The End.