Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.
A/N: I was reading a book and this little one shot came to mind and I needed to write it down. I was crying too much while writing so I couldn't correct it.
Saying Goodbye
I sat staring at the gravestone in front of me. It's been about a month since I got the call telling me that Ranger had died in the middle of combat. This was going to be his last mission, his contract was up after it and yet he lost his life protecting some children.
I rubbed my swollen belly thinking of his reaction that last time we had a video chat, at the beginning of the mission, when I told him I was pregnant. He was so happy and filled with joy telling me that he would make it back in time for his birth. Tears ran down my cheeks due to the knowledge that my little boy would never know his father.
A hand settled on my shoulder. I looked up to see Julie. We had been spending a lot of time together, since she was in school up here. "Stephanie we should go."
I nodded and stood. I bent and kissed the top of the gravestone, running my fingers across the engraving. I have read it so many times and I knew it by heart. "Here lays a son, a lover, a father and a brave soldier, who gave his life protecting the innocent. Rest in Peace"
I wrapped my arm around Julie's waist and we headed back towards RangeMan. I needed to be there for my brother's and employees. Getting past loosing the love of your life was going to be hard but I had a daughter and a baby boy to think about. I groaned at the baby's kick. "I know Carlos." I whispered. "Mama will relax when she gets home."
Julie covered my belly with her hand. "Dad would have loved him."
I nodded and felt like we could survive. "He would have. But Carlito will have a big sister to tell him about his father as well as a building full of men. The next few months and years won't be easy but together we'll make it through."
I hugged Julie and nodded to Lester who had been waiting at the car for us. I slid in and let my aching body relax into the seat. I would push through, heal and be an excellent mother in memory of my love's life. I will survive this heartbreak and be stronger. I would live my life in a way that would make Ranger… No Carlos proud.
