-1Standard Disclaimers apply. Don't own anything 'cept Amelia.
I want to thank everyone for their awesome reviews and support. I'll try to update sooner for you all, I've just been so busy.
Baby Blues
Chapter 2
Ranger had been hit. No one had seen the shot coming. No one had been prepared for it.
Steph's hand flew to her mouth, but she was too far away to protect him. Helpless, she had to watch as Ranger's gray t-shirt darkened from the liquid seeping through it.
Ranger glanced in her direction. "Babe." And then he looked at the shooter.
Her tiny eyes met his in a quiet, curious stare. Tiny legs kicked at the air in front of Ranger as he held her at arms length. Remnant of her projectile vomit dripped on her chin. Ranger couldn't even imagine what the contents were actually of, but he'd seen hospital food that looked more appealing.
Ranger smiled at the tiny baby. "I've been hit by worse, chica." He glanced at Steph. "You're mother even got me shot a few times." Amelia gurgled in response. Ranger gently laid her down on the changing table and cleaned her face off.
The minute Ranger's hands left her, Amelia let out a piercing wail. But as soon as Ranger touched her, she stopped crying. This process continued for a few minutes. Ranger would pull away, she would cry. He'd rest his hand on her chest, or stroke her hair and she'd stop.
Steph watched the interaction between father and daughter with fascination. Ranger had given up trying to get away, and instead had picked up his daughter and proceeded to dress her in the cutest set of pajamas that Lester had bought for her. Steph watched closely as he dressed Amelia, tears shining in her eyes.
As soon as Amelia was asleep, he laid her in the crib and walked towards Steph.
Steph smiled. "You're a natural. She's going to have you wrapped around her little finger when she's older."
Ranger smiled and took off his now soiled shirt, and Steph had to control herself at the sight of his bare chest. She was only human, and she had had absolutely NO contact with Ranger in 8 months and some odd weeks. She didn't know how much longer she could control herself. The doctor had said to wait 5-6 months before resuming sexual activity. Well, Steph thought, he could go screw himself. There was no way in hell she was going 14 months without sex. Most married women got to have sex during their pregnancy. Kind of hard to do when you're lover is who knows where bringing down a country.
"I smell burning Babe."
Steph snapped out of her Ranger-induced trance and smiled. "I was just thinking about how much I missed you."
Ranger kissed her softly, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I've missed you too." He pushed a stray curl behind her ear. "It was my only dream when I was away. To come back to you."
Steph smiled against his lips. "Are you proud of me?"
Ranger pulled away a bit so she could see his smile. "Of course I am Babe. You have given me the most beautiful little daughter. Three weeks ago, I was far away, just trying to get back to you, and now…I'm a new dad, and I'm with the woman I love."
Steph's eyes teared up, but she made a happy little moan as he kissed her neck and ear. Ranger wrapped his strong arms around her, and together they watched their baby girl sleep.
After a few minutes, Ranger kissed Steph's forehead. "Come on, Babe. Let's get you to bed so you can get a few hours of sleep before she wakes up." Tip-toeing out of the nursery, the new parents headed for their bedroom. Steph crawled into bed, sighing as the sheets draped over he exhausted body.
Ranger crawled in next to her and spooned her to his body. He had come back to her three weeks ago, right before the birth of their daughter. Since then, they had settled into a comfortable routine of catching up, and being there for the baby. He was scheduled to return to Rangeman in three weeks time. He claimed he didn't want to go back just yet, but Steph knew he was restless. Life needed to go back to normal.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Steph bolted out of bed as soon as she heard her daughter start to cry. Within a minute, she was in the nursery, holding Amelia, quieting her. She sat in the rocking chair and held Amelia to her breast.
"Alright, baby…eat up. I know you're hungry." Amelia latched onto her mother's breast greedily and sucked away. Steph smiled and laid her head back to close her eyes while her daughter fed. Lester came into the room moments afterward and smiled at mother and daughter.
"Is everything okay?" Steph nodded and kissed Amelia's fuzzy head.
"Yeah. Thank you for asking."
Lester smiled again and turned to leave. But he stopped and turned to face Steph. "You know, she looks like the perfect blend of you and Ranger." Steph nodded and assessed her daughter. Lester was right. Amelia had her mother's large blue eyes, and the same mouth, but her hair was jet black like her father's. Her complexion was creamy, a beautiful blend between her father and mother.
Amelia finished feeding and pulled away from her mother's breast. Steph laughed and burped her. "You know, you already have your father under your control…but I'm going to be a little more difficult. You did kick me constantly when I was carrying you." She kissed the now drowsy baby and laid her back into the crib. "Sleep well my baby. I love you."
Steph returned to her bed. Ranger sleepily tucked her back into his body. "Everything good, Babe?" Steph nodded. Thinks were more than good. They were great. She had Ranger back at her side, Amelia in her life, and for once in a long time, Steph was truly happy.
TBC
I know I know…it was a little short. I'm working on making the chaps longer. Give me a break…I got twins…I can barely catch my breath anymore.
Reviews are appreciated, but won't be held against you. HAHA. Thanks.
