Birthday Wishes
By: AMKP
Chapter 2-Granting a Wish
Disclaimer: Not mine, yada yada. See Chapter 1 for formal mumbo, jumbo.
RangerBabeFan, thank you, you're the best BETA, Babe.
Thanks to all of you who leave reviews. It brightens my day and strengths my resolve to keep you entertained with my story. Your support means a lot!
I close my eyes as I start to drift off to sleep. What a day. Tomorrow has got to be better!
I can see light filtering through my bedroom window as I slowly open my eyes. The sun is up so I decide it's time to face the day. Please let it be an improvement from yesterday I silently pray. I walk into my bathroom and look at myself in the mirror. Yikes! My forehead is a beautiful shade of bluish black. Well, at least it will match my Rangeman black uniform I will be wearing today, it's always good to coordinate your outfit, right? Going to my closet I removed the uniform and get dressed. I'll stop by the bakery for Boston Crèmes, then to the bonds office to deliver Lenny's body receipt and get my check. I also need to check and see if there are any new FTAs since I was there yesterday.
As I swing through the door, I'm greeted by a happy Lula wearing eye shocking orange and yellow this morning. Wow, what a sight!
"Hey, skinny ass white girl, am I glad to see you. I mean I was just telling myself I was getting real hungry for a donut. What's this, you working for Ranger today and what is that on your forehead?" Lula delivers in one long breath.
Maybe I pause for a moment, letting by brain catch up with Lula's rapid questions. "Yes, there's a donut for you. Yes, I'm working for Ranger today doing searches and this huge bruise on my forehead is from this FTA's capture yesterday." I say, holding up the body receipt then handing it to Connie. She makes quick work of writing out my check. "Anything new come in since yesterday?" I ask Connie with an eagerness in my voice.
"No, it's really slow, sorry. Guess people are keeping their calendars updated with their court appearances." Connie says with a little frown. "Vinnie has not even made it in yet today". Thank you for small favors, this day was already off to a better start!
"Well, girls I need to get over to Rangeman. I'll see you tomorrow." I say as I head for the door and my waiting CRV.
"You be sure and tell my big teddy bear that I send my love and I'll see him tonight." Lula croons as I shut the door.
Well um, I don't think I'll be delivering that message to Tank, Ranger's right hand man and Lula's current love interest. Tank and I get along really well. I like the big guy, but I'm not stepping into his love life. It makes us both uncomfortable.
I drive to the gate on Haywood and use my key fob to gain entrance into the parking garage. I pull into one of Ranger's parking spots that always seems to be open for me when I'm here. I walk over to the elevator, finger wave to the security camera and push 5 to travel to the control room where my cubbie is located. As I hit the floor several of the guys call out their hello's. I greet them back teasing some of them on various subjects as I make my way back to my desk. The in-box is overflowing thanks mostly to Rodriquez , the unidentified person who produces most of my paperwork. Looks like I'm going to be busy. I sit down and get straight to work. I've been working for about an hour when I get that familiar tingle on the back of my neck. I didn't need to look up; I know Ranger has entered my cubbie. "Good Morning, Batman" I say with a little smile as I look up at him.
"Babe" he says in way of greeting. Setting a cup of coffee for me on my desk, he asks "How's the headache?"
"Well, I think the color of the bruise is an excellent match with my Rangeman uniform. The headache is gone."
"Ella is fixing lunch for you, today if you're interested. If my meeting finishes in time, I'll meet you on 7 at noon, ok?" Ranger says before pressing a quick kiss on top of my head and walking towards his office.
I knew this was going to be a better day. Ella's cooking always brightens my day!
I work steadily until noon then head to the elevator to travel to the 7th floor and Ranger's private apartment. I use my key fob on the apartment door and step inside. Ella is in the kitchen placing the plates on the raised counter top bar.
"Hello, dear." she says happily, a soft smile moving across her face. "I was so happy when Ranger told me you'd be joining him for lunch today. It's always good to see you."
"You know how I love to eat your meals, Ella. The pleasure is all mine." I say earnestly.
I hear the apartment door open and a few seconds later feel a warm hand press the back of my neck. Ranger nods to Ella and gives her a small smile. She smiles back and turns to leave the apartment with a quick "Leave the dishes, I'll come back for them later. Enjoy your lunch."
"How're the searches going?" Ranger asks, sitting down beside me on one of the bar stools.
"I'm making progress. Rodriquez likes to keep me busy." I mumble as I chew, enjoying every bite of my lunch.
We finish our lunch and I eat all of my dessert. No dessert for Ranger, of course, I truly don't know how he can resist, his willpower is so much stronger than mine. We head back down to the 5th floor, in a companionable silence. Ranger walks me back to my cubbie and tells me he'll be out of the office for the rest of day, then adds that he'll see me tomorrow if not sooner.
This becomes the pattern for the next couple of weeks. I stop by the bonds office in the mornings before continuing to Rangeman to work on searches. Most days Ranger & I have lunch together on 7 when he doesn't have a meeting or emergency that requires his attention. Some nights I go out with a few of the guys to Pino's or Shorty's after shift for a couple of drinks. I haven't spoken to Joe since that day at the station, though. Ranger & I have settled into a comfortable relationship, albeit strictly platonic. Ok, there has been a lot of sultry looks passed, some pretty intense petting and several stolen kisses but I mean I'm not dead or currently seeing Joe, so it has all been guilt-free.
Today is August 12th, Ranger's birthday. The guys and I have decided that we are going to take Ranger out to Shorty's for dinner after shift. Of course, I'm not going to be able miss the opportunity to have birthday cake! I hope that I might even be able to talk Ranger into one small piece since it is his birthday and won't cause any permanent damage to his temple.
So, after dinner I present Ranger with his 'Batman' Birthday cake. He is amused, I can tell by his eyes as he looks up at me. I light the candle on the cake and tell him to make a wish as the Merry Men offer several suggestions as to what he might want to wish for. He grabs my hand, pulls me into a quick kiss as our eyes meet then hold and his darken. Then he extinguishes the flame using his moisten thumb and index finger. Oh, boy. I don't have Ranger's ESP but I can wager a pretty good guess on the line of his wish. Wow, Is it just me or has it suddenly gotten very warm in here? I cut the cake and pass it around to the guys and then settle into my place next to Ranger. He & I have come to a compromise and are sharing his piece of cake. We all seem to be having a good time, until I notice Ranger tense next to me, I look up to see what caused this change in his body and notice Joe Morelli walking through the door.
Joe strolls over to us with a bit of a swagger. "Hey, Cupcake! Long time, no see. What's going on? Who's birthday cake?"
"It's Ranger's birthday" I tell Joe, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.
"Oh, well Happy Birthday, Manoso." Joe says looking quickly between me and Ranger. "Um, Steph can I have a word with you outside."
"Sure" I say in an almost groan, as Ranger steps out of the booth to allow me out.
I can feel Ranger's eyes on me as I move towards the door with Joe. I turn back to look at Ranger and he slams down his blank face. His body has gone rigid and his eyes cold. This ESP thing must be rubbing off cause I can practically feel Ranger's thoughts go through my head. He's thinking I'm going back to Joe and why shouldn't he? It's not like it's never happened before.
Joe & I walk outside and step a distance from the door before stopping. Joe slowly turns to face me looking down at me. "It's been awhile Cupcake" Joe whispers as he leans in closer to me. I take a step back hoping he gets the message and realizes that this is not what I want. Joe hardly notices my slight retreat and the change in my demeanor.
"Yes, it has." I state waiting for what I knew was coming next.
"Ya know, Bob really misses you." Joe says his eyes holding mine pleading with me to give him another chance. We both know this is his invitation for me to come spend the night in his bed.
"Well then, I'll have to stop by some afternoon and see Bob." I counter hoping he will get my message loud and clear. "Right now, though I need to get back inside. They'll be wondering about me and come looking for me soon." I tell Joe. Joe's face flashes with anger.
"So, I guess you're with Manoso now, huh?"
"No, Joe I'm not. We're just friends and co-workers and even if we are more it is not any of your business." I respond.
"You seem awful cozy in there to me" Joe counters.
"Well, it's just me and the guys from work celebrating Ranger's birthday. He is a dear friend to me Joe, we've been through a lot together. Not that it should matter to you, I told you a few weeks ago, I wasn't interested in the type of relationship you're looking for. I want us to be friends, Joe, but it will not be more than that."
"Oh, come on Stephanie, you didn't mean that then and I know you don't mean that now."
"Yes, Joe I do. I'm just not in love with you. I care about you a lot, so let's just be friends, ok? That's all I'm able to offer you at right now." I say as I turn towards the entrance to head back inside. Joe grabs my arm just as Tank steps out the door of Shorty's.
"Hey, Bombshell, everything ok out here?" Tank asks stepping closer to me.
"Sure, Tank, I'm just heading back in. Good-night Joe." I say as I pull my arm out of Joe's grasp. Tank slings an arm around me and steers us back into Shorty's.
When I get back to the table I notice that Ranger is missing, so I turn to Tank for an explanation. "He left, right after you stepped out with Joe." Tank says quietly. "Oh, well I guess since the birthday celebrant has left we'd better get back to Rangeman." I tell the guys.
We all finish our drinks and load back up into the black Rangeman SUVs. When we reach the parking garage I noticed the Cayenne is in its parking place. I give the guys a little wave and head for the elevator, using my key fob to make my way to the 7th floor and a confrontation with Batman.
I open the apartment door, knock softly and call inside. "Hey, Ranger?" No response. The apartment feels calm, soothing, so much like the man who sleeps within these walls. I walk into the living room and hear the shower running, so I toe off my shoes drop my purse on the couch and head for the bedroom. I'm reclining against the headboard when a towel wrapped Ranger steps out of the bathroom door. His eyes immediately sought mine and held.
"What are you doing here, Stephanie?" he asks coolly, blank face in place. Oh, boy, Batman's upset. He rarely uses my full name, but I am not going to let that intimidate me. It was time to be brave; we have some things that needed to be straightened out and it is happening tonight.
I jumped right in with the same cool tone he was using with me. "I came back into Shorty's and you were gone. Why did you leave? Did you think I would not come back in? That I'd just leave with Joe and not even say good-bye to you on your birthday."
"That's exactly what I was trying to avoid." He says. "I didn't want you to come in and tell me good-bye before you left with Joe." He's hurt, which confirms my suspicions in regards to the depth of this 'in his own way' love he has for me. The mask is slipping down and the gloves are coming off.
"So, what does that mean, Ranger? What are you not saying here? Are you telling me you don't want me to repair my relationship with Joe?" I ask taking a deep breath and wondering how he's going to respond.
There was a long, very tense silence, before he begins to speak to me softly.
"NO, I don't want you to repair the relationship with Joe." as he looks deep into my eyes, searching for what?
"So you've told me you 'don't do relationships', that your 'love doesn't come with a ring, maybe a condom'. Well, Ranger, I'm not looking for a 'friend with benefits', and I'm not looking for a ring at this point in my life. But, I do need a committed relationship, not just sex. Is this something you're capable of doing now? Is this something you want too?" I should be nervous talking this frankly to Ranger, but this was too important to screw up. We've already made too many mistakes in our 'romantic' relationship and left too many important words unspoken.
"Babe, there's a lot you don't know about me." He states quietly.
I sigh, "That's true, Ranger, but there is a lot I do know about you. I don't care what you've done in the past. It doesn't matter to me now. I look at the person you are today. What you've done, what you've been through has made you the man who is standing here today. I'm sure there has been a lot of darkness in your life terrible things you've had to do, choices you made that were unpleasant, mistakes you've made that you're sorry for and can't fix. You just have to accept them and move on instead of closing yourself off to anyone who steps in or tries to get too close to you. I know you've killed people. Some in the name of our country, some to protect those you care about and some people who the world was just better off without. I can understand that and accept it, it doesn't frighten me and it doesn't change how I feel about you."
"How do you feel about me?" he asks standing still as a statue at the foot of the bed.
"I love you. I'm in love with you." I say putting my cards down on the table. "I have for a long time, but I didn't think you wanted to hear it."
Ranger comes around to the side of the bed and wraps me in his arms holding me tightly against his strong chest. We sat like this for a long time just breathing each other in and feeling the warmth of the embrace. He pulls back from me so that he can look into my eyes.
"I never thought birthday candle wishes came true." He says to me with just a hint of a smile. "I wasn't sure I'd ever hear those words from you. I told myself, no, it would be better if I didn't it from you; it would just make me want things I couldn't have. A relationship with me wouldn't be easy and could even be dangerous. There are people out there who would see someone close to me as a way to put leverage against me. I love you, Stephanie but I don't want you hurt or worse yet killed because of a relationship with me."
"Don't you see Ranger? We already have a relationship. To the outside world, Edward Scrog, Stark Street, The Merry Men, Hell even Joe, they all know how important I am to you. They've all seen first hand how far you will go to rescue me, save me and protect me from danger. So why are we denying ourselves all the benefits of being in a committed relationship?"
"I hear what you're saying, Steph. I've never really been in a committed relationship. My marriage was to give Julie my name. It was about honor, not love. I really don't want to screw this up with you; your friendship is too important to me, too valuable. I want to protect you, keep you safe, because you bring light to my darkest corners. I know you see me as Batman, sometimes you make me feel like him. But, I'm not. I'm not a Superhero, I'm just a man."
"Then keep me close to you. I'm safest and strongest with you at my side. Please, Ranger, don't push me away." I was practically begging.
"Dios, Babe, I don't think I'm strong enough to push you away again." He sighs, cupping my face in his hands as he pulls me into a heady kiss. I can feel all the love that we have held in check for these past few years. Tears slowly roll down my cheeks, this feeling was so powerful, so right. I realize I've never felt this much emotion towards one person in my entire life. This man is so important to me, he centers me, strengthens me, raises me up and lets me fly.
I break the kiss, look into his dark chocolate eyes and say: "Happy birthday, Carlos. I love you."