Chapter Two

~Whisper Of The Summer Night~

He steps into the empty 7th floor apartment and quietly locks the door behind him. He will spend the night here though he wishes to return to his family. He drops his keys onto the silver plate and heads for the bedroom. He has an early meeting tomorrow morning. Everything is clean and orderly and in its place, as always. Including the new couch and the new bed Ella chose for him 6 years ago. He found it necessary to mark the end of a period. Stephanie made her decision. He respected that. And he almost smiled when he opened the envelope and found his keys inside. Typical Stephanie Plum. Never a big fan of any kind of confrontation. And creative. Too bad Morelli will never truly appreciate her. But that's a problem they two of them have to solve together, as husband and wife. It's no more—and shouldn't be—his concern. Everybody has to live with their own decisions, he always believes. But still he can't help feeling sorry and worried for her from time to time. Old habits die hard, indeed.

Ranger takes off his clothes and heads for the shower. It's being a long day and he's tired. Business is good and steadily growing. Tank and the senior staff have been doing a great job. The new hires are hardworking and quick learners. And being a father of two little twin boys is fun and more challenging than he imagined. He turns off the water and dries himself. He never thought he would one day again be a father. He always and still feels guilty for messing up Julie's life. He never thought about starting a serious relationship. He never thought he would want to have a family. But sometimes things happen and change. You met someone and fell in love. She gave up everything to love you back. Though you still loved your freedom and wanted no burden, though you still couldn't afford and didn't need to have something, anything, to hold you back, you didn't hesitate to grasp hold of her hand and take the chance. And 3 months later she looked up at you with those beautiful green eyes and dazedly whispered, "I'm pregnant."

The world spinning around you and stood still. You tried to find your voice but failed. You knelt down before her. You held her hands in yours. You sensed all her worries, all her fear, all her amazement and wonder. Because you felt just the same. You were happy. You were grateful. You were a just little frightened and maybe a bit scared. But deep down somewhere within you knew you were ready and prepared. So you smiled your rare full on 1000 Watt smile as you felt the Bvlgari wedding ring on her finger and said, "Babe." And you knew your life was now finally complete the moment you looked into her eyes and saw that she loved you more than her own life.

Ranger picks up the phone and dials home. He wants to hear his loved ones' voices before goes to sleep. He's no Batman. He's juts human. He does have feelings and can be hurt deeply. He's smart, brave and clever. He's the proud and discreet owner of an extremely successful security company. And now he's also a loving father, as well as a loyal husband. Yes, people do change, and move forward.