Author's Note: I don't own anything & not making any money from this. Rating is for language. This story is not friendly toward Joe. Thanks for the reviews I appreciate the positive feedback and it keeps me going. For purposes of this story Abuela will speak English. It will be easier to move the story.

Bobby, Lester and I smiled and I said "They will love you because Ranger does."

Chapter 4: Meeting the Manoso's

Stephanie's POV

I didn't think to hard about what Tank said about Ranger loving me. I mean Ranger said it but always qualified it, I thought as we walked up to ICU. After about an hour they brought Ranger up to a private room. It was painted a soft green and he was in a large bed, bigger than what you normally see. There was a window seat that was large enough to sleep in along with a couple of nice overstuffed arm chairs to sit in next to the bed. A computer desk was in one corner with leather executive chair so you could sit and work on a lap top. There was a large window that looked out to the waiting area that Tank said was bullet proof glass and a key card reader at the door so no unauthorized people would be able to get into the room. Lester and Bobby had the first watch guarding the door and were standing outside the door at parade rest.

I sat in one of the arm chairs next to Ranger and took hold of his hand. He looked so pale, not any better than he did before surgery. I began to talk softly to Ranger about my childhood and family trips to Point Pleasant. I stroked his cheek as I continued to talk. Tank sat at the desk with a laptop that Hal brought over so he could continue to run the business while Ranger was recovering.

I heard a knocking on the window and when I looked up I saw a man who could only be Ranger's father. He had some graying at the temples that made him look distinguished. I knew this was how Ranger would look at the same age which I estimated at 60. Lester opened the door and asked me to step out.

Lester's POV

I glanced into the room a few times to see how Stephanie was doing. She was in for some real tough times over her decisions. Morelli was going to give her a hard time while she was here and Tank was mad at her about the medically induced coma. Oh man, when Ranger wakes up the shit's gonna hit the fan. I can see the love in her eyes for him; I hope he doesn't blow it.

I stood outside Ranger's room for about an hour and I heard the elevator ding and out walked the Manoso family. I smiled wide at Abuela and said "Hola Abuela, how are you today?"

"Lester, you are my second favorite grandson. I'll let you know how I am after seeing Carlos" Abuela replied as she hugged me.

I watched them look into the room at Ranger and Stephanie. Tia Maria asked "Is that Stephanie? The one who helped get Julie back from that crazy man?"

"Yes Tia Maria. Don't be upset with her over the medically induced coma, she did what she thought was best based the recommendations of the doctor who performed the surgery and Bobby here" I replied as I hugged her.

"Lester I can see how much she loves Carlos by watching her. I want to meet her, can you introduce us?" Maria asked.

I opened the door and asked Stephanie to come out. No sooner were the words out and the elevator opened and Ranger's sisters spilled out and all four were crying. I thought to myself this is great, not. Poor Stephanie can't catch a break. She's going to get an inquisition now.

Stephanie's POV

I walked out of Ranger's room and stepped into the hall and saw four gorgeous women step out of the elevator, all crying. They had skin the same shade as Ranger, long dark brown hair that looked as silky as his and chocolate brown eyes. They must be his sisters. Why me? I can't deal with this.

"Hey Lester, Bobby" I said.

Lester replied with a big lopsided grin "Beautiful, this is Tia Maria, Tio Ricardo and Abuela Rosa. Back there are Celia, Irina, Elena and Miranda they are Ranger's sisters. Everyone, this is Stephanie Plum our own Bombshell Bounty Hunter."

Abuela Rosa walked up to Stephanie and hugged her before saying "Stephanie thank you for taking care of Carlos. I also want to thank you for helping our Julie last year. Please call me Abuela, everyone does."

I was surprised that Ranger's grandmother was hugging me and I was so tired but I remembered by Burg manners and said "Thank you Abuela. It's very nice to meet all of you but I wish the circumstances were better. The doctor only wants 2-3 people in the room at a time so why don't you go in and see him. The doctor told me that Ranger can hear what we are saying so you can talk to him. The injuries were pretty severe and that's why he's in a medically induced coma for seven days. They will slowly back off the medications and he should wake up over the course of the day. He needs time for his body to rest and heal; I think we all know he isn't the resting in bed kind of guy so the coma will allow his body time to heal."

Maria took my hands in hers and quietly replied but her voice was firm "Stephanie it sounds like you are doing what is best for my son. He obviously trusts you and we will not second guess your decisions. You are right about Carlos; he would not lay in bed and rest. I would do the same but he would not get mad at me. I'm afraid he will be angry with you when he wakes up."

I took a deep breath and said "Mrs. Manoso I have no doubt Ranger will be angry with me but that is not my concern right now. Getting him better is all I care about right now. If he is mad later I don't care as long as he is alive."

Ricardo spoke up and said "Stephanie please call us Maria and Ric and I'm glad you have that attitude because Carlos can be difficult to deal with when he gets angry." With that he indicated to Lester to open the door and he walked in with Maria and Abuela.

Celia's POV

I watched Stephanie deal with my parents and grandmother and she looked exhausted. She probably hasn't slept or eaten in hours. I can tell she's in love with my idiot brother why I have no clue. I know women fall at his feet, I've seen it but he is difficult, rigid and rarely smiles or relaxes. I watched my parents go into Carlos's room and decided that Stephanie needed some pampering herself.

"Miranda and Elena, why don't you drive to the place down the street to get donuts, bagels and coffee for everyone. Stephanie you look dead on your feet come over here and sit down and tell me how you met Carlos" I said.

I listened to Stephanie tell the story of how she met Carlos and some of things they have been through together. I loved the story about the Boxter exploding and crushed by the garbage truck. God Carlos is an idiot. I can't believe he hasn't married her. He's always talking about her when he comes to dinners and we all know he's in love with her.

I had to ask her why they aren't together "Stephanie I can see you love my idiot brother and I know he loves you. Why aren't you together?"

Irina hit me in the arm "Celia, I can't believe you are so bold. Stephanie ignore her inappropriate question."

Stephanie looked surprised by my question but looked me in the eye and said "He doesn't want me, that's why. He keeps sending me back to my on-again/off-again boyfriend Joe who's a Trenton cop. He told me his life doesn't lend itself to relationships and some other things."

Irina and I sucked in a breath and I said "He did what? God what an asshole, we'll work on him."

Stephanie looked up and forcefully said "No, if he wants to be with him it has to be his choice and his decision. I won't change his life, he'll only hate me later."

I was about to reply to her when I heard a shrill voice "Stephanie Michelle Plum how could you embarrass Joseph and me?"