TWO
Stephanie
Talk about a shock, I don't think I've ever had a problem forming words, but after watching and dissecting the video a thousand times, I was speechless.
Life suddenly became confusing.
The gift of being able to have children of our own is one of the most amazing gifts I've ever received. There are no words to describe how I feel knowing precious lives will be created right before our eyes. Thinking about it brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart so happy.
I felt sad for Carlos knowing that I'm not able to carry our babies but my amazing husband is so incredibly understanding and loving. He has said repeatedly that he would rather have me alive and live the life we have. Believe me; I love my life the way it is. So when the surrogate opportunity was presented to us, we both listed the pros and cons. It was a no brainer since our pages were 99.9% positive.
Alejandro and Marisol apologized profusely for harvesting my eggs without my consent but in all honesty, I wasn't upset one single bit, stunned and shocked yes but upset never. How could I be upset at anyone who would grant us the gift of life? The four of us met on several occasions to go over the process and procedure in detail. After our last meeting, without any hesitation we decided to move further with the surrogate process.
My cautious husband put together a "Baby Manoso" team, which consisted of Ty and three members of the research team. They were instructed to leave no stone un-turned. Ty felt it was best Carlos and I stay out of the research process because it was so close and personal. Ranger was front and center when Ty made that suggestion but finally agreed. I was so proud of Ty for putting my husband in his place.
Carlos and I decided on two surrogates to increase our chances and after painstakingly reviewing profiles, we both were in full agreement on the two women who would carry our children. We were going to discuss this process with Julie so we added two other women to the list for her choose from four and see what selections she made.
We've met with Samantha and Azuree and let them know that we will provide for them in the future with housing, a dance and yoga studio for Samantha and an art studio for Azuree. They were both in tears and couldn't stop thanking us enough. Poor Carlos, he was in a room with three blubbering women in tears. I think he's hoping for boys so he doesn't have to be surrounded by a house full of women.
I woke up to soft kisses from one of the sexiest men on earth. "Good morning Sunshine, did you sleep well?" Carlos asked as he nibbled on my ear.
"Umm, I sure did Honey, multiple Batman induced orgasms always help me sleep well."
"What's on your agenda today Babe?"
"I have meetings with customers whose contracts are up for renewal. Hector and I reviewed their equipment and they are definitely in the position to upgrade their services."
"You never cease to amaze me. I owe Tank a huge bonus for hiring you while I was gone."
"Aww thanks, hearing you say that makes my heart happy."
"I've never lied to you Babe, I always speak the truth." He said with a huge smile on his face. I know that look, I was about to get ravished, not that I'm complaining mind you.
Customer meetings filled my day and I was extremely happy because not only did they renew their contracts, they also upgraded their systems. Hector and I were heading back to the office for an afternoon meeting when I began to get nervous about the surrogate process. As soon as we arrived, I ran straight to Ranger's office.
"Hi Honey, do you have a few minutes?" I asked knocking on the door frame.
"I have as many minutes as you need Babe. What's up?" He stood and shut the door behind me leading me to the couch.
"Carlos, a sudden surge of nerves hit me on the way back to the office." I said with worry.
"Talk to me." He took both my hands in his own.
"I'm nervous about the process, how about we go out to dinner to talk about it?"
"Sure, just the two of us?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'll ask Ella and Luis if they can watch the kids."
"That works Babe, let's go get the meeting over with and then we'll head home." He took my hand and led me to the conference room.
We sat at the conference table in our usual seats, Ranger at the head of the table, me to his left and Tank to his right. Tank began the meeting.
"Team, business is growing like wildfire and we owe it all to our amazing Director of Sales and Customer Relations, Madam Stephanie." I must have been as red as a tomato when everyone was clapping. I looked at Ranger who wasn't afraid to show off his 500 watt smile. "Our new building addition is filling up quickly. Ranger, Stephanie, and I met a few days ago and we will be purchasing a few smaller companies to tap into their customer base and staff. Albert Kloughn has done a great job going over the company specs and finances." Albert blushed slightly at Tank mentioning his name.
I am so proud of the transformation in Albert, it's so good to see the clumsy wimpy man outgrow his awkwardness, and bloom into the type of man I knew existed inside him. He's definitely the head of that family. Albert wears many hats within Rangeman, he not only provides his legal services on a daily basis, but he has now become the official PR guy and spokesperson for Rangeman. With the vast growth in business, we've been recognized as one of the fastest growing private company in the U.S. The media is persistent in trying to schedule interviews for articles about our company; thankfully, Albert has put an end to the constant pressure from the media outlets.
"The newly hired personnel are ready for field training; you've each been assigned a rookie. As their field training officer, you will be working with them for thirty days before they're out on their own. You'll find your assignments and rookie's name in your email. If you have any issues, let me know." Tank finished his report and turned to me for mine.
"I don't have a lot to report but today's meetings with clients went very well, Hector and I secured the contract renewals along with service upgrades. Michael, Hector will go over the upgrades and you can take it from there." I love how Michael has become such a wonderful asset to Rangeman; he is exceptional at his job.
"I'd like to recognize and thank Manny, Ty and the entire research team. They have done a phenomenal job. The research team will now be handling all research and investigations for Rangeman organization system wide. We're not doing away with the research teams at the local offices, they will open the file and add any notes that may be pertinent to the search and pass on to Ty's team. This will enable the research staff at the local sites to work out in the field."
I am so proud of Manny and Ty especially Ty, he's done a fantastic job in his department. After discussing a few more items, the meeting came to a close.
"Ready Babe?" My sexy husband asked once the meeting was over.
"Yep."
"Where are you two running off to?" Lester asked.
"Need to know basis Santos and you don't need to know." Ranger barked with a sinister smile.
"Les, we're going out to dinner." I said kissing his cheek.
"You want company, Barbara and I can meet you guys."
"No, we need alone time, another time." Carlos led me out and we headed to the garage. "What time did you ask Ella and Luis to come to the house?"
"They'll probably be there by the time we get home." My all knowing husband was rubbing circles on my hand as we drove home which he does when he senses I'm nervous.
"Is everything okay Babe?"
"Yeah, we'll talk about it later, nothing to really worry about." I said as I kissed his hand.
We arrived home to our girls waiting excitedly in the front yard. Regardless of how crappy our work days may be, seeing the girls when we get home releases all the stress from the day. Carlos turns into putty seeing his girls running towards him. It's the most beautiful sight when our two little ones run into his arms and in one swoop, he lifts them up and manages to wrap an arm around Julie's neck. I have a picture I took with him doing that and one is in his office and one in mine.
There are many things I love about Ella and Luis, but one thing that stands out when they're watching the kids is the space they give us, alone time with the girls before we go out. Ella gets busy with cooking and laundry while Luis plays with the dogs outside as he checks the property to make sure nothing needs repair.
"So, who's first to tell us about your day?" Carlos asked walking to the couch.
"Me, me, can I please be first?" Anna Grace fires back.
"No, I'm first, I'm bigger than you." Emma Belle spouts back.
"Ok, ok girls, how about Julie goes first since she's the oldest?" I reply. "Julie, how was your day sweetie?"
"It was awesome. I got an A+ on my social studies paper, Tommy asked me to go to the dance with him, and our choir is going to perform in DC."
"Wait, whoa, whoa, hold on missy, back it up a little. Who is Tommy and what dance?" Over protective Dad was front and center.
"Daddy, don't go all Ranger, Tommy is a guy from school, and we're just friends." Julie replied rolling her eyes.
"Why are we just now hearing about him?" Carlos asked trying to act calm. "We'll have this conversation later tonight."
"Tell us more about choir and DC." I asked changing the subject.
"The President and First Lady are hosting an event and three choirs from around the country have been chosen, our choir, one from Colorado, and one from DC. We each will be performing three songs. Steph, I'm gonna need your help with outfits."
"Ok sweetie, we can discuss that over the weekend." I turned to our antsy younger girls who were chomping at the bit to take their turn. "Miss Emma Belle, you're next."
"Mommy, Daddy, a boy pulled my hair in school today while we were outside." Emma Belle said.
"Why did he pull your hair Sweet Pea?" I asked.
"He said he didn't like my hair, so he kept pulling it, told me my hair was curly and messy. He kept pulling and pulling."
"What did you do sweetheart?" Carlos asked as he wrapped his arms around her.
"I kicked him in the leg two times and told my teacher." We couldn't help but giggle at her showing us how she kicked the boy.
"Baby, I'm glad you defended yourself, but you can't make it a habit. Next time go straight to your teacher okay?" Carlos replied trying to sound serious.
"Okay Daddy, I promise. But you're proud of me, right?" She asked kissing him on the cheek.
"I sure am sweetheart." He hugged her and turned his attention to Anna Grace. "Now my little Buttercup, tell me about your day."
"I had a fun day at school, I made a new friend her name is Nicole, but I get to call her Nikki, she's new in school."
"It sounds like you three girls had a great day, mommy and daddy are very proud of you. Aunt Ella and Uncle Luis will be staying with you tonight while your mom and I go out. We won't be too long; we'll be home to tuck you in."
"Can we stay up late since we don't have school tomorrow?" Emma Belle asked, looking at me.
"What do you think daddy?" I asked.
"That's fine, but not too late." We headed upstairs to our room. "I didn't know school was out tomorrow, why?"
"Teacher work day."
"They have way too many teacher work days in my opinion. Who will be here to stay with the girls?" Carlos asked.
"Our moms."
"I guess that means we'll have enough food for an army in the freezer right?"
"Ha-ha, yeah you're right on the money Honey." I said as I took off my clothes and headed to the shower where we enjoyed a little shower fun. We both dressed in jeans and shirts and made our way downstairs to say good bye to our girls.
"Ella, Luis, thank you so much for coming to hang out with the girls tonight. We really appreciate it."
"Oh Stephanie, no need to thank us, you know we enjoy spending time with our precious nieces." Ella replied.
"We won't be too long." Carlos said as we gave our girls hugs and kisses.
"Where do you want to go Babe?"
"I have a taste for Mexican food."
"As you wish your highness." And we drove in comfortable silence as we listened to my favorite singer Sade.
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Thank you for the reviews and for those who are following this story, I really appreciate it.
/ Judyshue809 / Bonnie / Meylons, thank you for the guest reviews, I can't reply to guest reviews. Bonnie and Judyshue809, please send me a message so I can respond to your reviews.
As always, thank you Susan Peters for being a part of the team, I appreciate you so much.
Stephanie and Ranger will be back soon.
