Disclaimer: I am just borrowing JE's character's for a while. I promise to be good and return them when I'm done. Again, I am still not maiking anything off of my works.
Chapter 7
The whole next day flew by. Evan and I didn't even get to see each other until well after lunch. "Hey, Angel." He greeted me with a kiss on the top of my head, then leaned against my desk.
"Hi."
"You ready for tonight?"
"No. You?" Admitting I was scared.
"It's okay Angel. I can handle your mom and grandma. The only one I'm nervous about is your dad." I cocked my head to the side.
"My dad?" I was suprised. "But he never says anything."
"I know he doesn't usually, but I met him once before. You were in the hopsital and he came to me asking about what had happened. Ranger was in with you and Tank was at the office. Guess he figured I was the one to ask, being I was the only one there not looking like I was about to kill someone."
"Oh. Did you talk long?"
"Long enough for him to start telling me stories about your childhood." He smiled. "I always did have a thing for Wonder Woman," he teased.
I socked him in his arm and giggled. "Yeah. She rocks!" Now be sure to dress to kill tonight. I want my mom to love you like I do." And with that I kissed him on his super soft lips and headed to the control room.
"Hey Woody." I hugged the huge mountain of a man in front of me, his eyes never leaving the monitors.
"Hey Bomber. What's up?"
"Nothing, thought I'd break up the monotany of my work day by visiting you."
"Shucks. I like seeing you. Makes my day." He joked. "So... I hear Ram has to go to your parent's house tonight."
"Yeah. Is nothing secret around here?"
"Nope. Nothing."
"Good to know. Hey I gotta question for ya."
"Sure."
"Does Morelli have a tracker on his POS car? And don't lie to me." I could tell Woody was uncomfortable, he was trying really hard not to blurt out what he knew. "Bomber, I think you need to talk to Ranger about that."
"Woody that's not what I asked you." He slumped in his chair defeated. "Yeah. Ranger ordered one on it two weeks ago."
"Good. Who's on monitor duty tonight?"
"Um, I think it's Les and Tank. Why?"
"Just making sure I have a nice dinner tonight without any interuptions." I patted him on his shoulder. "Thanks Woody. I owe you one."
"No prob Bomber. Good night, have a nice dinner."
"Thanks."
I wandered out of the control room and into Tank's office. He was pouring over a large stack of papers and muttering to himself. I snuck up behind him and threw my arms around him in a giant bear hug. "Tank. I have a problem and I need you to help me."
He stiffened until he realized it was me. Pulling me around, he sat me in his lap. "What is it Babygirl?"
"I know you're on monitors tonight, and I know there's a tracker on Morelli's POS. Will you give me a heads up if it comes anywhere near my parent's house tonight." He stared at me, dumbfounded. "What? You didn't think I could find these things out for myself?"
"It's not that Babygirl. It's just I can't believe you can get your hands on info like this so damn quickly."
"I have my ways."
"I'll bet." Smiling, he hugged me tighter. "Don't want any unexpected visitors tonight, do you?"
"Nope. I thought you might want to give me a heads up. I have enough to deal with tonight, I don't need him there too."
"You got it. Want me to let Ranger know?"
"If you want to. I really don't think anything will happen, but I just want to cover my bases."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Evan knocked at my door at 1715. I opened it and was pleasantly suprised. He stood there dressed in black slacks, black dress shoes and a lavender button up dress shirt open unbuttoned at the very top. The shirt looked like it had been painted on and showed off his muscles where he had rolled up the sleeves mid forearm. His hair was freshly cut into his normal high and tight. He looked so damn good. I licked my lips, sending a groan through him. "Angel. If you do that one more time, we're not going to make it to your parent's house."
"If you dress like that around me one more time I'm goning to strip right here and make you stay." I teased tuggin at his shirt. He bent to capture my lip with his.
"Angel. We better go." I nodded and sat on the sofa to put on my 4 inch red FMP's. He groaned knowing what I would look like wearing nothing but my FMP's. But as it was I was sporting a casual black dress where the hem fell just below my knees. He grabbed my purse off of the table, hefting it in his hands. "Angel. Where's you glock?"
I cringed knowing he knew me well enough to know I hated to carry my gun. "In the cookie jar." He turned to look at my blackened and crispy teddybear cookie jar. It had been the only thing that had been salvaged from my old apartment. It held it's normal place on my kitchen counter. He walked over and lifted the top pulling out my Glock.
"Is it loaded?"
"No."
"Angel. You know we have to keep it on us and loaded at all times when we leave, don't you?"
"Yes." I answered quietly. "I just hate it. I'm afraid I'm going to shoot myself in the foot."
"Angel, we'll work on your comfort level tomorrow. But for tonight, lets keep it loaded and in your purse, okay?" I nodded not wanting to fight him on it. He proceeded to load my Glock with my bullets quickly and efficiently, due to the fact he was the weapons expert of Rangeman. He double checked that the safety was engaged and dropped it inot my purse. "Ok, now we can go."
He led me out of the apartment and down to the elevator. Stepping onto it we were met by Ranger. Sizing up our appearance, he chuckled. "Dinner at the in-laws?" He teased Evan.
"Hope to be soon." He answered smiling. I turned beet red and focused on the elevator buttons in front of me.
"Babe." I looked up to meet his mesmerising eyes. "You'll be fine. Ram will take care of your grandma and mother." He grew serious for a moment. "Tank talked to me about this afternoon. Consider it done. We'll call if anything comes up." He sighed. "Have a nice time." Turning to Evan he whispered, "Watch out for grandma's fingers. She loves to pinch." With that he laughed and exited the elevator at the second floor.
"Angel. Anything you want to share with me?" He stared down at me, smiling.
"I asked Tank to give us a heads up before we uh..." I paused before whispering, "have any unexpected guests."
"Got it. Glad you're taking a proactive approach to this whole situation. I don't want you to be scared."
"I know." The elevator opened allowing us to head into the garage. He led us to his personal truck parked along the rear of the garage. I stopped and stared. I never noticed it before and was a little intimidated by it's size. Before I could censor my mouth it came out. "Holy Shit! This thing is huge!" He just about died laughing.
"Whats that matter Angel? Never seen a truck like mine before?"
"Not one this big." It was massive. A silver fullsized quadcab dually, with both body and suspenssion lifts. A huge chrome light bar spanned the top matching the custom front and rear bumpers. The tires were some of the biggest I have ever seen. They looked like they belonged on Bigfoot or Gravedigger. He opened the passenger door to reveal cammo seat covers and matching floor mats inside. "Good God!"
"What? I like my trucks big."
"I can see that! How do I get in?"
"That's what I'm for." He smiled and lifted me into the truck. Settling into my seat, I buckled up and waited for Evan to climb in. The truck swayed slightly when he gripped the handle and swung himself up into the driver's seat. I nearly jumped out of my skin when he started up the deisel engine, the rumbling of the truck sent shivers up my spine. He backed out of his spot and we eased our way out of the garage making our way to my parent's house.
"You nervous?" He asked knowing full well, I was on pins and needles about tonight.
"That obvious?"
"Angel don't worry. I'll make a good impression. My Momma would kill me if she found out I didn't use my manners." I smiled, thinking about his comment.
"Your mother raised you right. You prove chivalry is not a lost art and you treat me like I'm a princess. I'm so lucky to have you."
"No, Angel. I'm the lucky one. And besides I like doing those things for you. But you're wrong about one thing."
"Oh, what's that?" I looked at him with a frown.
"You're not a princess. To me, you're my queen." He smiled lighting up his entire face. "Hey, I to ask you something."
"What Ev?" He smiled at the mention of his shortened name.
"My fifteenth high school reunion is in a week and a half. I planned on going alone, but I was wondering if you wanted to come with me. My parents would love to meet you."
I swallowed hard. His parents? "Really?"
"Really. I want to show the whole world the woman I love. Besides, my family has heard about you for years now and is dying to meet you."
"I don't want to impose..."
"Never. The way I was raised was you never turn down an opportunity to make new friends, and you never turn down someone who needs help. They are expecting us both to be there. In fact everyone in town is waiting to meet you."
"Town?" I gulped. Feeling like a deer in the headlights.
"Angel. Don't worry, my hometown only has a little over 200 people in it. Besides we'll be staying at my parent's ranch about 20 miles from town. Mom has already started bringing out my baby pictures for you to see."
"Okay! For the chance to see your baby pictures, I'd do almost anyting." He smiled and chuckled.
"We will have to leave next Thursday morning. Our flight leaves at 0900. We'll fly back on Monday night around 1800."
"Where are we going to fly into?"
"Helena, and then Justin's going to fly us to the ranch."
"Justin?"
"Yeah, I didn't tell you. He flies my Pop's helecopter. Usually it's during the spring and fall roundups, but for special occasions he picks people up at the airport and brings them home. If we drove it would be a four and a half hour drive one way. It's only a 45 minute flight this way." I stilled at the thought of being in a chopper. I was scared of flying as it was, now I had to endure two additional trips, in a helecopter to boot. "Don't worry Angel. He was a chopper pilot in the Army. Blackhawks. You couldn't be in safer hands... except mine."
I relaxed and smiled. "If you say so. I trust you." And with that we pulled up in front of my Parent's house. "Ready for the spanish inqisition?"
"That bad?" He winced.
"Naw... Just keep an eye out for grandma's fingers." I giggled.
He let himself down out of his truck and came around to help me down. I looked up at the house to see my mother and grandmother watching us from the front window. I never understood how they knew how I was outside. But tonight I could, the rumbling of the truck had brought my father to the window as well. Well, I thought, at least Evan had an American truck working in his favor. My Dad hated foreign cars and was die hard to the fact all his cars were american made. Red white and blue, through and through.
We walked up the little path to the door as it opened. My mother greeted us. "Stephanie I'm glad you came. And who is this nice young man?"
"This is Evan Ramsey, Mom."
I turned to Evan, "Evan this is my mother Helen Plum." Gesturing to the little old lady standing beside her, "And this is my Grandmother, Edna Mazer." My grandmother was standing ther in a fluffy purple track suit looking more like a mummified version of a certain purple dinosaur. Her perfectly curled hair was dyed to match.
"Ma'am's." Evan nodded giving his most dazzeling smile.
"Ain't he a pip! Huge muscles and everything." She grabbed his arm and led him into the house.
My mother pulled me aside, "Stephanie, he seems normal. Are you sure he works for Ranger?"
"Yes, Mom." She walked us to the living room where my dad was watching tv. My mom made the introductions, "Frank this is..." My father turned his head, and recognized him. He quickly stood up shut off the tv and shook Evans hand.
"Ram, my boy. How are you?" The look of shock plastered on my mother's face was priceless. I wish I had a camera.
"It's Evan, sir. Ram is my nickname."
"Well Evan, call me Frank." My dad turned to my mom, "What's for dinner Helen? I'm starved."
Evan and I sat talking with my father in the living room while my mom and grandma finished dinner. We were soon ushered into the dining room and seated. "Evan, Dear. Please don't be shy about eating here, I made plenty."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Please call me Helen, Ma'am is so formal."
"Yes ma... sorry yes, Helen. It's just the way I was raised. My Momma would whip me for being even the least bit disrespectful."
"She raised you right."
"Thank you. I'll tell her you said that when we visit next week." He gestured to the both of us.
My grandma spoke up, "Taking her to meet the folks are you?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Call me Grandma."
"Yes Grandma. I have a high school class reunion to go to and I thought it would be a good way for Angel to meet my family." My mother smiled at the mention of my nickname.
"Where are you from Evan?" My father asked.
"About twenty miles outside of Powderville, Montana. It's in the south-eastern side of the state. My parents have a spread of about 5 thousand acres there. Rasing cattle and farming is in my blood."
"So how did you come to work for Rangeman?" My mother inquired.
Finishing a big bite of his pot roast, he answered. "I had enlisted into the Army, and made my way into the Rangers." My father perked up, staring at him, fork held in midair. "I had finished my last tour to Iraq and was unsure if I wanted to re-up. Then one of the Major's I had served under in some of my operations approached me. He said he owned a security company here in Trenton. He was interested in hiring me as the weapons specialist for his company. And I really decided that it was a good thing for me. So I took him up on his offer." He paused before he added, "I am under contract with Uncle Sam for another six months for special and black ops. But I don't plan on resigning after that..." He looked at me and smiled, "I have better things to do now, than travel around the world taking down targets."
"My word." My mother said with a hand to her chest. "You are such a nice clean cut young man. How come Stephanie never brought you around before?"
I glared at her. "Helen, would you get the dessert?" My dad to the rescue. She rose and went into the kitchen to retreive the cake, calling for me to follow behind. As soon as I entered the kitchen she stood there glaring at me with her hands on her hips.
"Why did it take you this long to find him?" She asked. "He has been there the whole time you have worked for Ranger and you never did anything?"
"Mom. I was with Joe for a while. And then I was with Ranger. It was never an option unitl now." I spat out. "Just be glad I found him at all."
"Believe me, I am glad. Maybe you'll settle down and have some babies. I never understood why you hadn't had any yet. Clara Hoffman's daughter has threee already and she's two years younger than you. Myrtle Wyzinski's daughters both have little ones. When are you going to give me grandchildren?"
"Mom!" I hissed. "We just started dating. Don't put the cart before the horse." I grabbed the cake and headed back out the door to the dining room. I stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of my father retelling of his days in the Army. Evan was listening intently to my dad, while my grandma oogling Evan. "Dessert!" I said cheerfully raising my arms to show the pineapple upside down cake on the platter I was holding.
While my mother divided the cake and served everyone, my dad decided to ask the obvious question. "So, Evan. What are your intentions with my daughter?"
Evan cleared his throat and sat a little straighter in his seat. Looking straight into my father's eyes he answered confidently, "Sir, I intend to marry your daughter, in time. And I'd like for us to have a family of our own, when Angel is ready. I know it's a little early in our relationship to be announcing it like this, but I really do love your daughter. I've loved her for years."
I melted right on the spot. No fear, no apprehension and definately no worries. I leaned over and kissed him gently. "Really?" I asked awed by his admission.
"Yes, Angel. I want to marry you when we decide it's time. I love you and I want to have a family with you."
"I love you too Evan."
My mother wiped away tears of joy. My grandma whooped, "Wahoo! My grandbaby's finally hooked herself a winner!"
I smiled and blushed leaning into Evans warm embrace, I glowed knowing that he truly loved me. "Evan, can I call you Son?" My father was beaming. Evan nodded and shook my father's hand. He was happy that I had found myself a man he could respect and grow to love as a son. Jokingly he added, "Make sure the first one is a boy."
Evan grinned from ear to ear, "We'll try our damndest sir." We quickly resumed our dinner and just before finishing our dessert I received a phone call. I flashed a quick look of fear to Evan before flipping my phone open. It was Tank.
"Yo."
"Hey, Babygirl. He's a block over and headed your way. Just a heads up."
"Thanks Tank." I stood up and relayed the message to Evan.
"I'm sorry Mom. But we have to go, NOW! Joe's on his way here and I don't want another confrontation. We'll be back again soon." I kissed her cheek, my grandmother's cheek and hugged my dad quickly before I grabbed my purse heading for the door. But before I could step any further, a knock sounded at the door. Evan strode over and opened it to reveal Joe standing at the door glaring at him.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He ground out.
"I'm meeting my future In-Laws." Evan stated simply.
"The hell you are. Cupcake is mine, back off."
I stepped infront of Evan, "Morelli."
"Morelli? What happened to Joe?"
"What do you want Morelli?" I slowly hissed out.
"You, cupcake. I want you. Please come home with me. Leave this goon behind." He pleaded, his eyes filling with tears.
"I'm sorry Morelli. But I can't do that. Evan and I are engaged." I dropped the bomb.
"You mother fucker! I'm going to kill you. You're worse than that ape Manoso." He fumed, screaming until my dad came to the door.
"Joseph Morelli. You are no longer welcome in my home. You have embarassed yourself and your family. You have taken advantage of my daughter on more than one occasion and I will stand for it no more. Evan in going to marry Stephanie and I have already welcomed him into my family. Things will not change, so darken my doorstep no more. Leave her alone and if you decide to threaten my future son-in-law again, I will make sure you are taken care of for good." At this point he placed his hands on both my and Evan's shoulders to emphasize his point. He slammed the door in Morelli's face and strode back to the table to finish his cake.
We stood there mouths open looking at my father. I had never seen him talk that way to anyone. He looked up and smiled, "What? Can't I defend my daughter?" Now beaming he looked at Evan, "And my Son?" I rushed over hugging my dad.
"Thank you Daddy." He patted me on the arm. And then resumed eating his cake.
Evan was on the phone already with Tank giving him a report of the incident, while my mother and grandma pulled me into the kitchen. "Stephanie. If you let him go, I'll beat you senseless." My mother blurted out as she pulled together a bag of leftovers for Evan and I.
"If you don't want him, can I have him?" My grandma asked.
"Mother!"
"Can't hurt to try." She shrugged.
A/N: Well, Steph and Ram survived their first dinner "together" at the Plums. What did you think? Please R&R. -Tiff
