Disclaimer: The characters belong to J.E.

Spoiler Alert: There may be mention of anything from the series since this takes place just after 18. This story takes place immediately after Explosive 18.

Joe stood, letting the chair he was sitting in clamber to the floor. He glared at both of us before he stormed out, not even stopping to pick up his order. I smiled weakly at Ranger. Ranger lifted my hand and kissed it. "He's alive Babe. Right now that's all I can give you."

I shook my head, "I'm not asking for more. I'm sad because it took me so long to come to the decisions I finally made. I should have seen it earlier."

He kissed my hand again and we were silent for a few minutes before our order was brought to the table and we started eating. Once we were done, Ranger threw some money on the table and we headed for my parent's house.

Warning: It's the Plum's turn. Most of you will be expecting Helen to get called on the carpet by Ranger, no surprise there. This is to warn you that Frank Plum might also get called to the carpet. Although he doesn't get too badly damaged, Ranger does make him accountable for his inactions more than his actions. Don't worry though, Stephanie's relationship with her father actually becomes stronger because of this scene.

Chapter 8: Dinner With The Plums

Stephanie's POV:

The closer we got to my parent's house, the more nervous I got. When we finally pulled into the drive, I noticed my dad's car as well as Val and Albert's cars were in the drive. The car had no more than stopped and my grandma and mom were standing in the doorway waiting for our approach. Ranger slid out of the car and walked around to my side. He took my hand and helped me out before pulling me close to his side and wrapping his arm around me. We walked slowly up to the front door. My grandma was grinning ear to ear, but my mom had a pinched look on her face. I leaned into Ranger and felt his hold tighten marginally on me.

When we stood before them, grandma came forward and hugged me before turning to Ranger and waggling her eyebrows at him. Ranger nodded to her and held out his arm making sure that I was between him and grandma. She laughed and took his hand and squeezed it between both of hers and then patted his hand. "Always knew you were a smart man."

When I turned to look at my mom, I saw she was still in that same unrelenting pose. I sighed. "You mind if we come in mom?"

Her eyes narrowed and she lifted up her chin so it was easier to look down her nose at us. "Of course you can come in Stephanie. What sort of question is that?" She moved back so we could enter the house.

Grandma put a hand on my arm and whispered, "Don't you pay her no never mind. She's just got her panties in a knot because you got married without telling anybody."

I reached over and hugged my grandma. My mom led us into the living room and as we entered, she said, "Frank, Stephanie and her….husband have finally come to see us."

My dad looked up from the ball game and I saw the hurt in his eyes. I felt tears burn the back of my eyes and I gave a soft gasp. Ranger wrapped his arms more firmly around me and leaned down to whisper, "I've got you Babe."

I was distracted as Mary Alice started jumping up and down asking if I was really married and if it was just as beautiful as it had looked on TV. I turned and looked down at her and smiled. "It was even more beautiful Mary Alice."

Angie went over and took my mom's hand. She lifted her head and said, "When I get married I'm going to make sure all the people I love are able to come and watch. I'm also going to make sure my daddy gets to walk me down the aisle."

Val gasped, "Angie! That is extremely rude. You apologize right now!"

I felt Ranger tense beside me and I placed a hand on the arm at my waist. I smiled at Angie and spoke softly, "I'm sure you will make a beautiful bride someday and everyone will be thrilled to see your wedding." I took a deep breath and continued, "I'm sorry I hurt all of you by not having you come to the wedding. It's just that I wanted it to be private. So much of my life is open to the public, that I wanted this one day to be private. Just Ranger, myself and the priest."

Mary Alice nodded. "I'm glad you got the wedding you wanted aunt Stephanie. Just like you helped mommy and Albert have the wedding they really wanted." She came over and hugged my waist.

I turned to my dad. "I'm sorry you were hurt I didn't ask you to walk me down the aisle daddy. But we did that the last time. To tell the truth, I was scared at the thought of having a big wedding where everyone was going to be there watching and making judgments about what would happen and how long this one would last. I didn't want people gossiping at my wedding and making bets on how long before it ended. This means too much to me because I love Ranger more than I've ever loved anyone before in my life."

My father stood and took the few steps so he could wrap me in his arms and hug me. "I'm sorry I haven't been a better father pumpkin."

"I'm glad you're aware of your shortcomings sir."

My father stepped back and looked at Ranger. Before he could say anything, Ranger continued. "Yes, you give Babe a ride when she needs it and I believe you would do your best to help her if she came to you. Yet you sit at that damn table meal after meal and let your wife belittle her to the point her confidence in her own abilities is shaken almost beyond repair. You let your wife throw man after man at her. Men whose only point in their favor is that they are alive and breathing. You say nothing to your wife when she berates her for the kind of job she has and the people she hangs out with. According to your wife, nothing Babe does is ever good enough. You sit and listen, or maybe you've grown adept at tuning it out so you don't have to do anything about it. I'm here to tell you that it stops here sir. In my book you are either a friend or an enemy. If you want to be in Babe's life then you need to prove it."

I opened my mouth to say something, but Ranger turned and looked at me with such love in his eyes that I was frozen to the spot. After several seconds he turned and faced my mother. His eyes narrowed. "As for you Mrs. Plum. Don't ever, and I repeat ever pull any of your bullshit on Babe again. I make a bad enemy and if you ever do anything to hurt Babe, intentionally or otherwise, I will stop at nothing to make sure you regret ever hurting her. You will make no comments about her job, her friends, the people she hangs out with, how she raises her children if by chance we have a child, you will keep your mouth out of it. You will not belittle or harass her in any way. Most of all, if you ever throw another man at her I will personally plant them 6 feet under. I am her husband and I intend to remain her husband forever. If you can't abide by my rules then don't plan on seeing us."

My mother stood there with her mouth opening and closing, not saying a word. Angie went to say something but Val looked at her and said, "Angie you keep out of this. This is between your grandparents and your uncle….." She turned to Ranger and smiled, "Uh…just what would you like the girls to call you?"

Ranger smiled at Val, "They can call me Ranger."

Val nodded. "Uncle or just Ranger?"

Ranger grimaced, "Ranger."

Val laughed. "You will call him Ranger and you will show him respect young lady."

Angie glared, "Yes ma'am."

Ranger nodded to Angie, "You're mom is a wise woman. I'm sorry to do this in front of you Angie. I wish I could have left you with the impression your grandparents are perfect. But I will no longer tolerate the way they treat your aunt. I love her and I intend protecting her from anyone who would hurt her. Someday you'll understand."

Mary Alice galloped over and wrapped her arms around Ranger. "I'm glad you love Stephanie. She needs to be loved."

Ranger put a hand on Mary Alice's shoulder and smiled. "You're a lot like your aunt you know."

Mary Alice looked up at Ranger as if he'd just handed her the moon. "That's the best thing anyone's ever said to me. Thank you Ranger."

My dad cleared his throat. "I'm sorry pumpkin. Sorry I haven't been the dad I should have been and taken your side with your mother." He turned to Ranger. "It's not too late to correct that oversight I hope."

Ranger nodded his understanding of what my father was telling him. My mother turned and went into the kitchen without a word. Ranger and I spent the next half hour visiting with my family of which my mother was noticeably absent. When we said our goodbyes I felt an incredible sadness. I was sad my mother couldn't accept me the way I was. When I hugged my father he whispered in my ear. "Don't worry pumpkin. I've got your back now. I won't make the same mistake ever again."

I felt tears burn the backs of my eyes and replied, "I love you daddy."

"I love you pumpkin."

Ranger and I headed back to Rangeman. He parked in the garage and we headed up to 5. Ranger headed to his office and took me with him. He sat down at his desk and pulled me down onto his lap. I turned into his arms and rested my hand at the juncture of his neck and shoulder. I took a deep breath and looked up into his face. "I love you more than I ever thought I could love someone."

He kissed my mouth and smiled. "I love you too Babe."

I sat wrapped in his arms and smiled. Several minutes later my eyes closed and I slept.

Ranger's POV:

I sat holding my Babe while she slept. I'd had my say at her folks house today and as far as I was concerned they could either take my warning or they'd find themselves out of her life. I had no doubt Babe's dad would be making some changes. It was up in the air if Mrs. Plum would heed my warning. I absently rubbed Babe's back as she sat in my arms sleeping. There was a knock on my door and I spoke softly so as not to wake her. "Enter."

Lester walked into my office and did a double take. I gave him a warning glare and he was smart enough not to say anything. He moved closer and spoke softly. "Hector just got this back. Thought you'd want to see it."

I took the paper Lester was holding out and felt my anger rising as I read what was in the report. I wanted to hit something. I looked up at him. "You read this?"

He nodded. "So did Tank and Bobby."

"Alright. I'll meet you in the conference room in 15 minutes."

Lester gave Babe a soft look before he turned and headed back out. I shifted Babe so I could stand and carried her over to the sofa. I lay her down and covered her with the afghan on the back of the sofa. I kissed her gently on the cheek before standing and headed out the door to the conference room. I reached the conference room before the rest of the guys and used the opportunity to make a call.

The phone rang three times before it was picked up on the other end. "Hey Ranger. What's up?"

"Just thought I should tell you Stephanie and I got married."

I could hear the smile in her voice as she asked, "When?"

"Two months ago."

"Two months ago! And I'm just now hearing about it? That sucks."

I raised an eyebrow, "Not many people knew until today."

"You mean it was like a secret wedding?"

"Somewhat. Listen angel, I need you to be extra careful for a while, can you do that for me?"

"Aw man! Don't tell me there's another stalker!"

"No angel. No stalker. However, there are some bad guys out there."

I could feel her hesitating and wondered what it was she wanted to say. Finally she said, "How would you feel about getting together?"

I smiled. "Just tell me when."

A few seconds later the door opened and I quickly ended the call. I could tell by the expression on the guys faces that they were just as pissed as I was about this newest development.