A/N not mine, I own nothing but the plot.

Paying The Price

RPOV

We quickly found our seats on the flight to Vegas. I had had the weapons charge that kept me out of it cleared. This was going to be the best memory I could have of this place. I was marrying the woman of my heart. I never thought I would do this again. It hadn't been part of my plans.

I notice Steph was white knuckling the arms of the seat. She's always been a nervous flyer. I grabbed her hand and kissed it. It calmed her. The smile she gave me melted my once frozen heart all over again. I was more than ready for this with her.

"Babe, anything you want to see while we are in Vegas?"

"Mmmm, I'm not sure. Why don't we play it by ear? Although, I would like to see Fremont St. all lit up at night."

"How about the pirate show at Treasure Island, or the fountains at the Bellagio?"

"How long are we going to be here, again?"

"A week, unless you want to head back before then. I do have some friends stationed on Nellis Air Force Base that I would like you to meet while we are there. I think you'll like them. They may even be convinced to share more stories about Santos."

I feel her nod her head and yawn sleepily as she relaxed against my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile as I looked down at her. She didn't even notice that we had taken off. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to relax. This stalker wouldn't leave my thoughts for a second.

My worry was not just for her safety, but for our unborn child as well. The thought of a child with a combination of both Stephanie and I in them was terrifying thought. Her headstrong sense of adventure and hopefully my sense of self preservation would balance each other out.

Of course with our luck, this child will have a back for attracting danger and being able to out maneuver both of us. I am hoping for another girl, a chance to do the things I missed with Julie. A little girl with Stephanie's eyes and crazy curls. Although, with a boy, I would only have to worry about one penis. Having a girl would mean that I would have to worry about every other penis. If it's a girl, I will definitely have to add to the armory. If she looks like Steph, I'll have to lock her up until she's forty.

I would love a little boy as well. One that I can teach all the things that my Dad taught me. I know Frank would love to have a Grandson to take fishing. A boy who would follow in my foot steps and take over Rangeman. A daughter could do that as well, but there is something about having someone carry on the family name and make the company I started grow.

I can't help but think about Stephanie's Mom. All the things she'll miss out on, all the things she's lost. I know that her mental illness is not something she can control. I'm not sure how we'll explain that their grandmother is alive, but they will never get to meet her. Valerie's kids will always have the memory of Helen. I hope that with the therapy the are getting, that they will understand that this isn't their fault.

I must have dozed off, because when I woke up we were being asked to prepare to land. Steph looked at me and grinned. Her bright blue eyes filled with mirth at having caught me off guard. The cabin of the plane was brighter as all the window shades had been put up.

"Where will we be staying?" she asked me.

"I made arrangements for us to stay at the Luxor. You can see it if you look out the window. It's the one that looks like a black glassed pyramid."

The excitement on her face was palpable. I knew that she would enjoy it. I can't wait to see the look on her face when we get to our suite. The Pyramid Queen room was ready and waiting for us. Being a member of the elite invitation only Noir club for the hotel came with some perks and this time I was more than willing to use it.

"Ranger..." I could feel the fear radiating off of her as she noticed how close we got to the gigantic structure. When you look it does seem like we were going to fly right into the building. I'll admit it had me a little worried too. I rubbed my finger across her cheek and spoke soothingly to her.

"Don't worry, Preciosa. We'll land safely and well before the end of the runway."

She buried her head in my chest as I felt the wheels hit the tarmac. I let out a soft chuckle at her exasperated sigh. She was upset with herself for being scared. For all the bravery she shows in every day life, I know I shouldn't be amused in the small moments she shows her true colors. Yes, she has a very expressive face. The real feelings behind them are hard to decipher. She has something that rivals my blank face. She confuses those around her with the look on her face. Tank was the one to first point it out to me. She doesn't keep her heart on her sleeve like so many thought, just the opposite in fact.

We deplane; once we are in the terminal she spots our limo driver holding a sign with Ranger written on it. She is almost bouncing like Tigger.

"A limo?!"

"Babe," I replied with a shake of my head.

The trip to the hotel was short and sweet. I held her close around the waist as we made our way to our room. When I opened the door she let out a squeal. I think I underestimated how my she would like it. I don't think I have any eardrums left. I also recognized the the guilt that rose up in her eyes.

"What's wrong, Babe?"

"You spend way too much money on me as it is, you really shouldn't keep doing this."

"Get use to it, Babe. I plan on spoiling you for the rest of our lives."

"You do, just be being you."

I couldn't resist any longer, I pulled her in for a heart stopping kiss. We barely made it to the bedroom, only stopping to remove our clothing as we stripped to the buff.

She ran her nails lightly down my back, and a low growl left my throat. In that moment I knew we wouldn't be leaving our room before dinner.