Almost 3 hours later, Lula and I arrived back at the Bonds Office. I had a new top (bought one size too big, so I could still wear it when I start showing) and a pair of jeans. Lula had 6 pairs of black spandex pants in varying styles, 3 black faux leather skirts, 9 black tops that showed way too much cleavage, and a black dress. Plus the 4 pairs of black shoes (two pairs of boots, and two pairs of Via Spigas).

"Well, I think that was a success." Lula said, struggling to get out of the car without flashing everyone on Hamilton Avenue.

"Uh huh," I said absently. Lula worked herself out of the car, and looked at me.

"You look all distracted. What's the matter?" She passed me my shopping bag from the back seat.

"Just thinking… About Ranger." Lula straightened up.

"Uh oh. You better not be doin' too much thinking about him. You already got a baby daddy. You don't be needin' anything from Ranger." She walked with me too Big Blue to put my shopping in the car.

"I know." I sighed. "I should tell him though. We're friends. Friends tell each other when their pregnant." We made our way back to the office, collapsing on the couch.

"What are you two talking about?" Connie asked, looking up at us from behind her desk.

"Steph wants to tell Ranger she's pregnant." Lula gave Connie a knowing look.

"Hmm. That's a tough one. You're pregnant and engaged now. We all know Ranger doesn't have a problem taking things that aren't his, and he does have a thing for you. So he could either jump your bones, or back off completely."
"Gee, thanks. That narrows down the possible reactions." I said sarcastically. Problem was, there was a teeny tiny part of my brain that didn't want him to back off at all. But of course, the Catholic in me was screaming to leave well enough alone, marry Morelli, and learn how to cook pot roast. Uh. I needed a donut.

"I'm going to Tasty Pastry. Anyone want anything?" I said, standing to leave.

"A couple of cannolis please." Connie said.

"Ooh. I'm between diets now, so… A boston cream, a jam donut, one with sprinkles on it, one… Hell, I'll just come with you." So Lula and I drove to Tasty Pastry. I got Connie's cannolis, and a boston cream for me. Lula bought half the donuts they had in stock.

"Having an office party?" The lady behind the counter asked Lula.

"Nuh. This is just my afternoon snack. I've gotta keep up my energy, on account of I'm a bounty hunter now, and I have to have energy to chase down the bad guys." The lady's eyes widened.

"Oh." She said, and quickly gave Lula her change.

"She didn't seem too impressed with my occupation." Lula complained as we drove back.

"Yeah, the job is kind of lacking in glamour."
"That sounded sarcastic. You better watch that, or you'll be passing on all sorts of bad habits to the baby."