Birthday Wishes

Chapter 11-Mother's intuition

Disclaimer: Not mine, just playing. If I was Ranger's nurse he'd be having a lot of sponge baths!

As always, thanks to my wonderfully talented Beta, Sharon.

Special thanks also to: Cara, thanks Babe!

After the scene I just left, I hardly have the energy to deal with another one. I'm on my way to my next confrontation because I know there's nothing to be accomplished by putting it off. Now it's just a matter of time before the 'Burg grapevine gets to my family and Carlos.

Pulling into my parents drive, I find my Mom & Grandma standing at the door, the 'Burg housewife radar in perfect working order. I step out of the car and cross the lawn, making my way to the porch where they push the door open for me.

"That's a pip of a car! Isn't that Ranger's?" Grandma asks, her eyes bright with mischief as she admires the car. "It looks fast just like the man that owns it. Boy, I like fast men…I mean at my age the faster the better! I think that Ranger would be just my speed."

I bite down hard on my lower lip in an effort to control my laughter. The thought of the panic-stricken expression on Carlos' face at my Grandma's declaration is almost too much to contain.

"Yes. It's Ranger's car. I'm just taking it out for a run; it's been parked for awhile."

"Stephanie, come into the kitchen. I've got a nice coffeecake on the table." My Mom says leading us into the interrogation room, otherwise known as the kitchen.

We all settle down with coffee and the cake as Mom begins her usual cross examination and lecture.

"So, when did you get back to Trenton?"

I do a mental sigh and an eye roll. "Yesterday afternoon. I stayed at Ranger's apartment last night to help him and I'll be there for several more days until he recovers."

Gasps escape from both my Mother and Grandmother, although I'm guessing that Grandma's is more of an envious gasp.

"What about Joe? You can't be staying in another man's apartment when you're practically engaged to Joe!" my Mom exclaims, shock registering in her voice and on her face.

"Mom, Joe & I are never going to marry. We tried the relationship thing; we even tried being engaged and it just didn't work for us. We'd have been miserable together in a marriage. All we'll ever be able to be is friends."

"Well, how are you ever going to have kids and a family if you don't get married?" She seems vaguely horrified now. "I mean, all good 'Burg girls settle down and have a family. Stephanie, you're not getting any younger. What will people think?"

"Mom, I don't know if I'm really ready to get married again, let alone have children…they kinda scare me. I mean I can barely stand to be here for an hour when Val's visiting with her bunch."

Just then the phone rings and my Mom picks it up with a cheerful "Plum residence." She pauses for a moment as the person on the other end speaks. "Yes, I know. She's here now." Another pause. "Yes, uh huh?" And another pause: I hate this one sided phone conversation thing. Finally, "Really? No, I didn't know that. Look can I call you back later? I need to talk to Stephanie about this." Then one final pause. "Yes, ok. Good-bye."

My Mom steps back to the table and looks at me, her 'Burg glare turned on me full force.

"That was Mrs. Rizzo. She says that she heard from Mrs. Billenski that you're dating Ranger and that you've quit the bounty hunter job with Vinnie. Is that true, young lady?"

"Yes, Mom, Ranger and I are dating, and I gave notice with Vinnie." I don't know why, but sometimes it still shocks me how fast the grapevine works. It's faster than the speed of light!

"I knew that hottie had eyes for you!" Grandma exclaims excitedly, pumping her thin little arm in the air with a 'You go, girl!' look on her face.

My Mom's eyes shoot straight to the cabinet door that houses her liquor before crossing the room to set up her ironing board. She returns to the cabinet and pulls down the bottle, grabs a glass and pours two fingers worth before slamming it back. Fortified, she turns back to me.

"Ranger isn't from the 'Burg, Stephanie. We know next to nothing about him; he's always in black, and he hardly says more than two words when he's here. And just what kind of job do you think you're going to be able to get in this economy?"

"Mom, I know you don't know a lot about Ranger personally, but you know he's kept me safe and saved my life countless times over the last couple of years. That should mean something. We've been through some serious situations together, and more importantly, I care about him."

Judging by the expression on my Mother's face, this isn't completely convincing her of anything, so in order to placate her, I offer her a concession.

"When he's recovered from his injuries, we'll come to dinner and you can get to know him better. You'll see how much cares for me. He treats me with affection and respect, but most of all, he doesn't try to make me into something I'm not."

These heart felt conversations are very uncomfortable to me, but my life is in need of some serious change. Carlos is going to be a big part of my 'new' life, and my Mom needs to understand that. Well, no hiding in denial land waiting for all this to blow over.

"As for the job, I don't know. I'm hoping to take a full-time position with Rangeman, since there's plenty of work there for me. Now, I really need to get back to Ranger. I'll talk to you soon. Bye, Mom. Bye, Grandma" I turn and head for the door, making a quick escape before my mom can say anymore on the subject.

Helen's POV

I watch as my youngest daughter exits the kitchen in an almost run. There's something different about her today and I can't quite put my finger on it. A fire burning inside her; I can hardly believe how open she was about her feelings and thoughts regarding Ranger. She usually evades any 'touchy-feely' type of conversation, although most of us do in this family. It's a way of life. Well, that is, except for Valerie and her 'snuggle umkins'. I give a mental shudder; I'll never understand that relationship!

The relief I feel that she's quit the job with Vinnie is almost palpable, a heavy weight lifting off my chest. She was always in so much danger and her life was threatened so many times doing that type of work. That constant worry for her safety had become part of my everyday life. I'd come to dread the ringing of the phone that always seemed to carry the news of her latest close call or misadventure.

I've regretted my behavior and the way I've handled these situations with my daughter on more than one occasion. My fear, my worry, has given me permission, even justification to beat down her spirit. To constantly compare her to other daughters of the 'burg who had safer, more respectable lifestyles. I was always hoping that she'd come around to my way of thinking, and find something better to do with her life. I know it was wrong, and my actions are something I'll always regret, but during those times I really couldn't stop myself.

Her safety is one of the main reasons I've constantly pushed her towards marrying Joseph, because I knew he would insist that she give up the bounty hunting job. He hated her doing the job even more than I did. No, I'll take that back; it's the only reason I've pushed her towards a Morelli man. The Morelli men's reputations have not been sterling in the past. In fact, Joe seems to be the only one to have stepped away from that despicable behavior. I figured that since he's an officer of the law, he's found respectability, and outgrown the wild ways of his youth. I'd convinced myself that he wouldn't follow the previous legacy of the Morelli men, so I had actively encouraged Stephanie to seek a marriage with Joseph, because I thought it was for the best.

Maybe I was all wrong. I've always noticed something between Stephanie and Ranger; a bond that I've labeled as friendship and nothing more. But, he seems to do a lot for someone he only considers a friend. He's really gone above and beyond for my daughter, so I tell myself I'll give him a chance. It won't be easy, and he certainly isn't the type of man I'd pick for my daughter, but there's something there that draws her to him. So, I'll keep an open mind and try not to judge. And for once, put faith in my daughter to make the right choice for her life.

SPOV

I arrive at Haywood at 11:30, exiting the Turbo and heading for the elevator. Arriving on the 7th floor, I let myself into the apartment and make my way travel into the bedroom. As I enter the bedroom, Carlos' eyes slowly open, his laptop still in front of him on the bed.

He looks up at me with a sleepy expression that is so adorable on this big tough guy.

"Yo, Babe."

"Yo yourself, Batman. How's your day been so far?"

"Paperwork, mainly," he says with a definite groan this time.

"Anything I can help with?"

"Really?" His eyes light up with interest.

I nod, smiling a little at his hopeful look.

"Yes, there are several things I can delegate to you," he says, looking relieved to have some of the load lifted. "Can you help me after Mama's visit?"

"Sure. But right now, I should let you know what's all happened since I left here…"

I proceed to tell him the events of the day, receiving several raised eyebrows while I speak of finding Joe at my lot and giving notice to Vinnie. I end by telling him about the mandatory appearance we'd have to make at my parents when he's recovered. His face actually pales slightly at the mention of dinners with my family. Damn, I'd really hoped to slip that past without his notice, but I know he always listens closely to what I'm saying, and this wasn't going to go unnoticed.

"Babe, your family's dinners terrify me. I'd rather face another hand grenade."

"That's not even funny, Batman."

"So, what prompted you to quit Vinnie's?"

"While I was sitting with you in the hospital, I had time to think. I realized that the job is too dangerous for me, especially with my very limited skills. It's not really what I want to do, not that I know what I want to do with my life." I know I'm rambling but I can't seem to stop myself. So I finish with, "Mainly though, I'm tired of being comic relief for the 'Burg and the guys at the station…it's embarrassing."

"Babe, we can get you trained if you want to keep doing the job. You have a perfect capture rate and your instincts are terrific. All you lack is the physical training."

"No, I'm ready for a change. I was sort of thinking of…well maybe…if you thought it'd be ok….um…working here at Rangeman full-time… but I mean if it's not…"

Carlos cuts off my embarrassed stuttering with a small chuckle.

"Of course, you can work here full-time. Actually, it's what I've wanted all along, but it had to be your choice. There are some conditions I'll have to insist on if you work at Rangeman, though."

Oh boy, here it comes.

"Physical training and gun range time are a must; it's important, Steph. Not just for yourself, but for the people you're with on the job. You'll have to be 'dressed' when you're in uniform, though I'd prefer if you're always carrying."

"I pretty much already knew you're going to require those things. Just go easy on me; it's going to be an adjustment."

"Always, Babe. I know you're capable of more than you allow yourself to believe. We'll just see what duties you like best at Rangeman, and concentrate on those."

"Okay. Well, I guess we'd better get ready for lunch with your Mom, huh?"

"Yeah, Babe. She'll probably be early, Santos already went to go pick her up. Could you help me to the couch?"

I step to the side of the bed his crutches in my left hand offering my right arm to him so he can use it to pull himself up to a sitting position. As he grasps my arm, it puts pressure down on the very spot where Joe had grabbed me earlier and I flinch, unable to control my reaction. Of course, it doesn't go unnoticed by Carlos.

"Babe, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"It's nothing," I say flippantly, praying he'll just drop it, but knowing he won't.

Carlos uses his other arm to push himself to a sitting position at the side of the bed, then reaches out to raise my shirt sleeve, which reveals an obvious hand print bruise.

"Morelli?!" He growls; the fierceness in his voice startles me as he reaches over for my other sleeve to find a matching bruise.

"Carlos, it's ok. He lost his temper when I pushed his buttons. I handled it. He won't hurt me again."

"You're damn right he won't touch you again!"

"Please, you're still recovering. Just let this go. You'll only find yourself in trouble if you go after him."

"Babe, I can handle anything Morelli throws at me."

"I know, but please? For me? He's hurt and angry that I'm with you. He's always been jealous of us, always suspected that there was something more between you and I. Today, I confirmed it for him."

"I don't like it. He comes from a family known for abuse."

"I slapped him hard across the face during our confrontation…if that makes you feel better. I stood up to him, and it felt good."

"Proud of you, Babe." He gives me a small smile and squeezes my hand.

"Carlos, promise me that you'll leave this alone."

"I'll promise you I won't go after him physically for this, but in return, you have promise not to keep any other injuries from me."

"Ok, I can live with that." I breathe a sigh of relief. "Now, let's get you to the couch."

As soon as I get Carlos settled on the couch, I brush a quick kiss to his lips and tell him I'm going to go change. I'm still wearing my Rangeman uniform, but I want to change into something that I brought from my apartment. Something different, that would be more feminine and flattering. I want to look nice when Carlos' mom arrives.

RPOV

I was relieved when Steph said she was going to leave the room to go change. Not because I wanted her away from me, but because I needed to get the murderous rage I was feeling clamped down and under control.

Seeing those bruises made me want to go find that bastard and beat him to a bloody pulp. If I wasn't still recovering from my injuries, I don't know if Steph could've stopped me from going to find him. Tank's the only one capable of restraining me when I'm in this type of a rage.

If I'm nothing at all, I'm a man of my word, and I'll keep my promise to Steph. I won't go after Morelli physically, but we are going to have a discussion about the bruises he inflicted on her just as soon as I've recovered from my injuries.

I hear a soft knock at the door to the apartment as Steph breezes into the room. She looks beautiful in a flowered skirt and a light blue shirt that brings out the color of her eyes, her manner completely at ease and comfortable in my apartment as she lightly brushes my hair with her hand on the way to answer the door.

SPOV

The door is barely open when Maria Manoso steps through it, immediately embracing me in a big hug.

"Estefania! It's so good to see you. Where's my Carlos?"

"In here, Mama," comes his voice from the living room.

Maria grabs my hand and drags me along with her into the living room. She rushes to Carlos' side and kisses his face, taking in his injuries with a worried expression on her face.

"I'm fine, Mama. Stephanie's taking good care of me, and Bobby's just downstairs."

This seems to reassure her as we settle into a nice conversation while we wait for Ella to bring lunch. When she arrives, I go and help her set the table so that Carlos and his Mom can visit alone. I convince Ella to stay and have lunch with us, seeing as I just found out that she's Carlos' aunt when she entered the apartment and Maria rushed up to greet her. I overheard Maria tell Ella what a comfort it is to know Carlos has his aunt so close to him. Yet another little mystery revealed about Batman.

Lunch with Carlos' Mom & Ella is very enjoyable; Carlos seems relaxed and very happy to have us all together. Soon after we finish, though, he starts to get tired, the weariness evident on his face. He tries to hide it, but everyone in the room knows him too well and notices the signs. We say our good-byes to Maria & Ella promising to do this again soon.

Maria Manoso's POV

Lester is waiting for me at the door of Carlos' apartment just as I open it to leave. We have a polite conversation in Spanish as we travel down to the garage, where he helps me into his truck. As we're pulling out of the huge cavern, he receives a phone call, so I let my thoughts on this afternoon wander.

My Carlos looked so happy and content. It warms my heart to see him in such a state. He's always been my quiet, reserved child….so much like his father. I'd almost given up hope that my son would ever find someone to share his life with.

I always suffer tremendously when I see any of my children hurting, but today, as I looked into the battered face of my son, I was startled to find an expression of contentment on his face, instead of his usual blank demeanor. It became very obvious to me that he was happy, despite his debilitating injuries and enforced confinement. My Carlos has never been very good at keeping still for any length of time. He's always had to be doing something, anything, rather than sitting idly.

We've had our problems with him in his younger years, but seeing the man he's become today, he makes me so proud. He's accomplished much with his life, and done some extraordinary things. Some of these things have put his life in danger, which has caused me considerable worry throughout the years, but it's who he is, and I wouldn't change him for anything.

Stephanie's the biggest surprise. She's so different from the woman I've pictured in my mind for Carlos. She's absolutely perfect for him, though. She's going to keep him off balance and fill his life with laughter and love. I've already witnessed that this afternoon as they interacted with each other. I know he'll never be bored!

I've known even before Carlos told us about Stephanie that he'd found his partner. It was in his eyes when he spoke of her for the first time after a family dinner a couple of years ago. I don't know all the particulars of what's happened between the two of them over the years, but I'm glad they've worked through them and have each other now.

I'd known that Stephanie was 'with' a police officer at the hospital after Carlos was shot by that Scrog fellow, but I was intrigued when I saw how genuinely upset and worried she'd been about my son as we'd sat in that small OR waiting room. She'd been visibly relieved when we were told he was going to be alright; it seemed to me she cared a lot more than she wanted anyone to realize. All I know is that she put her own life in danger to save my granddaughter, and for that she'll have my eternal gratitude.

Now that I've seen how well she treats my Carlos, I find I already love her like a daughter. I pray they both realize the true blessing that they have in each other.

SPOV

Once Carlos is all settled in bed, he looks up at me, holding my hand and saying tiredly "Thanks, Babe. I know Mama was very happy that she was able to join us for lunch."

"It's no problem. She's really a joy to be around, and so different from my own Mom." I can't help but try to hide the sadness from my voice. Maria simply loves Carlos unconditionally, and accepting the choices he's made in his life without criticizing his lifestyle. She doesn't lecture him about doing something different or changing him into someone he's not meant to be… My thoughts are interrupted as Carlos gently touches my arm.

.

"Babe, can I hold you for a while?" I smile, feeling suddenly lighter, happier.

"Sure, Batman." No way will I pass up a chance to be held in his arms!

TBC

Ranger's recovered in the next chapter and the romance begins! We're getting closer to Steph's birthday! Please share any thoughts or ideas you may have for this story. They'll be carefully considered! Thanks for your reviews, they're like chocolate bon bons to me! I LOVE chocolate.