Sorry it took awhile to update because I was sick and vomiting everywhere. I was supposed to update this chapter two days ago. Instead I got two chapters, 13 and 14 here for you. Enjoy! please review after.

Chapter 13

"Tank's Proposal"

Tank's POV

I wasn't so thrilled to have my family arrive early (two hours and thirty four minutes early to be precise) but they were very curious about the woman whose birthday I was celebrating in my home and as much as invite them to, which I never wanted them over to visit and annoy me because its so much easier just to see them and leave when I want to. I was going to make Lula part of the family, so family introductions should be met at least. I could tell Lula was nervous to meet them but she survived and as soon as seven o'clock came around, our other invited guest came around.

Lula was wearing something abnormal to her usual taste, but I didn't complain since it was better to wear for my parents' sake. In honest opinion, I wouldn't care if she wore her birthday suit, it's her birthday after all, and I love her all the same. She wore a white cotton dress that didn't cling to her skin but flattered her figure. It was V-cut with short sleeves and its flowing skirt went down to her knees. With the dress, she wore red four inch heels, a red beaded necklace and a loose, dangling red belt around her waist. She had her hair done yesterday in black curls all pinned up. She looked somewhat elegant. She was fantastic and she was mine, as soon as I put my ring on her. I saw her look up from her conversation with Stephanie and her fiancé, Jeremiah, that prick and all those crap assed contracts, and I started to make my way towards her.

I reached them while she was commenting on Steph's outfit. She was wearing a silk blue top that matched her eyes with white flowers sewn all over, a white skirt that went does to her knees, and blue and white pumps. She looked delicate, but Bomber was far from delicate. I looked over their heads and saw Ranger across the room watching her. I wanted to shake my head at that but instead I entered their conversation.

"You look nice tonight Bomber," I complimented her. She smiled at me and said her thanks with a blush. She put her head down as if in embarrassment and I could see her eyes, very slightly, look in Ranger's direction.

I pulled Lula into me and whispered softly to her, "I didn't have a chance with my family barging in, but you look beautiful tonight." I kissed her cheek and looked into her eyes. They looked happy and hopeful. Hopeful, huh? I turned to see Steph looking at us carefully with a soft smile, like she knew something. Before I knew it, I was tapped on the shoulder by one of three men I hired as caters for tonight. Dinner was ready.

As dinner went by, conversations flowed throughout the dinning room table. It was a very talkative bunch and since there were many of us, I had the table extended to fit us all. I sat at the head of the table with Lula on my right and Ranger on my left followed by my mother and father. I could tell my mother didn't like Lula, but it didn't matter in my opinion. Lula tried to go through all of my mother's questioning and I think she was doing rather well if only my mother would stop. Thankfully, Steph sat next to Lula, even if her slime ball of a fiancé sat on the other side of her. Bomber was able to help Lula avoid some idiotic questions; help which I could think was learned from avoiding her own mother. After dinner, I asked for everyone to enter the living room for Lula' gifts opening. As everyone made there way into the living room, my mother stopped me in the hallway.

"I don't approve of her for you, Nigel," she said, "she doesn't seem right. Besides, she's a file clerk who helps a bounty hunter and does insane things. Plus, her posture's horrible and-" I wanted to stop her when we heard someone clearing their throat behind me. I turned to see Lula, Connie, Steph, Jenny and Grandma Mazur standing there.

"We, uh, just wanted to get a few drinks," Jenny said, "Excuse us." Connie, Steph and her made their way past us. Grandma Mazur shook her head at my mother and said to me, "you got one nasty of a mother there, you sexy hunk." She walked back into the living room whistling. I shook my head and smiled. She's a crazy old bat.

Lula still stood there. I turned back to my mom and said, "That's all there is mom." I turned back to Lula to see her in an angry mood. "Lula-" I began but she turned and marched back into the living room. "Lula, wait." I followed her without even realizing that we were now standing in a crowded room waiting for gifts to be opened.

"What is it Tank?" she said cruelly.

Lula's POV

"What is it Tank?" I asked not caring what he said. He isn't going to marry me now. His mother didn't approve of me. Hearing her say it made me think perhaps the rest of his family didn't like me either. Well hell, I don't care, do you care? No!

"Come on let's talk," he said gruffly. There was no emotion showing on his face. That pissed me off. He even had his arms crossed over his chest like he was mad.

"No, I'm going home," I said. I grabbed my red purse and started heading for the door. I saw Tank grabbing his keys from his pockets and I turned around and faced him. "Without you, you moron."

"Hell, Lula. We need to talk. What is it that got you likes this, what is it that you want?" Tank said angrily.

"I wanted your family to like me. I wanted to have a good birthday; I want you to ask me to marry you, you fucking asshole." Oh Lord. I didn't just say, never mind I shouted it. I looked at him. He looked stunned. So I said quietly, "Forget it. I'm out of here." He grabbed my arm quickly and swung me around.

"Did you know about the ring?" his eyes questioned as looked at the doorway towards Jenny.

Without getting Jenny in trouble, I decided on half the truth, we girls stick together after all, "I saw the ring four days ago in your pocket when you stayed overnight in my apartment. I was looking to see if you any more condoms because you know you big boy. You haven't asked yet, and I've been waiting." That night, I was anxious to know what it looked like, knowing he had to go and pick it up so I checked his pockets; besides, I had been looking for condoms.

Tank chuckled and bent down on one knee. "This makes it easier," he murmured. He looked up at me and pulled the small jewelry box out of his pocket, "Lula, I love you. Will you marry me?"

I shrieked along with all the other girls around me. Forget his family! Shrieking wasn't my intended answer but it seemed to work as Tank pushed the beautiful ring onto my finger and kissed my hand. As he stood up, I kissed him quickly and started shrieking again. "I'll take that as a yes," he chuckled.

"You bet your ass yes," I exclaimed as the girls rushed forward to take a look at the ring, while the guys went and congratulated Tankie.

It took a while to get everyone calmed down, me especially, for us to start letting me open my birthday presents. From Connie, I got a Pleasures Treasures store gift card. Sally Sweet got me a whole new shiny black outfit, the card said I could dress as Catwoman for man anytime I want, something I think Tankie would like. Joe Morelli and Sarah had gotten me a gift certificate for four at a restaurant I had never been to but heard the place was good. Jenny and her husband got me a gift card to Macy's. Steph had gotten me a digital camera, sweet! Mooner and Dougie, well I wasn't so sure, but they say it's an incredible french fries machine. I was going to try it anyways after I buy a sack of potatoes. Grandma Mazur had gotten me a vibrator and a huge box of condoms. She made everyone laugh when she said, "This would be much better so you don't have to go looking through his pockets for more." The Merry Men had gotten me several Victoria's gift cards which I knew they thought Tankie would appreciate. I could see Steph laughing as I opened birthday card after birthday card from the six guys that attended and they all got the same thing. Ranger gotten me something I didn't expect. He had gotten me a cell phone and the wall paper was Tankie. There was an unread text message which I opened and began laughing so hard I had tears coming out. Ranger text "This is a pic of Tank when we were kids. Hope u like" Tankie was small and sucking on his thumb. He looked about a preteen and he was holding onto a green teddy bear. To find out what was making me laugh so hard, Tank got hold of the phone and saw the picture. He immediately went in to kill Ranger, but I begged him not to and saved the message. So Tankie was a big baby, but I loved him.

Ranger's POV

I stayed quiet and watched her throughout the party. Steph was standing by Jeremiah's side the entire time; either that or they were close by. He shouldn't be here with her. I would have been the one beside her the entire time if I hadn't wasted any moments with her. Which you did, I thought to myself. She looked beautiful, she always was. Tonight she looked fragile and delicate in her outfit, like a porcelain doll that I wanted to keep locked up and safe where only I could look at her. At some point, Morelli came up beside me.

"You know, if it wasn't me I always figured it would be you," he said softly.

I turned to him, "What are you talking about Morelli?"

He pointed towards Steph and said, "I always figured if she wouldn't love me, she would be with you and I would live with that. Even with the jealousy, you would keep her safe." He paused. "And you care for her too. I see you watching her all the time, even tonight."

"So?" I didn't feel comfortable Morelli pointing all this out to me. I knew already.

"So, nothing," he said, "tell you what, I don't like you, especially when it came to her but I've moved on. One thing, I still care for her and I don't like that Jeremiah guy being with her. I rather you got married to her than him. He don't feel right in my book. Got him checked out. Nothing bad but apparently he needs a wife before his 35th birthday next year to keep his father's company. I think he's just using her and I don't appreciate it. I'd do something if I were you."

"And why not you?" I asked. "I already looked him up and found the same as you." More if you count the contracts.

"Because I'm getting married and settling down. Plus, who's been sitting here all this time watching her? Not me, but you? Think about it." Morelli turned and headed towards Sarah who was talking to Tank's younger sister. He had a point and I hated that. Plus, I love her and I also knew she loves me.

After dinner, we all saw Tank and Lula bicker. His mother and my mother always seemed to but heads even though our fathers got along. His mother blamed me for getting us in trouble when we were young, and my mother blamed Tank. Tank's proposal wasn't something I didn't expect. I knew he was going to propose tonight but I didn't imagine it would be by her yelling at him that she wanted him too. Funny how things come out. When Lula got to my present last, I couldn't help but chuckle as Tank wanted to kill me for sending her that pic.

All throughout the night, I watched my babe sit, stand, talk and entertain him. I couldn't stand it but I sat there showing no or as little emotion as I could. It should be me all this time, and it will be me soon, after I help get rid of him. He seem to be such a good friend of hers, so I couldn't harm him, but at least I can take his claim off her and ship him back to Texas. I wanted to hold her and yell that I love her, but it wouldn't work, it wouldn't be enough. I watched and waited as people started to leave after eating the huge chocolate birthday cake.I sat across the room when Lester, Bobby, Steph, Jeremiah and me were the only guest left. I could Lula was anxious for us to leave and have Tank all to herself in this nice house. She probably didn't know he just bought this house two months ago, thinking about her most likely. Just as Steph and Jeremiah were about to leave, Jeremiah's cell rang. He excused himself to the hallway and left Steph in the room with the rest of us.

I heard her sigh and I got up to move towards her. She and Lula began admiring the engagement ring again while Bobby and Lester teased them about probably their weddings and kids will be coordinated together all their lives. Tank chuckled here and there until he looked at me. I crept up behind Steph and the rest of them with only Tank noticing my presence.

"Tonight, I never said hey yet Babe," I said softly behind her. She turned slowly and smiled at me.

"I know," she said as equally soft, "sorry, I was… distracted." and avoiding you, her thoughts whispered in my mind. I saw her glance at her engagement ring and her hand tense. I hate this.

I hate this, too, I thought. If only she could hear my thoughts too, this would be easier. I smiled softly at her and whispered to her, "you look exquisite tonight babe."

Her cheeks turned slightly pink for a second before her regained herself and smiled, "Thanks Ranger." We stared into each other's eyes and I felt calm yet my insides melted to the floor so I couldn't recompose myself and leave this spot. She was half an arm's reach away and I wanted to touch her. My arm twitched as I began to raise my hand.

Babe. You're so beautiful. I could see very light in her eyes. Her every single eyelash. She was beyond beautiful to me, she was amazing.

Ranger? she thought. My arm dropped. Our eyes were still locked. Had she heard my thoughts?

Yes, babe?

Great, I'm hearing things now. yes! She was hearing my thoughts also now.

No you're not, I thought. You've ESP babe. I chuckled softly in my mind.

Oh my God. I've got ESP?! No way. I'm hearing things. For her benefit, I chuckled for real this time and said out loud, "Yeah babe, you do have it. Welcome to my world babe." I suddenly lowered my voice and leaned into her slightly, "you've finally got ESP." I chuckled softly again. Her eyes widen and she stared at me in disbelief.

"Sweetie pie," Jeremiah just walked right back into the room, "let's go and call it a night." He was unaware of a dazed Steph standing so close to me or the fact that Lester, Bobby, Tank and Lula were all watching us, which I only began to notice, damn I'm slipping on control these days.

"I'm sure the newly engaged couple would like a night without us," he chuckled. Steph shook her head very slightly to clear her mind and turned towards him. God I've lost it. I'm hearing things, she thought, and I think I just heard Batman think he lost control. I chuckled behind her again, I did think that didn't I? She turned and glared at me before facing Jeremiah again.

"Sure honey," she said in her sweetest voice. He said goodbye and wished Lula a happy birthday again before he nodded at the rest of us and walked out the door, holding it open for Steph. She wished and hugged Lula another happy birthday before turning to the rest of us with a smile and a finger wave.

See you later Babe.

See you later too Batman, was her last thought before she continued to follow Jeremiah out.

"What the hell was that?!" Lester said accusingly once we heard their car pulled out of the street.

"What was what, Santos?" I asked blankly.

"That whole soft laughing thing man, 'he he' and 'ha-ha' I've rarely seen you like that and that whole 'yeah babe, you do have it' and 'welcome to my world babe.' What the hell man? Finally convinced her you got super powers Batman?" Lester questioned and teased. Bunch of man gossipers. Tank looked at me inquiringly.

Tank finally asked softly, "This about what you told me about you and Bomber?" I nodded. "Final connection?" he asked again.

"Yeah, finally," I answered, "I didn't expect it tonight though." Tank laughed.

"Makes it easier for you man," he kept laughing still, "should we be drinking ourselves drunk again like last week?" I groaned out loud at that and saw Lula, Bobby and Lester staring at us in shock. First, Tank and I were talking about something that didn't make sense to them. Secondly, and much worse, Tank and me, especially me, 'man of control', had gotten drunk sometime last week and it was unknown to them. I sighed. Might as well head to the mental institute.

"I need some sleep," I said in a matter-of-fact way. Tank laughed even harder that Lester and Bobby joined in laughter.

"See you guys at work tomorrow at seven sharp," I ordered and heard groans asI made my way out the door. Paybacks are a bitch you know.

Chapter 14

"Dreams"

Steph's POV

I can hear Jeremiah's soft snoring from the floor next to my bed. Jeremiah had a small problem with the company trustees, so he would leave tomorrow morning, a week earlier than he was expected to return.

I swear I was hearing things tonight. I was laying down on my bed sprawled out on my stomach after tossing and turning. Had I actually used ESP like Ranger? Or was I hearing things I wish I could? I fell into a fitful sleep.

(DREAM) I was sitting on a beach. How'd I get here? I took in my surroundings and stood. I dusted off sand clinging onto my… pajamas? I looked around again. I wasn't in Point Pleasant and I was alone. It was sundown and it was beautiful to see the sun setting out in the horizon into the deep ends of the ocean. Arms circled me and I smelled Ranger's Bulgari scent.

"Hey babe," he said softly. I looked up at him and saw him looking at the setting sun out in the horizon as well.

I looked back at the scene and we stayed that way for a while. It felt like hours passed by when I finally asked quietly, "Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Not as much as you," he answered. I looked up at him again and found him looking at me. He bent his head and gave me the sweetest brief soft kiss. He smiled at me. I began to realize Ranger stood holding me only in his silk boxers and I was in a pink and black tank top and shorts pajama set.

"Am I dreaming?" I asked. This seemed so surreal.

"And here I thought I was," he answered and he frowned. He let go of me and looked around. Slowly, as if we were in a digital movie screen, the beach scene faded away and we suddenly stood in Ranger's familiar seventh floor apartment bedroom.

"How did we… I'm so confused. The last thing I remember is falling asleep in my bed in my apartment after Lula's birthday dinner," I said amazed. Ranger studied me for a moment.

"The last thing for me is falling asleep here after her birthday dinner too," he said slowly. "And now my bed is made," he looked at the bedroom clock, "and its still one thirty in the morning… I remember I kept looking at the time before sleep took over me."

I stared at the clock. I was stunned, "The second hand isn't moving. Your clock is frozen." He looked at the clock again. I cleared my throat, "I think, uh, your clock is broken." Ranger chuckled.

"Guess so." He continued to look at the clock.

"I think I'm dreaming," I said slowly. "All this don't make sense. When we were at Tank's, it didn't make sense. All this is a dream. I'm beginning to lose it. It's probably stress." Yep. That has to be it. I looked at the bed. Maybe if I sleep, I'll wake from this dream. Without giving any attention to Ranger, I walked towards the bed and got under the covers.

"Babe?"

"Ranger?" My usual response.

"Why are you getting into my bed?"

I sighed and tried to explain, "Maybe if I fall asleep in a dream, I would wake up in reality and I would be back into my apartment in my bed."

"You think that would actually work?" I sighed at his question and sat up to face him.

"Worth a shot," I answered. He sat at the end of the bed.

"You wouldn't want to stay in a dream with me babe?" he asked.

It's a dream, I can say what ever I want. "I would Ranger. I love you. This dream is just too freaky, so I'm getting out of it."

"Why?" He had to ask?!

"Because, one, I was hallucinating with the whole ESP thing last night. And, two, dreams just simply aren't like this."

Ranger sighed. "You didn't imagine the ESP thing Babe. I was there and I've been able to read your mind for a really long time now. At first it scared me too, but I just go along with it now."

"So you really do have ESP?" I was curious. "You read everyone's minds?"

"No, only with you babe. The ability is limited only to you." Huh? Is it confession time for Ranger? I might as well go for the big one.

"Ranger, how do you feel about me? About us? What is it we have, uh, together? This whole thing, you know."

He didn't hesitate. "I'm in love with you and I would marry you as soon as I get rid of Jeremiah."

"Okay, this is definitely a dream, Ranger does not confess love to me other than in dreams," I said to myself. I can live in denial even in my stupid dreams. I pulled the covers over me as I laid back down. Suddenly the covers were pulled back and Ranger was furiously looking down at me.

"No, Babe!" he shouted at me. "This is not a dream. It doesn't feel like one to me, Steph. Once you wake up in the morning, I want you to be at the bonds office at nine wearing the blue shirt with snoopy on it" My snoopy shirt? "and I'll bring you a dozen canolli and a dozen Boston Crèmes." That sounds much better. "The connections between us are real: the ESP, this dream or whatever, all of it! And I love you Stephanie Michelle Plum. Dios! I have never been able to say so before but I-"

Beeping noise, like an alarm started to go off loudly all over the room. I covered my ears as it got louder. Ranger's figure began to fade away in front of me. I suddenly started to panic when I started to feel as if loneliness began to creep up and swallow me. NO!!! I screamed and reached out to the fading Ranger figure. (End of Dream)

I woke up sweating. Was it really all just a dream? There was only one to find out. I dug out of my closet the blue shirt with snoopy on it and set it aside. It was only six in the morning. Jeremiah was already up and ready to leave soon for the airport. I would jog early today and get into the office by nine and figure everything out.

"You okay?" Jeremiah asked as he fixed his tie.

"Huh?"

"You were screaming in your bed a couple of minutes ago and just bounced off to your closet," he said calmly as he went through his packed luggage.

"Oh, weird dream. Kind of freaky. I'm okay." He nodded at me.

"I'll be gone soon. I'll call and such. I'm going to be back to attend Morelli's wedding with you in two months." He finished and proceeded into the kitchen for coffee as I went off for my early run.

I got to the office five minutes before nine at the same time as Connie. Vinnie already had opened a few minutes before us. I waited patiently for either disappointment or retribution while awaiting Ranger to show up in few minutes. Patiently?! Who am I kidding? I brought Connie into a conversation about changing my hairstyle to keep some of my nerves down.

Ranger's POV

I woke up and shut off the annoying alarm. There was no way that was a dream. It couldn't be. It didn't feel like I was asleep and I had told her I was in love with her during whatever it was! Steph probably didn't believe it and will live in denial land, but I'm going to show up at the bonds office with two boxes of pastries just for her at nine o'clock, even if they are bad for you and full of sugar and fat. God damn it! I'm not going to mess this up!

I did my normal morning routines and by eight thirty, I was ready to go and get my babe her dozens of canolli and Boston Crèmes. As I headed for the garage, Tank stopped me along the way.

"Mr. Khoff wants a meeting at nine this morning," he informed me. I stopped in my tracks and faced him. Mr. Khoff was an important client, but my babe is more important to me.

"Can't. Reschedule."

"Boss, he's insistent on-"

"Steph is more important right now," I growled and I moved to past him but he held his hand out and stopped me.

Tank sighed, "You've been edgy this morning, and it looks like you didn't even sleep. What's up?" I looked around saw several of my employees trying to pretend they weren't paying attention to us.

Tank already knew what I've told him, more wouldn't hurt. Plus I could use him just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind already. "Come," I ordered and nodded towards my truck. Once in the car, I began to drive towards the bakery and made a fast recollection of the so called 'dream' and explained why I needed to make sure for myself I wasn't going crazy. He accepted my crazed explanation and called RangeMan to reschedule the unexpected appointment as we picked up a dozen canolli and a dozen Boston Crèmes at the Tasty Pastry.

I parked right outside of the bonds office at exactly nine. Tank and looked inside to see Connie and Steph talking, and I knew it, Steph was wearing the blue snoopy shirt.

"Boss?" Tank squeaked. "She's wearing the shirt you told her to in your dream, sleep, uh, whatever it is." I grinned. Tank was beginning to feel spooked.

"Now you know how I felt about the whole thing when I woke up. Only one way to make sure it isn't coincidental," I said as I got out of the car and took the two boxes of pastries inside the office. Tank followed me slowly.

Immediately as I entered, Steph turned around and the shock on her face was what I expected. "A dozen canolli." I placed one box on Connie's desk. "And a dozen Boston Crèmes." I placed the second box next to it.

"But, but… I… you," Steph sputtered, "the dream… that was… shit." Her eyes widened at me and she wet her lips with her tongue then cleared her throat. "The dream?" she asked louder and coherent this time speaking.

"I told you in it babe." I smiled at her, but she immediately fainted.

Thank god both of Tank and my reflexes were quick. We both caught her before her crashed on the floor.

"God!" Tank exclaimed, "Man, you weren't kidding or exaggerating."

Connie shrieked and began pick up the phone. Vinnie scrambled out of his office and demanded to know what was going on. I quickly handed Steph into Tank's arms and ordered Connie, "Don't call 911. Its not necessary. I shocked her, that's all. She just fainted. I need to talk to her after she wakes up. I'm taking her to RangeMan and have my medic check on her." I nodded at Tank and we left carrying Steph along with the two boxes of her sugary treats.

Once we placed her on my bed in my seventh floor apartment, I sent for Bobby to check on her while Tank and I talked in the kitchen. We outlined the abilities of the connection between Steph and me. Mind reading was something, being together in our subconscious states is completely different.

"Shit man, its amazing and so strange how you can go into her mind and she can go into yours. You've guys got this freaky phenomenal psychic ability that I can't help but be impressed by. Now you guys can visit each other in your sleep. Wow man, now you get to keep her 24-7 and seven days a week." Tank chuckled out his opinion. "Let me know when you get sick of her," he teased, "Oh god, imagine if you guys produce miniatures of yourselves, they'd have powers to take over the world." Tank was laughing so hard at his own joke he began to choke on the water he was drinking.

"I wouldn't mind having my children take over the world," I shrugged and laughed at him, "they could lock you up in isolation until you die, just for their dad's revenge."

"You're a harsh friend, you know." Tank refilled his glass of water as Bobby entered the kitchen.

"She's just fine. She'll most likely stay asleep for a while," he reported. I nodded at him.

"I'm going down and get some things done," Tank said and started to leave as Bobby said, "If Steph needs anything else when she wakes, there's Advil on the beside table." They turned and left.

I went to the bedroom and watched her for a while. She looked so peaceful sleeping in my bed. Her wild curls were spread out over my pillows. Her minimal make-up was now smudged, but she was still a beautiful woman to look at. I got a damp cloth and began removing her make-up the best I could without waking her from her slumber. Slowly, I undressed her and she was now wearing one of my shirts and panties. I tucked her in carefully. After, I went to get the boxes of pastries and placed them on the side table for her. I took off my shirt and cargo pants and pulled on my silk boxers. I sat down next to her for a long time watching the rise and drop of her chest as she slept before climbing into bed next to her and pulling her up close to me. I laid there holding her while waiting for her to wake.

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