You own the characters, Janet

Homecoming

Shit, she was in a hospital again. Stephanie slowly opened her eyes. As long as she lived, she would hate the sound of that damn beep, beep, beeping of the heart monitor machine.

She could feel Ranger holding her hand. He shifted in the chair. He knew that she was re-gaining consciousness. She smiled up at him. He heaved a sigh of relief. She would be OK.

He had talked to the doctor and he thought that she could go home in a day or so. Ranger already knew that she would be petitioning the doctor to let her go sooner. He could already hear her arguments. Bobby could look after her. Yes, she felt fine. Yes, she had people who could keep an eye on her. Yes, she would take it easy for awhile. Yes, she would drink plenty of fluids. The excuses would go on and on. Eventually she would wear down all his arguments. Ranger smiled.

Stephanie managed to charm the doctor into letting her go. She promised all the things that he wanted her to do. She looked at Ranger with a smile of triumph. She had things to do. She had to get ready for her next Open House.

Ranger had arranged for the plane to fly to Lexington. It was only a few miles, but just the thought of driving to the airport in Florence made the whole decision easy. The men would load up in Florence, then fly to Lexington and pick up Ranger, Bobby and Stephanie, take the group back to Boston and then fly on to Newark. He told Tank to make the arrangements. Tank would co-ordinate everything.

Leaving the details to him to finalize, he and Bobby listened as the doctor gave his final instructions. Bobby was marking it all down dutifully, even though he was very familiar with treating the Bomber. She had grudgingly agreed that she would stay at Rangeman until she was cleared by Bobby. Ranger had made that stipulation or she would remain in the hospital. Stephanie stuck her tongue out at him. He smiled at her with his 100 watt smile. Two could play that game.

Matthew had been contacted and he was flying in and taking the Open House at Lexington.

A Merry Man had already checked Stephanie out of her hotel and cleared the room in Florence. Another Merry Man had returned the rental car. The State Police had visited Stephanie in the hospital for her statement.

She was relieved that her attacker would not be granted bail. She hoped that he would plead guilty to all the murders and the attempted murder. It appeared that he would never see the light of day again. Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Florida still had a Death Penalty. They were all clamoring to have first crack at Gerry Keepner.

The District Attorneys were scrambling to prepare their cases. The evidence was piling up. Stephanie hated that another life might be taken, but in this case she felt no remorse if he was convicted.

The plane had arrived. Eric was flying her. He greeted Stephanie with a great big bear hug, while trying not to endanger his own life at the hands of Ranger. Stephanie walked onto the plane. She sank gratefully in one of the plush seats. Ranger covered her with a blanket and she was asleep before the wheels left the ground.

The flight to Boston was uneventful. The men had unloaded the plane. Stephanie was now awake and personally thanked them for helping to find her. Manny gave her a great big hug. "Gee, wifey, you sure know how to scare a guy!" Ranger growled. Manny ignored him.

He was safe in Boston for awhile. He hoped that Ranger would be calm by the time he arrived back in Trenton. He figured that he needed to stay in Boston at least another month.

The plane lifted off again and headed for Newark. At the airport, there was a fleet of vehicles waiting for them. Ranger gently took Stephanie's hand and guided her to the Cayenne. She sank down gratefully in the soft leather seat. He guided the car to Rangeman. Pulling into the garage, she watched as the other vehicles disgorged their occupants. Once again, she thanked the men for all their help.

Mindful of Ranger, they smiled and congratulated her on her resoursefullness. What she lacked in knowledge she made up for with grit. Ranger called for the elevator. Looking at her, he asked her where she planned on staying, the medical suite on four or on seven. Stephanie thought of the thousand count sheets on Rangers bed, Ranger in that bed, and Ella. "If you don't mind sharing, could I stay on seven?" Ranger smiled.

He escorted her to seven. Ella had already been in. There was a series of delicious foods sitting under covers on the counter. Stephanie, being above all else curious, lifted the lids. There was fettuccine alfredo, chicken salad, stir fried vegetables, and chocolate cake. Her mouth watered. Ranger laughed.

Only Stephanie would take food over sleep. She dug in. He sat down across from her andpicked at his food. She moaned with pleasure. He shifted uncomfortably. Finally full, she pushed the food away from her. She headed to the bedroom. The shower was calling her.

She looked at Ranger. She crooked a finger in his direction. Not taking no for an answer, she grabbed his hand and led him to the shower.

The water was turned on. He stepped in with her. He used all his resolve not to make any sexual overtures, but she was not a woman to be denied. She lathered him. She moaned as he softly rubbed the shower gel up and down her body. He washed her hair, massaging her scalp with his strong and powerful fingers. He kissed her everywhere. They embraced. Once again, one of them had been in danger and had survived the experience.

She was fading fast. Ranger picked her up and gently set her on the bed. He strode to his closet and brought back one of his black t shirts. Tiredly she lifted her arms and he slid it on. He had put on his silk boxers. He helped her into bed and climbed in beside her. She snuggled into his chest. He smiled. Sleep came quickly. They had both had long days.

Tank walked quietly into his bedroom. He was tired. Lula moaned with happiness as he slid in beside her. He put his hand on his wife's extended belly. He whispered a hello to the three of them. Sleep came quickly for the daddy-to-be.

Morning came. Stephanie woke up splayed over Ranger's chest. Her hair was a tangle of curls. Ranger watched as she came to fully awake. She responded as his hand played with her hair. She shivered with excitement as he kissed her behind her ear. She gently racked a fingernail over his sculptured chest. He sucked in his breath. Her fingernails gliding over his chest brought him to attention every time.

He asked permission with his eyes and she nodded. They embraced. They kissed, They touched, and they fondled. Time passed. Their bodies were sated and they were exhausted.

Ranger reached over his Babe as his phone rang. It was Bobby. He was asking when he should come up and check her over. Ranger was diplomatic but firm. He would have her call. She was sleeping. Bobby grunted. "The doctor said plenty of rest. Rest, Ranger!" Ranger laughed and hung up.

Stephanie finally roused. She groaned as she headed to the bathroom to conduct her business. The shower turned on. Ranger could hear her in the shower. She was humming the song he had sung to her. Her voice was beautiful. He had never asked if she sung. He decided to let her shower without his help.

Stephanie finished in the bathroom. She had not taken too much time with her hair and it was all caught up in a scrunchie. She was wearing a comfortable t shirt and jeans. Her feet were in sandals. She still had clothes in his closet after all this time.

The first order of business was to finish planning Lula's party. She needed Ranger's help. He laughed as she explained her plan. He would be more than willing to help. Next she called Tank. He was already downstairs. She mentioned that she was on her way down and would like to talk to him. Next she called Connie. Connie answered and assured her that everything was planned. Lula would love it.

Then she called Matthew. She apologized for calling him away to take on the Open House. He assured her that he had enjoyed the experience. She had emailed her acceptance of the purchase price. He said that he used the show as a final farewell. He had assured the customers and potential customers that she would be a very competent replacement and he had the utmost confidence in her ability to expand the company he had inherited and looked after for so many years.

Tank was in his office. Stephanie and Ranger stepped in. They closed the door. Gales of laughter could be heard in the room. The men on five could hear the laughter on the whole floor. Tank assured her that her wishes would be accommodated. He knew that Lula would get a charge out of it.