For the last time, this is my take on JE's world. All mistakes are mine. I would like to thank everybody who took the time to read my story. Seriously, y'all rock! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to try to break into Rangeman...
On Sunday, I left Rangeman bright and early. I headed over to my apartment where my arsenal is. In less than an hour, I was showered, shaved, exfoliated, and polished up as much as I could be. I was standing in the middle of my bedroom with pretty much my whole closet spread out around me. I had decided to wear a dress, now I just needed to figure out which one.
Half an hour later, I settled for a flower print sundress with a sweetheart neckline and wide straps, and strappy sandals. I blasted my hair with the dryer and added three coats of mascara for confidence. I was as ready as I was going to get by the time Ranger knocked and let himself in. He gave me the once over, and almost smiled at me. "Babe."
As we drove to Newark, I was hit by a thought. "You know, when I left Joe, Grandma Bella gave me one last parting curse. She swore I would never find a new man. I wonder if she ever considered the fact that I don't need anyone new."
Ranger chuckled. "I'll send her a gift basket when we get home."
When we got to the Manoso house, the first thing I noticed was all the children. They were pretty much everywhere, chasing each other across the small yard. Several of them stopped and shouted for their Uncle Carlos. Ranger smiled and greeted them, but kept hold of my hand. We walked into the house, and I was struck by the similarities between his family home and mine. The men were in the living room watching baseball too loudly on tv. Some of the women were setting the dining room table, and I could hear others in the kitchen.
Ranger led me into the kitchen. "Mother, grandmother, I would like you to meet Stephanie Plum," he announced to the general chaos of the kitchen. I think my heart stopped for a second, but his mother smiled, said, "It's nice to finally meet you", and pulled me into a hug. She then passed me to Ranger's grandmother who said something to me in Spanish and kissed my cheek again.
I was introduced to the entire family. There were a lot of people, and I'm sure it will take some time to remember who's who. My overall impression is that this is the type of family I wish I had growing up. Most of the adults eat in the dining room, where there is a huge table. Some eat with the children in the backyard, where there are picnic tables spread out. There was a lot of laughter coming from both seating areas.
It is very late by the time we're ready to leave. Celia walked us to Ranger's car. "I'm glad you could come tonight, Stephanie."
I tell her honestly, "I'm glad I came, too. I really enjoyed getting to meet the whole family."
She kissed my cheek and leaned in to whisper to me. "Anytime you want to go to the beach, let me know. And, since no one else shared any embarrassing Carlos stories, ask him about the month we spent trying to convince a four year old Carlos that he was a girl. There are pictures."
I totally lost it. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard. I told her that the next time she was in Trenton, to give me a call and we'd get together. Ranger didn't look thrilled with that thought.
We hop into the Turbo, and Ranger pulls away from the curb. "I have one more place to show you," he tells me. We pull up to a medium sized house with a gated yard. Ranger used his key fob to open the gate. I can barely breathe. I'm pretty sure I know what this is. Even though there is a driveway, Ranger had parked on the street, so we walk up the driveway towards the door. "I haven't been here in about 2 months," he continues. "I've decided to sell it, but I thought you'd like to see it first."
We walk around the back side of the house and enter the Basement. The entire downstairs is a game room, which has a pool table, some pinball machines, a huge tv, and a bar. My father would love this. Ranger leads me upstairs, and we walk into the foyer of the house. I can see tastefully masculine furniture in the living room. A bookshelf lines one wall, and it is filled. I can see glimpses of the kitchen and dining room towards the rear of the house. Everything looks professionally decorated. Ranger takes me up the last flight of stairs. On the right side of the short hallway, there is a guest bedroom, guest bathroom, and an office. The left side of the hallway only has one door, which we stop in front of. Ranger leans his forehead against mine, and seems to take breath for courage. I kiss him, and he opens the door.
The master bedroom is sumptuous. From the king sized bed with a leather wrapped headboard, to the sitting area by the windows, complete with a small fireplace. One wall is mirrored, but I can tell that the mirrors are covering the closet space. This room is Ranger, but it's Carlos at the same time. He opens the first of the mirrored sections to show me some of the photos on the shelves. Pictures of a young Carlos with his family, all of them smiling. An old, tattered baseball. They show the boy he once was. He opens the next section and the shelves contain pictures of an older Carlos, both in high school and college. The third section contains pictures from his Army days, including the formal pose that every soldier gets when they complete basic and the picture of his Ranger unit that I have seen, the Navy SEAL cap that I have worn, and his dog tags. There is also one small picture of a very pregnant Rachel and a lot of pictures of Julie. There is one more section, but Ranger has walked over to the sitting area and is looking out the window.
I walk up behind him and put my arms around his waist. "Thank you for showing this to me. I love you, Carlos." He turns and kisses me.
The instant his tongue touches mine, I am ready to combust. He pulls me to him, and I can feel his need. He picks me up and carries me over to the bed. He sets me down and unzips my dress. I sat up as he slid my dress down my legs, so that I could start on his clothes. By the time we are laying next to each other, there is nothing between us. I used my whole body to show him how much I love him. There is no need for words.
Afterwards, as we lay in bed, Ranger asked me why I didn't open the last door. I told him that I had seen more of him in the first four than I ever thought I would. "I don't understand why you want to sell this place, though. It's beautiful, and it's close to your family."
Ranger answered, "I need to move it closer to my heart. I've been looking for places in Trenton. The one you looked at with me is still available, but I don't think I'm ready for that house, yet." I agree. That house was too large for the two of us. He continues, "I want your input, though. I want it to be your home, too."
"Are you asking me to move in with you?"
Ranger gets up out of the bed and opens the last door. On the shelf is a single picture. It was taken outside the bonds office, and I don't think either of us was aware of it at the time. Ranger and I had our arms around each other. We were smiling, and looking like we were about to kiss. One of his guys must have taken it.
"I'm offering you the batcave, babe."
" I thought the batcave was forever." I say to him.
Carlos smiles. "The batcave is forever."