Don't own nothing. Don't make nothing. Chapter 31

Steph's POV

I woke up to the blaring of an alarm clock. The warmth at my back disappeared and the bed shifted as Ranger shut off the clock.

"Go back to sleep, Babe," he said. "It's only five."

Since the last thing I remember was the nightmare of a dinner at my parent's house, I'm pretty sure I'd already slept close to ten hours. I didn't think I could handle anymore.

"Are you going running?" I asked, watching Ranger walk towards the dressing room.

"Yeah."

A minute later, he emerged in black sweat pants and a sleeveless black tee shirt.

"Would you mind if I joined you?" I asked.

Even in the dark I could read the surprise in his face. "Of course I wouldn't mind. You sure you're feeling up to it?"

"Yeah." I got out of bed slowly, breathing a sigh of relief at the lack of nausea. I went to the closet and pulled out a pair of running shorts and a tank top. I dressed quickly and met Ranger in the living room.

We rode down to the gym in silence. The humiliation of the night before washed over me and I couldn't help but worry that Ranger was mad at me. I'd be mad at me too if I had been forced to sit through a Plum dinner from Hell.

In the gym, I imitated his stretches and we set off at a slow, steady jog. I didn't talk; I let my mind return to my mother's words. I was embarrassed by my reaction. In all honesty, I should be used to it. Each day spent with my mother was usually worse than the last time. What it all boiled sown to was that my being a divorced thirty something without children was destroying my mother's happy existence. I should just grow up, quit my job, marry Morelli and start popping out babies. If I failed to do all those things, my mother would die without finding true happiness. Seemed like an awful lot of responsibility to set down at my feet.

I remembered my father's words. Never in my life had he stood up to my mother. I had felt the balance in the house shift and it was almost scary. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful to hear my father voice his approval of me. I just couldn't help but fear the consequences.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice when Ranger stopped running. I heard him call out my name when I was halfway around the track. I stopped then, finally noticing my gasping breaths and sweat soaked body.

We did our cool down and stretches in silence and went back up to the seventh floor. Once the door was closed and locked behind us, Ranger turned to me with concern in his eyes.

"Are you okay, Babe?" he asked.

"Fine." I told him as I headed for the refrigerator. I pulled out two bottles of water, handing him one before chugging half of mine in one huge gulp.

Ranger's eyes never left my face as he sipped from his bottle. I was starting to feel self conscious under his scrutiny.

"What are your plans for the day?" he finally asked. I shrugged.

"I guess I'll visit with Connie and Lula. I'm sure they're mad that I haven't been around." Not to mention withholding the whole knocked up by Batman news.

"Do you need me to come along?" I was surprised by his offer and I guess it showed on my face because he continued. "I know how hard they can be to handle."

Piece of cake compared to last night. "No need to reschedule your day. I'll be fine."

Ranger set his bottle on the counter and in two steps, had me pinned to the refrigerator.

"For future reference, Stephanie, you're more important than any schedule." His hands moved up to cradle my face. "Work isn't everything. I'm starting to realize what really matters.'

I had no idea how to respond to that. My heart pounded and my mind went blank. Before I could think of anything, Ranger leaned down and lightly brushed his lips against mine. And then he was gone, off to get ready for a day of crime solving.

The second I walked into the office, I was assaulted by shrill screams.

"Hot damn, girlfriend! You're carrying the Batbaby!"

"You've been gone for a week and you couldn't even tell us why." Connie's voice was accusing. "You never even told us you slept with Ranger! You found the Holy Grail and you kept it a secret!"

I held out the box of Boston Creams that I brought as a peace offering and prayed that it would work. It did, and I relished the silence as Lula and Connie dug in. I thought about joining them, but the thought of a doughnut made my stomach turn.

"How come you're not eating?" Lula demanded, her mouth full.

"Not hungry."

"Hunh. Morning sickness already?"

I nodded and sat down on the couch, waiting for the barrage of questions.

"So how far along are you?" Connie asked, brushing powdered sugar off her ample breasts.

"About two months."

I could see the wheels turning in their heads and realization showed bright in their eyes.

"I knew you and Batman were fooling around in Puerto Rico!" Lula was proud of herself at her knowledge. "There's no way you could spend that long on a tropical island with that fine male specimen and not get freaky with him."

"So what's he going to do? Are you getting married?" Connie demanded, reaching for another doughnut.

"No, we're not getting married!" I couldn't even imagine Ranger wanting to take that step with me. I was surprised at how incredible he had been so far. "He took me to a doctor to get a check up and I've been staying in his apartment. He's been great about it."

The door to Vinnie's office suddenly opened and the man himself stuck his head out. "Ranger got you pregnant and you're living with him? Who's gonna bring in all my skips now that you're knocked up and out of commission? Why couldn't you think of that before you let him get in your pants?"

I glared at my slimeball of a cousin. "You're the last person to talk about anything sexual, Vinnie. I wonder what Lucille would think about Joyce and the duck?"

The door slammed shut and I sat back, rolling my eyes.

"So you're living with Rambo," Lula sat beside me and studied my face. "That seems like a pretty big step."

"I'm not living with him. I'm just staying there for a while." Even that sounded silly to me. "Besides, his housekeeper does all the cooking so I don't have to."

"Staying there, living there. It's all the same." Connie finished her doughnut and sat back. "So I take it that you won't be working until after the baby is born."

"It's not worth the risk." My hands automatically moved to cover my stomach. I was still scared out of my mind and unsure of my parenting abilities, but I would never risk my child's life for a job. "I can't work in the field for now, so Ranger hired me back at RangeMan."

"I sure wouldn't mind working with all those hot men." Lula's eyes turned dreamy. "Spending the whole day surrounded by all that testosterone. It's a wet dream come true."

I shook my head in amusement. Yeah, the Merry Men were all hot, but I couldn't see them in that way. They were more like oversized, overprotective big brothers.

"So have you talked to SuperCop about this?" Lula continued.

"Why would I? We broke up before I got involved with Ranger." I also didn't need another argument right now. I was way too stressed as it was. "And it's none of Joe's business."

"Well I'm sure he knows now, what with the Burg grapevine going crazy with the news." Connie's words did nothing to lessen my stress factor. I could just imagine the fight that would come of this.

I stood up, tired of discussing the subject. "I just stopped by to say hi. I'm gonna head back and take a nap."

"You better keep in touch, girl," Lula said, watching me from her spot on the couch. "Don't be hiding away in that building like you was."

"I won't. I've just been tired." That was as good of an excuse as any. I said goodbye to Connie and Lula and walked outside. I couldn't help but groan when I saw Morelli leaning against my car, his arms crossed and his cop face in place. Great, just what I needed.

Sorry for the update delay. I got married on the 4th and was away on a mini honeymoon. I was a little distracted, so this isn't one of my better chapters. Hope you read and review anyway. Let me know what you think : )