Disclaimer: I love the Stephanie Plum series, but I don't own them and I don't make anything off of them. I don't own any of the songs that are used in this chapter and all original artists have been notated at the end of this entry.

Warning: There will be no 'cupcake' in this story. This will be a Babe HEA. This is my third FanFiction attempt, completely different from my first and I Promise to complete it. I am having a lot of fun with the story so far. Thank you in advance for reading and please let me know what you think.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed, especially Margaret Fowler, FairTaxGirl, ShyGirl36, Ziandra2010, at8c, Wanda517, She'sGotHighHopes, Barb4psu for your continued reviews and great ideas.

Previously…

"Everything okay Pumpkin?" My dad asked.

"It will be tomorrow when Ranger's here. I miss him already. I'm getting spoiled being around him so much the last few weeks." I said with a smile.

"He's good for you, and I can tell you're good for him too. It's good to see you happy again." He said.

"Yeah. It's good to be happy. Maybe things will start to settle down soon, but I won't count on it." I laughed.

XXXXXX

A few days later things had started to settle down with the arrival of Ranger, Bobby and Lester. To say that Lester was excited to be here was an understatement. The man exuded a child like energy that was contagious. Grandma and Lester were getting along like the best of buddies and he was more than happy to escort her to whatever function she wanted to attend as long as there were 'hot chicks' in attendance. His words not mine. Ranger had been absolutely furious with what had happened with Peter McGuire and had immediately suggested a branch of Rangeman out here ASAP, without my even having to ask. He was working in the office at my house trying to make arrangements for a new security system in the house first and foremost. We weren't going to worry about the exterior since that was currently covered by McGuire's company. Then we would work out all the details for the new branch on the West Coast. I could see the excitement in his eyes at the early expansion possibilities.

Today we were going to be heading out to Fontana Raceway for the driving challenge with Jay Leno. When we had made the arrangements I had requested that the entire thing be closed to the public and that we could invite many of the Southern CA military families, those that were helped by the foundation and those still currently enlisted. The event grew from just 10 laps around the track to an entire day of activities.

There was a kids' area with carnival rides and games, physical activities such as rock climbing and an obstacle course. The Foundation staff had done a wonderful job making sure there was something for everyone.

Since we deal with the military and this was tied to a NASCAR raceway we had some surprises in store for the families. The Army and National Guard cars and drivers were in attendance today for everyone to meet and explore their rigs and cars. Which meant that Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) and Ryan Newman (39) were going to be in attendance. We even had a few friends of mine from the music industry joining us for entertainment this evening (Pink and Bruno Mars) and then there would be fireworks.

XXXXXX

I was standing in the garage near the car that I would be driving today and dressed in the drivers suit looking off in to the crowds of people in attendance when I was brought out of my thoughts for the day by Ranger snaking his arms around my waist and nuzzling my ear, "How do you do it?" He asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked completely at a loss.

"How do you make everything you do so special? This was supposed to be a simple race challenge, yet you turned it into an event of a lifetime for most of the families that you have invited today." He said in awe.

"I've been blessed with so many things that when I have the opportunity to give back I do it. Today was nothing really. This was all the employees from the Foundations work, not mine." I replied.

"That's not what I meant." He paused thinking. "This was something you said as a challenge on the red carpet. A few laps would have been more than enough, but you put your heart into everything, and you never second guess yourself. You think of others before yourself and without hesitation, no matter how much works' involved. I know that you had a lot more to do with this than handing it off to the Foundation to handle. Not many people would do that. You, Babe, have a heart of gold. I'm in awe of everything that you do, and so thankful every day that you're in my life." At his word I sank into his embrace.

"I love you Ranger. Thank you." I said turning toward him. "This is who I am and I don't think I could be any other way. Sometimes it means I take on too much and other times it means that I don't have a moment to myself, but I wouldn't change it for the world. You have no idea what it means to me that you support it." I kissed him on the lips lightly before pulling back and smiling at him.

"I wouldn't want to change a thing about you, and I love to see you in action. I love you Stephanie. Never forget that." Ranger said kissing my nose. "Now we need to get out there so you can whip Leno's ass." At that I had to giggle.

Walking out to the pits, hand in hand with Ranger we were approached by the man himself. "So Steph, are you ready to eat my dust." Jay asked happily.

"I don't know about that Jay. You may be eating mine." We both laughed. I turned and introduced them and said, "Thanks for letting me expand on our little challenge. These families will remember this always."

Jay waived me off, "We are always looking for a way to give back; I was planning on taking part in your next USO visit as well. I've heard your tours tend to have a bit more fun than some of the others, so please let me know when you plan to go again. I'm more than ready to go."

"Next summer is the next trip actually. We'd love to have you. I have a tendency to get a bit more hands on when I'm there. Knowing some of the high ranking officials is definitely helpful and gives me more access than some, even in our line of work. I especially love getting behind some of those big machines. Hmmmm. The power under you is unbelievable." I said.

Both men were staring at me with wide eyes. I came back to reality, "Sorry, the last time I was over in there I got to drive some of the big tanks and other vehicles, there's nothing like it." I giggled.

"Well, let's see how you handle one of these babies." Jay smiled.

"You might be surprised what I can do with one of these Jay." I smiled back. I was quickly grabbed from behind and swung around as I screeched in excitement. I knew this was going to happen sooner or later. Once my feet hit the ground again I was wrapped up in the arms of Dale Earnhardt Jr.. I noticed Rangers' stiff posture immediately, but smiled back at him so he would relax.

"Steph, you're driving my car and I can't wait to see you put it through its paces." He smiled down at me. "It's been a while since I've seen you behind the wheel of one of these."

"Hey. Not that long, but definitely the first time in public. Jay thinks that he can take me." I laughed.

"No offense man, but if I were you I'd back out now. This woman has no fear on that track. She would beat the pants off half the NASCAR drivers if she ever turned professional." Dale explained.

Jay just looked shocked. I smacked Dale playfully and said, "Hey this is for fun, there will be no pants being removed today. Unless you're offering to do a strip tease for the ladies in the crowd? I think we have an extra tent over there somewhere. I wouldn't mind watching the show." I laughed.

"Uh uh, I don't think so. The last time I striped for anyone was quite a while ago, and it did not go over so well." He laughed.

"Yeah I remember." I said laughing with him and watching his face turn bright red.

Ranger looked at me in shock and Jay just smiled. "We'd had a lot of alcohol that night." Dale said as explanation.

"True, but the alcohol mainly came afterwards as a way to burn it from our brains, and apparently it didn't work." We both grimaced at each other. I turned to introduce Ranger, "Dale this is my boyfriend Ranger, he's ex-army and owns Rangeman Security on the East Coast."

They both shook hands, "Hey man, pleased to meet you. I've heard of the company, great reputation."

"Nice to meet you as well, and thanks. The guys have worked really hard to earn that reputation." Ranger stated.

"Alright, we should get this started. Is Ryan around? We can all go up and get things going." I asked. We looked around and when we found Ryan waived him over so the day could begin.

Making our way to the stage I grabbed Ranger's hand and we walked together. He seemed to relax a bit after the introduction, although I figured he was going to ask questions later about Dale. Oh boy was he in for a treat.

XXXXXX

"Welcome Everyone to the Fontana Raceway, Auto Club Speedway. I hope you enjoy your day with us today. I would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors, NBC, NASCAR, Army, National Guard, Amp Energy, Universal Studios, my recording label and all of the local radio stations in attendance today. This event could not have taken place without them.

The John Mitchell Foundation has worked with many current and former military families over the years, some of which are in attendance today. Our goal is to make sure that everyone that has served in our military knows exactly how much you are appreciated. Today is just another opportunity to show you our appreciation. If you know of any individuals or families that may be in need of our services, please, stop at one of several booths around the Raceway and fill out a form. The information can be given anonymously or you can give your name as well. With your help we can reach many more veterans and families of those currently deployed that we may not know about at this time. You are truly our best resource for getting in contact with those that we can help the most.

So the challenge today is between myself and Jay Leno. This will be a 10 lap race. I hope he can keep up with me." I laughed looking at him and he smiled back. "Then once that has been completed we will be able to meet as many of you in person as possible. We will be having a concert later this evening and then fireworks as well, so please stick around for as long as you like today. I hope I have the opportunity to meet as many of you as possible.

A special thank you to Jay Leno, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Ryan Newman for participating today. Also this challenge will be aired this coming Friday on the Tonight Show. Alright everyone let the games begin."

The race was completed quickly and Jay was an unbelievably good sport about the fact that he got smoked by a girl. I think he was really taken aback by how unafraid I was of the speed. Well, most people would be, but I thrive on speed and the power of these machines.

We all got the opportunity to speak with many of the attendees and the gratitude that many of them showed was humbling. The entire event was a complete success. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Ranger was never far from my side and I watched as Bobby, Emma and Danny wandered around, looking more and more like a family. I could only hope that it would work out the way it appeared. Grandma was causing a stir in the crowds as usual, but I had to smile when security went running to keep her from doing anything in public that may not be appropriate for small children. At least they had been warned what to look for.

I was snuggled up against the man that I found myself falling more and more in love with, as each day passed, listening to the music, when I realized that I had never been this happy. No matter what seemed to come our way, we would work it out. Unfortunately, at that moment, I was pulled from my thoughts of bliss by the vibration of my phone and a feeling of dread washed over me as I put it to my ear.

"Hello?" I answered after looking at who the caller was.

"We have an issue at the offices. Can you get there?" Randy asked.

"Yeah. We'll leave now. What's up?" I asked.

"The Foundation was broken into and it appears that someone knew exactly where they needed to go and pull information from. You should bring Ranger." Randy explained.

"Alright we're heading out now." I said with a sign and closed my phone. So much for a wonderful ending to a wonderful day, I should have known it was too good to be true.

Well I hope that you enjoyed the latest update for this story. More to come shortly I promise. Things are finally calming down as far as the activities and school for the kids. It really has been crazy lately. Please let me know what you think about this one. Thanks to everyone who has been reviewing this story. I look forward to hearing from you.