How Many Kids Do We Have?
Chapter 52
Stephanie was slowly becoming aware of something in the bedroom, but she was cozy in bed that she hated to give into the feeling. She opened an eye and found Ranger holding Cassidy, Julie, and Caden grinning at her.
"Oh My God! Did I sleep through the alarm?" sitting up in a panic.
"No. I got Julie up for school."
"Happy Birthday, Mommy!" Caden handed Stephanie a beautifully wrapped present. Julie handed her a handmade card which all three children added their own artwork and signatures to. In Cassidy's case, scribbles. Julie had drawn a picture of the townhouse and Caden had drawn flowers around it.
"Open your present before I have to leave, Steph."
"Ok. I hate to tear this beautiful paper."
It was a flat square box with blue metallic paper to match the color of her eyes and a large silver bow. She opened it up and there was a black velvet box. Taking it out and opening it, Stephanie saw the necklace she had been looking at in the jeweler's window at the mall, but this one was perfect. Dangling from the heart on a gold chain was an Emerald for Cassidy, Blue Topaz for Julie, and Peridot for Caden. There was also a matching bracelet. She touched each stone.
"How did you know?" tears forming in her eye as she looked at Ranger.
"I have my ways, Babe. Happy Birthday."
Stephanie guessed because Caden had a grin as wide as the Delaware River.
"Mommy, put it on."
"With my pajamas?"
"Yeah," Julie was slipping the necklace around her neck.
"I better go get my bus. Happy Birthday."
Kissing her, "Thank you. Sweetie."
Caden was next. Stephanie bent down and kissed him. She walked to the bottom of the bed, kissed Cassidy, then Ranger.
"Thank you," fingering the necklace.
Stephanie came downstairs and found a large bouquet flowers sitting in a vase on the dining room table with another wrapped box. The table was set for breakfast. Ranger put Cassidy in her highchair and Caden took his booster seat.
"What's this?"
"Open it," Ranger had a grin on his face.
Inside the large box, she found other wrapped boxes. Each was wrapped in the same beautiful blue paper.
The first box she opened contained a sex blue negligee with matching panties.
"That looks likes Mommy's size, not yours Ranger-Dad."
"Watch it Midget."
There was also a certificate under the nightgown. Stephanie read it. It was 1,000 shares of stock in Victoria's Secret's parent company in Stephanie's name.
"Ranger."
"You spend so much there I thought you should reap some of the profits."
The next box she opened had appointment cards for today. One was for a facial and the other was at Mr. Alexander's. There was also a certificate for a year of facials for two.
"Two? Are you coming with me?"
"I'm taking you today. But starting next month to make sure you take the time, Mary Lou is going with you."
Stephanie had a huge grin on her face. The last time she and Mary Lou pampered themselves they thoroughly enjoyed themselves laughing like teenagers. It was almost half of a day.
The last box she opened contained a key.
Ranger didn't say anything but glanced towards the steps leading to the entry. Stephanie went down and looked out. Sitting in the driveway was a blue, not black, Mercedes SUV with a big gold bow on it. She opened the door and her father was walking around whistling.
"Look at this. I need to find me a Ranger. Happy Birthday, Pumpkin."
"Thanks, Daddy."
Caden, Ranger, and Cassidy came out to join them. Stephanie opened the door and saw it had beige interior with matching leather seats. There was an infant car seat sitting on the backseat.
"It gorgeous, but it's not black."
"Do you want me to send it back and get black? The blue reminded me of your eyes. Since we will be having three car seats, I figured you would need something roomier."
"Mommy, we can go cruising'."
"Later after breakfast."
"Let's go eat," pulling Stephanie's hand towards the door.
"Thank you, Mr. Manoso. I love you."
"You're welcome. Mrs. Manoso. I love you."
Stephanie glanced up and down the street and noticed some of Ranger's female contingent watching them. It was her birthday so she could act up. Stephanie stood on her tiptoes and pulled Ranger's face to hers. He responded seeking out her mouth and takink her in his arms. Stephanie wrapped her arms around Ranger's neck and her legs around his waist and spun them around.
"Was that for me or them?" Nodding to the street.
"More for you, but I like to reinforce the point that you're mine. All mine."
"Always, Babe."
