I planned to have this posted much sooner, but a two-day loss of electricity postponed part two of Steph's birthday. Everyone and everything familiar belongs to Janet. The mistakes are mine alone. Almost all the gifts and food I saw online, though I may have altered some slightly.

Chapter 55

Ella came down to five and saved my dignity, making an unforgettable entrance holding what looks like a three-layer, wedding cake-grade birthday cake for me.

"It's a milk and cookie cake," she told Matty and I, since ours - along with Hal's - were the only sets of eyes that had widened at the sight of it.

We weren't the only ones who noted the size - and likely the weight - of it, though. Vince beat Hal in the rush to take the cake-weight off her hands and carry it to the 'head table'.

"I know how much you, Ranger, and our Matty, love chocolate chip cookies," she continued, after a squeeze of thanks to Vince's forearm. "And you seem to have some fond memories of having milk and cookies as a child, so naturally ... I wanted to combine the two for your birthday."

She is right. Growing up, getting to eat homemade cookies everyday - that young-Stephanie had seen as my reward for surviving another day in school hall-hell - was actually a good memory of my time served in the Burg. Probably because my mom was in the kitchen with us, but she was already busy with dinner prep, and my dad wouldn't get home until closer to dinnertime, so Val and I got to snack in peace with neither parent bothering us, or bothering with us.

There was no peace today on the control room floor, or inside the conference room where the cake and gifts were being passed out. Matty made me laugh and Ranger sigh when our baby would periodically go from me, to an Uncle, back to me again, and then to a different Uncle, getting a bite of cake or piece of cookie from all of us. The pieces we gave him were small, barely a forkful, but Ranger feared the sugar crash would be real.

All of my Rangeguys had me laughing, smiling, and on the verge of tears again for making my day ... and for making me forget all about my parents' call. Just a sample of the birthday booty I received was a giant presentation-sized card made by Lester which had caused the most laughs, though the guys did get a kick out of the gift Matty insisted was from Pup-Pup ... a pale blue t-shirt almost the exact color of our dog, which stated "Pup" above a picture of a puppy's face so cute, my ovaries took a direct hit. Below it said "Mama". If Matty had help reading the shirt, I can see why it'd been chosen, since he likely considers me Pup-Pup's Mama as much as his own.

Lester chose a different humor-route. He decided to write out a funny birthday message and incorporate full-sized candy bars into it. Anytime chocolate or candy comes with a gift, I wholeheartedly approve. Matty did, too. He ran over to the 'card' double his size and started poking all of the candy bars, making the wrappers of everyone of them crinkle as I was reading Lester's words.

"Happy Birthday, Steph," began my card, "Turning another year older is nothing to 'SNICKERS' about. Your joints may start to 'CRUNCH' and your 'WHATCHAMACALLIT' may not work like it used to. This is when you start to have 'BUTTERFINGERs' and your mind plays 'TWIX' on you. But we wouldn't trade you for any amount of 'GOLD COINS', because we have 'MOUNDS' of fun when you're around. A 'HOT TAMALES' like you deserves 'EXTRA' attention on your birthday'.

He turned something funny into something sweeter than candy by ending his message with the words "We 'heart' you", using a red heart-shaped box of chocolates that I hope isn't a holdover from Valentine's Day. I now have seven chocolate bars, a box of Hot Tamales candy, a heart full of assorted chocolates, and a pack of bubble gum-flavored gum, so Lester totally kicked Hallmark's ass when it came to wishing me a happy birthday.

A heartfelt smile was pulled out of me with the silver bracelet Cal gave me that was a thin, but exact silhouette-replica of Point Pleasant's Boardwalk, which we visit every time we head to the coast. I have my family's stones around my neck plus Ranger's love-assurance at the end of them, also his rings on my fingers, Matty's initials tattooed into the skin of my wrist, and Julie's sign in our bedroom. I honestly feel like nothing can hurt me ever again with this particular team behind me.

The gift that caused the almost-tears were the earrings Bobby gave me ... little silver knot-shapes piercing a card that stated 'Friendship is a knot that cannot be untied'.

I blinked my eyes before meeting his. "Ours really can't be undone. It's obvious to everybody who sees me around Ranger, or hears me talk about him, that I love him with every cell in my body. But I hope it's also clear to everyone that one of the greatest things he's given me next to Matty, is the opportunity to meet and make friends with all of you. Not many people will ever get this lucky. I have a husband who loves me, a son ... who let's face it is perfect, and all of you caring about me. No gift I get will ever be better than what I already have."

"She's turning emotional," Tank told Ranger. "Clearly her blood sugar is dangerously low. Time to get her to your parents' place so she'll even out again."

"She's planning on getting ready in a minute," I said to him, since he's talking about me instead of to me. "My sugar levels and emotions are just fine, but if they are out of whack, it's your fault. I suppose we should get going. Marie is a patient woman, but not when it comes to her children or grandchildren's ETA."

"Finish your cake," Ranger unbelievably said, "and then we'll move onto some Newark celebrating."

My fork made tracks in what was left of my piece of Ella's cake. Seconds after that was gone, Ranger was gathering my presents as I was trying to get Matty and possibly Pup-Pup into the elevator after I was passed around for a Merry Man hug-fest. It wasn't easy to convince Matty that we needed to leave, but I managed it. My baby loves playtime with all of his RangeUncles, but he also can't get enough of his grandparents, so it only took a little persuasion to get him away from Hector and Cal. Mainly because both men helped me out by suggesting Matty 'drive' my gifts upstairs for me in his little battery-powered Range Rover that the guys had gotten him only hours after he was born.

The trunk in the miniature fleet vehicle is non-existent, but Ranger managed to get enough of the gifts onto the seat beside our baby so that he felt like he's essential for present-transportation. Ranger helped Matty steer his SUV down the hall, into the elevator, and then through the front door of our apartment that I quickly moved to open for him. My hubby unloaded the 'vehicle' while I got our son changed.

Today it took longer to get Matty ready for a Newark visit than it did me. The memory of watching him get himself dressed like 'a big boy' turned into a gift all on its own due to the huge smile of accomplishment he gave me - and himself - when he managed to pull on - and sort of pull up - the dark-washed baby jeans. Just wearing socks and a diaper, he'd had a momentary setback when he got his left foot caught in one of the legs. Without needing me to direct him, he sat his padded-butt down on the carpet in his room and got both feet in the appropriate jean legs while he was sitting and had them free.

I held out my hands for him to hold from where I was kneeling in front of him, and he immediately latched onto my fingers and used them - and me - to get himself upright again. With two hands, he clutched the right side of his elastic waistband while I got the left, and together we wrangled the soft cotton jeans into place. His long-sleeved, red plaid shirt was easier to get on. I held the button down shirt up and open for him like Ranger does with my coat, and Matthew stuck his little arms into the sleeves and then played with my necklace while I did the buttons for him. He's not quite ready for those yet.

When it comes to some guys, them hanging back and letting 'the mom' handle the kids, would smack of chauvinism or just plain indifference, but when it comes to Ranger ... I know and can see that he gets as much pleasure out of watching Matty and I interact as I do him and Julie. There's more to this co-parenting thing than just us both doing our share of taking care of - and loving - Matty, we let each other have their own time and relationship with him, but we can also seamlessly step in at any time and know without a shadow of a doubt that the assist and each other's presence is going to be welcomed, appreciated, and thoroughly enjoyed.

For about a second, I half-considered if that was why my dad didn't have much contact with Val and I. It's possible my mother made him feel like his help or input was unwanted and best kept to himself, but the sad part is ... it's just as likely he didn't/doesn't have any interest in us. Ranger definitely isn't my dad, because he's an amazing one to Matty and Julie.

My husband proved that by speaking up. "I'll take over, Babe, and help Matty with his shoes. You don't need to, but I know you'll want to change clothes."

I stood and lifted Matty up with me. "Okay, my little big man, you show Dada how good you're getting at pointing out right shoes from left ones while Mama gets changed, too. But don't worry, he'll give you a big hint if you get stumped again."

"Dada dos mes chews."

He laughed hysterically at his own rhyme, his dimples the size of swimming pools, and I swear my heart had an attack.

"That's right," Ranger said, taking him and withstanding the stranglehold, otherwise known as a Matty-hug, our son was giving his neck. "Then we'll head to another party for Mama."

"Mamas has mannies birffdays."

"She does. And she deserves everyone of them, doesn't she?"

Our baby's chin hit his chest and flew back up again, his nod was that decisive. "Peoples wuvs Mama bearwy much."

"That's what happens when you're nice to people, Matty," I told him. "When they know you really care about them, and care about what they say and how they feel, they like hanging out with you. That's why your Uncles all stop what they're doing when we go downstairs. They want whatever time with you they can get because they know you love them."

"I wuvs mes Uncas much big."

"I can tell you that they feel that every time you're with them. And that makes them feel good, which is why they love you 'much big'," I said. "Now ... don't you and Dada have too much fun without me. I'll be right back."

I had done everything I needed to this morning, and everything's clean, smooth, and still moisturized, so I just secured my hair at the base of my neck, added a little bit more makeup, and slipped into my own party clothes.

Since it's still early, deciding on an appropriate outfit took some thought. Putting on a Ranger-worthy 'date-night' dress in the middle of the day seemed a bit obnoxious, but knowing Ranger has plans for us after a Newark stop, I want him to see that I put effort into looking good for him. A simple but perfectly-clingy red wrap dress and cross-strapped heels seemed a respectable - for Ranger's parents - yet sexy - for Ranger - compromise.

Batman's eyes agreed as they moved up and down my body. He even paused in getting Matty into his jacket to look his fill.

"Mama bees pwetty," my baby announced.

"She is," my husband told him. "Beautiful, too."

"Boodavul two," he repeated. "I's adorble."

"You definitely are adorable. I hope Pup-Pup isn't going to be mad he's staying on the fourth-floor tonight," I said, kissing the idea of a 'dog hair-free' dress goodbye as our dog left Matty's side to run over to me for a two-handed neck/back-rubdown.

If I didn't know better, I'd swear Ranger had arranged for everyone to be on their most complimentary and attentive behavior today, but this is almost a normal day for me. While I was finalizing my dress choice, Pup-Pup must have been walked by one of the guys and then brought back up to seven, since he hadn't been in a hurry to leave the party downstairs, either.

"He'll be fine for the night," Ranger assured me. "The men will keep him busy."

"Pup-Pup stayz hewr," Matty informed us.

"He will, but we'll see him tomorrow," his Daddy told him.

"If your Grandma lets you go that is," I added. "She could try to wrangle another night with you out of us."

"I've already arranged for the return," Ranger told me. "I'll fill you in on when and why later."

I had been joking, but I do know how hard saying goodbye to Matty is, and Marie feels everyone of them. Ranger zipped up our baby's jacket, Pup-Pup got a doggy bag packed for his overnight stay downstairs, and Ranger and I got into our own coats after he grabbed Matty's overnight bag, which meant we were ready to roll. Zero was waiting for us by the elevator on five, and after another round of 'Happy Birthdays', Matty, Ranger, and I, continued down to the garage and Matty and I were driven to Newark ... and to round three of my day.

When we were parked in the Manosos' driveway, I unbuckled my baby and helped him out of his car seat and then out of the car. I hunkered down in front of him as Ranger closed our doors for us.

"Okay, are you ready to see who's faster ... you or your Bibi?" I asked Matty.

When we came here for Marie's birthday, we brought along a book about Grandmothers from around the world for Matty to read with her. And after hearing the Swahili name for grandmother, 'Bibi', he decided it suited his Grandma, likely because it sounds similar to 'Marie' which is what he's heard me and Eduardo call her.

"Dada and I will let you run ahead of us up the sidewalk to see if you can press the doorbell before she opens the door," I continued. "But you have to be very careful, okay? We don't want you to fall or get hurt."

"I's bees bearwy carebul."

I stood upright again and Ranger and I watched our son set out on his mission.

"He's quick, but I don't think there's any beating Marie," I said. "She would've heard the car pull into the driveway. Her family-radar is even more sensitive than Grandma's."

"We're putting them both to the test tonight," he told me, taking my hand as we followed our baby. "Matty has cake and residual party energy on his side, and my mother is my mother. The race could be closer today than it's ever been."

As expected, the front door flew open before Matty reached the top step. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked back at us.

"You were so close," I encouraged. "I bet Bibi was already near the door, being that anxious to see you, otherwise you would have totally surprised her this time. Today felt lucky."

I couldn't take the look on his little face. He really believed that he was going to reach the doorbell before Marie could get near the door, and I wanted him to feel like he'd had a real shot of accomplishing his goal. No one, not even a sugar-fueled little boy, is as fast as Marie when her family is close by, though.

Having firsthand experience, and now personal knowledge of, Ranger's surveillance techniques and equipment, to this day I still glance suspiciously at the street sign each and every time we turn onto the street leading to Mama Manoso.

"There is mi nieto," Marie said, all smiles as she stood framed in the doorway.

I made a gesture on the sly to Matty, who quickly jumped at my 'suggestion'. He pressed the doorbell - twice - despite the front door already being wide open.

"Does one of my Mateo's books have a doorbell in it, so you wanted to ring it even when I'm standing right here?" Marie asked him, unaware that an ongoing challenge is underway that involves her.

"More like his Mama has a preoccupation with them," Ranger told his own Mama.

"Oh ... you two," Marie said with affection and a playful grin directed at Ranger and I. "I can never decide if I should hug you or gently swat you both with a dishtowel."

"I'll take the hug," I replied, which I promptly received.

Ranger got a head shake before his hug, then she focused on Matty and they took part in the special greeting she and our son have created.

"Now ... how many days has it been since I have seen this beautiful little face of yours?" She asked Matty, leaning down to pick him up.

"Twee," he answered, using a pinky, along with a ring and index finger, to demonstrate the number.

"So that means you owe me three kisses. I need to have some in reserve for when I'm missing you."

Matty placed two kisses on her right cheek and saved one for the left side.

"You're going to have him for an entire night," Ranger told her, "your reserves are going to be overflowing."

"Not where my children and grandchildren are concerned, they're not. If I didn't get a blown-kiss from my Julie almost every day, I'd be flying to Florida at least once a week to collect them."

"I don't get an honorable mention when it comes to kiss-distribution?" My father-in-law asked, kissing Matty's head and giving him a partial-squeeze before it was our turn for a Papa Manoso hug.

"I don't need a reserve with you," Marie told him. "I just steal kisses from you whenever I want one."

Which she did before putting Matty down so he could get his drumming out of his system before the Manoso elders arrive. While Matty was banging away to a beat clearly only he can hear, Marie and Eduardo wished me a happy birthday.

"Thank you," I told them. "And thank you for letting Matty sleepover. I told your son that he didn't have to do anything special. I'm happy just coming here, but you know him."

"We do," Mr. Manoso said. "Which is why we're not surprised he planned to spoil you whether you agreed to be or not."

"But for now, we get the pleasure of spoiling you, dear Stephanie," Mama Manoso told me. "What a year you have given us."

"I didn't do anything ..." I tried to say.

"You saved our Mateo, yourself, and the Stankovics, when you all may have been harmed ... or worse," she began. "You brighten our day every time you walk through our door. And you continue to make our Carlos happy. He doesn't have to leave us to go off chasing dreams anymore, he knows they're right here in front of him. Don't you roll your eyes at me, Carlos."

"I didn't."

"Maybe not, but I'm your mother and I can sense when you're thinking about it."

"I can sense it, too," I admitted. "But I've yet to catch him doing it."

"You eyeroll enough for ten people, Babe. I don't have to waste my time on that."

I would've done that towel smack-thing Marie had mentioned, but Matty was done playing rock star and was ready to move onto his other Newark toys. I have a sneaking suspicion that his change in plans had something to do with a few of his RangeUncles and Manoso Aunts and Uncle showing up ... a new group of 'kids' to play with in Matty's mind.

The afternoon party was similar to my fifth-floor celebration. Marie and Ella must have consulted each other to make separate birthday cakes that would complement each other's instead of rival them. Marie made me an 'Oreo Brookie ice cream cake'. I only know that because she told me, otherwise I would have understated it by calling it just an ice cream cake. Getting chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and almost dinner, is something to celebrate without a birthday being needed. There was also a lot of talking, laughing, eating, and smiling, going on ... just like at Rangeman. Though the Manosos are a lot louder than the Rangeguys.

At Marie's, having a good time isn't a surprise, but what is surprising is realizing that I make more than just Ranger and Matty happy. And that's why my birthday has been such an interactive and multi-city one. Going from our apartment this morning, to the control room, now here, and wherever I end up with Ranger later on. It just occurred to me today that I've left my own mark on my chosen family's lives that may actually be separate from Ranger's relationship with his Range and Manoso families.

Sitting around the huge dining room table surrounded by everyone, with my baby sitting on my lap, I scooped out a small amount of the Oreo cookie ice cream with my spoon and held it up to Matty's mouth to see if he wanted to try it. He did. He may like mummus-mich sandwiches and fruit so much I'm concerned, but overall ... he seems more balanced than I'll ever be when it comes to what he eats. He's pretty adventurous, willing to try just about anything. I think Ella, Marie, and when it comes to all things healthy ... Ranger, are to thank for that.

"I hope what you have planned for us tonight doesn't involve food," I said to Ranger. "I think I've eaten my weight in it, and eaten my way from Trenton to Newark."

"You'll be hungry in an hour, Steph, despite what - or how much - you eat now."

"It's sad that you're right. Against my better judgment, I even had a piece of the avocado and bacon sandwich cake. Who knew you could make meat and vegetables look like a birthday cake by 'frosting' it with flavored-cream cheese and decorating it with carrot and zucchini roses?"

"My mother can make anything bloom, even vegetables you wouldn't have eaten otherwise," Ranger shared.

"I didn't have much choice in trying one, since my Matty-man here popped one of them into my mouth. Didn't you, Matty ... share your Bibi's flowers with me?"

He nodded his head and his hair brushed the underside of my chin, giving me a special kind of tickle. "Mama ated a gween fwower."

"I did. And for a vegetable, it tasted okay, not bad at all."

"Mmmmm, mmmm," Matty said, rubbing his tummy for added emphasis.

Easy for him to say. I noticed he didn't try a green or orange rose.

"That's what your Bibi wants everyone to say, and do, when they try what she makes," I told my baby.

"That's what I want you to say, Stephanie," Marie told me. "Especially on a day that's all about you."

"Believe me, you don't have to try to make me feel special. Your son and my son love me, and you all have accepted me, that's all I need in order to feel like I belong here with all of you. That being said ... I do enjoy parties."

"No one questions if you belong ... you just do," Tank told me.

"I finally convinced myself that I am one of you," I said, looking around at my Newark family with my Trenton one sprinkled in.

"And you get to celebrate with everyone for a limited time," Ranger said. "Then you're all mine."

"Which means what exactly?" I asked.

"You concentrate on enjoying yourself here, and then we'll enjoy ourselves elsewhere."

"It's a good thing Matty doesn't mind a sleepover."

"It is," my hubby said. "He's happy here."

"Which is a coincidence," Bobby said to Marie. "I like Newark so much, I was plannin' on sticking around the city tonight and hanging out with an old Army Buddy ..."

"Is this 'old Army Buddy' Tank, who'll be parked at the end of the driveway watching this house all night so no one can break in ... or do any of the other horrible things you're picturing?" I asked him, not fooled for a second.

"The birthday girl's funny."

"And she's able to read between the lines. You guys get almost as nervous as we do when Matty's away from us."

"I completely understand the feeling," Marie told me before turning to look at Bobby and Tank. "But you and Pierre ARE NOT sitting outside our home all night. If my Mateo requires bodyguards, even if this house and our property have received my son's personal security-attention, you both are staying inside in and in our guest rooms. Breakfast will be at seven, and we'll be having Huevos Rancheros, pork and plantain hash, and for something a little sweet to offset the savory ... a Mexican hot chocolate coffee cake to go along with the freshly ground and brewed coffee. Maybe that will influence your decision on staying with us. I know my sweet grandson would love extra company ... and so would Eduardo and I."

"You just sealed the deal," I told her. "You tempted them with homemade food, but you had them ready to call the control room to give their new 'coordinates' by adding Matty to an already sweet pot."

"I'm a mother, Stephanie, I don't mess around when I'm looking for a specific outcome."

I'm still pretty new at this 'Mom-thing', but I have learned plenty of ways of doing that myself.

If I weren't getting to spend the night alone with Ranger, I honestly wouldn't have agreed to leave Newark. This sleepover is sounding like more and more fun the longer it's talked about. It's been a low-key day, but the best kind of relaxed anyone can experience. I had my choice of tons of good food, more people that I love arrived with Mary Lou, Val, my nieces, and Grandma Mazur, carpooling to Newark, and I got to watch Matty playing with his cousins, basically weaving a stronger spell around everyone and making them fall in love with him even more.

Ranger claims I possess a similar ability, and that I had managed to turn a group of battle-hardened or life-challenged men into loyal friends and life-long protectors within minutes of meeting them. I don't know how true that is, but Tank and Bobby do want to watch my baby so nothing bad can happen to him. Plus, they wanted to attend both parties for me in the first place. I even got to see more of my RangeMen, who had missed the Trenton party due to them being on duty at the time. They had vowed to catch up with me here after their shifts ended, though that could be more about Marie's party food than wanting my company.

When Ranger told the crowd we'd be leaving after we get Matty to sleep, the house quieted down almost immediately so we could keep his bedtime routine the same despite being in a different location. The house also emptied considerably as we walked with our baby upstairs and into the navy blue bedroom that at one time had been Ranger and Diego's room.

"I made sure Dada Bear was in your bag," I told Matty, tucking the Army Ranger Bear that Ranger got him, which reminded Matty of him, close to our baby. "He promised me that he'll watch over you until we get you back tomorrow, but you do have your big boy phone to call us if you need to - or just want to - talk to us anytime. Okay?"

"Otay."

"Dada and I are going to do what we always do at night, get you into your jammies, read you a story, and smother you in kisses until you fall asleep. Then we're going to put your Bibi in charge. She crossed her heart when she swore to take the best care of you."

"It's only overnight, Babe. She's handled six kids at one time for years."

"Yeah, but this is our kid and I have really high standards when it comes to how he's cared for. Lucky for me, your parents exceed every hope I've had."

I was a little amazed that I felt as comfortable as Ranger did moving around the Manoso home while we got Matty settled, hydrated, his tiny Chiclet teeth brushed, and got his diaper changed. I felt a different type of growing pain when I realized we'll soon be switching to pull-ups for him. We gave him a choice between his 'Slumber Jack' pjs or his monster truck pajamas. He chose the trucks over animals this time, and the three of us got comfortable in Matty's sometimes room.

Inside the bedroom was the specially-made convert-a-crib that Ranger got for his parents' house when they surpassed excited when we hinted that sleepovers could be a regular occurrence. With the rail down, Matty's able to stretch out in it and we can sit beside him until he's asleep, then we take it from toddler bed back to a crib again. Ranger read Matty's favorite 'Petey' book, but our son was only able to make it halfway through. He fell asleep to the sound of his Daddy's deep yet quiet voice with me finger-combing his hair.

"If you ever need proof of how in love with you I am," I told Ranger, as we were walking back downstairs, "just remember that I walked away from that kind of cuteness just because I want to be with you, and spend time with just you."

"I've never needed proof that you love me, Steph. I've always felt that you do, but I do know just how hard being away from your children is, so I understand what you're saying."

I immediately wrapped my arms around him there on the stairs. "Crap. I know how much you miss Julie. I shouldn't make that feeling worse by complaining about being away from Matty for less than twenty-four hours."

"Knowing you love our son and Julie the way that you do, takes a bit of the sting out of having to leave them here or in Miami."

"Nice try, but I know you're lying through your perfect, white teeth. Being together, or being with one, doesn't make us miss the other or both less."

"You relaxed a little, so my words did their job."

I rolled my eyes in time for Ranger's dad to see. Having likely been in Ranger's shoes with Marie and their kids, his guess was a good one.

"Is Carlos teasing you again for not wanting to leave our grandson?"

"Not this time. He was being nice and didn't call me a Helicopter-Mama."

"Don't you waste one minute of tonight worrying about anything going on here," my mom-in-law told me, holding both of my hands and squeezing them gently.

"I'm not worried. I just miss our little guy already, but getting to spend time with the bigger version of him, has me really looking forward to this sleepover."

"Of course you're looking forward to your night out. We can all agree that you are raising an exceptional child, but I have already raised six of them. Anyone would be lucky to spend time with any one of them."

"Considering I'm married to this one," I said, taking hold of Ranger's hand when Marie released mine, "I wake up feeling exceptionally lucky everyday."

My by-choice family smiled in approval. "You both are lucky to have each other," Marie said, snuggling into her own husband briefly before going to a hall table and pulling out a small box from a drawer to hand to me. "While we have a moment where it's just the four of us, Eduardo and I wanted to give you this."

"You guys have done more than enough for me today. Another gift isn't necessary."

"Oh my dear girl, we've actually been holding back so we wouldn't make you uncomfortable with all the fussing we can do."

I laughed, though she likely isn't kidding.

"I know Carlos changed and then re-gave to you the necklace you have on today. And I have noticed that you wear it only on special days," Marie was telling me, "so we thought this could be an everyday reminder of just how far you've come from the woman who was not that long ago standing right over there ... scared to tell us that you were very recently married and pregnant with our grandchild."

I glanced at Ranger and a slight shake of his head told me he hadn't been consulted for this gift. All I could do is open it and try not to make an idiot of myself. When I saw what my in-laws had chosen for me, that my own parents would never have thought of, I was afraid all the emotions I was feeling would join forces and rock the house hard enough to wake Matty.

Marie and Eduardo had given me a delicate silver necklace with a small, but intricate eagle taking center stage. It's a pretty piece of jewelry all on its own, but what really affected me was that its wings were outstretched to reach maximum wingspan-capacity and one word had been engraved in flowy script across them. 'SOAR' my eagle advised.

Ranger, Marie, and Eduardo, were watching me closely. Knowing what this gift would mean to me, Ranger dropped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his body, but it was Marie who spoke.

"You've shared with us your strong desire to 'fly' even as a young girl, but that is not enough for you, our dear Stephanie. We want you to not only fly ... but to continue to 'soar'."

"I don't know what to say except thank you. You know ... it's possible I would've married Ranger just to be a member of this family and have a link to all of you."

"What we love about you, Stephanie," my Dad-in-law said, "is we know you are completely full of it when you say things like that. You would have married our son just to be married to our son."

I smiled up at Ranger so he'd see the truth of that in my eyes before I addressed his parents again.

"What can I say? You're right, but you two, all the Manosos really, have been one hell of a bonus to being Ranger's wife and Matty's mom. I honestly believe I'm a good parent because I've gotten to see how it's done by watching the two of you be parents ... and by watching Ranger who is a product of it."

"What a sweet thing to say. And now ... thank you. Having you here and seeing you and Carlos with our grandson, has reaffirmed that Eduardo and I have done something very right in our lives. Now ... before I ruin my tough-as-nails Newarkian-image by crying in appreciation for the life I have, you two get a move on. We and our Mateo will see you tomorrow," Marie told us, with a hug for each of us from both her and Eduardo.

After I said thank you and goodnight to every remaining party-attender, Bobby and Tank especially, Ranger got me out of the house before I ruined my image, whatever the heck that is now, and back into the car. Like we do with Matty, he made sure I didn't trip ... or God forbid actually fall, he got the car door open for me, and waited until I was securely buckled in before he closed the door and slid behind the wheel.

As he drove, I tried to keep an eye on my surroundings, but I stopped trying to figure out where we were going and just enjoyed the ride and the peace emanating from him that was kept contained inside the car.

"You're quiet," Ranger said.

"I'm just trying to absorb the day. Between you, our kids, the Guys, and then our family, it's a lot to take in."

"You are loved, Babe. And not just by me, Julie, and our son."

"I think today drove home the point that my life has irrevocably changed, not only because I got pregnant, but I started to change from the moment we stopped being stupid or scared ... and refused to keeping fighting this and who we could be with the help of each other."

"You and your life changed because you were ready for them to, Steph. What we have now is as much because of you as it was what I had wanted with you."

"I know. You couldn't have made Matty without me," I said, sending a smile his way.

"I'm not kidding."

"I was, but I get what you're saying. Our life wouldn't be the way it is if we didn't both agree to keep it running like a well-oiled machine."

"Very romantic view of our marriage," he told me, reaching over to squeeze my bare knee.

"I try," I told him, with a teasing grin. "Our marriage isn't about having to work on - or at - it to keep us together, it's been about learning how to just enjoy what we have without constantly expecting something bad to happen just because we're finally happy."

He did seem pretty happy right now. He not only finally told me where he's taking me, even shared that he chose the location for what we can do with Matty there tomorrow, he also kept his hand on my leg the entire drive, only removing it to shift gears.

He showed that he is far more romantic than I'll ever be by booking us a suite in a beautiful but huge red inn right on the bank of the Delaware River. Our son had been on his mind when he made these reservations, but clearly romancing me was at the top of his agenda.

Even from the parking lot, I could see that the side of the building facing the water was made almost entirely of glass. I already have a pretty good idea of what our room is going to look like. After Ranger checked us in, I realized just how lucky I am to be with him ... and with him here. I gravitated towards the floor-to-ceiling walls of windows that made up three-quarters of the suite.

"I knew you'd rather be looking at the river from a comfortable room, than floating on something over it," Ranger told me, wrapping his arms around me from behind and resting his chin against my head.

I'm so in tuned to him, I swear I can feel each individual whisker that had grown during the hours since he'd shaved last. My hips feel permanently imprinted where his hands landed as his arms crossed over my waist.

"You know me well."

"I do. They provide room service twenty-four-seven or we can have dinner in the dining room as late as eleven."

"I know you won't believe this, but I'm not especially hungry. I've had just enough birthday cake to get - and keep me - happy and surprisingly mellow, and I ate enough good food to keep my cake company for a few hours."

His lips began an innocent exploration of the side of my neck. "What would you like to do? We have a whole city and an entire night ahead of us. I could take you for a drink and possibly some dancing? We can attempt a concert being held at the local art museum? Or we can revisit the decision of not going out on the river and do an impromptu dinner cruise similar to last year's gift from my men."

"What I want to do? Honestly?"

"I want nothing less than an honest answer from you."

"It may sound boring compared to what you've suggested, but I really just want to hole up in here and enjoy being with you with no interruptions. Despite us being married for years, and working together everyday, I still crave your company and attention as much as I love Matty's."

"That's the best answer you could have given me."

"It is, is it?" I asked, turning my head from where it was relaxing against his chest so I could see his face. "What do you think my prize should be for just saying how I feel? My vote is ... you."

"I'm all yours anytime you want me, Babe."

I did a spin in his hold and plastered myself to him. Just knowing how his hands and mouth feel on me, and also knowing there's a 99.9% chance they'll be touching me again soon, had my skin warming and my mind emptying of everything except images and thoughts of him. I loved my parties and appreciated the gifts I got today, especially the ones from him, our son, and Julie, but our kids aside, nothing can top being physically loved by this man ... my man.

Instead of getting me naked immediately, Ranger popped the cork on a bottle of champagne that had been left chilling in our room. He poured us each a glass and let the bubbles, his presence, and the scent of his evil shower gel, shoot to my head before playfully urging me out of my clothes. Today of all days, my birthday suit is the appropriate choice for bed. But he still didn't head straight for the 'main course'. Ranger had planned for a whole twelve-course meal, even with me being naked well within kissing range and touching distance.

The lights were all except for a small brass and glass lamp left on in the foyer. And under Ranger's hands, I stretched out on my stomach on the bed that he'd already pulled the covers away from. My face was turned towards the glass wall looking out over the river, and with a somewhat detached mind ... I watched occasional cars cross the bridge. The light from their headlights bounced off metal and skated across the water before disappearing ... all likely heading somewhere not nearly as pleasant as what I'm experiencing right here. Ranger's making a strong case for himself being a masseuse in a past life. He's turning me on as he heated and kneaded my muscles into a quivering mass of very-willing jelly.

As a reward for being able to keep my body awake as every care, worry, and stressor, was thoroughly smoothed out of it, I was able to roll over onto my back and reach for him, and was well on my way to receiving one of those 'happy ending' types of massages that normally I'm arresting people for participating in. Ranger's clothes started disappearing with almost no help from me, and my body and every inch of my skin was then being rubbed in yet another pleasurable way by him. I wasn't aware I had so many nerve endings until they were introduced to this man.

He hovered above me on the bed and he gave me his undivided attention all over again, with just as much hands-on contact as our night together started with. But this time ... his mouth, lips, and tongue, joined our after-hours party. I felt thoroughly loved long before his arms hooked under my shoulders as he became part of my body as deeply as he's in my mind. We both tried to prolong the moment, but I looked at him like I was being presented with another birthday cake. I wanted all of it ... all of him ... and preferably right NOW.

He moved faster, my nails dug harder into the muscles of his back, and when he let his legendary control slip and then let go, I've never been more thankful for being born. Knowing that I'm the only one who can get him to lose it and forget about everything except what's between us, is an aphrodisiac in its own right.

With the promise of a shared morning bath whispered in my ear, I let my eyes slowly drift shut as Ranger's arms closed around me. Today and tonight have been amazing. I now know that Matty's coming here tomorrow with his grandparents - and likely a RangeUncle or two - so we can explore the Children's Museum, Colonial Village, and the park to cross the Delaware where Washington did. And after enjoying everything, and every ounce of love, my families wanted me to experience today, I know I will never apologize for living or try to ignore my birthday ever again.