Forty

Stephanie

"I'm a little nervous." Carlos put his hand on my leg to stop the shaking while we waited for my doctor's appointment.

"It's routine, Alex and Mari want to make sure your levels are where they're supposed to be," he said, kissing my hand. "You always come through with flying colors."

"Anna has been doing a great job not blurting her life story since your talk at the beach."

"She has. You know it killed me seeing her big brown eyes wide with worry when I talked about bad people," Carlos said as he rubbed circles on my hand, his rough skin telling the tale of his hard work.

"They both asked me about 'Papi's bad people coming after him.' I explained that they would never get near any of us. Anna wanted to know how I knew that, and I said 'because your Papi is Batman.'

"Babe, I'm human. I'm not invincible nor am I a superhero."

"You can say that all you want but you're our superhero and you and I both know that you'll move mountains to keep us safe." He kissed me and wrapped his arm around me.

"Mrs. Manoso, come this way." Bubbly Jennifer announced as she held the door open. We followed her to the exam room. "The phlebotomist will be in shortly to draw your blood."

After a few vials of blood Mari came in to examine me. "Steph, everything is perfect. You can get dressed now and when you're finished, meet us in the conference room across the hall." After getting back into my clothes, Carlos and I went to the conference room. A few minutes later, Alex and Mari walked in.

"Steph, your blood levels are perfect. We won't need to see you for another year. Keep doing what you're doing, and you'll be the healthiest woman on this planet," Alex said with a smile.

"That's great. I'll wait until I get my reminder email to schedule the appointment," I said. As we walked out of the medical building, I couldn't help but feel grateful that I was on my way home to the family I treasured.

"I came up with a different idea for the girl's trip. I was thinking about going to Chicago and staying at the apartment instead of Vegas."

"You don't need my permission. Do what makes you happy. "Have you talked to the others?"

"No, I was planning on doing it later. Lula will drive here, and we can all fly out together." I tilted my head to the side. "You know what? I think I'm going to ask Sade if she wants to join us."

"When do you want to go?"

"Originally, I thought we'd go while our parents were in New York, but then I got to thinking about how perfect the weather is in Chicago at the end of August. I need to go to the Chicago branch anyway to train the new hires for the research dept. They start Aug 3rd. They'll have a few weeks of orientation and Rangeman training. I can stay a few extra days to do the training. So rather than a few days, I'll be gone for a week or so."

"That works for me Babe. Let me know what you decide and the dates."

"Okay, I'll coordinate with Steve in Chicago." Carlos started laughing a little. "What's funny?"

"You realize I talk more in five minutes with you in the car than I typically do in weeks," he said looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"You say I bring out the best in you." I gave him a smile and fluttered my eyelashes. "And maybe, just maybe Anna gets her communication traits from you and not me." I stuck my tongue out at him before I leaned over and kissed him.

"Do that again with your tongue and I'll pull over and ravish you."

"It's not like we've never done that before. Remember the time in the Porsche when my ass kept hitting the horn?"

"That memory is forever etched in my brain." As soon as he finished that statement he took the next turn, driving us into a secluded wooded area.

"Oh boy." He quickly put the car in park.

"Get over here now. Look what you've done to me." He was hard as a rock. Well who am I to argue with him? Luckily, I was wearing a dress for my appointment. Ever efficient, he had his pants unzipped exposing his hardness. I climbed over to him and he pulled my panties to the side. His fingers slid along my wetness as I straddled him and repeated our time in the Porsche. And yes, I managed to hit the horn with my ass. "Babe." He groaned as I rode him, he took each breast hungrily in his mouth and began sucking.

"Batman," I screamed as seconds later we reached our climax. His satisfied grunt and my scream filled the small space. We were both breathing heavily until we relaxed from our orgasm.

"Get in the back." He growled. I did as instructed and he followed me landing on top of me. We kissed like two teenagers having sex for the first time in the back seat of a car. "Stephanie, my blue-eyed vixen you make me say and do the craziest things, you know that?"

He was inside me like there was no tomorrow, pounding as the sound of our skin and groans echoed throughout the car. I couldn't get enough of him. I wanted more and more. I screamed out incoherent words as he released himself inside me. The sweat was shimmering off his beautiful chest and gorgeous face. His hair was damp, and I couldn't help but run my fingers through his sexy dark locks. He started to pull out and I put my hand over his, stilling him. "Stay inside me a little longer, please."

"I love being inside you Babe. When our kids are grown and we're retired and living alone, we are going to be ravishing one another and I will be inside you all day and night."

"Umm, that sounds deliciously wonderful."

"Do we have to be anywhere any time soon?" he asked, peppering me with kisses.

"Nope."

"Good to know." We lay in sensual silence. He teased my now rock-hard nipples and kissing and licking my entire body. "Ahh, yes, the promised land. Wet and wild for my taking." His tongue made some movements that were new to me, it felt different because we were so confined. Whatever it was, I was enjoying every second of it.

"Oh, good golly miss molly," I growled as his tongue went deeper and deeper inside me. Ranger, you've taken me to heights I've never felt."

"I aim to please Babe," he replied as he kissed his way up my body. We continued kissing a few moments longer, neither one of us wanting it to end.

"If we don't stop, we'll be here all night," I said. He got out of the car and put his clothes back on, and I did the same. "I hope no one is around."

"Who cares Babe." I fixed my hair as best I could, and Ranger drove us back to the highway.

"That was a nice break in the one-hour drive home" I said smiling at him and I felt my face begin to blush.

"Yeah, I can still make you blush." He held my hand. "I always feel the need to touch you Babe."

"I love you Carlos Manoso." He kissed my hand and the rest of the drive was filled with talk about our Thanksgiving trip. "I'm looking forward to our Barbados vacation."

"Barbados will be our last trip for a while. Once the babies are born; we're going to be quite busy."

"I agree, our lives will change even more so. Since the incident with Martha's ex we've changed our weekly dates to bi-weekly. Next year we'll be lucky to get a monthly date night."

"I know, but surprisingly, I am okay with that."

"You mean you prefer not having date night?" I asked, pretending to be hurt.

"Got it in one Babe," he said, tapping my nose with his finger.

"You're attempting to be funny, ha-ha-ha." I stopped laughing and thought about it. "You were trying to be funny right?"

"I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer," he said, holding on to my hand tightly.

"Do we have anything planned this weekend? I asked as we pulled into Rangeman's parking lot.

"It's the start of our weekend shift for the executive and core teams. I'm first on the schedule."

"Oh, that's right. I forgot yours was the first weekend. I'm after Lester."

"Tank planned it that way so that you and I were not working back to back weekends."

"Good planning on his part. I think I'll take the girls shopping for vacation clothes. It's going to be a lazy weekend with pajama days, junk food, and backyard movies."

Michael was in the elevator as the door opened. "Good afternoon Stephanie, Sir."

"Hi Michael," I answered.

"It seems you and I are working together this weekend sir." Carlos nodded.

"Ah, that gives me an idea. I think I'll invite Alecia to come and spend the weekend. It'll give me a glimpse into life with a baby in the house" I said as we took the elevator to the 5th floor.

"I already feel sorry for Marcus being in a house filled with women."

"He loves it when you're with us. Not sure how he'll do with all girls. He may be bored," I said as we reached my office. "You'll all be staying at Rangeman right? Maybe Marcus can hang out with all of you."

"I'll have to think of something. See you later Babe." He kissed me on the nose.

"Thanks for walking me to class, sexy." I gave him a peck on the lips and sat down at my desk. I sent Lula and the girls a text with a conference call invite. I added the call time on the calendar so that everyone would see I would be unavailable. I quickly finished up my project and set up the call. I waited until each of the girls announced their name.

"Hi ladies, thanks for calling in. I wanted to talk to you all about our girl's trip. I have to go to our Chicago office to train new hires and I really don't want to take two trips so I thought instead of Vegas, we could all go to Chicago and stay at the apartment. It's downtown Chicago and we'll be close to the best restaurants, clubs, and salons."

"When were you thinking, Steph?" Connie asked.

"The last week in Aug. We would be gone for Labor Day. The weather at that time will be beautiful."

"That works for me," Mare said. "As long as we're all together, it doesn't really matter where we go."

"I agree, Melissa, and Alecia said in agreement."

"Val, are you okay with that? Lula, how about you?"

"I'm good with it, Steph," Val replied.

"Me too. I'll still plan to drive to Trenton, and we can all fly together."

Sade announced she was now on the call. "So sorry I'm late ladies. I was having connection issues."

"No worries. So rather than Vegas, we've changed directions. We're going to Chicago instead." I explained the reason. "What do you think of that Sade?"

"I think that's a lovely idea. The time frame works out perfectly as I will be in New York the week prior. I'll add Newark on to my flight reservations."

"Not necessary. I'll have Manny pick you up at your hotel. The drive is a little over an hour, so you'd be spending more time at the airport."

"That's great Stephanie. Will there be enough room for all of us in the apartment?" she asked.

"Yes, plenty of room. Okay so everyone agrees on Chicago and the dates are good. Anything else we need to worry about?"

"You want me to make the plane reservations for all of us and you each call in and pay for your tickets?" Lula asked. They all began to respond, and I quickly interrupted.

"Ladies, tickets are on me."

"Steph, you mean you're going to pay for all of us? That's not right," Val and Marylou said in unison.

"Carlos and I talked about it. I want everyone to have a great time without worrying about travel and accommodations."

"Girl, that's so generous of you guys. It really is," Lula added.

"Yeah, Steph. Thank you so much, that's not necessary but we appreciate it."

"It's okay Connie, we're glad to do it."

"Steph, this works out even better. It was looking like I wouldn't have been able to go with the previous dates since Mom and Dad would have been in New York. Now they'll be able to help Albert with the kids," Val explained.

"Alecia, what are you going to do about the kids?"

"Well I was going to talk to you about that. Do you think that Michael and the kids can stay at Ella's old apartment at Rangeman?"

"I don't see why not. I'll talk to Carlos and Ella, but I'm sure it won't be an issue," I said, knowing she was relieved. "Melissa, you're good with Callie staying at Mrs. Morelli's?"

"Oh yeah, Mom is counting down the days. She's gonna be a little disappointed since she'll have to wait a little longer, but I will send Callie over there for a weekend before our trip."

"I love that you call Mrs. Morelli, Mom," Marylou said sweetly. Everyone agreed. I too think it's so sweet. They do have a great relationship.

"Okay ladies, before we hang up, I want you each to pick an activity. Whether it's a restaurant, spa, club etc. Check out the things to do and send everyone an email with your choice. I'll plan breakfast, the Art Institute, and dinner."

"That's a perfect idea," Sade replied. "I'll plan the spa day." The girls all agreed to planning an activity.

"Anyone have anything else? If not, I need to get back to work."

"Steph, all is good," Lula replied. After everyone hung up, I went back to working on my project. I finished the upgrade options for our client and scheduled an appointment. Since we are not taking on new clients, I've been taking Michael with me on calls to meet clients in his new role as Director of his department.

I scheduled our flights and began researching restaurants with good ratings for breakfast and dinner. After I was done, I laid my head back in my chair and closed my eyes. Tingling on the back of my neck and the luscious smell of Bulgari pulled me out of my few minutes of relaxation. "Babe, you okay?"

"Yeah. I was busy booking our flights," I said as I watched my sexy boss sit on the leather chair. "What's up?"

"I just came in to say hi. I needed a break from reports." He looked so bored.

"Why don't you go out in the field with one of the guys? Maybe one of our newer employees. You're getting bored being in the office daily."

"I feel like there's not much for me to do around here. Business is going very well and all I do is look over reports and numbers."

"Well then go out in the field. The guys will love being trained by the best of the best."

"That's a good idea. Who should I ride with?"

"Ummm, what about Turk?"

"The guy who dared pull into the parking lot half naked on his Harley?" He growled.

"Oh, for crying out loud, he wasn't half naked. He was wearing jeans, boots, and sunglasses," I replied as I went down memory lane. "That was a site to behold."

"Stephanie!" He barked.

"Sorry. He actually just came in and is working out in the gym."

"And you know his whereabouts, how?" Someone is not a happy camper right now. I have to come up with a good answer.

"Umm. I was in the monitor room when he walked in the door."

"Uh huh." I received a glare and he raised an eyebrow telling me he was not happy. He picked up the phone and used the intercom. "Turk, come to Stephanie's office when you're finished working out." A reply ran through my office and the entire building.

"Aww Ranger, you're jealous. That's awesome," I said as I joined him on the chair.

"Jealous, I don't think so. Just curious."

"Sure, you just keep convincing yourself of that." I held his face in my hands and kissed his beautiful lips.

"Ah, hmm." Turk cleared his throat as he knocked on the door frame. "Sir, you paged me?"

"You're riding with me. Be in the garage in five."

"Sir, yes sir." He turned on his heels and walked out the door. I smiled at the pride on Ranger's face knowing he just scared the crap out of Turk.

Turk

What the hell did I do that warrants Ranger riding with me? Shit. Is he still pissed from the first day I met him? Damn it. I'm freaking screwed.

"Hey guys, the boss wants me to ride with him. Do you know what that's all about? Have you heard anything? Man, I'm so screwed." Hal, Ram and Woody began laughing. "Guys, come on, what the fuck is up? I've gotta be in the garage in five minutes."

"Dude, you just wasted three of those minutes. Get going," Ram shouted.

"Turk, don't freak out. Ranger does that when he's bored being in the office. He misses working the street." Hal, always the sound of reason rep lied, as he slapped my back and began to shove me on my way.

"You sure about that?" I asked.

"Go! You now have 55 seconds. You'll be in a world of hurt if you're late," Woody growled at me.

I bolted down the stairs to find Ranger leaning against my car with his arms crossed at his chest, biceps protruding and glaring at me. I'm fucking dead.

"When I say 'in 5' I damn well mean five minutes, not before or after. Understood?" he barked at me. "Your vehicle had better be spotless."

"Understood sir." I'm not one to be scared, but crap, Ranger is the most intimidating man I've ever met. You never know what's going on in his mind. His face is always blank, and he looks like he's about to kill you. I couldn't help myself, but I had to say a quick silent prayer asking God to let me live another day.

Stephanie

Hector and Lester walked in shortly after Ranger left my office. The two of them were cracking up as we watched the interaction between the two men. Turk looked like he was literally shaking in his pants when he saw Ranger leaning up against his car.

"That's gonna be one hell of a ride." Lester laughed.

"The cocky bastard deserves the wrath of Ranger. He acts like he's better than everyone else," Hector added. He didn't sound very happy.

"Is Turk like that? I don't see that in him," I said.

"Of course, you don't. You still see him riding on his Harley half naked."

"Oh, for the love of chocolate, that's all you men can remember."

Carlos

It took everything I had to keep my laughter under control. The kid was scared and looked like he was about to crap in his pants. My m.o for the newbies is to put the fear of God into them and it appears to be working.

I looked the car over from top to bottom, noting how clean it was. "Well done, Turk."

"Thank you, sir," he replied with a crooked smile.

It was refreshing working the streets again. I must make a habit of coming out more. I have to remind everyone that I am still a force to be reckoned with, and that my family is under my protection. After a few hours with the kid, I was ready to go back to the office.

"You did a good job out here today," I said as we headed back to the office. "Do you have any questions?"

"Yes sir, I do. How can I get that same presence as you possess?"

"It's not something that you just get, you have to work at it. Walk the streets like you own them and demand respect with your body language. Remember those two things and you soon will be scaring the crap out of the street crew."

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate everything you taught me today," he said with pride. "You still hate me, though don't you?"

"If that were the case, I would have fired you the day you drove into the parking lot half naked."

"Yeah, that probably wasn't my best decision."

"You think?" I glared at him. "My wife sees something in you and her gut instincts are rarely wrong."

"May I say sir, Steph...I mean Mrs. Manoso…."

"Turk, it's okay to call her Steph, she prefers it."

"Steph is an amazing lady. I've never met anyone like her."

"Yeah, she's pretty special."

"I had a woman in my life at one time, but my bastard of a best friend decided to move in on her while I was deployed."

"Don't worry, stick around here long enough, my wife will manage to find a woman for you. The majority of my men are all paired up because of her."

"Ha-ha, I'll have to be on my toes sir."

"It'll hit you when you least expect it."

"Are you speaking from experience sir?" He asked, pretty ballsy of him.

"Let's just say Steph and I were too busy fighting our feelings to see what was right in front of us. It took us a while to get to where we are, but we made it."

"Relationships are too emotional for me."

"So, you're saying that you can't deal well with the relationships you've formed here at Rangeman?"

"No sir, this is my family. The guys are my brothers."

"I see." I said just as we pulled into the parking garage. "Well done today soldier. Keep up the good work."

"Thank you, sir."

"Well how did it go out there today? Did you release some of your boredom?" Stephanie asked as I walked into the building.

"Yeah, I realized I miss being out in the field. I think I'll make it part of my weekly schedule." I took her hand and got into the elevator.

"How was Turk?"

"Surprisingly, I was impressed. He just needs to strengthen his intimidation skills but other than that, not bad."

"So, what you're saying is once you looked past his 'half naked' entrance, you saw a different person," I said looking at him as I tapped my chin with my finger. "Hmmmm, imagine that."

"Okay, don't get big headed smart ass." I kissed her forehead.

"Hey boss, how'd it go?" Lester asked.

"Put me on the schedule to be out on the street one day each week."

"That good huh?" My crazy cousin said with a smirk.

"Just do it Santos."

"Anyone in particular you want to ride with?"

"Nope, keep my name off the distributed schedule."

"Sure thing boss." I walked Stephanie to her office and sat down in the chair.

"Is your girls trip all set?"

"Yep, I've coordinated with Steve in Chicago and the girls are all on board."

"Can I whisk you away for a weekend before your trip?" I asked.

"I would love it. Where did you have in mind?"

"I found a nice secluded cabin in Camp May, I thought we could go for a long weekend."

"That sounds nice. Book it Dano."

"Babe, you watch way too much TV. I'll pick a weekend and make plans for grandparent duty."

"Ha, ha, I'll leave it in your capable hands."

"It'll be a great weekend."

"I'm sure it will." She sat on my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck. "Have I told you lately, how much I love you?"

"I do believe it's been a few days since I heard those three words."

"Well, I do. You are an amazing husband and the greatest dad in the entire world. You take such good care of us. And you are one heck of a boss."

"I do the best I can Steph."

"Okay, not that I want to get rid of you, but I have work to do." She kissed me and kicked me out of her office. I shook my head as I smiled. I love that woman.

Friday morning came earlier than I wanted since it's my weekend to work. I'll be spending the next three days at Rangeman. I already regret having agreed to weekend shifts but I'm a firm believer in leading by example.

"Papi, Mama, are you awake?" Sweet voices belonging to my two youngest daughters asked outside our bedroom door.

"Babe, put this on." I gave her the nightshirt that I ripped off her body last night.

"Huh, what time is it?" She asked stretching.

"Our girls are outside." I put on my pants and opened the door. I picked up each one and ran to our bed. I gently tossed them on the bed for hugs and kisses from their mom. I never imagined I would enjoy the sound of giggling little girls. "Tickle monster is here, agghhhhh." I shouted as I tickled my girls.

"Papi, we won't see you for this many days." Anna said, holding up three fingers. "We'll miss you."

"I'm going to miss all of you too. How about we meet for lunch tomorrow?"

"Really Papi? That would be wowie, wow, wow," Emma replied.

"Are you guys having a giggle party without me?" Julie said as she walked into our room.

"Sissy. We're going to meet Papi for lunch tomorrow," Anna announced. "Can we go to the boofet?"

"The what?" Julie asked.

"The boofet at the hotel."

"Oh, the buffet," Julie corrected sweetly.

"Yeah, that's what I said."

"Girls, today is Friday, we have plenty of time to worry about lunch," Stephanie replied. "Now, how about Chef Papi makes breakfast." Steph got out of bed and went to the bathroom.

"Come on get ready for school." I ushered my girls out of the bedroom.

"I'll get them ready Dad. Come on girls." Julie took her sisters to their rooms. Steph and I took a shower together. I finished before her, so I dressed and went to the kitchen to start breakfast. Steph likes to take candid shots while I'm in the kitchen and she gets such a kick of showing them to me. I stare at them in shock because I still can't grasp the fact that I, badass Ranger, is the one in the photo.

"Umm, something smells yummy." Steph announced as she came downstairs with our girls. "Do I smell fried potatoes, sausage, and eggs?" She wrapped her arms around my waist and kissed my shoulder.

The girls each grabbed bottles of juice and milk and helped Julie set the table. It's funny how we've all adopted a daily routine.

"Girls, I will pick you up from school today because Auntie Alecia is coming over with the baby and we're all going out to dinner," Steph announced as we sat down to eat.

"Yay, is Marcus coming too? Emma asked.

"Not sure sweetie."

"Marcus is staying with his dad, he's going to hang out with boys, not a house full of girls."

"Mama, can Auntie Val and our cousins come to dinner with us too?" Anna asked.

"I'll ask her. Now let's all finish this scrumptious breakfast Chef Papi made for us, and head to school."

We finished our breakfast and cleaned up. Why we bother cleaning is beyond me. Ella comes to clean the house three times per week, but my crazy wife feels the need to clean before the house gets cleaned. I don't get it.

Chatter and singing rang throughout the car which brought a smile to my face. As always, Lily was waiting patiently for the girls to escort them inside. I helped the girls out of the car. "Bye girls, have a good day."

"Bye Papi, we'll miss you lots and lots," Anna said as she raised her arms for me to carry her to which I complied.

"I love you sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow for lunch." I kissed each of my girls and sent them on their way with Lily. "Remember, Stephanie will be picking up the girls from school."

"Got it sir."

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A/N As always, the obvious characters belong to JE, I get to borrow them for a while. The story line and additional characters belong to me.

Thank you Cindy and Ruth for your editing skills, I greatly appreciate it. I'm going to speed things up to get us closer to the arrival of our Manoso babies.

Thank you for your reviews, messages and kind words. I appreciate it.

We are going through quite the valley and it's a crazy time right now. I have to adjust to working from home, that will take some getting used to but it's necessary. I hope that you are all doing well, we will get through this. Remember, we are in this together and we are strong.

Stay healthy and safe.

The Manoso's will be back soon.