Chapter 15

Ranger and I decided to have a heart-to-heart conversation in his office. He admitted to falling for me whenever he heard stories from Jeremy, Mateo and Celia. I was happy to learn Jeremy never divulged specific details about my childhood. He told them I endured trauma and I didn't let it impact my life. I did everything possible to move forward. My aunt was instrumental in helping me heal.

"It took a lot of therapy," I admitted.

"You're a very strong woman."

"Thanks?" I asked, not sure if it was a compliment.

"You channelled your anger to beat me," he said with amusement.

"Only because you pissed me off," I said defensively. "Why did you mention the job offer and your intentions?"

"To gauge your reaction. I like your fire," he replied.

"Hmph," I childishly reacted.

"Ram is a good man. He said Jeremy wanted him to be with you."

"How long?" I asked, hoping he would understand what I was asking.

"I've always known," he confessed.

"Then why attempt manipulation?" I wondered.

"Pride."

'Stupid man can't accept when a woman isn't interested,' I mumbled.

He started laughing. "Babe, I got the message."

"It's about time." I started to relax. I hope he doesn't fire me for calling him stupid. Maybe Manny and I can talk him into making us co-managers.

Once again, Ranger proved I was speaking aloud. "Babe. Enter," he barked when someone knocked on the door.

Manny entered the office and smiled. "Hey, Steph," he greeted.

"Hi, Manny." He sat in the chair next to mine.

We waited for Ranger to talk. Without saying a word, he pulled a couple of contracts from his desk drawer and passed them to us.

I read my contract then passed it to Manny. He reciprocated, passing me his contract. We were offered the same wage and responsibilities. Manny Ramos was my new partner at Rangeman. I swapped contracts and immediately signed mine. Manny quickly followed suit.

"Hector will be Ram's partner," Ranger announced. He gave us a copy of our contracts before we were dismissed.

Manny grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the elevator. He led me to my apartment. Michael and Hector were awaiting our arrival. "Co-department heads," Manny announced.

"Congrats Anie," Michael said before kissing me.

In Spanish, Hector asked, "You're Manny's partner?"

"Yes, I'm Manny's partner. You and Mike are partners," I replied in Spanish. My language skills were improving. Michael and I converse in Spanish to help with pronunciation. I still can't follow the rapid talk, but I can understand more than I did before.

I'm not sure why I was surprised by our partner reassignment. Other than Rangeman core team, the employees are reassigned partners on a regular basis. However, I will never be partnered with Michael since we're dating.

We decided to go out for a celebratory dinner. It was full of conversation and laughter. Manny was a very funny and kind man. I can see us being close friends.

My friends didn't care that I was still wearing my workout clothes. Some of the pizzeria female patrons cared. They didn't appreciate their boyfriend or husband checking me out. I was beyond caring.

When we returned to Rangeman, Hector and Manny went to their own apartments, leaving me alone with Michael in mine. Actually, it isn't just my apartment anymore, it's also Michael's apartment.

I felt the desire to move our relationship to the next level. It's time and I'm tired of waiting. The shift in our bedtime routine helped me realize Michael was ready too.

After brushing my teeth, I stripped to take a shower. Michael has seen me naked numerous times, but never took advantage. I wish he would take advantage of my nakedness at least once.

He stripped and joined me in the shower. I was surprised when Michael used my loofa and shower gel to wash my body. His hands moving down my body set me on fire. Once he finished washing me, he washed his own body. My hands twitched, wanting to touch his perfect body.

Michael grabbed my towel to wrap around my body. Using his towel, he dried off his chest and wrapped it low around his hips. He scooped me into his arms and carried me to bed where he dropped me in the centre.

"Anie," he said while reaching into his nightstand. He produced a small black box. "I already asked your children and I have their blessing." I heard him open the box, but I didn't look at it because I was staring into his eyes. "Anie, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

"Yes, Michael," I replied without thinking. "I love you too." Asking to marry him before we connected sexually set my heart on fire for this amazing man. We kissed as he slid the ring onto my finger.

His fingers tugged my towel open. He kissed down my body, not stopping for too long on one area until he reached the apex of my legs. I felt him place kisses along my thighs and up to my core. His warm tongue licked from front to back before entering me. My hips lifted involuntarily to increase the connection. He licked and sucked on my clit before pushing two fingers inside. I gave in to the sensation and let the orgasm rip through my shaking body.

Michael kissed his way up my body before stopping. I felt him pressed against me. The tip of his penis was in perfect alignment. We were both clean and I was on birth control. I knew we should still use protection, but I really needed to feel him inside me.

"I'm clean and on birth control," I said before he pushed into me. "You feel so good. It's been too long," I said as he moved inside me. I moaned when he stroked against the right spot.

"I'm madly, deeply and irrevocably in love with you Stephanie," he said when he paused for a few seconds. My body reacted to his words and I erupted around him. He quickly followed me over.

"I love you too Michael." Throughout all our talks, texts and the months of living together, I fell in love with this amazing man. Today, my life changed for the better. Knowing I have Jeremy's blessing made me feel more alive. I'm engaged to this amazing man.

"Anie," my heart fluttered from his nickname for me. "I feel connected to you on every level. Thank you for letting me love you."

"Thank you for loving me." We lay in each other's arms until his phone rang.

He pulled on his boxers and passed me his shirt. I pulled it over my head and felt it rest on my thighs. "You look very sexy wearing my shirt," he growled before answering the phone on video chat.

"Did you ask her?" I heard Lory ask.

"Ask me what?" I fired back.

"Mike, you said you were asking her tonight," Lory complained.

I held up my left hand and asked, "Is this what he had to ask?"

She squealed before yelling for Sophia and Curtis to join the conversation. "Mom said yes, Curt," she stated.

Curtis and Sophia appeared on the screen to offer congratulations. Sophia stepped away to give us a chance to talk. I noticed the cellphone in her hand. It wouldn't surprise me if she told Celia, Mateo and the girls.

"Michael?" Lory shyly said his name.

"What's on your mind, sweetie?" he asked.

"Curt and I were wondering… would you mind if we called you Dad?"

"I would be honoured," he wisely replied. I could tell it meant a lot to him. We talked to the children for a few more minutes before ending the call. They wanted us to get married as soon as possible. Michael and I have next week off. Maybe we could fly to California to visit the children.

My fiancé wasn't interested in making plans for our vacation. He removed his boxers before pulling off my shirt.

I moaned as he plunged into me again. Making love with Michael Ramsey felt like coming home. It didn't take long for us to peak together. "Anie, burying myself into your warmth is the best kind of therapy," he said as we cuddled in our bed.

"It feels like coming home," I expressed my earlier thought. "Does it feel weird?"

He easily understood my question. "If Ace was still here, I wouldn't be naked in your bed. I know he wants us to be together."

We made love several times throughout the night. Michael was a very thorough lover. He made sure I was satisfied before taking his own pleasure.

The following morning, I received calls from Celia and Alex. We made plans for lunch. I knew they wanted the scoop.

When lunchtime arrived, I drove my car to the local diner to meet with Celia and Alex. I was surprised to find Jasmine, dad and Tabitha sitting at the table.

Tabitha grabbed my left hand to see the ring. "It's beautiful," she gushed. I noticed she was wearing a solid gold band. When I checked dad's left hand, I saw the matching ring on his hand.

Giving Tabitha a hug, I whispered, "Congrats. I'm so happy for you and daddy."

"Thank you, dear. Frank is an amazing man," she stated.

"So I guess that makes you my new mom?" I joked.

"Call me whatever you wish, my dear," she replied. I gave dad a hug and repeated my congratulations to him. I've never seen him happier.

"I'll give you women time to catch up." He kissed my cheek before giving his wife a chaste kiss on the lips.

"Did you two finally… you know?" Celia asked. My face flushed as I nodded. "How was it?"

"Amazing," I replied. My sex life is private, so I wasn't willing to offer any details. They tried to get me to elaborate, but I kept stonewalling them.

"She's not going to crack," Jasmine stated. She was right, there was no way I was going to say anything else.

"I know," Celia finally admitted. "It was worth a shot."

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I read the message from my long-lost cousin Vince. He's my second cousin. His dad and my dad are cousins. 'Hey, cuz. I'm in Miami.'

Me: In a diner called Pete's. Stop by.

Vince: I know the place. See you in 5.

Me: OK

"Do you guys mind if my… friend joins us?" I asked. I could have said cousin, but I wanted to shock the women at the table.

"Nope," Celia answered for the group. A few minutes later, Vince entered the diner. "Check out the hunk near the door," she whispered. Her comment made me smile. I haven't seen Vince since we were young children.

He's a very handsome and muscular man. Celia swooned when he walked towards our table. I jumped from my seat into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. Yes, I know it was inappropriate to do this to my cousin, but I wanted to gauge Celia's reaction.

"Steph, you're engaged!" Celia admonished. Tabitha was laughing since she already knew Vince was my cousin.

"Slow your roll, Celia," I stated while unwrapping my legs from Vince. He gently placed me on the floor before resting his arm across my shoulder. "Vince, this is Celia, Tabitha, Jasmine and Alexandria." He nodded as I pointed out each woman. "Girls, this is my cousin Vince."

"He's your cousin?" Celia loudly asked.

"He is definitely my cousin. His dad and my dad are cousins," I explained.

Vince pulled up a chair to sit between me and Celia. We ate our burgers and fries as we caught up with our lives. "Do I have something on my face?" Celia asked when she caught Vince staring at her.

"No. You look very familiar," he replied. I heard the door open and glanced over to see who entered. My man decided to join the party. "Ram," Vince called out.

"Hey, buddy," Michael said as he slapped Vince's shoulder. "What are you doing here? I thought you were arriving next week."

"Finished early," he replied. "Decided it was time to visit my cousin. It's been way too long since I've seen her last."

"Cousin?" Michael asked.

"Yes, cousin. Steph, this is my buddy Ram," Vince unnecessarily introduced us.

I laughed before saying, "Vince, meet Michael, my fiancé."

Vince was taken aback. "I had no idea your Anie was my cousin Stephanie," he replied.

"Small world," I muttered. "How do you know each other?" I asked.

"Army. We were deployed together on spec ops missions," Vince replied.

"Not here," Michael quietly said before Vince could discuss how they met.

"Now why do you look so familiar?" Vince asked Celia. I hid my smile as I took a drink.

Much to Celia's surprise, Ranger and Lester entered the diner. "Celia," Ranger addressed his sister.

Speaking Spanish, Celia asked, "What are you doing here Carlos?"

"Vince said he'd be here," Ranger answered.

"Mom wants you to call," she told him.

"She set up a blind date," he said without amusement.

Celia started laughing. In English, she said, "Mama is still bitter about Rachel and she wants to meet Julie."

Vince was listening to their interaction. He instinctively reached for Celia's hand under the table. I heard her small gasp when their hands touched. Ranger raised an eyebrow.

My friend Celia had more questions, but she waited until we were in the car on our way to Rangeman before requesting answers. Ranger was driving. Michael was in the front beside him. Celia, Vince and I were seated in the back. Lester decided to drive my car back to headquarters.

"How do you know each other?" Celia asked referring to Vince. I noticed they were still holding hands.

"Rangers," Ranger replied. "He's a member of my team."

"Do you still have a contract, Vince?" she asked.

"I finished the term and decided against signing a new one," he answered.

"How do you know Babe?" Ranger asked.

"Cousin," he replied. Ranger nodded as he pulled into the Rangeman parking garage.