Chapter 28

My children came home for Christmas. I wasn't surprised Binkie and Leon joined them for the trip to Miami. Michael told me they only had each other. Binkie and Michael shared a complicated fist-bump instead of the standard handshake.

It was nice seeing these two friends together. Ranger nodded at Binkie in acknowledgment.

"Hi, Binkie, Leon, it's a pleasure meeting you in person," I stated.

"You're more beautiful in person," Binkie stated.

"If you didn't have that obvious baby bump, I would think you're Lory's twin," Leon stated.

"Are you complimenting me or saying I'm fat?" I joked.

Lory giggled when Leon's face turned red. She laced her fingers with his as she whispered, "She's kidding." They looked so adorable together. My daughter needs to tread carefully with her relationship. The age of consent is 18 in California and Florida.

I pulled my daughter aside to remind her, "You're not the age of consent. I would hate for Leon to get arrested and charged."

"We're dating, but nothing sexual. Leon knows the law. I will never do anything to get him into trouble," she replied.

"Please be careful, Lory," I reiterated.

"Yes, mom. I'll be careful. He decided to join the Army after graduation," she added.

"How does that make you feel?" I asked.

"Proud. When Leon finishes his three-year service, he'll apply for medical school. He wants to attend college with me," she answered.

"It would make waiting a little easier for you," I stated.

"True. I also have Curtis to keep me sane," she added.

We joined the others in the living room. Hector was interrogating Leon. I was happy to see he was holding his own. Leon promised Hector he would respect Lory and wait until she's older before taking their relationship past handholding and kissing.

"Tio Hector, stop giving Leon a hard time," she admonished in Spanish.

In Spanish, he replied, "He needs to know what happens if he takes advantage of you."

"Heard, understand, acknowledged," Leon replied.

Everyone hollered, "HUA!" Lory shook her head and laughed.

While Tenessa, Celia, Ella, and I prepared dinner, the men talked about their early days in the Army. Ranger and Binkie separated from the others to have a private conversation. I wouldn't be surprised if Binkie starts working at Rangeman soon.

Manny and Junior entered the house carrying extra tables and chairs. "Hey, hubby," I called out.

"Wifey," Manny replied before running into the kitchen to hug me. "Momma, you're getting big."

"Jace is going to be a big boy," I happily sighed. "It's strange only having one baby this time around."

Lory commented, "At least he doesn't have to share a birthday with his brother or sister."

"If he's born on April 3rd, he'll share a birthday with me," Manny added.

Zip pulled Julie aside to hand her a small gift. "It's from Dax. He's sorry for not calling you before moving," I heard Zip say.

"Why didn't he call?" Julie asked.

"He was mad at his mom for ruining everything. If he talked to you, he would've taken his anger and frustration out on you. It was the last thing you needed," Zip explained.

She opened the gift and found a beautiful charm bracelet like mine. Three charms hung from the chain; Dax, Hermana and a heart with the word friends inscribed in the centre. "It's beautiful," she exclaimed. "If you see him, can you give him this?"

"What is it?" Zip asked.

"A new controller for his Xbox. It's the custom one he wanted," she said. Her eyes popped open wide as she asked, "He was saving all of his allowances for one. Does he already have it?"

"No. Dax used the money he saved to buy your Christmas present," Zip replied. He held out his hand for Julie to take. "Steph, can you come with us?" he asked.

I handed the wooden spoon to Ella and followed them to the main floor office. Zip closed the door and motioned for us to take a seat. Julie sat in my office chair as I sat in the closest one. "Cassidy and Pete got married. I'm not sure how to tell your dad, Julie."

"Rip off the bandaid. He'll be happy Cassidy moved on," she stated.

"Their relationship was over the minute she pried for personal details," I added. "Ranger will be happy she found someone," I agreed with Julie.

"Thanks for worrying about my dad, but it wasn't necessary. You should tell him before he finds out from someone else," Julie stated.

Zip nodded and left the room. "He's trying to be considerate," I told Julie.

"I guess. Dad is happier around Tenessa."

"I've noticed. She's good for him," I said.

"Tenessa is also good for me," Julie added.

We rejoined our groups. I went to the kitchen while Julie went to the living room. Our house was full of everyone we love.

The doorbell rang as I helped Tenessa set the table. Celia ran to open the door. "André, Jasmine! I wasn't expecting you to come," she exclaimed.

"We brought Mateo and Alex with us," André stated.

"Party time!" I heard Alex holler.

Lester whispered, "Hello, Beautiful," as he slipped his arms around me from behind. His large hands rested on my belly.

"Hey, Les. I thought you were working today," I replied.

"Not until later. Hey, Tenessa. Is Carlos treating you right?" he asked.

"He is. Thanks for asking," Tenessa replied as she chewed on her bottom lip.

"You do know I don't mind? We were two ships passing in the night. I'm not planning to settle down. Carlos likes you. You're the ideal mother figure for Julie. Let's not be awkward."

Tenessa giggled. "I must admit I was worried at first since we've been avoiding each other. Carlos doesn't care about our one night together," she admitted. "There will never be a repeat."

"Agreed," he said before he kissed my cheek and patted my stomach.

Once he left the kitchen, Tenessa asked, "Is he always like that?"

"Pretty much. You get used to it after a while," I replied as another Merry Man wrapped his arms around me. He kissed my cheek and rubbed my baby bump before leaving.

Tenessa and Celia couldn't stop laughing. "I feel like a Buddha figurine. You rub the belly for good luck or something like that," I complained.

"Didn't I tell you, Ness?" Celia asked.

"You did. It's funnier seeing it for myself," she replied.

"Yuk it up, guys. When either of you gets pregnant, I imagine it would be the same," I warned.

"Having a bunch of muscular, hot and sexy men wrap their arms around me? Where do I sign up?" Celia joked.

"What's this business of having muscular, hot and sexy men wrapping arms around my girl?" Vince asked as he hugged Celia.

"Stephanie," she replied as Hector hugged me.

Our Christmas dinner was large and noisy. In other words, it was perfect in every way. Spending the day with my chosen family was everything I could've wanted and more. We opened our gifts after eating lunch.

Lory loved the boots and earrings Michael and I gave her. Curt loved the gaming system. They gave me another charm bracelet to fill with charms since my other one was already full.

My Merry Men bought my children gifts too. They have more than enough Visa gift cards to buy anything they want. Leon loved the Kings of Leon shirt I gave him. Binkie laughed when he read his shirt.

He turned it around for everyone to read. At the top was a picture of a pacifier. Beneath the picture were the words, 'Let me be your binkie.'

"Thanks, dude, I love it," Binkie said to Michael.

"When do you start at Rangeman?" I asked Binkie after we finished opening the gifts.

"In January. How did you know?" he asked.

"Her spidey sense," Michael answered.

"I heard about that," Binkie admitted. "Curt mentioned your intuitive nature. I noticed Curt and Lory share your ability," he told me.

"What department are you assigned?" I wondered.

"I'll be working as your assistant," he replied. "You're not permitted to work in the field. Ranger will be leaving on more missions."

I wondered how Tenessa would feel about him leaving for more missions. "I'm alright with his decision. His talents are needed. I understand," she said as she sat beside me.

"When does he leave?" I asked.

"He's waiting for the call," she replied.

It didn't take long for the other women to join us and send the men away. The men working the holiday shift left. Some needed to sleep before working the night shift. I kissed Lester, Bobby and Tank goodbye so they could watch the monitors or patrol our client properties.

Tenessa didn't stay too much longer since she was working a double shift at the hospital. I hugged her and said, "Don't worry about Carlos. He's very good at his job. If he receives the call, I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Steph. I'll check in on you in a few days," she whispered as I hugged her. Tenessa and I didn't get to spend much time together during the holidays. She was working extra shifts in the emergency room.

Ranger received his call on New Year's Eve. He didn't have time to notify anyone besides Julie and me. I promised to watch Julie while he's away. "Don't get shot," I whispered as he hugged me.

"Don't go crazy," he replied before hugging Julie. I heard him say, "Te amo, Jules."

"I love you too, papa," she reciprocated. She maintained her composure until we watched his car disappear down the street.

As I promised Tenessa, I sent her a text, 'Bat-signal shines.'

'Thanks, Steph,' she messaged back.

"He'll come back, Jules," I said as I hugged her tight.

"I know he will, mama. Did you tell Ness?"

"I sent her a text because she's working," I replied.

At midnight, I kissed my husband. Michael gave our children and Julie a kiss on the forehead before he had to leave for his Rangeman shift. I thought the kiss Lory and Leon shared was sweet. They look very adorable together. He reminds me of Jeremy.

My children left on New Year's Day. I was sad to see them go home, but their classes resumed in a few days. Before they left, Lory said they were attending the summer session.

It means they wouldn't be home for another summer, but I was proud of their desire to complete their four-year undergraduate degrees sooner.

I went into labour on April 2nd. My due date wasn't for another three weeks, but it was technically full term. Michael was relatively relaxed when my water broke. He was very calm as he led me to the car. I called my doctor's office, but she was on vacation in Tahiti. "The on-call OB/GYN will be delivering Jace," I informed Michael.

"Where's Dr. Bailey?" he asked.

"She's in Tahiti on vacation. Who's on-call today?" I wondered as I called Tenessa.

"Hey, girlfriend. How are you feeling today?" Tenessa asked.

"Fairly good considering my water broke," I replied.

She squealed and promised to meet me at the hospital entrance. "Did you call your doctor?"

"I did, but she's on vacation. Do you know who's on-call?"

"Let me check," she said while checking the computer. "A new doctor, I think. Um, let me see. Dr. Jasmine Sherman is on-call tonight," she replied. "Isn't she married to Tank's cousin, André?"

"You got it," I answered. "You've met her before as Jasmine Carter."

"Right. I didn't recognize the name until I saw her employee photo. I'll page her. See you soon, Steph. I'm so excited," she squealed again before ending the call.

I sent Hector a text, asking him to notify the others. "Hey, babies. It's time," I said when Lory answered the video chat.

"Hi, mom. You're having the baby today?" Lory asked to confirm.

"Today or tomorrow. It depends if Jace is in a hurry," I replied. We talked for a few minutes until we arrived at the hospital. "I have to go now, babies. I'm at the hospital."

"Keep us informed. I'll ask Tia Sophia to book the earliest flight to Miami. We'll see you soon, mom. I love you," Lory stated.

Curt grabbed the phone to say, "I love you, mom. I can't wait to see Jace."

"I love you too, babies," I said before ending the call. Michael parked in front of the hospital doors.

Binkie jumped into the SUV as Michael helped me from my seat. Tenessa was waiting beside a wheelchair. Her smile was bright as I approached the chair.

"Hey, momma, how are you feeling?" she asked when I was seated.

"Like I'm in labour," I joked.

Jace Michael Ramsey, my little man, was born at 0343 on April 3rd. He shares a birthday with my friend Manny. I was too exhausted to update my children that Michael handled the notification. They were at the airport waiting for their 5 am flight.

When I woke up at 5:30 am, Ranger was lying beside me on the bed. Jace was asleep on his chest. "Hey, Carlos," I mumbled. "You're home."

"Just in time to meet my godson," he replied. "He looks like Ram."

"I know. All babies look like their fathers at birth. It supposedly lets the father know the child belongs to him. He has my curly hair," I tugged on a tight curl.

Jace opened his eyes and blinked at Carlos. "His eyes are going to be blue," he stated.

"No other option unless they turn green or grey when he's older," I said while yawning.

"I meant they would be your shade of blue."

"Thanks for clarifying. Does Jace need to be fed?" I asked.

"I changed him, fed him and burped him. He needed some contact with his mom," Carlos replied.

"If you had a choice, would you have another child?" I asked.

"Not likely. I have Julie," he answered. "Will you have another child?"

"Michael and I would like to have a daughter next. After she's born, we're not having any more," I replied.

"What if I want to have a baby," Tenessa asked as she entered the room.