Mary Lou cracked the door slowly allowing the light of the living room to cut into the darkness of the bedroom. She saw Stephanie's huddled mass curled on the bed. She immediately went to her, taking a seat on the edge of the mattress. The weight on the bed caused Stephanie to stir slowly into the realization that she was not alone. Her eyes jerked open and she came face to face with her best friend. Stephanie sat up quickly throwing her arms around Mary Lou's neck.
"Lou, what am I going to do?" Then the crying started once again.
Starting Over
Chapter 4
Mary Lou and Stephanie remained tangled in each other until they both stopped crying.
"Tell me everything Stephanie."
Grabbing a nearby tissue Steph blew her nose before speaking. "I don't really know where to start. I mean, things haven't been perfect but they haven't been horrible either. Joe has been real busy at work lately and we've not seen each other much but I had no idea he had fallen out of love with me."
"Did he say that?"
"Yes. That's how he started actually. He said he didn't love me anymore and he knew I didn't love him either which isn't the truth. I still love him very much. In fact that night was suppose to have been a whole new beginning for us."
"How so?"
"Ranger didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what? All he said was that Joe had asked you to move out."
Stephanie paused a minute then grabbed another tissue. "Lou, I'm six weeks pregnant. I found out that morning. I prepared a whole romantic evening for us, but instead he walked through the door, dumped me then walked back out. I wasn't even able to say two words to him."
"Oh God Steph. Do you have any idea what you're going to do?"
"No clue. I think I want to keep the baby. I just don't know how that's going to be possible. I don't have a real job. I'm only working part time but that's not enough to pay rent, plus all the costs of having a child. I don't even have a place to live. I have a clunker of a car that is way past due for a trip to car heaven."
"Ok Steph let me ask this. If money wasn't an issue, would you keep the baby?"
"Of course I would, but money is an issue so what's the point of discussing it?"
"Then don't worry about it. You can come and live with Lenny, me and the kids. One big happy family. Lenny and I will help out with your medical bills, and I'm sure your mom and dad will help out as well."
"Mary Lou, I couldn't possibly do that to everyone. I'm 34 years, pregnant and I still have to depend on my family and friends for support? That's crazy. My life is so pathetic, how can even think about being selfish enough to bring a child into this."
"Stephanie stop talking crazy. First of all your situation is only temporary. You will get out there and find you a better job. Plus you will have other money coming in."
"Coming in from where? The baby fairy?"
"Are you and Joe getting a divorce?"
"Of course we are. He's probably with that other woman as we speak. Besides how could I possibly ever trust him again after this?"
"Then that's what I mean. Get yourself a kickass lawyer, and take the slimy weasel for all he's worth. You should get alimony and you will definitely be getting child support from his as well."
Stephanie thought about it for a moment. Mary Lou made it all sound so easy, but she knew she was in for probably the hardest fight of her life.
"Stephanie, does Joe know about the baby?"
She shook her head.
"Are you going to tell him."
"I have to. I just don't know how to do it... Good luck with your new life Joe, and by the way I'm having your baby."
"That's perfect Steph. He came in and dumped all his shit on you, now it's time you turn the tables on him. You've spent the last 5 days holed up in this damn apartment feeling sorry for yourself. That's not the Stephanie Plum I know. You've grieved enough for right now. You need to get a plan together; you're thinking for two now so you need to be extra strong. When this all over you can fell sorry for yourself, but first you need to make sure you're doing what's best for this baby."
"I know you're right Mary Lou. I just don't know if I'm capable enough to do it."
Mary Lou moved closer to Steph and wrapped an arm across her shoulder. "Of course you're strong enough. You are a burg girl after all. And whenever it seems like it's getting to be too much for you, I'll be there to help you."
Stephanie slung her arm around Mary Lou and closed the hug between them. "I don't know what I'd do with out you."
"You'd be fine. You may have worse taste in clothing, but you would still be fine. You are stronger than you realize Steph."
"Thanks Lou."
"No problem kiddo. This is what best friends are for. Ok, now we get serious. A really sexy Cuban told me earlier that you hadn't been eating. Is that true? When's the last time you had real food?"
Stephanie shrugged her shoulders and then Mary Lou crawled across the bed and looked at the intercom/phone. "How do you work this thing? I need to call to the gym."
Stephanie showed her what to do then waited to see what she was going to say.
"Ranger!" Mary Lou screamed at the top of her lungs.
Then for the first time in days Stephanie started laughing. Not just a giggle, but a full out belly laugh. "Mary Lou, you don't have to scream! Just talk normally."
Mary Lou blushed and was about to say something when they heard a breathy Ranger answer back.
"Mary Lou? What's wrong? Has something happened?"
"Um, no Ranger nothing's wrong, just some technical difficulties. I was just wondering, if there was any chance you could make a run to Pino's for some dinner?"
"I can't believe you talked her into eating."
Stephanie rose then shouted into the intercom, "Hey! I'm right here!"
Ranger laughed, "Sorry babe. Mary Lou call in your order and I'll go pick it up. Get me a large salad with light Italian dressing. Order whatever you want, dinner's on me tonight."
"Maybe in my dreams." Mary Lou mumbled then blushed when she realized her finger was still on the "talk" button.
Ranger tried to hide a chuckle but failed. "Be good ladies, I'll be back with food in a few."
Mary Lou released the button then faced Stephanie. As soon as their eyes met, both girls burst into laughter.
"Good God Stephanie, I forgot just how sexy that man was."
"Funny thing is Lou, I never forgot."
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Thirty minutes later, Ranger walked through the door of his apartment carrying a large pizza and two huge bags of food. He placed them on the kitchen bar then spotted Mary Lou in the kitchen wiping the cabinets.
"Are you cleaning?"
Mary Lou hadn't heard him come in and jumped a mile when he spoke. "Good Lord, do you always sneak up on people like that? And yes I am cleaning. Stephanie is taking a shower and I couldn't figure out how to turn on your damn TV. I bet your remote control is more elaborate than Bill Gates'."
Ranger flashed her his full on smile. "I'll show you how it works after we eat. I just can't believe that after an hour with Stephanie you managed to get her to shower and eat. I tried for 4 days."
"Do you two always talk about me when I'm not around?" questioned Stephanie as she walked into the kitchen. She had changed into a pair of sweats and an old t-shirt and was scrubbing her hair with one of Ranger's thick cotton towels.
"Ready for some food?" Asked Ranger, obviously ignoring her question.
"More than ready. I realized in the shower just how famished I am."
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An hour later Ranger sat on the side chair in his living staring at the girls in amazement. "I can't believe you two ate all that food."
Mary Lou was about to speak when a tiny burp escaped her mouth.
Stephanie answered instead. "We don't all eat rabbit food like you Ranger. And besides, now I have a legitimate excuse. I'm eating for two."
Ranger laughed, "What was your excuse before?"
Stephanie reached for a leftover pizza crust and tossed it at Ranger. He ducked just in time allowing the bread to go flying past his ear.
"Smartass." Stephanie smirked.
Mary Lou watched the banter between the two of them. She knew it was obscenely early to be thinking of pushing Steph towards him, but it was painfully obvious how much he cared for her. Mary Lou made a mental note that as soon as she helped Stephanie through this mess with Joe, she would figure out a way to make Steph realize what had been right in front of her the entire time.
Stephanie took a sip of her soda then decided it was time to get serious. "Ok you two. I've been thinking about what I'm going to do."
Mary Lou and Ranger both stopped eating and studied Stephanie's face.
"Ranger, if the offer's still open I'd like to stay here if you don't mind. Just until I get back on my feet and find a place of my own. Hopefully a couple of months at the longest.
And Mary Lou, thank you so much for the inviting me to stay at your house, but we both know it's already too small for your and Lenny's baby making factory."
Mary Lou stifled a giggle.
"I'm going to go talk to Joe tomorrow and tell him about the baby. I guess I'll just deal with the divorce thing after that. Do either of you know the name of a good divorce lawyer? I guess I should go ahead and find one."
Ranger stopped her. "Don't worry about that problem babe. You can use Edward, he's on retainer with Rangeman so he won't cost you a penny. He's yours as long as you need him, so is the apartment for that matter."
"Thanks Ranger. I don't know what I would have done without you two."
"Well Steph, give me something to do. I haven't done anything except for dragging your butt from the bed."
"I was getting to that Lou. Since you didn't know about Joe leaving me, I assume the it's not hit the burg rumor mill yet. I'd like to beat Joe to the punch on that. If people find out I'm staying at Ranger's before word gets out that Joe left me, then we know what that will look like. Not that I care anymore what people around here think of me, but I know how it will upset mom. Speaking of which, I need to call her. I checked my phone messages earlier. She's not freaking yet, but she's getting close. I haven't talked to her in nearly a week. So long story short, Lou can you start spreading the news that it was Joe that left me for some skank? "
Both Mary Lou and Ranger were both beginning to have a small curve of a smile on their faces.
"I guess that just means the only thing left for me to do is find a job. Preferably one that pays well, and one that won't mind me leaving for maternity leave in six and half months from now."
Mary Lou rose from the couch and nearly tackled Stephanie. "Steph I'm so proud of you. I said you were strong enough to handle this. See! I was right." Then she turned and headed towards the bedroom. "I'm going to go call Lenny and tell him you're ok. He was worried. Then I'm going to make a few calls to some of the girls. Joe's name will be mud by morning."
When she was gone, Stephanie looked at Ranger and realized he had been staring at her.
"Proud of you babe."
"Thanks Ranger. Thank you for all you've done for me already. Just promise me that if I get on your nerves too much you promise to kick me out."
"Sure, either that or I'll throw you out of the window, just like old times."
Stephanie laughed at the thought of the old memory of Ranger finding her in his bed and threatening to toss her out.
"But there's one more thing I want to do for you Steph if you take me up on it that is. I'm looking for someone to coordinate all of the Rangeman offices. The main responsibilities would be to make sure the books are kept in order and to take care of any managerial issues that may arise. Rangeman has grown a lot in the last couple of years and I simply no longer have the time to do it all myself. You would be able to work from home and you can take off whatever time you need. Plus once the baby's born you won't have to look for a babysitter. You can bring her to the office if you decide to work there, or you can work from home. Your choice."
Stephanie was stunned. "Ranger that position sounds like it was hand made for me. You wouldn't be trying to get me back on your expense account for entertainment would you?"
"Not this time Steph. I've thought about creating this position for awhile now. You have a need, and I have a need, so it just makes sense. Besides, you have a degree in Business and you know some of what the Rangeman company does so it makes the most since that you take the job."
Stephanie rose from her chair and walked over towards Ranger until she was standing next to him. She raised her hand out in an offer to shake his. "So when do I start boss?"
Ranger rose to his feet and placed his hand in hers. "I'll leave that up to you. And don't call me boss."
"Fine. Next Monday ok for you?"
"Sounds perfect Ms. Plum. And you can call me by my street name, Ranger."
Thoughts of old times flooded back into each of their minds. Stephanie shook the images of meeting Ranger for the first time out of her head then stepped into his space and allowed her arms to roll around his waist.
"Thank you for saving me Ranger."
"Anytime babe, anytime."
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Stephanie woke up the next morning feeling more refreshed than she ever had. That was until she placed her feet on the floor and a wave of nausea swept over her. She barely made it to the toilet in time. After Mary Lou saw that she was ok she had returned home last night so Stephanie had insisted that Ranger take the bed. So when she ran from the living room through the bedroom to the bathroom, Ranger woke up with a jerk. His eyes were barely focused as he saw Stephanie rush to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
He jumped to his feet and went to knock on the door. "Are you ok Stephanie?" She didn't respond with words, but he assumed by the sounds of the dry heaving that she wasn't exactly well. He thought back to the time his ex-wife had been pregnant. She suffered through nearly three months of morning sickness. The only thing that helped her was saltine crackers and the soft motion of Ranger's hand caressing her back. He headed toward the kitchen and found the crackers. This he could give her, the touches he didn't know about.
When he reentered the bedroom he found Stephanie spread out on the bed. "Steph are you ok?"
"I think so. It just hit me so fast. Not sure what happened."
"The baby happened. Most likely it's morning sickness. Have a saltine cracker, it should help settle your stomach."
Stephanie sat up on the bed and took the package from him. After five crackers she was immediately feeling better. "Have you called Ella? I'm starving. Can you see if she will make me some eggs?"
Ranger shook his head in laughter. He had forgotten just how crazy pregnant women could be.
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An hour and half later, Stephanie walked out the door of the apartment following Ranger to the garage. "Thanks for getting my car over here."
"Not a problem babe. Speaking of cars, be thinking about what kind you want. All Rangeman employees get a company car." Before she could argue with him he added. "It's policy babe, no arguments or I take the job offer back."
"Fine, but if my old habits return and this car gets blown up I don't want to hear one word about it. That goes for Tank as well."
"Consider it a deal. Whenever you decide what kind you want let me know and I'll get it for you."
"Thanks Ranger."
"No Problem."
They both cornered into their vehicles and headed out to start the day.
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Stephanie knew Joe was suppose to have the day off so she headed home, or should she say Joe's home to tell him about the baby.
She pulled into the driveway behind Joe's truck and headed to the door. She slid the key in the handle and turned. Nothing happened. She tried again, still nothing happened. Apparently Joe had the locks changed. She just shook her head then rang the bell.
A minute later Joe pulled the door open quickly, speaking as he did so. "Hey cupcake you're early…." Realizing that it was Stephanie at the door he stopped quickly. "Oh Stephanie it's you, what are you doing here?"
"I've come to talk to you Joe. I have something to tell you."
Joe let out a huff of air. "Stephanie, there's nothing left to say. It's over, you need to move on with your life. You took all your stuff the other night so there is nothing here left for you."
"You're right about that Joe. There is nothing left in this house or marriage for me, but there is something you need to know."
Feeling slightly defeated, Joe opened the door further and motioned her inside. When he turned around to face her she began. "I don't know how to say this really, so I'll do what you did and just hit you with it. I'm pregnant. I found out last week, I'm six weeks, now almost seven."
Joe stood frozen in front of her not saying a word.
"Didn't you hear me Joe? I'm going to have your baby. Do you have nothing to say?"
Stephanies watched Joe's face redden as she witnessed him getting angry. "You dumb bitch. You didn't really believe I would fall for that did you? We're through Stephanie. I don't want to be married to you anymore and tricking me with a baby isn't going to make me stay. And if you are really pregnant, which I highly doubt, it's probably not even mine."
"What the fuck Joe! What are you implying? Do you think I cheated on you? That's rich coming from you. I was faithful to you every day of our marriage and you know it."
"Oh really Steph? I know it? I'll tell you what I do know. I know that you use to go to Shorty's once a month and I can only think of one person you know that goes there. I also know where you went the night you left here, and I know where you came from this morning."
Stephanie put one and one together and fury overcame her. She reached back and slapped Joe across the face with all the force she had. "Listen here you asshole. I never cheated on you. Yes I've seen Ranger, but that doesn't mean a fucking thing. He's a good friend to me and he always will be, unlike you. And how dare you put a tracker on my car. How dare you! How long has it been there?"
Joe rubbed the red place on his face where she had slapped him. "I put it on there the day before the wedding. I knew I needed to keep an eye on you. I figured you'd go back to him eventually. And boy wasn't I right."
"Fuck you Joe. I don't even know why I came here. You're right, we have both changed. I don't need you anymore, and I'll be damned if this baby will need you either."
"Real funny Steph, but I guess time will tell. If in nine months you really do have a baby, we'll give it a DNA test and prove once and for all who it belongs to."
"Fine Joe. Be that way. See you in nine months at the doctor's office." Stephanie stepped past Joe and headed towards the door. She stopped when the door opened from the outside and she came face to face with a cute little blonde she had never seen before.
"I suppose I know who you are." bitched the blonde.
"And I suppose I know who you are as well. Take my advice, run from this looser as fast as you can. And if you don't, then I guess you'll be getting what you deserve after all."
Stephanie pushed the blonde out of her way and sped to the car. She squealed tires as she headed out of the driveway and made her way back to the Rangeman building.
Ranger was in the living room working on a laptop when he heard Stephanie come through the door. He looked in her direction and jumped up when he took a look at her face. He ran to her, placing his hands on her forearms. "What happened Stephanie."
Through the tears, Stephanie explained the scene with Joe. When she was finished he could tell she was mentally exhausted. He lifted her gently and walked her to the bedroom where he placed her on the bed. "Don't think about it right now Steph. Take a nap and you'll feel better when you wake up."
Stephanie reached for Ranger's shoulders and pulled him on top of her. "Don't leave me Ranger. Please stay with me. I need you take away the pain." Then she pulled him further and her lips found his. She kissed hot and hard. Ranger stiffened then pushed his body from hers.
"We can't do this Stephanie."
"Please Ranger, just give me this. I need to feel something other than pain."
Continued in Chapter 5