They stared at one another for a long time and Stephanie tried her best to remember why she had been so afraid.
Starting Over
Chapter 12
Ranger leaned in and Stephanie braced for a deep, bone melting kiss. But it never came. Instead, he gave her nose a quick peck then hurdled himself to his feet and offered his hands to her. After a quick sigh of disappointment, she grabbed his hands and allowed him to pull her body upward until she planted firmly on her feet.
Ranger threw an arm around her shoulder as they made their way back to the house. Just as they were about to walk through the door, he stopped her so he could whisper something into her ear.
"When you show me you want more, I'll put some real effort into the kiss."
Stephanie wanted to respond but by the time she had gathered her thoughts Ranger had opened the door to the noisy house.
Apparently the day started early at Mary Lou and Lenny's house. The older boys were running around in circles chasing each other while Lenny stood helplessly holding a screaming baby in his arms. Mary Lou was no where to be seen. 'Smart women', Steph said silently to herself.
Ranger approached Lenny who was squinting and sniffing at the baby trying to figure out what exactly was wrong.
"What's the situation Lenny?" Ranger questioned.
"Not real sure. Diaper was recently changed. I just finished giving him a bottle and even remembered to burp him this time. I'm about to run out of options. He just doesn't seem real happy at the moment."
Ranger bent slightly and met the baby's eyes. "Hmmm, maybe he needs to burp again."
"Could be, but I don't think so. He really let one roll a second ago."
Stephanie watched Ranger and Lenny evaluate the situation as the two other boys continued their game of chase. Over their yells and laughter Stephanie made her own suggestion.
"Um guys, maybe it's just me but it's a little loud in here."
Ranger and Lenny looked at her as if she just sprouted a second head.
She rolled her eyes at them then continued to explain. "Maybe those two are scaring him. Maybe they are making him feel unsettled or something."
Ranger raised an eyebrow to Lenny. "She could be on to something. Let's see if that's the problem."
Ranger took two giant steps into the middle of the room, stiffened his body and crossed his arms across his chest. In a loud, commanding voice he spoke to the boys. "Front and center gentlemen!"
At the sound of Ranger's voice, both boys quickly took their best military stance. Arms straight to their sides, chests out, heads up.
Ranger dropped his arms and then gripped them around his back as he began to pace back and forth in front of the two youngsters.
"Alright men, this is the mission for today. First, we need to hit the bathroom and wash any body part that is either sticky or smelly. Secondly, we need to get dressed in our best formals today. Nothing less than starched shorts and shirts will do. Once I dismiss you, you will have 0-20 minutes to complete the tasks I have laid before you. At said time, you are to be back in formation by the front door. Teeth are to be brushed, hair is to be tamed, clothes are to be spotless and shoes are to be spit-shined. Do you men understand my orders?"
Two sets of small hands rose to their foreheads and gave Ranger a salute. "Yes sir," they squeaked.
"Good gentlemen, then you are dismissed. Do not forget you have 0-20 minutes to complete this mission. Good luck to you both and Godspeed." Ranger returned the salute and the boys turned and headed upstairs.
Stephanie was laughing by the time it was all over. After the boys had stopped running, the baby in Lenny's arms had stopped crying and for once Stephanie felt hopeful that she might be able to handle having a child after all.
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In exactly 20 minutes Sean and Michael stood in line waiting for Ranger to do his inspection. After circling them three times, adjusting Sean's shorts and retying Michael's shoes he approved them for a brief leave and told them to stand at ease until the others were ready to join them.
Moments later Stephanie, Mary Lou and Lenny joined the boys at the door. Just as they were ready to walk out, Michael leaned over and sent a wad of spit in the direction of Mary Lou's sandals.
"Michael! What are you doing?!" exclaimed Mary Lou.
Ranger turned around and blushed immediately. "Ummm, that's probably my fault."
Michael pointed to his mother's shoes and yelled, "They aren't coded, they aren't coded."
"What is he talking about?" asked Stephanie.
Ranger turned one shade redder and said, "I think he means, they aren't up to code. I taught them how to spit shine their shoes, and now looking back, it may not have been the best idea."
Stephanie, Mary Lou, and Lenny all laughed and after Mary Lou made a quick change of shoes the entire group headed out to breakfast.
Once they reached the city limits they found a cute little restaurant. As they made their way to the table Stephanie glanced around and noticed that Ranger could still make women's heads turn. Even after all this time, the man still had it. Now Stephanie just had to find a way to convince Ranger that what he had, was exactly what she wanted.
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After eating way too much, the group stood by the two black SUV's in the parking lot.
"So what's the plan for today?" asked Mary Lou.
Ranger answered her. "Well, I was thinking that Lenny could take the kids back to the house and play in the pool awhile. Meanwhile I thought you and Steph could help me pick out some furniture and things we need for the house."
"Sounds like a good plan to me." Steph said with thoughts of shopping on her mind.
"Ok then, let's do it. I figure we can have everything we need for the house bought by around 2:00 this afternoon. I thought we could all meet back here for lunch after which, I have a surprise for the guys. And you ladies can finish up the day shopping for all the finishing touches for the house."
Everyone grinned at the plan and decided it was a great idea. They separated into the two cars and headed out for the day.
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They morning and early afternoon went pretty much as expected. Lenny and the boys had a blast playing in the large swimming pool at the house. Lenny had stopped on the way back and picked up some pool toys for the kids to play with. He even bought one of those ring, floaty things for the baby to play in. All was good with Lenny and the boys.
Things went equally well for Ranger and the girls. Stephanie and Mary Lou insisted that Ranger hit every home furnishing store they saw and since he was buying, nothing was off limits.
By 1:30 that afternoon all of the major furniture had been bought and arranged to be delivered that evening.
Ranger glanced at his watch. "Ok ladies, it's nearly time to meet Lenny and the kids so we better get going."
Fifteen minutes later he was finally able to drag them out of the last store.
As planned, they met Lenny and the kids for lunch. Once again they chose the small restaurant from earlier in the day. The service was quick and friendly and the food was great. For some reason, Stephanie was beginning to think that maybe everything was better in this small southern town.
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After lunch the group began pairing off. Lenny handed the baby to Mary Lou while Ranger wrestled Michael and Sean into the back of one of the SUV's. Just before they were ready to leave, Stephanie grabbed Ranger's arm and pulled him aside. "Can I talk to you a second?" she whispered.
Ranger looked at her with concern and confusion then grabbed her hand and walked her to the other side of the car for privacy.
"What's up babe? Something wrong?"
"No, no. Nothing like that. I just have something to ask you." Stephanie looked down to the ground and shuffled her feet against the cement.
Ranger used his index finger to slowly caress her cheek. He kept moving his hand until he reached her chin then pushed upward until her eyes met his. "What do you want to ask?"
"Well… um… Ranger. I thought…. um… maybe we could go out to eat tomorrow night."
"Sure Steph. That'll be fine, you and Mary Lou decide where you want to go and we'll do it."
Ranger started to walk back around to the other side of the SUV, but Stephanie caught his arm. "No, Ranger that's not what I meant."
He stopped, looked at her and held the blank stare.
"I mean, would you like to go out to eat with me? You know… Like a date or something?"
Ranger's eyes widened then slowly his lips followed. By the time he spoke he was wearing a big goofy-ass grin.
"Nothing would make me happier Steph."
Stephanie straightened slightly and returned the smile. "Good. Then it's a date."
They both stood silently for several awkward minutes and it wasn't until Sean crawled to the front of the SUV and honked the horn that they both jumped. Each of them laughed then both loaded into a different vehicle.
As Stephanie joined Mary Lou and the baby, she glanced over at her best friend.
Mary Lou saw the look on her face then said, "Uh, oh. This looks serious. What's wrong?"
Stephanie laughed then replied, "Clothes. I need to buy some clothes!"
To Be Continued…