Chapter 13

Ranger's POV

I sit in this chair, watching my daughter and my Babe sleep. This moment seems so surreal. While I have often dreamt of being with Stephanie, I never thought it would become a reality. I was adamantly against opening a branch of Rangeman in New Jersey. I wanted Washington D.C. or New York City, but Bobby and Lester insisted that Jersey would be a prime location and that Trenton was the city to go to. They said that Newark had too many people who knew me when I was young and stupid, so before we could move there, we'd need to establish ourselves elsewhere. Tank was initially in agreement with me, but when he saw the figures Santos and Brown put together, he agreed to Trenton. So, with reluctance, I acquiesced. Who would have known that I'd find my Stephanie here and working for my company?

I was shocked when I found out about my children. Hell, I never considered having a family, well, at least not once Stephanie blew me off, or so I thought. I was so angry when I never heard from her again. I keep thinking back to how I kept looking all over, thinking that her letters had to be with someone else. Hell, I went through all of my belongings at least twenty times, looking for her address. Who knows what happened to that piece of paper. I mean, when we were in the middle of the desert, I wasn't really paying attention to everything I was tossing in the fire. I was brought back to the present when I hear Stephanie crying. I can tell she's dreaming, and from what she's mumbling, I think she's dreaming that Lucia died. I walk over to the sleep chair and sit on the edge, gently trying to wake up Stephanie.

"Stephanie, wake up. Everything is okay. Lucia is okay. Please, querida, wake up." Stephanie slowly opens her eyes and looks at Lucia. "Oh my, I had the most horrible nightmare."

"I know, Babe."

"Carlos, I'm scared. What if something goes wrong and I lose her?"

"Nothing will go wrong. Lucia's a strong girl and will fight through it. The fact that she spoke to us a couple of hours ago is promising."

"God, I hope you're right." I start to rise, but Stephanie holds on to me. "Can you please hold me? I can't do this alone."

I lie down on the sleep chair, which I must admit is not very comfortable, and pull Stephanie next to me. We talk for about ten minutes about nothing important before Stephanie drifts off to sleep once again. About ten minutes later, Miranda comes in to check on Lucia.

"She's still doing great. The doctor will most likely keep her here one more night before sending her home. As long as there are no setbacks, she'll make a full recovery." Miranda whispers.

"Thanks."

She nods her head before disappearing from the room. I allow myself to sleep as well, confident that I will have many years to spend with my daughter.

Two days later, Lucia was released from the hospital. She didn't want me to leave, so we had to tell everyone at Rangeman the history between Stephanie and I. I can tell you, everyone was shocked. Steph and I spent a lot of time talking to each other. We are at the start of a great friendship. When Mr. Plum brought Alex up, we told him the story as well. He wasn't quite as forgiving as his sister, but I think he'll come around soon enough. Stephanie, though, has maintained a distance. When she woke up that first day in my arms, she panicked, calling it a mistake. As much as I want to pursue a relationship with her, I know I need to follow her lead. I can't just waltz my way into her personal life and disrupt it any more than I already have. Besides, Woody is a good man and employee; I don't want to disrespect him. I've kept the "babes" to when Steph and I are alone. After all, she is and always will be my Babe. I tried to start to call her Michelle, but she announced to everyone that she actually preferred being called Steph or Stephanie, so the guys are now trying to get used to her different name. Thankfully, she answers to both names.

Alex is testing for his purple belt tomorrow. Once Lester found out, he told Alex that he'll help him prepare. Lester is an expert in martial arts, with Tae Kwon Do his highest belt. Alex was excited to work with Lester. That's why I'm in the gym watching my cousin and son attack and defend against each other. I know that Lester is holding back, aware that Alex is nine and that he's only a green belt. Lucia was supposed to test, but since she just had surgery a week ago, they moved her date back. I know that she was disappointed. With input from the twins, Stephanie and I decided that I would spend the day with them on Sundays, our first day being tomorrow.

The guys got over the initial shock of learning that Stephanie and I met years ago reasonably quickly. Unfortunately for me, things between Steph and Woody are unaffected by our confession. It's hard keeping things strictly professional a work, mostly since I'm so incredibly attracted to her. I can only hope that by spending time with twins, Stephanie and I will be brought together.

Tomorrow, I'm bringing the twins to meet my family. I'm trying to convince Stephanie to come with us. I know that my parents would love to meet her. She's afraid that my family is mad because she never told me about the kids, but she couldn't be further from the truth. My parents are ecstatic at having two more grandchildren to spoil, especially my children since they both thought I would never give them grandchildren. The only disappointment for them right now is that my children don't have my last name. However, the fact that they go by Stephanie's maiden name instead of Orr is more acceptable.

I watch as Stephanie walks into the gym with Lucia. Lucia runs to sit next to me to watch her brother and Lester work together. I can tell she's trying to take in everything she sees. Stephanie heads to her office off the gym. Luis hired a contractor to make an office for Stephanie next to Manny's suite. She won't have that closet here much longer. As much as she says she doesn't mind, I'm sure she does.

"Querida, watch what Tio Lester does when Alex tries to connect. Pay attention. The best way to overtake someone is to be a good defender. When you know how to deflect, you can find a weakness and take them down. No matter how big or skilled your opponent, everyone has a weakness."

"Okay, Daddy, I'll watch."

I was surprised when Lucia started calling me "dad" on the second day in the hospital. She spent a lot of time asking me questions about my childhood, my family, even what my favorite TV shows were. When I told her I didn't really watch TV, she was shocked, but she asked me about books. When I told her I read the Harry Potter books, we connected. We talked for about three hours on the different plot points and argued about which movie was the worst and the best. Alex is calling me Carlos or Ranger, and I don't mind. He reminds me of myself at his age. If I were him, I wouldn't be too quick to accept my father out of the blue, but I'm sure he'll come around. I glance towards Stephanie's office to see her grab her gun to head to the range. I know she hates shooting, but as an employee, it's a necessity.

"Lucia, I'm going to go help your Mom. Stay here and watch Tio and Alex."

"Okay."

I meet Stephanie at the door to the gym. "Range time?"

"Yeah, I hate it. Why do I need to carry this stupid thing anyway?"

"You need to carry it because you work for a security company that brings fugitives back to jail. Some of them are crazy and dangerous. They would love for an opportunity to pay us back, and the best way is by getting you or Ella since they think that you are an easier target. By knowing how to defend yourself, you can keep yourself safe. Secondly, as a single mother living alone in a house with two children, you need to be safe."

"I understand, but I hate this thing."

"I know, Babe. Would you mind if I work with you today?"

"No. I think I'm frustrating John because I complain the entire time, and I can't hit the target, no matter how hard I try."

We are about to enter the elevator when Woody meets us there. "Ready to practice, Baby?" I notice Steph barely contain an eye roll at Woody's use of the word 'baby.'

"Ranger has volunteered to help me today. I think I'm going to let him. Maybe if he sees how pathetic I am at this, he'll let me stop."

"Fat chance, Baby. I'll be in the gym."

The elevator doors open, and I automatically place my hand on Steph's lower back to guide her in. I don't even think about it until I see Woody's expression. He's obviously not pleased, but I'm not sure why. I mean, Steph has never expressed any discomfort with me guiding her. I hit the button for the lower level. We exit once the elevator stops, where I once again guide Steph to the range door. I open the door with my code, then click the button on my fob to jam the cameras. I don't want anyone observing our interactions or conversations.

"Let me see your weapon."

Stephanie hands me her piece, which is a Glock. This is a great weapon, but I think I know what the problem is. This gun is too big and bulky for Stephanie. It probably is uncomfortable for her to hold, and that makes her aim off.

"I think your problem is the gun you're using. It's not the right one for you. Come with me." I lead Steph to the weapons closet, where we have several guns stored, all registered to Rangeman. We never know when we'll need additional clutch pieces, so we keep various small firearms here.

"Try this one." I hand Stephanie a smaller Glock mini. "I think this will work for you. It is smaller and has less recoil. You need to be a more accurate marksman to cause damage since it is a smaller caliber bullet, but I think this is the perfect choice for you right now. It is easy to conceal, which is why this is typically my clutch piece, which I wear at my ankle. Don't worry, your permit for carrying concealed came through last week."

Steph picks it up and seems surprised by its light weight. I watch her hold it in her hand, and she looks more at ease. "This fits in my hand better and is lighter."

"You're right, Babe. Now, let me show you how to load it." I teach her how to load the weapon, explain how it works, and then remove the bullets before asking Stephanie to show me what she learned. Once I'm sure she knows what she's doing, I grab a box of ammunition and head to the range.

"Let me see your stance." Steph stands with her legs shoulder-width apart, her hands held at shoulder height, looks straight ahead. Overall her stance is perfect. I gently guide her, moving her legs a little closer together. I show her how to sight the target. Then I hand her the earplugs and goggles. We both put on our safety gear, and I tell Steph to aim for the heart. Her first shot is wide, but the rest of her clip lands in the kill zone. She loads, and I tell her to aim for the head. Once again, she's spot on. Finally, I tell her to aim two for the forehead, two for the heart, and the last two anywhere else. She hits her first four targets, then puts two groin shots to the paper man. I unconsciously take a step back. I bring the target forward as I take off my safety gear.

"You did great, Babe. You're a natural. This is the weapon you will use. Does this gun feel more comfortable?"

"Yes. I still hate it, but I can carry this. I know that with this weapon, I won't harm anyone other than my target. Thank you." Stephanie wraps her arms around me in a hug. I embrace her as well, leaving a kiss on her forehead. Feeling her in my arms is waking up other parts of me, and I know we need to get out of here before I do something that we both may regret.

"Babe, please come with us tomorrow. I know my family would love to meet you. They are not angry with you. They are glad that you had Alex and Lucia and are allowing me to be in their lives. You don't need to be worried or scared."

"Okay, I'll come, but just this once."

"Thank you, Babe."