Chapter 16

Ranger POV

This past week in Miami with my kid was fantastic. The only thing missing was their mother, my Babe. I tried to convince Stephanie that she'd be welcome, but she felt it was vital for me to have some quality alone time with the twins. While I disagreed with her before the trip, I have since seen her wisdom. I genuinely feel like the twins' father now, not just some stranger trying to play a role. For the first time, they both seem at ease around me. The only thing I'm nervous about is if Stephanie will like my surprise.

About a month ago, I bought the twins down to Point Pleasant. Stephanie was going with Woody to a family wedding, so we were alone. Lucia and Alex told me to drive to this end and showed me their mother's favorite house. I observed that it was for sale and decided then that no matter how much the owners were asking, I'd give it to them. I wanted Stephanie to have something she always wanted. Even though I pay her well as an employee of Rangeman, there is no way she'd be able to afford a second home at this time.

I continued to pump the twins for information, and they were a vat of knowledge. Through them, I learned that Stephanie loved the house's old feel and would want to change very little. The owners were leaving it furnished, so I figured after we stayed there this weekend, we could decide what items to replace. It has four bedrooms, which I was pleased to discover. This way, the twins each have their own room, and if Stephanie doesn't want to share a room with me, we each have one. I'm hoping that things between her and Woody fizzle out because I would like to have the fourth room as a guest room instead of my room.

This morning, we're flying on the Rangeman jet back to Jersey. Since almost my entire family was in Miami, it's easier to fly the Manoso clan on the plane instead of trying to securing seats on commercial flights. This way, everyone gets to save on airline fares. All of my relatives work and have steady jobs, but not everyone has several hundred dollars lying around for an annual vacation to Miami. The twins got a kick out of the aircraft, and I'm afraid they will never want to travel commercially again.

I was tracking the arrival of the keys to the house on my phone. When I saw they were about ten minutes out, I called Stephanie. I let the kids talk to her first, and they told her how they had a great time but missed her. After a few minutes, they gave the phone back to me. When I told her about the house, I could hear the surprise in her voice. We were planning on staying in the same place at the shore tonight as a family, but I know she never thought it would be at her home. Since we are landing in a few minutes, I know it will only be another couple of hours until I see my Babe once again.

"Mi hijo, why didn't Stephanie come with you?" Mama asks.

"She said that I need to spend quality time with the twins without her as a buffer. At first, I didn't think it was necessary, but now, after spending the week with the kids, I'm glad. I do wish she came, though."

"I hope she understands that she is part of the family. She doesn't need to wear a ring to be welcomed."

"She does, but I also think she wanted to use the time to strengthen her relationship with her boyfriend. They don't have much alone time together."

"Hmph. Did you tell Stephanie how you feel yet?"

"No, mama, I didn't, and I'm not planning on telling her, at least not as long as she's happy. I don't want to ruin her relationship."

"Instead, you'd allow yourself to be miserable? Carlos, mi hijo, you were destroyed when you didn't hear from her. I know she means more to you than you let on. Maybe she's afraid to open up to you because she thinks you don't want her. I know what your reputation is, you and your cousin Lester. It's not something that a good woman like Stephanie would want to involve herself with. I know that man works for you, and he is kind and caring, but do you want another man raising your children when you could be that man?"

"No, Mama. But I don't know what to do. When we're together, it seems like it's more than just as friends. When Woody is around, though, it's different. I try to show her that I care for her, that I love her, but I don't know if she's getting the message."

"Maybe you need to remind her of who Carlos is and push Ranger aside. Don't keep your blank face on; allow Stephanie to see the real you. Use these next two days to begin to let her know that you want all in. I'm telling you, as your mother and a woman, Stephanie wants more with you."

"I'll think about it, Mama. But the last thing I want to do is make things awkward between us. We love doing things together, as a family, and I would hate for that to change because I make a move."

"Never would I guess that my son, the big, tough, scary Army Ranger and bad-ass mercenary would be a coward."

Ouch, that hurt. Leave it to my mother to put me in place. I think she and Abuela Rosa are the only ones left who would be able to call me out on my bullshit without me retaliating. Oh, and Stephanie.

When the jet lands, I coordinate the retrieval of luggage and other personal effects while shuffling everyone to their appropriate cars. Once that task is done, I load the twins in the Cayenne to head to Point Pleasant. The twins keep talking nonstop about all the fun they had with their cousins on the ride over. I was surprised to discover that they both speak Spanish well. Alex told me that Stephanie had them using a language program to learn. When we were pulling up to the house, I saw Stephanie walking over from the cottage Woody rented. The moment Steph recognized the car, she starts to jog to meet us at the home I purchased immediately upon arrival. The moment I put the car in park, the twins jumped out of the car and ran to their mother. I watch their reunion and see the tension leave Steph's body.

I walk over to join them, "Babe."

"Carlos, how was the trip?"

"It was great. We had a good time. I was surprised to discover that the twins are fluent in Spanish."

"I heard that language acquisition was easier when you learn at a younger age, so I decided why not? We've taken the online classes together, and I can tell you, they are much more fluent than me."

"Well, I can help you with that if you want to learn."

"Kids, why don't you go in the house and pick out your bedrooms. You can pick between the two rooms on the right side upstairs."

The kids bound up the steps into the house. Once they are out of sight, Steph continues, "You didn't need to buy me a house, Carlos."

"I didn't do it just for you, Babe; I did it for the twins and for me. I know how much you all love the shore. When the twins told me how much you loved this house when I saw it for sale, I took it as a sign. We should be able to spend as much time as we want near the shore, and this will help to make that possible. Besides, it's a good investment."

"Thank you. Do you need help bringing the bags into the house?"

"No, I got them. Why do you go in and see which rooms they chose." I watch as Stephanie heads inside while noticing that most of the Trenton team has arrived here. Some of the group is only here for this afternoon and evening, while about ten stay until tomorrow. The rest of the employees who couldn't come today will come tomorrow. That way, everyone will spend some time on the shore.

The Core Team, with Trenton's leadership, will be staying in the middle house. The other place will have Woody, Zero, Zip, and Hector. Chris, the SIC from Boston, will be in charge of the Trenton office for the weekend. Next weekend, when Boston has their barbeque, Manny will head up to run to take over the office for the weekend. Lester and Tank will be going up to Boston, but they will be on Cape Cod.

Once inside, I hear Steph telling the twins to put on their bathing suits and sunblock. The guys have already started barbequing lunch. I head toward the other two bedrooms, waiting to see which one Stephanie chose. I personally don't care which room I get; they are both roomy and have king-sized beds. I hope someday that Stephanie and I will share the room overlooking the ocean, but she can have that one for now.

"Um, I hope you don't mind, but I kind of commandeered this room. If you'd prefer the ocean view, you can have it. I mean, after all, this is your house."

"Our house, Babe. The other room is fine. I'm only going to be sleeping in it. Are you ready to go join everyone?"

"I will be; I need to put on my swimsuit. When we get outside, I have to reapply my sunblock, so I don't end up looking like a lobster."

"Okay. I'll meet you downstairs in five, then?"

"Yes, that's perfect."

I watch as Stephanie enters her room. In my mind's eye, I picture her wearing that sinful turquoise bikini from Miami. I'm sure she no longer has that swimsuit, but I'm hoping she wears something a little more conservative. I don't know if I can handle all my men seeing her like that. Besides, if she wears a bikini like that one, we might not get out of the house. I am only a man and can control my libido for so long.

I exit my room wearing black board shorts, sneakers, and a black tank top. Compared to Miami, the Sun isn't as strong here in Jersey. I almost bump into Stephanie as she exits her room, and she's wearing a teal one piece that, in my opinion, is too conservative, but at least I don't have to see the men drool over her. She's carrying a few towels, oversized sunglasses, and sunblock. I notice that she checks me out as I did her.

"Let me take those towels from you, Babe."

"Thanks. I'm liable to fall down the stairs with my hands so full."

We walk together downstairs, me first just in case. As we hit the landing, the twins coming running down the stairs. "We're ready, Mom."

"Did you apply sunblock?"

"Yes, Mom. We know the drill." Alex replied.

"Okay, you can go out, but don't go too deep. Remember, up to the waist only."

"You do know that several of the men were SEALs, right? The kids will be okay. Everyone will keep their eyes on them."

"I know, but I worry. I can't help it."

We exit to the patio, walking over to the middle property, were everything is set up. I see Steph sit under an umbrella to apply her sunblock. I see her deftly take care of her legs, arms, torso, and face, but struggle with her back. I walk over to assist. "Allow me, Babe."

She hands me the bottle, which I promptly open. I pour some lotion onto my hands, rubbing it a little before I start to place it on her back, shoulders, and neck. Running my hands over her bare back is enough to have my body reacting, which I consciously work to counter. I can hear her breathing change, and I know she's reacting as much as I am. Thankfully, I'm finished with the task, but as I wipe my hands on her towel, I see Woody approaching, staring at me with a look that would cause a lesser man to quake. I think for the first time he sees what an opportunist I am when it come to Stephanie.

"I'm going to go swim with the twins. I told them, with your permission, that I'd teach them how to bodyboard and eventually surf."

"That's fine. The twins are strong swimmers. Please keep them near you. I heard the rip current could kick up today, with that storm approaching from the south."

"Will do, B…Steph."

As I head towards the twins, I see them run to me. "Dad, are you going to show us how to bodyboard? Did Mom say it was okay?" Lucia asks me.

"Si, she did. But not today. The water is a little too rough. If it lessens, then I'll show you; if not, we'll come back another day. Let's swim."

The rest of the day is spent getting to know the Trenton team and hanging with my kids. After we get out of the ocean, an impromptu game of soccers begins, and I am impressed at how well Alex and Lucia play. With a little coaching from Lester and I, they will be top players. I watch as Woody stays near Steph, never letting me get to her alone. I can see that she wants to go swimming, but she's not. Then I notice that Woody isn't wearing swim trunks. He's hammering each nail into the relationship coffin one at a time. Since our soccer game just finished, I think now is the perfect time to get Stephanie in the ocean.

"Alejandro, Lucia, come here." The twins come running over to me. We huddle conspiratorily, "it's time we get your mother into the ocean. I need you to go beg her to come in with you. If she still resists, then I'll carry her in, so that you won't be upset."

"I don't know why Mom's not coming in. Usually, she's in the water more than we are."

"I think I know why, but don't worry about it. You guys just beg. If it doesn't work, I'll take care of the rest."

"Okay. Operation Get Mom in the Water underway." I have to stifle a laugh at their enthusiasm for clandestine operations. I see them run over to Stephanie to convince her to join them. I also watch as she says no, glancing over at Woody. As if on cue, Lucia springs to action.

"Dad, come here," she yells.

"Si, Princess, how can I help you?"

"Mom refuses to come in the water with us. She promised she would swim with us."

"Yeah, she did. Now she's breaking her promise." Alex chimes in.

"Are they telling the truth?" I ask her while trying not to smile.

"Well, I think I might've, but I'll go in later."

"No, now, Mom!" The twins replied in unison. By now, the rest of the guys are goading Steph to go swimming, all except Woody, that is.

"I guess I have no other choice." I swiftly pick her up in a fireman's carry and start running towards the shore.

"Ranger put me down!" Steph yells though I can feel her laugher. I know she has to keep up appearances. Once we get to the water, I continue to carry her until we're in deep enough to toss her in. When she comes up for air, she starts splashing me.

"How dare you! You are a psycho!"

"I can't deny my children; that wouldn't be fair to them."

"Oh, don't play that game. I know you were behind this."

"Are you mad?"

"No, it actually feels really nice in here today."

"Good. Enjoy yourself. I know you love to swim in the ocean."

The twins join us, and we spend about an hour frolicking in the waves. When we get out, I grab her towel, wrapping it around her. I realize that it's an intimate gesture, but I don't care. I mean, she is the mother of my children. Everyone here knows we slept together at least once. I then tuck a curl behind her ear. "You look like a poodle."

"I know. The saltwater isn't kind to my hair."

"That's okay, you're still beautiful."

"Dinner time, you better come quick, or all the good stuff will be taken. Ranger, don't rush. The rabbit food will be waiting for you." Lester calls out while everyone has a

good-natured chuckle at my expense.

When the sun goes down, we all gather around the fire pit we built. Several of the workers invited their girlfriend/wives, and it's been a great time all around. Stephanie is sitting a few people away from me, next to Woody, and I have to push the feelings of jealousy away. It won't do anyone any good. However, I do have a beautiful girl on my lap, my Lucia. She's teaching me the art of making a perfect s'more. Alex is sitting with Lester, having bonded with him during our week in Miami. Those who are not staying on the beach start to leave, which is the signal for Steph to decide that the twins should get ready for bed. We say good night to everyone, then head back to our house. I walk ahead with the twins, so Steph and Woody can have a few minutes alone. Not that I want to encourage their relationship. I get them on the patio and manage to clean off most of the sand. "Now, go upstairs and get ready to take your showers. Lucia, you first."

"Okay, dad," Lucia answers before running up the stairs.

"Dad, why is Mom spending so much time with John?"

"Did you ask your mother?"

"Well, she told us that he's her special friend. Does that mean he's her boyfriend?"

I sigh. How am I suppose to answer this? "I think so."

"But how come he doesn't spend time with us?"

"Maybe your Mom wants to make sure that he will be with you all for a long time, not just a short time."

"Oh, I guess I understand. But what happens if when John comes around, I don't like him?"

"You talk to your mother. I know John, and he's a nice and fun guy. I know that he treats your mother well and respects her boundaries. If he were to do something to hurt you, Lucia, or your mother, you know you can always tell me."

"Yeah. It's just," Alex says before looking away.

"What, mi hijo?"

"I wish you and mom were together, so we could be family."

"We ARE a family. Just because your mother and I are not married or living together does not make us any less family. We both love you and your sister immensely."

"But do you love mom?"

"Always, Alex. I will always love your mother."

"Okay. I'm going to head upstairs. See you later."

Stephanie came in a few minutes later. "Where are the kids?"

"Lucia is in the shower, and Alex will be following her. They know that you and John are more than friends, at least Alex does."

"Shit. I was afraid of this."

"Why haven't you brought him around more? He's a good guy."

Stephanie sighs. "Listen, after we get the kids to bed, then I'll talk to you about it. I want your take on the situation."

"Fine."

"Mom, can you braid my hair?" I hear Lucia yell from upstairs.

"I'll be up in a minute, sweetie."

"Go, Babe, I'll take care of the towels." I watch as she jogs up the stairs to finish getting the twins ready for bed. I have a new appreciation for everything she's juggled for the past nine years. In Miami, I had my mother help me with Lucia and Alex. I don't know if I would have survived with them on my own. I decide to open a bottle of white wine that was chilling in the fridge. I think it would be the right way for us to unwind. I make sure the lounge chairs on the patio have the cushions on and place the table between. Tonight, I want to get to know the woman that Stephanie has become.

When she returns downstairs twenty-five minutes later, I see that she has taken a shower herself. She's wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top with a light robe over it and is barefoot. Her hair is wet and combed, and she is in the process of braiding her hair. "Give me five minutes. I want to shower too."

"Don't rush. I'm not going anywhere." I quickly head upstairs and jump in the shower. I don't think Stephanie truly understands the learned efficiency of a military shower. I can be completed showered, shaved, and dress in twelve minutes. But since shaving isn't necessary, I'll be done in about six minutes. I take a cold shower because I need to redirect some blood flow and put on a pair of basketball shorts and another tank. I walk back downstairs, adding my towels to the laundry, which I start before joining Steph on the patio.

"Wow, that was fast."

"I've spent too many years in the military where running water was a commodity. I learned how to clean myself in minimal time. Would you like a glass of wine?"

"I'd love a glass, thanks." I pour us each a glass before placing the bottle in the cooler I placed under the table. "Are you hungry?"

"No, I don't think I can eat another bite."

I settle down on the chaise next to Stephanie and take a sip. We sit for a few minutes staring off into the night. It's a comfortable silence, one I don't feel the need to end.

"You asked about John before, why I didn't introduce him to the twins."

"I did."

"Well, it's just that I'm afraid to."

"Why's that?"

"I don't want the kids getting used to someone who may one day walk away. I don't think that having a revolving door of…boyfriends, for lack of a better word, is a good example for the kids. Introducing you, their father, was stressful enough."

"I understand, Babe, but haven't you and John been together for five months? I mean, you were dating when I arrived in Trenton."

"We've been dating for almost seven months, but it doesn't feel permanent to me. I feel as though something is going to happen that will cause us to break up. I know it frustrates John because he has told me he would like to spend time with the twins, but I can't do it. It doesn't help that we're alone together at this house together right now."

"I have a pretty good idea of what he's thinking, and honestly, I would be thinking the same thing if the roles were reversed."

"And what's that?"

I pause, trying to find the right words to convey what I know is going through Woody's mind without coming across as accusatory. "If I were John, staying in a house with three men from work while my girlfriend was in another place with her children and their father, I'd think the worst-case scenario. Which would be that you were sleeping with him. I would trust you, as I know John does, but I wouldn't trust the man. I would most likely step outside multiple times to see if I could observe anything. I'd be ready to beat the piss out of the other man."

"How can my life get more complicated?" Stephanie responds before she downs the rest of the wine.

"My Abuela Rosa always told me that if two people are destined to be together, they will be. No matter what challenges are thrown in their path, they will find a way to be with each other. You have to have faith."

"Do you believe that?"

Do I? I know deep down that I want to believe it because someday, Stephanie will be mine. Would I still feel that way if we don't end up together? My Abuela would say that she wasn't the woman for me and that someone else would come along. But in my bones, I know that Stephanie is it. "Yeah, Babe, I do."

"I hope you're right. Look, Carlos, I'm exhausted. I think I'm going to head to bed. Tomorrow will be another long day before we head back to Trenton."

"That sounds good." I stand, offering my hand to Stephanie. When she rises, she loses her balance, and I have to wrap my arms around her to keep her from falling. That puts her body up against mine, which is stirring feelings that I'm trying hard to repress. Once she's steady, I let go of her, and we head inside. I place the wine in the fridge and lock the doors. I set the alarm and follow Stephanie upstairs after checking the front door and the garage entrance. When I hit the landing, I see Steph leaving the bathroom for her bedroom. We meet outside her door.

"I'm glad that we are getting this time to spend together as a family," I tell Stephanie.

"Me too, Carlos. Thank you for this house. I absolutely love it."

"You're welcome. You deserve it for all your hard work in raising those two wonderful children."

We are standing barely a step apart. I start to lean down to kiss Steph's lips when we hear Lucia call out, "Mom, my side hurts. I need some Tylenol." Steph jerks away and heads into our daughter's room with Tylenol.

By the time Steph and I finish settling Lucia in, the moment has passed. "Good night, Babe."

"Good night, Carlos," Stephanie replies before gently closing her door. I retreat into my room, knowing that I'm going to need to hit the shower and give myself a release if I plan on sleeping tonight.