Morelli and I got Romeo booked at the Trenton Police Station without incident. Many of the cops slapped Joe on the back and told him it was good to see him, asking him how he was doing and about his new job. I could tell he was glad to see them but uncomfortable discussing his new employment. He struggled to get out words, but all-in-all, he did pretty well. It was after four by the time we left.

"Where to now?" I asked Joe as we got settled into the Mercedes.

Morelli shrugged, buckling his seatbelt.

"Well, I've got to be at Lula's grand opening in a few hours. I think we've accomplished enough for one day."

Morelli nodded in agreement. He'd had enough too.

We drove down State Street in silence, with Morelli leaning his head against the window, his eyes closed.

"You okay?" I asked him.

"Yeah. Tired. Headache. I don't have the stamina I used to," he admitted, rubbing his eyes. "But I'm working on it."

"Let's get you home," I said. "Do you need anything while we're out and about?"

"You're sure?" he asked.

"I don't mind. What do you need?"

Morelli thought about it. "Honestly, I could use some groceries, but I'm not going to starve if I don't get them today."

"Well, you're in luck," I announced. "We're close to the Shop 'n Bag."

"Thanks, Steph," Morelli said.

The car was silent as I navigated through traffic.

"Do you miss it?" I asked gently.

"Miss what?"

"Being a cop."

Few beats passed before he answered.

"Yeah," he said, sighing.

"I'm sorry," I said.

Morelli looked at me, and I could see the emotion in his eyes.

"When you're a cop, you're part of a family—part of something bigger than yourself. It feels like I'm floundering without it. Rangeman is giving me a chance at a full recovery, or at least as close to full as possible when part of my brain got transformed into hamburger. Honestly, as much as I hate to admit it, I'm beholden to Manoso. But I keep hoping if I put in my time at Rangeman and focus on my recovery, I can eventually get hired back on at the Trenton PD."

It hadn't occurred to me that Joe would want to return to a career in law enforcement. I was starting to warm to the idea of being partners, and here he was, admitting he was hoping to leave Rangeman. I couldn't blame him, but it didn't mean I had to like it.

"Understood," I said, turning into the Shop 'n Bag lot.

We got Morelli's groceries, and I had him settled in at home in no time. I returned to Rangeman with a heavy heart, having a hard time pushing what Morelli had told me out of my brain. I'd never worked in law enforcement, but I knew that many of Ranger's employees felt like part of a family at Rangeman. I understood why Morelli felt a sense of loss, but I selfishly hoped Morelli would find a home at Rangeman, too.

I parked in the underground garage and hustled upstairs, finding the apartment dark and quiet. I helped myself to an apple from the fruit bowl and flopped onto the couch. I turned on the television and flipped through the channels, settling on an episode of Rehab Addict. Ranger came in halfway through the episode.

"Babe," he said in greeting, setting his keys and gun on the entry table.

"Hey, hot stuff," I responded, peering over the back of the couch.

"Successful day?" he asked as he walked to the couch, taking a seat on the end and pulling me close.

"I wouldn't call it successful, but Morelli and I hauled in Romeo," I said, snuggling into him.

"Good," Ranger said. He turned his attention to the television, kicking off his boots and putting his feet up on the coffee table. We sat in comfortable silence, watching Nicole Curtis remodel the bathroom of a 1920s Craftsman-style home.

"Do you ever think about living in a house?" I asked Ranger curiously.

He furrowed his brow. "Not really," he admitted. "I'm not opposed to the idea. Living here has always been a matter of convenience. What about you?"

I shrugged. "I always assumed one day I'd buy a house and settle down, but it hasn't really been high on my priorities list."

Ranger smiled down at me. "Settle down? Babe, you saw a velvet box last night and almost had a coronary. Based on that trial run, I'm thinking 'settling down' may not be in the cards for you."

"Trial run?" I choked, my eyes bulging.

"It wasn't exactly a trial run, but your reaction was informational."

My heart sunk in my chest. Was Ranger truly considering hitching his wagon to mine? The thought was both invigorating and terrifying. Even though I found the institution of marriage antiquated and frightening, I was sure that being married to Ranger would be a wonderful adventure. He'd proven time and time again that he was a fantastic lover, a thoughtful partner, a trusted confidant, and my best friend. That said, I had no idea what he saw in me as a potential life partner. I had nothing to contribute. I was a wreck of epic proportions.

Could I be married to Ranger? The easy answer was an overwhelming 'yes.' Unfortunately, it was followed with a series of 'buts.' Yes, but why would he want to do a stupid thing like that for? Yes, but where would we live? Yes, but what would my mother say? Yes, but wouldn't grandma run him off? Yes, but would he want children? Would I want children?

"Babe, I smell hair burning," Ranger said, stroking my arm. "Sorry I brought it up."

I sat up, turned down the TV volume, and took his hands in mine. His eyes were soft and the color of melted chocolate.

"No, you're right. We need to have this conversation," I admitted reluctantly. "I'm an avoider. I need to stop avoiding this. You deserve better."

I sighed, and he listened intently.

"I love the gift. The earrings are beautiful. Thank you. And I'm sorry I reacted badly. The fancy restaurant, the jewelry box—I panicked. After a failed marriage, I've told myself a lot of stories about how horrible marriage is—probably as a defense mechanism more than anything. I guess I started to believe the things I'd told myself, especially when I saw things weren't going to work out with Joe. Let's face it—marriage wasn't the problem. It was my choice of partner."

"Babe, you're fine," Ranger said, stroking the back of my hand.

"Let me finish, please," I pleaded, closing my eyes. I took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "If you see marriage as an important part of your future, I'm willing to be part of that if you're sure that's what you want. But I need you to be absolutely positive. I can live without marriage. It's just a piece of paper for me. You're what matters to me, and I don't want to lose you."

I studied Ranger's face, looking for some type of understanding there. He placed his hand on my cheek and drew me in for a soft, sweet kiss, and I could feel my hands tremble with anxiety. Hard conversations weren't one of my strengths.

Ranger broke from the kiss, taking my face in both his hands.

"Thank you for your honesty. As a a couple, it's important we can speak openly and honestly."

Ranger noticed my hands were trembling, and he took them into his.

"Marriage has always been a practical and logistical consideration for me. As I'm sure you know, I have no preconceived notions about weddings. Frankly, if you were willing pursue marriage, I'd be content to sign paperwork at the courthouse. I can do without the dinner party and dancing, but if that's what you want, it can all be yours. As your romantic partner, I want to be able to care for you. To share all parts of my life with you. To provide for you long-term. A legal marriage would mean what's mine is yours. If something were to happen to me, my life insurance, investments, military benefits, and finances would enable me to care for you after my death. If one of us were seriously injured or became ill, the other would have authority to make medical decisions. Marriage would simplify my will, and it would provide clarity about our intentions with one another. Not only would you be my wife, but you would become part of my family, who would also care for you."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I swallowed hard. No one had ever cared for me the way Ranger did. I suspected more marriages would last if more men were like him.

"Watching my mother go through her cancer treatments these past few months have opened up my eyes to the positive attributes of marriage. And our time in Atlanta reminded me life can be short. The only person I could imagine spending my life with is you, Stephanie. But it has to be on your time, on your terms. I know this. I've accepted it. I don't want to pressure you into anything, but as far as our relationship is concerned, this is it for me. You're the only one. If you'd have me, I'm yours."

Tears poured down my face as I listened to his words. I loved this man more than anything. How could I deny him?

"Was that a proposal?" I asked in a whisper.

Ranger furrowed his brow and wiped the tears off my face.

"I hadn't planned for it to be," he admitted. "But I guess it was."

My face broke into a huge smile as I gave a small nod.

Ranger raised an eyebrow at me, indicating he wasn't sure if he understood. My smile grew even wider as I wrapped my arms around his neck, throwing myself into his arms.

"Of course!" I laughed. "Oh my god!"

Ranger wrapped me tightly in his arms, burying his face in my hair. He gave a small laugh of relief.

"How could I possibly say no to you?" I whispered into Ranger's ear. "I love you more than anything."

Ranger stood with me held tightly in his arms, and his lips locked with mine. When he broke from the kiss, his eyes had dilated totally black. He scooped me up and carried me into the bedroom, with me giggling like a school girl the entire way.

We left Rangeman in Ranger's black Porsche 911 Turbo at a quarter 'til six. I had touched up my smudged makeup and upgraded my wardrobe to the sexy black designer dress and strappy black heels. Ranger wore black slacks, Italian loafers, and a black dress shirt with fine lustrous black pinstripes, the cuffs rolled to below his elbows. He looked like sex walking, and it was all I could do to keep my hands off of him. Chances were that we were overdressed for anything Lula and Vinnie had going, but instructions were to look sexy, right?

Ranger parked the Porsche on Hamilton Avenue a few buildings away from Lula and Vinnie's storefront. He locked up and escorted me on his arm to the front of the building, where several stanchions had been set up with red velvet ropes to keep people from entering the store. Two additional stanchions had a red ribbon stretched across them, a huge bow tied in the center. The store had two plate glass windows, which had been covered in red curtains, and the sign above the door had been covered with a similar velvet drape. A handful of people milled around, but the crowd was relatively small.

I saw Connie and Lester at the far side of the building, so we walked over to join them. Lester was in washed out jeans, a white t-shirt, and a pair of Timberlands. Connie was wearing red kitten heels and a little red dress that was tight in all the right places, accentuating her Betty Boop-esque figure.

"Good evening," Ranger greeted Connie, giving her a nod of acknowledgment.

"Hey there, boss man," Connie replied. "I wasn't sure we'd be seeing you here tonight."

"Stephanie wanted to come, so I can't take credit for whatever type of train wreck this is," Ranger replied humorlessly.

I heard the jingle of a bell, and I saw Lula and Vinnie hustle out the front door of the building. Vinnie looked like his usual weasel self, wearing black pointy-toed shoes, tight black slacks, and a silky purple dress shirt with entirely too many buttons undone, revealing his scrawny, hairy chest. Lula was wearing getup I could only assume was from her Best Little Whorehouse in Jersey collection, with black six-inch platform boots that covered her knee, a black leather skirt that sat an inch below her lady bits, and a red velvet bustier with black ties. Her boobs oozed over the bustier, and cellulite poked out between her skirt and top. Her hair was flame red puffball, a perfect shade to match her outfit. Vinnie was carrying a pair of giant gold scissors in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other. Lula carried a pile of disposable plastic cups in one hand, and in the other, she was live streaming from her phone using a selfie stick.

"We're so glad you've joined us virtually tonight, all you cool cats and kittens," she said into her phone. "As I'm sure you know, I'm Lula, and this douchebag over here is Vinnie," she said, adjusting her angle to include him in the shot.

"Hey! I heard that," Vinnie said. "I'm your boss. I could fire you."

"Honey, you could have fired me years ago, but Lula is still IN THE HOUSE!" she shouted, raising the glasses above her head triumphantly and jumping around a little bit, her boobs nearly jiggling out of the bustier.

Vinnie looked annoyed, but he didn't comment. Instead, he turned his attention to the small crowd mingling in front of the store.

"Thanks for coming tonight," Vinnie announced in his thick Jersey accent. "I appreciate all your support. As I'm sure you all know, I've left the bail bonds business after ten years. It's been bittersweet, but I'm excited about the new ventures this has made possible. Special thanks goes out to my gal Lucille for all her support."

Vinnie waved at Lucille, who was standing alone at the back of the crowd wearing a gray pantsuit with a pink blouse. She didn't look amused.

"Also, special thanks to Lula. She came up with this genius business plan, and I hope this will be the first of many stores of its kind."

Lula grabbed a rope dangling from the drape over the sign and gave it a small tug, and Vinnie pulled a rope attached to the curtains over the windows. The red velvet panels fell to the ground simultaneously, revealing a huge sign that read "Vinnie's Adult Emporium." In smaller letters below, the sign read "& Lula's Boudoir Boutique."

Lula beamed with pride as she went full Vanna White, using her hands to showcase a wide variety of dildos, vibrators, bondage equipment, butt plugs, and other various adult goods that were neatly arranged in the storefront windows.

I was speechless. I stood with my mouth half open, unsure how to respond. A few beats passed, and I heard Ranger break into quiet laughter. I glanced over at him, and he gave me his signature two-hundred-watt smile.

"It's perfect, right?" he asked, breaking into another fit of laughter.

"I'm fucking speechless," I admitted, trying to process the monstrosity before me.

Lester and Connie began laughing with Ranger, and soon, we were all laughing and cheering for Vinnie and Lula's new endeavor. Ranger was right. It was a perfect fit.

Vinnie popped the cork on the champagne, and Lula hustled around pouring small cups for everyone. She made a toast to the new business, we all drank our champagne, and Vinnie cut the red ribbon before inviting everyone inside. Lester and Connie shuffled in obediently, looking intrigued to explore the goods within. However, I hesitated.

"Babe," Ranger said, giving me a knowing smirk.

"What?" I accused, scowling at him.

"We don't have to go in if you don't want to," Ranger said, his expression amused.

"It's the Catholic guilt," I admitted, crossing my arms over my chest. "God might be watching."

"I'm going to make an honest woman out of you," Ranger whispered into my ear, sending a shiver of pleasure down my spine. "I don't think God cares what married people do in the bedroom."

I let those thoughts roll around in my head for a few moments before putting on my big girl panties and walking into the store.

"Hey, girlfriend!" Lula sang when she saw me. "That is a fabulous dress! Thanks for coming tonight."

"I wouldn't have missed it," I said, nervously browsing a display of flavored personal lubricants.

"As a friend, I'd encourage you to skip these and check out the silicone-based lubricants on the endcap of aisle five. That shit will hook you up for hours of slippery fun, especially if you're into back-door play, if you see what I'm sayin'. But as a professional, I'd have to advocate for trying this coconut flavored lube. It's not quite as slippery as I'd like, but it tastes like a piña coladas in the sack."

"Good to know," I said, sure I was blushing from ear to ear. "Thanks."

"Excuse me," said a short older woman in the next aisle. "I have some questions about these edible underwear. Can you help me?"

"You bet!" said Lula, hustling that way. "Thanks again, Steph. I'll catch you in a bit."

"She's right," Ranger whispered into my ear. "The silicone is superior."

Ranger's phone buzzed, and he looked at the readout.

"Saved by the cell phone," he said, stepping away to take the call.

We left the grand opening a short time later. I carried a small bag containing a few pieces of lingerie, but we'd managed to escape without brining home any whips, chains, or ball gags.

Ranger was quiet as we buckled into his car, his face expressionless. He turned the key in the ignition, and the Porshe purred to life.

"Do you have anywhere you need to be?" he asked.

"No," I admitted. "I thought about stopping by the Handlebar tonight to see if Elena Avalos was working. Dickie was at her apartment when Lester and I made the capture. I thought maybe I could get more info out of her."

Ranger took a few beats to process that information before speaking again.

"I have a quick errand to run. Do you mind?" he asked.

"Not at all," I said, relaxing into my seat.

Ranger made a call. When the person on the other end of the line answered, he simply said, "Ten minutes," then disconnected. He pulled away from the curb and into traffic, clearly 'in the zone.'

I loved riding in the Porsche. It felt sexy and high-tech. The layout of the dash felt as if you were in the cockpit of a small plane, and the supple leather seats were exceptionally comfortable. The car turned heads, and I knew any good Jersey girl worth her weight in donuts would kill to take my place in the car.

I was surprised when Ranger parked the Porsche on the third block of Stark Street. He was still silent, but the muscles in his neck were tight with tension, and stress lines were obvious around his eyes. Moments later, a black Cadillac Escalade pulled up behind us and parked. Tank and Calvin climbed out dressed in full Rangeman black fatigues, utility belts, and vests, and they walked up to the driver's side window to speak with Ranger.

I swallowed hard and realized I'd been holding my breath.

"How did you know?" I asked Ranger, my heart skipping around in my chest.

"Morelli submitted an incident report," he said, staring out the windshield. "Tank called earlier. He thought I should read it."

"He's home," Tank said to Ranger. "It looks like he's alone."

Ranger pulled his gun out of the drawer under his seat and tucked it into his back waistband.

"Calvin, you've got the fire escape," Ranger said, handing me a Smith and Wesson five-shot revolver from the drawer.

I hesitated.

"I'm not exactly dressed for the occasion," I admitted, raising an eyebrow.

He urged me to take the gun, and I relented. I had nowhere convenient to stash the gun on my body, so I was forced to carry it in my hand.

"Tank, you're with us," Ranger said.

Ranger strode out of the car, circling around to help me out of the low vehicle, and we took the small door to the apartments, taking the rickety wooden stairs to the second floor. With every stair I climbed, I could feel my blood pressure climb. The anxiety I'd experienced earlier in the day was returning, and I was overcome by the overwhelming urge to throw up. We got to the landing, and Ranger gestured at the door marked 2B. I obediently knocked on the door, making a critical effort not to pass out.

"Bond enforcement," I announced loudly, the gun trembling in my hand.

Ranger gave me a single nod of approval, his hand on his gun. He flanked me on one side of the door frame with Tank on the other.

The door was wrenched open, and Boots peered out at me. Luckily this time, he was clothed, wearing khaki shorts, brown leather flip flops, and a brown t-shirt.

"I see you couldn't refuse my offer," he said, his sparkling white teeth gleaming as he gave me an evil smile. "I love it when bitches wanna play. When they beg. I've never had a bounty hunter bitch before."

My heart rate was at full-blown stroke level, and tears were welling up in my eyes. I remembered the gun in my hand, and I moved to raise it. Boots grabbed for me, and before he could touch me, Ranger snatched him by the neck, holding him six inches off the ground. Boots let out a shriek as Ranger slammed his back against the wall, his head making a loud cracking noise as it connected with the wall.

Ranger's face was stone-cold scary. He was totally emotionless, his breathing calm and controlled. Neither he nor Tank had pulled their sidearms, but I still had mine drawn in my sweaty palm.

"If you ever so much as look her way again, I will put a bullet between your eyes," Ranger growled at Boots.

"Is that a threat?" Boots asked, his face turning red.

"It's a promise," Ranger growled.

"Why the fuck do you care, Manoso?" Boots asked, glaring down at him. "She's just a pretty face with a pussy."

Ranger set Boots back onto his feet.

"I said don't ever touch my woman ever again. Are we clear?" Ranger asked, his patience clearly running out.

Boots began to respond in a snarky tone, and in one swift movement, Ranger tossed him down the stairs. He came to rest at the bottom of the stairs, and he didn't move. Tank eased himself down the stairs after Boots and secured his hands behind his back with a pair of cuffs.

I stood frozen like a statue, and I realized my hands had been so unsteady that I'd dropped my gun. Ranger stooped to pick it up and tucked it into his waistband.

"You alright?" he asked, pulling me to his chest. I collapsed into him, allowing a single sob to escape.

"I'm good," I announced, willing it to be true. "Thanks for the help. I wasn't looking forward to coming back here."

"Take him in," Ranger called to Tank down the stairs. "Let me know if he gives you any problems." He turned his attention to me. "Is there anything you need to do here? Otherwise, let's lock up and get out of here."

"That bastard took my cuffs," I said, breaking from his embrace.

Ranger looked at me with a raised eyebrow, then entered the apartment, leaving me in the hall. A few minutes later, he emerged with a pair of cuffs.

"Look familiar?" he asked, grinning down at me.

I nodded. He tried to hand them to me, but I refused them, backing away slightly.

"I'm spraying those down with Lysol before I'll touch them," I announced.

Ranger didn't argue, and we headed down the stairs together. We buckled into the Porsche as Tank and Calvin pulled away from the curb behind us.

"I hope if something like this happens in the future, you'll tell me," Ranger said, his brown eyes locking onto mine. "Reading the incident report made my blood boil. Your safety is my priority."

"I'm sorry," I said. "It slipped my mind with other stuff going on. I didn't intentionally keep it from you."

Ranger gave a nod and turned the engine over.

"Dinner?" he asked.

I shook my head no.

"Only if we're ordering in. I think I've had enough for one day. Stick a fork in me… I'm done."