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CHAPTER 19

Isa was arriving today. Ranger left about half an hour ago to pick her up from the airport and I was a nervous wreck. I'd decided not to go with him, thinking it would be better to let him have the time with her, but now I was wishing I'd gone.

We had moved into the Batcave last week, and it had taken some getting used to since, I'd only spent a few weekends here. We were all settled in though, and I was now flitting around, trying to find something to straighten up or some way to diffuse my nervous energy.

"Bombshell," yelled Tank from where he was sitting on the couch with Lester playing Playstation.

"Yes," I asked, hoping they needed something so I'd have something to do.

"Sit. She's a nine year old girl. A sweet, little nine year old girl. There is nothing to be nervous about."

"Maybe not for you, she likes you. You're not the one dating her Daddy. What if she doesn't like me."

"Bombshell," Lester interrupted my rant. "Everything is going to be fine."

"Thanks for trying to help guys. Are you sure you don't want anything? Popcorn, beer?"

"Bomber, sit down. This nervous pacing thing isn't helping the baby," said Bobby from a chair where he was reading a catalog with different camo patterns on the front.

"You've been dating an obstetrician for two weeks and suddenly you're an expert," joked Lester.

"I have actually learned a lot from Emma," stated Bobby, making a show of going back to reading his catalog.

"A hundred says he's completely whipped within the month," Tank said to Lester without taking his eyes from game on the screen.

"You're on," Lester laughed.

"You're both assholes," said Bobby.

Squished between Tank and Lester on the couch, I'd been distracted by the guys' banter. That ended when I heard a car on the driveway.

"They're here," I squeaked.

"Bombshell, calm down," Tank said, grabbing my hips and preventing me from jumping up off the couch.

"Tank," I pleaded, leaning my head on his shoulder. "I don't think I can do this."

"Do what, Babe?" I heard from behind me.

Finally allowed up, I turned to find Ranger standing in the doorway. And peeking around him curiously was Isa. She was so neat, with her hair pulled back into a perfect braid and her nice little jumpsuit, I found myself feeling very intimidated by her. She just stared at me for a minute before darting around Ranger and attacking the Merry Men with hugs and kisses. Ranger just came and wrapped me in his arms and waited for her to calm down from the excitement of seeing her 'uncles.'

"Isa," Ranger said, once she was through. "I'd like you to meet Stephanie Plum. Babe, this is Isabella."

"Ms. Plum," she said coolly, holding her hand out to me.

"You can call me Steph, Isa," I said gently, taking her hand.

She just looked at me for a long moment before turning to look at Ranger. "Daddy, can I play with Uncle Tank and Uncle Lester before dinner?"

"Sure, Sweetie," Ranger said, looking confused. "Steph and I are going to go start getting dinner around. You can come help if you want."

Taking my hand Ranger led me to the kitchen. There was no 'Ella' for the Batcave so we had to do our own cooking, which meant Ranger had to cook unless we wanted spaghetti or scrambled eggs every day… Sitting on a stool, I watched him take things out of the fridge and cupboards before finally speaking.

"I don't think she likes me," I said softly.

"She'll warm up to you, Babe. It's only ever been me and the guys when she's visited. She doesn't know what to make of you."

"Alright," I conceded. "Can I do anything to help?"

"Not really. I'm just making stir fry since there's so many of us tonight. It shouldn't take long."

He was right about it not taking long, because twenty minutes later, we were all sitting at the table enjoying dinner. Isa hadn't come to help and now she was chatting away to Ranger and the guys and making a point of ignoring me. Not letting it bother me, I figured Ranger was right and she just wasn't used to sharing him. I needed to giver her time to get used to the idea of me being here.

After dinner, Ranger and the guys were cleaning up and they'd sent Isa and I back out into the sitting room. I was sitting on the couch, rubbing my belly and feeling the baby playing football with my organs while Isa was wandering around the room, probably checking out things that had changed since her last visit.

"Steph, was it?" she asked suddenly, coming up in front of me.

"Yes," I replied, wondering what she was up to.

"We need to have a little chat. You need to stop playing with my daddy and go away now."

What the Hell? "What are you talking about Isa?" I asked.

"I know what you're doing. I've seen my mom do it a million times. You find a rich guy and leech off of him for a couple of months then get tired of him and go find yourself someone else. And don't think just 'cause you have his baby he'll let you trap him. I'm proof of that."

Before I could respond, the Merry Men walked into the room followed by Ranger. Seeing them, Isa ran over to Ranger and wrapped her arms around his middle.

"Daddy, can I go to bed?" she asked, letting out a massive yawn. "I'm sleepy from the flight."

"Sure, Sweetie. Go get ready, and I'll be up in a bit to tuck you in." With that she flounced off up the stairs and I was left wondering what to do.

"What's up with Isa?" Tank asked, taking the problem out of my hands. "That girl's never tired."

"I have no idea," said Ranger. "Steph?"

"Ummmm," I replied, unsure what to say.

"Steph, I can tell something's up. If you tell me, I can fix it."

"I'm not sure if you can," I said. "She just needs to get used to me like you said, but not because she's not used to women being around. It seems she's aware that her mother's a gold digger and thinks that's all I am."

"Shit," said Ranger. "Damn, Eva. How can the courts think I'm a worse influence than she is?"

"I have no idea," I said, wrapping my arms around him. "Oh, and another thing… I'm pretty sure she thinks the baby's yours."

"You'd think she'd be excited," said Lester. "Getting to be a big sister."

"Not if she thinks I'm no better than her mother and just trying to trap her daddy," I reasoned.

"Good point," he said.

"I'm gonna go tuck her in and try talking to her," said Ranger. "At least clear up the baby thing…"

"Good luck man," said Bobby. "We're heading out."

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow," Ranger replied, heading up the stairs.

The guys all pulled me in for a hug, all muttering something along the lines of 'it'll be alright.' I believed them, I just had to be patient, but I'd just really wanted her to like me.

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Later that week, the situation was no better and Ranger was starting to look a little frantic, if that's possible. Since our little chat, Isa hadn't spoken to me other than what was absolutely necessary. The guys and Ella had all vouched for my character, but she refused point blank to accept that I honestly loved Ranger. She did seem to recognize that he loves me, though, which made her seem even more determined to drive me away.

During the day, it wasn't so bad. In the morning, the three of us would ride to Rangeman together, Ranger and I would go about our day and so would Isa. Generally this meant spending as much time in Ranger's office as possible and if he wasn't around, hanging out with the guys. Technically she was in the care of Ella, but Isa preferred to be with her dad and uncles.

Just watching her, I could tell she really was a sweet kid and I hated the effect her mother had had on her that she was so suspicious of me. She hadn't budged a bit where I was concerned, in fact I think she had gotten worse once she knew that Ranger wasn't the baby's father.

I was kind of nervous about tonight, because it was the first night that Ranger had to work and Isa and I would be heading back to the Batcave alone. The guys had all offered to come and hang out, but I'd declined their offers, thinking maybe some time alone could help me get through to Isa.

We were getting ready to head home at the same time Ranger and his team were heading out for their takedown. Ranger grabbed me and kissed the shell of my ear, checking one last time that we'd be okay, before pulling Isa into a hug and telling her to behave.

"Don't get shot," I said, softly.

"Don't get too crazy, Babe," he replied, and then went to boost Isa into the Bronco.

We made the trip in near silence,

All the way home, Isa didn't say a word, despite my multiple attempts at conversation. Once we reached the Batcave, she jumped out of the Bronco and headed straight for her room. I was at a loss as to what to do. Her avoiding me wasn't going to help our relationship, and I'd really hoped we'd make some headway tonight. Unsure as to what to do, I paced around a bit, then dropped onto the couch and stared at the blank TV screen.

Then I had an idea. I'd ask her if she wanted to watch a movie. That wouldn't be threatening and she wouldn't have to talk to me. That in mind, I hurried upstairs and knocked on her door.

"Isa?"

"What?"

"I kinda feel like watching a movie. Do you want to watch with me?"

"No. Go away."

Heading back downstairs, I decided to regroup and come up with a new plan. Obviously, friendly wasn't working.

"Okay, Baby, help me out," I said, placing my hands on my belly. "Now would be a good time to inspire me with some motherly instincts. No? I didn't think so."

Sighing, I flopped on the couch and stated at the ceiling for maybe half and hour and was no better off than when I started. I was just thinking I'd go up and ask if she was hungry and wanted a snack, when my cell rang.

"Hello," I answered.

"Steph," Tank said from the other end. His voice sounded tighter than normal, and I immediately felt waves of panic course through me.

"What's wrong?"

"Ranger's been shot."

"What? Is he alright? Where is he? Can I talk to him?" The questions flew out of my mouth with my voice getting squeakier with each one.

"Steph, Sweetheart, calm down. He's in pretty bad shape, the ambulance just left with him for St. Francis."

"I'll be there as quickly as I can."

"No. You're too upset to drive. Lester is on his way to pick up you and Isa now."

"Oh, God, Isa," I gasped. I'd have to tell her about Ranger.

"Yeah," he agreed. "I have to get to the hospital now, Steph. I'll see you girls shortly."

"If you can, please tell Ranger I love him," I said.

"I will, Sweetheart."

And he disconnected. I knew Lester would be here soon, so I had to go tell Isa. Dragging myself up the stairs, I knocked on her door.

"I said, go away," she shouted once again.

"Isa," I called through the door. "Please open up, there's a problem."

"What?" she asked swinging the door open and staring belligerently at me until she saw the tears streaming down my face.

"Your dad's been shot."

"Daddy," she whimpered.

I couldn't do anything but nod and pull her to me. Amazingly, she let me, and even wrapped her own arms around my waist.

"Is he…" she started, but couldn't finish the sentence. I didn't know what she meant to say, but figured I'd tell her what I knew.

"An ambulance took him to the hospital and Lester's on his way to pick us up."

"Okay," she said, nodding against my belly, before whispering, "Steph, I'm scared."

"So am I, Isa. Let's go downstairs and wait for Uncle Lester, okay?"

"Uh huh," she agreed, releasing my waist, but taking hold of my hand. I was surprised, but comforted, I think we both needed to hold on to someone right now.

Down in the living room, we sat on the couch and I held her wrapped in my arms. I could feel tears streaming down my face, but was trying to control them for Isa's sake. She wasn't doing much better, letting out an occasional sniffle.

Hearing a car, I tried to jump off the couch but started to over-balance when Isa surprised me by helping me steady myself.

"You've been having trouble with that," she said, offering me a watery smile.

"Yeah," I agreed. "Thank you. Let's go."

With a nod we were heading for the door. We met Lester on the porch and he just turned around and helped us into the Bronco.

"How is he?" I asked once we were on our way.

"He's in surgery already. He took a bullet to the chest and another to the shoulder. The one to the chest went clean through and shouldn't be a problem, but the one to the shoulder is lodged in the bone. It's going to take a lot of time and work to get it out."

"He'll be okay?" Isa and I asked at the same time.

"He should be," Lester assured us.

"Tank sounded worried," I accused.

"There was a lot of blood," Lester said, almost to himself.

"Oh," I let out, not really wanting to hear any more details.

Suddenly, we were pulling up to the hospital and we found Bobby waiting to lead Isa and I to the waiting room while Lester parked the car.

"Anything?" I asked, looking up at Bobby.

"He's still in surgery. Should be for another couple hours at least. Come on, I'll take you girls up to the waiting room."

"Thanks, Bobby," I said.

In the waiting room, we found Tank pacing, crossing the room in a few long strides only to turn around and do it again. When we entered, he stopped to wrap us both in a tight hug and settle us on a couch before resuming his pacing. We knew Ranger would be okay, but that didn't make the waiting any easier. I felt more silent tears, streaming down my face, I really just wanted to see him with my own eye and see that he was alright.

Feeling a hand on my arm, I jumped. Tank had sat Isa on the same couch as me, but she had scooted right up to my side.

"You really do love my Daddy, don't you?" she asked in a small voice.

"Yeah, Sweetie, I do," I said, trying to force a smile.

"I'm sorry I was mean," she whispered, turning her head away from me.

"Hey, look at me," I said. "You were just trying to look out for him; you were reacting to the situation with what you know. I promise you, I'm not like your mother. What do you say we put all that bad stuff behind us? We'll surprise your Daddy when he wakes up by being good friends, how's that sound?"

"Good," she sniffled. "You'd still be my friend?"

"Hey, everybody makes mistakes," I said, pulling her to me.

"Thanks Steph," she said, snuggling into me.

We stayed like that until we both drifted off to sleep. I woke up some time later to find Tank putting a balled up jacket behind my head and Bobby draping another jacket over Isa and I.

"Hey, Bomber," Tank whispered, seeing I was awake.

"How's Ranger," I asked.

"He just came out of surgery. He's fine, still unconscious, but once they have him settled in his room, you and Isa can go sit with him."

"Thanks, Tank," I said, knowing he must have pulled some stings for Isa and I to be able to be in Ranger's room. Ranger shouldn't have been allowed to have visitors yet, but I knew that he's want us there.

"Okay, thank you," I said, before releasing a yawn.

"Go back to sleep, Bomber. I'll wake you when you can go see him."

"Mkay," I murmured, already half asleep again.

The next time I woke, it was to Lester gently shaking my shoulder.

"Hey, Darling," he said, when I opened my eyes. "Ranger's all set in his room. He shouldn't wake up for a few hours, but do you want to go sit with him?"

"Yeah," I answered, trying to sit up before realizing I was pinned by Isa.

"You two look like you're getting along better," he said, grinning at me.

"We've come to an understanding. We're going to be friends."

"Finally," he said with an exasperated tone before scooping Isa off of me. "Come on. I'll show you where Ranger's room is."

Getting up off the couch, I followed him out of the waiting room and down a hall. I immediately knew which room was Ranger's when I saw two Rangemen sitting guard outside. With a nod from Lester, the one on the right stood and opened the door.

The room was dark, and filled with the beeping noised commonly associated with hospitals. By the faint glow in the room, I could see Ranger lying on the bed with the sheet pulled up to his waist. His chest was bare except for two large gauze bandages.

Crossing the room to the bed, I found that a large armchair had been pulled up to the bed. I figured it was the work of one of the Merry Men, so I turned to Lester. He just nodded at me in a way that said 'sit down already' so I settled myself in.

"You got room for one more?" Lester asked, once I was comfy.

"Yeah," I said, scooting a bit, so he had room to settle Isa in beside me.

Giving us both a kiss on the forehead he left us alone. I pulled a blanked from the back of the chair and covered Isa and I, before reaching out and picking up Ranger's hand from where it lay on top of the sheet. Entwining my fingers with his I wrapped my other arm around Isa and let the steady beep beep beep of the heart monitor lull me to sleep.

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A/N: Thank you so much for reading. Please let me know what you thought of the chapter. I love getting feed back! Please Review!!!!