I originally intended this as a one shot, but after reading your comments it seemed the tale was incomplete. Therefore, hope you enjoy Chapter 2. Di

CHAPTER 2

SPOV

This Porsche 911 Turbo is my Batman's best car – it's a sensuous, gratifying ride that embraces me as its powerful engine whisks me away while surrounding me with Ranger's Bulgari-scented essence. Yum.

Away from Mom's harangues about my inadequacies, Grandma's salacious senior gossip, Dad's TV volume, my nieces high-pitched squabbling, Val's whining about yet another pregnancy and my brother-in-law's detailed explanation of his clients' burdens. I believe there is some rule about breach of confidentiality he may be breaking.

This is my family. Yes, I love them to bits, warts and all; but it's tough having to defend my life, my job, my friends and my unwillingness to marry, scrub floors, birth little humans, and worship at the altar of the Food Channel. Tonight, thanks to Ranger, I can love them from afar – from Newark.

"So, Batman, can I get the long version of why I'm crashing your family's Christmas Eve celebration?"

Ranger took my left hand, kissed my ring finger saying, "Querida, my mother has been asking me to bring you to dinner since you helped me rescue Julie."

"But, Ranger, do they want to thank me for trying to help your daughter escape a madman? One who wanted to be you? Your family doesn't owe me gratitude when I simply did what was right."

"If you believe that, Babe, you don't know your neighbors well. By and large people are so absorbed with their own lives, goals and distractions they barely notice the changing seasons."

I had to admit his viewpoint had merit; but I still wanted some explanation for his change of heart. "Can you tell me anything about you no longer having to go 'in the wind' or is it classified?"

"No, Babe, it isn't classified. After finishing my tour with the Rangers, I signed on as a Special Operations contractor with the Department of Defense. Many ex-Special Forces vets do covert ops for Uncle Sam to keep their skills sharp, earn hefty fees, work with their brothers in arms or satisfy their adrenaline addiction.

"I and most of my men became mercenaries to develop contacts and funds for future business ventures. Lester, Bobby, Tank and I wanted to build a security company that would employ highly skilled veterans to oversee public safety in a number of ways.

"Rangeman has become so successful the Core Team and I need to devote all of our time managing and growing the company and, hopefully, having personal lives outside of it. Babe, I am done with last minute helicopter rides and long months away from you.

"So, I need to know, are you truly done with Morelli's games? Can we talk about 'Someday?' Could it start today?"

Ranger was not his normal brusque, forceful self. He almost seemed uncertain – a behavior I had never seen in him. Teasing him, my usual inclination, would send the wrong message. Since my insecurities were ever present, I was afraid to respond to the question as I internally struggled to form a truthful answer. Judging by his expression, I waited too long. I don't how to tell him that Joe and I will never work because I can't stop loving my Batman.

Ranger gifted me with a stunning smile saying, "I will never be able to stop loving you either, Babe. It has taken me a long, difficult time to realize it; but I have and I want to live my life with you any way you want it to be."

Guess it wasn't internal. "Ranger, er Carlos, does your family know we're together?"

"No, Babe, not yet; but my mother has been campaigning for years for me to introduce you to the family. Frankly, the women in my family are very willful so I'm amazed they haven't taken it upon themselves to make contact."

Ranger pulled over into a small park on the outskirts of Newark, turned off the engine, then leaned over the console to kiss me. Although the kiss began gently, I threw my arms around his neck and almost devoured him in my need to feel him, inside and out. When I pulled back to catch my breath, Ranger lifted my hand, slipped a ring on my finger, and whispered, "Will you wear my ring as a promise to someday marry me, Babe?"

Again, I'm speechless but I can't take the time for an internal dialogue. This wonderful man has almost timidly put himself out there. I cannot give in to indecision. "Yes, Carlos, I would be honored to be your wife. Are you sure?"

He threw his seat back, hauled me into his lap, cupped my face in his hands saying "Yeah, Babe, I'm positive." Then he devoured me right back. Breaking the kiss, Ranger's eyes were filled with joy. "Amante, let's go introduce my fiancée to my family, celebrate Christmas Eve then go home and 'share' ourselves for days."

We grinned at each other as my very own Batman slid the Turbo into gear and whipped it back on the road into Newark where I can help my future family greet the Season and then, Oh Boy!