Disclaimers: The characters that you recognize are not mine, Janet Evanovich owns them.

Alert: Minor spoilers though book Eighteen.

This is my first attempt into the writing world of Fan Fiction, any mistakes you see are my own. I think I have managed to put up my edited version this time around but I am sure errors will still be found.

Thanks again for everyone who has taken the time to review or add an alert to this story. I hope that you enjoy this chapter as parts of it are very dear to me.

"You can ride with us in the girl's car Stephanie."

I feel the interrogation coming on. Gulp!

Chapter 5

I was seated in the backseat of the Volvo XC90 next to Mrs. Manoso with Lexi and Danica in the third row, Pillar was in the passenger seat while Celia was driving. When we got to the SUV Lexi had a bit of a tantrum because she wanted to sit next to me. Celia tried to explain to her that she needed to stay in the back with her booster seat, which was next to Danica's. Lexi was not having any of that, she cried, she screamed, and she tried to run anyway from all the ladies. At this point I was thanking my lucky stars for her breakdown. I assumed if it went on much longer we would call the whole trip to Watch Hill off and I would avoid the 'Cuban' Inquisition. In my mind I knew that talking to them or answering their questions would not be war but my heart was having other opinions.

The next thing I knew Celia was standing at the bumper, her tone reminiscent of my mothers when I was outside playing in my dress before Mass on Sunday. "Lexi you have until the count of three to get into your seat or there will be NO ice cream, NO merry-go-round, and NO beach tomorrow one...two..."

Celia didn't have to reach three because the little girl sprinted so fast, if you blinked you would have missed her. It was good to see the she had her priorities in order.

We couldn't have been out of the driveway more then a few minutes before the 'Manoso' women seemed to do a very Ranger like ESP and the questions began. How in the world is everyone able to do that except for me?

"So Stephanie, how long have you know our brother?" asked Pillar.

Okay this was easy I thought to myself. "I've know Ranger for a little over four years."

"Did you really blow up his Porsche?" asked Celia

Oh God no, I cannot believe he told them about that. "No...well yes...well it wasn't my fault, I swear!" Smooth Stephanie, real smooth.

"Do you really keep your gun in your cookie jar?" was Celia's next question.

I couldn't help but give out a throaty laugh, "Rockford did it."

All the ladies joined my laughing with that response. Glad to see that I can entertain them. After the laughter died down, everyone seemed lost in their own world. Lexi and Danica were chattering away in the back seat, about ice cream, horses, and seashells. I was curiously looking around at my surroundings, you could just make out the houses in the dusk and although the houses were great the view that they were privileged too made them stunning.

I wasn't paying a lot of attention to the other women when I felt Mrs. Manoso's, or should I say Maria's, which she repeatedly asked me to call her, what can I say Berg manners are hard to brake, hand gather mine in here own. She had been very quiet during the drive, and I caught myself wondering what she was thinking about and what she thought of me. I know that Ranger said that his family loved me, but it seems rather presumptuous of him to assume seeing as his only explanation was because he does. After all he loves me in his own way, whatever that means. I know that Ranger and I are not a couple, but he is my best friend. Once I got over my initial shock it became increasingly important for me to have his family's approval. I turned to face the family matriarch, it was easy to see that she must have been gorgeous in her youth, she was still a rather striking older women. When she began to speak Ranger's sisters got very quiet, I noticed that happens a lot when she talks.

"Estefanía, how long have you been in love with my son?"

WHAT! I must have stared at her with wide eyes because she gently patted my hand. She looked like she actually expected me to answer her. I know that I'm head over heals in love with her son. I don't know when it actually happened, but my feelings have continued to grow with every rescue, every word of encouragement, every 'proud of you Babe', and every time he lets me see a little bit of the man behind the mask. But how could I answer her, answer that question out loud when I have never told the man in question that I love him never mind that I was in love with him, let alone anyone else. It was not long ago when I stopped denying it to myself. I took a deep breath and was about to speak, what I was going to say I don't know but denial and avoidance have always been great friends to me. Out of nowhere I felt the car turn into a parking space and Lexi began clapping her hands and bouncing in her car seat.

"We're here, we're here." she squealed.

All I could do was thank God for the four year old.

My car door was opened once the car was parked and none other then the man in question was standing there with an outstretched hand. He looked at me, dear I say thoughtfully then a flash on concern graced his beautiful face before his blank mask slammed down. Hmmmmm

I stepped out of the car and around Ranger. I watched him attempt to take Lexi out of her booster seat and her cries could be heard from where I was standing.

"No, no, Tía Estefi do it"

Ranger just shook his head and walked away from the door. I walked over just as Lexi had unbuckled herself from her seat, and launched herself at me out the car door. To say she caught me by total surprise would be and understatement. I stumbled backwards and was about to go down with the bubbly little girl in my arms when my very own Dark Knight came to the rescue as always. He grabbed me around the waist, helping to get me in the upright position, before letting go.

I couldn't help but smile at him while speaking "thanks Batman"

Ranger gave me one of his rare 200-watt smiles, and replied with "always Babe."

Was he saying he would always catch me when I fall or was it more of I'm always rescuing you? I was praying for the first. Lexi was looking between the two of us like she was watching a tennis match, back and forth, back and forth. When she spoke it took everything in me not to laugh out loud at the young child.

"Tía Estefi, he is not a man bat, he is Tío Carlos."

What do you say to that? I just went with the first thing that came to mind. "You're right Sweet Pea he's not Batman he's your Uncle."

We began walking down the street with the rest of the family, apparently it was decided that the merry-go-round would be the first thing to tackle as it was getting late and it closed at nine. You couldn't help but smile when you walked down the sidewalk; happy families and couples were trotting around, enjoying their time together and their vacation. Quaint little shops and restaurants that must make a killing during the summer season in order to stay in business lined the street. There were jewelry, craft, and clothing stores. I was happily surprised that there weren't traditional shore shops like you see in Jersey all selling the same crap that was made in China.

When we got to the end of the road where the merry-go-round was located Mr. Manoso, I mean Ric, purchased tokens for the kids to ride. While they got in line, I wondered around taking in the sights of the old fashion amusement ride. I came upon a sign that described the ride.

Apparently it is called the "Flying Horse Merry-Go-Round" and it is the oldest and the only surviving flying horse carousel in the country dating back to 1876. It is different from a traditional merry-go-round as the horses are hanging from the ceiling as opposed to being mounted to the floor. They swing out when the ride is in motion giving you the feeling of flying. You need to be twelve or younger to ride, so it looks like Rafael just made it. Apparently during the middle of the ride a device holding metal rings is lowered and as the children go pass they attempt to grab the rings. One passenger will luckily grab the only brass ring entitling him or her to a free ride.

I felt like Ranger was keeping a bit of distance from me ever since he open the car door and I couldn't help but wonder what that was about. Did I do something to upset him? I made my way over to the family just in time to see our group of six kids racing to find their special horse. Rafael helped the younger children before mounting his own horse.

As the ride began and the music started, the kids began making their way around waving and smiling. I watched the kids with one eye while watching Ranger with the other. He was smiling and waving back to his nieces and nephews then took out his iPhone and started snapping pictures.

My heart clenched over the man next to me, he was so at ease in this setting. He said that he wasn't family material, but the site I was seeing proved different. I'd be inclined to say he was actually enjoying himself, and I was enjoying watching him. This was "family Ranger" and he just took over the number one spot as my favorite Ranger. Okay let me revise that he just took over my number two spot; nothing could beat "naked Ranger."

I decided to break the awkward silence that had happened between us and leaned up to whisper in his ear "you'll always be Batman to me, you know?"

He swung an arm around my waist gathering me close to him, the heat radiating off him warmed my bones against the cool ocean air. He kissed my curls and simply said, "Not Batman Babe, just a man."

He doesn't even know how wrong he is. Is he a man, yes but there is no 'just' about him. Maybe he doesn't like it when I call him Batman; I need to file that as a question to ask later. I felt like it always made him smile, but maybe I didn't realize what the smile means.

As we met the kids at the exit I noticed a little store attached to the ride. I tugged Ranger's arm and pulled him inside. There were cute little horse knickknacks and some Watch Hill memorabilia. On the counter a stack of books was sitting under a sign that said new. I walked over to take a peak and realized it was a story about the merry-go-round entitled "The Flying Horses of Watch Hill." I skimmed through the book and decided that Mary Alice would enjoy it; it had beautiful art work and was about horses. I grabbed a copy and upon second thought I added two more to give one to each family. Just as I was taking out my wallet to pay Ranger stepped over and paid the lady in cash.

"I was taking care of that you know?" I huffed.

"It's taken care of now, good idea. Let me guess one of copies is for the 'Horse'." Ranger said.

I just rolled me eyes in answer.

We joined everyone outside and started making our way down the street towards the ice cream. My tummy growled at the thought. Ranger let out a belly laugh while saying "time to feed the beast some ice cream, I guess."

I turned to him in order to give him the full visual of me sticking out my tongue.
I was in the process of setting myself forward when Ranger's arm wrapped around me like a steal band he leaned forward and I thought he was going to kiss me instead he whispered in my ear "I could think of much better uses for that tongue" before letting me go. I felt the blush creep to my cheeks and was thankful it was dark so no one else would see it. Holy hot flash, it looks like "playful Ranger" is making an appearance.

As we reached the St. Clair Annex and old fashion ice cream shop with a walk up window that served all the tourists, little Miss Lexi bounced her way over to us tugging on my hand. " Tía Estefi" what kind of ice cream you get?" she asked.

"I think I am going to get cookies n' cream Sweet Pea, what about you?" I replied

"mmmm, me get chocolate with rainbow sprinkles."

"That sounds yummy." I replied with a smile.

"Tío Carlos what kind for you?" was her next question.

I looked over at Ranger and smiled wondering how he was going to tell his four year old niece that he didn't pollute his body by eating ice cream.

"Pistachio for me Munchkin" he answered and I knew the shock on my face was evident.

After we received the goods I gave a quick lick to my frozen treat before talking to Ranger "guess the temple is taking a day off."

He just shook his head and with a hint of amusement said, "the temple is taking the weekend off Babe!"

I choked right there on the street.

After regaining control of my breathing I couldn't help but to pull the tigers tail a bit, "wow," I said, "you're going to hell in a hand basket."

As everyone was finishing up their treats it was easy to see that the kids were getting sleepy, I was rather tired myself. After barely sleeping the night before the rather long catnap did little to refresh me. The troupes gathered and we made are way back to the cars, maybe we would get a chance to come back so I could visit all the little shops.

The drive back to the house was silent as the girls nodded off as soon as we pulled away from the curb. I was thankful as it meant I wouldn't have to answer any questions for now, especially Maria's.

We made it back to the house in less the fifteen minutes. Diego and Marcus were waiting for us outside and gently pulled the sleeping girls from their seats. Inside the house Ranger was waiting for me. After some goodnight pleasantries, everyone retreated to what I assumed were the bedrooms. Ranger placed his hand on my back and we began to climb up two sets of stairs and into what appeared to be the master suite.

"Ranger whose house is this?" I asked.

Ranger began tracing my jaw with his finger while he spoke "Babe, I left pajamas in the bathroom for you along with all the toiletries. Why don't you go take a shower, I'm going to go for a run on the beach, I'll meet you in bed."

Hmmmm, man of mystery didn't answer my question. I felt like in the last twenty-four hours that was happening a lot. I new better then to ask again at that moment, if he didn't want to answer he wouldn't. I felt my eyes growing heavy and bed sounded like a wonderful idea; hopefully the sheets would be as magnificent as those in Rangers seventh floor penthouse. I replied with a quick "kay."

Ranger kissed my forehead before pushing me toward the bathroom and then walking out the door.

I walked into the bathroom and I perked up a bit. It was absolutely stunning. I love the master bath off of Rangers bedroom but this bathroom if you could even call it that wasn't even in the same league. It is very possible that it was as large as my entire apartment.

The colors were soft tans and browns with white cabinetry. The first room held a vanity with a double sink, and a walk in shower the size of my little kitchen. The shower included a long granite bench and at least a half a dozen showerheads along with a shower massager. That might come in handy by the end of the weekend after being in such close proximity to the Cuban sex God. Above the bench was a panoramic window that overlooked the ocean. Behind one of the doors of the first room held a private commode area with it's own sink, and behind the other held a large white Jacuzzi tub, that could have fit a half dozen of the Merry Men. The side wall of this room was floor to ceiling glass in which I assumed was tinted to keep prying eyes away as it overlooked the dunes. I would have to make it a point to spend some time soaking before the weekend was over. This bathroom was every girls dream, at least every Jersey girls.

I made quick work of the shower, avoiding washing my hair; it was pointless with going to the beach tomorrow. I engulfed myself in Bvlgair, shaved my legs, and check other areas, finally being thankful that I allowed the girls to convince me to go for an almost bare Brazilian wax for the summer. I stepped out and wrapped myself in a deliciously soft towel and found a beautiful silk sky blue pajama set, consisting of pants, a camisole tank top, and a robe on the vanity. I ran my fingers over the fabric and it felt lovely but I couldn't bring myself to put it on. I quickly walked into the bedroom in my towel and hunted around until I found the little travel bag I personally packed. I grabbed one of the black t-shirts I commandeered from Ranger and tugged it on over my head before letting the towel drop to the floor. Perfect.

After brushing my teeth and depositing the towel I made my way to bed, stopping momentarily to take in the room. It was soft creams and browns with blue accents in different shades. There was a gas fireplace with a seating area in front that consisted of a smaller white love seat and two brown leather armchairs. The back wall to the entire room was filled with windows and had a set of sliding glass doors that led to a balcony overlooking the ocean. I felt my eyes began to drift close and decided it be best to get in bed and wait for Ranger's return. I never really looked around the house this evening as I was on sensory overload. I would have to make it a point to explore tomorrow, if the bedroom was any indication everything else must be beautiful.

I climbed in my side of the bed, funny we're not a couple but we clearly have sides. I must say I got the better end of the deal in this room as I had the side overlooking the beach below, not that there is really a bad side when you're in bed with Ranger.

I let my thoughts wonder over everything that had happened today while I waited for Ranger willing myself to stay awake so that I could ask him some questions. I still couldn't understand why he brought me here, not that I wasn't enjoying myself after the initial shock wore off. My mind was racing going over what everyone had said to me. Why would his mom call me daughter? His dad called me Novio what does that mean? Note to self, text Hector in the morning. His sisters were happy to finally meet me and glad I was here, why? It was obviously they knew about me from their questions, but what else did Ranger tell them and why? The other half a dozen questions I entertained all ended in a why as well.

His niece Lexi was just too much, I think I found a little friend but I could not understand the reasoning behind her calling me Aunt Stephanie or should I say Aunt Stephie. I also couldn't understand why her calling out for me, sitting on my lap, and holding my hand made me want one of my own. It was a new and rather scary feeling for me especially because it was not just anyone I wanted mind you; I was envisioning one with Rangers features and coloring along with my blue eyes and curly hair. Hmmm actually it would be better if he had his dad's straight silky hair. Oh God, what am I thinking, I have just given myself a son with Ranger. Best not to go down that road, he doesn't do stupid things like marriage and children and were not even married let alone a couple.

My thoughts continued to drift and ended up on Ranger the man I love, or should I say Carlos, he was most defiantly Carlos with his family.

I was drifting off to sleep when I felt the bed dip beside me and Ranger crawl in. He smelled freshly washed and yummy. He pulled my back close to his front and kissed my curls and I sighed in contentment. The last thing I recall was Ranger saying, "love you Babe" but I was lights out before I could even respond and say something stupid like I love you too.

Edited 12/28/2012