As always: Not mine & not making any money. Minor Spoilers though 18.

Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter- I could give you the long version but I will spare you and just say the real life got in the way. Thanks to everyone who is reading and placing an alert Holiday Weekend, a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to leave a review- it means so much to me.

Please note that all mistakes are my own- I have finally edited and re-posted this chapter but I would be a fool to say that is my strength. If I write another story I'll be sure to find a Beta to help with that job!

I hope you enjoy! :0)

Ranger opened his mouth to speak but before any words came out a loud whistle snapped both of our heads in the direction of the shore. Standing there was a man, maybe a few years younger then Ranger and not as built, but it was easy to see the family resemblance. I had to assume that it was Fernando Ranger's brother. Behind him on the deck at the top of the stairs was another man, must be his partner I thought.

"Hermano you better bring Estefanía over to meet me right now. I have been waiting far to long to meet this Angelita."

Ranger groaned and started walking towards the shore, my legs still wrapped tightly around his waist. As we got closer, the man who was on the stairs came into focus and all of a sudden a few things started to fall into place.

Chapter 7

Fernando's partner is Hector, my Hector, how did I not know this? I knew he has been seeing someone and he kept telling me that he would introduce us in time. I wasn't happy but tried not to bug him too much because I saw how content he was. I might have to kick his ass for keeping this from me. Okay well I literally can't kick his ass, he may be the smallest of the Merry Men, but that's not saying much. This is going to take some plotting in order to in act my revenge. I cannot believe he didn't tell me the man that makes him smile is Ranger's brother!

There was a time not that long ago that I was terrified of Hector. Over the past two and a half years that fear has transformed into a brotherly type love and a deep friendship. I'm not really sure how it all happened, but I do know that when I looked past his hard exterior and gang tattoos I saw a fierce protector and someone who is as misunderstood as myself. The fact that he cannot only understand but also speaks English extremely well helped to build our friendship, I like to talk. The fact that he hides behind the language barrier makes me sad at times. I know that he uses it as a cover to kept people at a distance, the majority of the Merry Men still don't know. He told me once that the less people you let into your life the less people there are to hurt you. On a professional level the language sham is beneficial because people say things around him that they shouldn't as they assume he can't understand them. I know that it has saved my ass more then once, as he has overheard threats against me.

I was drawn from my thoughts as Ranger tucked a stray curl behind my ear.

"Earth to Babe" he said with a small grin.

It was only then that I realized that we had made it back to the beach and were standing in front of Fernando. With as much grace as possible I unwrapped my legs from Rangers waist and slid down his wet body. Yum! Swim trunk Ranger is a beautiful cross between Ranger in a towel with beads of water glistening on his magnificent chest and Ranger in silk boxers, it's a gorgeous site to see. With a little shake to my head to clear the impure yet oh so right thoughts I turned to face Rangers only brother.

"Hi, you must be Fernando, I'm Stephanie" I said, extending my hand.

Fernando grasped my outstretched hand and pulled me into a hug so tight I thought I was going to pass out from lack of oxygen. As he held me he kept mumbling, "thank you, thank you, thank you" while rocking me back and forth.

When Fernando released me from his hug he held me with outstretched arms, his eyes glistened with unshed tears, and he was staring at me with such intensity it made me gasp. For the life of me I had no idea the reasons he was thanking me, or the root of his very visible emotions but I felt the overwhelming desire to try to comfort him. I raised my hand and placed my palm against his cheek and tried to give him a soft and reassuring smile, he placed his hand over mine and his tears started streaming down his face. I fought the urge to run the other way, I do not come from a family that talks about emotions, never mind displaying them, and I try to keep mine buried preferring to live in denial. I continued to hold Fernando's cheek in my palm for a long time just looking back at him, after a while he seemed to get his emotions under control and a beautiful smile graced his face and lit up his eyes.

"Your pictures do you no justice, you're much more beautiful in person." Fernando said.

I began to get a little nervous, what pictures has he viewed of me? Please tell me he is not talking about my pictures in the paper that love to announce 'Bombshell Bounty Hunter Strikes Again' or even worse the ones the Merry Men seem to capture when I am all hussied up for a distraction.

"Thanks, I think" was my softly spoken reply.

Fernando entwined our hands that were still resting on his cheek and began walking over to the blanket I had laid out that morning. It was only then that I realized that Ranger was no longer with us, I swear he's like smoke. I cannot believe he would leave me out here with his brother who I have never met and not even tell me he was departing.

When Fernando spoke again it did little to ease my aggravation towards Ranger. "Come sit and talk with me hermoso*."

"Okay" I said, while letting out a sigh of frustration. I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that dealing with Ranger's brother was going to be much more difficult then his sisters were last night.

Fernando must have picked up on my nerves, what is it with this family and ESP. When he spoke again it was gentle and meant to be reassuring "nothing to worry about hermoso, I have been waiting a long time to meet you."

Great just great, I didn't even know his name until yesterday, never mind the fact that I was going to meet him and the rest of the family this weekend. I considered myself lucky to know that Ranger even had a brother and now, said brother wants to have a conversation which he seems to be very much prepared for. Oh joy!

I didn't know what to say so I busied myself with putting on my beach dress and attempted to fix my hair with a finger comb before sitting down next to Fernando. We were staring out at the ocean, watching the tide roll out, leaving a mixture of frothy foam, shells, and seaweed behind.

"I have so much to thank you for" he said while joining our hands again, never taking his eyes off the sea.

I didn't respond I hadn't a clue as to what he could possibly have to thank me for. He used my silence as an opportunity to continue.

"You brought my brother back to me, to us" he said while squeezing my hand. "He has become a different man since he met you, well that is not exactly right, he has become more Carlos again and less Ranger" he continued. "It was little things at first really, he would call Mama to check in, or send an e-mail to one of us hermanos**. Then he started to visit more then once or twice a year and not just for a holiday, he would come to mama's bi-weekly family dinners every so often. It was as if this light that was inside him became brighter and brighter in the last three or four years after being turned off for so long. He seems human again Estefanía, and I know it is because of you."

He seemed to finish, so I turned to him after giving his hand a quick squeeze I dropped it. I don't know the reason for Ranger's changes but I am certain that I do not play a roll in them. I hope the rest of his family is not under the same misconception. Maybe it is just Ranger's age that has brought him back into the family, or maybe it has to do with his business being established and running successfully that he feels he can devote more time to them. Whatever the reason I am happy for not only him but his family as well. Now the only question is how do I point this out to his brother.

"Fernando" I began.

"Fern" he interrupted.

I started again "Fern, while I am happy that Ranger has re-entered for lack of a better word the family, I assure you I am not the reason."

"Tisk, tisk, Estefanía you need to trust me, a brother knows these things." Fern replied. "How well do you know my brother hermoso?" he continued.

Now that is a tricky question, best to go back to the when in doubt smile and wing it plan of dealing with Ranger's family.

"I know your brother as well as he allows me too," I answered.

Fern seemed to ponder over this answer and it was silent again except for the crashing of the waves on the sand.

"I think you know more of him then you allow yourself to admit. He loves you very much Estefanía." He turned back to the water when he finished speaking.

This conversation was getting very close to the danger zone but my mouth did not comprehend the warnings. "He loves me in his own way Fern" I replied, my voice sounding a little angry for which I was ashamed.

Fern drew in a sharp breath before turning back to me. As he spoke his eyes were soft but his voice was tight "of course he loves you in his own way, whose way do you want him to love you? Should he love you as one of your exes did, or as your father does? Do you want him to love you in the way his men do?" he paused a moment before continuing "does he not show you the depths of his love with his actions Estefanía?"

I couldn't reply to him, my mouth felt as dry as the Sahara desert. I drew my hands together and began ringing them, trying to digest his words while providing myself a release. I had never thought about Ranger's comment in that context. In my head the 'in my own way' always held such a negative vibe that it felt worse then when he told me that his type of love for me was 'the kind that doesn't call for a ring. But a condom might come in handy.' I am beginning to think I need to reevaluate some things; the man in black is just so confusing at times, his actions say one thing while his words something else entirely.

I don't know how long we sat there, I was lost in my own thoughts I am sure the same can be said for Fern. I noticed him sliding a little closer to me before I felt his arm sliding across my shoulder, anchoring me to his body. I felt the joy in him when he decided to speak again. "You brought Hector into my life as well hermoso, and for that I will thank you until the day I die. He is a remarkable man and I am honored to call him my partner, my lover, and my best friend."

I had to smile, Fern's joy was contagious and Hector was an extraordinary man.

"I am thrilled that you and Hector have found each other Fern, I see how happy he has been but I am afraid no thanks is due here" I replied. What was this man thinking?

"Oh but you see it is Estefanía. Hector said that if it were not for you his heart would still be closed," Fern informed me.

I chuckled; Hector once told me that I was the can opener to his heart.

I wanted to ask Fern a little about his relationship with Hector but before I got the chance Rafael came running over to us and began speaking in rapid Spanish. "Tío Fern, el Tío Carlos me dijo conseguirle y permitir que sepa que sus dos horas están arriba***".

"You'll have to excuse me now hermoso but my time is up. We will talk more, think about what I said, okay?" said Fern.

I shook my head slightly acknowledging his request as he got up and walked off leaving me to my own thoughts.

I gathered my knees into my chest, trying to provide myself some comfort as I starred off at the horizon. The sun was cooling and the breeze was picking up, overall the weather had made it a perfect beach day, one of the last of the summer. I rested by head on my knees and closed my eyes trying to process everything Fern had said to me. Before I could stop myself I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks and splashing on my knees. Oh how I wish that I were the light in Rangers life, that he would allow me to be that, allow me to repay the favor. He is my light, actually if I am honest with myself he is not only my light, he is my strength, my support, the reason my heart beats.

I don't know how long I sat there; my tears had long since dried up. How many more could I cry over this man, over what I wanted and longed for that seemingly would never happen. How much longer could I go on like this? My brain was even more confused now then before this weekend started. Not only the things that Ranger had said but also the comments made by his family had me drowning in thought. One thing I knew for sure was that I needed to do a better job of guarding my heart for the rest of the weekend if I had any hopes of surviving it.

I felt the sand shift beside me and than a water bottle dropped into my lap. I looked over and to find Hector sitting next to me, I gave him my best attempt at a smile but he didn't look as if it was convincing. He ruffled my curls and pulled me close to him.

After a few minutes he spoke and I could tell he was trying to lighten the troubled mood that he sensed.

"Angelita I told you that I would introduce to my better half in time" Hector said.

I couldn't help but giggle a bit and smack him in the chest. "That you did my friend" I replied. I wanted to be mad at him like I was when I first realized just a short time ago that his man was Ranger's brother but I just couldn't muster it up. I could tell that Fern was a wonderful man who was very much in love with my friend and I am sure that Hector realized that I would have made the connection, and he was trying to protect his bosses privacy.

Hector's voice broke me from my musing "I didn't think it was my place to introduce you to his family. Do you forgive me?"

I leaned into Hector and smiled, his ESP was on the job. I chose my next words carefully trying not to show my jealousy. "No forgiveness needed amigo, I am just happy that you are in love and have found someone who wants to share in that. Fern seems wonderful."

"It's because of you Angelita that I felt I could love again. You made me love again" Hector said with such tenderness in his voice it truly left me speechless.

We sat on the beach a little longer before Hector announced that we should make our way inside before they send out the search party. I couldn't help but laugh, as that was exactly what happened last night.

I gathered up the blanket and my towel threw on my flip-flops before making my way to the stairs that led to the house. Hector entwined our hands and we ascended the steps together.

I noticed that all the men with the exception of Ranger were gathered at one of the tables on the deck drinking La Tropical, which I had learned was the first Cuban beer and Ric and Diego were smoking cigars. Hector walked over to join them and I made my way into the kitchen. The smells engulfed me, and my mouth watered from all the spices that filled the air. I looked around again and observed Ranger was nowhere to be found, strange.

Maria was the first to notice me; she brushed her apron off and came to stand in front of me. She reached over and patted my cheek before speaking. "I hope you like Cuban food hija, I have made everyone's favorites."

My stomach took that moment to announce it presence with a very loud growl, I blushed and turned my head. After taking a few deep breaths I replied to Maria "I am not sure if I have ever had Cuban food but it smells wonderful. Is there anything I can help with?"

"No, no, you go get cleaned up for dinner" Maria answered.

I was about to ask where Ranger was but before I got the chance she had made her way back to the stove and was engrossed in frying something.

Once I reached the bedroom, I looked around again for Batman but I had no luck. I reached the dressing room and pulled out a pair of white Bermuda shorts and a black top in the softest cotton I had every felt. I found a beautiful La Perla beige pushup bra and string thong set in the dresser. Holy crap this was over two hundred dollars worth of undergarments, trust me I know quality lingerie when I see it. Is this man crazy, I don't need this? I was really wishing that I packed myself or better yet didn't come at all; he shouldn't be spending his money on me.

I took a shower to remove the sand and salt water, shaved and engulfed myself in the magical green shower gel, oh that smell. I stepped out of the shower, and proceeded to get myself ready. I tamed my curls with Mr. Alexander's magical gel, and added just a few coats of mascara for courage with some lip-gloss, no sense of covering up all the color from the sun. I put on the lingerie and it melted to my skin perfectly, God it felt like heaven. I finished getting dressed and with freshly cleaned attitude and body I was determined to enjoy the rest of the evening while keeping my heart closed off. I exited the bathroom to find some shoes to put on; it was only then that I realized that the doors to the balcony were open.

I quietly crept over to the door and what I found had me stopping in my tracks. Ranger was sitting in one of the chairs staring out at the ocean much like I was earlier, he looked almost rejected if that was a word you could put in the same thought as Ranger. I noticed the second he realized my presence because his body stiffened. Wow what was that about? I quietly walked over to him and placed my hand on his shoulder "there you are" I said softly.

"Stephanie" Ranger said, oh crap, I hated when he called me, especially when I knew he was using it because he was angry or upset. He still wasn't even looking at me, what the hell, what did I do?

Before I had the chance to ask what was the matter he spoke "if you're unhappy, we can leave now and I'll bring you home".

Where in the world did that come from? Maybe he was the one that was unhappy; maybe he realized bringing me here to meet his family was a mistake. I felt my throat closing up as these thoughts ran rabid through my brain.

"Ranger" I croaked out, I paused to take a deep breath willing my voice to become stronger. "Ranger," I started again, "if you're unhappy with me being here all you have to do is say the word and I'll leave. I will take your car back, I am sure you can ride with Hector and Fern or something. No sense in letting me ruin your time with your family". By the time I was finished talking I could feel the tears building up in my eyes, I turned my head in the opposite direction, not like it mattered because he still hadn't so much as glanced at me, but I was determined not to let him see them fall.

I was just about to walk into the bedroom to gather the few things I had personally packed and high tail it out of Rhode Island, when I felt his hand on my shoulder and his body behind mine.

"Stephanie" he said in a whisper.

I paused but didn't turn to face him. What did this man want from me? Could he not see that he was breaking me?

"Babe" he said a little louder this time.

I was just about to turn around when Lexi came bouncing into the bedroom with Danica hot on here heals.

"Tío Carlos, Tía Estefi, tis time for dinner" Lexi all but yelled.

I plastered a fake smile on my face before responding to the little girl. "Okay Sweet Pea let me get my shoes."

It looks like my retreat would have to wait a while longer, suck it up I said to myself, you can come up with some excuse during dinner as to why you need to leave. I made my way to the dressing room and tucked my feet into a pair of black sandals, all the while trying to regain my composure. You can do this I kept telling myself over and over again; maybe if I repeated it enough I would start to believe it.

Lexi made her way over to me and was fingering some of my cloths that were hanging up. "Pretty, we play dress up tomorrow?" she asked.

I couldn't help but smile a genuine smile, God I was going to miss this little girl. I can't believe how attached I have gotten to her. I chose not to answer I just grabbed her hand and made my way out into the bedroom to find Ranger talking to Danica, about what I have no idea.

We made our way down the stairs and out to the back deck where everyone was gathered, the sun was just setting and everything was covered in a soft light with some tiki torches adding to the summer feel. Lexi pulled me over to where three chairs were open and sat down, patting the chair next to her for me. Danica hurried off to sit next to here mother, which left the other chair free for Ranger.

Ric gave a short grace and then all hell broke loose at the table. Beer and wine were handed out, but I declined, drinking and driving were not a good idea. More dishes of food then I thought possible were passed from every angle. Every time something would reach me Ranger would explained what it was, all I could do was simply nod, if I looked at him or responded I would crumble.

The food was absolutely wonderful, it was like a party for my taste buds and under normal circumstances I would have been moaning my appreciation. Unfortunately even my trusty staple of food could not make me feel better. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so sad, it was clear that Ranger regretted bringing me here to meet his family, that he was unhappy with me. I knew that this weekend was a mistake that my heart wouldn't make it out in one piece, why didn't I trust my own Spidy Sense?

I could be honest and say I was a little jealous of his family, you could see and feel the love they had for one another, significant others included. Now don't get me wrong my family loves each other but we show it in food not with expressing emotions and touching each other. My family also comes with a constant layer of Burg guilt and my mother has no problem letting me know that I am a disappointment. I didn't see that here, in fact I think I was hugged more this weekend by Ranger's family then I was the last ten years combined by my own.

Dinner passed in a blur with loud conversation all around. I remained as quiet as possible during the meal, only speaking when spoken too, very different and unusual for me. The kids all excused themselves at some point to go play in the den and get ready for bed, as the meal was long. After everyone finished Maria and Ric went off to take care of the dishes and grandkids not allowing anyone else to help.

As time passed the drinks continued to flow all around me and I was surprised to find Ranger on his third beer, typically two was his limit, Mr. Always In Control! He casually draped an arm across my shoulders while pulling me closer to him; I had to school myself not to react. I didn't want his family to pick up on anything; lord knows they all seem to have ESP. I was thinking of a way to excuse myself when a round of cigars made an appearance. I looked at Ranger in surprise when he grabbed one from the box and preceded to light it, he just shrugged his shoulders.

At this point Celia stood up from the table announcing it was time for her to retreat and get the kids into bed and Pilar followed suit. I took it as my opportunity to excuse myself as well, wishing everyone a good night in the process. No reason to let them know that they wouldn't be seeing me in the morning, Ranger could come up with something. I felt guilty because they had all been so wonderful to me but I couldn't stay here with him and his family, sleep in the same bed, act as if everything was okay when it is so clear that I wasn't wanted here by the man himself.

I quickly made my way upstairs and repacked my bag, only then did I notice that I still had Rangers birthday present. I extracted the gift before zipping my bag and placed it on my pillow. I took a minute and jotted a quick note on the back of an envelope I found in my purse.

Ranger-

I'm sorry that by bringing me here you were unhappy. That's the last thing I want for you. You have a wonderful family, please tell them I said thank you.

I will return the Turbo to RangeMan.

Enjoy your weekend,

Stephanie

With that done I snagged the keys from the nightstand and made a quick detour to the bathroom to take care of business before the long trip home. As I was finishing up and washing my hands I felt the tingle that runs across the back of my neck, alerting me of Ranger's presence before I even saw him. I turned and there standing in the doorway with my note crushed in his hand was Ranger.

Ranger's eyes were piercing into my soul as he stalked towards me, I couldn't move. He dropped the envelope on the ground when he was a few inches from me and gently cradled my face between his two large hands.

"Babe, I think you and I need to talk. There seems to be a misunderstanding," he said in a tone so serious I tried to turn my head to look away.

"Talk" I squeaked out.

"Yes, talk" he replied while picking me up and making his was out to the balcony.

Edited 03/07/13

A few questions for you following this story...

What should the birthday gift be?

To smut or not to smut, that is the question?

When the time comes do we like epilogues?

Thanks for reading!

* hermoso- beautiful.

** hermanos- siblings

*** "Tío Fern, el Tío Carlos me dijo conseguirle y permitir que sepa que sus dos horas están arriba". - "Uncle Fern, Uncle Carlos told me to get you and let you know that your two hours are up."