Thanks for the continued support to this story. It means a lot;)
I struggled with this chapter, until I decided to use a different POV. I hope you enjoy it;D
By the way, I've bumped this story up to M because I felt it gave more freedom.
Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.
Ranger's POV
I slowed for a red light and sighed. It had been a long day, but just the thought of going home put a smile on my face. I knew Babe would be waiting for me in bed, wearing an oversized T-shirt as sleepwear. I shifted in my seat. Just the thought of her soft body pressed against mine caused my body to react.
The light changed and the movement of the car awoke my companion. I grinned at the small puppy riding on the seat next to me and thought about how much my little guy was going to enjoy the Golden Retriever. As soon as I laid eyes on the dog, I knew he would be perfect for us. I wanted to surprise Eddie and even though it was a little past midnight, Ella assured me I could stop by to drop off the puppy. I needed to fill Stephanie in so we could plan how to introduce our little boy and the new addition to the family.
Just as I swung into the underground garage at Rangeman I spotted a familiar someone jogging past a row of SUVs. I honked, zipping past my daughter to park on my designated spot next to the elevator.
"Hey." I heard her call slightly out of breath when I opened the door to get out.
"Isn't it a little late to be out?" I frowned at her unusual choice.
"I couldn't sleep." She waved a hand, attempting to distract me. Behind me an impatient bark echoed. "Whatcha got there?"
I narrowed my eyes. She really wanted to avoid a serious conversation. I turned around to pick up the puppy, deciding it was best to give her some space. I made a mental note to ask Stephanie if she knew anything. "Eddie wants a dog." I turned, cradling the puppy.
"Aww!" Julie gushed over the small animal. "Why did you bring him here?" I told her I wanted to fill Stephanie in before Eddie knew. "I can keep him for the night." She took the puppy from me, redirecting her full attention to the animal.
"Sure?"
"Yeah." Julie nodded, saying she would tell Ella in the morning to keep an eye on him.
I followed Julie up to seven to deposit the accessories and food in the living room. "Get some sleep." I'm perfectly aware of the fact that my daughter is legally an adult, but I can't help it. For so long I had to conform with visiting her when I was invited that now that I see her every day I feel the need to get involved.
"I'll try." She hugged the puppy a little tighter. "This little one's gonna be my night buddy."
"Goodnight." We shared a hug and kiss on the cheek before I left.
My next and final stop was at home.
The house was dark and silent when I entered. After doing a quick sweep of the house to make sure everything was locked and secure, I moved upstairs.
I swung by Eddie's room to give him the goodnight kiss I couldn't give him when he went to bed earlier. He was sleeping peacefully, so I left quietly to not disturb him.
A heartfelt sigh escaped my lips when I finally entered the master bedroom and spotted my wife's sleeping form on the bed. I was tempted to just strip out of my clothing and climb under the sheets with her, but it had been a long day and I was in desperate need of a shower.
I groaned when the hot water cascaded around me, but didn't allow myself too much time to enjoy it. I was exhausted, so after a good cleansing I was going straight to bed. I shampooed, lathered, rinsed and dried in record time.
Naked, I finally slipped in next to my Babe.
"Ranger…" She murmured groggily, automatically rolling into me.
"Babe." I kissed her forehead and wrapped my arms around her. She was fast asleep. I was exhausted, so I allowed her scent and warmth to take me to dreamland.
S&R
The blare of the alarm awoke me. Effortlessly, I reached for the clock to silence the offending sound. I usually get up to go for a run, but today the bed felt extra comfy. I snuggled closer with Babe, passing a hand across her back to soothe her.
"Five more minutes." She mumbled, burying her face in that sweet spot where shoulder meets neck.
"Babe." I murmured against her ear. She stirred and the movement pressed my morning erection against her inner thigh. I groaned.
"Mmm…you always want." Her lips brushed against my skin, sending an electrifying rush of desire down my spine.
Her sleepy murmurs told me she wasn't fully awake yet, but I could change that. "Stephanie." I moaned her name when I slipped a hand under the hem of the oversized T-shirt she'd worn to bed and realized she was naked.
"Carlos…" It was her turn to moan when I skimmed my fingers along her entrance. "Ranger…"
"Yeah?" I rolled us to be on top, easily getting rid of the only article of clothing between us. Her eyes fluttered open, a deep shade of blue that always drives me wild. "How?" I kissed her lips, her throat, breasts and any sliver of flesh I could reach.
Another moan tumbled past her lips as I used my fingers to test her readiness. "You know how." Her breathy response fueled my arousal, sending another jolt of desire straight to my cock.
I slid inside, claiming her lips as I set a comfortable rhythm for the both of us.
The sound of moans, groans and sighs mingled together mimicking the way our bodies tangled together.
"Mmmhhm…" Her needy moan was accompanied by the scrape of her nails across my lower back. It was her telltale sign. She was close.
"Yeah." I picked up the pace, slightly changing the angle in the process. "So beautiful." I murmured, skimming my lips across her bouncing breasts.
"Yesyesyesyes..." Her chant morphed into moans as the orgasm hit her. She wrapped herself around me and the rippling waves of her relief pushed me over the edge. I came, the pleasure engulfing us in a cocoon of heat.
"Mmmm…" Babe purred after, splaying herself over me. "That was a nice wakeup call." Her lips scattered wet kisses across my pecs. "I might have been a bit loud." She cringed.
"Babe, I think the neighbors heard." My tease got me a swat on the shoulder. "Hey, are you complaining?" I palmed her bottom, pressing her naked body against mine. I love the feeling of being pressed skin to skin with her.
"No." She sighed and rested her head on my chest. Suddenly, she stopped speaking.
"Babe?" I trailed my hands up her back, massaging her shoulders.
"We need to talk." The words were muffled.
Just as I was about to inquire, my cell phone rang. Business as usual. When I ended the call I asked her what was going on.
"It's important." She proposed we shared lunch together.
"Okay." I nodded and held her a moment longer before getting up to get ready.
S&R
Morning meetings kept me busy until eleven and even though it was a bit early, I decided to go look for my wife. I had a feeling that whatever Babe wanted to tell me was very important. And I would use our get together to fill her in on the new member of our family.
I walked into her office as she was ending a call. "Hey." She gave me a bright smile as she leaned her head back, eagerly accepting the kiss I had to offer.
"I have something to show you." I gave her my patented almost smile. Her eyes flashed to my groin and then to her door. "Babe." I grinned, clearly reading her naughty thoughts. She blushed and it made my smile grow wider. "Come on." I swept her off her chair and set her on her feet so she could follow me.
When we got on the elevator and I key fobbed us to the seventh floor, Babe gave me a puzzled look.
"You do remember that it's Julie's apartment now, right?" Her teasing made me chuckle.
As soon as I opened the door a happy bark greeted us. Stephanie's eyes widen as she bent to welcome the skittering pup.
"Aw!" She cooed at the animal much in the same way my daughter did earlier.
I squatted next to them. "One of our clients has a pet rescue program." I told Babe that the dog was dropped off when I was on my way out. "It seems they couldn't afford to keep the dog." I reached to pet the pup. "Thought he'd be perfect for our son."
"He's gonna go nuts." Babe's voice broke, choking with emotion.
"Babe?" I pushed her hair aside to be able to look at her face.
"I have news for you too." She stood and I followed the movement. Automatically, my hands landed on her hips. I rubbed my thumbs across her abdomen in encouragement. She knows she can tell me anything. "There's one more addition to the family."
I tightened my grip as her words echoed in my head. And then realization dawned on me. Pregnant.
I practically jogged out of the airport. As soon as I was outside, I quickly scanned my surroundings in search of my ride. I didn't want to waste any time getting back to Trenton. I was away longer than anticipated and I've really missed Stephanie.
When I finally spotted Tank idling nearby, I hurried over to the car. I gave him a nod of acknowledgement as I tossed my duffle bag to the back seat. The delicious smell of food wafted over to me, reminding me of how hungry I was.
"Got you the usual." Tank muttered as he handed me a fast food bag. It's true that I take really good care of myself and that I consider my body a temple, but usually after a long mission I really enjoy a hot, greasy meal. I'll never admit it, especially to Babe, but a great Cheeseburger sure does help me ease back into my normal routine.
I grinned to myself, chewing with greed. I want, need to see Stephanie. "Take me to Stephanie's building."
"Uhm." Tank shot me a sideways glance, wanting to argue.
"I'm fine." I didn't need any down time.
"There's something you should know." Tank was going to insist, I could tell.
"I'm going to see her whether you drive me or not." I made it clear that I was determined. I'd been shot at and chased during my time away. No one was going to keep me from going to her.
Tank was silent the rest of the way, but tension still rolled off him in waves. I ignored him.
Tank parked at the edge of the lot and turned to look at me. I raised a hand, stopping him. I didn't need a babysitter. I'm a man. I could handle anything. Tank sighed, but remained silent.
I opened my door and angled out, instantly spotting her as she moved towards the building's entrance. Her back was to me and I had to grin at the view. A breeze had kicked in and it pressed the back of her dress to her form, outlining her curves. My body reacted instantly, the sight of her making my palms itch to touch her.
I wanted to sneak up to her and wrap my arms around her stunning figure, but I also wanted to see her beautiful face. "Babe." I called out to her, smiling predatorily when she whirled around to face me.
But as soon as I caught sight of her in mid-turn, my eyes instantly strayed to her midsection. An enlarged, very pregnant belly adorned her figure. The view left me speechless.
"Ranger!" Babe's worried face swam into focus, bringing me back to the present. "Are you okay?" She cupped my face in her palms, obviously anxious.
"Babe." I gave her a slight nod and patted her right hand to let her know I was alright. Somehow, in my surprise I ended up sitting on the floor with my back to the wall. Babe was kneeling between my spread knees, still looking worried.
"That's all you have to say?" She was nervous. The bright shade of blue of her eyes told me so.
I missed so much with Julie, only visiting when I was allowed. With Eddie I missed a good chunk of the pregnancy. I honestly never thought I'd get another chance, so I'm really going to cherish this pregnancy with Babe. "A baby." A slow smile spread across my face as I reached for Babe to come closer.
"Si." Stephanie nodded, looping her arms around my neck. In response I only smiled before we shared a slow kiss to celebrate the news.
It seems that the flashbacks really work to paint that background picture for S&R.
And fear not, we'll get to know how Julie's been in the next chapter;)