Better than myself Part 34

(Sequel to As a Man)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, I'm not making any money, and all the wonderful characters belong to the lovely JE. I would borrow Ranger and maybe Tank, at least Tank as I write him.

Stephanie's POV

I was a little surprised when Ranger asked me to attend his therapy session. He had always kept them separate from me, not because he was being secretive anymore; I just think he wanted to shield me from some of the ugliness that happened to him. But this time, he said that he needed me and wasn't sure he could get through the session with Jason without me. Of course I would go with him, which just shows me again how far we have come in the past few months. He has finally gotten to a place where he can admit his need and ask for help.

Arriving at the therapist, he kissed my hand and steeled himself for whatever Jason had to ask. I know it had to be hard for Ranger to answer direct questions about some of the things that happened, but this was something that he knew Jason needed. It had to be hard to feel like you came from a monster.

It got me thinking about my relationship with Valerie. I know that I need to forgive her, she was manipulated my Joe and I can't be angry about that anymore. Sometimes things are done because the other person needs it and Dad keeps saying that Valerie needs me. I can be the bigger person and be there for her in her time of need. I can't imagine what she is going through and will go through until they know who the father of her baby is.

I am shocked that I got through the session without bursting into tears. Ranger didn't need my tears right now, he needed my strength. I would cry later. I could tell he was shedding tears of his own, in his own way. I have learned while being with him, just because you don't see tears on the outside doesn't mean the person isn't crying.

When they were done, Jason hugged Ranger, "I am so sorry little brother, we all let you down, but it will never happen again. We are all that we have left and we have to be there for each other. Thank you for doing this for me."

"I never blamed you Jason, I never did. We are going to be okay; we can't let the poison of our parents dictate our future."

He turned to me and was ready to go. We got into the Porsche and he quickly got into his driving zone. I knew better than to try to make small talk or ask where we were going. As much as things have changed a lot of things have stayed the same.

I wondered why we ended up at Arielle's Haven. Didn't we see enough of this place during the day? All of Rangeman employees seemed to spend a lot of time here, doing different activities with the kids. Ranger loved teaching self defense and the signup sheets for his classes was always a mile long.

This was a dream job; I got to help people in a way that didn't get me shot at. And unlike at the bonds office, I don't see any potential for jealous coworkers. Camille and I have become great friends. She is slowly filling the hole that Lula's betrayal left. Which is ironic since she is dating Tank, I guess I am destined to be friends with whomever Tank loves. I see them growing closer and becoming a unit more and more every day. I know Tank is guarding his heart a little and wants to make sure he does everything right by her. But I don't have any doubt in my mind, that once JJ comes around, they will be married.

Ranger and I walk through the building, waving to the few employees remaining. A little more people than usual for this time of evening, but it isn't unusual for people not to want to leave. He leads me to the pond in the back, the gazebo just was finished this week and I am so happy about it, I am waiting for the paddle boats to be delivered and the deck to be built and it is just another activity for the kids.

He looks at me, I don't know what I expected him to say, but it wasn't what came out of his mouth. "Babe, Stephanie, my life has been heading this direction since we met, if not before that. There is not a part of me that has not been in love with you for as long as I can remember. You made me want to change; you made me want to become a better man."

He gets down on one knee, "Will you marry me?" And he brings out the most beautiful diamond and sapphire ring I have ever seen.

I get down on my knees also, because no one needs to be below the other in this moment, "Of course I will marry you."

Thinking of becoming his husband brings me no anxiety, no doubt. My future is supposed to be with this man as his wife. I don't need a big wedding, I don't want a new dress, and I just want to start our life together. I could not wait to become Mrs. Stephanie Manoso.

As always Ranger was a million steps ahead of me and out comes all of our friends and family. And I think I see a minister coming from behind the gazebo.

"Well there is no time like the present."

A/N: Sorry I have been behind in posting, between my kids, my job and a minor outpatient procedure that left me exhausted it feels like I haven't written in ages. I want to that Margaret fowler and christibabe for egging my story on and not letting me lie in limbo. I am feeling much better now and things seem to be moving forward better. And I am less than a month away from the kids going back to school!

Thanks for all of the reviews, they are like candy and give me inspiration.