Shelter from the Storm

.

.

a/n a prequel of sorts...and the only New Years story I have to offer so...

Obviously this take place far before Ranger and Stephanie become a couple, and it is slightly AU for my Plum world. But what the heck.

Happy New Year!

.

HEA!

Chapter Twenty four ~ For Auld Lang Syne: The Stakeout

.

[Stephanie]

New Years Eve...quite a few years ago...

Okay, this is maybe the shittiest New Years Eve ever. I'm sitting here in a black Rangeman Explorer, another stakeout, just another day in the life of Stephanie Plum. As usual, I need the money, so I am working tonight, no party for this girl.

My ass is asleep and my teeth are chattering, it's freakin' cold tonight. Next to me is, without a doubt, the hottest guy in Jersey, maybe in the entire world. But is he keeping me warm? Noooooo.

He is sitting here silent as a Buddha, but thinner and cuter. My friend, my mentor, my boss - Ranger.

I look at him out of the corner of my eye. Nope, nothing.

I say to him, "Are we gonna be sitting here like this when we're, like, 50, Ranger? What's up with that, anyway?"

He says, "Tank and Binkie are relieving us at midnight, I don't think we'll be 50 in the next ten minutes, babe."

"You know what I mean!"

Silence.

I say, "What do you imagine when you see us in twenty years, Ranger?"

Silence, though he looks like he might smile or laugh.

After a few minutes I say softly, "I guess dreams die really hard."

I am trying hard not to cry. And I make yet another New Year's Resolution. I resolve to move on with my life, to make a future that does not include dreams of a life with this man. Yes, I love him. And yes, I know! - I will always love him. But I am moving on.

I take a deep breath and stare out at Tank's headlights. It is midnight, two thousand-something.

Ranger looks at me and he says, "That's your New Year's Resolution? What are you thinking?"

Damn ESP.

And then he kisses me.

Ok, that's a record: Shortest Lifespan Ever for a Stephanie Plum New Year's Resolution. But as he deepens the kiss, I am warm and happy and who cares what happens in 20 years….

Ranger says, "Happy New Year, babe. I love you."

Yeah. I love you too.

"Let's go home…."

…..

New Year's Eve, Twenty years later

.

Midnight. All our friends and family are here. It's a warm winter night in Miami, our house is filled with balloons and flowers and friends and caterers; food and music and champagne.

Even our kids are here with their friends. A miracle, teenagers don't usually want to hang with their parents on New Year's Eve. As we watched the crystal ball drop on the TV - Times Square never changes, does it? - I drank champagne and kissed my handsome husband and thought I was surely the happiest woman in the world.

I look at Ranger, still as beautiful as ever at age 50, god, I hoped I looked half as good…..I say, "Remember that New Year's Eve stakeout back in Jersey that time?"

He said, "How could I forget? You were going to leave me."

"Probably not."

"I'm glad."

"I love you, Ranger. Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year, babe."

The end of the story, series back on track and continuing soon!

Happy New Year, best wishes to all!

love

sunny