Disclaimer: not mine

AN: Thank you once again for your wonderful reviews. I hope you enjoy this update. Thanks again to my wonderful beta, Elaine, for her constructive feedback to make this chapter better. Some of the dialogue is hers.

I'm sorry it took so long, no excuses really. Some writers block and work stress. I haven't started the next chapter but hope it won't take so long to update again.

Ranger's POV

I heard Stephanie talking but I could only focus on the part where she said she loved me and needed me. I was a lucky man indeed to still have her love.

"Babe, I'm sorry for the way I reacted. It was a shock to find out about Hope and that you hadn't said anything. I love you too, more than anyone or anything else in this world. I'd give up everything for you - my money, my business… my life." I saw her shake her head at that last one. "Yes, I'd give my life. That's the ultimate sacrifice for someone like me. The fact that you held in your pain to spare mine is humbling. I will always love you and Hope but someday I would like us to have another child. One we can shower with our love."

I saw her smile through her tears, she was so beautiful. I knew it was now or never. I need to prove my love. I got down on one knee in front of her and took her hand in mine. "Stephanie, Babe, I'm going to ask you a question that I planned to ask you on Valentine's Day," I took a deep breath before continuing I was uncharacteristically nervous. "Will you make me the happiest man alive and agree to marry me? I want to continue to wake up with you in my arms every day for the rest of my life. Please, Stephanie."

I saw her eyes widen in shock and then her smile widened. The tears had not stopped. I heard her whisper, "Oh yes, Ric. I will marry you. I want to spend forever with you."

I pulled her into my arms after sliding the ring onto her slim finger. I kissed her gently at first but it soon escalated to hot and passionate. I broke the kiss off so we could both breathe in much needed oxygen. After our heart rate decreased and our breathing had calmed she took my large brown hand into small dainty white one and placed it on her abdomen. I noticed it was slightly distended and felt my eyes widen in shock. "Babe?"

I watched her smile at me and nod. "I'm pregnant. I think I'm about twelve weeks. I haven't been to the doctor yet. I called earlier today and I have an appointment tomorrow. Would you like to go with me?"

"Absolutely, Babe," I replied.

Stephanie's POV

I couldn't believe that Ric was being so honest and sweet. He even apologized for the way he acted when he found out about Hope. I loved him more than anything – and he wants to marry me. Me, screw up Stephanie. I cried tears of pure joy when he got on one knee, this was something we'd always planned, to be married and spend the rest of our lives together. That was before Emilio and before the pain. When I gave him my answer I saw how happy it made him. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me passionately.

I had yet to tell him I was pregnant. I already knew he was marrying me because he wanted to, not because of the pregnancy. That was something I had feared. I was afraid he'd marry me because of the baby; not because he loved me. He even wanted to go with me to the appointments.

He pulled me to him once again and began to kiss me. Then he picked me up in his strong mocha latte arms and I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his powerful hips. He carried me into the bedroom, carefully laying me on the bed. He kissed down my body as he exposed my skin. He whispered to our child growing inside me. It was sweet and romantic. Our little family would be a happy one.

Ranger's POV

I blinked as I heard a noise in the kitchen. I glanced at my phone sitting on the nightstand beside the bed. It was seven in the morning. I can't believe I slept so late. Then again, we didn't sleep much last night. We made love over and over, always telling each other how we felt about each other and our child. I missed my workout and the morning meeting. It must be Ella dropping off our breakfast.

I woke the love of my life up with soft butterfly kisses to her face and shoulders. I heard her moan in pleasure and begin to stretch. "Morning Ric," she mumbled.

"Good morning Babe. What time is your appointment?"

"It's at quarter past eleven in Newark. We'll need to leave by ten so I can arrive early to complete the paperwork before the appointment."

"Then I think you better get into the shower, Ella brought breakfast."

I watched her slowly get out of bed and make her way to the bathroom. I thought this was the best life could be. I was finally marrying my Babe and we were having a baby. We still had to tell her mother; but my family, her Dad, grandmother and uncle would all be happy for us. I heard the water turn on and slipped out of bed. I decided I'd join her; after all, I am very good in the shower.

Stephanie's POV

After breakfast, which was after another round of lovemaking, we took off for Newark. We were early but I thought nothing of it until we passed the exit for the doctor and veered off at the next one. I had a funny feeling that we were heading towards his parents' house.

"Where are we going, Ric? This is the way to your parents', isn't it?"

"We're early and I thought we'd surprise them with a visit from their future daughter-in-law and grandchild."

"Aren't they going to think this is Rachel all over again?"

"No, they've always loved you. They knew we had planned to marry after college. Before and after Rachel, they were always on my case to get back together with you."

"That was a long time ago."

"That was last week when they called to see if I'd made any progress finding you. They were almost as worried as I was. They'll be happy for us, you'll see."

We were quiet for the remainder of the drive as we wound our way through the familiar neighborhood. It had been many years since I had been in this area of Newark. I thought about the last time, the day of the party. At least I knew Emilio couldn't ruin this moment. I hoped his grandma and aunt weren't at the Manoso's home. I watched him pull up in front of the house. I felt the anxiety begin. I took deep breaths and before I knew it Ric was opening my car door. He helped me from the low slung Porsche and held my hand as we walked up to the house. He pressed the doorbell then opened the door calling out, "Mama, Papa."

His sweet mother came out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a dish towel. She took us in and smile spread across her kind face. His father came in and smiled as well. Then Irena pulled me into her arms and said, "Oh Stephanie, we've missed you."

I hugged her back and replied, "I missed you too. I can't believe you don't hate me."

Irena let me go and Ricardo hugged me. "Of course we don't hate you. This began because Emilio was a spoiled, selfish, child. He was always jealous of my son. He separated you and would be livid to know all these years later you are together. I'm sad you lost so much time," Irena said.

Ricardo nodded, saying, "He was, and my mother and sister-in-law will be angry. If they can't be happy for the both of you, they won't be welcome in our home."

I felt my eyes well with tears. "Thank you, both. I love you."

Ranger's POV

Thank god my parents have a clear understanding of the situation. They know Emilio was a waste of skin and will side with me and Stephanie.

"Papa, Mama, we have something to tell you," I stated. They looked curious as I grabbed my Babe's hand, pulling her close to me. "I asked Steph to marry me yesterday and she said yes."

Mama screamed and began to cry. "Dios mio! I'm so happy the two of are finally getting married."

Papa smiled, hugging us both. "It's about time my children. Now, when can we expect more grandchildren?"

My smile widened, "Soon, we're on our way to an appointment to confirm the pregnancy and due date."

Mama walked us to the door saying, "I expect the two of you to stop back on your way home. You can have dinner and I will invite your brother and sisters. They will be very happy for the both of you."

We walked out of my family home and to the car. I opened the door for Steph and buckled her in. Then, I slowly made my way to the driver's side. I pulled into traffic and drove to the doctor's office. Nothing could ruin this day.