As always, I use them for fun and not for profit...sigh.

Epilogue-Three Years Later

Stephanie lifted her curls off her forehead and frowned at her reflection. The strands of grey were few, but they had a mind of their own and stood out at odd angles around her face, creating a little halo. Next time she saw Mr. Alexander she was going to have to go for the full color. She sighed.

"Better get a handle on that, Babe." She started and turned around coming face-to-face with Ranger.

"How do you do that?" she asked. "I was looking in the mirror and you still managed to sneak up on me."

"You were absorbed with your grey hair."

"Yes, I was," she said. "I'm going to have to do something about it."

"I like it," he said. "If you do something with your grey hair maybe I'll have to do something with mine." Ranger was in teasing mode today. She looked closely at him. His dark brown hair was shot with a few strands of grey and there was a little silver in his sideburns. It made him look more handsome than ever. And then his words sunk in. She pictured Ranger in Mr. Alexander's salon, a pink cape covering his shoulders and foils sticking out helter-skelter from his head. She burst out laughing and punched him on the shoulder.

"Mr. Alexander would love to get his hands on you, but I think your grey is sexy," she told him. "Why is it that men get better looking as they age and women just look…older?"

"Aging is a part of life, Babe. You're more beautiful now than you were the day I first saw you, but if your grey bothers you, cover it up."

"I just want to look my best for you," she said.

He put his arms around her and backed her against the sink. He tilted his head and brought his mouth down close to hers. "I think by now we've established our feelings for one another are based on way more than a physical attraction," he said, breathing into her mouth. "Normal signs of aging don't make you any less attractive to me. Wear the blue dress tonight and you'll see just how attractive I find you. We might have to leave early." He leaned in and kissed her and Stephanie forgot about the grey hair, the blue dress and even the evening he'd planned.

When they broke apart he looked at his watch, "I've got to go. I'm busy all day. What about you?"

"Nothing too unusual," she said. "Mostly just routine this morning. I have a meeting to go over some new data with Rock, and then this afternoon I have an appointment…" Stephanie let her voice trail off because she could see Ranger was preoccupied.

"You're very excited about this evening, aren't you?" she asked.

"Yes," Ranger said. "We have a lot to celebrate and I have a couple of surprises."

"I know one of them," Stephanie said.

Ranger raised an eyebrow and stared at her for a moment. "Julie doesn't know, and Scott only suspects, so keep it to yourself."

"I will," she said huffily. "I can keep a secret. I think what you are doing is a good thing and I can tell you are excited about it. And we do have a lot to celebrate. Julie graduated in three years, summa cum laude, with a degree in forensic chemistry, no less. And Scott is leaving his short, but successful career with the Army. They're starting a new phase of their life."

"Get a ride to Jerome's with Julie and Scott," he told her. "I'll be back late-afternoon to get ready, but I have something to do prior to dinner. I'll meet you at the restaurant." He pulled her in for another kiss and he was gone.

Stephanie turned back to the mirror and continued her self-evaluation. She had a trim figure, but she knew the dire warnings of her mother and grandmother about her Hungarian metabolism had come true. Two weeks ago she noticed how tight her jeans were and she'd stepped on the scale to see proof of six extra pounds. She'd been avoiding the morning donuts with Lula and Connie ever since and she'd been secretly exercising. One day alone, she climbed the stairs in the RangeMan building bottom to top three complete times. She'd managed to drop the weight and her reflection in the mirror was satisfying, but she now knew how hard it was going to be to keep herself in the kind of shape she needed to stay in for Ranger. He always said, "That stuff'll kill ya, Babe." It was more likely she'd die from the consequences of trying to keep the effects of 'that stuff' from showing across her ass.

She didn't normally keep things from Ranger, and she knew she'd tell him about her talks with her mother and her appointment, eventually. In the past week, she'd had a serious conversation with her mother and now she knew the complete story. When the Hungarian fat-burning genes expired, menopause set in early. She shuddered. Menopause. She could barely stand to think the word, let alone say it. She was too young for the weight gain and the hot flashes, but it was beginning. It had happened to her grandma and to her mother and the signs were irrefutable. It was why her mother had pushed her so hard at an early age for Stephanie to produce grandchildren. That hadn't happened, but Stephanie was okay with that aspect of her life.

What was happening to her now was troubling. Would it affect their lovemaking? If it did, would Ranger still stay with her? She was going to the doctor to get information and a plan of attack on her declining hormones, and as much as she tried to remain upbeat, she was upset. She wasn't young anymore, and neither was Ranger, but she was the one who was going to have to deal with the changes of aging.

Julie looked over at her husband Scott as Stephanie walked the short distance across the parking garage toward them. "Dad told us to take the Cayenne tonight," Julie said to Scott. She turned to look at Stephanie and a wrinkle marred her normally smooth forehead. "Are you alright?" she asked Stephanie. "You look pale."

"I'm fine," Stephanie said. "I have a headache, but I've taken something for it."

"You look great," Julie told her and walked forward to hug her best friend. In the years since she'd come to Trenton, Stephanie had become an important part of her life. She looked to the older woman for advice and frequently for companionship when Scott had been deployed. Julie had a surprise tonight and she couldn't wait to tell Stephanie the news, but she was going to wait. Her father had to be present to hear the news as well.

"Thanks," Stephanie said looking down at her blue dress. She'd worn it because she knew it would please Ranger. Just a couple of weeks ago it would have been tight, but tonight it skimmed over curves and showed just enough décolletage to be interesting. Stephanie took a moment to look at Julie. Ranger's daughter had the same head turning quality her father had. She was tall, graceful and exuded a confidence beyond her twenty-one years. Stephanie resolutely pushed her problems to the back of her mind and gave herself up to enjoying the celebration for Julie.

Julie and Scott were relaxed and happy and the conversation was lively as they drove to the restaurant. Scott was officially out of the Army as of the previous day and he seemed comfortable with his decision. He kept sliding glances to Julie, and Stephanie wondered if they'd rather have spent the evening at home alone. They'd spent the last three months together though, with Julie doing an internship in Seattle while Scott had been stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington with his Special Forces unit. Now they were back in Trenton and their life was getting ready to take a big turn. She knew about the surprise Ranger had in store for Scott and she thought he'd be more than happy.

When they pulled up to Jerome's, Eddie was waiting to park their car. Stephanie and Ranger had become semi-regular diners at the restaurant where Ranger still remained a silent partner. Stephanie's door was opened by one big meaty hand and Eddie held out the other to her to help her from the Cayenne. "Good evening, Mrs. Boss," Eddie said. "Ranger beat you guys here and he's inside at your table already."

"Thanks, Eddie," Stephanie said. She smiled back at the good-natured giant. "Ranger's not really your boss, you know, and I'm not Mrs. Anybody," she told him. He winked at her and walked forward to move the car to the parking lot.

They found Ranger inside, but he wasn't at a table. He was in the lobby waiting for them.

"I thought you were going to be late," Stephanie said.

"No, not late. I had business that kept me from arriving home in time to make it here," he said. He came close to Stephanie and leaned down to kiss her briefly. "You wore the dress," he said quietly and his eyes told her he approved. She gave him a little smile and once again resolved to forget everything but the celebration.

Their meal was delicious and Stephanie found it wasn't a difficult task to enjoy herself. Everyone seemed relaxed and happy, but Stephanie was aware of the tight coil of excitement Ranger was tamping down. Outwardly, he seemed totally normal and in complete control, as always, but three years of living with him had enabled her to discern things most people never saw. He was excited, biding his time. She knew about his surprise for Scott and although it was going to be most likely welcome news, Stephanie didn't think that totally explained Ranger's excitement.

After dinner they opted to forego dessert. Another trade-off, Stephanie thought. A nice-fitting dress, but no tiramisu. As the four lingered over coffee Ranger took control of the conversation. "We're here to celebrate your accomplishment, Julie. Graduating in three years with academic honors is rare. I'm very proud of your hard work."

"Thank you," Julie said. "I'm a little proud of myself, too." She turned and smiled at Stephanie. "None of this would have been possible without you, Stephanie. Thank you."

"Without me?" Stephanie's surprise was evident.

"Yes," Julie said, smiling broadly. "If you hadn't gone to find Tinley Hicks that night I'd still be going to school part-time. Tank insisted that the money for Tinley's capture should be mine. Rock agreed, and so I used the money to pay for most of my tuition. I only have a few student loans and as soon as I find a job I can start repaying them."

"About a job," Ranger said. "I know you've indicated you would be interested in working for RangeMan in a career position, as opposed to the part time office job you've been doing." Julie's eyes widened in anticipation and Stephanie frowned. Maybe she didn't know what Ranger's surprise was after all.

"I do have an opening at RangeMan," Ranger continued, "but I have someone else in mind for the job." Julie was almost as adept as her father at hiding emotions, but Stephanie saw the disappointment. "You are going to be a brilliant scientist," he told his daughter, "and you would be wasted at RangeMan. I've contacted an associate of mine, and although you're not obligated, I've arranged an interview for you with the FBI crime lab director in Philadelphia. He's very interested in you, if you're interested in a career with the FBI." Julie's face broke into a mirror of the smile on her father's face. Stephanie remembered Julie's shy confession to Joe Morelli years before that she hoped to someday work for the FBI.

Scott put his arm around his wife and leaned in to give her a quick kiss. "You're going to go for the interview, right, Babe?" Seeing the pride on his face and hearing him call his wife Babe, Stephanie found she was happy for the first time all day. She loved this young couple. She hadn't known about that part of Ranger's surprise. He didn't ever ask for favors, but he'd obviously pulled some strings to get an interview for Julie. Julie's happiness about the interview was evident and Stephanie thought the next surprise would please her, too.

Ranger turned to Scott. "I have a position open at RangeMan. All new hires start with bond enforcement and then move into areas of specialization. I'd like you to be part of my team, Scott."

Scott didn't hesitate. "I'd like that, too, sir. I can start tomorrow." Ranger smiled at Scott's eagerness. Scott turned his head to Julie and they exchanged a silent communication. Julie nodded at him. "I'm very excited to work at RangeMan," he told Ranger, "and I need a job soon, because…"

"Because I'm pregnant!" Julie blurted out, interrupting Scott. "I'm two months pregnant!" The couple's smiles were wide and they weren't disappointed with the reaction from Ranger.

Ranger's chuckle was low. "I'm going to be a grandfather," he said, pleased with the idea. Stephanie was quiet, but when Ranger looked at her she smiled at him. He thought her eyes looked suspiciously bright, and he made a quick decision.

"This seems to be a night for surprises," he said. "I thought I'd surprise you with a job for Scott and the news of an interview for you, Julie, but you've surprised us as well with your news. I had one more surprise tonight, but I intended to share it privately with Stephanie. I'm thinking now might be a more appropriate time for it, though." He reached his hand into his jacket pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. "I'm going to be a grandfather. Stephanie, will you let me make an honest grandmother out of you?" He opened the box and Stephanie saw a sapphire and diamond ring nestled inside. "I love you, Babe. Will you marry me?"

Stephanie was speechless. She'd had no clue Ranger had anything like this in mind. She'd thought about it, secretly, but they'd never discussed it. Being in his life was good and she wasn't willing to risk it by demanding a lifetime commitment, so she'd never broached the subject with Ranger…and he'd never discussed it with her. It was unbelievable he'd pick tonight of all nights. Her eyes filled with tears and she looked around the table to see three faces staring at her. Julie and Scott, so filled with joy and wanting her to share in their joy, and Ranger, looking seriously at her. He could tell something was wrong. She didn't want to ruin this night so she wiped away her tears, pushed back her chair and ran for the ladies' room.

She pushed open the door and collapsed on the fainting couch, letting her head fall forward into her hands as the sobs overtook her and racked her body. She felt a pair of arms come around her and lift her gently from the couch. Ranger sat down and pulled her onto his lap. She tried to control her sobs, but they kept intensifying. Ranger held her close and rubbed soft circles on her back, trying to relieve the tenseness of her muscles.

"You sh-sh-shouldn't be in here," she said when her sobs had diminished. "It's the l-l-ladies' room."

"I'm not leaving you," Ranger said. "What's wrong?"

"You s-s-said you were going to make a grandmother out of me, and…"

At that moment they heard a flush and the sound of a stall door slamming closed. The sounds of running water and then a hand dryer kept her silent for a moment. As a red-faced woman hurried by them on her way out, Stephanie leaned in and whispered something in Ranger's ear.

He stood. "Stay here. I'll go get your bag and wrap and tell Scott and Julie we're leaving." He walked from the ladies' room back to the table where Julie and Scott sat, a look of concern on their faces.

"Is she okay?" Julie asked.

"Yes," Ranger said. "We're leaving, now. It seems this has been an evening for surprises and there is one more. Julie, you are going to become a sister, apparently about the same time you become a mother." He turned and left the couple staring at him with open mouths.

Later, sitting side by side on the big leather couch in their apartment, Ranger said, "And you thought you were going through menopause why?"

"I had symptoms," Stephanie said. "I had hot flashes and I was hungry all the time and I wasn't having my period, and I gained weight. I talked to my mother and she told me both grandma and her went through the change in their mid-forties."

"Babe, you gained weight because you went on a donut eating binge with Lula and Connie. Weren't you suspicious when you stopped having your periods?"

"No," Stephanie said. "We were being careful. I don't know how this happened."

Ranger gave her a wolfish smile. "I could show you."

"I'm serious," she said. "I don't know when it happened. You're not upset?"

"I am surprised, but certainly not upset. I want an answer, Babe. Will you marry me?"

"No."

"I don't like that answer. I'll ask again. Will you marry me?"

"I can't. People will think you're marrying me because I'm pregnant."

"And you care what people think?"

Stephanie was quiet for a moment. Her eyes opened wide and she said, "No…Yes." Ranger frowned.

"No," she repeated. "I don't care what people think. And yes. Yes, I will marry you."

Seven months later, Stephanie Mañoso became a mother and a grandmother, on the very same day. When Ranger saw his wife with their son nestled in the crook of one arm and their grandson in the other he smiled and told her softly, "Babe, you never disappoint."

The End

A/N: Thanks to jago-ji, for her timely return of my chapters. She relentlessly finds my errors, inconsistencies and refines each chapter from an interesting rough draft to a readable post. Any errors in this story belong to me…and they are probably changes she suggested, but I forgot to make. Thanks also to everyone who took time to leave a review. If I neglected to respond, it was unintentional.