All familiar characters still belong to Janet.

Traveling with a wife and child is very different than picking up my life at a moment's notice and praying like hell that I'll get to live to see it again. Steph's life has also changed. She's no longer questioning who 'Stephanie Plum' is ... she's too busy enjoying her life as Stephanie Manoso, aka Olive's Mama.

On our way to the plane I have ready for whenever I need it to be, our daughter looked a little apprehensive. It appeared she couldn't decide if she was going to reach out for me so I can slay any dragon we may come across, or if she'd rather tuck her face into her Mom's neck until that famous Plum-curiosity overrode her momentary fear of an unfamiliar situation.

Steph solved Olive's dilemma by hugging her tight, kissing her twice on both cheeks, and then moving closer to me so Olivia could grab onto me if she wanted to. She did. Our daughter seemed satisfied that both of her parents are watching out for her, since Steph kept a hand on Olive's back as she sat up on my arm while her dark eyes scanned her surroundings.

"Your little girl is the only one who could consider you her 'throne' and not eat a bullet," Kane said, keeping Harper plastered to his side with a single arm.

Mr. and Mrs. Cole both have dark hair and eyes, Harper's being a little darker than her husband's. So a daughter who'll look similar to my beautiful ones isn't completely out of the question. Harper is as angular and athletically-built as Steph is perfectly-formed. My wife is in better shape now than she was before she got pregnant, but the curves I love, and make love to often, are still there to enjoy.

"Olivia can consider me at her disposal for life," I said, pressing my lips to the baby-soft, wavy hair that smells identical to a creamsicle.

Stephanie informed me of that fact this morning since I haven't had an orange creamsicle since I was in elementary school.

"She's as lucky as I am," my wife stated, and then looked at Harper. "You are, too. Once you're involved with a Range Man, you get the benefit of having everyone they know watching out for you."

The woman smiled up at Kane. "I'm finding that out. Thank you again for helping us out. I hate what this is doing to Aubrey, but I think not knowing everything is worse. I talked to her before we left and she's as shaken as she is pissed off."

"I feel bad for her," Steph said. "I know from experience that a cheating husband messes with your head."

Considering what Dickie and Morelli have done to Stephanie, my opinion is that the head should be blown clear off the cheater.

"Don't look at me," Kane said. "I'm called insane, not suicidal. I've been in the gym with Harp and have watched her workout. I'd be in worse shape than Leo if I hurt her."

"I don't love lightly, so you're damn right you would," his wife confirmed.

Olive smiled and waved her arms with an excited 'bi-bi-bi-ba!' squeal in response to her Mom's grin as we made our way out to the plane. Tank was left behind to run the company, which he's still pouting about, but Bobby and Cal were already speaking with the pilot. I slid my free arm around Steph, and enjoyed the feeling of Olive hugging my neck in-between murmuring random sounds conversationally as we all got ready to board.

We made it out of the hanger, but after only a few steps ... my phone was buzzing again. Steph lifted her eyebrows.

"Silvio," I told her, once I dug it out one-handed and checked the number.

"I wonder if he can direct me to the aspirin over the phone, since I'm getting instant headaches every time one rings now. It's never good news when he or another Rangeman-connected guy calls."

My instincts told me it wouldn't be good this time, either.