Mary Lou's Point of View

I locked Steph's apartment door and turned to leave. I'd come when my best friend called in tears saying she'd "fucked up". I'm not sure I agree with that assessment, but I'd spent a couple hours listening, eating ice cream, and assuring her that her feelings are valid before she'd fallen asleep on the couch.

I'd left her a note to call when she woke up and I'd return her car that I was driving home. Lenny had dropped me off on our way back from the kid's soccer practice, but I needed to be home to get the boys to school in the morning.

As I turned, I ran into Ranger. Steph always said he snuck up on her like smoke and I now know what she meant.

"How is she?" he asked. "I know I screwed up."

"She just fell asleep."

We stood in silence for a moment until Ranger noticed Steph's keys in my hand.

"Let me drive you home," he stated.

I hesitated. He scared me, but I knew Steph trusted him implicitly.

"Sure. That will leave Steph's car here. Thanks," I replied. "She probably needs her sleep."

"I'll be headed back here. She won't wake up without me, but I'm happy to drive you," Ranger stated. I nodded.

We walked to his car silently. He opened the door for me and I slid into the leather seats Steph loved. As we pulled away from her building, I started to speak. Funny how the darkness made it easier to talk to a man I would be terrified to meet in the dark. "She's scared you know?"

He didn't respond but I caught his slight nod, so I continued. "It's not you. It's the symbolism of the ring. In the Burg, that ring means a family and kids, relying on your husband for bringing home the income, for large extravagant weddings, supper on the table by six..."

"I would never," he stated.

"I know. And I know she knows that, but she just freaked out. She's terrified she lost you."

Ranger sighed. "I wouldn't abandon her for being scared. I didn't mean to spook her. I thought she was ready. I just want her to know this is forever to me and to shut up a few voices that keep telling her that I will tire of her."

"I told her you wouldn't leave if this was meant to be. You probably need to give her time though. She loves you."

As we pulled up to my house, I gave him a smile and went inside. Steph is one lucky woman.