The Porsche Cayenne was a guilty pleasure. A reward after rescuing a very wealthy German industrialist's daughter, unharmed and, added bonus, keeping it out of the papers. Hans Müller insisted on giving each team member a bonus. Bobby got a large SUV for his growing family. Ric got the car of his dreams, and when the exuberant father insisted it wasn't enough, Ric asked him if he would consider looking over the plans for the next expansion of RangeMan, which was tentatively 18 to 24 months away. The man was a business genius and shared some ideas to make the business sound.

"In the American system, the limitations of traditional health insurance policies will not be enough. It may be wise to self-insure your people. It takes significant capitol, but it grants you more flexibility to cover things that are more… atypical. One of the health insurance companies would administer the claims for you, but issues of denied coverage would be eliminated as RangeMan could make exceptions on a case-by-case basis."

"The idea of the second-hand vehicles is sound, but you will require some staff to run your motor pool. And as you expand, the IT section will need to be expanded- that is an area of increasing concern in the business world." Müller also invited the RangeMan Core team to contact him in the future to review any business-related issue. "My door is always open to you. And know that I will recommend your services- not everyone can do what you did so quietly."

The meeting was eye opening, and as Ric and Bobby made their way out, the man gave Ric his private number. "When you are ready to expand, if you are in need of capitol, I hope you will consider contacting me. I often invest in up-and-coming businesses as a silent partner and your plan is impressive."

"Thanks so much."

"You and your team deserve the thanks."

The gifts from a foreign national led to a lengthy debrief, which led to Ric and Bobby missing the arrive of a certain Ms. Santos. And Les fainting.

RangeMan was growing. They added to the staff as his men finished their tours, and Ric felt good about giving the Vets a job they were well suited to. And if things stayed on track, the wedding he and Stephanie were planning would also go off without a hitch.

March 13th marked two years and a day short of a month since Mary Lou met her beloved. On this day, she hated his ass.

"I have walked up and down stairs, had a glass of red wine, had sex and this alien inside me, who has not let me eat meat in over six months, will not GET OUT! It is all your fault!" Two weeks past her due date, Mary Lou was growing more impatient by the hour.

Bobby wisely didn't respond, pulling Mary Lou into his lap and rubbing her lower back. "We can try sex again if you want…"

Mary Lou was considering her answer when the gush of fluid came.

"I am gonna need a raincheck." Mary Lou smiled at her husband. "And I need to change my pants."

Bobby helped her to her feet and stood. "Me too."

After the arrival of Tonya Marie Brown just after midnight on March 14th, Lula and Tank had arranged a surprise visitor, so Mary Lou squealed with glee when Stephanie accompanied them to visit her hospital room just after breakfast. Lula slowly lowered her very pregnant self into the chair.

Tank offered to go get coffee and donuts while the girls caught up.

"So, any wedding plans yet?" Mary Lou asked her friend. "I am getting way ahead of you in the nursery.

"Every time I am with you guys, I am more motivated to get my Depo on time." Stephanie picked up the beautiful baby girl from her bassinet beside Mary Lou's bed. At only six pounds, she was much smaller than Mateo had been when he was born. "We are taking our time. RangeMan is still being built up, and between the government contracts and is regular deployments, Ric has been run off his feet. And there is no rush. We are committed to one another."

Mary Lou smiled. "You guys seem really suited… Lula, are you okay?" Lula looked really uncomfortable. For the second time in under two minutes.

"Only three more weeks and I will get my body back. Remind me why I did this."

"Because you love Tank."

"Not this week, I don't. Between the ever present need to pee and the overwhelming acid reflux, I have not slept. And he is there beside me every night, sound asleep. I could just smother him with a pillow." Lula shifted in her chair. "And these Braxton Hicks pains are the end of enough." This time the pain was at just over a minute.

"Lula, are you sure you aren't in actual labor?"

"I ain't due yet… Holy hell!" She drew in a deep breathe and Mary Lou rang for the nurse.

On arriving, the nurse took one look at Lula and called for a wheelchair, which arrived just as Bobby arrived. The proud Papa called Tank and told him to get his ass back to the hospital because it was go time.

"Forget the coffee and donuts, or you will miss the main event."

Stephanie went with Lula to her birthing room on the other side of the Maternity floor and kept her calm till Tank arrived.

Forty minutes later, Lula and her daughter joined Mary Lou and her daughter in the Semi-private room after a super fast delivery. Little Lauren Elizabeth Broussard was a good size for a thirty-seven week baby, at just under six pounds.

"They are sister from different Misters." Lula smiled at her daughter.

"Birthday twins." Mary Lou contributed.

"Another matched set." Bobby teased his wife. "But this time we only have to keep one, and Tank and Lula get the other one. It has to be easier than the twins."

Stephanie checked her calendar and sent a message to her GYN- definitely wanted to get her next Depo on the books. She and Ric had a plan. And they were sticking to it.