Everybody and anything familiar belong to Janet. The rest and any mistakes are solely mine.

Adventure 5 – Family Swim-along

Julie's POV

"Are you sure about this?" Steph asked Dad.

"You know I wouldn't put my kids in danger, Babe."

"I also know that you'd do anything to make them happy. I'm stressing the anything here."

"Sorry, StephMom," I told her. "This was my idea. I've wanted to swim with wild dolphins ever since I was a kid, but 'the parents' wouldn't let me. They said I'd need to be a lot older in order to respect the experience."

"That was this parent who said those words to you," Dad pointed out. "Your mother and Ron just said a flat-out no."

"That's not exactly true. Mom and Dad were willing to consider it if it was part of an aquarium visit, in a 'controlled environment' I think they said. But I don't want to force animals to do something just because I think it'd be fun, so I held onto the swimming with them in their home dream. Thank you for making it happen."

"As Stephanie astutely said, I'll do anything - within reason - to ensure my kids are happy. And I happen to know a guy."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Steph glance at me. "Where's the sign-gift for your Dad that says that? He always 'knows a guy' … and I almost always have the same reaction when I hear those particular words come out of his mouth."

"Bay is a Navy SEAL," Dad informed us. "He's more comfortable in the water than dolphins are. And my ranger training requires being wet most of the time. Our kids are safer here than they'd be going to a public park."

I know he was trying to reassure Steph, but that reminder re-scared me. They knew as soon as I heard there'd been a shooting close to Trenton, and at a place they could've been, I would freak out, so Dad and Steph were quick to call and say they were fine. But I learned that Matty and Steph could've been shot that day if StephMom hadn't had a Spidey Sense-induced panic attack and decided to stay home. Dad knew my family potentially being hurt would bring back Scrog memories and nightmares for me … so he, Mom and Dad, with Steph providing additional support, upped the therapy that I'd been going to since I'd been kidnapped.

"Don't remind Jules of that," Steph told Dad, while hiking Ty further up on her hip. "We're all alright … at least for now."

"Dolphins don't eat people," I reminded her. "And all five of us know how to swim. We'll be fine."

Despite living in New Jersey and not a beach hotspot like Miami, Matty and Tyler had started swimming lessons as soon as they were old enough to. Steph finding that dead guy floating near our Ocean City beach house and being a literal Beach 'Babe' who loves being near the ocean, she and Dad never wanted to worry about Matty or Ty when it comes to water.

Matty is like a fish and Ty mostly likes splashing but both can keep their heads above water with and without parental help. But my Jersey parents being justifiably paranoid, Dad made sure there was an expert planning our trip, life jackets were worn by everyone except him, and there was an adult for every Manoso kid.

"I'm more worried about meeting one of your Dad's buddies," Steph teased, "than of something happening to us. I know we're in good hands, but I'm not exactly dressed to impress here."

Dad must've disagreed because he bent close to Steph's ear to say something directly into it. I couldn't hear the words, though I could read his lips when Steph's curls weren't blocking them. I know he'd do anything for me, even call in a favor from a friend to arrange a trip like this for us, but he had just admitted that he had a hidden agenda.

I already knew that. His eyes had strayed to Stephanie every time he wasn't watching me, Matty, or Ty. Being a mom didn't stop Stephanie from choosing a bikini to wear in the water. It wasn't the trashy kind popular on Miami beaches that serve as unwanted anatomy lessons, but Dad clearly found Steph's swimsuit distracting. I'd be grossed out if I wasn't so happy for them.

I was hoping them having a home in Miami would lead to a permanent move here with my little brothers, but I'm mature enough to know that you don't get something just because you really want it.

"Stop," Steph ordered RangeDad, but she was totally smiling, and we all know she didn't really mean it. "Ty will hear you."

I put my head next to Matty's and covered my ear with my right hand and Matty's with my left. "So will Matty and I!" I called out.

They turned and Steph's smile got bigger while Dad grinned at me. Ty waved like we haven't been standing feet away from him since we walked onto the pier.

"Since you inherited your Dad's super senses, I'm going to point out that my toes are looking really cute right now thanks to you, it would be a real shame if I lost any of them today."

While Dad had a guys' night with Matty, Ty, and Grandpa, the four of them watching a movie in the living room, Steph and I had a girls' night with Grandma in my bedroom, watching crappy reality shows while painting each other's nails and talking about school, her work, and Grandma's latest hobby. It was a great night. And Steph's right, her toes are cute since I painted them the same coral color as the flowers that break up the turquoise stripes on her bikini. RangeDad wouldn't okay a two-piece for me, but I did get a bathing suit as close to Steph's as I could. And yesterday we found swim trunks for the boys that were similar to Dad's.

"Your toes, our kids, and this meeting will be okay, Babe."

Matty wanted in on the conversation. "I protect you, Mama. I got my googles! I'll stop sharks."

Steph bent herself and Ty forward so she could kiss the hair that's still sticking up from the nap Matty had in the car as we drove here. "Mama's only kidding. There will be no sharks or toe-nibbling creatures. You have goggles so you can see everything under the water and focus on having fun. I'll be fine as long as you are."

I grinned at her. Steph and I have had many talks about how she thinks being a mom made her a lot stronger. I don't know about that, she's always seemed fearless to me. Not many people would willingly get kidnapped by a psycho to save someone they've never met. I'm convinced she was in love with Dad even back then, but after getting to know and love her … I know she wouldn't hesitate to put herself in danger if it means someone else will be safe. That scares me but also makes me super proud to call her my other mom.

"You don't have another choice now," I told Steph, pointing to the boat that can now be seen by the sun reflecting off the metal handrail. "I think our ride is here."

When the boat was close enough for us to see the guy steering it, my mouth dropped open. I'll never say it to Dad or Steph, but I fully believe in love at first sight now. Dad's friend is tall with blond curly hair and a smile that flashed the cutest dimple while it lasted. And it lasted the entire length of our introductions.

"Bay, this is my wife Stephanie and our kids Julie, Matthew, and Tyler. Everyone, this is Bay Rune our guide for today."

He cut his ocean eyes to Dad. "I thought we agreed to say I'm your Captain today."

"That's what you wanted, not something I agreed to," was Dad's reply.

No matter where we are, if Dad knows someone it'll feel like we're back at Rangeman. For a man who at one time claimed to be a loner, he makes forever-friends wherever he goes.

"I'll call you whatever you want if you can promise that our kids will have fun today with zero issues," Steph told Bay.

God, even his name is adorable. Steph would be quick to catch onto a crush, so I stuck to just shooting quick glances at him when no one was looking. I also snapped a quick pic of him and all the chest muscles he had on display so I'll have photographic evidence when I tell my friends about today.

He bowed to Steph in a way that bugged Dad and smiled again, this time at Ty as he ruffled the baby fine hair when he was standing straight again. "One thing I can always promise is a good time."

I blushed without knowing why I couldn't stop it.

"Knock it off or I'll knock you off your own boat," Dad said in his scary quiet voice.

"You do that, and you'll be out an experience."

Dad shrugged while taking Tyler from Steph and reaching for Matty's hand. "I can man anything I come across; I just didn't want to pay for a boat when there was a free option."

Steph and I locked eyes. That was a total lie. Dad would spend a ton on dinner alone, renting a boat would be nothing except a swipe of a credit card to him. He wanted Bay to meet us or us to meet him, that's the only reason he's here. Once we all climbed aboard - I've always wanted to say that - and Steph and the boys were seated, why RangeDad wanted Bay to be our captain became as clear as the water we're skimming over. He was patient, kind, and paid attention to everyone even if they were little kids.

With zero shark sightings and no sick sickness starting, StephMom started to enjoy herself. "Maybe I wasted my beach time staying on the actual beach, this is nice too. Look at that bird, Matty. What do you think it is?"

"It's a eagle!"

"That, my little friend, is a snowy egret. Impressive bird in its own right," Bay answered.

Seeing how interested Matty was in something sparked Ty's curiosity. He pointed to a pelican with an 'Oooh' that did sound a lot like a question.

"Smart buggers those pelicans are," Bay told Ty and Matty. "They've learned that boats equal an easy meal. He's out of luck today though. We're on a sightseeing mission, not a fishing expedition."

Tyler, being the most vulnerable of our group, remained in Dad's arms. Matty stayed put on Steph's lap, and I was the sandwich-filler between them. I've grown up in the ocean, but that doesn't stop them from trying to protect me from the dangers they both know can happen in it. Only Bay remained completely relaxed and unfazed by my family.

"I should've brought this up earlier," Steph said a little louder than usual since the wind was trying to whip her words away. "The number of adults is the same as the number of kids, but I'm not like you two when it comes to swimming."

Bay waved off her concern as he continued to take us further away from shore. "No worries. My girlfriend is keeping the dolphins amused until we get there. You can take the lady out of the ocean, but you can't get the ocean life out of her head. I'm not sure if she adopted this pod or they adopted her."

I wanted to sigh in disappointment. Of course, he has a girlfriend … a guy like him wouldn't be single.

"What's with the face?" Steph asked, proving that she can sense a change in a person maybe better than even Dad can. "We're on a boat and there are guaranteed dolphins when it stops moving. Isn't that what you hoped for today?"

"Yes, but I don't want to bother them," I said, thinking it was a logical explanation. "I was thinking we'd just swim in the area and if they wanted to play, they'd approach us."

"What a sweet kid," Bay told Dad.

Now I frowned for real. I may be years away from eighteen, but I've lived through stuff normal kids can't even imagine. I hate being reduced to what my age is.

"You won't find a more caring, intelligent, and observant young lady," Dad said, "than my daughter. She's someone you want watching your back."

I should know he'd be right there to fix something I have a problem with even if I didn't voice it.

"I'm not surprised. Everything you're involved with is atypical," Bay replied.

Steph nudged me while Bay started slowing down. "Atypical? That's a new one and way better than what I've been called. For the record, we know you're a good swimmer, we just can't let anything happen to you so we're being extra cautious. Our concern has nothing to do with you and everything to do with us."

I nodded. "You love me."

"You love me!" Matty repeated.

"I do," I assured him. "You are definitely on my list of favorite little brothers."

I have a couple of them, but he was happy hearing that and I got out of a potentially embarrassing conversation. But I thought that too soon. Steph bumped me with her elbow again.

"He's cute, isn't he?" She asked. "In that too young for me and he's not your Dad/way too old for you kind of way."

Dad's head immediately snapped in our direction. He took a solid three seconds to 'read' our expressions before deciding there's nothing to worry about and went back to helping Ty 'help' Bay drop anchor … or whatever they call making sure the boat stays where it is. I didn't have to assume that the sky-blue boat nearby belonged to his girlfriend.

Another blond head surfaced ten feet away from the light blue boat and she waved at us. Bay blew her a kiss and then faced us again. "There's my baby. You're gonna love her."

"Aren't you worried about her swimming alone out here?" The mama side of Steph asked.

"Nah. She's a free diver, which means she's even crazier than I am. This is like taking a nap to her."

"Wow. Really?" I asked. "Free diving sounds so cool."

"No," Dad and Steph said simultaneously.

Bay's blond brows rose as he looked at Dad. "I never thought I'd see a day when the Mighty Manoso reaches a limit."

"What I do and what my children do are separate things."

Talk about a double standard. "I'm not going to be a kid forever," I reminded him.

His eyes took on a sneaky look. "I have a couple more years to figure something out."

Being who he is, that wasn't an innocent comment or idle threat.

"Enough chatter, are you ready for an experience of a lifetime?" Bay asked us.

I shot up, my excitement overriding everything else right now. "I'm ready."

Matty mirrored my enthusiasm. "I ready too!"

Steph stood after Matty jumped up. "I go where they go."

Without any gear, Bay dived in and met his girlfriend in the water. Dad used the ladder because he was holding Ty, and he stayed by the bottom rung while Steph climbed down with Matty. I can swim at an Olympic level, but they still didn't let me venture far from them. By the time we were all bobbing in the water, Bay and his ocean lady were swimming back to us.

"Manoso family," Bay said to us, "meet Sky."

This time I did sigh out loud. Even their names sound like they belong together.

"Sky, this is the buddy I was telling you about and his wife Stephanie and kids … Julie, Matthew, and Tyler. Julie here is like you; she wants the full dolphin experience. You think you can hook her up?"

I wanted to not like her, but that was impossible when she swam over to me and dropped her arm over my shoulders. "I have just the boy for you."

For a second, I thought she knew I'd been picturing my wedding in a parallel universe where her boyfriend was marrying me. But a splash to my right had me forgetting all about Bay and forming a brand-new crush on a dolphin that Sky had personally named.

"Julie, meet Jerry Boy," Sky said. "Jerry, be on your best behavior. We need as many friends as we can get to watch out for you and your kind."

"Look, Tyze!" Matty said over Steph's shoulder to where Dad was holding Ty. "It's a big fish! I gonna see."

Steph made sure she and Matty were directly in-between Bay and Dad before she swam, one-armed, closer to me and Sky with Matty. She may have been nervous earlier, not knowing what to expect, but I can tell she's only being cautious so nothing would frighten or hurt my little brother.

"Jerry looks sort of like a fish, but he breathes air just like you and Tyler do," Sky explained to my little brothers. "Since dolphins have baby versions of themselves instead of laying eggs, that also makes them mammals not fish."

I could've told them that, but I wanted to just swim near Jerry and concentrate on how it felt when he disappeared underwater and swam underneath us to reemerge even closer to my family.

"Pup-Pup and Migo would love this," I said to my parents. "We should take them with us next time so Grandma and Grandpa wouldn't have to travel all the way down to Florida just to babysit them for us."

"Buttercup would probably have a heart attack though," Steph pointed out, "seeing Migo and Ty floating in the water even with life vests on."

"And I wouldn't want to be the one to tell your grandparents that they don't have to come to Miami where they have all three of their grandchildren together," Dad added.

Maybe we do need dogsitters after all. Camping in the yard between the house and their guest house on their first night in Miami has become sort of a tradition for us.

Sky laughed and Bay grinned as Tyler's own dolphin-like communications rose in decibel levels when his bare toes brushed Jerry's side. His arms went upward, and his legs kicked out over and under the arm Dad had wrapped securely around his wriggly little body.

"No scare him," Matty told Ty, looking worried that our play date would be cut short.

"Not only do they breathe like us," Sky continued, "dolphins really like to play. Ty's excitement will only fuel Jerry's. See?" She pointed. "He brought more of his friends to meet you guys."

My face probably matched Matty's as we were soon surrounded by at least eight more Jerrys. Confident that between an Army Ranger, a Navy SEAL, and a free diver, the boys and I will be alright, Steph admitted defeat.

"I take back all my questions regarding your sanity," StephMom told me, as happy as Matty was when a girl dolphin Sky had named Daisy hovered nearby with what I swear is a smile on her dolphin-y face. "This is pretty amazing."

"So are you and Dad for agreeing to this and letting Matty and Ty come too."

She laughed as Jerry swam under the arm she didn't have locking Matty to her body. "I'm learning that the things I'm afraid of usually turn out to be real life-changers."

She smiled at me before she kissed Matty's head and locked eyes with Dad while Ty waved her over. I know she wasn't just talking about being afraid to come here today. She'd been really scared of loving Dad and of being a mom and we've never let her forget that once you love a Manoso … there's no going back.