Everything belongs to EJ. I own nothing and do this for pure fun! This is however my first Fan-fiction and I can not express how nervous i am about it but you need to start some wheres.

Thank you to my Beta Snapesgirl21

Stephanie's POV

It was early in the morning on a Saturday, and I had just grabbed a cup of coffee so I could go sit on the porch. I didn't want to wake anyone up in the house since it had been a long night before. I hadn't slept last night, and neither had my parents. Dad had stayed up with my mom while she cried and I had laid in my old room listening to my mom. He came out to the porch letting me know that mom was still resting and wanted to know how to work the toaster. I had to laugh, because he was so use to Mom and Grandma Mazur cooking and cleaning that he was lost in the kitchen.

It was close to 4pm, and we were all dressed and ready to go to the funeral home. As we pulled up, we got together with Val, her husband, and her four kids. The funeral home had tile floors and lovely dark red carpets in the viewing areas. When Grandma Mazur was alive, she had attended viewings very often. She had always said she wanted to keep up with the gossip that was going on. My grandmother had always been up to no good, and they didn't even have to nail the coffins shut. In her honor, the director gave her the biggest room that was saved for special occasions, and she would have been proud.

My mom, dad, my sister Val, and I all stood up at the front. It was amazing how many people had showed up, even Joe's grandma, Bella. When I saw her, I knew Joe Morelli was near, but I hadn't seen him yet. As the viewing ended and our words were said, I watched my mom. She dabbed her eyes and her head was low. My dad sat on one side of my mom with a saddened look on his face. Even though my grandma had run us ragged acting like a teenager, I knew in my heart that my dad missed her too.

It was time to get ready to take Grandma Mazur to the grave site, and I was a mess. I had asked Tank to go and drive Big Blue for me. I felt bad because I didn't want him to just drive me. I wanted him there as a friend, and he was as close as I was going to get to having Ranger around. I knew Tank had been told to keep an eye on me until Ranger got back, but I was thankful that he stayed with me throughout the day.

"Thanks for going and driving," I said to him, though he remained as still as stone. "It means a lot to me, and I know Grandma Mazur would be thankful too." Tank turned to me and smiled, not saying one word to me.

As the funeral came to an end, I saw Joe staring at me across the way. He smiled at me and gave a small wave. It had been five months since Joe and I had ended it as an on and off again couple. He had wanted me to be a housewife, and I had thought he was crazy. He wanted me to take cooking lessons, and I figured it was safe to order out then to look for a new place to live after I burnt down his. So we had agreed that I wasn't what he wanted in a wife. Although we had ended it, I knew he would still worry about me and love me. Just now we knew he wasn't going to marry me and I thought he was my safest option.

"Hey. How you holding up, Cupcake?" Joe asked.

He looked at me and I knew I didn't have to tell him. He just knew. I knew that if I did go to answer him that I would cry and it would end up with me in his house and in his bed. I looked down at my feet and didn't know what to say. The only thing I could think of though was "It's good to see you Joe."

I tried to give him a slight smile. "You look good, Cupcake. Why haven't you called me?" We talked a bit more and I asked him how Bob was doing. He gave me the same response that I always got.

"He misses you."

I knew that was Joe's way also when he missed me after not seeing each other for a few days. Then again that man does love to fuck…a lot. Joe told me that if I needed company that he was a call away. I knew in my heart that it wasn't a good idea.

I didn't know how much my life had plans on changing without my partner in crime, besides Lula. I'm closet to my mom, but Grandma Mazur had understood me the best. Every time I would go to pull up at my parents' house, she would be looking out the door for me. Just before she passed, she told me to be true to my heart and mind. Also to make sure I kept my mom on her toes. The way my life is, it won't be hard.

I pulled into my apartment's parking lot and just sat there for what seemed like forever. I saw that it had finally started to rain. I stepped out of Big Blue and walked over to the front doors of the building. I got just a few feet away from the doors and stopped. I wasn't really sure why but all I knew was when I did, I just put my head back and held my arms out, standing there letting it rain. I don't know what it is about a good summer rain. It could be the smell of it just being fresh or the feeling of the warm rain on your skin. Whatever it was, it made me feel like a child again— just allowing me to be me. It ended when I felt Ranger near, lurking in the shadows. I didn't know how long he had been standing there, but I couldn't have been long. I was tired of being an adult for today.

Ranger's POV

It had just started raining lightly as I parked the Porsche on the street. I was walking toward the building as it started to rain harder. As I came to the corner, I noticed someone standing just a few feet away from the buildings doors in the pouring rain. I realized it was Babe.

She was standing in the pouring rain with her head to the sky. I took the moment in. She was soaking wet, but she was just as beautiful as the first time I meet her. She just stood there in her cute black dress and heels. It fit her snug at the top with thick straps and the bottom of her dress stopped at the top of her knees with a red belt around her waist. . My world stopped for a moment when I saw her like that in all her beauty. It was like the rain had stopped and all I could see was her. I don't know what it was at that moment, and I didn't want it to end. . My world stopped for a moment when I saw her like that in all her beauty. It was like the rain had stopped and all I could see was her. I don't know what it was at that moment, and I didn't want it to end. She was my world more then she knew. I just couldn't let it show. If anyone knew, it could be dangerous. I realized she knew I was near with the rub of her neck.

"I know you're there," she said with a sigh.

I stepped out of the shadows, giving her one word. "Babe."

I knew that was all I had to say. She just understood. She didn't look over. She just stood there.

"I'm not crazy, you know," At this time, I was leaned up against her building, just staring at her soaking wet body.

"I know…you're entertainment. Who else are the guys going to take bets on?" I smirked, trying to lighten the moment. I could see the smile on her face from the light next to me.

"I haven't done this in years, you know. My mom always said to get out of the rain, but I never listened to her. I always told her that standing in it was good for my skin. I love the summer rains. But, enough about me. What brings you here?"

I looked at her, just listening and taking in the moment. I had never heard her talk like that before. You could see her so at ease with herself. I would normally just walk over and wrap my arm around her waist and kiss her, although in this crazy moment, I placed my hands on her face and kissed her like I hadn't seen her in years. She didn't pull away, but kissed me right back. Honestly, I had forgotten why I was there for a moment?

"You do know it is dangerous standing her like this, right? We should go inside—you're a sitting target."

I let us into the apartment and she walked into her room to get a towel. I waited in the kitchen because I knew if I went any farther, I wouldn't be able to stop myself. When she came out, she was drying her hair and she tossed me a towel. We both leaned up against the counter.

Stephanie's POV

I was dripping wet from head to toe as we walked up to my apartment. We didn't say anything, but I could feel him watching me. He took my key and let us in. I went to the bathroom to get us towels to dry off some. A part of me wanted him to follow and another part didn't. I knew if he had, I didn't think we would have coming out of the room. Then the other part of me didn't want him to think that all I needed was sex, even though I don't think he would complain.

"When did you get back?" I asked as I leaned on the counter drying my hair.

"Just an hour or so, Tank filled me in on Grandma Mazur. I'm sorry I wasn't here. She was your biggest fan Babe."

"It's okay, Tank was the next best thing. He and the merry men checked up on me." I looked up at him as I already knew he was watching me. Ranger is someone I love and I am so scared to say it to him. Morelli, on the other hand, is the only man that I have said those words out loud to besides my dad. I was tired, beat, and drained. I looked at him again and asked. "What brings you to this side of town?"

"Babe," he said as he moved closer.

One word and I knew he was here also because he missed me. I told him that I was in need of a shower and he took it as an invite.

"Will you be here when I get out?" I asked as I place my hands against his tight chest and our eyes held. We knew th

Ranger's POV

Ugh. She had no idea how beautiful she looked, soaking wet from the rain with those wet curls hanging in her eyes. She asked me if I would be there when she got out of the shower, but I had been hoping for an invite. All I could do was nod. She smiled back with a kiss on the cheek and she disappeared into her room.

I texted Tank.

Tank I'm going off grid tonight until further notice. She needs me right now.

I understand. It's been a long day for her. I will have Hal take your shift for you.

She was happy you guys went today. She called you the Merry Men.

I was honored to go. I was happy to drive her and I know you would have been mad if I let her drive being so upset. Plus, I got to drive Big Blue.

I know it's not my place, Ranger, but I believe she needs someone right now. She has been there for everyone else.

Was Morelli there?

Yes, I watched her and nothing happened. I really believe they are through. Good night, Ranger.

It had better not get out that I'm getting soft over her. Night.

I found an apple in the kitchen, but before I began to eat it, I heard her in the shower crying. She sounded so depressed and alone. I couldn't help it anymore. I walked into the bathroom, yanked the curtain back, and looked down to see her on her knees in the tub with her hands to her face, letting the water run down her back. She looked at me with pools of tears in her eyes.

Stephanie's POV

I got in the shower and the next thing I knew, I was in the bottom of the tub on my knees, crying my eyes out. Sobbing, just sobbing like a fool. Lost in my moment, I didn't hear Ranger walk in. He ripped the shower curtain open and looked down at me. I could feel the tears building back up, and I knew I looked so weak at this moment, but I deserved it.

"I always thought she would out live me, Ranger. Why? She should have been taking it easy after she was sick, but no, I let her go out with me to the viewing anyway and it just made her worse. I needed to tell her I was sorry and that I loved her more then she knew. She was supposed to outlive me." I broke down again.

He reached over, turned the shower off, and grabbed a towel, standing me up to wrap it around me. With one fast movement, he swept me up into his arms. I laid my head on his chest and he kicked his shoes off with me still in his lap. I didn't know how long he held me on his lap to cry. All I knew was when I woke, he was still with me in the morning. I went to get up and he pulled me back. Taking his hand to my face, he turned me into a kiss. We didn't need crazy or fast sex to feel better. This time, he was taking his time.

Ranger's POV

It was a long night. I held her for a long time and let her cry that entire time until we fell asleep. I felt horrible that I hadn't been there for her, but I don't like to show my emotions very often. As she cried, I ran my hand through her hair and rubbed her cheek. I let her lay on me, not just for her comfort, but to feel her against me. She laid her head against my chest. It was one of the things I loved about us having these moments. As her hair hung in her face, it gave me a reason to touch her. I held my breath steady to help calm her. All I knew was that when I wasn't with her, I was just in a place, and when she was with me, I was at home.

The sun was coming up and I felt her move to get up. I grabbed her and pulled her back into my lap by her waist and kissed her like she deserved it. I didn't want just any type of sex with her. I wanted slow and filled with desire. While we were kissing, she had lost her towel and she had her bare legs around my waist, running her hands through my hair. I had my hands running up her thighs. I flipped her over on to the bed. I took one hand over my head to remove my shirt. I leaned into her warm, naked body that lay under me. I eased my erection into her without breaking eye contact. Her eyes were pleading, and I was willing to help her release any stress she had.

Stephanie's POV

Our kissing got tense so fast that I didn't even know that he was over top of me, removing his shirt and tossing it to the floor. I could feel his erection pressed against me. We never broke eye contact in that moment. We fell to sleep in each other's arms.

When I woke up, his side of the bed was empty and I had heard the shower turn off. He came out of the bathroom and over to the bed with a towel around his waist. He sat on the side of the bed and leaned over me to give me a kiss to my forehead. "I'm all yours today. What would you like to do?"

"Ranger, you just got back last night. You need to get caught up. Don't get me wrong, but I would love to keep you with me for a while, but you already have been with me for so long."

"I have already taken care of it. I have Tank, and Hal covered me last night. Tank has the morning shift anyway. I'm all yours, unless you want to get rid of me that bad." I love when he is playful with me. It's a side I don't get to see often. "No…I'm just saying that I know you are busy, that's all." I looked over at the clock. It was 9:00am, and he was looking at me for an answer.

"Babe?" I rolled my eyes and looked up at the ceiling. "Well, Mass starts at 10:00."

Ranger's POV

We both needed to be with each other. I needed to be inside her, to feel her warm body on mine. When I was with her, I focused only on her. I agreed to go to Mass with her. It was the least I could do since I wasn't there with her yesterday at the viewing and funeral. It was a nice change to see her in a dress and heels. Don't get me wrong, she looks just as great in jeans and a RangeMan t-shirt. The dress was just a bonus, well for me anyway.

We made it finally. She could start getting ready two hours before and still be late. All I could do was smile at myself and shake my head. She decided on with a black pencil skirt, a white, silk, short sleeve blouse with heels at least six-inches high. She had her hair down with curls that sat just on her shoulders. It was so hard to focus when she was around.

Stephanie's POV

Mass had started and like always, I was late. It took me a few minutes to find something to wear and I had to do my makeup on the way over. As we went into the church, I could feel people staring at us and it wasn't because we were late either. Ranger was dressed in a pair of black dress pants and a short-sleeve, button-down shirt. No tie, no jacket. With what was going through my mind on the way over, I needed to say a few extra Hail Marys. I didn't know what had made him come with me, but he had. I found my mom and we sat together.

Helen Plum's POV

I had been listening to the sermon when Stephanie tapped me to move over and Ranger sat beside her. He leaned over and gave me a small, but warm smile. I hadn't thought I would see them here together. The last I knew he had been away on business. I knew she had makeup on, but you could see the puffiness around her eyes. I could see that my little girl was broken over the loss of someone she held so dearly. I knew that I was not the only one broken from the loss of my mother, but I felt that this could bring us closer together. I looked over at her and reached for her hand, giving it a light squeeze. She held my hand in her lap until church was over.

"Stephanie, would you like to come over for some lunch? Ranger is more than welcome to join us."

I noticed a change with Ranger. I noticed he had his hand at the base of her back as she looked over at him and he gave her a slight nod. "Ranger you can go if you have to, it's fine." He and she held for a moment. Ranger looked at me with a smirk. "What's on the menu, Mrs. Plum?" I had already started lunch before I left the house. I had put a chicken in the crock pot with some vegetables, and a chocolate cake from the pastry store down the street was in the fridge so it didn't melt in the heat.

I looked at the front door and Mom wasn't there. She always knew when Stephanie was going to pull up and it didn't even matter what she was driving that day or week. She always knew somehow. My eyes were starting to fill with tears as Stephanie walked up behind me and placed her arms around me. "Mom I know, I looked to the front door too. We can't see her, but I know she is there."

Stephanie walked into the kitchen as I was at the counter getting this together for the table. "Would you like some help? Maybe you would like me to blow something up?" All I could hear was a little giggle. It made me smile because she and my mother were a lot alike in many ways.

Stephanie's POV

We got lunch on the table and I put the cake out. I looked at my mom from across the table from me. She gave me a warm smile and she took a piece of cake first. I was so surprised by this because my mom never changed much of her routine. She just dug in and so did I. To me, this was accepting the loss of her mother and so we all joined in, with the exception of Ranger. I made sure I took care of his piece. First my mom started to laugh. Then my dad joined and the next thing I knew, we all were laughing. We told Ranger some of Grandma Mazur's crazy stories.

I noticed Ranger looking over at me. "Is everything okay? Is something wrong?" I asked him. "Nothing is wrong. You guys are just something else when you are together. Nothing bad, Babe. It's just that I love to hear you laugh."

Ranger's POV

Stephanie's family is something else. All though at the end of the day, they were still family. I was listening to them tell stories about Grandma Mazur and all the crazy things that she would do. I figured that was where Stephanie got her ideas of doing things and where her luck came from. All I knew was that with her in my life, it was never boring.

We were sitting in the car in front of her building and she thanked me for the wonderful morning and the funniest lunch she has had in a long time. I felt her rushing me away. I just wasn't sure if she was doing it to protect herself or me.

"Come stay with me, Babe." I didn't let her break eye contact from me. "I can't keep an eye on you here and I don't think you should be alone, at least right now anyway."

She paused for a few minutes and most likely debating with herself. "Ranger, please. I have taken enough of your time."

"Okay well, I guess I will hold Rex captive at my place then." I didn't look over at her, but I knew she had a soft smile on her face. I reached over and pulled her into my lap. "I need to keep you near me. If anything, think of it as vacation. You can work if you would like with the same position as a researcher whenever you get bored. I don't use please with just anyone. Do this for me." She nudged her nose in to my neck. I don't know what to do with her.

She doesn't even try and I can't help but feel for her like I do. She is a strong person any other time. Now, I see a person that I felt for and couldn't do anything to take the pain from her. I wanted to tell her that I was crazy about her. I miss her when I'm gone. I want to make love to her day in and day out until we can't make love anymore. I love to watch her sleep, and when she's gone for more than three days, I miss the smell of her. I always liked having my own place of privacy, and with her finding what she calls my "Bat Cave", it became a home with her there. She was someone that I wanted to marry, but then where did that put her? I was gone all the time, and she deserved to have someone home every night, to watch movies with so they can watch her. If I could, I would have her knocked up all the time because I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off of her. I am a man that is at a loss over this woman.