Disclaimer: The characters in this story belong to Janet Evanovich and are used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Characters: Stephanie, Ranger
Genre: General / Friendship
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Defining Friendship - By Appointment Only

Stephanie looked at the gift and sighed. She’d tossed and turned, thought and re-thought this gift. Doubts had assailed her, after all, she wasn’t even sure of the exact date. But underneath all her fears and questions remained the knowledge that this was the right thing to do.

So, with a deep breath, she carefully wrapped the gift and addressed it. She would leave it and hope for the best.

~~``~~``~~``~~``~~

Ranger sighed as he pushed himself off the back wall of the elevator. He had been on the go from one Rangemen office to the next for the better part of a month. He loved his business and was proud of what he had built, but there were days when he missed the simplicity of life when he was in the army, or simply a bounty hunter.

Now his life was complicated, he thought as he dropped the keys to his apartment in the dish on the side table. A smile curved his lips as he thought of his favorite complication – Stephanie Plum. The situations she could get into were certainly worth the time he spent with her.

Walking over, he hit the play button on his answering machine. Only five messages today, that was different. Normally when he was out of touch on airplanes there were more.

The first two were a reminder about a dentist appointment and a hang-up. The third one was his grandmother wishing him a happy birthday. Blinking in surprise, he glanced at the date on his watch and realized today was, in fact, his birthday. He had been so intent on wrapping up business in Miami and flying back he’d forgotten.

The final two messages were also happy birthday wishes.

A slight pang hit his heart as he realized that Steph hadn’t wished him a happy birthday. But then, he realized, she didn’t know it was today, just that he was two months older than her. A sigh escaped as he ran his hand through his hair. Maybe he could share a little bit more with her.

Making his way to his bedroom, he flicked on the light and stopped in his tracks. Sitting on his bed was a box wrapped in black paper with a metallic silver bow on it. Curious, he made his way to the bed and looked at the box. There was a tag on it that read: To Ranger, Happy Birthday. Love, Steph PS Don’t open until your birthday.

A smile spread across his face as he felt a warmth grow in his chest. There was no telling how long this had been sitting there, but she hadn’t forgotten his birthday.

As he sat on the bed, he lifted the box to his lap. Taking off the bow, he unwrapped the package and then opened the box.

With a careful movement he unfolded the tissue paper and stared down at the contents. It was a metal picture frame. The picture showed the two of them standing together while one of her cars burned in the background. They were fairly close together and his head was tilted down, a full smile on his face. Steph had been caught mid-eyeroll. It was a good picture of them and he wondered where she had gotten it.

There was some writing at the bottom of the picture which he quickly read: I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar. – Robert Brault Thanks for always having time for me and never checking your calendar – Steph

The warmth that had invaded his chest increased and he carefully lifted the picture frame from its box. Rising from his seat, he walked over and set the picture on his bedside table.

Glancing at the clock, he realized it wasn’t yet six and he might still be able to catch Steph before she went to her parent’s.

Opening his cellphone, he dialed her number.

“’Lo?” her voice asked.

“Babe,” he greeted.

“Ranger!” she identified, her smile evident in her voice. “Are you back in town?”

“Just in today,” he admitted. He paused momentarily before continuing, “I was wondering if you were free to grab dinner with me tonight.”

“Sure,” she replied without hesitation. “Anywhere in particular?”

“I was thinking Rossini’s.”

“Mmmm… tiramisu.”

He chuckled softly. “Babe,” he said indulgently.

“What’s the occasion?” she asked.

The first response that came to mind was to tell her there was no reason. Then he thought about the gift she had given him and decided to let her in a little more. “Just want to spend my birthday with a good friend,” he admitted softly, a little nervously. Silence greeted his confession and he became a little nervous about what he’d said.

“Can’t think of a better reason,” Steph finally responded, her voice soft and full of emotion.

“See you in an hour,” he replied before ending the call.

Letting out his breath slowly, he glanced at the picture and a smile graced his face once more. It was time to let her in a little more. Tossing his cell on the nightstand, he quickly emptied his pockets and started to change for his dinner. It had been years since he’d actually celebrated his birthday or even admitted he had one. But, he knew, without a doubt, that this was right.

End.

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