Realigning Destiny - Part 11: Sheltered
By TT
Disclaimer/Notes: See part 1
Feedback: Email TT
Realigning Destiny
By TT
Sometimes chance intervenes in our lives and causes destiny jumps the tracks. When this happens, fate steps in and realigns destiny’s course to bring us to where we need to be. But, as with the course of true love, the road of realignment doesn’t always run smooth.
Part 11 - Sheltered
Breakfast finished fairly quickly. If Stephanie had ever imagined having a meal with Ranger and Charlie, it couldn't have gone better than this morning. There was still a long way to go as far as reaching conclusions about the future, defining roles and such, but the two men in her life seemed to be getting on well enough.
Today she knew she and Ranger would need to talk to Bob about letting her help, but, in order to do that, she would need to find somewhere safe for Charlie to be.
She was still struggling with how much to tell Charlie. His life up until now hadn't been as sheltered as her at the same age, but there were still a lot of things to which she didn't want to expose him.
Right now she wasn't even sure what the threat was that Ranger and Bob were looking at, but she did know she needed to keep her son as far away from it as possible.
“Charlie,” she began, “I”m going to be helping Ranger and Bob today. Do you want me to call Foxx's mom and see if you can come over to play?”
The eight-year old eyed his mother suspiciously. “You're doing something dangerous, aren't you?” he demanded.
Before Stephanie could answer, Ranger interrupted. “It could be very dangerous, Charlie,” he admitted. “But Bob and I are going to do everything we can to make sure she stays as safe as possible.”
Charlie's attention had been riveted on Ranger he began speaking. “You promise,” the eight-year-old insisted.
“I promise,” Ranger replied.
“Cross your heart, hope to die, stick a needle in your eye,” Charlie continued, his face serious as he claimed the most sacred swear of any child.
Ranger shot Stephanie an odd look, obviously not understanding what was being asked of him.
“You have to promise and repeat it,” Charlie commanded when Ranger didn't respond quickly enough.
Stephanie was torn between being amused at Ranger's discomfiture and touched by Charlie's obvious love. “You'll have to walk him through it. I don't think he knows that promise,” she informed her son as she fought off a smile.
“OK,” Charlie said, nodding. “Repeat after me. I promise to keep my mom safe.”
Ranger repeated, “I promise to keep Stephanie safe.”
Then, putting action to the words, Charlie continued, “Cross my heart.”
“Cross my heart,” Ranger echoed.
“Hope to die.”
“Hope to die.”
“Stick a needle in my eye,” Charlie finished.
“Stick a needle in my eye,” Ranger repeated, his face ans voice serious and solemn.
“OK,” Charlie agreed. “She can help you, but you better make sure she doesn't get hurt.” He then stood and walked to the stairs. “Foxx's is fine,” he assured his mother. After climbing three steps, he stopped and turned back. “Oh, Ranger. If something happens to the car, I know it wasn't your fault. That's all Mom.”
“Hey!” Stephanie protested as Charlie took off giggling and Ranger chuckled. Unable to deny the truth of the statement, she smiled as well. “I guess I better call Mandy,” she said, standing.
Ranger rose with her and drew her close, kissing her. “I will keep you safe,” he assured.
“I know you will,” Stephanie agreed, resting her head on his shoulder and enjoying the feeling of being held. She felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled. “What?”
“I think my swearing in as a Ranger was less solemn,” he admitted. “I know my wedding vows never meant as much, though.”
Stephanie's smile softened and her heart warmed at the admission. Rising up, she placed a soft kiss on Ranger's lips. “Thank you,” she said before pulling away. “Why don't you head over to Bob's and give me the bad news that I'll be helping out,” she instructed. “I have a phone call to make and a child to drop off.”
“Yes, ma'am,” Ranger replied, offering a salute before walking past her an through the door to the front of the house.
Stephanie just shook her head and made her way to the phone. She dialed a familiar number and waited for an answer. “Hey, Mandy. It's Stephanie...”
To be continued in part 12 – 075. Watching