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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 18 – Searching

Slowly, the delicious dreams Stephanie had been having began to fade as consciousness returned. Stretching slightly, she pressed herself more firmly into the warm body lying next to her.

As soon as her brain registered she wasn't alone in bed, it quickly added the information that whoever was with her was too big to be Charlie. With that realization, her eyes flew open and she tried to sit up, only to find herself restrained by an arm around her waist.

The adrenaline dump into her system woke her up faster than any cup of coffee ever could.

Surveying the room, she took in everyone's positions and knew she was going to have to diffuse the situation quickly.

She was in bed, under the covers, wearing her shirt from last night and her panties. She was currently lying next to Ranger who was reclined, fully dressed, on top of the covers.

Charlie was standing at the side of the bed closest to Ranger, his small body was tense, his fists tight at his sides. He was glaring at the man on the bed and fuming silently.

Glancing at Ranger's face, she noticed it was carefully blank and non-threatening.

“Morning, Charlie,” she greeted. “Morning, Ranger.”

Charlie shifted his gaze from Ranger to his mother.

Stephanie could see the anger in his eyes change to worry. “Are you OK, Mom?” he asked.

Struggling into a sitting position, Stephanie waved Charlie around the bed, indicating that he should crawl onto the mattress with them.

Ranger also moved into a sitting position and shifted slightly to give Stephanie and Charlie more room.

Draping an arm around her son's shoulders, Stephanie hugged him. “I'm fine, kiddo,” she assured. “I couldn't sleep last night, so I went for a walk. Ranger found me and we talked for a while before I fell asleep on him. You know how hard I can be to wake up, right?”

Charlie snorted and nodded. He knew.

Stephanie smiled at the response. “Well, since I was already asleep on him, he carried me into the house and put me to bed.”

“But, why is he here now?” Charlie demanded, narrowing his eyes at Ranger.

Glancing at Ranger, Stephanie tilted her head in question. “If I had to guess, I'd say when he tucked me in, I grabbed hold and wouldn't let go,” she explained.

Ranger offered a smile and small nod. “Thought it was more important she sleep than that I leave,” Ranger added.

Charlie stared at him, considering his words. His body wasn't nearly as tense as before.

“Charlie,” Stephanie said softly, drawing the boy's attention back to her. “I told you before that Ranger and I used to date.”

“But that was before,” Charlie protested. “A long time ago.”

Stephanie nodded. “It was a long time ago,” she agreed. “But I still love him very much,” she admitted, feeling her cheeks color slightly as Ranger's stunned and joy-filled gaze fell on her almost as if it had a physical weight. It was the first time she had admitted that to someone other than Ranger.

“Charlie,” Ranger said, drawing the boy's attention away from his blushing mother. “I love your Mom with all my heart. I would never do anything that she didn't want.”

“You promise not to hurt her?” he demanded.

“I will never purposely hurt her,” he assured. “Sometimes I may say or do something by accident that will hurt her feelings, but I'll never do that on purpose.”

Charlie stared at the man, evaluating the truth and sincerity of his words. He remembered how Ranger had sworn to keep Stephanie safe. So maybe he could trust that Ranger would keep his promise.

Before he came to a decision about Ranger, though, Stephanie added, “Just like us, kiddo. Sometimes we say something that hurts by accident, but never on purpose.”

Looking at his mom, Charlie thought over her words before smiling and nodding his acceptance. He scrambled out of the bed and looked back at them from the doorway. Staring at the adults, he offered a look almost identical to Stephanie when she was scolding him. “Just don't let this happen again,” he commanded before disappearing down the hall.

“Babe, he's definitely your son,” Ranger observed, amused.

Stephanie felt a soft smile appear on her face and her heart melt at the words. “Yeah, he is,” she agreed, her voice filled with maternal pride and love. Then, glancing at the clock, she threw the covers aside and stood, stretching.

“Babe,” Ranger said, his voice deep and a little rough.

Glancing at him, Stephanie stopped cold mid-stretch. Her eyes widened. Ranger was scanning her from the tips of her toes to the tip of her nose with a few stops along the way at some of his favorite places. His eyes were almost black with love, lust and desire.

Quickly clearing her throat, Stephanie began backing toward her closet. “You should get ready,” she advised, her voice a little higher than normal. “We'll have breakfast soon and then I need to get to the office. I have a lot of searching to do.”

The reference to the problem they were working on sobered both Stephanie and Ranger.

Rising from the bed, Ranger grabbed his shoes from where they had fallen the previous night. He walked over to where Stephanie was standing and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Should I come here for breakfast or will we have it in the dining room.”

“I'll meet you in the kitchen,” she said, smiling up at him.

“See you in a few,” he assured and left. “Bob and I have some preparation we'll be doing today while you're searching. Call if you need us to help go through the data or for any other reason,” he added with a wolf grin.

Stephanie laughed and shooed him out of the room. “Go,” she insisted, still chuckling as he disappeared out the door.

Continued in part 19 – 028. On-line

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