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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 22 – Shortbread

Ranger sighed and set the papers aside. Stretching, he inhaled deeply, smiling when he identified the scent. “Homemade shortbread,” he whispered.

Rising from his chair, he made his way to the door leading to the kitchen.

As he stepped in the room, a smile twitched at his lips at the sight of his friend in an apron, peeking into oven. He wondered what the guys back home would say if they could see Bob now.

Settling in a chair, Ranger waited for Bob to turn and acknowledge him. While he waited, he saw the first batch of cookies cooling on a rack in front of him.

Ranger had just extended his hand to take one of the treats when Bob announced, “Touch those and I will take you down.” He then stood and turned to face his friend.

“It's just one,” Ranger protested.

“And those are for Charlie and Stephanie,” Bob declared. “Besides, aren't you the one who insists 'that stuff will kill you'?”

A small frown appeared on Ranger's face. “Yes, but a treat every now and then isn't going to hurt.”

Bob moved to stand right in front of Ranger. “They're still for Stephanie and Charlie,” he insisted. “You can wait until after dinner.”

Though he would deny it, Ranger knew he was pouting. He didn't see Bob all that often - though, they did speak frequently - but every now and then Bob would have his homemade shortbread. It was one treat Ranger couldn't resist.

Studying his friend as Bob moved around the kitchen, Ranger had a feeling they would have to have the talk he was hoping to avoid, especially since he and Stephanie hadn't talked it through yet. “Tell me why you're upset with Stephanie,” he commanded., needing a starting point.

Bob was silent as he prepared a marinade for the chicken he planned on making for dinner.

Ranger, however, was used to waiting silently. He had opened a door for conversation and knew Bob would eventually walk through it.

It was at least ten minutes later, after Bob had put the chicken in the refrigerator and taken the last batch of cookies out of the oven, when he finally answered. “I'm upset with this whole nightmare.” he declared, glaring at Ranger. “I find something bad going on up here and call you. You show up and not only bring all sorts of emotional junk with you.

“I find out a good friend, my nearest neighbor, someone I look on as family has been lying to me for the entire time I've known her. When she first showed up here, it was easy to tell she was hurting, she had nothing, but she never would tell me...” Bob ran his hands through his hair and shook his head. “Then, after you show up, I find out that her life and the lives of those she left behind are in danger, meaning, now, that Charlie, me and a whole host of others are in danger from an unknown threat. And don't think I didn't notice that she didn't supply names in her story. Of course, finding that out isn't quite enough, so in addition to all that, she's the Bombshell Bounty Hunter – which actually explains a few things. Throw into that mix that you and she are friends and then I find out she's in love with you, which brings up concerns, not only about her, but also about Charlie as well. All that together and we've got a huge cluster on our hands,” he ranted.

Running his hands through his hair again, Bob continued, “I know your history with women, Carlos. I know how you play them. I also know you've dedicated most of the last few years looking for Stephanie. What I don't know is which of you worries and pisses me off more.

“Stephanie has lied to me the whole time I've known her, but with good cause. She thinks she hides it, but I know how much she still hurts, how much she loves someone who is, apparently, you. I wonder if you're only hunting her because of the challenge she represents or because you love her enough to try something more with her. She comes with Charlie now. You never wanted to be a father. Are you going to reject her because of the boy?

“And you! You've never loved a woman enough to commit. Yes, you committed to Rachel out of obligation, but you've never committed out of love. Can you love enough to love Charlie? He's a part of her now. Will you survive if she chooses to stay here rather than go with you?

“But the one thing that worries me more than anything else,” Bob admitted. “Is whether or not you'll both be able to put aside all this crap and focus on the job. We have to be perfect on this one. There's no room for failure.”

Ranger stared at Bob for a long minute, taking in and considering everything his friend had said. There were a few answers he knew he couldn't give, not only because he and Stephanie hadn't discussed them, but because only time could reveal the answer. But he also knew he had to respond to Bob's concerns.

Taking a deep breath, Ranger replied, “This mission takes priority for both Stephanie and I. There are too many innocent lives at stake not to. We've agreed not to discuss our past, present or potential relationship until this is over. For me, that alone is enough motivation to get that group taken down as quickly and cleanly as possible while ensuring there is no backlash.

“As for Charlie, he and I have gotten on well enough. I know he's extremely protective of Stephanie, that there's a lot of story I'm missing with him, but it's not my place to push until Stephanie and I figure out what we're going to do.

“To answer another of your questions: no, I am not just hunting her because I can't have her because I don't have her or because she's a challenge. People can change, Bob,” he finished.

Silence reigned in the room for several seconds as the men stared at each other. Finally, Bob nodded his head. “Fine,” he responded. “But you need to remember, I may not be happy with her, but she and Charlie are the nearest thing to family. They're more dear to me than even you and the boys now,” Bob stated seriously, meeting and holding Ranger's eyes for several seconds. When he was satisfied he had gotten his point across, he suggested, “Let's see what else we can get through before they get home.”

Ranger nodded and stood. When he saw Bob turn to go into the dining room, he reached for one of the cookies.

“Don't even think about it, Manoso,” Bob warned.

Ranger shot a glare at his friend's back, but left the cookie and followed Bob into the dining room where the reports awaited them.

To Be Continued in Part 23: 062. Dirty

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