Chapter 12 A Redecorating Job

An hour later before they got to the Rangeman garage:

Tank had spent the time filling me in on all the happenings of the last few weeks.

"I have to tell you, Boss man, that it's good to have you and Bomber back in the same time zone. This has been a long two months. Between the office, distractions and take downs, redecorating jobs and injuries, I feel like I have been on the mission." Tank just smirked at me.

"Get off it, Tank! While I was gone, you slept in a soft bed almost every night; while I slept in a tree top. You went to work in a nice dry office; while I slogged through a wet moldy jungle, in the rain. You got to play with guns; while I battled leeches, anacondas and insurgents with a knife. You got to spend time with 'my woman'; while I had to look at the ugly faces of Patch and Gordo. Now, you tell me if your job wasn't more fun." I chuckled lightly.

"I get the point, but I could have used your support the last few days."

"I'm sure you did everything needed. You did buy her Boston Crèmes, right?"

"Yeah, I did, Boss. We had breakfast in bed this morning before I came to pick you up." Tank worked really hard to not laugh as he observed my jaw clench and the quirk of my eyebrow. He thought jerking the tiger's tail was so much fun, did he?

"Do we need to meet on the mats in the morning? Even though my leg is still painful, I'm pretty sure I can still take you."

"Not on your best day. Maybe Lester, but not 'The Tank'."

"Just what does Lester have to do with this?" I asked curiously.

"He joined us." Tank grinned. He didn't grin or laugh often, but it was a good day to do so. Me, safely at home, and Steph healing and on her way back to her old self seemed like a good reason for him to smile.

Shaking my head slightly and preparing to give Lester some grief, I smirked to myself, "yes, as soon as I wrapped myself around my Babe; that was when these two jokers would see the tooth of the tiger. Or maybe after I wrapped her around the 'shaft of the tiger', which would be much better."

I jumped out of the truck almost before Tank stopped, bounding up the stairs, not wanting to wait for the elevator to open.

I knew Tank had helped me center my mind before seeing Steph. Normally a mission ended with me being off -line at least a week before facing the civilized world. I spent that time, exercising, sleeping, meditating, reacquainting with daily life, and letting my wounds heal. I couldn't be seen as weak, injured or out of control. Since it hadn't been a normal mission this time, it wasn't a normal homecoming. Tank knew just how much I had to see my Babe today. I needed to see her, hold her in my arms, and reassure myself that she was safe.

Part 2

After breakfast in bed this morning, with the three Amigos, I took a shower while Bobby and Lester played video games and Tank left to pick up Ranger. He'd called earlier to give his ETA. I took my time washing and conditioning my hair, shaving and exfoliating, taking extra time to tame and curl my hair. I wanted to look beautiful for Ranger. Wrapping myself in Ranger's robe, I went to the dressing room to pick just the right outfit. Finding a cream colored denim skirt and a scoop-neck, sapphire blue silk blouse, that matched my eyes. Slipping into a blue satin and lace VS bra and thong set, I set about finding the right shoes. After Ranger and the Merry Men, shoes rated up there as the most important things in my life. Choosing a pair of blue strappy sandals with three inch heels, I called myself done.

Walking out of the bedroom, I was immediately wrapped in Lester's arms. "Beautiful, you're too good for Ranger. Run away with me."

"Bombshell, this guy is definitely no good for you. You deserve a real man. Let me take you away to the Caribbean."

I couldn't help but giggle as I made my way to the kitchen. Grabbing three bottles of water, I tossed one to each of them. "Just tell me how long you think it would be before we were captured and shipped to a third world country."

Both answered in unison, "Not long, but it would be worth it."

"Not to me. I don't like bugs and I can't live on bark and twigs. I need Boston Crèmes to survive." They both hung their head. The Merry Men had worked so hard to keep me upbeat and smiling and I refused to let them down.

In less than an hour, Ranger would be home. Ella prepared a late lunch or early dinner. We'd have a nice meal with the guys and then I planned to shoo them out so Ranger and I could be alone. Walking around, I fluffed throw pillows, straightened magazines, rearranged the flowers, and lit candles.

Getting nervous, I began to doubt myself again. Would he be proud that I'd defended myself or would he be upset that I killed two men? How would he deal with the fact that I cut a man's throat? Would he see it had changed me? Would he say "proud of you, Babe?" I needed to hear that. The guys had all said it, but I needed it from Ranger. I could even remember Hector saying, "proud of you, Babe "with a big grin on his face. He must have practiced that for a while.

I worked myself into a state, pacing across the room and in front of the entertainment center when Lester couldn't stand it anymore. He picked me up and carried me to the couch sitting down with me on his lap just as the apartment door opened.

Ranger stood, in all his glory, his arms across his chest, feet apart. He stalked to the couch and picked me up from Lester's lap." Santos, I planned on taking you to the mats in the morning, but maybe we need to have a discussion now."

Lester swallowed visibly, "Boss, I was just trying to comfort her."

"I 'm talking about having breakfast in bed with my woman." Ranger growled as he wrapped me in his arms and kissed me senseless.

Just then Tank strolled in and almost fell on the floor laughing. Yeah, this is definitely a good day.

Ella brought a fine meal for us to enjoy. Somehow, the earth seemed to be back on its axis and spinning normally.

As soon as the Merry Men left, we could be alone and reacquaint ourselves.