Ranger Ben: A Steamy Standalone Instalove Romance Read online

  It’s most likely diaper duty, or it might be an early lunch, but I don’t mind.

  Not ever.

  Every second I get to spend with these guys is my life now. It’s what makes me tick.

  The park. The Ranger duties? Those are just work. Home is where the heart is, and family is where the soul is.

  “Coming, babies!” I call out, hustling up the stairs through the kitchen and into Stacey’s den.

  “I’ve got an assignment due I’ve got to send in. Can you be a doll and change Beatrice, maybe get her a bottle too?” she asks, handing me our baby angel who gurgles with amusement.

  Reminding me just how much our world revolves around her, but loving every minute of it.

  Beatrice is a quiet baby, only letting us know when she’s upset if things are really not to her liking.

  She loves to be held and cuddled though, watching either mommy or daddy work, while she blows bubbles and fills her diaper with determination, especially when neither of us should have the time, but always make it for her. No matter what.

  “I thought you did that module, handed it in last week?” I ask, worried Stacey’s taking on too much with her online degree, already planning our little trips into both town and the city so she can complete her degree modules on-site.

  Being the wife of a ranger doesn’t automatically make you one, and Stacey agrees, she’s going through the regular channels, with no help from me to get where she wants to be.

  Ranger Stacey.

  I kind of tear up every time I think of it like that, but I’m so proud of her, and I know little Beatrice is too.

  And her dad, Greg? Don’t even get him started on him, he’ll bale you up for a good half hour, telling you his daughter should be the next congresswoman, not just a park ranger with a law degree to boot.

  Heading to the kitchen to fix Beatrice her lunch as well as change her, I take a second by the back door, cradling her tiny body in my arms, and look out on what we’ve made so far.

  I’d say it isn’t much, but Greg and anyone else who visits tells us both that we should slow down, that we’re maybe trying too hard.

  But the work here, at home? It isn’t work at all. It’s us. It’s our future and it’s little Beatrice’s future too.

  For her husband or partner someday too.

  Almost forgetting her diaper and her lunch until I feel Stacey’s arms wrap around us, letting me know she’s done now and asking how she can help.

  “I was just thinking…” I tell them both. “Maybe little Beatrice here needs a younger brother or sister to boss around. Give her something to do once she’s old enough,” I reflect.

  “Maybe daddy needs to tie a knot in it,” Stacey teases me, taking Beatrice and making a face once she smells her diaper.

  “I’ll get her lunch ready then,” I tell her, watching her walk to the changing table, counting the minutes in my head until Beatrice is asleep and daddy can have some quiet time with Mommy.

  “Did you finish your assignment?” I ask, trying to sound innocent but my eyes betray me, traveling up and down her body as my true intentions show.

  Stacey rolls her eyes, but smiles.

  “Yeah, I did. And no thanks to you, we’ll have more than enough playmates for little Beatrice here. Maybe I should postpone my degree?” she says to herself, bouncing our baby girl and cooing into her ear that mommy likes babies just as much as she does studying.

  I move over to her, hugging her from behind, kissing her neck.

  “I’ll support whatever you choose, baby. But if you need more help from me, with anything. Just say so,” I tell her.

  Suddenly feeling maybe I don’t need to spend so much time restoring the ancient baby furniture, we can just buy the store made stuff.

  “That’s not what I meant, Ben,” she smiles again, kissing me tenderly. Beatrice gurgling before she starts to kick and hoot for food.

  Her tiny feet pushing out in her onesie, making her mom and I laugh.

  “I know,” I reply, “but I just want to keep things as they are, perfect. You’re happy, I’m happy… We’re all happy.”

  “We can have more though, right?” Stacey asks, looking eager. Her eyes wide and shining with a look I recall from a year ago.

  “You mean—” I gasp, feeling my heart bloom when she nods with excitement.

  “No dad here, just mommy telling daddy and baby Beatrice she’s gonna have a baby brother or sister soon!” she squeals, and I can’t help but join her, slapping my thigh and praising everything holy.

  “Blessed, we’re truly blessed, my loves,” I tell them both, holding them extra tight and wondering if it’s time to start building that second story onto the house after all.

  “We’ve got time yet,” Stacey assures me, but I can already see the plans in my mind.

  A bigger house.

  A bigger ranch.

  We’re gonna need it.

  Extended Epilogue

  Three Years Later

  Stacey

  The radio crackles to life, a sound that never gets old to me.

  The crunch of static before something that’s almost always a call for help, unless it’s just Ben checking in.

  But he’s got a two kid and daddy bath going down the hall, and this call is on my own frequency.

  Here we go again.

  I prepare myself for whatever lies ahead, glad I pulled an extra lasagna out of the freezer for Ben and made up some more bottles for baby Mikey earlier on.

  Some days I just sense it.

  Maybe it’s the weather, but like Ben, himself tells me all the time. “You’ve just got a Ranger’s heart. It’s in your bones.”

  “Sorry to call you so late, Stacey,” My off-sider Barb calls in. “But we’ve got a tricky one.”

  “Go ahead, B,” I chime in, eager to hear which critters need our help today.

  “Not pretty. A pair of beavers found in a trap. I’ve got vet rescue on the way, but we’ll need somewhere to house these babies once they’re freed,” Barb says, some emotion showing in her voice.

  I never picked up on it, all those years ago, but Deputy Barbie was actually longing to be a ranger herself. And with my own encouragement, she hung up her deputy hat for a ranger’s one.

  Traded in the bleached bangs and nails for scratched up arms and long nights, rescuing furry friends and sometimes not-so-friendly animals too.

  I sigh heavily though, always making a face when I hear about wildlife getting caught in places they shouldn’t so needlessly.

  Some of these traps are decades old, and most of our rescues come from old traps, reckless hunters, or plain old car trauma.

  Cars meet wildlife 101.

  It’s a program Ben himself petitioned through his contacts in Congress, using his old family contacts as well as his own experience and influence in the department.

  The ranch is now an animal shelter for native wildlife, with our own vet and rescue team on call, around the clock all over the Park.

  The ranch is the final resting place for many, but a place of healing and recovery for so many more.

  We have eagles, bears. Barn owls and otters. Everything else from jackrabbits to stray or abandoned or neglected livestock.

  Goats, pigs, and sheep.

  Groundhogs and snakes, even an escaped lion from a wildlife park that was shut down years ago.

  It’s a lot of work, but I don’t do it alone.

  Ben is here, and the foundation he set up, as well as the grants and private donations, makes it a model for what some are calling the new wildlife reserve.

  Human hands helping to get sick or injured animals well and then back to where they belong.

  I get the details and then check in on dad.

  Not a ranger himself, but our most valued volunteer who I let stalk my channel through his scanner.

  “Get all that, dad?” I ask, knowing he’s already on it.

  “All over it, Stacey. Meet you out there,” he says, and I make a face sile
ntly, remembering this is probably not the best night to be heading out alone for work.

  Not just because there’s a storm rolling in, but because it’s Ben and I’s anniversary.

  I figure he’s probably forgotten, and once he hears me clicking and clipping all my gear together, I can’t help but notice his sigh echoing from the bathroom.

  “Tonight?” he calls out, and I decide to face the music, besides, the kids need their kiss goodnight from mommy.

  Standing in the doorway of our bathroom, I crease a smile.

  Ben in his robe, bent over the bath, making sure our two little ones get some solid fun as well as a wash after their dinner.

  But it’s Ben who looks up at me with real pride in his eyes.

  “You gotta go, huh?” he asks, and I relay the basics to him. The local Beaver population is something he has real concerns for.

  “Dad’s meeting me there, so is B,” I tell him, hoping he won’t mention it. Our anniversary, which he doesn’t.

  But I do.

  “I’m sorry, hun,” is all I can manage, but he knows what I’m talking about.

  I lean in and kiss both our babies, too busy with bath toys and bubbles to notice boring old mom right now.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll give them their milk and then a story,” Ben says, but he doesn’t look disappointed or sad.

  He doesn’t look like a man who feels like he’s missing out on anything.

  We both have it all, right here.

  Our home.

  Our family.

  Our life’s work.

  “I love you, Ben,” I tell him tenderly, stroking his lips with mine, but really needing to get going.

  “I don’t think you know how much I love you right now, Stacey,” he tells me, a little shine of moisture in his eyes.

  “Or your beavers,” he adds with a sly grin.

  “I’ll save some for you,” I promise, and then I go.

  Not just because I have to, but if I stay another second I won’t be able to take just how much love can be in one room. One household.

  But I set out with a thrill, knowing that it’ll all be waiting there for me when I get back.

  Cold, late, and grouchy from hunger. With Ben and our babies waiting.

  Asking how it went, and always eager to help out.

  Always waiting for mom when she gets home.

  My heroes.

  My family.

  Our family.

  Ranger Ben, and Ranger Stacey.

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  A MAN WHO KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS

  Book 1: Baby Lust

  Book 2: Veteran

  Book 3: Built

  Book 4: Bambino

  Book 5: Rescued

  Book 6: Leader

  Book 7: Professor

  Book 8: Burned

  Book 9: Worldly

  Book 10: Pistol

  Book 11: Policed

  Book 12: Driven

  Book 13: Lucky 13

  Book 14: Lumberjacked

  Book 15: Protector

  Book 16: Carpenter

  Book 17: Italian Stallion

  Book 18: Gardener

  Book 19: Budapest Billionaire’s Virgin

  Book 20: Billionaire’s Babysitter

  Book 21: Cocky CFO

  Book 22: Fireman’s Filthy 4th

  Book 23: Mechanic

  Book 24: SEAL’s Secret

  Book 25: Police, Pooch, and Smooch

  Book 26: Fireman’s Fake Fiancée

  Book 27: Billionaire’s Virgin Ballerina

  Book 28: Bitcoin Billionaire’s Babysitter

  Book 29: Veterans Day Daddy

  Book 30: Cowboy’s Christmas Carol

  Book 31: Police Officer’s Princess

  Book 32: Statham

  Book 33: Bodyguard

  Book 34: Greek God

  Book 35: Billionaire Single Dad's Babysitter

  Book 36: Mountain Man

  Book 37: SEAL’s Justice

  Book 38: Royal Romance

  Book 39: Doctor Mountain Man’s Special Delivery

  Book 40: Crocodile Dan D

  Book 41: Mountain Man’s Secret Baby

  Book 42: Doctor Bad Boy’s Secret Baby

  Book 43: Cop’s Babysitter

  Book 44: Nanny for the Cop Next Door

  Book 45: Small Town SEAL’s Saving Grace

  Book 46: Cop’s Fake Fiancée

  Book 47: Billionaire’s Nanny

  Book 48: Cowboy’s Babysitter

  Book 49: Steamy

  Book 50: Brother’s Best Friend

  Book 51: Possessive Professor

  Book 52: Firefighter’s Babysitter

  Book 53: Soldier’s Secret Baby

  Book 54: Ward’s Independence Day

  Book 55: Doctor Next Door

  Book 56: Possessive Policeman

  Book 57: Coached by the MMA Fighter

  Book 58: Boss’s Babysitter

  Book 59: Virgin in New York

  Book 60: Rock Star’s Baby

  Book 61: Possessive Protector

  Book 62: Possessive Australian

  Book 63: Best Friend’s Brother

  Book 64: Possessive Cowboy

  Book 65: Summer Romanced

  Book 66: Possessive Prince

  Book 67: Lovers’s Enemy

  Book 68: Cop’s Best Friend

  Book 69: Possessive Firefighter

  Book 70: Football Next Door

  Book 71: Doctor December

  Book 72: Possessive Canadian

  Book 73: Blue Collar Billionaire

  Book 74: Possessive K-9 Cop

  Book 75: Possessive Brazilian

  Book 76: Hockey Obsession

  Book 77: Possessive Boston Irish American MMA Fighter

  Book 78: Halloween Next Door

  Book 79: Possessive Russian

  Book 80: Baseball Mine

  Book 81: Cop’s Caribbean Captive

  Book 82: Instalove Island

  Book 83: Dad’s Best Friend

  Book 84: Thanksgiving with Dad’s Boss

  Book 85: Possessive Italian Neighbor

  Book 86: Possessive Portuguese

  Book 87: Possessive Christmas Cop

  Book 88: Russian’s Obsession

  Book 89: Possessive Doctor’s Christmas

  Book 90: Possessive Parisian Pilot

  Book 91: U.K. Boxing Day

  Book 92: Jealous Russian Stalker

  Book 93: Italian Mountain Man

  Book 94: Aggressive Russian

  Book 95: Possessive Valentine

  Book 96: Possessive Hunter

  Book 97: Dad’s Russian Mafia Friend

  Book 98: Russian Teacher

  Book 99: Australian Obsession

  Book 100: Russian Next Door

  Book 101: Dad’s Irish Friend

  Book 102: Nanny for the Russian Mafia

  Book 103: Best Friend’s Dad

  Book 104: Basketball Babymaker

  Book 105: Possessive Veterinarian

  Book 106: Brother’s Fireman Friend

  Book 107: Brother’s Canadian Cowboy Friend

  Book 108: Summer Vacation with Dad’s Best Friend

  Book 109: Dad’s Italian Mafia Friend

  Book 110: Dad’s Irish Mafia Friend

  Book 111: Dad’s Football Friend

  Book 112: Possessing His Dancing Queen

  Book 113: Brother’s Cop Friend

  Book 114: Halloween With Dad’s Best Friend

  Book 115: Claimed By Her Boss

  Book 116: Possessive Rider

  Book 117: Dad’s Ex-Biker Buddy

  Book 118: Possessive Undercover Cop

  Book 119: Falling For Her Boss

  Book 120: Claiming His Fashionista

  Book 121: More Than Dad’s Best Friend

  Book 122: Thanksgiving With
Dad’s Best Friend

  Book 123: Bossy Italian

  Book 124: Christmas With Dad’s Mafia Friend

  Book 125: Maid For The Italian Mafia

  Book 126: Nutcracker

  Book 127: Cowboy Cerrone

  Book 128: Chef’s Kiss

  Book 129: Claimed By The Russian

  Book 130: Bought By The Italian Mafia

  Book 131: Hot Nerd

  Book 132: Dad’s Italian Mafia Boss

  Book 133: Mine

  Book 134: Taken By The Thief

  Book 135: Curves Ahead

  Book 136: Her Mafia Valentine

  Book 137: Doctor Valentine

  Book 138: Maid For The Irish Mafia

  Book 139: Winning Her Curves

  Book 140: Dad’s Cartel Best Friend

  Book 141: Dad’s Greek Mafia Friend

  Book 142: Lawyer’s Obsession

  Book 143: Attending Her Curves

  Book 144: Maid for the Russian Mafia

  Book 145: Priest

  Book 146: Claimed By Dad’s Best Friend

  Book 147: His Curvy Office Obsession

  Book 148: Easter with Dad's Best Friend

  Book 149: Veterinarian's Obsession

  Book 150: Curves For Her Older Boss

  Book 151: Mob Lawyer's Curves

  Book 152: Maid For The Doctor Next Door

  Book 153: Possessive Forest Ranger

  Book 154: Nurse For The Russian Mafia

  Book 155: Dad’s Fireman Friend

  Book 156: Russian Mountain Man

  Book 157: Possessive Italian Doctor

  Book 158: Dad's EMT Best Friend

  Book 159: Claimed By The Publisher

  Book 160: Mr. CEO

  Book 161: His Curvy Castaway Obsession

  Book 162: Claiming His Reunion Obsession

  Book 163: Claimed By Dad’s College Friend

  Book 164: Dad’s Detective Best Friend

  Book 165: Attending The Russian Mafia

  Book 166: Dad's Biker Best Friend

  Book 167: My Dad's Russian Mafia Friend

  Book 168: Possessive Landlord

  Book 169: Gardener For The Mafia

  Book 170: Possessive Fighter

  Book 171: Claiming Her Sweet Curves

  Book 172: Possessive Camp Counselor

  Book 173: Claimed By Dad's Italian Best Friend

  Book 174: Possessive Neighbor

  Book 175: 4th of July With Dad's Best Friend