Usual disclaimer I own nothing Characters except for Cortez belong to JE. I write for my pleasure.
I hope you have enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Thanks to Denny for all her encouragement and help with this story. She encouraged me to write my first story and I will always be grateful. Thanks to Xylia for working very hard as my Beta. I' sure this first story wasn't easy.
Thanks to all the readers who have reviewed and encouraged me along the way, you have kept this story going to completion.
Epilogue
The Dream
Chapter 14
The last six months had gone by in a blur. I truly hadn't had much time to think about the wedding. I spent my time finishing the design of my office and setting up the new Rangeman division. I also had the responsibility of coordinating with the other offices as Ranger requested.
I worked with Employee Relations to set up job descriptions and salary directives. I worked up a Division Plan to present to the Core Team describing short and long- term goals for my department.
After much thought and input from Ranger, I finally chose my initial team.
I chose Hal and Manny; Hal, because of his computer skills and Manny, because of his skills in planning and executing takedowns. We were Rangeman's new Analysis and Planning team.
Both guys were happy to be selected. We would coordinate with Silvio in Miami and Cortez in Boston.
The core team was very happy with the plan and Ranger was proud of all the work.
"I knew you could pull this together and make this a working division. "
Ranger and I worked closely on these plans traveling to the other offices for input on the development.
My team would do the normal searches and sit in with new clients to develop systems to their satisfaction while still planning takedowns. We had a big job but I was confident that the chosen team could do the job.
The nights were filled with attention from my Cuban Sex God and they were filled; sometimes finding time to sleep was a problem.
About a week before our big day, Ranger came to my office. He nodded to the Hal and Manny. Both men got up and left the office. There's this unspoken language that all Merry Men understand. I still haven't learned the concept.
After they left, Ranger closed and locked the door. He pulled me across his lap and captured me in a lip lock. When I was almost senseless, he pulled back.
"You know next Saturday is the big day and you haven't even tried to find out my plans, Proud of you Babe. You've put your trust in me."
"Of course I trust you and I'm excited. You've kept me so busy I haven't had time to worry. You haven't given me enough information even to decide what I need to pack let alone buy a dress.
I'm really sorry but I can't get married in the nude that just wouldn't be appropriate. Although marrying you in the nude might be an experience I could deal with, Ranger." I giggled.
"Not going to happen Babe. But, I appreciate the thought. I told you not to worry about anything and I meant it. Ella will take care of all your needs and she's already chosen your gown.
" As he captured both of my breasts in his hands, he pulled inward and pressed his face to my cleavage. Then he kissed the top of my breast.
"You want more; it has only been two hours?"
"Babe I always want more, I can't get enough of you."
Taking his face in both my hands, I said. "Focus Ranger. I really should see my dress. What if it doesn't fit? How will I know if it is right? Just a little hint!"
"No, everything will be fine, Ella has the dress under control, and it'll be gorgeous. The only thing you have to worry about is being ready to leave. I am focused." He ran his hands up my thighs.
"Range, I have work that has to be completed. I have a badass boss.
"How about we have lunch on seven?" Ranger smirked.
The next two weeks flew by. I was dizzy with all the preparation and I didn't even know how long we'd be gone.
Friday at breakfast Ranger said we'd leave at three and I should be ready for the experience of a lifetime.
At exactly three he walked into the apartment. He was dressed in casual jeans and a button shirt; I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He swept me off my feet and carried me to the Porsche. Our bags were already there. I didn't see him take out our bags. I guess that somehow he'd taken them down without me noticing.
Ranger drove toward Newark, I thought sure we'd go to Point Pleasant. We drove to a small airport. Ranger pushed a button on his key ring and a hangar door opened. We drove inside. Rangers Black jet was sitting with the stairs down, waiting for us to board. He led me in, closing the door behind us. After getting me settled in my seat, he went to the cockpit to talk to the pilot.
The plane was wheeled out onto the runway and we were in the air shortly.
"You still haven't told me where we are going."
"I'll tell you soon. We have a long flight. Our dinner is in the Galley and we will have time to rest. Is that enough for now?"
I nodded.
"Shall we dine?" He led me to the center of the plain where a table was set with linens and crystal and floating candles. The lights were low.
He seated me at the table. A waiter came to the table carrying two covered plates. He served us and opened a bottle of champagne. Ranger reached across and closed my gapping mouth.
"I told you to be prepared, now enjoy your dinner." He poured us champagne and we toasted to our future and to long lives in each other's arms.
We enjoyed a sumptuous meal and a decadent dessert that Ranger even shared. He took my hand and led me to the back of the plane into the bedroom.
Gently he kissed me, taking his time to undress me gently. He touched and kissed every inch of my flesh as he exposed my heated skin.
Turning the covers back, he carefully laid me on the bed as he gazed with smoldering eyes at me. He then quickly removed his clothes and joined me.
He made love to me gentle and slow. I had never felt so cherished, so 'worshipped' in my life. I was in awe, every gentle stroke of his hands and his lips brought me to new highs. When we were spent he wrapped me in his arms.
"Sleep my love tomorrow will be a big day."
When we landed, it was already dark. We stepped off the plane to a waiting limo. I still didn't know where we were and Ranger still wasn't telling. I just cuddled into his chest and fell asleep trusting in him to take care of me.
RANGER'S POV
Steph was sound asleep across my chest by the time we made it to my house. I picked her up and carried her to bed.
By morning she would be rested and ready for her big day.
"I had taken great care in planning our wedding. Steph had been great in trusting me and letting me do the planning. I, in turn, tried to keep her busy so she didn't have much time to worry or question my plans.
The day had been planned and scheduled almost to the minute. My plan had been to arrive at night so she wouldn't know where we were. From the minute she woke, today would be about her. She would be pampered and cared for. She had no idea the surprises I had planned, just the way I like it; I want to spoil my Babe every day. She deserved no less."
9AM: I stepped into the room and kissed Steph awake. The next hour was spent lavishing her with kisses and morning love, just the way I know she likes to be woken. We finished up with a shower together. She was amazed by the room and the bathroom. It was truly like a spa at home. I left her, telling her to put on just a robe, no make-up needed that I would see her tonight at the ceremony.
1030: Steph stepped out to a team waiting to pamper her in every way; body scrub, manicure, pedicure, full or partial waxing whatever her desire, whirlpool and full massage.
1300: she would stop for lunch of tiny sandwiches and chocolate covered fruits with wine punch.
1400: Finish her day at the spa with a facial and a nap.
1700: Dinner by the pool including decadent chocolate mousse for dessert.
1800: Hairdresser and makeup. I requested light makeup and her hair to be at least partially down her shoulders. I loved her hair; it was so sexy.
1900: Her maid was to assist her in dressing and getting to the Limo.
2000: My beautiful Bride was to meet me on the beach.
I had flown in Steph's Dad and grandma, my Dad and grandma. They were the only ones who had made an effort to understand our love. Of course there was the core team along with most of the guys from Trenton. I brought in contract workers to cover for all my men that would be attending the wedding. I even brought in men from Boston and Miami.
Of course, I had Mary Lou, who would stand up with Steph, Lenny, Connie and Lula flown in for the wedding. I knew Steph would want Connie and Lula both to be bride's maids. Tank Bobby and Lester would stand with me.
The beach was littered with exotic flowers. I had a white carpet had been rolled out to a Dias covered with flowers.
The girls went to meet Steph's limo and the guys and I took our places. The girls were dressed in turquoise ankle length silk gowns with matching heels and orchid bouquets. The guys were dressed in white linen pants and white linen pleated front shirts open at the collar.
The girls blindfolded Steph with a silk scarf and led her to the edge of the carpet. The blindfold was removed when the music started. The girls were lovely, walking slowly down the aisle.
As the bride's song started to play, Stephanie stepped out onto the carpet. She was resplendent in a cream silk gown fitted at the bodice and flowing from the waist. The dress was an ankle length lace overlay with an uneven hem and white FMPs.
Her hair was done in soft curls piled high with tendrils trailing around her face and neck. She carried a bouquet of white and dyed turquoise roses and white orchids. She was exquisite. I could see tears on her cheeks as she walked the carpet. I walked to meet her and took her hand
The sun was setting over the ocean just as she had asked. The ceremony was simple the preacher said a few traditional words. As I placed her ring on her finger, I vowed to love, protect and cherish her always.
"Stephanie I pledge my love and whole heart from this day forward. I love you more today than yesterday but less than tomorrow. You are the light in my darkness; you are the joy in my day. I will hold only you in my arms for the rest of my days. You will always be my precious love, the air that I breathe." I placed the ring on her finger, sealing the promise by kissing her ring.
It was Steph's turn. She drew a shaky breath, cleared her throat and began to speak. Tears were streaming down her face as she spoke. I reached out and wiped away a tear, she smiled warmly at me.
"Carlos, I pledge my love and my whole heart from his day forward. I love you more today than yesterday but less than tomorrow. You are the joy in my day. You have guided me through my darkest hours and shown me the way to true love. I will hold only you in my arms for the rest of my days. You will always be my precious love, the air that I breathe." She placed the ring on my finger and sealed her promise by kissing his ring.
"Carlos you may kiss the bride." The preacher announced.
STEPH'S POV
Ranger swept me into his arms, giving me a deep, passionate kiss amongst whoops and cheers, before setting me on my feet again. Clearing his throat the preacher said,
" May I present Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Carlos Manoso?"
Ranger grabbed my hand and we ran back down the carpet, followed by our attendants. Before everyone left in the limos for the reception we did pictures.
After the pictures were done, we ran to the waiting limos, laughing, on our way to the reception Ranger had planned.
I was speechless. Ranger spared no expense to make this day memorable, He succeeded in every way, I couldn't have felt any more treasured and loved. I didn't know, but there was a lot more to come.
I couldn't believe he brought everyone to Hawaii for our wedding. He did tell me we'd come back one day. Little did I know it would be so soon or so special. I figured it'd be a business trip or a mini vacation.
As we stepped out of the Limo, we were surrounded by lovely girls in traditional Hawaiian dress. With welcome Aloha's and lei placed around everyone's necks.
I turned and looked into Ranger's eyes. With tears in my eyes, I said, "You sure know how to make a girl feel special and loved Mr. Manoso."
"And you deserve every minute of it, Mrs. Manoso." He kissed me. Grabbing me around the waist, and spun us around.
Ranger guided me through the grass curtain to the reception. It was a full traditional luau with tables of delicacies even a roast pig.
The Pavilion was crowded with people. Everyone was laughing and cheering. The guys took turns spinning me around and kissing my cheeks. They did man handshakes and slaps on the back with Ranger. Both dads and grandmas crowded in to kiss and hug us.
After the long sumptuous meal, the dancers took their place and proceeded with traditional dances. It was all very beautiful. Cheers and whistles were heard everywhere when the girls and I were pulled to the stage and taught to dance the Hula. Afterward we all crashed into the guy's arms laughing and tired.
At midnight, Ranger squeezed my hand. We told everyone we were leaving, that they should enjoy the rest of the night.
Ranger announced we would leave on our honeymoon in the morning and not to expect us back for three weeks. Every one cheered. There were many kisses and handshakes and groans from Lester and Bobby; Rangeman was left in their capable hands. Tank and Lula would be going with us along on our Honeymoon.
AN: Thanks again to all the readers and to those who reviewed. I am thinking about a sequel with the honeymoon. Let me know what you think.