Nocturne for Stephanie
A/N - Here comes the bride.
Chapter 6
As we drove North Ranger slipped into his zone. He switched on the stereo and the car was filled with a slow calming orchestral piece of music.
"Do you mind?" He asked. "I find it helpful to relax."
"No, it fine. Not really my thing, but I could definitely do with some relaxation today." I close my eyes and practiced some deep breathing.
Nothing more was said until we arrived at the parking for an upscale hotel just outside Newark.
"I have a suite booked for the night, we'll get ready here and then go meet the Judge for 1900 hours. Lester and Tank are inside, they arrived 10 minutes ago. I asked Tank to pick up your Father."
I practically leaped out my seat. "My Dad? I figured we would just tell him after the event as ask him to keep it quiet."
"I hope you don't mind, I met with him yesterday to explain a little and ask his permission for your hand in marriage."
Wow. "You really didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did. As far as he knows we're in love. He's served in the military, he understands wanting to marry your sweetheart before shipping out. He's happy to keep it quiet for your sake, he knows what the Burg gossips could do to you. I thought it would be good for you to have him here."
"Thank you. You're right. If this was a real wedding, I would want him to stand with me."
He turns to me, "Stephanie, this IS a real wedding. No one is pretending today. If you don't want to marry me, this is your exit now. I can start the car and drive back to Trenton. No one will know any difference. If we get out of the car, we're doing this." I could almost hear him add 'and it's going to be good'.
"Ok, Ranger, I haven't changed my mind. I'm doing this for you." And I opened the car door.
The suite was at on the top floor and consisted of three bedrooms and a large central open plan space divided off for dining and relaxing.
Tank and Lester were seated on one of the sofas as we walked in the door and promptly stood up to parade rest.
"Bossman, Beautiful. All quiet on the drive in. After the shooting at the bonds office no one questioned us needing to leave and guard Beautiful."
"The less said about that the better, Santos. Flaming arrows? Pigs hearts? We will discuss this again." replied Ranger with a dark stare.
Lester never seemed to know when to quit "At least it should keep the TPD on their toes for a while and keep us out of suspicion."
Tank raised his hand and clipped Lester on the back of his head. "You'd better hope. Only a lunatic would base his stalking on Snow White."
I finally looked around at the room, silk curtains, overstuff sofas, chandelier hanging over the dining table and felt very under dressed. The black uniforms of Rangeman seem to blend in everywhere, I suppose that's why they wear them. "Ranger, you said my father was here. I should talk to him, but I do have a small problem."
"Babe?"
"I managed to fit a dress in my shoulder bag" I held up the crumpled little black dress and turned to glare at Lester "however, my pumps were left in the car and went up in flames. I don't want to sound dramatic, but I can't get married in bare feet. We're not at the beach."
"Babe." He looked at me like I had said the most incredulous thing in the world. "Babe, Ella has your shoes, and your wedding dress. She came up with Lester."
"My wedding dress?" I gasped.
"Yes, do you think I would ask you to marry me and not make sure you had a dress for to the occasion?"
I felt very sheepish suddenly my shoes needed my examination. "I wasn't sure, it's all been a bit quick."
"Now that I agree with." I looked up to see my father standing in the doorway of the nearest bedroom.
"Daddy" I ran into his arms.
"Pumpkin, it's good to see you. Can I talk to you in private?" I look to Ranger and he nods. "Why don't you take that room?" he indicates to the large double doors on the far side of the room "It's the master suite. I'll take another and go shower. The guys will find Ella and have her bring in your clothes."
The master suite was as grand as the shared area. A large king size bed dominated the space. The room was decorated in relaxing zen arrangement. If I didn't know better, it looked a little like Rangers bedroom. The sheets on the bed certainly had the same alpha masculine look to them. A dresser occupied the opposite wall to the bed made of dark wood with a gloss finish and oriental artwork in gold covering the ends. Two large armchairs and coffee table matching the dresser overlooked the view outside. Dad walked over to the chairs and rested his hands on the back of the nearest one looking out the window.
"Pumpkin, I know you're your own woman and I'm happy to support you in anything you want to do, but I have to ask, is anyone forcing you to do this today? It has only been a few weeks since you broke up with Morelli but I didn't think you were interested in getting married again, to anyone. As you said it is happening quickly."
I stood in the middle of the room and looked up to the light fitting. I shook my head and formulated my response. "Dad, its ok. I suppose it is a reasonable question. No, I am not being forced to do this. I do love him." I walk towards my father.
"This isn't a quick as it seems. We've known each other for as long as I've been a bounty hunter, my feelings for him have been building for a long time. There isn't anyone one else I would want to marry." I realise I'm telling the truth and feel the need to divert my movement to sit down on the bed. I rest my elbows on my knees and contemplate if I need to lower my head as I feel the blood drain from my face. "Daddy, he has to leave in three days and it's important to him that we do this before he goes. He's important to me so I'm happy to do this today."
He nods "I understand your wish to keep this quiet from the Burg, in the short term, but I'm not sure your mother will. But then I don't think she's ever fully understood you. We will have to do some damage control when it comes out." He runs his hand over his face "I will admit to being grateful not to be paying for this little event, this suite must cost a dime or two." He adds a whistle turning to see the whole space "Although once your mother hears about your marriage I'm sure I'll be paying for a reception."
Eek, I haven't given any thought to a reception once everyone knows. I'd rather avoid that. Hopefully the mission will end quickly and we can do whatever needs to be done.
A knock at the door ends the conversation, but my dad and I exchange smiles before I open the door.
"Ella!"
"Stephanie, it is so good to see you my dear. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you arrived. I needed to talk with the concierge to finalise some arrangements. He very kindly let me use his steamer to get the last wrinkle from your dress." I usher her into the room and hug her as she comes level with me.
"Dad, I don't believe you've met Ella, she is Rangers housekeeper and much more beyond. Ella, my father, Frank Plum"
"Mr Plum, my pleasure. I'm looking forward to seeing Stephanie around the apartment. She really is a joy to cook for." And they shake hands.
"Ella, likewise a pleasure. Stephanie, I should leave you ladies to do whatever you need to do before the wedding. My suit is in the other room so I will change and be out in the lounge." My dad places his hand on each of my cheeks and kisses the top of my head before he walks back into the main room.
Ella switched into wedding planner mode. "We have three hours to get you ready. I unpacked your suitcase into the dresser and closet. I placed everything you should need for this evening in the top drawer. Your shoes are just inside the closet door and toiletries in the bathroom. Let me go get your dress, it's on the hotel trolley in the main room." I swear she hasn't taken a breath. "Don't worry Ranger hasn't seen it. I do hope you like it. Ranger was very particular that is shouldn't be recognizably a wedding dress. I don't understand his need for secrecy sometimes." and with that she disappears out the door. I took the opportunity to peek into the closet at the shoes and found not just one pair but two. I bent down to take a closer look.
"I know, they are both stunning." Ella appeared over my shoulder and I nearly jumped out of my skin. "I thought I let you make the final decision. They're both Jimmy Choo, the ones on the left are open toed, Lancer champagne glitter leather sandal, but does look more silver, 4.5 inches tall and would look exquisite on your feet. The shorter pair are a silver pointy toe pump only 2.5 inches. I have matching clutches for either. Take your pick but let me first show you the dress."
We turn out of the closet and I see it hanging up in front of me. It is stunning, simple and elegant.
"I had to stay away from creams and ivories to avoid the look of a bride, but I think this should do the trick. It would work as an evening gown or any formal occasion."
"Ella is it gorgeous. I couldn't have chosen anything better." Pale dusky blue grey chiffon floor length dress. The top was sleeveless. It gathered across the chest and torso in a loose Grecian style. The skirt was straight with layers of fabric and would gently touch the floor. No obvious train and nothing about this dress said bride but would suit this occasion perfectly. "Thank you, so much. It's so delicate, I think I will go with the strappy sandals."
"It was my pleasure, now let's get you ready to go. Into the shower for you."
Three hours later I stood in front of the mirror and looked at the finished product. My curls had been tamed and sat angelically. Most were loosely pinned up on my head with carefully arranged tendrils allowed to fall. Ella had magicked some pearl and crystal hair grips and had fixed them in the curls. They belonged to her sister who had loaned them.
My makeup was light and elegant. It gave my cheeks a healthy glow. Maybe one more layer of mascara for courage and it would be perfect. My hand and toenails had been manicured and finished with a delicate nude polish. The dress fitted perfectly, Ella had such an eye for these things. And, oh, the shoes, they would place me at eye level with Ranger and I felt so refined in them. I must remember to do something for Ella to thank her for this. I felt like a princess.
Ella gave my shoulders a squeeze and left me alone with my thoughts. This is it, I'm getting married to the man I love. I just hope I can take the pain.
"Knock, knock, Pumpkin, can I come in?"
"Of course Daddy, you ready to go?"
"Yes, Pumpkin. Ranger and Tank have just left. Lester is driving us."
He took in the full view of my outfit. "You look beautiful, I'm so proud to be with you today." He reached his jacket pocket and drew out a long box. "When Ranger met with me, he mentioned that it would be quite a low-key affair, but I still wanted you to have this. I hope it not too old fashioned or anything. It was my mothers." He opened the slender box to reveal a beautiful vintage necklace. A silver chain with pearls interspersed throughout the length. Small feather or leaf shapes crystals set into metal grouped together linked to the chain to create depth. "It's not real gems, but your Grandmother always smiled when she wore it and I want the same for you" He placed it around my neck and checked I was comfortable with it.
"Stephanie, I just want you to be happy." Me too.
"Thanks, Daddy. It's perfect." And it was. It sat just below my collar bone and I would treasure it. One last glance in the mirror and I was ready to go.
Lester drove Rangers' Mercedes while Daddy and I sat in the back. Only a few short minutes later we pulled up to the large wrought iron gates of a brick stately home and were buzzed in. We drove up the gravel driveway and parked in the large circular space by the front door.
Lester took my hand to help me out of the car then my father took over and escorted me towards the house.
The housekeeper greeted us "Good evening Sirs, Ma'am. I believe the rest of your party are awaiting you in the rose garden. Please follow me." My breathing became more laboured at each step. I repeated a silent chant in my head. 'you can do it, you can do it'. I had to do it for Ranger. And somehow my feet obeyed and kept going forwards.
As we emerged from the rear of the property the view took away what was left of my breath. Tank, Ranger and a third man, I presumed to be the Judge, stood in the centre of a walled portion of the garden. We entered under an arch of trailing greenery and were surrounding by blooming rose bushes of all colour and variety. The pathways were bordered by lavender and low-level box hedges leading us to the central space. Ethereal music floated on the breeze and with the French lavender aroma gave the space a magical feel.
I half expected to see fairies fly by. But I only had eyes for one man. He stood straight and tall, his tailored black suit fitted his body perfectly. His hair hung loose tussled slightly in the gentle wind. The crisp white shirt contrasted his beautiful Cuban skin. The outfit was finished with a black tie in a large knot. Tank was dressed similarly as was Lester, I now realised, but neither of them compared in beauty to Ranger. I know he would never like to be called beautiful, it wasn't bad ass enough. There would probably be some witty comment about the testosterone level dropping, but I wouldn't take it back. He truly was magnificently beautiful to me.
His eyes met mine as Lester, my father and I continued to walk across the garden. I don't know how I would ever be able to look away again.
"Junior, you never told me she was this beautiful!" The third man spoke. Without breaking eye contact with me Ranger answered "She has always been beautiful to me, but tonight she is a goddess."
I finally reached the centre of the garden. With no attempt to look away, Ranger took my hand, raised it to his lips and kissed it, barely brushing his lips against it, but I felt it in every goose bump it caused the length of my arm and down my spine. "You are simply stunning, thank you."
"Junior?" I had to ask. "You're not so bad yourself Batman." That got me a grin in return.
Ranger leaned over and whispered in my ear "I'm named after my father and some people who know both of us and should know better, still like remind me of the wayward young man I once was."
I gasped, I has assumed that he knew the Judge from Rangeman work, not since his childhood.
My inner thoughts were interrupted by the Judge gently coughing. "Shall we get the proceedings underway? Ms Plum if you would stand here and face Carlos." He moved me to the desired place. I was struggling to focus on anything other than Ranger.
My father, Lester and Tank stood around us in a protective arc facing the Judge. The relaxing music continued to play in the background. Maybe Ranger was onto something.
"Carlos, Stephanie, my name is Judge Malcom Griffin, it is my pleasure to have you visit my home this evening. We are here to join you in marriage and to share in the joy of this occasion, which should be one of the most memorable and happy days of your life. Please take each other by the hand." I reached out and took Rangers hands. I could feel the callouses from all his years of service. I ran my thumb over a small scar on his left hand from a knife wound and shivered as I thought of all he has done for me. I heard Ranger take a slight breath and I looked up in to his bottomless brown eyes. I see no blank mask tonight, but the intensity of his observation of me has me reeling. It certainly feels memorable.
The Judge continues, "Carlos, please repeat after me…" I hear only one voice as I continue to be lost in his eyes.
"Stephanie Michelle Plum, I take you, to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you for as long as we both shall live." I nearly lost my grip on his hands as his words echo in my head, 'vow to love'?
"Stephanie?" I'm pulled from my musings when Judge Griffin turns to me, "Your turn, please repeat after me…" I continue to gaze at Ranger, I will not let him down.
"Ricardo Carlos Manoso, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you for as long as we both shall live." I speak the truth, I hope he can see it. A tear escaped my eye and I blink to avoid a full blow meltdown.
The Judge looks to the two of us. "Do you have rings to exchange?" I shake my head but at the same time Ranger nodded his. Confused I watch Tank reach into his jacket pocket and extract a small black ring box. Tank opens the box and Ranger releases my hands to pick up the ring.
"Ranger?"
"Babe, let me, please?" I nod. He retakes my left hand and slips onto my ring figure the most stunning ring I have ever seen. Beautiful in its simplicity. A channel set diamond band running the full circumference of the platinum ring. It must be at least two carats.
"I give this ring as my gift to you. Wear it and think of me and know that I love you."
I gasp "Ranger, I thought we weren't doing rings. I have nothing to give you."
"Babe, you're wrong, you've just given me everything I've asked of you. Gracias." He lifts my hand and kisses the knuckles then leans in towards my lips.
"Ahem" Judge Griffins interrupts "We'll get to the kissing soon enough. Let me continue." We retake each other by the hands. Ranger smiles and I see him visibly relax. The Judge continues to speak "Love should be the core of your marriage, love is the reason you are here. But it also will take trust- to know in your hearts you want the best for each other. You came to me as two single people and you will now leave as a married couple, united to each other by the binding contract you have just entered. Your cares, your worries, your pleasures and your joys, you must share with each other.
"Carlos and Stephanie, in so much as the two of you have promised your love for each other by these vows, I now declare you to be Husband and Wife. Congratulations, you may kiss each other for the first time as Husband and Wife."
There are few kisses more imagined by young girls in the Burg, your first as a married couple. Hours are spent receiving advice and maybe even practiced, but none dreamt or real could match the explosion of passion or purity as Ranger slid one hand on my lower back, the other on the back of my neck and drew me into his body. My eyes closed finally losing the connection with his. I tilted my head and our lips met tenderly. The pressure gradually increased then his tongue slipped inside. He stole my breath in a single heartbeat. I grip him tight with all my strength. If I could only stay here forever life would be perfect.
I sigh as we finally pull our lips apart to find Lester grinning from ear to ear. I then realise that my father too was watching and hide my face into Rangers chest a little as I blush.
"Congratulations Pumpkin, Ranger." I look up at my father beaming at us. His smile met by Tank and surprisingly Ranger too. Ranger is not keen to let me go, keeping his left arm around my waist holding me tight as he accepts handshakes from our officiant and witnesses. And just like that we're married.
As the judge led us from our idyllic wedding venue the music subtlety changed to a piece I'd heard before at several weddings. The music crescendoed as we walked back through the archway. Our own wedding march. It was as if the enchanted space granted us their blessing and sent us on our way.
Judge Griffin directed us back into the house. "I believe we have some champagne and a small surprise in the drawing room. If you would follow me."
Entering the large airy room furnished in soft creams I see Ella stood behind a table bearing a striking tower of cake, wedding cake! Three tiers of blue ombre buttercream roses seated on a silver stand.
I rushed over to her and exclaimed "Ella, I love you!"
"Babe!" Tank and Lester laugh in the background. Ranger quickly returned me into his arms and a champagne flute was placed in my hand.
Tank cleared his throat, "Ranger, Stephanie, thank you for letting us share this day with you. You both mean so much to each of us. We all wish you all the best and happiness together. Please raise your glasses, to Stephanie and Ranger." With clinking glasses Ranger and I toasted each other and I drank the champagne in one go. He leant in and kissed me gently. I couldn't have imagined a better wedding even if we both meant the vows we professed. Now I definitely needed cake. My hormones were enjoying the close proximity to Ranger far too much. Maybe three slices would be just enough to prevent me from throwing myself at him right here, then I'll need to take some back to the hotel suite. Cake, need cake.
"Babe, I'll get you some cake" Damn his ESP. He leaned into my ear and whispered "But I will limit how much you eat. This is our wedding night. When I told you that I'd thought about marrying you, this was the part I was looking forward to the most." Simultaneously I felt a shiver go down my spine and a warmth spread from my stomach south. He grinned the full 1000-watts. Now I definitely did need cake.
We stood by the cake in front of our small gathering. While grasping the knife together we cut the first slice. I ran two fingers through the butter cream and slowly licked it off the first. I couldn't hold back the moan. The guys all groaned. Then Ranger lifted my hand to his mouth and licked the second finger. I heard him growl.
"Babe, let's take the cake to go" and with that he lifted me off my feet and over his shoulder. I managed to hold onto my cake. "Ranger!" I squealed. Ella exchange the plate with a box containing a few slices and with that I'm whisked away into his Porsche. The rest of our wedding party followed and waved us off in the driveway.
"Babe, Tank and Lester will make sure your father and Ella get home safely. Tonight, is just about you and me." Oh Boy.
A/N - Woo-Hoo they got married! Hope you enjoyed it.