After Midnight

Chapter 8

Complications

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or make any money off this story. I write for the enjoyment.

"Oh no, it's raining." Said Stephanie, moving the curtain in the bedroom. "What do they say about rain on your wedding day?"

"I don't know Babe, but even if it rains, the wedding will be perfect." (Ranger can say that because he has a back up plan, just in case.)

"You shouldn't be in here, Ranger. It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."

"We make our own luck, Babe. I wanted to give you a present before things get crazy today." He says handing her a wrapped gift.

She takes it and sits on the side of the bed. Opening the box, she gasps. "Oh, it's beautiful, thank you!" It's a diamond necklace.

"Will you wear it today? He asked. "Yes, of course, I would be honored to wear it." She says and goes into the closet and comes back out with a box for Ranger. "I got you a gift as well, you can open it later." She says shyly. A pair of cufflinks was in the box. "Babe, I'll see you in a few hours. Please rest if you need to today. I love you," he says and kisses her lips and bends down and kisses her belly, "I love you too."

The sun comes out around noon and the clouds clear away. It's a beautiful fall day. "Looks like a good day for a wedding!" Squeals Mary Lou, walking in the bedroom. "Ella's here with lunch, are you okay, Steph?" She says stopping when she sees Stephanie laying on the bed.

"Could you call Ranger? Asks Steph.

They call the doctor and she wants to see Steph right away. "Let's do an ultrasound to check things out. Have you felt any movement lately?" Asked the doctor.

"Yes, I felt him move this morning. But I have had a sharp pain in my side for three hours now that won't go away." She said.

Turning on the machine, the doctor looks at the screen. "There's the baby, he looks fine and his heartbeat sounds normal." She turns off the machine and turns to the couple. "Let's get you over to the hospital for a couple more tests. I would feel better if we check out a few more things." Said the doctor.

Four hours later they leave the hospital. "I didn't know spicy food would effect me like that." She said again. "The baby and I do not like the same foods."

Ranger turns to Stephanie. "Babe, do you want to postpone the wedding?"

"No, don't be silly. It's just indigestion, we're fine."

Mary Lou came back over and she helped Steph with her hair and makeup. "I feel useless just sitting here," she complained.

"Let me pamper you, it's your wedding day and you're having a baby! You don't need much makeup anyway because you're glowing. I love this simple hairstyle. It will go well with your headpiece." Said Mary Lou.

The headpiece is silver braided and trimmed with sequins that goes around her updo and the veil goes underneath.

"I guess I ate something at the rehearsal dinner last night that did not agree with the baby, I wish I knew what it was so I could avoid it today." Said Stephanie thinking aloud.

"Let's get your dress on. I love your bridal lingerie. It's very pretty." The dress has a chiffon flowy skirt with a beaded bodice. It's simple and elegant and you can't see her baby bump unless you know it's there. There's a knock on the door and her mom and grandma Mazur and Ranger's mother and sisters come in. There's a lot of oohing and aahing and hugging before everyone leaves.

"Pumpkin, are you ready?"

"Yes, dad, you can come in. I'm dressed."

"Oh, my, gosh! You are so beautiful! You're radiant." He comes over and hugs her gently. "Are you ready for this?"

"Yes, dad, I am ready to start my life with Ranger. This feels right and I am so happy."

"I'm happy that you're happy, Pumpkin. I can still kick his ass if he hurts you, remember that!"

"Okay dad." She says smiling. "Let's do this!"