CHAPTER THIRTY
Dr. Powell looked down at the kissing couple and cleared his throat. "I'm really sorry to interrupt at the time like this; but, Ms. Plum, we need to examine you as quickly as we can. Also, there are some tests that need to be run."
Steph cringed. "All right, Doctor. First, please call me Stephanie or Steph. 'Ms. Plum' gives me eye twitches. Second, can I go home after the exam?"
Ranger grinned at the doctor who sighed and just shook his head. "No, Steph, you and Ranger still have to stay for a couple of days. Ranger's lung and your head need some more time to stabilize before you can leave. Also, both of you need to spend some time with the physical therapist. Then when I do release you both it will be into Bobby's care. He can continue your PT and ensure that you don't overdo it. Besides, I'll bet there are a whole host of things you need to discuss about your wedding and everything!"
Dr. Powell was pretty proud of himself when he looked at Bobby, a smug grin on his face. Bobby glanced over at Ranger and Steph grimacing at the thought. "Thanks a lot, Doc."
Dr. Powell examined Stephanie, who was none too happy about it. While he was checking Steph over, he asked "Ranger, you said 'tell me again.' Does that mean you proposed to Steph while you were both still under? And, if that's the case, do you both still remember everything?"
Ranger nodded as the doctor continued. "Would you join me later to discuss your experiences and memories; and do you mind if I taped the conversation? It's just that yours are such rare cases I would really like to do a research paper on it."
Again, Ranger nodded but raised his hand, and said, "That would be fine, but you can't use our names. Since both of us have enemies, I don't want this information publicized, nor do I want us to be interviewed. Do you agree, Babe?"
Stephanie nodded her head. "Doctor, I remember quite a bit but Ranger's right, we can't afford any notoriety about this. We might not survive it; and, frankly, I really, really want to survive to marry this wonderful man. By the way, when do these casts come off?"
"The leg cast can come off in about three weeks depending on what your x-rays look like. The leg was fractured, not broken. Your elbow, on the other hand, will take at least a month. It has a straight break at the tip and we had to put a long screw through the bone. When we take the cast off, we will have to remove the screw. After that you will need to be in a sling for about two weeks. So, guess what, you can't drive."
Stephanie had a disgusted look on her face and responded, "Well, shit! Can I still use my arm while it's in the cast?"
Shaking his head with emphasis, the doctor answered her question. "No, you're going to have to wear a sling and not move the arm at all. Since the break is at the tip and the tendons of the upper arm are attached there, any movement causes stress on the break. Also, should you hit the elbow it will hurt like hell, trust me."
Stephanie just sighed, looked at her left hand and spoke. "Okay, but can we have a few minutes alone before the crowd descends?" Smiling, Dr. Powell nodded and left.
Gazing at the exquisite ring on her finger and then turning to face Ranger she commented, "I've never seen anything so unusual and beautiful. I have a question, though. Where does the wedding band go?"
"First of all, Babe, I designed this especially for you so that you could remove the engagement ring and only wear the band while you're working. See how the two connected rings cross over your finger? The band goes between them. The center diamond that is mounted where the two rings cross is a three-carat marquise and the rings are inset with closely interspersed and alternating half-carat diamonds and sapphires in platinum. The wedding bands, yours and mine, are also platinum and a bit wider than your rings with a few quarter-carat diamonds widely inset completely around them."
"Carlos, this must have cost a fortune! I've never seen sapphires like these; I thought sapphires were blue."
"These are called color change Ceylon blue sapphires. They're called color change because they are deep blue with flashes of violet in the sunlight but in fluorescent light they turn deep purple. Do you really like the ring?"
"It's breathtaking; but what makes it more wonderful, Carlos, is that you designed it for me. When did you do this?"
"After Scrog – I knew then how much I loved you; I wanted you with me any way you would have me. Honestly, I didn't think you would leave Morelli, but I wanted to be ready."
Looking into Stephanie's eyes, Carlos said with a sigh. "I guess it's time." Stephanie just nodded as Carlos opened his phone and spoke into it. "Tank, escort Stephanie's family and Joe Morelli in here." Ranger linked his arm through Stephanie's cast as they girded their loins for battle and Steph covered her left hand with a blanket.
Helen hurried into the room waving her hands, shrieking, "Stephanie Plum, that job is going to be the death of you! This was too close. You are coming home with us when you are released from this hospital! While you're recovering there will be no working and no fraternizing with these awful people. You will be planning your wedding to Joseph while I teach you to cook!"
"So sorry, Mom, but you are partially right. I will be planning a wedding." Steph slowly slid her hand out from under the bed covers as every single member of her family and Joe Morelli shouted, "What is that?" Steph smugly replied, "I will be planning my wedding to Carlos. I would apologize to you, too, Joe; but after all you've put me through these last two years, it wouldn't be the truth!" Smiling at her father and grandmother while holding up her hand, Stephanie finally laughed, "Daddy, Grandma just look at what Carlos gave me! Isn't it beautiful?"
Frank grinned at his future son-in-law. "Welcome to the family, Ranger."
"Please, call me Carlos. Mrs. Mazur, there's only one rule – only my Babe gets to touch my body, okay?"
Edna Mazur's eyes twinkled as she pretended to pout. "Oh, all right, Batman, if you insist. I'd never do anything to upset my granddaughter; but if I get to call you Carlos, you can call me Edna. Whaddaya say?"
Ranger grinned at her and held out his hand. "It's a deal, Edna."
Looking over at Tank, Ranger asked, "Why don't you escort Detective Morelli out of here. If Mrs. Plum and Mrs. Kloughn wish to stay to offer congratulations they may do so. We will understand, of course, should they wish to leave. Then, Tank, please bring my family in so we can share the news."
Tank grinned at Ranger and mouthed, "With pleasure."
All of the Manosos came bursting into the room but stopped as Ranger raised his hand. "Babe, I would like to introduce you to some of the people we could hear while we were unconscious. This is my father, Ricardo, my mother, Olivia, my grandmother, Rosa, and my sisters and brothers: Alicia, Celia, Roberto, Maria and Eduardo. Everyone, this is Stephanie Plum, the love of my life and now my fiancée."
Controlled chaos ensued as every member of Ranger's family came forward to hug Steph while asking a dozen questions. Stephanie stared at Carlos with a "deer in headlights" look on her face just as Dr. Powell broke through the noise. "Folks, I understand this is a time for rejoicing but my patients really need to rest. They've had much too much excitement today. Why don't you come back tomorrow? They're going to be here for another day or so. Okay?"
Helen and Valerie watched in anger as everyone exited the room talking excitedly. Edna and Frank kissed Stephanie on the cheek. Edna grabbed Valerie's arm after Frank grabbed Helen's. Frank said, "We're leaving now. Not one word from either of you. Good night, you two."
As they left the room, Ella and Tank entered with a food cart. Ella rushed over to hug Stephanie. "Oh, dears, I'm so glad you're both better. Stephanie, I brought you dinner so you don't have to eat hospital food." With an intake of breath she grasped Steph's hand and with a huge smile breathed out, "Finally! Congratulations to both of you. I want to make your wedding cake!"
After Ella served the meal, Ranger thanked her for bringing dinner then turned to Tank. "I need to see you first thing in the morning along with Lester, Bobby, and Hal. Babe, would you like to see Mary Lou, Connie, and Lula, too? It will give us some time to talk over what we need to do to make this wedding happen."
"Yes, Carlos, you're probably right" Stephanie mumbled as her eyes drifted shut.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
RPOV
Ranger looked down at his Babe who was lying with her head on his arm, her wild curls framing her face. Ranger loved those curls, her face, her beautiful body, and everything else about her. He still couldn't believe she belonged to him. Like Ella said, "Finally!" Now they just needed to talk about living and working together. He had thought long and hard about what he wanted with Stephanie. He wanted a partner in all areas of his life. He also wanted a life outside of work.
With that in mind he decided to reorganize his company in such a way that others would now share both the responsibilities and rewards, including Stephanie. Ranger knew that convincing her was not going to be easy. Due to her mother, her sister and Morelli, Steph had little self-confidence. Maybe his friends and her friends could help her understand. He hoped so.
"Babe, you want to think about waking up? Breakfast should be here in a minute. Tank and everybody are gonna come by in a few so you might want to freshen up first."
Stephanie's eyes slowly opened as she looked around in confusion. "Where the fuck…Oh…Carlos, what time is it?"
"It's eight o'clock, amante. I'll ring for the nurse to help you to the bathroom."
When the nurse entered the room, she gazed at Ranger with a dazed look on her face. Nodding toward Steph he told her that the lady needed to use the facilities. With a rapid head shake she gently helped a smirking Stephanie to the bathroom. While he waited his turn, Ranger called Tank and asked him to come help him when Stephanie got out. He also asked if Ella had brought breakfast for them. Ranger heard him snicker over the phone and mutter, "No one here could stop her and, believe me, they tried!"
Eating his lox and bagel, Carlos turned to Stephanie to ask her a question; but she blurted out "Carlos, can we talk about what we're going to do after we're married?"
"Of course, querida, what do you want to discuss?"
Stephanie was nervous. She wasn't sure if Ranger was going to be upset or not. "Do we have to live in Trenton? Please understand I just don't want to have every part of our lives inspected and talked about by the nosy people in the Burg. I don't want everything we do broadcast everywhere. Just to have some privacy would be so wonderful. Could we live somewhere else or do you have to be here because of your business?"
Ranger breathed deeply thinking this talk might not be as hard as he thought. "Babe, we can live anywhere you want. Actually, I agree with you. It would be great to live in either Boston or Miami. I can make either office the headquarters of RangeMan rather than Trenton. After thinking a lot about it over the last days, I'm planning some restructuring at RangeMan so I can have more time with you. There are so many places in this world I want to show you. Which would you prefer, Boston or Miami?"
Stephanie awkwardly put her arm around Carlos and sighed. "Thank God, I was so afraid you wouldn't want to move. If those are my choices, I'd like Miami best. Boston's too cold and Miami has lots of beaches. Is that okay with you?"
"Miami it is. Also, Julie is there so we could see her often. Abuela Rosa wants to move back there because of her arthritis. If she moves, Dad and Mom will probably move, too. They work a lot with the Cuban community in South Florida. So does my sister, Maria, and my brother, Eduardo."
As the words left Ranger's mouth, Tank, Ella, Lester, Hal and Bobby entered the room. Ranger asked Ella to stay and join the meeting. After everyone was comfortably seated around the bed with their coffee, Ranger started to explain what he wanted to do in regard to the company and what he and Steph wanted to do about living arrangements.
"First off, Stephanie and I haven't had a chance to discuss a lot of this. Insofar as the company is concerned I want to completely restructure it. Tank, I'm going to need your help with the organization chart and its details. Right now, though, I'm going to run through the basic concept."
Ranger shifted trying to raise himself up so he could sit more comfortably. Tank helped him as Ella went over to help Stephanie do the same. "I want RangeMan reorganized into divisions and profit centers. The offices would be the profit centers and Lester, Bobby, Hal and Silvio would run them as directors."
Lester cleared his throat and said, "But, Boss, there are only three offices and four of us. Who does what?"
"Good question, Les. I need you to open a DC office to handle government contracts. Bobby, I need you in Boston. Hal, you would be in Trenton and Silvio would take Miami. You all would report directly to me and your compensation would depend upon the success of your profit centers. The divisions would be headed by vice presidents. Lester you would head up government services. Bob you would oversee medical services and physical training. Hal you would be in charge of the security systems and contracts. Silvio would handle the division for electronic systems, research software and computer training. All division VPs would report directly to me as well. I will retain the title of CEO and you, Tank, would be my executive vice president. There are a number of departments or cost centers. Diego would be CFO and head up the accounting department while Ted would be General Counsel with a legal team."
As everyone started to ask Ranger questions at the same time, he raised his hand. "Let me finish. This is not to be discussed where it can be overheard by anyone outside this room. On the first of next month I want to have a meeting of all team leaders so that I can distribute the new organization chart, explain the reasons for the restructuring and begin to assign new responsibilities and job descriptions. There are a lot more changes I want to make; but there are some specific things you all need to know. First, Stephanie and I are getting married and, after our honeymoon, we will be moving to Miami. I will make that office the headquarters for RangeMan. Second, and Babe and I have not discussed this at all, there's one more service division I want for the company: Bond Enforcement, Investigations and Human Resources. Babe, I would like you to be Vice President of that division. Just wait a second. So that everybody understands my reasoning Stephanie not only always gets her skip, her instincts regarding searches and people are amazing. Yes, I love you and want to marry you, Babe, but I really need your help and talents. Finally, each division will have personnel in each office and their profit or loss will be reflected in the office P&Ls but will also be reflected in the performance of the divisions. I'll be happy to talk to each of you individually in more detail; but I'm kind of tired right now so I'd like to put it off until tomorrow at this time. Oh, Ella, would you and Luis talk about moving with us to Miami?"
Ranger collapsed back into his pillows as everyone in the room just stared at him with their mouths open. As one they stood up in a daze and silently drifted out of the room just as Lula, Mary Lou and Connie barged in.
"White girl, what's this I hear about you kicking Supercop to the curb, marrying Batman and moving to Miami?" Lula yelled as all three women tried to high five Stephanie's good hand. Mostly they weren't successful. "Tell us all about it right now."
Stephanie carefully raised her left hand as they shrieked like pre-teen girls at a Miley Cyrus concert. The din nearly deafened the two patients while nurses rushed into the suite. They insisted the visitors lower their voices and Ranger asked if he could move outside for a while so the ladies could visit in private. Smiling, the head nurse ordered a wheel chair then rolled him out of the room.
Stephanie spent an hour visiting with her best friends. They covered a lot of territory like what happened during the comas, how Steph got hurt in the first place, responsibilities for the wedding ceremony, the magnificent ring and its history, how she handled her mother and Supercop, and what Carlos and his relatives were really like. While they were chatting Lula passed out colored markers and highlighters and the women started decorating Stephanie's casts.
When Ranger returned after Steph's friends left the room, he noticed her blue eyes were like saucers and her mouth didn't seem able to form words. Just as she started to speak she broke into huge yawns. Putting his finger under her chin Carlos brought her lips to his and whispered, "Sleep, mi bebe, we can talk about all of this later. I promise I will take care of you, mi corazon."
With a gentle kiss, they both drifted into dreamland.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
SPOV
After all the new information from Carlos last night, I just can't sleep. So here I am at six in the morning wringing my hands and chewing my lip. My life just went from "Aw Hell" to "Oh my God" in less than twenty-four hours. Carlos wants me to be a vice president in charge of a division for skip tracing, research and HR? What the hell do I know about HR? Well, we covered it in college when I got my business degree; but, let's face it, that's less than nothing. Does he realize I could destroy his company? Okay, okay, I've brought in all my skips since I've been working for Vinnie and the research programs I've used at RangeMan are easy for me. Would that be called "investigating?" I'm not a PI! Don't you have to have a license to do that stuff? I don't know anything about Miami. All I know about is the Burg and the people in it. How do I translate that to the other offices? DC? Ye gods, that place makes no sense to anybody!
RPOV
Why is this bed moving? Aw, my poor Babe, she looks beyond terrified. I guess now is the time to talk about all this in more detail while reassuring her about her skills. I swear I could just beat the shit out of her mother and Morelli. I'd like to stuff 'em in a crate and ship 'em off to the Congo or the Amazon. Their yelling and screaming would get them offed in a heartbeat. Crap, Babe wouldn't be happy about it; but, damn, I sure like the idea.
"Babe, you're looking a bit crazy. Are you worried about what we talked about last night?"
"Yes, Carlos, I don't understand why you would put your company at risk by putting me in charge of a division or anything else for that matter. I'll just screw it up or explode it. Why would you want that?"
"No you won't, Babe. That's just your mother and Morelli talking. Remember, you're Wonder Woman. You can do anything and I'll be right there at your side no matter what. Your background includes a BA in business, successful experience in bond apprehension, intensive use of the research tools at RangeMan and an innate sense of people and relationships. So, I believe you are perfectly qualified to develop the division. In addition, you will need to hire managers to help you. What do you think about Connie for BE and Junior for HR? I bet Silvio could suggest someone for Research/Investigations."
"All right, Batman. You've really thought this through, haven't you?"
Ranger slid between Stephanie's legs and began kissing her neck. "Now I want to explore the ways I can worship your beautiful body." Removing her gown, he nuzzled her breast and moved downward until his lips and tongue reached the Promised Land. "Relax, mi amor, in some circles this isn't considered sex." As Steph began to moan, her hormones surged to life. What this man could do to her!
As Carlos slipped his tongue inside his woman, he heard a light tap on the door and Dr. Powell walked in. Carlos quickly covered Stephanie with a sheet. Her cheeks suffused with a blush, she covered her face with her hands.
The doctor laughed. "You know you two haven't been cleared for physical activity yet. Stephanie, you can't move because of your casts and Ranger, your lung needs more time to heal. Please don't undo all our hard work by overdoing it. By the way, I came in to tell you that I'm releasing you into Bobby's care later this afternoon. You both can go home."
Stephanie squealed, "Hallelujah!" Grinning Ranger reached out to shake the doctor's hand as he asked him to send Tank and Bobby in.
Both Ranger and Steph scowled at the wheelchairs waiting for them in the RangeMan garage. Bobby frowned. "You are both confined to wheelchairs for the next week. Ranger, as long as your lung and leg haven't healed enough and Stephanie, until you are allowed to use crutches you both will ride rather than walk. We will work on your physical conditioning. After that the gym will be the only place you can exercise, Ranger, with supervision. You've got enough to do planning the restructure of RangeMan and the details of your wedding.
Bobby continued, "Let's get you upstairs so Ella can pamper you both. She's been cooking all day, Bombshell. Then I want you to get some rest. Got that?"
The spread of wonderful food had Stephanie moaning at the smells. She was so disappointed that she couldn't wolf down as much as she used to. Maybe when she got more exercise her appetite would pick up. Even so, Ranger looked at her in amazement at the volume of food she put away and Ella was grinning with delight. She just loved to cook for Stephanie.
After the meal she placed a large piece of cherry pie with ice cream in front of Steph. "I hope you like this. I normally make you cake but this goes so well with the veal, don't you think?"
Taking a huge bite and licking her fork Steph groaned out, "Yum."
As she moaned her way through her dessert, Ella asked Ranger if he would like some. Ranger grinned at Steph and said, "No, I'll have my pie later, Ella."
Stephanie could only lie on her back due to the casts and her injuries. Later when Ranger kissed her hip and murmured, "I think I want my cherry pie now, querida," Steph reached over with her good arm and grasped his thigh pulling it over her chest.
With an evil grin she said "only if I can have crème fraiche, Batman." Reaching up to grab his gorgeous ass she kissed the tip of his length before taking him into her mouth. Licking and tasting with abandon, they brought each other to the most delicious climax either of them had ever experienced.
Carlos moved up her body as Stephanie looked into his eyes with a grin. "I think I've found a new favorite dessert."
Kissing her ear, he whispered, "Yum." Sated they fell into a dreamless sleep.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
The weeks flew by. Finally both Ranger and Stephanie were cleared for physical activity. They each dutifully went through the fitness programs devised by Bobby. Stephanie was now without her casts and the metal screw had been removed from her elbow. She still had to wear a sling for another week. She couldn't wait to drive.
The lovers planned to have their wedding at Point Pleasant. After meeting with Father Raymond they also decided to petition the Church for annulments of their previous marriages. Carlos and Stephanie asked the priest if he could perform a 17th century French Catholic marriage rite. After some research Father Raymond agreed but he was curious why such a modern couple would ask for this particular ceremony. Ranger just shrugged and answered, "Its vows are what we want to say to each other."
Lula, Mary Lou and Connie accompanied Steph and Ella to New York to find their gowns. Mary Lou was to be Stephanie's matron of honor and Lula and Connie her bridesmaids. Ranger had asked Tank to be his best man. Lester and Bobby would act as his groomsmen. Lula and Grandma Mazur planned Steph's bachelorette party at Chippendale's and Lester gleefully planned the bachelor party at Domino's.
On the day of the wedding neither Ranger nor Stephanie was nervous, just excited. Their attendants were nervous because they feared one of Stephanie's or Ranger's enemies would try to disrupt the ceremony and harm them. Thanks to the press, the details of the wedding and their pictures had been spread all over the newspapers and local television. Consequently, the beach at Point Pleasant where the nuptials were to be held was completely surrounded by RangeMan security. Personnel from every office were brought in to secure the area.
Helen Plum declined to attend her youngest daughter's wedding telling anybody who would listen that it wasn't sanctioned in the eyes of God because the ceremony wouldn't be held in a church. However, Valerie's spouse Albert, not wanting to offend his sister-in-law and her rich husband, insisted that their entire family go to the service. Neither Joe Morelli nor his family was invited and Tank made certain that security personnel were well informed of the potential risk the Morelli family and Helen Plum represented.
Lula and Connie wore gowns made of burnished gold silk while Mary Lou was dressed in a rich wine. Carrying bouquets in the autumn colors of gold, rust, cream and burgundy, one by one they preceded the bride down a creamy carpet laid out on the sand. Just as the sun started to set and the violinist began the wedding march, Stephanie and her father walked slowly onto the carpet. Steph was resplendent in a strapless, champagne silk gown that hugged her figure. She carried a bouquet of cattleya losgatos and dendrobium falconari orchids that trailed down the front of her gown. With her long hair loosely curling almost to her waist and a lace mantilla flowing down her back the effect was stunning. Carlos, in his black tux with a deep wine vanda thai orchid in his lapel, gazed at his bride in awe.
The couple recited their vows then Tank handed over the ring. Holding her left hand in his Carlos spoke with promise, "I take thee Stephanie to my wedded wife, with this ring I thee wed, this gold and silver I thee give, with my body I thee worship, with my worldly goods I thee endow." Touching the tips of each of her fingers with the ring he prayed, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
Stephanie replied with the same verse and as she slipped the ring on his finger, she kissed it. Then Carlos deeply kissed his bride. When Father Raymond introduced the newly married couple as Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Carlos Manoso, the audience went wild.
After pictures were taken and Ranger promised copies of the video would be sent to Frank, Ricardo and the attendants everyone left for the reception. Dining, dancing, bouquet tossing and laughing continued while the couple left to change. The limousine carried Stephanie and Carlos in blissful privacy. Following the limo were dozens of cars and SUVs. As Carlos started to hand Steph out of the automobile, an older gentleman in dress uniform touched his arm and offered his hand in congratulations. Pulling him aside General Shepherd spoke quietly to Ranger while giving him an envelope. Staring at the general with a shocked look he gripped his hand. Then Carlos walked over to Stephanie with the biggest smile she had ever seen on his face.
All of their friends and families congregated around them to wish them good luck as the couple ran the bird seed gauntlet and up a ramp. Waving to everyone below them Stephanie turned to Carlos and asked him who the officer was and what he told him. Carlos told her the general's name and his relationship to him as he pulled the letter from his pocket. "General Shepherd gave me this as his wedding present to us."
"What does it say?"
"Babe, it says that my government contract has been deemed fulfilled."
"But, what does that mean?"
"It means, amante, no more missions, no more combat."
Squealing out, "Oh, thank God," Stephanie launched herself into her husband's arms. Taking his head in her hands, she peppered his beautiful face with kisses as the ship slid away from the pier.
Finis
A/N: The characters you recognize are the construct of Janet Evanovich's delightful mind. They belong to her; the story line belongs to me.
Thank you to all of those who read and reviewed this, my first attempt at fiction. Your comments and encouragement are truly appreciated. To Dee, who was my beta for this story, your support and guidance made this piece possible. I will be writing a sequel to "Combat" entitled "RangeMan Reborn." I hope you like it. Di
