Author's Note: Thank you for all reading my story. Just to clear up some confusion this NOT real life, this is fiction. If we all had Ranger at home we would never leave the bedroom (sigh), hence there would be no need for fan-fiction. The story is also based after reading all 15 books and the in-between books.

Chapter 10

I awoke to Carlos sliding back into the bed. "Where were you?" I asked sleepily. Ranger chuckled before answering. "I was working out Babe, and then I had some conference calls. It's almost nine, and breakfast is waiting." At the mention of breakfast my stomach let out a loud growl. I looked at Carlos sheepishly. He smiled down at me and gave me a quick kiss. "Come on let's feed the beast." He told me. I went to the bathroom quickly, and then put on bathrobe before heading out to the table.

Carlos was sitting down at the table reading the newspaper drinking juice. I sat down, and Carlos poured me coffee. He uncovered the tray of food, and took what looked like vegetable egg white omelet and dry wheat toast. I took the sausage and cheese omelet, three pieces of bacon, and white toast the buttered liberally. I was wondering where Lester and Bobby were. "They're finishing up some last minute details with clients. I wanted us to have the day to ourselves today. Franz will be up later to clean up after we head out for the day." Hmm seems Batman's been esp-ing me again.

I took a shower and dressed in designer jeans and a teal sweater. Carlos was dressed in jeans that looked like they were designed especially for his body, and a camel colored ribbed sweater. He looked delectable, and I had to wipe the drool from my mouth. He wolf grinned at me, grabbed my hand and lead me to the elevator.

The chauffeur was waiting for us with the car. I guess Carlos must have already given him instructions because he drove off to Bergdorf Goodman. We were greeted immediately upon entering the store, and a very nicely dressed lady led Carlos and I to a private room. "I have selected a few things I think Miss Plum will like." She said as she escorted me into the dressing room. She helped me try on different dresses which I modeled for Carlos. "Wrap it all up and send it here." Carlos told her, handing her his Rangeman business card.

My mouth dropped open, but Carlos quickly kissed me. I couldn't believe it. There were dresses from Valentino, Versace, Michael Kors, and Armani. There were shoes and boots from Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, Fendi, and an assortment of designer purses.

Next we went to FAO Schwartz. We purchased gifts for Julie, all of Carlos' nephews and nieces, my nieces, and Mary Lou's kids. I've always loved walking around the store. It makes you want to be a kid again. It was truly magical to shop there with Carlos, and see him relaxed playing with toys.

We had a light lunch, then Carlos took me to the American Girl store. I could not believe the store. It was huge, and it was every little girls dream. Julie was a too old for a doll, but we purchased dolls for my nieces and Carlos'. I was watching all of the girls have lunch with their dolls, get there hair done, and dress in matching outfits.

"Wow, if I had a little girl to spoil I'd love to bring her here." I mumbled to myself. Carlos looked at me and gave me his two hundred watt smile. He pulled me close to his side kissed my head and whispered into my ear. "We will definitely bring our little girl here." After that all I could imagine was a little girl that looked just like Carlos, with straight long black hair, big brown eyes, and huge smile.

Carlos had everything shipped back to Haywood. We went back to the hotel and I took a shower to get ready for dinner. Carlos said we were going to dress up tonight. I took extra time in the shower making sure everything was shaved and exfoliated.

I put on a periwinkle blue strapless bra, matching panties, a pale blue floor length dress, and three inch silver strapy heals. Carlos entered the room and my mouth went dry. He was delicious looking in another Armani suit. He stalked over to me and pulled me to him for a very forceful kiss. He pulled back and shook his head "Babe. We need to leave now or I won't be able to control myself."

While we were getting into the car I noticed a black SUV behind it. When we pulled out, it pulled out with us. I was about to ask about it when Carlos kissed me. Of course it took awhile for my brain to start functioning again. We pulled up in front of Peter Luger Steakhouse, and I saw the SUV again. Carlos leaned in close to me. "It's just Lester and Bobby. I want us to have a good time tonight, and I don't want to worry. They'll be watching our backs." I nodded that at understood, and gave the guys a finger wave as walked into the restaurant.

We were seated in a secluded table at the back of the room. Of course Carlos still had his back to the wall. Dinner was great. Carlos picked a fabulous bottle of wine. We ate salads, baked potatoes and filet mignon. Carlos fed me chocolate mousse for dessert. It was very romantic. When we left the restaurant I was amazed to see a horse and carriage waiting for us instead of the car. Carlos took my hand and helped me into the carriage. I was snuggled close to his side, holding hands. Every once in while he pulled my hand up to mouth and kissed it. "This was a wonderful evening." I told him. He pulled me closer to him. "It's not over yet." He told me.

The carriage ride went through Central Park. It was beautiful at night all lit up with wight lights. We stopped and Carlos got out offering me his hand. I stepped down and looked around. I saw violinist playing. Carlos took my hand and led me over to a secluded area and danced with me. It was the most romantic thing. We were dancing by moonlight, with white lights strung through the trees, and the violin playing.

The song came to end. Carlos got down on one knee, took my hands in his and looked me straight in the eyes. "Since the minute you walked into the diner I knew you were special. I fell in love with you, and tried to stay away. I finally realized that I can't live without you. You are my every breath. Stephanie will you marry me?" I was full out crying. I tried to compose myself to answer.

"Carlos I have loved you for so long. I tried to deny my feelings for you, and something kept pulling me closer to you. When you were shot I felt as if my heart was ripped out of my body. I knew from that moment that I needed you more than the I needed air to breathe. I decided I would take whatever you could give me. Carlos I would be honored to be your wife."

He stood up and placed a gorgeous two carat round diamond solitaire on my finger. It was a Tiffany setting, set in platinum. Carlos cupped my face in his hands and gave me a passionate kiss. "I love you." I whispered. He gave me full two hundred watt smile. "Babe" He pulled me in and hugged me close to his body. Carlos kissed me the whole way back to the hotel.

Once we stepped off the elevator he carried me to the bedroom and placed me down on the bed.

He took off his jacket and tie, and gave me a wolf grin. He slowly crawled up the bed toward me. Kissing every inch of my skin on the way. He took my shoes off of me kissing my legs. He moved back up my body pulled me up kissing me, and unzipped my dress. He pulled it off me. Kissing my shoulders and neck. I gasped as pulled my bra off, taking my nipple into his mouth. His sucked and nipped at it while massaging the other breast in his other hand. Then he gave the other breast the same attention.

He kissed his way down my body pulling my panties off with his teeth. He kissed his way back up my legs teasing the sensitive flesh on the inside of my thigh. I quivering under him in anticipation. He licked my lips parting them with his fingers. He slid one finger inside of me, then another. My back was arched up off the bed, I fist-ed my hands in the sheets, and I was going crazy with need. Carlos bit down on my clit and pumped his fingers inside of me. I screamed his name, and before I finished my climax he he settled on top of me and slid his hard cock deep inside of me.

He was going agonizingly slow. "Carlos." I said. He looked down at me, kissed me thoroughly. "Tell me what you need Babe." He kissed me again. "I need you, hard and fast." I told him. He grinned and slammed into me. The sensation was amazing. I came screaming his name, and he followed after me. We were snuggling close and lifted my hand kissing my ring and finger. Lets just say we didn't get any sleep that night.

The next day we decided to visit Carlos' parents on the way back. Then we had to go to my parents house. I wasn't looking forward to telling my mom. I already had one outrageously gaudy Burg wedding, and that was not what I wanted this time. I needed to keep mother from getting out of control. "Don't worry Babe. This is our wedding, and I won't let anyone ruin it." I kissed him. "You always know how to soothe my fears." I told him.

Bobby and Lester joined us in our suite for breakfast. Bobby came up to me and gave me a hug. "Congratulations Steph." I smiled up at him. "Thanks Bobby." Lester pulled me away from Bobby saying "My turn." He gave a hug and a wet kiss on the lips. "Anytime you get tired of Carlos, I'll be waiting beautiful." He winked at me. "Santos." Carlos sneered at him through clenched teeth. Bobby pulled Lester away from me, and smacked him upside the head. Lester looked over at me and winked again.

Franz packed all of our stuff up, and Lester and Bobby were taking it back to Haywood. Carlos and I left to go to his parents. We were surprising them. We walked to the door, and his mother answered it. "Your Tia called and told me she saw you drive past her. She said you were on your way here." I looked at Carlos confused. He laughed. "I told you this neighborhood is a lot like the Burg." I guess it is.

We entered the house and Maria screamed. "Ricardo." Carlos' dad came out of the den to see what all the commotion was about. Maria was hugging me. "I am so happy for you two." She told me. She took my hand showed Ricardo. He gave Carlos a big hug. Then they switched and Ricardo was hugging me and Maria was hugging Carlos. We stayed and chatted for fifteen minutes. Carlos said it was time to go. They gave us both hugs and kisses again.

"We needed to get out of there before my Tia called the whole family, and they all showed up." He told me. "Wow is it really that much like the Burg?" I asked him. He smiled at me. "In some respects yes."

Next we went to my parents house. My grandma was waiting at the door. We walked in and my father stood up from the couch. He nodded at Carlos and came over and shook his hand. I still don't understand that. My mother was in the kitchen. My father called her. "Ellen can you come out here." She came out wiping her hands a dish cloth. "What is it. Oh Stephanie, I didn't know you were back in town." She looked down at my hand and immediately spotted the engagement ring.

"This is great!" She came up and gave me a hug. "They just had a cancellation at the VFW on account of Stacy Montigo ran off and eloped." Carlos was chuckling. He composed himself. "It's not that we don't appreciate it Mrs. Plum, but Stephanie and I would like to plan our own wedding." He gave her a smile, and of course like all women Ellen Plum succumbed to his charm. "We are going to have an engagement party two weeks from this Saturday at Diego's. I was hoping all of you would attend, my whole family will be there." My mother smiled. "Of course we would love to meet your family." I knew she really wanted to run the whole show, but with Burg manners she had to smile and accept.

When we got into the car I turned to look at Carlos. "So were having a party in two weeks." He looked over at me. "Babe." I guess I could let him have his fun. "What do you we need to plan?" I asked. He took my hand and kissed it. "I've got it all under control. All you need to do is show up." I guess I couldn't ask for anything more. I know it won't be a hideous burg affair, and I absolutely love Diego's .

When we got back to Haywood the elevator stopped on five. It opened up and everyone screamed congratulations. I was passed from Ella,to Louis, to Tank, to Vince, to Binkie, to Hal, to Woody, and so on. I was truly amazed how happy everyone was for us.

Two weeks flew by. I woke up Saturday morning, and reached over for Carlos. I felt around and found a note on his pillow.

"Babe,

I had to finish some last minute errands. The party is at seven tonight. I sent out all of the invitations, and I'll pick you up at six.

Love,

Carlos.

Hmm, now what do I do to till six.

*My next chapter will have some flash back of what happened during the two weeks leading up to the party. Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy New Year!

M.