From This Day Forward
Chapter Ten
Mr. and Mrs. Manoso arrived at the Tea Garden Banquet Hall at five forty-five Sunday evening. Receiving the royal treatment, Stephanie and Ranger were chauffeured to the reception in a Rangeman SUV driven by Hal, and then Tank escorted them into the building. Betsy Mallory, the events coordinator, greeted the newlyweds with a warm smile when they walked into the vestibule.
"I think most everyone has arrived," she said, escorting Stephanie and Ranger to the entrance of the banquet room. "The DJ will introduce you as soon as all the guests are seated."
Betsy entered the hall to speak with the DJ and Stephanie stole a look inside, taking in scene. The tables were covered with white table clothes in conjunction with table runners in mauve, burgundy and gold. Each table held a crystal bowl full of liquid with burgundy, floating candles and rose petals inside. The bride and groom's table was covered in a silk, burgundy and cream fabric, with gold plates, silverware and napkin holders resting on top. Floating candles inside mini crystal bowls were aligned along the front of the table, creating a glowing row of romantic illumination. Stephanie and Ranger's parents' were sitting at the table, all of them dressed to the nines.
A silky, cream colored material extended from the top center of the ceiling, cascading down the side of the walls, creating a dream like ambiance within the cozy, dimly lit space. At the front of the room, facing all the tables, a large screen and laptop had been set up, and a slide show of Stephanie and Ranger's wedding ceremony was switching from one still picture to the next, on an automatic timer.
Holding Stephanie tight around her waist, Ranger's eyes also scanned the room. "Kudos to the matriarch's," he said. "They've really outdone themselves."
"That's an understatement," Stephanie said, leaning back into her husband's chest, her hands encasing his arms around her waist. "They've transformed the room into a fantasy world."
Watching the wedding photos transition on the screen, tears welled in Stephanie's eyes as she recalled one of the happiest days of her life. Family and friends greeted one another inside the room, complimenting evening wear, introducing relatives, and admiring the slide show while soft jazz played in the background. After a couple of minutes, the DJ turned on his microphone and politely asked everyone to take their seats so the evening could get underway. As the guests chose tables, the Tea Garden's catering staff shuffled around the room in their uniforms, pouring ice water and champagne into glasses and setting the food over burners along the buffet table.
Betsy popped back into the vestibule and said, "The DJ is preparing everyone for the introduction."
Stephanie turned to Ranger and straightened his tie. Her hair in cascading curls, she was wearing a chiffon dress the same color as her wedding gown. However, this dress was a knee length number that flowed over her hips, tapered at the waist, and fell off her shoulders, showing just a hint of cleavage. Ranger was wearing a charcoal grey Hugo Boss suit, white dress shirt, and a silk tie and handkerchief in wine-red.
Stephanie kissed her husband's lips and said, "You look very sexy, Carlos."
"Back at you, babe."
Wiping her lipstick off Ranger's lips, Stephanie turned toward the entrance.
Once everyone was seated at their tables inside the hall, the DJ, a tall, square shouldered man with dark, wavy hair and green eyes, spoke into the microphone in a baritone like voice.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please stand to your feet to welcome the bride and groom."
Ranger looked at Stephanie and took her by the hand. "I guess that's our queue, babe."
All the guests stood to their feet, eager smiles on their faces, and then the DJ said, "I'm happy to introduce to you all, Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Carlos Manoso!"
A roar of applause resonated throughout the room as Stephanie and Ranger entered the hall, smiling and greeting friends and family on their way to the front table. Standing at the Rangeman table was Hal, Tank, Ella and Louis, and Ranger's three business partners. Connie, Lula, Vinnie, and Mooner were also sharing a table, representing the bonds office crew. Stephanie's good friend, Mary Lou, had showed up with her husband and kids, smiling and blowing kisses toward the happy couple.
The Manoso clan commandeered two tables close to the front of the room. Lupe and Courtney, Celia, Kevin and their two kids, Adriana, Lucia, Cora, and Grandma Manoso were all in attendance, joined by Ranger's daughter, Julie and her mother, Rachel. Valerie and Albert and their girls, along with Grandma Mazur, Jerome and Sally Sweet were at a table next to the Manosos. Valerie had left the two youngest girls with a sitter.
Stephanie and Ranger joined their parents at the bride and groom's table and glanced around the room, taking in all the familiar, loving faces. Stephanie gave everyone an appreciative smile and finger wave as Ranger pulled out a chair for her to sit down. Sitting in a chair next to Stephanie, Ranger threw a glance Julie's way. The child smiled and waved at her father and step-mother, and Ranger gave her a wink and a wide smile. Rachel was next to Julie, wearing a polite smile on her face. She also waved at Ranger and Stephanie. Rachel was Julie's chaperone for the night, there to support her daughter's budding relationship with her biological father.
"Okay ladies and gentlemen, let's get the evening started," the DJ said as everyone took their seats. "We'll now have a toast to the bride and groom. Lupe Manoso and Valerie Kloughn will do the honors."
Stephanie glanced at Ranger and he shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea what Lupe intended to say.
Holding a flute full of champagne, Lupe made his way to the bride and groom's table and stood next to his brother and sister-in-law. Courtney gave him a look that stressed; Do not ruin this moment.
"First, let me start by saying how proud I am of my brother," Lupe said to the spectators.
"Carlos has become the man I've always known he could be. He's fearless, strong, responsible, loyal, and successful. And he's finally found a beautiful and smart woman who makes him happy."
Lupe paused and turned to face Stephanie and Ranger. Stephanie offered Lupe a smile and Ranger nodded his head in appreciation. The gesture was heartfelt. Turning back to the audience, Lupe said quietly into the microphone, "My brother is the man I aspire to be."
Finally, Stephanie thought, looking at Ranger through surprised eyes. Lupe had admitted what she'd suspected from the first moment she met the eldest sibling. Lupe loved his brother, but he also envied his life. Ranger was living the life Lupe desired. For some odd reason, the revelation seemed to surprise Ranger a bit, even though he'd probably guessed as much over the years.
Perhaps hearing Lupe's disclosure out loud somehow validated Ranger's feelings about his relationship with his brother. Whatever the case, as the soft oohs and aahs filled the room, Ranger seemed genuinely touched by his brother's sincere confession. Stephanie took Ranger's hand and gave it a squeeze. Keeping his focus on his brother, Ranger squeezed back, determined to hide any kind of emotion he was feeling at the moment.
Turning to face the bride and groom again, Lupe raised his glass and said, "Here's to a happy marriage, healthy children, and hot sex!"
The crowd erupted into laughter and applause, and the adults raised their champagne glasses toward Stephanie and Ranger. The Manoso megawatt smile creased Lupe's face as he kissed Stephanie on the cheek and hugged his brother. Ernesto beamed proudly at his sons while Armena wiped a tear from her cheek, probably relieved that Lupe had taken the high road for once.
"That was the nicest thing I've ever seen heard Lupe say to you," Stephanie whispered to Ranger.
Nodding his head, Ranger said, "Yeah, I might have to pick a fight with him before the night is over, just to make sure he's okay."
Valerie was up next. Wearing a lovely fuchsia evening dress, she smiled and waved at Stephanie and Ranger as she carried her champagne glass to the front of the room.
"Wow! I don't know if I can top Lupe's toast. That was great!"
The guests gave a second round of applause for Lupe and then settled down to hear Valerie's toast.
"Jeez, Steph," Valerie said, looking at her sister. "How crazy is this?" We're both on our second husband now. I guess we're more alike than we'd like to admit."
Stephanie let out a chuckle at her sister's assumption. In school, Valerie had been voted the most likely to settle down and have children after college. No one ever thought Stephanie would actually settle down. Valerie and Stephanie had taken very different paths and made different choices in their lives. However, they'd both ended up in failed marriages, opting to try again with men who were polar opposites. Stephanie and her sister were not alike, but they had shared some of the same challenges.
"But you know what?" Valerie continued. "This time I can see that you're truly happy. And that makes me feel good."
Turning her attention to Ranger, Valerie said, "I appreciate how you've taken care of my sister. And I know she's in good hands as long as you're in her life. I'm honored that you're now a member of our family."
Raising her glass in salute, Valerie said, "Welcome to the loony bin, brother-in-law!"
The crowd bellowed with laughter, and Stephanie and Ranger raised their glasses toward Valerie in appreciation. Actually, as it was, Valerie wasn't joking. Ranger was now an official member of the Plum Asylum. Love truly was a crazy thing.
The event staff had uncovered the food during the toasts and the mouth-watering aroma was drifting throughout the room.
"Friends and family," the DJ said into the microphone. "Starting with the bride and groom, please form a single line at the buffet table and enjoy the feast."
A Kenny G instrumental floated through the speakers as Stephanie and Ranger and their parents made their way to the buffet table, filling their plates with food. Then the guests followed suit, piling food onto their plates. Lively chatter and smooth jazz music filled the room while the crowd devoured the delicious meal and sipped champagne. After Stephanie and Ranger finished their meal, they went from one table to the next, greeting their friends, family and associates, thanking them all for coming.
By seven-thirty everyone had finished their meal and the DJ grabbed the microphone to announce the next activity on the agenda.
"Okay, lovely people, please direct your attention to the delicious tower of cupcakes. Once the bride and groom have been served their dessert, everyone else will be free to indulge."
Deciding early on to skip the whole feeding each other cake routine, Stephanie and Ranger were served their cupcakes at the table. Stephanie picked a peanut butter cream and red velvet cupcake, and Ranger picked an apple spice cupcake with cream cheese icing.
From his spot at the table, Sally Sweet called out, "Oh, please! Are you two lame or what? We want to see one of you wearing a face full of frosting!"
"I think Ranger should get it!" Grandma Mazur yelled out, supporting Sally Sweet. "On account Stephanie has perfect makeup and hair."
Stephanie glanced at Ranger and her mouth spread into a mischievous grin. Looking at the two cupcakes on her plate, debating on which on would look better on Ranger's face, she finally decided on the red velvet cupcake. And then she turned her attention back to Ranger.
"Babe."
"Close your eyes. This won't hurt."
Julie giggled and added her two cents from her chair. "Let him have it, Stephanie!"
Ranger's lips twitched.
"Go for it!" Someone else yelled from the crowd, egging Stephanie on.
Ranger knew it was coming, so he closed his eyes as Stephanie smashed the cupcake into his face, spreading the cream cheese icing over his nose and cheeks like lotion. Hoots and hollers erupted from the invitees and they clapped their hands.
"Come on, get her back, Ranger!" Someone from the Rangeman table called out.
"Stephanie was laughing now, shaking her head profusely. "If you get icing in my hair, I'm going to kill you!"
Then Stephanie heard Mary Lou say, "To hell with the make-up and hair. Give her a little taste!"
Licking frosting and cake from his lips, Ranger scooped a couple of fingers over the top of his cupcake and smeared frosting over Stephanie's nose and mouth, dotting her cheeks and forehead for good measure.
Stephanie let out a fun-loving chuckle and leaned in to give Ranger a kiss. He gently grabbed her head and rubbed his cheek against the side of her face; passing on some of the red crumbs and cream cheese frosting he was wearing. And when he was sure she had enough red velvet cupcake on her face, he kissed her lips.
"You know you're going to pay for that, babe," Ranger said, smiling as he wiped cupcake off his face with a burgundy cloth napkin.
Smiling wide, Stephanie pushed a napkin into a glass of water and proceeded to help Ranger clean up. "Can't wait."
As the guests lined up for dessert, several more cupcakes magically appeared on the bride and groom's table while they cleaned cake off their faces.
A half hour later, with everyone giddy from sugar or tipsy from champagne, the DJ said, "Let's gets this party started, folks. It's now time for the bride and groom's first dance. Mr. and Mrs. Manoso, please step on the dance floor."
Leading his bride to the floor, Ranger pulled Stephanie in close to his chest, one hand at the small of her back, and the other hand entwined within her hand. Marc Anthony belted out the first verse of My Baby You and the newlyweds swayed back and forth to the melody, staring into each others eyes.
Resting his chin against Stephanie's temple, Ranger said, "I can't believe this ride is almost over."
Stephanie closed her eyes and inhaled her husband's comforting scent. "I know. The last three weeks have been some of the best days of my life. I haven't felt this happy and relaxed in years."
Ranger kissed Stephanie's temple. "I guess we'll have to find some trouble to get into, then. For old times sake."
"No thanks. I like things just the way they are currently."
Ranger smiled as Marc Anthony sang the last few bars of the love song. "Yeah, I can get used to this kind of normal. I love you, babe."
Framing Ranger's face in her hands, Stephanie moved her lips over his mouth and said, "I love you even more." And then they kissed as the song faded into silence.
Jovial applause ascended into the room as Ranger escorted Stephanie off the floor. Their part was over for the night. It was time to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.
"Will all the party people please report to the dance floor," the DJ said, throwing on Get the Party Startedby Pink.
With sugar induced hysteria, all the kids jumped out of their chairs and headed toward the quaint dance floor, grateful for the opportunity to expend their pent up energy and excitement.
Julie, Mary Alice and Angie jumped up and down on the floor, singing into fake microphones as Pink sang, "I'm coming out so you better get this party started."
Celia's kids, Corey and Kaley, and Mary Lou's kids joined the girls on the floor, clapping, spinning and trying out the latest video dance moves.
The energy in the room was palpable and several of the adults joined the kids on the floor. Grandma Mazur and Jerome jumped on the floor, trying but failing miserably to copy the children's choreography. Jerome hopped around on his good leg, doing his usual routine, causing the kids to double over from laughing so hard.
Helen cut her eye to Stephanie. "Your grandmother is going to break her hip!"
Working on her third cupcake, Stephanie shrugged. "The Soul Train line will wear her down. Give it a few minutes."
Halfway into Pink's song, Ernesto pulled Armena on the floor, and the couple two-stepped and giggled along with the children.
Ranger stared at his parents' through amused eyes. "Babe, my folks have had too much to drink. Look at them, acting like teenagers."
"They're cute," Stephanie said, watching the couple as they struggled to keep up with the youngsters on the floor.
After dancing in her seat for the duration of Pink's song, Ranger's baby sister Cora walked over to the DJ and whispered in his ear. And then she bounced over to Ranger and Stephanie, grabbing their hands. The sassy and petite olive skinned beauty was an exact replica of her mother.
"We're going to Mambo and Salsa next. Get your ass's on the floor."
"No way," Stephanie said, shaking her head. "I don't have that kind of rhythm." I'll watch from here."
"We're going to have to teach you how to Salsa, girl," Cora said, hands on her hips.
Stephanie gave Cora and Ranger a finger wave. "I'll observe and learn from my chair. I don't want to embarrass the family."
Cora pouted at Stephanie and tugged on Ranger's arm, pulling him to his feet, just as the DJ put on Pegate by Ricky Martin. Ranger removed his coat and the whole Manoso clan rushed the floor, clapping their hands over their heads as the Latin beat pumped through the speakers. Ranger and Cora slid into a rhythmic Mambo, their feet moving in sync with the music. Celia and Lupe joined the dance, followed by Adriana and Lucia, in their bare feet. Armena and Ernesto joined their children, still fighting the champagne's sluggish effect on their muscles. Grandma Manoso was the last to join the family on the floor. She had also taken off her shoes, getting comfortable for the dance.
Stephanie admired her new family as they danced and laughed together. In past conversations regarding his family, Ranger had admitted that he used to dance with his siblings as a child. Studying the adult siblings on the floor, Stephanie tried to picture them as young kids, dancing together in the basement of their childhood home.
She'd never seen Ranger in this element, relaxed and having fun with his family.
On the floor, Lupe was trying to out Mambo Ranger, which wasn't working out so well. Lupe had about 20 pounds on Ranger, and that extra weight gave the younger sibling a huge advantage. Ranger was smooth and light on his feet, and Lupe was out of breath before Ricky Martin broke into the second verse of the song.
Unable to wipe the smile off her face, Stephanie watched as Julie sidle up next to her father. He took his daughter by the hand, patiently leading her through the dance, giving detailed instructions. Obviously, the child had inherited the Manoso's dancing genes, because she quickly picked up on the Mambo, gallantly dancing with Ranger and each of her aunts, showing off her new moves.
Ranger's sisters took turns dancing with their niece, teaching her extra choreography to add a little spice to the dance. And by the end of the song, Julie was shimmying her shoulders like Lucia and shaking her hips like Adriana. A Salsa song by Frankie Negron began to play and a tired Ernesto and Armena headed back to the table for another round of cupcakes. The Manoso siblings stayed on the floor, joined by a few other guests eager to learn how to Salsa.
The next dance lesson went to Grandma Mazur. Grabbing the senior dance machine's hands, Ranger was as patient with Grandma Mazur as he'd been with Julie. Not nearly as coordinated as the twelve-year-old, Stephanie's grandmother didn't have the rhythm to perfect the Salsa. Nevertheless, she stepped all over Ranger's feet and threw up her hands as if she were the Queen of Salsa. Ranger quickly handed her off to his petite grandmother. Despite her age, Grandma Manoso still had a few moves left in her bones, even though they were slower moves. She grabbed Grandma Manoso's hand and together they presented their own slow but steady version of the Salsa.
Stephanie glanced at her parents' sitting at the end of the table. Frank had his head down, focusing on a cupcake, and Helen was watching her mother get her groove on, hoping she wouldn't drop dead of a heart attack.
"I can see some of the folks with no rhythm are staying in their chairs," Rachel said to Stephanie, sitting down next to her.
With her attention focused on her parents', Stephanie did not see Rachel approach the table.
She looked at Ranger's ex wife and smiled. "God wasn't passing out rhythm when he created the Plums."
Rachel offered an understanding grin, and Stephanie noticed the woman's straight, white teeth. With her long, dark hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, and her skin glowing, Stephanie realized just how striking Rachel actually was. Giving birth to three children had given her a generous cup size, and she was an inch taller and about 10 pounds heavier than Stephanie.
"I'm also part of that no rhythm nation," Rachel complained. "Julie's lucky to have her father's lineage to rely on."
"She's a great dancer," Stephanie said, her eyes following Julie on the floor. Rachel was watching her, too.
After a moment or so of silence, Rachel said, "I suppose I have to thank you for Ranger's sudden interest in getting to know Julie better. He'd never entertained the idea until you came into his life."
Stephanie studied Rachel closely, trying to gauge the woman's mood. By his own admission, Ranger had not been a good husband to his first wife. And Stephanie wondered if she still had regrets about the short-lived marriage.
"I mentioned it to him," Stephanie admitted. "I think Carlos always wanted a closer relationship with Julie. But his lifestyle was kind of crazy for a while."
"Tell me about it," Rachel said, eyes glued to the dance floor, watching Julie and Ranger do the Salsa. "When we were married, there were nights when he didn't even come home. He definitely was not husband or father material back then."
Stephanie swallowed a sip of champagne, letting the comment hang in the air for a moment. As a woman who'd once been in a loveless marriage, she could relate to the resentment Rachel seemed to be hording.
"Carlos is a different man now," Stephanie said to Rachel. "I know for a fact that he's not proud of his past history as a husband or father. Despite the past, he really wants to do right by Julie. He loves her."
"Well, I guess everyone deserves a second chance," Rachel said dryly.
Suddenly feeling uncomfortable with the whole conversation, Stephanie said, "How's Ron?"
She no longer wanted to discuss her husband's past with his ex wife. It was just too awkward.
Rachel pulled her eyes away from Julie and Ranger and stared at Stephanie, as if trying to remember who Ron was. "Ron? Oh, he's doing great. He had to work this weekend. My mother's keeping our two younger children."
"That's good," Stephanie said, wondering if Rachel was lying.
Taking another sip of champagne, not knowing what to say next, Stephanie was relieved when the Salsa song faded away and the dance floor began to clear.
"Thank you for bringing Julie to the reception," she said to Rachel. "We really love having her around."
Rachel smiled politely at Stephanie. "That makes me feel good. She really likes you, Stephanie. And she's really enjoying the extra time with Ranger."
Moving in close, placing her hand on Stephanie's arm, she said, "Best wishes. I hope you have better luck with him than I did."
The veiled sly remark left Stephanie speechless. She gave Rachel a finger wave and took another long sip of her champagne. Making a mental note to tread very lightly with the ex wife, Stephanie watched the woman walk away. Rachel seemed to be in an extremely vulnerable space right now.
Ranger passed Rachel on the way back to the table, and she told him, "I was keeping Stephanie entertained while you were on the floor."
Ranger offered Rachel a curious smile and thanked her respectfully.
"Everything okay?" He asked Stephanie, sitting down next to her.
"Everything's fine, Mr. Dancing Machine. We were discussing Julie."
"And?" Ranger asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I think Rachel might be a little vulnerable right now."
"What did she say?"
"She was just reminiscing about the past, you know, recalling your lack of commitment to the marriage."
Ranger blew out a soft breath. "She still has qualms about our failed marriage?"
"That's what I got from our short conversation."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Ranger said. "I've certainly moved on."
Stephanie gave Ranger a champagne induced grin and kissed his lips. "Let's not worry about it right now."
"No worries," Ranger confirmed.
Focusing on the dance floor, Stephanie said, "Looks like the Soul Train line has begun. Lula's up first."
"Lula's had a lot of champagne," Ranger pointed out. "I hope all the kids are distracted right now."
Lula was working her way down the line to the Party Rock Anthem. With her sequined dress hiked up over her thighs, she was dropping it like it was scorching hot. Tank was right behind her, doing a cool two-step with his head held high. Behind Lula and Tank, Grandma Mazur and Jerome made their way down the line, arms flailing like dying birds.
Next up was a tall and lanky middle aged Italian man, followed by a short, small framed African American man in his mid thirties. Bringing up the rear was a chunky Caucasian man wearing glasses, tripping over his own feet. Ranger's three business partners, Al, Terrance and Shawn, were known for being shrewd business men, but none of them were great dancers.
Connie and Vinnie and Hank offered their support from the table, laughing and pointing at Ella and Louis as they mimicked the kids, trying to do the Dougie dance down the line. Hank's face was as red as a beet from laughing so hard.
Grandma Manoso joined Lucia, Cora and Sally Sweet, and they all trotted slowly down the line, keeping pace with the senior Supreme. Sally had on four inch stilettos and a tight sweater dress. Kicking a leg up in the air, almost over his head, he looked hideous, but he kept up a good rhythm in the shoes. The Soul Train chugged through one more song and then derailed after Conga by Gloria Estefan faded from the speakers.
Ladies and gentlemen," the DJ said. "This will be the last song of the evening. I hope everyone has enjoyed the event. And once again, a hearty congratulation goes out to the bride and groom. Live well and prosper."
Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World played through the speakers and Ranger grabbed Stephanie's hand. "Come on, babe. This is our last song. All you have to do is sway."
Helen nudged Frank, pulling him away from his fourth cupcake of the night. Grabbing her hand, he escorted her to the floor. Most of the married adults joined the bride and groom for a romantic last dance. Even Lupe and Courtney joined hands and walked to the floor, showing a rare display of affection. Julie pulled her mother onto the floor and they did a cute little two step to the song.
With her arms wrapped around Ranger's neck, her cheek pressed against the side of his face, Stephanie said, "This is the perfect song to end the night."
Ranger pulled Stephanie snug into his body. "This has been an ideal night, babe."
In the vestibule, just outside the ballroom, a lone figure stood in the shadows, eyes glued on newlyweds. Blissful memories of years past flooded the mind of the uninvited visitor. There had been the first dance, cutting of the cake, sharing champagne, and then stepping over the threshold. But the joyful memories had been quickly replaced with the never-ending nightmare of a tragic loss. The secret spectator quietly pondered how long it would take for the couple to fully grasp the truth regarding their future. Happy endings only happened in fairy tales.
The figure turned to leave, disappearing out the front door of the Tea Garden Banquet Hall, just as Louis Armstrong mused, "I think to myself…what a wonderful world."
The End…For Now.