Author's note: Sorry for not updating in awhile. To make up for it, I've finished the story. This chapter is long, but the epilogue is really short, so I thought I'd just post them both at once, especially since my internet has been a bit dicey. Thanks for reading my story; it really means a lot to me. Please review, I'd like to know what you think of the new chapters and the story as a whole. And now I present to you… The Final Chapters of One More Shot! Anything you recognize belongs to JE.
The next few weeks flew by quickly. The days were spent training with Hawk and working on searches. The nights were spent with Ranger. I could now defend myself against an attacker, even the one the size of Tank. I became attuned to my .38 and many other types of weapons. Ranger was so impressed with my progress that he offered Hawk a job, which she accepted, much to my delight.
The guys spent this time tying up loose ends left by Cezar. They were 'talking' to the last of them today. Of course, this means our wedding is almost here. While if I were marrying Joe I would be in hysterics, I couldn't wait to be joined to Ranger in every way.
Speak of the devil, there's the man of mystery himself. "We're done."
"Done? There's no more?" Couldn't hurt to be sure.
"Nope. Now we just have to plan a wedding. Piece of cake." Yeah, maybe compared to invading a third world country.
"Babe."
As it turns out, it really wasn't all that difficult. We told Ella of our plans, and she insisted on taking care of the food, cake and all. It was being held at Point Pleasant, on the beach, so we only needed lights and seating. The hardest part was getting our friends and family there, but even that was done. Now all we had to do was say the magic words.
"Getting cold feet?"
"Of course not, Batman. At least, not for the wedding. Ella can make pineapple-upside-down cake, right?"
"Yeah, Babe. Why?"
"Just in case my mother disowns me. I mean here I am about to show our family and most of our friends that I am, in fact, alive, after them believing me to be dead for weeks. Then, before the shock has even a chance to wear off, we're getting married, with hardly anyone even knowing of our engagement. At our marriage, we're wearing our Rangeman uniforms, plus two guns and a knife each. Yeah, my mother's going to freak. But, really, I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Done Babe?" Ranger seemed amused. I rolled my eyes. "Yup."
Tank and Hawk came in. "You guys ready?" We decided that, as our partners, they should give us away. "Yup, let's go."
We stepped into the crowd. I saw my mother, and then I saw my mother faint. Ah well, at least it makes this next part easier. We stepped toward the judge, who began his speech, while the crowd was still in shock.
After saying our lines, the judge then told us, "You may kiss the bride."
"Finally." I heard Ranger whisper. My sediments exactly. When we kissed, there was enough electricity between us to keep New York powered for a month. When we finally pulled apart, I could've sworn my hair was on end.
Within moments, we were surrounded. First we found our families. To mine, I said, "I'm alive and happily married. If you can't deal, then you're welcome to leave." To Ranger's, he simply said, "My Babe." He introduced me to his family.
His mom, Eva, and dad, Ricardo, pulled me into a hug and told me to call them mama and papa. They had apparently been waiting quite some time to meet me. Next Maria and another sister, Celia, stepped forward. They told me that they had been waiting for someone to come along and knock some sense into Ranger. Much to Ranger's dismay, they told me about some of the blind dates they had tried to set him up with. We made a date to meet and talk some more. Finally, his brother, Marc, came forward. "Too bad I couldn't have found you before my little brother." To this, Ranger replied, "Mine.", and gave me another scorching kiss.
Lula was next in line. "Hey Steph! I figured you were holed away with Batman somewhere. Let me see the ring."
Even though we didn't get engagement rings, we did decide after awhile to get wedding bands, though they were very nontraditional. Mine had the bat-symbol, made of onyx and topaz. Ranger's was the Wonder Woman symbol, made of ruby and sapphire. The nontraditional rings fit our nontraditional relationship and meant more to us than any ordinary ring could.
"Oh nice… You're like Batgirl now! You even look the part with guns and all…"
"Yeah, figured that after what happened I should get a bit more training and carry a weapon, or two."
"That's why I carry my bad boy with me. Never can be too careful. Especially in Trenton and around you. Batman's got his work cut out for him."
Can't really argue with that. Ranger may have a lot of enemies, but I'm the one who attracts all the crazies.
Just as we were about to leave, my father stopped me. "I believe that your mother has something to say, we've had a long talk."
"I'm sorry. For everything. I wish you nothing but happiness. If he makes you happy, then you have my blessing."
"He does. Thank you." I then broke the unspoken taboo and hugged her. I laughed at her shocked expression, and then sprinted after my husband. After all, I wasn't about to miss a second of this honeymoon.