Moon River
I see the look in my sister's eyes.
I think of the life she once had.
She looks cute in that champagne color bridesmaid's dress.
She has lost some weight.
It's my wedding day.
She's married to a kind-hearted but not very clever man.
Has she ever missed the California sun?
Has she dreamed of the Los Angeles air?
The church is lovely.
The reception hall is ready.
The food, the music, and the flowers will be all perfect.
Everything's arranged.
Val looks a bit like a middle aged plus size Meg Ryan.
Her smile is genuine.
Her eyes are sad.
Something tugs at my heart and makes me take hold of her hands.
I make a quick decision.
I'm sure Batman won't object.
I can't pretend I didn't see her longings...
I stand under the Tahitian sun.
I feel a little dazed.
The sound of the ocean is soothing.
The ring around my finger is beautiful and feels cool to my skin.
The man beside me is calm and extremely yummy.
We are now officially married.
The ceremony was simple but sweet.
All our families and friends are still in Jersey.
Val and Albert renewed their vows in front of all the stunned gaping guests.
My father widened his eyes a fraction.
Grandma and the girls clapped their hands.
Ranger's families shook their heads, rolled their eyes, and started smiling.
My mother didn't have a heart attack.
Yep, we eloped at the last minute.
I'd been having nightmares about my second wedding.
I kept blowing up the church and every time I turned to Ranger for help, he was nowhere to be seen.
I could hear his voice in my head but I couldn't find him.
And my stupid glass slippers just wouldn't fit.
"Oh, what the Hell!" I thought as I grabbed hold of Val's hands and told her about the change of plan.
"Oh, Stephanie!" Val laughed and cried at the same time; I squeezed her hand and set out to find the man of my dream.
I barged into the groom's waiting room.
My husband-to-be raised his brow at me.
Oh Lord.
He looked like sin in black tuxedo.
My Hungarian hormones woke up and burst into singing.
All my brain cells melted at the sight of his seductive glory.
"No time to explain. Get undressed." I heard myself breathlessly saying as Tank let out a gasp.
Oh yes, I guess I licked my lips before I wrapped myself tightly around my Batman.
Everything afterwards was like a blur to me.
I vaguely remember releasing my death grip on Ranger's slightly torn open shirt.
I vaguely remember taking hold of his hand and leading him out of the room.
I vaguely remember starting running.
I vaguely remember hearing Ranger laughing.
And then here we are.
Hand in hand. Standing on the beautiful Tahitian beach. Married.
And one day I'm going to give birth to our baby.
No, babies. Don't ask me why, I just know it.
"Mrs. Manoso." The tall dark handsome mysterious dangerous charming cute adorable smart sexy Mr. Manoso smiles at me.
I smile back, stand on my toes, lean in to kiss him, and whisper against his soft perfect lips: "Babe,"
~The End~