Disclaimer: The characters you recognize as J.E. are hers. Any other character is a figment of my imagination and any similarities to real persons is merely a coincidence.
This story is definitely AU. The characters have the same physical appearance as in J.E.'s books; however I have changed ages of some characters. This will eventually be a Babe HEA and Cupcake fans may not be happy as Joe is not a good guy. Frank Plum fans may be upset as well, as he is not portrayed favorably, nor is Helen Plum. References may be made to any of the books in the series so if you haven't read them all, you may want to wait to read this. That said...
Chapter 28: The Wedding
Stephanie's POV:
Today was the day. I was equal parts excited and nervous. I was at Gram's house with Gram, Connie, Val and Lula and we were doing all those last minute things every bride needed to do before she got married. I loved seeing Val again. She looked so happy. Yesterday when she and David had arrived, we drove to the cemetery and gave her a chance to say her goodbyes to our parents. She was reluctant to go but I told her how it had helped Gram and I to say goodbye to them, she reluctantly agreed. I felt myself smile when she said those busybodies from the burg better stay away from her or she'd give them a piece of her mind. My eyes filled with tears when she'd told Ranger she owed him all her gratitude for keeping me safe from them.
Once Val had a chance to say her final goodbyes to the folks, we headed back to Haywood and ate the wonderful meal Ella had made for us. Tank had taken his role of Best Man serious and had planned a bachelor party for Ranger. Val also had a party planned. She'd had several conference calls with Gram, Ella, Connie and Lula to get everything set up. Although Ranger and I were reluctant to be away from each other, we'd both agreed to the parties being planned in our honor.
I had to laugh at the glare Ranger had given Tank. His tone brooked no argument as he demanded, "No alcohol. There will be no getting drunk. If anyone misses the wedding they'll answer to me on the mats. Absolutely no women at this party. I want there to be no chance of a misunderstanding."
Tank had agreed. When I'd mentioned it to Lula she'd grinned ear to ear and said, "White girl, he was probably jumping up and down for joy Ranger put those restrictions on the party 'cause I told him if I heard there was any strippers or party girls there, I'd make sure he knew how unhappy that'd make me."
We had a blast. Terry Gilman had stopped by and given me a complete China setting of 4 from the Grizzoli family. Lucille had stopped by and given me a complete crystal setting for 4 from her and Vinnie and Harry The Hammer. She wanted me to know that Vinnie would hold my job at the bonds office as long as I wanted. If I chose not to return there after the baby was born there would be no hard feelings. Connie and Lula had gone in with Gram and Val to buy me a wedding trousseau. I couldn't believe some of the night gowns and underthings they'd bought. I blushed, but the thought of wearing those things for Ranger had my temperature spiking. Connie had also brought me a complete silver serving for 4 from the Rizzoli family. At one point there was a group of 30 women who stopped by. They were mothers, sisters and cousins to the members of The New Brotherhood Gang. They had gone together and bought me the most beautiful set of luggage I'd ever seen. I couldn't help the tears that fell at the thought of their kindness. Sally Barnes stopped by and gave me a beautiful, patchwork quilt. It was a wedding quilt with mine and Ranger's names and the date of the wedding. I was touched by all the gifts and all the people who'd come by to wish me well.
Grandma Mazur's POV:
I was so proud of the woman Stephanie had become. She was a warm and generous person who deserved far better than the parents she'd been landed with. When we planned this party, there had been so many people contacting us and requesting to be allowed to come and wish Stephanie well. We knew we couldn't deny them. I was eating dinner with Stephanie and Ranger after we picked up Val and David, then Steph, Val and I would come back to my house for the party. I was all dressed and ready and Lester would be picking me up any minute.
I smiled as I thought of Lester. He was such a wonderful man. I had given him such a hard time when he'd taken me to the airport to start my vacation...I still got hot flashes remembering the feel of his magnificent package. I shuddered thinking about those Slayers coming into my home and taking me to that circle where I saw they already had Connie and Lula. I was so scared. I tried to put on a brave face and I decided to use my hands to feel up as many of them as I could. Knowing they wouldn't like that.
I was scared when Stephanie showed up. I didn't want her anywhere near that place, but Ranger came with her and I knew he would protect her. I was so relieved when it was all over. I think that's when I came to have such warm regards for Lester. He took one look at me and I think he knew how scared I was. He came over and lifted me up in his arms and whispered, "I have you Edna. You're safe with me."
I decided then and there that Lester was as safe as Ranger with me from that day on. I was pleased with the look on his face when he opened the small gift I'd gotten him for Christmas. It wasn't much, but he acted like it was a priceless treasure. I'd gotten him a pocket watch. I'd had engraved on the back, 'LS Hero'. When I opened the locket he'd bought for me I felt tears pool in my eyes and I nearly cried. I opened the locket to see a picture of Val and Stephanie together on one side and a picture of Ranger, David and him on the other. On the back was engraved, 'Beloved Family of Edna Mazur'. I wore that locket every day. It meant more to me than I could express in words.
I looked out the window and noticed a big black SUV pull into my drive. Lester got out and made his way to my front door. I went to meet him with my pocketbook and coat. He locked up the house and helped me into the car.
Lula's POV:
Tomorrow was the day. White Girl was getting married. I was happy for her. If anyone deserved happiness, it was her. When I thought of all the people whose lives she'd made better just by being there...I knew I would be dead right now if it weren't for her. Ramirez would have killed me. I glanced down at the ring on my left hand and remembered Tank getting down on one knee in front of all the others and asking me to marry him. I'd cried and said yes. Later, he'd told me he'd asked Stephanie's opinion of the ring and that's the one she thought I'd like. He shook his head and said he didn't really understand how she did it, but she'd picked the exact one he'd wanted to get me all along. I smiled at that. I told him she was a very smart person to know that I would want the ring he chose for me above all others.
Connie, Val, Grandma Mazur, myself and all the men at Rangeman had one final gift to give to Ranger and Stephanie after they got married tomorrow. Each one of us had given what we could. I couldn't wait to see the looks on their faces when we gave them the final gift.
Ranger's POV:
I tried to enjoy the party Tank had planned, but I found my thoughts were on Babe. I couldn't wait to make her my wife tomorrow. I'd forever be grateful to Connie for calling and asking me to help her friend. I had something special planned to give her. I had found out that she collected porcelain unicorns, and I had arranged for a well-known sculptor to create a series of 5 unicorns for her. She didn't know it but it was the other half of what I'd given her for Christmas. The Crystal carrousel I'd given her for Christmas had room for the 5 unicorns to be mounted. I'd purposely not told Connie of the engraving on the bottom of the carrousel. It read, 'Connie, thanks to you I will always remember'. I had the date Babe and I met engraved also. Below that, 'You gave me the greatest gift any person could give to another'.
I couldn't wait to see Babe's expression when she walked down the aisle tomorrow. She'd made a comment about my shirt at Christmas and I planned to surprise her tomorrow by wearing a traditional Cuban Wedding shirt. As a matter of fact, the whole outfit I was wearing tomorrow was the traditional Wedding Outfit. Tank, Lester and Bobby would be wearing the traditional Tuxes. I'd also arranged another surprise for Babe. I'd talked to her cousin Eddie and arranged for his 3 boys to be in the wedding. They were going to escort the 3 ladies down the aisle and carry the rings.
I'd arranged to take Babe to a secluded resort for 4 weeks, as I figured that would be the longest I could get away without the guys making noises. I was hoping to give her a chance to explore the island where we would be staying at least a few days, knowing that a good majority of our time would be spent in bed. I smiled as I thought of the gift I'd bought to give her while on our honeymoon. I'd already given her the bracelet at Christmas that matched her engagement ring. I planned to give her the matching earrings while we were on our honeymoon, and the locket I would give her at the birth of our child. I was looking forward to spending the rest of my life with her at my side.
Hector's POV:
I could tell Ranger wasn't really into this party. He'd much rather be with my little angel. I couldn't really blame him. She was full of life and it humbled me to see the love shining from her eyes when she looked at Ranger and the rest of us. We were her family. You could see it in the love she showed us. I could still feel the bite mark on the inside of my cheek from when I bit my cheek to keep the emotion from showing when she'd given us her presents at Christmas. She'd found a small wood figurine to give to each of us. The intricate work put into each one was something to behold. Mine was of a man with a pair of tarnished wings and halo looking down at a small girl child with wings and halo. The smile on the child's face as she looked up at the man was enough to bring a tear to a grown man's eye. I'd had to bite my cheek to make sure that tear never showed on my face. On the bottom of the figurine was engraved, 'No greater gift can one man give to another than he lay down his life for another'. The date engraved was the date of her parents and Eddie Abruzzi's deaths.
At that moment Ranger turned and our eyes met. We nodded the slightest bit to acknowledge the other. I could see in his eyes the same as I knew he saw in mine, that our thoughts were on my little angel.
Cal's POV:
Tank had done exactly as he'd promised Ranger. No strippers or women period. No booze. Lester had tried to liven the party up as he put it but the rest of us weren't having any of it. Ranger wanted everyone to be at peak condition tomorrow. He wanted to be able to concentrate on Stephanie and he was counting on the rest of us to have his back. I for one didn't plan to let him down. I remembered the look on her face when we'd given her the plaque at Christmas. We'd had each of our names engraved on it and the date she came into our lives. There was an inspirational saying about what a sister means and to us she was our little sister. We'd also gotten together and had a picture done of all of us. Then Binkie had taken a picture of her and put it in the middle of our group. When I saw the tears in her eyes I choked up myself and had to bite my lip to keep it inside. I'd loved the intricate wood figurine she'd given me. How she'd known...She was indeed my Angel.
Bobby's POV:
I looked around at the others and saw they were thinking the same thing I was. It was pretty tame here without Stephanie to liven us up. She was a breath of fresh air that had come into our lives and made us better for knowing her. We'd do anything for her, and that included putting ourselves in the line of fire regarding her grandmother. Ranger and Lester were considered by her to be safe. The rest of us had to watch our backs and fronts. We were all given a reprieve at Christmas time though. It was her gift to us to show her appreciation for the gifts we'd gotten her.
One gift was a bright patchwork quilt coat to keep her warm, and the other was a quilt we'd had made from various material from clothes we no longer could wear. On the back of the quilt was a poem about a grandmother's love. Each of our names had been stitched into the quilt. I saw the tears swimming in Stephanie's eyes when she'd seen what we'd done for her grandmother. We'd do anything for Stephanie. She'd brought something back into our lives we didn't even know was missing. I was looking forward to watching her and Ranger get married. They were two halves of a whole. Each beautiful in their own right, but together they were magnificent.
Tank's POV:
I watched Ranger, knowing he'd rather be with my little girl right now than here with the bunch of us. I was looking forward to watching the two of them tomorrow. It was going to be beyond beautiful. Ranger was taking Stephanie on a honeymoon after the wedding and I couldn't wait to see his reaction when he learned we'd gone together and paid for an extra two weeks. Each of us agreeing to take on an extra day to allow him the extra time. We did it as much for Stephanie as we did it for Ranger.
Lester's POV:
I could see the restlessness in Ranger. He wanted to be with Stephanie, not here with a bunch of guys. Couldn't say as I blamed him. Although when I'd first met her, I knew it wouldn't take much to fall in love with her, I'd found myself seeing her more as a sister than a potential lover or wife. We'd been through some fun times. I knew this was just the beginning. I was looking forward to years of excitement and fun because everything in me told me the future was going to be one wild ride with Stephanie at the wheel. I smiled. I couldn't wait.
Stephanie's POV:
I woke up early on New Year's Eve. I went for a run and made it back to Gram's house and had showered and dressed before the others had gotten up. I put on a pair of black yoga pants and a yellow t-shirt. When I made my way into the kitchen I saw Gram was there and she'd started making pancakes. There were strawberries sliced and whipped cream. I sat down at the table and we talked as she cooked. When she'd finished making all the pancakes, she put 2 on a plate and brought them over to me. She smiled and we looked at each other silently for several minutes. I smiled, letting her see the happiness I felt inside. She hugged me close to her and said, "I am so happy you've found happiness baby girl. You've got a family the size of your heart."
I smiled, "I always wanted to be part of a big family."
We both laughed. Once the others were up and we'd all had breakfast we got down to business making sure everything was ready for later. The wedding was taking place at 11 p.m. so that the ceremony would be over and we would kiss at midnight. I imagine most brides felt as I felt right now. There were butterflies in my stomach. I was anxious that everything go off just perfectly. As much as I loved Ranger and knew that I wanted to spend my life with him, I couldn't help but be nervous. This was a huge step to take. I took a deep breath and focused my energy. This was going to be a beautiful day and I didn't want to miss any of it because of nerves.
By 10 a.m. everyone was up and we'd eaten. We had all the last minute details seen to and had finally arrived at the Spa. Ranger had arranged for all of us to have a full massage to relax us. We spent a full 8 hours at the spa relaxing and being pampered. We had a wonderful selection of fruits to nibble on as well as cheeses and cold cuts. Once we'd finished with the massages, we headed to Lula's apartment on the 4th floor at Rangeman so we could dress. Mr. Alexander was meeting us there with his full crew to assist us with our hair and makeup. To aid Mr. Alexander, I took a quick shower and washed my hair. My hair was much easier to tame when it was wet. I wrapped a towel turban style around my hair and dried off before slipping on a white lace push up bra and lacy white thong set. Next I slipped into sheer stockings and hooked them to the garter belt I wore. I took the bridal slip the girls had gotten me and slipped into it next. It was silky white and came to a stop just below my doodah. I sat down and slipped my feet into the most delicate pair of white FMP's I'd ever seen. They were beautiful and sexy at the same time. I stood and slipped into my robe, belting it at the waist and went out to let Mr. Alexander weave his magic with my hair.
The towel was unwrapped and a fresh one was placed around my shoulders. Mr. Alexander combed out my hair adding a styling gel. He dried it as he styled it and when he was done and I was able to look in the mirror, I was stunned. He'd outdone himself. My hair had been French Braided into 2 ponytails which were crisscrossed across the back of my head and fastened together. He fastened the veil to the top of my head with combs before adding a few touches of makeup. When he was done the woman who looked back at me from the mirror was someone I'd never seen before.
It was Lula who summed it up, "White Girl, you gonna be lucky if Ranger lets the minister finish the wedding before he picks you up and carries you to the bedroom to unwrap your sexy ass."
The others nodded in agreement. Mr. Alexander made his exit and with just a few minutes to spare, my dress was brought out and I stepped into it. Val zipped it up in the back and I had to bite my lip so I wouldn't cry. I took a deep breath and asked, "Everything ready?"
I got a yes and we headed for the door. Lula opened it and Randy Briggs stood just outside the door. He had an enormously expensive camera in his hands. He smiled, "I asked myself, what do I get for a bride who already has everything and came up with wedding pictures. I also brought my video camera so I can record your wedding if that's alright with you."
"Thank you Randy. That would be wonderful. I think that's the one thing I didn't figure on."
He took several pictures and then we headed down to the 3rd floor. Val helped me to carry the skirt of my wedding dress. The dress was a white A-line, silk chiffon gown with draped bust line, empire bodice with crystal embellished collar, and bejeweled crystal shoulder detail. The sleeves were short sleeved and the gown was floor length. I felt like a million dollars in the dress. The veil was a simple white chiffon with matching crystal embellishment. (Stephanie's dress is a Jenny Packham, style No. JPB250)
We stopped in the small alcove just off the elevator on the 3rd floor. Grams went out to take her seat and as soon as she stepped out, Lester was there to escort her to her seat. He'd specifically asked for the pleasure and it touched my heart that he'd come to care for my Gram so much. He'd admitted that he'd always wanted a Grandmother who would make people stand up and pay attention, and since mine was up to the task he'd decided she could be his adopted Grams as well. When he took Gram's arm our eyes met and he looked stunned for a moment before he shook his head and smiled down at Grams. He led her to her seat in the front row. She was wearing a lavender, gently pleated satin dress fashioned with a sheer chiffon yoke and sheer godet insets at the hemline. The matching long-sleeved bolero is embellished with crystals at the jewel neckline. The bolero had a button-and-loop closure at the collar and ruffled hem.
As Gram was seated and Lester went back towards the other alcove on the opposite side of the room where the men were waiting, Hector made his way to the sound system and the song I'd chosen to play while the guests were waiting for the ceremony to begin was now coming from the speakers. Even though I couldn't actually see what was happening, in my mind's eye I watched as the opening strains for Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John started, Ranger, Tank, Lester, and Bobby came out of the alcove and made their way to the stand where the minister was already waiting. I closed my eyes and listened, letting the words wash over me and calm my nerves.
There's a calm surrender
To the rush of day
When the heat of the rolling world
Can be turned away
An enchanted moment
And it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior
Just to be with you
(Chorus)
And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
There's a time for everyone
If they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope
Moves us all in turn
There's a rhyme and reason
To the wild outdoors
When the heart of this star-crossed voyager
Beats in time with yours
(Chorus)
And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
When the last strains of the song finished, I opened my eyes and turned to Val, Lula and Connie. It was their turn. Each of them wore a floor length gown in varying shades of blue satin fabric. The dress was a strapless sleeve length with a square neckline, wrap waistline and A-line silhouette. Connie walked out first and was met by Eddie Jr. He escorted her down the aisle, then Davie escorted Lula and finally Jamie escorted Val as he carried a pillow with the rings laying on it. My eyes went to Ranger and I smiled, letting all the love I felt for him shine through. I took in the fact that he was indeed wearing a Cuban Wedding shirt in ivory and the traditional Wedding slacks. He was the sexiest man I'd ever seen. To my surprise a song came from the sound system. I had to bite my lip so I wouldn't cry. The song was Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You by Frankie Vallie.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
You'd be like Heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
Pardon the way that I stare.
There's nothing else to compare.
The sight of you leaves me weak.
There are no words left to speak,
But if you feel like I feel,
Please let me know that it's real.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
I love you, baby,
And if it's quite alright,
I need you, baby,
To warm a lonely night.
I love you, baby.
Trust in me when I say:
Oh, pretty baby,
Don't bring me down, I pray.
Oh, pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, baby.
Let me love you.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
You'd be like Heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
I love you, baby,
And if it's quite alright,
I need you, baby,
To warm a lonely night.
I love you, baby.
Trust in me when I say:
Oh, pretty baby,
Don't bring me down, I pray.
Oh, pretty baby, now that I found you, stay.
I mouthed the words, 'I love you' to Ranger and took a deep breath as I waited for Hector to start the next song. I felt him before he took my hand and placed it on his arm. I turned and felt my eyes get moist. "Thank you for coming."
"I wouldn't have missed this for anything. You look beautiful Princess."
"You look quite handsome yourself."
"You are positively radiant. Anything you'd like to tell me?" He grinned.
I smiled and replied, "I'm pregnant."
He nodded and smiled. At that moment the music started and Diesel slowly walked me towards the front of the room where the others stood waiting for us. The music playing was You For Me by Johnny Gill.
Verse 1.
It seems like forever
That I have waited for you
In a world of disappointment
One thing is true
God has blessed me
And he's blessed you too
In a world of lonely people
I've found you.
Chorus:
Take my hand
And hold me close
And don't ever let me go.
You for me
And me for you
Together we'll make one
Verse 2.
We were once strangers
All by ourselves
Living, living alone
With no one else
But here you are
And it's so, so sweet
God must have done this
Made you for me
And oh.
Chorus:
Take my hand
Hold me close
Don't let go.
You for me
Me for you
Together we'll make one.
Bridge:
We were always sleeping
Under the same stars
Dreaming, dreams of love
Wondering where you are
How blessed I am
That I've found you
Now that you're here
I'm ready to say I do.
Oh.
(Chorus twice)
When we reached the spot where Ranger was waiting, Diesel took my hand from where it rested on his arm and placed it on Ranger's arm. Their eyes locked and Diesel said, "Take care of my Princess."
Ranger nodded and his eyes met mine. I could no longer hold the tear back and felt it escape down my cheek. I was filled with so much joy. We turned to the minister. I couldn't concentrate on what he was saying so I was praying I wouldn't miss my cues. Then the first strains of We've Only Just Begun by the Carpenters started playing and my eyes locked with Ranger's.
We've only just begun to live,
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way.
And yes, We've just begun.
Before the rising sun we fly,
So many roads to choose
We start our walking and learn to run.
And yes, We've just begun.
Sharing horizons that are new to us,
Watching the signs along the way,
Talking it over just the two of us,
Working together day to day
Together.
And when the evening comes we smile,
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow,
And yes, We've just begun.
The minister said a few more words and then the song I had selected The Twelfth Of Never by Donny Osmond played.
You ask me how much I need you,
must I explain?
I need you, oh my darling,
like roses need rain
You ask how long I'll love you,
I'll tell you true,
Until the Twelfth of Never,
I'll still be loving you
Hold me close,
never let me go
Hold me close,
melt my heart like April snow
I'll love you 'til the bluebells
forget to bloom
I'll love you 'til the clover
has lost its perfume
I'll love you 'til the poets
run out of rhyme
Until the Twelfth of Never
and that's a long, long time
Until the Twelfth of Never
and that's a long, long time
(that's a long, long time)
It was finally time for the vows. Ranger turned me fully to him and I raised my eyes so I was looking directly into his. He took my left hand and as he slid the wedding ring on my finger he spoke.
Stephanie, my Babe, I have been looking for you for a long time. Before I met you I felt like I was traveling around in the dark. And then you...a bright shining star that made me see again and brought me back to life. I have not left your side since and I can promise I never will. On this day I vow always to stay true to you and always work things out even when we fuss and fight. I will take care of you in sickness and always have your back. Babe, I will trust in you and will always know you have my best interest in your heart. A heart that is full and rich with love, generosity, and caring beyond all the universe. You are the most beautiful person inside and out and I am the lucky one because you have already given me everything I have ever wanted...I love you.
Tears ran down my cheek. I took a deep breath to try and get control of my emotions so I would be able to talk without breaking down. I took his left hand in mine and as I slid the wedding ring on his finger I spoke.
Ranger, I found you in the midst of a very rough time in my life. You were the strength that helped me through it. For this, I am grateful. At times I needed a shoulder to cry on, or a kind ear to listen to my thoughts. You lent me your shoulder, and you listened to me without passing judgment. For this, I am grateful. When I am scared, you make me feel safe. When I'm elated, you share in my happiness. When I have questions, you answer them and ease my doubts. For this I am grateful. Whenever I've needed you, whenever I've needed a friend, you've always been there...to show me unconditional love and for that I love you...with all of my heart, and all of my soul.
The minister then spoke, "If any man has reason this union should not take place, let him speak now or forever hold his peace." He paused before continuing, "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss the bride."
Ranger lifted my veil and his head lowered to mine. Our lips met and he kissed me thoroughly before letting me come up for air. I vaguely heard the minister pronounce, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Carlos Manoso."
Ranger smiled his 2000 watt smile at me before lifting me in his arms and carrying me down the aisle to the spot where we were going to greet the guests who'd joined us. As we moved to the location, the final song I'd selected played. I've Had The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
Boy: Now I've had the time of my life
No I never felt like this before
Yes I swear it's the truth
and I owe it all to you
Girl: 'Cause I've had the time of my life
and I owe it all to you
Boy: I've been waiting for so long
Now I've finally found someone
To stand by me
Girl: We saw the writing on the wall
As we felt this magical fantasy
Both: Now with passion in our eyes
There's no way we could disguise it secretly
So we take each other's hand
'Cause we seem to understand the urgency
Boy: just remember
Girl: You're the one thing
Boy: I can't get enough of
Girl: So I'll tell you something
Both:This could be love because
(CHORUS)
Both: I've had the time of my life
No I never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you
'Cause I've had the time of my life
And I've searched through every open door
'Til I found the truth
And I owe it all to you
Girl: With my body and soul
I want you more than you'll ever know
Boy: So we'll just let it go
Don't be afraid to lose control
Girl: Yes I know whats on your mind
When you say:
"Stay with me tonight."
Boy: Just remember
You're the one thing
Girl: I can't get enough of
Boy: So I'll tell you something
Both: This could be love because
(CHORUS)
Both: 'Cause I had the time of my life
No I've never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you
'Cause I've had the time of my life
And I've searched through every open door
Till I found the truth
and I owe it all to you
*Instrumental*
Boy: Now I've had the time of my life
No I never felt this way before
(Girl: Never Felt this way)
Boy: Yes I swear it's the truth
and I owe it all to you
Both: 'Cause I had the time of my life
And I've searched through every open door
Till I've found the truth
and I owe it all to you
Both: "cause I've had the time of my life
No I've never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you
Ranger and I stood and accepted congratulations from the wedding party as they joined us in line and then the wedding guests. When Ranger's mother and father stood before us, Maria hugged me and told me I was now officially her daughter. Once we had greeted everyone, we made our way to the table set aside for the wedding party. Ella had outdone herself. There were slices of ham, turkey, and roast beef as well as various breads, cheeses, potato salad and fresh fruits. For dessert there was wedding cake. When it was time to cut the cake, Ranger and I held the knife together and made the first slice. We cut the piece in half and each picked up a piece. We fed the cake to each other and once we'd swallowed, Ranger swooped down and took my mouth with his. When our lips parted I thought I heard him growl to someone to start the damn dancing so we could get out of there.
Cake was served to all the guests and a few moments later Carlos stood in the middle of the floor. "Okay ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the bride and groom to share the first dance."
Ranger took my hand and led me out onto the dance floor. He wrapped me in his arms as Always And Forever by Luther Vandross played. We moved slowly, swaying to the music.
Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true, yeah
And I know tomorrow
Will still be the same
Cuz we got a life of love
That won't ever change and
[1] - Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Ooh baby, I'll always love you forever
Ever, ever, ever
There'll always be sunshine
When I look at you
It's something I can't explain
Just the things that you do
If you get lonely
Call me and take
A second to give to me
That magic you make and
[Repeat 1]
When the music ended, Diesel stood before us and held out his hand to me. Ranger released me into his arms. We stood still for several beats before Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle started playing.
There's two things I know for sure.
She was sent here from heaven, and shes daddys little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night,
She talks to Jesus, and I close my eyes.
And I thank God for all the joy in my life, But most of all...
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer.
Stickin little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk beside the pony daddy, its my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, daddy, but I sure tried."
Oh, with all that Ive done wrong, I must have done something right.
To deserve a hug every morning, and butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet sixteen today.
Shes looking like her momma a little more every day.
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and makeup, from ribbons and curls.
Trying her wings in a great big world. But I remember...
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer.
Stickin little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you daddy, but if you dont mind,
Im only going to kiss you on cheek this time."
With all that Ive done wrong, I must have done something right.
To deserve a hug every morning, and butterfly kisses at night.
All the precise time.
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly, spread your wings and fly.
Shell change her name today.
Shell make a promise, and Ill give her away.
Standing in the bride room just staring at her.
She asked me what Im thinking, and I said, "Im not sure,
I just feel like Im losing my baby girl."
Then she leaned over... and gave me...
Butterfly kisses, with her mama there.
Stickin little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk me down the aisle daddy, its just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty daddy?" "Daddy dont cry."
With all that Ive done wrong, I must have done something right.
To deserve a hug every morning, and butterfly kisses.
I couldnt ask God for more, man, this is what love is.
I know Ive gotta let her go, but Ill always remember.
Every hug in the morning, and butterfly kisses...
When the song ended I hugged him as tears poured down my face. "I love you Diesel."
"I love you too Princess. I'll always be there if you need me."
Diesel handed me to Ranger and bowed. "I need to go now."
I nodded. "Thank you for coming."
He smiled. He slipped away and then was suddenly gone. Ranger held me close. "You ready to leave Babe?"
I nodded, unable to speak because of the tears caught in my throat. Ranger turned and motioned to Tank. I heard Tank's booming voice asking the ladies to get ready for the throwing of the bouquet. I took the beautiful bouquet Ranger had arranged for me and turned so my back was to the crowd and I tossed it up into the air.
When I heard, "Ain't this a pip?" I knew who'd caught the bouquet.
Ranger sat me down in a chair and kneeled beside me. He slowly lifted the hem of my dress as he looked into my eyes. When he reached the garter he slid it down my thigh and off my leg before standing and flipping it into the waiting crowd. A surprised voice asked with a rise of panic, "That doesn't mean I'm marrying her does it?"
We all laughed and I heard someone tell Hal that no he wasn't going to have to marry Grandma Mazur. Ranger lifted me into his arms and headed for the elevators. When we stood inside he held the door and said, "Stay and enjoy yourselves. Thank you again for coming and helping us to celebrate the start of our lives together.
Before he could release the hold button, Tank was saying, "Ranger, here's something from all of us." He handed Ranger an envelope. "All the guys have taken another day and everyone went in on paying for another 2 weeks for you and Stephanie on the island."
Ranger's blank face slammed into place but not before I was allowed to see the emotion there. He nodded, "Thank you all." He released the elevator button and we were on our way up to 7.
He didn't stop till we were in the bedroom where he set me on my feet and carefully helped me out of my dress. His eyes darkened when I stood before him in the sheer stocking, shoes, and bra and panties. He removed his own clothing before coming back to me and slowly stripping the rest of the clothes from my body. His mouth met mine and our tongues mated before his mouth made its way to my breast. While his mouth devoured one breast, his hand kneaded and played with the other before switching. My legs felt like liquid Jell-O before he moved farther south working his way to my doodah. When he finally reached the juncture between my legs I was near the edge. My juices were already pooling and one stroke of that magical tongue had me screaming my release. There was no rest because he gently laid me on the bed before starting all over again.
When he finally plunged into my moist center I was more than ready for him. I met his rhythm and we danced long into the night...or rather morning. When he finally lay beside me and covered our bodies with the blanket, I was already asleep. I moaned when the alarm sounded and heard a chuckle.
"Come on Babe. You can sleep on the island...if you really want to sleep."
My eyes were opened in an instant. Ranger was already dressed. "I laid out an outfit for you so all you have to do is shower and dress."
I pulled him down and kissed him thoroughly before sitting up and sliding from the bed. "How much time do I have?"
"20 minutes."
I nodded and hurried into the bathroom. I had showered and shampooed my hair and even managed to tame my hair and pull it back into a ponytail before heading out to the bedroom to dress. Ranger wasn't there and I was glad because I don't think either one of us would make it out of the apartment if he'd caught me walking around naked. I slipped into the navy blue thigh length, long-sleeved sweater and black leggings before slipping my feet into the black ballerina style shoes. I then made my way towards the kitchen. Ranger had a picnic basket in one hand and held the other out to me.
I took his hand and followed him up onto the roof where the helicopter waited to fly us to the island. When the helicopter set down, Ranger got out and turned to lift me down. He then took the basket in one hand and wrapped the other around my waist. He led me to a beautiful house several yards up the beach. I was vaguely aware of the pilot getting out and taking care of our luggage. The house was beautiful and we had the most amazing view of the ocean. I smiled thinking of the fun we'd have the next 6 weeks.
I researched weddings to get the information I used here for Ranger and Stephanie's wedding and the songs by googling wedding dresses, wedding songs and such. Any mistakes are mine alone.
