Making Moves
Chapter 29
Mighty Men in Black
Almost at the end of this tale of love in Paradise or Paradise in love.
Characters you recognise belong to JE. The mistakes are mine alone.
o.o.o
Before going down for breakfast after our morning run, I suggested that while all the men were unloading the air freighters, that Stephanie and Ella check the many bridal shops on the islands and a have a Girls' Day Out. I felt both of them could benefit from some uninterrupted Girl Time. We planned to be on the tarmac at 0700 and assist Mack and his crew.
Stephanie and Ella did protest, initially, insisting they could be of assistance, keen to be part of the Paying It Forward Mission. Today was the unload, sort and deliver kind of day involving muscle and machinery. However, with a little coercion, and I may have mentioned to sort her out and deliver on my promise, that when I mentioned Girl Time and bridal retail therapy, they capitulated quite easily. Secretly, I thought this was ideally 'mother' and daughter bonding time.
Before we departed, Luis and Ella came up to us.
"Thank you for our special accommodation, Ranger. Our suite is very spacious, plush and totally amazing."
"You two deserve it and so much more. You do so much for me, for my men and for Rangeman. Not only do you work for me and the company, you have taken so much care of us. It's the least I could do."
"And me too, especially," Stephanie added warmly.
"Consider this a special Thank You and a special bonus."
"HOOHA!"
A chorus from our mighty men in black, who had gathered around, acknowledged their unanimous endorsement wholeheartedly. Luis gave Ella a one shoulder hug and smiled at Ranger with a nod of thanks.
As the men departed, Ella beamed at Stephanie.
"Oh, Stephanie. I am so happy for you two. You look positively radiant. All this sunshine and blue skies certainly agrees with you."
"You know it does, Ella. It's been a breath of fresh air, fresh clean air. Tank was so right in suggesting we 'retreat' and Carlos found the perfect place."
"You both deserved some one-on-one time, away from all those distractions. It's just about you and Carlos. He's a good man who deserves a wonderful woman like you, Stephanie. Luis and I are so proud of you both.
You know, I was always afraid that Ranger would be so intensely involved in his work, his men, running the business and his army missions, that he had no time for love. You have a special aura about you, mi hija. You showed him your warmth and light. Unlike other women, you saw Ranger, the man, for what he stood for and not for his wealth and good looks. I could tell from the first time he met you, and, with every other encounter thereafter, I could tell you made an impact upon him. He was very taken with you. He shared his first impression of you, explaining how determined you were to succeed despite all the hard knocks. He would marvel at your endurance and resilience. You made him curious and I also saw pride for your achievements. Because you saw Ranger the soldier, you somehow broke through his firmly set boundaries and self-disciplined barriers that enabled him to show you Carlos, the man. He began to smile and I know with that faraway look he would sometimes wear, when his mask dropped, I knew he was thinking of you."
She sighed happily and squeezed Stephanie's hands.
"And the rest is history. We have a mission and I think you know exactly what you are after."
Stephanie smiled and nodded.
After looking over the information brochures about the US Virgin Islands, they discovered there were so many bridal stores available. Stephanie had something specific in mind and Ella listened intently to her needs as they searched. Having perused their various websites, Stephanie and Ella made a short list once they had viewed the bridal dresses.
"We have a driver recommended by the concierge, to take us anywhere we require, organised by Carlos."
When they arrived at the second bridal shop on St John's, somewhat exhausted, and a tad disappointed, Stephanie had a good feeling about this one. They had already checked out a number of bridal shops on St Croix and St Thomas but nothing seemed to appeal. Mostly they carried the same stock, catering for those ample gowns with trains and fancy accoutrements of all kinds. A couple of the bridal shops just didn't appeal, more suited to expensive gowns with too much ick factor. Over a lunch break, they refreshed their plans for the selections on St John.
Amazingly, the driver had a car ready on each island and was friendly and helpful, pointing out a few sights along the way.
Stephanie was surprised to see Marta inside. She greeted her warmly and then grinned at Ella. When they hugged, while Steph attempted to introduce Ella to Marta, she was stunned.
"Omigod. Holy crap. You two know each other?"
"Cousins, mi hija."
Stephanie rolled her eyes and smiled. Of course they were and rolled her eyes again.
Marta explained that this was her daughter's business, a seamstress specialising in individual bridal wear. Many dresses were ready made but Marisol specialised in personal designs. Before the afternoon was done, Marisol, had listened to Stephanie's ideas and sketched them quickly. Her assistant grabbed examples of dresses which incorporated the elements Stephanie had in mind and placed them on a large display table. From that she drew a completely new design and a very happy and relieved Stephanie sighed, pleased with the way things were shaping up.
She didn't want, nor like, all that formal 'frockery' but still wanted something classy yet stylish, suitable for an island beachside wedding. Besides, after the disaster which was her Mother's choice to marry Dickie Orr, and her Mother's choice of an over the top, fluffy, prissy, gaudy, poofy, vomit-worthy, puffy-sleeved monstrosity of a wedding gown, this was so much better. It was her choice for her special wedding day. So much better.
While Marta arranged for coffee and refreshments, Marisol took her measurements and recommended which fabrics and lace would work well with this design all the while recording every detail. On the new sketch she made many anecdotal notes with specific details for each aspect of Stephanie's wedding dress. She attached samples to the sketch. They considered the best lengths and accessories and footwear, with input from all four ladies. It was a happy, friendly and relaxed discussion and Stephanie was surprised how comfortable she felt. It was so refreshing and she wished it could have been like this before. No. Not really. She didn't. This is how it should have been, like now, discussing the ideas, with her adopted mother, Ella, and Marta.
While Ella and Marta were catching up on family details and happenings, Steph leaned back and listened, feeling content. She texted Carlos a short message. He responded saying the team had moved up to the villages for roof repairs with his mate Mack and Hawkeye the helicopter pilot. The Rangemen were a hard working team and they got things done. They were an efficient body of soldiers, SEALs, marines and airmen. Ranger had chosen well and was proud of his men. She smiled at his brief remarks, filling in the spaces. She then assured him that her mission was successful, especially now since they found Marisol. She kept it concise, knowing he was busy.
Marisol filed all the details on her computer and made a new folder for the sketches. She was excited to be doing this for Stephanie, about whom she had already heard so much from her mother. They arranged for a fitting in three days' time.
It was a quiet night for us all. A very satisfying physical day for my men, but since I had enough energy in reserve, I made it my mission to love my beautiful, radiant fiancée. Gentle pleasuring was the strategy as I tried to extract information playfully from Stephanie but she endured the sweet torture without disclosing any details.
I decided it was more practical for the two of us to stay at the resort for this week as well. After morning runs and breakfast, everyone was ready to visit the VA centre. After I'd visited the Consulate and the VA, I had sent on details to Tank who had delegated Manny and Miguel to devise a ground plan before leaving Trenton, using the blue prints of the VA facility.
Miguel's family ran a large plant nursery in Hamilton Township and Manny's family was next door specialising in ponds, water features, fountains and waterfalls, and garden sculptures. Together, the two businesses had built a joint display to demonstrate how magical well-chosen plantings and water features can add ambience. A Japanese garden also displayed its unique aspects.
Miguel and Manny had incorporated many aspects, avoiding the standard central round pond type. The VA authority had given them carte blanche with a large area along a wall that included some well-established trees and shrubs. The local nursery had the plants and had recommended which local and indigenous plants would suit best to their needs. In their design, they did, however, include a pond of reflection in a quiet area, for remembrance and contemplation, different from the standard, using a successful, unique design from Australia, in the west.
In one of the conference rooms, they outlined their ideas and the layout. Manny had pre-ordered the water features and the necessary equipment to operate them, sculptures, Japanese lanterns and other statuary from his father's business. Miguel had ordered landscaping machinery and both of these requisitions had arrived and been despatched to the VA with the shipment they had already unloaded yesterday. Over the next three afternoons, they established a new memorial garden with a gazebo and a number of tranquil, yet simple water features. Paved pathways, with strategically placed benches and quiet spots, statuary and sculptures, were surrounded by raised garden beds containing fragrant plants and herbs, like aromatherapy, with consideration for easy access for the wheelchair Vets and the sight-impaired, to enjoy up close. Ella and Stephanie did the plantings under direction from Manny and Miguel, in both the regular and the raised garden beds.
The Rangemen formed teams and were appointed different tasks. Tank's team were building the gazebo. Bobby's team were the earthmovers using mini machinery, tractors with a trailer for the soil cartage and pavers, a couple of front end loaders and a mini forklift. Ella and Stephanie laughed at the looks of envy from the other teams like the sandlot kids playing in the sand. Big boys and their toys. My team was placing the sculptures and water features while Lester's team were the pavers and planters. All the teams were involved with the raised garden beds. All this was documented stage by stage by Luis or Hector, to present to the Vets in a photobook and for our own records.
The next morning, we assisted with the village repairs adding manpower under the engineering expertise and direction of Mack, while Ella and Stephanie visited the Vets after her fitting session. Rangeman then conducted the next two morning events and visits with the Vets. We ran a mini modified version of the Invictus Games, a wonderful international event organised by His Royal Highness, Prince Harry. Invictus means unconquered. Wheelchair basketball was a favourite as was sit down volleyball. Archery also proved to be successful. There was laughter and serious competitive spirit. The occupational therapists and physiotherapists and of course, the Rangemen, were also involved in the games, as either competitors or referees but mostly in running the events. I was very proud of my men, and women, and this Paying It Forward mission was both meaningful and dignified.
In the afternoons we continued with the new memorial garden. Walking through the older gardens and listening to these servicemen and women was cathartic and, we as the visitors were well received. Stephanie worked her magic on a couple of cynical Vets with Tank and I as her guardians and muscle. The range of injuries surprised Stephanie, so many with prosthetics, hearing or vision impairments but it was the invisible injuries that showed her true compassion and respect. She disarmed them with light-hearted humour. She was a good listener. The Vets who had suffered traumatic brain injuries showed a lot of mettle in overcoming formidable odds. Hal and Cal were expert at signing and in this way, Rangeman showed how inclusive we were.
The official opening was a dignified and reverent occasion with a number of visiting dignitaries, including the Consul. For the Vets, the raised garden beds created a reaction of surprise and wonder, as did the gazebo and the smaller water features. All combined, with the multi-sensory aspects of the plants in these raised garden beds, it was a massive success. The subtle placement of serene statuary among new plantings added to the ambience. The pathways were wide enough to enable wheelchairs to pass with ease. But the pool of reflection and contemplation was created in a peaceful setting away from the gazebo using the trees, shrubbery and sculptures placed strategically so that it was more than just sky reflected in the still mirror-like waters. Stephanie had added some frangipani flowers to float in the water of some of the water features. I humbly acknowledged with pride my team and made special mention of Manny and Miguel in a brief speech.
Stephanie's mission was a totally different venture, considering this was one of the few times that our community service was directed towards the needs of children. The roof was repaired and a veranda added with an adjoining covered area for eating lunch, outdoor classroom activities and undercover play when the tropical storms came. Considering the weather direction was important as was providing much needed shade since many of the taller palms had snapped, leaving the school more exposed to the elements.
With the weather warming up, and the physicality of the work, a lot of the Rangemen went shirtless which created quite an impact in this community. Young mothers and their sisters, mothers and aunts, and a few men as well, enjoyed this delicious sight. Eye candy, pure and simple, works every time. Admiring hot and sweaty muscular bodies, in a variety of shades, became a popular pastime for the onlookers and supporters. The community pitched in with refreshments, snacks and food and physical help from the men and fathers who were so rapt that their little school was getting the much needed repairs and improvements. Many hands make light work.
Two new play areas were built with the bright primary colours of mainly red, blue and yellow equipment, with bits of green, orange and purple, considering the different age groups, junior and middle primary school children. Using the results of their wish list, the children had chosen well. We included climbing, swinging, and balancing potential with ropes, bridges, a slide, beams, a net and boards on coils, not unlike surfing. Smaller palm logs for balancing beams added a natural component along with stepping stones from smoothed slices of the palm logs, and long palm logs just for sitting, thus recycling as much as we could.
Of course, we reused the landscape machinery and enabled Lester's and Tank's teams to utilise them this time. The children were entranced watching this happening while they were at play in a cordoned off area. Once we complete this final task, we plan to donate the machinery back to the community for maintenance and general hire.
Stephanie's design also incorporated a Ninja-style circuit which was enthusiastically received by the Rangemen, but of course, at a smaller scale suitable for small children. The circuit enabled the children to negotiate the course with a variety of upper body, climbing, strength and balance skills. They delighted in making a mini warped wall but no water features. Underneath each play area was soft sand or soft sponge matting to soften the fall.
A beautiful nature playscape with a meandering stream using pumped water like a natural water feature was the final component. Shells, smooth pebbles and small shells were added to the stream, pressed into the concrete floor. Rocks and larger logs from the hillside landslide were transported down to the school to be incorporated in the natural playscape with new plantings. Recycling was a school target and it seemed appropriate, according to Stephanie, to do this as much as it was safe and practicable.
It only took two days and it was opened officially with a lot of pomp and ceremony in the covered assembly area. The children were unanimous in their official approval, endorsement and delight. The parents organised a hearty meal for Rangeman and were stunned that we had donated our time and covered all the costs. Each of us was given a handmade card of thanks made by the children.
In the evening we were invited to a celebration feast and a barbecue in the small town square with all the food trucks. Marta had coordinated the cooking and the community was very appreciative. With live music, good food and drinks, it was a party atmosphere. The Rangemen were propositioned but politely declined. We anticipated this happening. There was a fine line and it was understood. We give to the community, we do not take back, except in the nature of this barbecue evening celebration. We do not wish to offend.
When we finally made it back to the resort, we were a happy bunch of campers, happy but tired after a very physical week in the heat. Mack was making good progress and since the road was stabilised, repaired and reinforced, the road was open to traffic once more.
Next week was a week of R&R as a reward for their hard work for both the Trenton subterfuge, AKA, Moving Out to Newark and this wonderful community service project. If they needed to be back in Trenton, I would support that but still give them this time in lieu.
Stephanie had fallen asleep on the Terrace. I bid everyone goodnight and carried my Babe, my fiancée, to the lift and to our executive suite.
In the morning, however, there was a change of heart, regarding the R&R time. A request had been made. A proposition of a different kind.
o.o.o
TBC
I wonder what the request was?
And that also means the wedding is nigh.
