Chapter 53- The Wedding

Joseph Anthony Morelli, 30
Chambersburg, NJ
March 1, 1987 - July 1, 2017

Joseph "Joe" Morelli, 30, was pronounced dead on Wednesday, July 1, 2017 at the Trenton Municipal Courthouse after sustaining injures from a single gunshot wound. Joe Morelli passed into eternal rest quickly and without pain.

Morelli is survived by his mother Angela Morelli, his sisters Catherine Milio and Mary Russo both of Chambersburg, NJ. He is also survived by his brothers Anthony Morelli of Hamilton Twp., NJ and Paul Morelli of Princeton, NJ. Morelli is also survived by is paternal Grandmother Bella Morelli who resides in Chambersburg, NJ.

He was preceded in death by his father Tony 'Rocco' Morelli in 2009.

Morelli was born at Helene Fuld Hospital in Chambersburg, NJ where the Morelli family set down roots in the 1930's after immigrating from Sicily.

Joe spent his youth serving four years in the US Navy. He spent most of his time as a Seamen Apprentice aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Independence. Joe was also a Trenton Police Officer who served on the force for almost eight years. He could often be seen out walking his dog Bob around Mercer County Park.

Arrangements are being handled by Stiva's Funeral home. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, July 6 at Stiva's Funeral Home in Chambersberg. Internment will be at Trenton Memorial Park at 9:00am on Tuesday, July 7.

Morelli's funeral came and went. I didn't attend and I didn't send flowers. I owed him nothing. I didn't care about the time we spent on and off again. As a matter of fact I did my best to forget it. It wasn't really him anyhow. My memories were now tainted with his actions. Actions that I should have never forgiven before. I am not going to dwell on his death or waste any tears on him. The man I loved was a figment of my imagination. I had made Morelli who I wanted him to be in my head. I had conjured this perfect vision of him when I had a crush on him during high school. It was never really who he was and I refused to grieve the real Morelli. Besides I got the best thing from our relationship.

The day after Morelli died I went to visit my apartment an Bob was in my hallway. He was sleeping outside of my door. I loved him and wanted to make sure he was happy. I knew the penthouse was no place to keep a dog, he needed a yard. He needed someone home to walk him and play with him. He is currently living with Bobby's sister who has a nine year old son who always wanted a dog. I have visitation.

It's the morning of my wedding and I am surprisingly calm. I find myself seated in front of a mirror while Mari does my hair. I didn't invite any of the people who had turned their backs on me and spoke negatively about Ranger or myself. That meant my side of the aisle would be pretty empty. Mari was twisting and taming my curly mane into an up-do with strands of curls hanging down here or there. Ranger's sisters, Angel, Celia, Leya and Santanna, had helped me with my make-up and were outside checking on the flowers.

After Mari had finished with my hair the women all came back into the building. We are in the bridal room at the Clark's Landing Yaht Club in Point Pleasant. Leya and Celia held out a box for me. It was white and had a blue ribbon wrapped around it.

"What's this?" I asked

"Something new from Carlos." Leya told me.

I blushed and shook my head. "He shouldn't have."

"Just try to stop my brother from doing anything he wants when it comes to you."Celia smiled.

I took the box and quickly pulled off the ribbon and opened it up. When I pulled the top off of the box my mouth dropped open. Inside lay a pair of Heart shaped sapphire earrings. I held them out without a word as my eyes welled with tears. Santanna took them from me and carefully placed each one in my ears.

"Don't mess up your make-up." Angel warned.

I turned to look at myself in the mirror. There was a short platinum chain that swung free from each ear and at the bottom of the chain swung a small heart shaped sapphire gem. Mari bent down and placed her hands on my shoulders. She met my eyes in the mirror and smiled.

"My son knows very well how to recognize beauty when he sees it." she told me as we exchanged smiles.

"I have something blue for you." Santanna go my attention.

I turned around as she thrust the small white box into my hands. This box was also tied up with a blue ribbon.

"This is all too much." I shook my head.

"Shut up and open it." Angel rolled her eyes.

I opened up the box and blushed right away. I held up the blue garter as everyone cheered and whistled. I gave Santanna a hug and slid the garter up my leg. Just as I readjust my dress Abuela Rosa and Ella came into the room. Abuela Rosa came directly to me and I rose to my feet. I was grateful I wouldn't be putting on my heels until the reception. Flat footed I was already nearly seven inches taller than her. She curled her hand and gestured for me to bend over. When I did she cupped my face and placed a kiss on each cheek. She spoke to me in Spanish and Leya interpreted.

"She says you are an angel. You have made her very happy because you bring out the light that was hidden in Carlos' heart. She knows your babies will be beautiful." Leya was teary eyed

"Gracias." I told her as she dropped her hands and patted my belly before pulling me into a big hug.

Ella approached me as Rosa stepped to the side. She took both of my hands in hers and smiled at me.

"My dear Stephanie, God saw fit to bless me with a son 36 years ago. He was called home far too soon while he was fighting in Iraq.." she squeezed my hands tightly. "God then brought me a daughter almost four years ago. I thank God every day that you were the one Carlos finally brought home. You were the one who finally found a way into his heart. We all knew there was so much more to him than he chose to show and you helped him bring it all out."

Ella paused as she caught her breath and gave out a little sniffle. She slowly released my hands and dug into her pocket for something.

"I have brought you something old."

Ella held a chain up an I bowed my head while she wrapped it around my neck and fastened the back. It was a simple gold chain with a heart locket. I opened the locket and each side held a picture. I was on one side and Carlos was on the other. I looked up at her in question as I held the locket in my hand.

"My mother passed this down to me and I meant to give it to my daughter or future daughter-in-law. When my son passed away I hid the necklace in a safe knowing I would never have the opportunity to pass it down. Then Carlos met you. I don't know exactly when he fell in love with you, but I know when I did. Watching the joy you took in eating my food and listening to you ask him if I would adopt you immediately endeared you to my heart. I knew one day I would be fastening this around your neck."

I glanced around the room and everyone was as choked up as I was. I sniffled and grabbed for the Handkerchief Santanna held out for me. Santanna and I clicked right away. She had become a true sister to me and we spent a lot of time together. She loved to shop and she had the same tastes as me when it came to food. We had a standing date every Sunday morning at her favorite doughnut shop in Newark.I got myself together and handed the handkerchief back to Santanna. Each woman moved in one at a time and gave me a hug. Abuela Rosa spoke in Spanish again and everyone laughed at the speed in which she spoke. I looked to Leya and she smiled.

"She says you better get used to having a big Cuban family. We love to hug, kiss and eat." Leya told me.

"I'm working on it." I smiled "I am not used to receiving gifts with no strings attached. Not used to spending time together without guilt."

"You need something borrowed." Celia announced as she clapped her hands together.

"I have it." Mari answered as she gestured for me to sit back into the seat.

"All of my girls have worn this for their weddings." she spoke softly as she slid a silver hair comb into my hair.

A tear fell before Santanna jumped at me waving it away with her handkerchief. "No tears." she warned

Angel took my hand and pulled me to my feet. I turned to face all of them. My sisters all smiled. Mari wrapped her arm around Abulea's shoulders and they both were misty eyed. I turned to face the full length mirror. I felt beautiful because I was surrounded by love. My new family supported me and hugged and kissed me all the time.

Santanna and I had been through five different stores until we fund the perfect wedding dress. It was a tiny store in New York City. It fit me like a glove and needed no alterations. I knew right away it was the one for me when I glanced at Santanna and she had tears streaming down her face. My dress was cream colored and light. It made me feel like a goddess. The top was halter style fastening around my neck. The center dipped low between my breasts and cut off right at the bottom of them. There was a belt filled with sparkly jewels and then the rest of the dress fell from there. The front came down to the tops of my feet. The back had a short train.

"It's time." Angel pulled my attention to her.

I exhaled a deep breath. "I'm ready."

We made our way outside and onto the beach. The sand was cool on my feet. There was a white tent out on the beach covering the area to protect everyone from the sun and allow us all some shade. After the ceremony was over we would all walk into the Yacht club for our reception. The girls disappeared and I stood with Hector hidden behind a screen built with a sheet type white material that was attached to the back of the tent to keep the sun out. I wiggled my toes and allowed the sand to sift between them. I was staring down at my red toe nails as they moved in and out of the sand.

"Nervous?" Hector asked

I nodded but didn't look up.

"You have nothing to be nervous about." he reassured me.

"I'm nervous I'll mess it all up." I told him as I looked up at him.

"You are not a disaster. You never were and you never will be." he grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips for a quick kiss.

"Thank you." I sniffled

"Don't ruin that make-up or Ranger's sisters will have a fit." he warned

I nodded as we watched them all move past us as they traveled down the aisle single file. They slowly walked down the aisle wearing matching sea blue dresses they had picked out. Each one of them gave me a smile as they walked by me. I watched the groomsmen line up as they prepared to walk down the aisle with Matteo at the end. Each one of them giving me a kiss as they passed. each one of them wearing a white tuxedo with a matching sea blue tie and cumberbun. Matteo was at the end of the group wearing a sea blue tuxedo.

Ranger and I had vetoed the idea of them all walking down in couple formation when we realized Tank and Matteo would have to walk down the aisle together. Ranger struggled with choosing between Tank and Javier for best man. He finally decided to ask Tank. He decided to have Javier, Lester, Bobby and Vince for his groomsmen. Matteo stopped in front of me and presented me with my bouquet of white and blue roses as he placed a quick kiss on my cheek. Hector wrapped his arm around mine. He was wearing a white tuxedo and looked very handsome. He had a matching black tie and cumberbun.

"Are you okay now Chica?" he asked me

"Yes. I just never thought I would be getting married again. This time it feels right." I assured him.

"Of course it's right." he smiled

"It's just I never thought I would find someone who would love me as I am." I confessed.

"You have an entire building of men who love you exactly how you are. You also have one who is crazy in love with you." he reminded me.

"Thank you for being my best friend. I love you Hector." I kissed him on the check.

"I love you too chica." he hugged me to him before he whispered. "He is prepared to spend a lifetime building you back up."

"Building me up?" I asked

"You have spend more than twenty years being put down and verbally abused. The is over now and it won't happen again if I can help it." he explained

"You're the best." beamed

"Let's go Angelita.." he pulled me away from the side and we stood at the beginning of the aisle.

I glanced down and saw Ranger waiting for me. He was wearing a traditional black tux. The wattage coming from his smile could light up all of New York City. I bit my lower lip so I could keep the tears at bay. They were tears of joy, but I still didn't want to mess up my make-up and face the wrath of my new sisters. This tought made me smile.I now had four sister and a brotherdespiteuii I began to glance at the seats on each side of the aisle. My brothers from Rangeman filled both sides equally. I planned on carefully checking out their dates later so I could let them know whether I approved. Ranger's parents and extended family were seated behind him. When I looked to my side I was surprised to find Ella and Louis sitting in the chairs that were typically reserved for the parents of the bride.

When we reached them, I pulled Ella into a hug and she hugged me right back. "We love you hija. You are our daughter. Not by blood but by choice." (daughter)

"I couldn't ask for a better family." I told them as Louis pulled me into a quick hug.

Hector gently guided me back to the aisle and we made the last couple of steps until we reached where Ranger stood. He stared into my eyes and we were smiling like fools at each other.

"Who gives this woman today?" asked the priest.

The room was silent and no one made a sound. All eyes are on us. Ranger and I both glance at Hector. He is glaring at Ranger and still not saying a word. Finally he takes a deep breath and releases the air before he speaks.

"I am giving her to you knowing you will love her, honor her, and be faithful to her until the day you die. I know this because the day you do her wrong will be the day you die." Hector spoke quietly.

My mouth dropped open and Ranger chuckled. Hector grabbed both sides of my face and kissed my forehead.

"I love you Chica." Hector said when he stepped back and released my face.

"I love you too hermano." I assured him. (brother)

He held out my hand to Ranger who quickly took it into his. Hector sighed before he walked away. The priest welcomed everyone and said his lines before prompting Ranger and I to state the vows we had written for each other.

"Carlos and Stephanie wrote their own vows to exchange with each other. Caros will begin first." he announced

"Stephanie, I know you're not surprised when I tell you that I had a hard time finding the words to say when we decided to write our own vows. I was very tempted to just say my typical 'Babe'." At this there were some chuckles from the men at his side.

"For years that one word has represented many feelings I have had for you. From the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew you were special. Over time I found myself unable to continue to deny my feelings for you. I was absolutely devoted to you, but I worked so hard to hide it from you.. I wanted to protect you and make you happy. I still do. When I was faced with the possibility of losing you because I was unable to communicate my feelings, I knew I had to change. I had to find a way to open up to you. You made it so easy. You accepted me for all of my faults and darkness. My family tells me that you are the light that I needed. Mi Luz. That's one of the man Spanish words you will hear a lot from me. Mi Luz means my light. So many people told me you were the one light that would guide me to find happiness and they are right. You are my light, you are my love, you are my soul mate and you are my life. I promise to honor and respect you. I promise to remain faithful and devoted to you. Above all I promise not to hold back my love for you and strive to make you happy as long as I live."

Now it was my turn and my mind was blank. His words had penetrated my heart and I could feel the tears well in my eyes. Finally I took a deep breath.

"That's a tough act to follow." I spoke my thoughts aloud and everyone chuckled as I blushed. I glanced at Ranger and he smiled as he slowly shook his head back and forth.

"Mr. Mysterious, Ranger, Batman, Carlos...you have gone by many names to me over the time I have known you. I love each and every one of your personalities. I loved you when you were Mr. Mysterious and Batman. I fell in love with you when you were Ranger. I committed my heart to you when you were Carlos. I know I never made it easy for you to love me. I avoided talking about my feelings, because I was afraid to get hurt. I thought by not talking about them I was protecting myself. You had your own reasons for not discussing your feelings with me as well. But we found a way. We learned together. We taught each other many things. We learned how to love. We learned how to communicate and we learned how to be happy together. We are still learning every day. We will soon be learning how to raise our twins. We are better prepared to be parents, because we finally learned how to communicate and how to love without holding back. There are things in our lives that make it hard for us to allow ourselves to be happy. Together we make it easier. Together we make it all better and together we make it right. You have my honesty. You have my faithfulness. You have my loyalty. You have always had my heart. I have always been yours. I promise to never give up on us and never walk away from what we have. I am yours and you are mine as long as I live."

We stood staring at each other as we heard sniffles and 'aww's from our friends and family. My eyes were fixed on Carlos felt like no one else was in the room. The rest of what the priest said was a blur until I watched Tank hand Ranger the ring. I turned to pass my bouquet to Matteo and he smiled at me. Ranger repeated the words spoken by the priest before he slid the ring on my finger. I got lost in his eyes nearly missing my chance to agree to be his wife. I noticed his lips moving and then I watched a bead of sweat slide down the side of his face. The priest cleared his throat and I glanced around.

"I do!" stumbled out of my mouth quickly. "I do!"

There were some chuckles and Tank reached out and patted Ranger on the shoulder. I turned to Matteo again and he handed me the ring for Carlos. I repeated after the priest and slid the ring onto his finger.

"I do" he responded when the priest asked him if he would promise to take me as his own.

"What God has put together let no man or woman" He winked at me as he remembered my addition. "separate. You may kiss the bride."

Ranger let out a deep sigh and stepped forward. He cupped my face and pulled me into a kiss. His hands slid from my face into my hair. I wrapped my arms around his neck and played with the back of his hair. He moved one hand down my back before resting it just above my ass. The other hand moved to cup the back of my neck. Both hands tugged me closer to him as he deepened the kiss. I parted my lips and his tongue gently slid into my mouth. Our tongues slowly caressed each other as I felt myself being dipped back. He had me stretched out with my back nearly flat when everyone exploded with whistles and cat calls. He slowly pulled me back up before our lips separated.

"Ladies and gentleman, I present Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Manoso." the priest smiled at us before we turned to face our guests.

There were more cheers as Ranger led us down the aisle hand in hand. When we reached the end of the aisle he gathered me up into his arms and spun me around. He peppered kisses all over my neck and face.

"I am so happy that you are all mine Stephanie Manoso." He spoke into my hair.

"Don't forget you're mine too Carlos, my husband." I teased

The photographer found us and the pictures began. We posed together. We posed apart. We posed with all of our bridal party and then the photographer continued to group us together. We carried on like this for the next hour. Finally we got to the yacht club as our guests were finishing up their cocktail hour. We stood outside the doors hand in hand a we waited for the DJ to introduce us. I had asked Ranger to choose our first song and I was suddenly nervous about his choice. Ranger tugged my hand before I could think about it anymore.

"Introducing Carlos and Stephanie Manoso." the DJ announced.

We moved onto the floor and he pulled me away from him. He held my hand up high as he led me to circle around him. The guys whistled and made appreciative noises. Of course my cheeks turned bright red. Without warning he pulled me hard against him and slowly slid his arms around my waist. If he wasn't more careful I would soon be ripping his clothes off on the dance floor. The fast song changed and we started to move together. He took my right hand into his left. We began to perform the rumba. As I listened to the music I looked up at him confused by the unfamiliar song.

"Listen to the words." he whispered in my ear.

***************************************************LYRICS***********************************************

Everyday I wake up next to an angel
More beautiful than words could say
They said it wouldn't work but what did they know
Cause years passed and we're still here today
Never in my dreams did I think that this would happen to me

As I stand here before my woman
I cant fight back the tears in my eyes
Oh how could I be so lucky
I must've done something right
And I promise to love her for the rest of my life

Seems like yesterday when she first said hello
Funny how time flies by when you're in love
It took us a lifetime to find each other
It was worth the wait cause I finally found the one
Never in my dreams did I think that this would happen to me

As I stand here before my woman
I cant fight back the tears in my eyes
Oh how could I be so lucky
I must've done something right
And I promise to love her for the rest of my life

-The Rest of My Life- Bruno Mars

**************************************************************END OF LYRICS*************************

"Wow" I whispered into his ear as the tears flowed down my face.

He pulled his face away and used his thumbs to wipe away my tears.

"I found a song to tell you exactly how I felt." he explaind

"It is beautiful." I sniffled

"You are so beautiful. I am a lucky bastard." he told me before he kissed me.

"I love you." I told him when we broke from the kiss.

"I love you so much Babe. Today is the happiest day of my life." he slid his hand around to rest on my baby bump. "so far."

"You're everything I never knew I wanted." I kissed him before we moved off of the dance floor.

"I never thought I would ever want to get married again." he laughed

"I never thought I would want to have babies." I joined in his laughter.

"I guess our hearts knew better than our brains." he kissed me again.

We walked around greeting our guests. We smiled for pictures. We ate various Cuban and Italian foods before I got the chance to have some cake. We each held a piece up to the other as the photographer snapped more pictures.

"Smash it" Lester yelled out.

I focused on Ranger as he moved the piece closer to my mouth. I don't know if he ever intended to smash it in my face, but his eyes quickly dilated when I parted my lips. I took a bite an moaned out my pleasure. I didn't even get a chance to feed him his piece. He leaned in and licked the icing off of my lips before he plunged his tongue into my mouth.

"Damnnn!" Cal called out.

"Hot stuff!" I heard Brett's voice.

"Now we know how you got twins." Woody joked.

"Let her breath." Hal hollered

"Let her eat." Lester hollered as they all erupted with laughter.

Ranger pulled away and smiled. "You know when we get back from our honeymoon I am going to spend weeks on the mat with all of these jokers."

We laughed and then Ranger turned and gave them a look that made them all quickly focus at the ceiling and floor. I did a father/daughter dance with Louis and one with Anton as well. My brothers took turns cutting in on each other so that I would have the opportunity to dance with each and every one of them. I saved a dance for Matteo who had come with two body guards. I was happy to see him being more careful. Ranger danced with every woman there from his family. He made sure to avoid the guy's dates. I explained how they would all want him and then I would have to go all Jersey and it wouldn't be pretty. Come to find out Ranger is really turned on by my jealous possessive side.

Hector made his way to me and asked for a dance. I nodded as he led me onto the floor.

"I chose a song chica. We can do a waltz." he smiled as he pulled me into his arms.

"You dance?" I was surprised. He had old me before he couldn't dance.

"I took lessons." he told me as the music began.

"For today?" I asked him

He nodded "For today. For you."

My eyes welled with tears as he hugged me in closer.

**********************************LYRICS*************************************************

I'll never settle down,
That's what I always thought
Yeah, I was that kind of man,
Just ask anyone

I don't dance, but here I am
Spinning you around and around in circles
It ain't my style, but I don't care
I'd do anything with you anywhere
Yes, you got me in the palm of your hand
'Cause, I don't dance

Love's never come my way,
I've never been this far
'Cause you took these two left feet
And waltzed away with my heart

No, I don't dance, but here I am
Spinning you around and around in circles
It ain't my style, but I don't care
I'd do anything with you anywhere
Yes, you got me in the palm of your hand, girl
'Cause, I don't dance
No, I don't dance

I don't dance, but here I am
Spinning you around and around in circles
It ain't my style, but I don't care
Well I'd do anything with you anywhere

I don't dance, but here I am
Spinning you around and around in circles
It ain't my style, but I don't care
I'd do anything with you anywhere
Yeah, you got me in the palm of your hand, girl
'Cause, I don't dance

No, ooh

***************************************************END LYRICS*******************************

"My turn." Lester tapped Hector on the shoulder as the song ended.

"No" Hector growled

Lester raised his hands and turned away. "Okay."

"Hector?" I was surprised

"This is not an easy day for me." he struggled to find thee words. "I have had your back for so long. When we got closer and started confiding in each other it got harder for me to protect you. More difficult because I wanted to protect your heart as well as your body."

"You know you can trust Ranger with my heart." I told him

"I know, it's still hard." he blushed "If you have a daughter I will make sure she doesn't date until she's thirty."

We both laughed as he pulled my hand and led me to Lester.

"Watch your hands." he told Les

"Yes Sir." Lester gave him a mock salute and Hector glared at him.

After all of the dancing it was finally time for us to go. We said our goodbyes and then headed to our hummer limo. We were headed to the airport and then we would be on our way to Hawaii. We both wanted to recreate some memories. After a weekend there we would move onto Bali for a full week. Before we even pulled away from the curb Ranger had his hand up my dress pulling off the garter. We hadn't done it inside because it were only five single women brought as dates and about forty horny Rangeman. His lips crashed on to mine and I moaned as he slid his hands up and down the sides of my body.