Music for final scene is "Always in My Head" by Cold Play. Album - Ghost Stories.

As usual, any characters you recognize belong to Janet ... just borrowing them for fun.


Stephanie's POV

I still couldn't quite believe that Ranger was back. He was in my home office catching up on company business, and Hector was downstairs engrossed in something on his laptop, so I took the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely bath before we headed out to tonight's party.

I could feel the final vestiges of tension dissolve as I stepped into the tub, submerging myself in the warm water and fragrant bubbles. Bliss.

As my muscles relaxed and my mind calmed, I marvelled at the sense of tranquillity that I was experiencing. It was a unique feeling, a wonderful feeling, and I wondered what had changed to induce such serenity and composure? Perhaps it was simply that Ranger was home. He was safe. He had come home to me. But I felt it was more than that. I could identify contentment, even happiness, but I also felt a profound peace of mind which was centred and anchored in the core of my very being.

I could identify many of the factors that contributed to my current state of contentment, including work, friendships, and of course my relationship with Carlos. But I felt that there was something else. It was sitting on the edge of my consciousness, waiting to be recognised and acknowledged, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Letting my mind drift, I marvelled at how I used the names Ranger and Carlos interchangeably, seamlessly reconciling the two distinct sides of his persona. It came naturally and easily and seemed just…right. And that's when it hit me,….that's been the shift in the paradigm. I no longer had any walls or barriers protecting my heart. When did this happen? Last night I gave myself over to him completely, knowing and trusting that he would never deliberately hurt me. Was that the turning point?

Ever since we got together I had been holding a little part of me back, waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting for him to realise that I wasn't worth the effort. It was one of the reasons why we hadn't ever moved in together. Twice he had brought up getting married and twice I had deflected the issue, the last time being over six months ago. I wondered if his feelings were unchanged, if he still wanted to marry me? But either way, it didn't matter. I smiled to myself as I realised, I loved the man unreservedly and I was done fighting and protecting my heart. Whether he wanted me for 50 days or 50 years, I would accept whatever he was willing to give.

This epiphany was incredibly liberating. 18 months ago I felt broken beyond repair. Perhaps I had always been slightly broken. Damaged by my own inability to stand up for myself and what I wanted from life, buckling to the pressures of my mother and the Burg until I finally snapped. But now I was whole and complete, and the break had been healed and reinforced with a steel plate. Content in the knowledge that life was good and that I could survive whatever came my way, I closed my eyes and enjoyed the therapeutic effects of the warm water on my body and soul.


SPOV...continued.

The party was in full swing by the time we arrived. Lester had made the arrangements, booking out the entire restaurant and courtyard of a popular establishment in Little Havana. It was a casual but lively atmosphere. The tables were decorated with red cloths and trays of finger food were already being served. The paved courtyard was open to the night sky and looked magical with fairy lights around the perimeter and draped through the large ancient tree at the end. Outside, the Piazza was decorated in red, white and blue, paying homage to both the American and Cuban flags and cultures. The entire area was abuzz with music, dancing, and laughter.

Carlos' presence was unexpected and so he was inundated with greetings and congratulations on his safe return. Eventually I spied Jeanne-Ellen in the courtyard, talking to Tank and made my way over to say hello.

"Hey Little Girl" Tank's booming voice greeted, as he put his beer on the table so he could grab me in a bear hug.

"Hi Big Guy, it's great to see you" I answered, unable to contain my smile and delight at his presence.

"I told you he would make it back safe and sound." Said Jeanne, tilting her head in Ranger's direction.

"Yes you did. Did you know he would be back for tonight?"

"No, I would have convinced you to buy something far more sexy and revealing if I had." Jeanne responded referring to my new dress.

When we went shopping for outfits we decided to go with the red white and blue theme as well. Jeanne has chosen a figure hugging short wrap dress in fire engine red, where as I had chosen a dress with a peasant neck line and knee length flared skirt which swished enticingly when I moved. The pale blue pattern on the soft white fabric was subtle and the whole effect was girly and feminine rather than sexy. I was however wearing a provocative white lace thong and push up bra set for Carlos' enjoyment later on.

"The dress may not be not sexy but the underwear is." I grinned at Tank's cringing expression, knowing he would feel that was too much information. He just shook his head in exasperation and Jeanne and I couldn't help but laugh at his discomfort.

"Here comes Santos, so change the conversation. He'll want to offer his opinion and I really don't want Ranger killing anyone tonight." Tank groused good-naturedly.

Bobby and Les were both making their way towards us, drinks in hand, including it appeared, margaritas for Jeanne-Ellen and me. "Hey beautiful. You finally arrived." Les greeted me with a kiss, and placing the glass in my hand. "Drink up so we can dance. I won't get a chance once Ranger gets you to himself again."


Rangers POV.

It had been an enjoyable evening and I was sitting in the corner of the courtyard, having a quiet beer with Hector and Tank, watching the party wind down. Babe had spent a good portion of the evening dancing with different partners and socialising, but she was never out of my sight for long and was always on my radar. I tried not to be too proprietary towards her, and I loved how she accepted my men, but I was looking forward to us being alone again. Preferably naked.

I watched her now as she walked towards us, negotiating a path between the tables and my men, careful not to drop the plate she was carrying which appeared to hold cake. Tre Leche cake if I wasn't mistaken. She slipped onto the seat next to mine, her blue eyes sparkling with delight and mischief.

"Can I tempt you?" She asked, offering me a small piece of cake on the end of the fork.

"Babe you always tempt me." I responded, not breaking eye contact as she fed me the cake.

I enjoyed the sight of her soft blush as she turned back toward the table to enjoy her sweet treat.

I didn't have to look at either Hector or Tank to know they both had smirks on their faces.

"Unbelievable little girl. You have an incredible influence over him. Normally he's like a bear when he first comes off a mission but I've never seen him this relaxed and happy. You've shown him he can have a life outside the army, he's happier than I've ever seen him, and you've even managed to get him to eat cake. Wonders will never cease." Tank raised his beer in salute to her.

"Thanks for your observations Pierre, or should I call you Doctor Phil?" Tank's shit eating grin told me he wasn't finished giving me a hard time.

"You know she's good for you man. You should be thankful that she's willing to put up with your sorry ass. We're all just pleased the two of you finally got your shit together. It gives the rest of us hope. Don't let her get away again."

I was watching Babe enjoy her cake and waiting for the sound effects as I expressed my position on the matter, something I wouldn't normally do. "If I had it my way we'd be married immediately."

Babe had her eyes closed and was obviously savouring the taste of the cake on her tongue. Her following off-hand remark took me by surprise as she nonchalantly continued to focus on loading her fork with another slither of cake.

"Sure. Why not." There was a heartbeat of silence as Babe's words registered in my brain. Did she just agree to marry me?


Stephanie's POV

My enjoyment of Tre Leche cake was abruptly interrupted. The fork was seized from my hand and discarded onto the table as my chair was simultaneously wrenched around so I was facing Carlos. His knees were braced either side of my own, as he had captured my hands, preventing me from escaping and forcing my attention on him. The intensity of his gaze took my breath away and made my heart pound a million miles a minute. I know I had avoided talk of marriage in the past, but now it all seemed like I was just wasting time. I loved this man more than life itself and wanted to spend the rest of my days with him. If he still wanted me.

"Babe. Don't mess with me. I meant every word I said." The seriousness of his voice was a little disconcerting and he continued to scrutinize me as though trying to read my thoughts. I'm sure it was the lump in my throat that made my voice come out as a whisper.

"So did I."

Holy shit. Did Carlos just propose and I just accept? I could sense Tank and Hector frozen in their seats, and my eyes never left Carlos' as he withdrew something from his trouser pocket and held it in front of me.

I glanced briefly to what he was holding between his thumb and forefinger before returning my attention to his face. It was an engagement ring, with a very large, very sparkly diamond. The whole situation seemed totally impromptu. I was flabbergasted.

"Who on earth carries around an engagement ring in their pocket?" I squeaked.

"A man who has been hoping for months that the woman he loves will agree to marry him. A man who wanted to be prepared for the opportunity when she may say yes." Ranger paused for a moment, as though giving me a chance to respond, perhaps a chance to change my mind. "No ambiguity Babe. I need an answer, I need to hear the words. Babe, will you marry me?"

I took a deep breath and placed a hand gently on the side of his face, marvelling that this incredible man would want to spend the rest of his life with me. I had been so sure several times over the last year that he would decide it had all been a big mistake and that I was not worth the effort. But here he was asking again, if I would spend the rest of my life with him.

"I love you Carlos. And yes, I will marry you." And with that simple answer and a thousand watt smile from him in response, he slid the ring on my finger and proceeded to kiss the living daylights out of me.

The whoops of delight from Tank and Hector alerted everyone to something going on and soon we were surrounded by well-wishers. It was a magical moment, surrounded by friends, who in reality were my surrogate family. Everyone was so happy for us.

As the ruckus gradually quietened down Tank spoke up again, still grinning from ear to ear. "So little girl, you have to plan a wedding now."

"Not if I can help it Tank. If I have it my way we would simply fly to Vegas tonight." I thought my face was going to split in two I was smiling so hard.

Ranger raised my finger tips to his lips. "Do you mean that Babe. Would you truly consider marrying me tonight?"

I didn't hesitate in my response. "Yes."

"What about your family?" He pressed.

"I'm surrounded by them. With the exception of Mary-Lou and Grandma, but they would understand and be happy for me."

Ranger retrieved his wallet from his back pocket and withdrew a neatly folded slip of paper. He opened it carefully to reveal the marriage licence we had applied for many months ago as a sign of our commitment to each other. I was both thrilled and confused.

"But, the license only lasts for 60 days, we applied for this nearly 9 months ago?"

He gave small shrug as he answered. "I just kept asking for an extension in the hope that you would one day agree. If you want to get married tonight we can, right here in Miami."

"But what about your family?" I asked, concerned over their reactions at not being present.

"They'll just be thrilled that we're finally together. The choice is yours Babe. As I said, if I had it my way I'd marry you immediately, but if you want to fly to Vegas, or have a wedding elsewhere, that's fine too. Whatever you want."

I glanced around at the smiling faces of our friends. "It's a perfect night. Is it possible to do this? Can we make it happen tonight?" I asked, suddenly hopeful.

I don't think I heard an answer as there was a flurry of activity, with people on phones and bustling to get things organised while Ranger held me in his arms.

Tank was the one who answered my question. "We'll know shortly, Hector has some contacts."

I fleetingly wondered at what sort of contacts Hector would have that could officiate a marriage, but then, Hector has contacts for all manner of things. And I trusted him. So I relaxed into Ranger's embrace.


Hector, Jeanne and I were standing in the rear of the now empty restaurant. I was shaking like a leaf, not from fear, but from overwhelming joy and shear disbelief that this was actually happening. Hector had contacted a friend of his, Father Mike, who arrived ten minutes ago dressed in black jeans, a dark blue button down shirt, and said he was honoured to finally meet me. I don't know what he meant by that, and he's the only priest I've ever met with what I'm pretty sure are prison tattoos. I'm sure there's a story there but it will have to wait until another day, and even then I'm not sure that Hector will tell me.

Jeanne-Ellen had touched up my makeup, and with the help of the restaurant staff had made a small bouquet and a pin for my hair out of the flower arrangement that had graced the entrance. Chairs and tables had been rearranged in the courtyard and Carlos would now be waiting under the fig tree with Father Mike. I had asked Jeanne-Ellen and Hector if they would stand with me as my best man/woman and now we were simply waiting to be told to make our entrance.

Tank walked through the doors, heading towards us, so I gave Jeanne-Ellen and Hector a final grateful hug and straightened my spine, getting myself under control.

"You OK little girl?" Tank asked, his smooth deep voice soothing my nerves.

I took hold of his large hand and squeezed. "I'm fine Tank. More than fine. It's just so …. surreal."

He paused for a moment, then hugged me gently as he asked the question I was too afraid to ask of him. "Little Girl, could I have the honour of walking you down the aisle?"

Tears threatened to fall but I managed to keep them at bay, smiling as I replied. "Nothing would please me more Tank." And I kissed his cheek as we turned to follow Hector and Jeanne-Ellen into the courtyard and to the love of my life.


Rangers POV.

My Babe looked beautiful as she stepped out of the restaurant on Tank's arm. As she walked towards me we never broke eye contact, not even when Tank placed her hand in mine and I raised it to my lips, placing a gentle kiss to her fingers, just near the ring that would soon be joined by another. Tank moved to the space on my left, joining Lester and Bobby, and Father Mike began the short and simple ceremony.

Hector and Jeanne-Ellen stood beside Babe, holding her flowers as we exchanged vows and rings. I know Babe was surprised that I had wedding bands as well as the engagement ring on me, but as I told her, I was prepared for whenever she may say yes.

It was almost a relief when Father Mike pronounced us man and wife. She was finally mine, in my arms where she belonged, and I was never letting her go. Our kiss was tender and lingering but we kept it G rated. Someone had arranged for glasses of champagne to be passed around and our nuptials were toasted by our friends as Marcel, the owner of the restaurant, wheeled out a decorated pastry trolley with an improvised wedding cake. It was Tre Leche cake, so very appropriate in so many ways, especially since Babe never got to finish her desert earlier. As slices of the cake were passed around, a slow song began to play, over the restaurant's music system. I had a feeling Hector may have had a hand in this also.

"Dance with me Babe?" And we swayed gently to the music, under the canopy of the tree and the fairy lights. Together, as one...

complete...


Thank you to everyone who has stuck with this story. My apologies that it took so long to complete. My muse is still MIA and when I decided I didn't like the original ending scene that I had in my head for several months it became very difficult to write the last few chapters.

As usual I am humbled and grateful for everyone who has read this story but especially all of you who have taken the time to review. Hugs to all. xxx.

Kate.