A/N: JE owns these characters; I am a frigging nut who likes to play a bit with them. Also credit needs to go the late L. Frank Baum for his characters from The Wizard of Oz. There is a place in Beech, NC called Land of Oz; I have changed it using poetic license to fit it in with this story. Thanks to Jenny for her wonderful beta skills. The next chapter will be the last one. I really thought that this was one was the last, but the story had other ideas. Thanks to all who have read it. For those who review you'll never know how much I appreciate it.

Chapter 53

I was a ball of nerves the whole way back from the mall. I couldn't believe that this day had finally come. No, it wasn't the first time I would be having sex. Joe had taken care of that behind the éclair counter at The Tasty Pasty. It was not even my first time with Carlos-or was it? Again, yes, I'd had sex with Ranger a couple of times. The first time was because of the deal, and it nearly broke my heart when Ranger told me to repair things with Joe the next morning. But this time, it was different. It was not just having sex that was a carnal act. No excuses that it was part of Bella Morelli's Vordo curse or anything else. We were going to do it, and, it was going to be good.

I smiled to myself and thought, I really am stealing his, but how could I not? The man could kiss, and he had ruined me for all other men the first time around. I had been foolishly deluding myself in order to not get hurt again. Maybe that is why I'd pushed Joe away and had meaningless fights with him.

This time, I knew deep in my heart that Carlos and I had something more fulfilling. It was love. For the first time in my life, I would be making love with the man I loved. That simple fact made all the difference in the world to me.

We had made mistakes before, and I was sure we would continue to do so. No relationship is perfect. In the past, miscommunication and denial were two big problems, but finally, we were on the right track. Ever since Carlos asked me to chaperon Julie's class trip, everything had changed between us for the better

Lester helped me out of the car with my packages and escorted me upstairs. After we got to the apartment, I plopped down with all the packages around me. I was exhausted.

"Steph, I can bring the bags on the bedroom for you."

"That's okay, Les. Leave them there. I'll take care of them later. Just need to rest for a bit."

"Never knew that shopping could be a sport until now."

"Guess you don't shop with professionals, I said with a smirk. "But I have amateur status compared to Lula."

"Have to say that shopping with Lula is something I'll pass on," Les said, shaking his head, "but you have opened my eyes."

"I just want to close mine."

"Rest then, but don't wait too long."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Well, I'm too young to be your dad, maybe a big brother…" Les was quiet and distracted for a bit, because he spotted something. "Here, wait. You were so tired, you didn't see this."

He walked over to the console table and brought back a beautiful red rose in a cut glass vase I'd never seen before.

"Aw, it's so pretty! It's for me?" I asked, reaching out to gently touch one of the soft petals.

"Yes. There's a card, too. It's addressed to you."

It was still weird to get packages and mail here, but I was getting used to it. I wondered if I was ready to make it permanent. Just because Carlos was ready for us to live together here and now didn't mean he was making a lifetime commitment.

Lester handed me a card with a note on it. I recognized Carlos' handwriting immediately.

Stephanie,

Sorry I wasn't here to meet you. Things have been a cluster-fuck onsite. There was much more to do than I thought. I'm now downstairs in my office, stuck typing up the reports. So I am going to have to shower downstairs. We have dinner reservations at seven, if that is all right with you. I promise that it will be a night to remember.

Love, Carlos

I felt bad that he wasn't there to meet me and share our good news, but I, too, wanted it to be a night to remember. I had to give Carlos enough space to do what he had to do. Wouldn't be a hypocrite if it was okay for me to things I wanted to do and give him grief when he had to do things that I didn't like. That gave me food for thought, and I realized how much I had to do to be ready on time. Carlos was a stickler for promptness.

"I guess I'd better motor then and get ready. Thanks again, Les."

"You're welcome. Have fun tonight," he replied with a smile.

"Don't worry, I will. Bye. Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

"Beautiful, are you giving me the bum's rush?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I guess I am," I said, glancing at the clock. "I'm pressed for time. I just want everything to be perfect."

"No worries. I'm sure it will be."

"You never know, with know, with my track record. I'm a disaster magnet."

"Those days are behind you. Never doubt it."

"Thank you," I told him sincerely. "I hope so. By the way, you should make some calls. Some of those ladies were really into you."

"We'll see. I want the real deal, like you and Ranger."

"Aw, thanks again, Les. Get out of here so I can get ready, okay?"

"Okay. Later, Beautiful."

"Bye."

After Lester left, I checked what the time was. Once the time registered in my brain, I calculated how long it would take to get ready. I figured a quick shower would be better than a bath, but the Jacuzzi seemed to call my name.

So I decided on the bath and did everything I had to do, I even exfoliated any unwanted hair and dry skin. It was lovely to soak in the tub and let the jets of the whirlpool spa erase all the kinks in my muscles. I was so relaxed. I had brought a clock in the bathroom and realized I had enough time, so a catnap sounded appealing. I felt I had a few minutes to spare. But in hindsight, it was a bad idea.

When I woke up and checked myself in the mirror, I got the shock of the century. My reflection told me there was nothing I could do to salvage my hair. I could rewash it, but I would never have enough to tame the tangled web that was my hair. I should have just made an appointment to get my hair done, but it was too late now. Maybe Carlos would be so bowled over by my outfit and makeup that he wouldn't notice my hair. Fat chance of that…Even the Queen of Denial knew a losing battle.

Just after I'd finished bathing, someone knocked at the door. When I opened the door, the Miami version of Ella was standing there. She was a warm, middle-aged woman who was very instrumental in my rapid recovery. Her cooking rivaled both my mother's and Ella's. She'd introduced me to Cuban and Caribbean cuisine. Yum! The only reason I hadn't gained weight was the daily workouts I'd been ding to regain strength and endurance.

"Is everything all right?" I asked with concern.

Esmeralda never came to my apartment unannounced.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I have a surprise for you."

I was going to have to speak to Carlos the next time I saw him, because he was going to spoil me if he kept giving me surprises. I was flattered and thrilled that he did, but I didn't want to get too jaded and start expecting them. That just wasn't who I was.

"Thanks, but I saw the rose that Carlos sent me. Did you bring it up for me?"

"Si, I did, and denada, mija. But there was something else. Ranger wanted you to not to worry about tonight, so he told me to bring them upstairs to you."

She moved aside, and I was surprised to discover that she wasn't alone. Accompanying her were a man and two women carrying all kinds of beauty salon equipment and bags.

I gasped in shock when I recognized the trio. They were South Beach's own stylist to the stars-an Englishman named Driscoll and his assistants, Anya and Claudia. It was rumored that Claudia was about to branch out on her own as a makeup artist. They had an exclusive clientele, and I wondered how Carlos had gotten them to take care of me.

My reaction was to really embarrass myself by doing my very own fish impression. My lips formed an "o," and I breathed in and out. Gosh, I hated when I did that.

"Hello, love," Driscoll purred. "We're not getting any younger out here. Are we going to stay here all night, or are you going to invite us in?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Please, come in," I apologized. Stretching my arm out and gestured the three of them into the apartment.

"Let's get a look at your hair," he said as he stepped inside.

The two women started to unpack. A dark haired woman set up a variety of hair care products and appliances. While the other one has a bunch of cosmetics that she unpacked. Soon the living room looked like a beauty parlor.

With great reluctance, I took off the turban towel from my head and showed them the matted mess. My face flamed red from embarrassment. Even the thought of someone so wonderful doing my hair and makeup didn't override how bad I was feeling.

"Fell asleep with it wet, didn't you?"

"Yes, I'm afraid, I did."

Driscoll walked around me, examining my hair. It was awkward, standing around in my bathrobe among famous strangers.

"Guess, I'm a lost cause, aren't I? That is…unless a miracle happens."

"I'd agree, if I weren't around, but since I am, we can definitely fix your hair."

"You can? That would be wonderful," said, relief covering my voice.

"We just need to rewash and condition it. Anya, did you bring the Moroccan Oil?"

"Yes, Driscoll," said a muffled voice. The Goth clad girl with purple hair and tats stuck her head in a bag to search for the item in question. She rifled through it and finally took out a green jar.

"Here it is," Anya announced happily.

"Rinse her," Driscoll told his assistant. "Sorry, , love, I don't know your name. Ranger told me, of course, but I was little too far in my cups to remember."

"In your cups?" I squeaked.

"Drunk. Piss-eyed drunk."

"Ah," I said comprehension apparent on my face, "now I understand what you are talking about."

I was amazed that, despite being world famous, he spoke like any other person, if you discounted that he had an English accent. I still wondered how he knew Carlos and how he was here, doing my hair.

"I see the confusion on your face. I met Ranger when I served Her Majesty."

Were all military men blessed with ESP, regardless of nationality, and was that the latest stealth weapon? I thought, and thankfully, this time, my thoughts remained that way.

"That is quite a drastic career switch, from military to beauty," I said instead.

"You'd be surprised, love. Can I see what you are wearing tonight?"

"Sure, but why?" I asked.

"I like to take everything into account. Your hair, bone structure, the outfit you're wearing, and even the type of event you're attending all factor in to how I style your hair."

"Never knew it was so involved. Maybe that is why anyone who has their hair done by you looks better than she has when someone else does it."

"Well, thank you, m'dear," Driscoll drawled. "You are a fan of my work? I do hope you feel the same after I get my paws in your hair."

I paused for a moment.

"I'm sure whatever you do to my hair would be much better than any way I could style it."

"Then you'd better get your dress so we can get started."

"I'll be right back. Can I get anybody anything to eat or drink when I get back?"

"No, we're fine. But thanks for asking," said the cool blonde named Claudia.

I had brought the dress into the bedroom before my bath and now took it lovingly out of the garment bag. My mind wandered, and I had to ask myself if Driscoll would call it a frock. Gosh, I didn't know why I was even wondering about it. I shook my head to clear out the cobwebs, which I guessed were a byproduct of having spidey powers. Oh, my goodness. Maybe the anticipation of tonight was getting to me and I was slowly going crazy.

The silk dress brought me back to the present; I'd never owned anything that was both elegant and sexy before. It was tight fitting on top, cinched at the waist, before the skirt flared out. Swirls of jewel tones of sapphire blue, ruby red, and emerald green accented with the gold made a distinct pattern. The rounded neckline was high up on my neck, hopefully detracting from the scar I still had on my neck from the tracheotomy. I proudly brought it into the living room for Driscoll's inspection.

"Here it is. So what kind of hairstyle do you think goes with it?" I asked, my posture erect.

"Hmm, patience, love," Driscoll said as he examined the dress. "Is the frock by chance an Alessandro?"

"Yes, it is. How did you know?"

"He has a very distinct style," Driscoll remarked.

Wow, I did a mental happy dance. Not only did Driscoll use the word frock so maybe I wasn't going crazy. But Alessandro must be an up and coming designer, if someone as famous Driscoll could recognize his work. This was new for me, since I was a bargain shopper and didn't get any designer merchandise unless there was a tremendous discount on it.

"It's lovely, and I'd bet it will look even better on you. With your coloring and figure, you'll make the dress even better."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. I now know how I want to do your hair."

To that end, my hair was moussed, brushed, and pinned until they were done. Then Claudia started to work on my face. I thought my collection of cosmetics was extensive until I saw hers. I was surprised when Claudia pulled out even more than I saw at first. It put mine to shame.

When they were all done, they stepped back to scrutinize their handiwork. Then they handed me a mirror so I could see what they'd done.

I looked better than I ever had before. My hair looked like a Grecian goddess I'd studied in Greek Mythology in college. It was parted on the side, with my curls there, but under control. What a far cry from what it had looked it had looked like right after my bath.

"Wow!" I cried in amazement.

"You're going to knock Ranger's socks off." Driscoll said.

"That's right and so much more, if get my drift," Anya chimed in and then winked at me.

Those words made me blush.

"You're a knockout. I was prepared to dislike you on sight because I've been after Ranger for years. But meeting you, I have to say that you're the better suited for him." Claudia said with a sincere smile plastered on her face.

"He clearly adores you. I've never seen him like that about any other woman. Ranger never asked me to do anybody else's hair before," Driscoll emphatically exclaimed. "In fact, I've never seen him with the same girl twice."

Before I was able to digest that tidbit of information, the locks on the front door tumbled. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was six forty-five. Good thing I was dressed and ready to go.

In walked a sight that literally and figuratively took my breath away. I just had to sigh. Carlos was gorgeous; there no doubt about it, but corporate Ranger was scrumptious. Yum, he was wearing a black Armani suit with a black silk shirt and a blue tie. I remembered an old quote- I didn't know who said it, but it rang true. "Life isn't measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

My chest tightened considerably as I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the man before me and how much I loved him. Feeling woozy, I put my head down.

Someone-of course it was Carlos- cupped my chin, stared at me with concerned brown yes, and said, "Stephanie, are you okay?"

"Yes, Carlos, I am more than okay," I said, my voice breathless.

"You are beautiful."

"Funny, because that is exactly what I was going to say," I beamed.

Carlos had a beauty inside and out, but I doubt that he would ever admit it.

"Babe, that kind of remark is certain to bring down my testosterone level. No man wants to be told by the woman he loves that he is beautiful. That is almost as bad as being called cute, which, as I recall, you have told me more than once. Do you want to give me a complex?"

"You have to be kidding, as if I can really give you a complex. But you are. Know something else? You happen to be beautiful inside and out, and I don't care who knows it."

"I can say the same is true about you."

"Oooh you two, please! I think that is our cue to go," Driscoll announced. "I don't know if I can take Ranger getting all lovey dovey."

"Watch it," Ranger growled.

"No offense meant, mate," Driscoll replied. "I'd rather not have my illusions about you shattered. You've always been such a bad ass."

"He still is and always will be," I stated.

"True, love, but I have always seen him come on to a girl and not stick to her. He was more of a love them and leave them kind of guy. I think I like him better this way and thank you for it."

"I know I've been saying this lot tonight, but thank you to all of you."

"You're very welcome, Stephanie. It's been a pleasure. Ladies, let's get packing and on our way these two can start their evening."

Then he walked over to Carlos, and they did that intricate hand thing that men do.

"Ranger, she's a winner. Anytime you need me, let me know."

"Thanks. Will do, Dris. How about drinks later on this week?"

"Great. Let me know when and where."

Carlos nodded.

Once Driscoll and his assistants were all packed up and about to leave, turned around and paused. "Hope you two a great evening. Ladies, let go."

They all left, leaving me very much alone with Carlos. I looked at him, and he looked just as intently back at me.

I so wanted to lick my lips in appreciation and longing, but I didn't want to mess up the lipstick or any other makeup that had been so expertly applied.

"Ready to go?" Carlos asked in a husky voice.

"We could just stay in, I purred, a little breathless.

Now that he was right in front of me, I could forget about the date and just spend the night here with him. I was hot, and hot, and it wasn't because of the temperature in the room. My Hungarian hormones were in overdrive. It had been a long time since I had been with a man, let alone Carlos.

"As much as I want to be with you alone like that, I want to wine and dine you first. My goal is to give you a night to remember as we start our life together."

Warm fuzzies filled me up. No other man ever put my needs first and tried to romance me ever before.

"I would have to say that would be a novel change. It's never been done before."

I'd dated, but I'd learned the hard way about the difference between romance and sex.

While we were talking, we made our way out of the apartment, onto the elevator, and down to the garage. His hand was on the small of my back, guiding me where he wanted to go, when he suddenly stopped. I took several steps forward before I realized Carlos wasn't right behind me, and then I turned and looked at him.

"Why did you stop? Are you trying to decide which car we're taking?"

"Why don't you decide? It can be lady's choice."

"Well, let me see," I said, walking over to the section of the garage that housed Carlos' private vehicles. "Nah, not the truck too informal."

"Okay," Carlos replied pointing to the opposite side of the garage, "how about one of these?"

Trying to make up my mind, I walked away from the truck towards the motorcycle.

"Forget about the motorcycle. I'm not getting on that with this dress."

Carlos chucked over that. "How about this one?" he asked, walking over to a car that was covered with a tarp.

He made a big show of undraping it, and to my delight, it was a Jaguar. It was black, of course; I doubted Carlos would pick any other color.

"Yes, I've never ridden in a Jag before."

"Well then, let's take it."

He opened the passenger side door and helped me in, making sure he buckled me into the seatbelt.

"I'm pretty sure I can do it myself, but thanks."

"I know you can, but I couldn't help myself."

I let that comment pass and looked forward to the restaurant.

"Where are we going?"

"Dinner," Carlos answered.

"Tell me something I don't know. Of course we're going to dinner. I want the 411 on which restaurant we're going to…the name, what kind of food, that kind of thing."

"You'll see."

"That's all you're going to say?" I asked, grumbling.

"Yup."

"You know, ypu can damn infuriating when you want to be," I complained with a pout.

"Don't poutm" he said, before looking over at me. "We're here.

"That's good, because you're no help," I teased.

We drove through a gate and were at the main entrance when I noticed the restaurant was called BED.

"Get outta here. You gotta be kidding me," I shrieked. "What is this? A themed evening?"

"It looks like it, but BED is an acronym."

"An acronym?" I asked with a confused look on my face.

"An acronym takes the first letter of several words and makes it one, so instead of being called Beverages, Entertainment, and Dining, it is called BED, instead."

"Gotcha. It looks packed. Are sure we can get in?"

That question was answered almost immediately after it was asked.

"Mr. Manoso, it is a pleasure to see you again. Please, it you and your guest will follow me, we'll seat you right now."

"Thank you."

We were ushered to a table, where a waiter was putting a chilled bottle of champagne into the wine cooler alongside the table laden with elegant china, sparkling glassware, and silverware. Real linen napkins and a tablecloth graced the tabletop, as well. If this was how the rich and famous dined, sign me up.

"This place is something," I finally said after letting everything sink in.

The night was like a dream. For the next couple of hours, I tried not to drink too much I wanted to be aware of everything, especially of part two of our date, when Carlos and I were to be alone. I could hardly wait. It had been such a long time since I was with a man-especially with Carlos-and I was a little nervous.