A/N: JE owns these characters; I am a friggin 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.

I want to thank you all for taking the time to read and letting me know you enjoyed it, whether you reviewed, put in an alert, or picked the story as your favorite. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The Yellow Brick Road was an incredible journey for me, and I was glad you could be there with me. A lemon warning and some profanity can be found in this chapter. I apologize that it took so long to finish but here is the final chapter:

Follow the Yellow Brick Road 54

It wouldn't do to think of later when we would be all alone, since Carlos went to all this trouble to make this night special. And special it was, with getting a designer dress, my hair fixed by a world famous stylist, and going to the newest, trendiest nightspot in Miami. It was a date beyond my wildest dreams. This date was big difference between watching the Rangers game and grabbing takeout from Pino's, which was what my usual date consisted of.

So I settled my nerves and enjoyed the evening. It had to be the best date I'd ever gone on. And after a wonderful night of the three Ds-drinking, dancing, and dining-it was time to go home. Wait a second! When did Miami become home? Would my mom cut me off from pineapple upside-down cake if I did relocate here? If I was honest, it was not where I was that was home, but who I was with. For someone who had been in denial most of her adult life, this was some realization. I might be finally on the road to maturity. Having a near death experience can do that to a girl.

We waited almost five minutes for the valet to get the car. When it cruised up to the curb, there were approving looks from the staff and clientele alike. Even the valet admired the car. Guess he was impressed with the man in black's choice of vehicles, as well. He spoke with Carlos about it until he tipped the man generously and we got in the car. With us settled in, we were ready for the ride back to Collins.

I realized on the drive back that not only was this my best date ever, but this had to be the best night of my life. Sad to say it took me thirty years to get it. Better late, than never, I supposed. What was not to like? It was like the song, "If My Friends Could See Me Now." I was eating fancy chow and drinking fancy wine.

Mind you, if I hadn't known the words of the song, I would never have used the word chow to replace food. But Grandpa Mazur used to sing the song when he would go out with Grandma to lodge events. Remembering that brought tears to my eyes. But I didn't want to put a damper on this fantastic night, so even though they were bittersweet tears, I decided to concentrate on just the here and now. Everything was going well; there had been no mishaps or disaster, so I considered it a success.

I hadn't been on many dates throughout my life. Frankly, after the Tasty Pastry incident, I'd laid low, not wanting to date at all. I didn't begin again until I'd fractured Morelli's leg with my father's car. The revenge was mine and that stopped the 'Burg from talking about me anymore. My name was erased from all the walls that it was written on. Thankfully, Joe had known he'd done me wrong because he'd never pressed charges. That was a lucky break, no pun intended. Still, it wasn't the smartest thing I had ever done, but I have to admit that it was the most satisfying.

I'd had a few dates in college, but not in the class as this one. I didn't even want to think if Dickie…I was better off with what happened. Now, looking back, Joyce had done me a favor. His idea of a date was fast food and a movie. A man had never wined and dined me before Carlos.

What made it even more special was meeting and getting Driscoll to do my hair. That was the thrill of a lifetime. I hadn't met a celebrity before him. Over the years, I'd followed his exploits through newspaper and magazine articles-not to mention when his hairstyles or gossip about the man himself were brought up on TV. Countless actresses, models, or models, other women in the news flocked to get appointments with him. To think he'd tried something new even for him on me was mind-boggling.

Many times tonight, men-and even a few women-had come up to me and complimented me on my appearance. It was nice to be the center of positive attention for a change. Still, there was only one person I wanted to concentrate on, and I was glad he doted on me. I had plenty of time to think back over everything as we drove. There wasn't anything else to do since we were stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. That didn't surprise me because it was a Saturday night. That meant South Beach was at its worst, since it is a hotspot and attracts a lot of people to party in Miami. We had terrible luck since we were hitting every red light on the way home. All the traffic was irritating. That meant I was stuck in a car when I could be getting a Ranger-induced Doomsday orgasm.

Sexual tension was at a peak; the atmosphere seemed to crackle with an electrochemical current. Unfortunately with the stop-and-go traffic, there was nothing to-do but and bear it. So we talked to pass the time. Deep-felt emotions were part of the mix along with the sexual chemistry we've always possessed.

"Babe, I know I told you this earlier, but you're beautiful. In fact, I've never seen you lovelier."

"Thank you. I guess I clean up well, "I teased, but it was Carlos' words more than anyone else that made feel truly beautiful. "Dressing in designer clothes helps, too."

"I'm so glad this evening has finally come. I was so scared after the accident."

"Carlos, it's hard for me to accept the concept that you're ever scared."

"Stephanie, when it comes to you, I'm scared a lot."

My eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets, and I was sure that I was doing a very unattractive fish imitation. I'd never thought that I affected Carlos that deeply. I just stared at his profile for a few minutes, the lights from outside casting weird, psychedelic shadows on it. Finally, after being gobsmacked at his revelation, I found my voice. It made me see everything in a new light.

"But you are so calm and collected, I would never know."

"That's my way. In my line of work, it's dangerous to wear your heart on your sleeve."

"I can understand that. Thanks for explaining it to me. I'm so sorry I scared you."

"You don't have to apologize. It wasn't your fault," Carlos said.

"Yes, I realize that, but too many times I've acted before thinking. I'm glad now that I am healthy again, we can begin formal training."

"I am so proud of you, Babe."

"Why thank you very much," I smiled at Carlos. Wanna know something I'm proud of you too because you put whatever you do first. For a guy who is an opportunist you're pretty terrific. Thank you again for this evening, it was the best ever.

As I said that, Carlos pulled into the underground parking garage of RangeMan. He parked in one of his many spot and exited. Being the gentleman, he came over to my side of the car to escort me out. We walked to the building, his arm draped over my shoulder and his fingers tracing circles on my upper arm. It took all of my willpower to tamp down my overactive and long-dormant Hungarian hormones, which were now in overdrive, so I didn't jump him right then and there.

Omigod, I thought to myself. I'm turning into a nymphomaniac.

To break out of my lust-filled stupor, I concentrated on Carlos' words, which was hard since I wanted him so badly.

"Please, Stephanie; next, you're, going to tell me I'm cute and adorable. What a way to deflate my ego."

I gave him my patented death glare and then rolled my eyes for extra emphasis, not that he could see me. At least I didn't think he'd added super night vision in his arsenal of superpowers.

"I don't have any superpowers, Babe."

"Shit, did I say that out loud? I didn't mean to."

"Yeah, you did. Most of the time, you just say stuff and don't realize it. And then you think I have ESP. You have to be more aware. But frankly, Babe, that is part of your charm. You are always you, no pretense or airs. You are always you."

"I appreciate you giving me all this info, but don't you think I'll use it against you?" I asked primly.

Biting my lip, I wondered if we would ever get to the apartment. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. At least by now, we were in the elevator, but I was confused and surprised when Carlos didn't deactivate the cameras that fed the surveillance and make a move on me.

He shook his head. I'm the opportunist, not you."

I blurted out, "Some opportunist… You're not even kissing me yet. If it doesn't happen soon, I'm going to burst."

"You're not going to burst. We're going to make love, slow and gentle, all night long. It's going to be good. This is the way it should've been the first time, if I hadn't been such a bastard."

"Let's forget about that. We're together now. The past is just that: the past." I smiled then. "Thank you for this evening. I've really enjoyed it all."

"I'm glad. I've enjoyed it, too. I can't believe you actually got me on the dance floor."

"Well, that was a surprise for me, too. I'm not much of a dancer," I admitted. "But it is easier when I am in your arms and I follow your lead."

"You could've fooled me. You were fantastic."

The apartment was dark and candles were lit all around, providing a very romantic touch, when we finally entered.

"Wow, this place looks great. How did you get this all done?"

Carlos said nothing for a moment. With an enigmatic half smile on his face, he finally said, "I have my ways. But I have something more important on my mind. The only thing I think is great is you, querida. Come here..."

"I will, but wait. Believe me, there isn't anything I rather do, but I want to show you something."

"Stephanie, I've been very patient. I don't want to wait...You can show me up close what you want if you come here now."

"I could, but you won't have the full effect. Stay there! This won't take long."

I stepped out of my dress, and he could see my fuchsia bra and matching thong.

"Gorgeous…but you're too far away. C'mere. I want you," Carlos murmured. His eyes had darkened to nearly black.

"In a sec," I cried, moving fast before I lost my nerve and went over to Carlos. I whirled around to show him what I wanted to. On my backside was printed "Total Babe."

It wasn't very long before I felt Carlos' hot breath on my neck when he laughed. He held me from behind and then said, "That you are, but you're my total babe. Just mine, all mine."

His voice had a silky, husky timbre, and it sent chills down my spine and made me very hot for him. Why would I ever need handcuffs when even Carlos' voice enslaved me? I was eager for us to be together, skin to skin, but I couldn't resist pulling the tiger's tail.

"Yes, just yours," I agreed. "So you like?" I wiggled my butt against him, and he ground his erection into my derrière to show his approval.

"Like is an understatement. I love it, love you. Love your hair up like this because I can do this."

Carlos trailed kisses down and then up the column of my neck, giving me a delicious thrill with every touch of his lips. He scooped me up in his arms and deposited me on the bed; we kissed the whole way.

"You're seriously overdressed Carlos," I purred. "Let me help."

I knelt on the bed, took off his tie, and threw it to the side. Then, with shaking hands, I unbuttoned his shirt as quickly as I could, caressing his hard chest and abdomen once the buttons were undone. My hands inched lower until I got down to his waistband and unzipped his fly. Oh my…His soldier was all ready to spring into action, and so was I as I bent my head.

"No, not this way, Babe. I want you too much to wait my turn," Carlos growled, pulling down my thong, "Help me take these off. I don't want to rip them. I'd love to see you wear them again next time with just stilettos."

My face flushed crimson, yet I was aroused, too."

"No reason we both can't get what we want," I agreed.

We took our pleasure with each other until I spun out of control. I wanted to keep going until Carlos was there, too.

"No, Babe, I need to be in you. But before we do that, there's something I have to ask you."

"What?" I asked. "Is everything all right?"

Somehow the atmosphere changed. I became concerned and apprehensive.

"Is everything all right? Can't it wait? A little busy right now." I gestured to our entwined naked bodies.

I don't know why I had a funny feeling that something was off, but I didn't like it. I didn't like that Carlos looked upset at all. It made me realize how he felt when I scared him. It scared me; Carlos was never upset. This was earth shattering because I'd never cared what another person thought as much as I did him. It was probably because rather than just loving him, I was in love with Carlos. It was pretty amazing that I finally knew the difference between being in love and loving someone.

He shook his head. "No, it can't."

I took a deep breath and said, "Then you'd better tell me what it is."

I hoped that he wasn't saying goodbye after giving me an orgasm. I went to kiss him, but he pulled away. The bastard. That wasn't a good sign.

"Okay, what do you want to ask me?" I said with great reluctance.

I wanted Carlos to be as happy as I was, and he looked miserable. I wanted to go back to denial land. It wasn't about getting a quick thrill wasn't, hadn't we both proved that we were building a lasting relationship based on love and trust.

"Steph, you know I'm a greedy bastard and an opportunist. So, I wanted you to know I changed my mind."

"About what?" I whispered. My mouth went suddenly dry. The beating of my heart raced a mile a minute.

"I changed my mind. I want to wear a ring as well as the condom. I want to spend the rest of our lives together...married. Till death do us part."

Holy crap, Carlos is proposing. My mind is all fuzzy I want to be with him, but can I do it married?

"And you had to do that here and now? You couldn't wait until we were done?" I asked with relief. I guess he was nervous about my reaction since I'd made no secret that I never wanted to marry again. Not that I could blame him, I had been pretty loud and vocal about never wanting to marry before, but that all changed since the trip.

"Yes."

"We're back to monosyllables?" I laughed, shaking my head. I was relieved because he was more like himself and the mood lightened.

"Yup."

"You've gotta be kidding me... I'd better be asked, "I teased. "You should consider yourself lucky that I am not asking you to kneel." Now that I knew what was happening, I made a lame attempt to joke, but even to my ears it sounded stupid. Instead of coming off funny, it was coming out bitchy. But then I saw black spots when I panicked, not because Carlos was proposing but because I was acting so bitchy. When would I stop acting like an immature teenage grow up?

"Stephanie, would you please do me the honor of being my wife?"

"I'm going to have to think about it," I said primly, hating myself as I did for doing this to Carlos, but I was in shock. I never thought that Carlos would change his mind, and I needed a few minutes to absorb it. That my someday was about to begin.

"You have to be shitting me." Carlos' face was anything but blank. It displayed the most emotions I'd ever seen on him. I made out anger, hurt, pain, frustration, and disappointment to name a few.

Oh, no, I thought to myself. I've handled this all wrong. I screwed this up like I always did. My mouth was so dry that my whispered yes came out soft, practically inaudible. I thought he hadn't heard, because the room was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. My heart was racing a mile a minute and I thought it would explode. I couldn't believe that stupid Stephanie had to make an appearance after being absent for so long. My head drooped since I couldn't bear to look at Carlos' face etched with raw emotion, knowing my stupidity put the pain I saw there.

I knew Carlos had heard my answer when he lifted my face up and his mouth came crashing down on mine. Soon, we were both on the road to heaven. We snuggled in each other's arms for a while in the afterglow, until Carlos reached over and got a small jeweler's box from the nightstand. In the box, there was a beautiful sapphire engagement ring, well over two carats. He put it on the proper finger and said, "I love you, Stephanie."

I wondered how he knew my ring size, because it fit perfectly.

"I love you, too, Carlos. I am sorry I didn't just say yes. Sometimes I can be idiot."

Shh, no worries, Babe, Carlos said as he caressed my lower lip. "You said yes and this is start of our life together,

The tears flowed. I was now engaged to be married. Was I a hypocrite? After vowing I would never do it again, I had just said yes, but this time, it was different. Because this time, I wasn't settling on anything else but a committed, monogamous relationship built on love and respect. There wasn't anyone else in the universe I would rather spend my life with. All this time, my life was traveling toward this end and nothing could make me happier. Being at death's door certainly prioritizes what's important out of life and conversely what's not.

Carlos kissed away the tears. The he kissed my mouth and the room heated up. Our lovemaking was slow and tantalizing, and it didn't take long before I was ready to climax again. It was heaven and I knew that Carlos was right there with me. How true that lovemaking is so very different that sex. It took Carlos to show me the difference between them. I might have thought I was in love before, but it was never that same as what I found Carlos. I merely practiced for the real thing.

First, we just held each other, and then when we went to sleep, Carlos spooned himself to my back. It was heaven, knowing this is how I was going to spend most nights. The next day, we would start to make plans for our someday.

******************************************************************We decided that we were not going to tell anyone about our engagement. At the end of October, an engagement-slash-Halloween party was planned. It would be a masquerade ball, and our engagement would be announced to all. It was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I was not wearing my ring yet and would wear it for the first time that evening. My family couldn't come down for the event. The jury was still out whether I was relieved or disappointed.

Marissa was in charge of the guest list, since clients, staff, friends, and family were being invited. Carlos was in charge of finding the right venue for the party. He thought a hotel would be great, but he wasn't sure which one. The computer burned up cyberspace at all hours of the night trying to find the perfect place. Through research, I discovered an abandoned hotel, thought to be haunted, that might fit the bill. It was built in the late 1800s and was gothic in design.

Carlos put me in charge of our costumes. He was either foolhardy or very brave. Knowing how brave and dependable he truly was, I voted for the second reason, since of the two of us, it is me that goes off half-cocked.

No expense was spared for the party. All the guests would be able to enjoy a catered gourmet menu with an open bar. A DJ would provide the music. I left all the details to Carlos and Marissa because I didn't know much about these types of things. My idea of party was pizza and a six-pack of beer. This would be a whole new experience because the only time I've been to a catered party was a wedding.

The day had finally come, and everyone had a heightened sense of anticipation. It was going to be a gathering of epic proportions. All personnel not on duty were expected to attend. It would be a good way for me to get to know everyone; we could all let our hair down and have fun.

Work was long and hard, but I needed to get ready for the party. Although some of the guys bitched about it, we decided as a goof to wear Disney costumes. Yeah, Disney characters seemed a little lame, but Marissa had gotten a great deal. I'd gotten Carlos an Aladdin costume because I knew he would look great in it. How could it not when it exposed his chiseled physique with his ten pack abs? It gave our female guests a treat by seeing Carlos' sculptured chest. The other guys' testosterone level went down with some of their costume choices until they got into the spirit of it.

The highlight of the night was when we announced our engagement. We got a thunderous applause and then a standing ovation when all the guests gave us a celebratory toast. We were so happy to share our news with our family and friends.

Although the party was fun, there was nothing I wanted more than to take a luxurious soak in the hot tub. My body was sore from so much dancing, and the music had been deafening. I guess I was a sourpuss since the party wasn't as much fun after Carlos let for an emergency call, so I went to hang out with Tank and Lula. It was good to catch up with them after being away from them for so long. They were a couple once again since Lula was seeing an allergist to help her cope with Tank's cats without an allergic reaction. So far, it was working, to their mutual relief.

Really, how much fun was an engagement party without both the fiancée and fiancé? So I couldn't leave, too. I tried not to be a spoilsport and be a good hostess, but it wasn't the same after Carlos left. But everyone come over to congratulate us and told me what a great couple we make. When the last guest left it was my cue to leave.

When I finally got to go home, all I wanted to do was to get undressed and go to bed. I had just gone through the front door and put the keys in the silver tray when I caught my breath at the sudden feel of his body pressed against mine. Yes, it was most certainly a masculine body, which was rock hard. We were so close that you couldn't fit a sheet of paper between us.

Talk of not being aware of your surroundings, Carlos moved as quickly and quietly as a sleek panther; never even heard his footsteps. The only reason I knew it was Carlos was that my neck tingled, even though I was pressed with my face pressed against the wall. It happened so fast. I didn't have time to react. My neck hurt being slanted in that awkward angle, and Carlos took the opportunity to nuzzle my neck. It took no time for my body to shift gears from discomfort to ecstasy, and I was laboring to breathe, I was so turned on. Despite the air conditioning and my sleeveless top, I was so hot.

"My dear Miss Plum, I see you are trapped in the sinister clutches of Dr. Claw," he said in a vague but realistic Eastern European accent.

Wow, what a combo; Ranger being playful and sexy. Yum!

I couldn't stop shivering, and with possessiveness I knew only Carlos had, he spun me around for a bone-melting kiss. Our tongues dueled for control, and since Carlos had superior kissing techniques, he won. But I could honestly say that no one was a loser. My luck was definitely changing.

Carlos-or should say, Dr. Claw-started to I to unbutton my midriff top while kissing me.

"Dr. Claw, are you trying to tarnish my reputation?"

"Babe, in this situation, I am no hero. That has been my mission since I met you."

"Maybe you're not always a hero, but you're a wonderful man, and I still want to be your partner."

In response, Carlos growled. It didn't take much to persuade us to strip off our clothes. Before I knew it, we were naked. I was dripping wet and in need as he took me not to the bedroom, but to the bathroom instead.

"Huh, what's going on?" I whispered in a hoarse voice. "Why here?"

"You'll see. I don't need cuffs to enslave a woman, but sometimes, they're fun. I promise, it will be all pleasure and no pain," he said gruffly.

"You know you've already enslaved me," I purred, leaning into my man. "But oh my, Batman, you're turning me on." Then I frowned, "I want to touch you, too."

"No, not this time. Maybe later," Carlos answered.

Once we were by the shower rod, he shackled me to it with handcuffs made from Velcro straps. I started to protest, but Ranger started to kiss me again. Any dissention melted away as the man I love drew me into ecstasy. In between kisses, he bit my earlobe, and I moaned.

I tried to move toward him, but he hissed in my ear, "Don't move, or I'll stop. This has been my fucking fantasy since the night you called me. Now have you where and how I want you."

Talk about an Alpha male taking control…which really excited me more.

He entered me, gilding in and out and fulfilling my wish for a Doomsday orgasm a la Carlos. He certainly didn't falsely advertise. He was just as good in the shower as he always claimed. Too bad I hadn't taken him up on his offer sooner, but better late than never.

We exited the shower and dried each other with extra plush towels. Then, cuddled in each other's arms, we fell asleep. It wasn't long before we woke up to discover our passion was stirred anew. We went to stage two of loving you all night." The nap allowed us to be very creative in our lovemaking. After the trip and my convalescence from the accident, it was a thrill to have a sex life again, especially one with Carlos.

There was a new component to our lovemaking. Okay, the sex was always good, because there was always a sensual element to our dealings with each other and always a mutual physical attraction. Some might say chemistry, and they would be right. It is why I could never stay away from him. But now that we'd affirmed the love we shared, everything seemed brighter and better, knowing that very soon, we would start our married life together. And to think that that it all happened because I'd followed the yellow brick road and found out that home is where the heart is. Now I know that Carlos is my heart and my home.

Loving Carlos and believing in myself allowed me to finally fly. I know now that I can do anything I set my mind to because I have the unconditional love of my best friend and love of my life. No matter where life take us, I knew that following the yellow brick road brought us to our someday and now we were somewhere over the rainbow.