Lester's POV

May 2003

Twenty months ago, everything changed. Twenty months ago, I was one late wake up from being killed, assassinated by some unknown terrorist. At least, unknown at the time. Fate stepped in, sparing my life, but so many others weren't so lucky. It was in the aftermath of 9/11 that I decided to change the course of my life. On January 1, 2002, I enlisted in the Army. I didn't tell my family, I didn't , Carlos or Stephanie. In fact, no one knew until I arrived in basic training. Stephanie was livid at first, not because I enlisted, but because I didn't tell her. Carlos wasn't surprised. My family, though, they were surprised but proud.

I finished basic, and because of my college degree, I was put into an officer program. I have since qualified for the Rangers. I want to join them, along with Carlos. During my enlistment, I met another soldier, from Louisiana, named Pierre DuPont. He is about 6'6" and 300 pounds of solid muscle. He is about a year older than me and also enlisted because of 9/11. He earned the nickname 'Tank' in basic because of his size and strength. For a man so massive, he is shockingly light on his feet and stealth. We fast became friends. I know he is also looking to join the Rangers.

Today, though, I'm ready to surprise my cousin and my hermana at their graduation from West Point. They don't know that I am on leave. Carlos told me that he is proposing to Beautiful today. He is still madly in love with her, and she, him. I know they have had their ups and downs, but they are solid as a unit. I only hope Steph accepts. She is such a wildcard. I know Carlos will be crushed if she says no. He is giving her Abuela's ring. She offered it Carlos' sisters, Celia, Rosa, and Mariela, but none of them wanted it. It's too unique for them. They want a huge diamond, and in Celia's case, she has one. Then, Abuela offered it to me. I also declined because I knew Carlos liked the ring, and I know that Steph does as well. I know Abuela sees Stephanie as a granddaughter, and for both, her grandson and granddaughter to have the ring will mean the world to her.

Her ring has a heart-shaped sapphire with small pave diamonds surrounding the heart. The color of the stone is an almost exact match to Steph's eyes. I really hope that Steph says yes. I arrive at West Point, and I am saluted immediately. These must be new cadets. I am an Army Specialist, which does give me rank over them. I salute back. I'm wearing my dress uniform, which is appropriate for the event. It is sad, though, that both Steph and Carlos will outrank me in a few hours, as they will graduate with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Somehow, through some strings pulled, Stephanie will not have to complete a tour overseas before entering Fort Huachuca for Intelligence training. Carlos will spend one tour overseas before joining the next Ranger class. Tank and I will also be part of that class. I think Steph and Carlos' friend Bobby is also going to be with us. Cal, on the other hand, will be joining the next SEALs class. John Ramsey, who now goes by Ram and Jayden Woodrow, or Woody, also want to be Rangers, but they haven't qualified yet. They are in the top twenty-five percent of the graduating class, but it is not high enough to push them into Ranger school with Carlos and Bobby.

I find my family waiting for the ceremony to begin. All of Carlos's siblings are here, which means we are a large and loud group. My mom, stepdad, and sisters are here for Stephanie. She hasn't spoken to her family since the day of her sister's wedding. She joined my family for Christmas that first year, and when her parents saw her, they walked the other way and pretended she didn't exist. It hurt Steph at first, but then she realized how much happier she was without them in her life. We have adopted her into our family.

The ceremony begins. We can't help the feeling of pride at the pomp and circumstance of this moving ceremony. When the class is finally announced as graduates, the cheer is deafening. Finally, Stephanie and Carlos make their way to us, and I immediately pull Steph into a hug, after saluting her and Carlos, of course.

"At ease, Soldier," Steph says, with a giggle. "Lester, you look great. I can't believe you're here. Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"I wanted to surprise the two of you."

"Well, you certainly did, right, Carlos?"

"Yup, Babe, he did."

I watch their interactions and see that they are still close, sickeningly close. It makes me happy to see them together, though. I'm glad that they are still so happy together. I know, from talking to each of them, that it was difficult to be a couple but not be allowed to BE a couple. They had to hide their feelings, their emotions, for the last four years. For two people who are so drawn, and naturally so affectionate to each other, it was a trial. After giving the rest of the family a chance to say hi, we all head into New York City for a celebratory dinner. My parents secured a room at a fancy Cuban restaurant for the graduation dinner. Steph and Carlos are sitting in the back of the SUV that I'm in with Bobby, who's joining us and driving. I'm in the front seat, and before we are even on the highway, Steph is asleep.

"Okay, now that we're graduated, what's it with you and Jersey, Carlos?" Bobby asks.

"We've been dating for the last five years since we were sixteen. Since West Point has a no fraternization rule, we had to keep our relationship a secret while we were on campus. That's why we always took our leave together and requested passes together. It helped that Abuela Rosa was Stephanie's guardian because no one ever looked too closely at our relationship. They knew we were raised together, so it was natural that we'd be close to each other."

"You know, Cal, Ram, Jay, Woody, and I all suspected that you were dating, but we could never conclusively say that you were. Just when we'd think you'd do something to make your relationship obvious, you would both cool off. You had us guessing, but I'm not surprised. You two did a good job hiding. You fooled us."

We catch up and talk about the changes in the last six months since we previously saw each other. In no time, we were pulling up to the restaurant. Carlos gently woke Stephanie. When we exited the car, we were a sight. People stopped to look at the four of us in our dress uniforms, entering the establishment. A few women even walked into someone. Steph rolled her eyes and lead the way inside.

Once we entered the restaurant, there was little doubt about Carlos' and Stephanie's relationship, as they were finally able to act normal. They held hands, kissed when they thought no one was looking, and just stayed glued together. It was nice to see them still completely content with each other. You could almost see the love emanating between the two of them.

The rest of the Manoso-Santos clan was at the restaurant, with a party in full swing. After dinner, while the DJ was playing, Carlos suddenly took the mic. Shit, he was going to propose in front of everyone. Steph hates being the center of attention. I hope this ends well.

"Buenas noches, thank you for coming to celebrate our graduation from West Point. The last four years were difficult and challenging, but Stephanie and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Steph, please join me up here."

Stephanie seemed okay with going up. I guess Carlos discussed part of this with her beforehand. Smart man. When she arrived at his side, he switched gears, going down on one knee.

"Stephanie, Babe, I am so proud of the woman you've become, of the soldier you are. I know that your world changed when Tia Celia took you to Miami, and I'm glad that there were circumstances that brought you to me. Babe, tu eres mi vida, mi amor, mi corazón, mi alma, mi todo. Por favor, honrame convirtiéndome en mi esposa." (Babe, you are my life, my love, my heart, my soul, my everything. Please, honor me by becoming my wife.)

Tears were flowing freely down Stephanie's face as she was looking at my cousin. She was nodding her head furiously but finally found her voice. "Yes, Carlos, I will marry you. Te quiero."

My cousin places the ring on her finger, stands up, picks up Stephanie, twirls her around, then kisses her. When they broke apart, he held her while she cried her happy tears, whispering in her ear. I can't say I wasn't a little jealous, because I was. I wasn't jealous because I wanted Stephanie, I was jealous because I wanted to love someone the way Carlos loves Steph and the way she loves him. I haven't found that woman yet, I don't know if I ever will, but I want what they have. I glance at Bobby, and he is clearly in shock.

"Shit, the guys are going to flip when they find out. I guess that means that Jersey is officially off the market."

"Bobby, she was off the market the moment they met."

I am the first to reach my sister, and I hug her tightly. "I'm so glad you are officially joining the family, Beautiful."

"I'm excited, too."

The rest of the family gathered around the happy couple, congratulating them. As the extended family started to leave, the next question that came was when they would marry.

"If it's okay with Carlos, I'd like to marry once we both finish our next round of training. So, once Carlos is a Ranger, and I'm an Intelligence Specialist, then we can marry before you go off on your first tour."

"That sounds perfect, Babe."

"Great! I can't wait to plan the wedding. It's going to be so great. What type of dress do you want?"

"Um, Tia Celia, I'd actually prefer a small military wedding, with just me and Carlos, and our witnesses. You can throw us a big reception, though. I have no desire to wear a wedding gown."

I know my mother was disappointed, but I guess she realized that since Steph's family wouldn't be part of the festivities, Steph would want something more intimate.

"Steph, if that's what you and Carlos want, then that's what we'll do."

"Thank you, Tia," Carlos said.

"I hate to be a pest, but we have to be back to school. We aren't officially finished until tomorrow and still have a curfew." Bobby interjected.

"You're right. Bye, Mama, Papa," Carlos said, and he and Steph said their goodbyes. Soon, they were leaving but would return to Newark for the next two weeks before the next stage in their lives.